Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene FrostAvon, 2007
Fantasy; 384 pgs
As much as I enjoy urban fantasy, I can only take so much paranormal romance. The two are so intertwined these days that it is sometimes hard to tell where one begins and the other one ends. There's definite crossover and I imagine we could get into a real debate about the classifications if we wanted to. I can't say that I do though.
Jeaniene Frost's novel is set in a present day urban setting. Her protagonist is a rare breed--half human, half vampire. Out to avenge a wrong done to her mother, Cat Crawford has made it her mission to kill all vampires she comes across. She's doing a great job too--up until she runs into the likes of Bones, a centuries old vampire who is downright sexy and on a mission of his own. The two team up to track down a very dangerous vampire with powerful connections. There is no shortage of hot steamy sex--or good fight scenes.
I confess the book was a little too sexy for my tastes, but I did enjoy the story overall. I wasn't too sure about Bones at first, but he grew on me after awhile. I think, like Cat, I needed a little convincing to be sure of his intentions. Cat herself is an interesting character. She often uses her toughness to cover up her feelings of insecurity and internal conflict. I really like Cat and appreciated the growth she made as a person over the course of the book.
I wasn't sure I wanted to continue with the series, to be honest, but then near the end the book took an interesting turn that has me seriously reconsidering. Oh, what the hey. I have to find out where the author will take me next!
You can learn more about Jeaniene Frost and her books on the author's website.
Source: I purchased an e-copy of this book.
© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
One of my friends love this series so I will be reading book one in 2012 for sure. I haven't read paranormal in a while but I'm up for a fun read!
ReplyDeleteI have sort of tried to avoid the sexy vampire books, so I am not sure this one is for me, but I am glad to hear that the ending surprised you and got you interested in the second book! Great review today!
ReplyDeleteI don't think this is for me either.
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't like it as much as I did. This is one of my favorite urban fantasy series. I think the sex isn't always as strong in the books but I could be wrong, it's been awhile since I read some of them.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this is one that I would enjoy but appreciate the review.
ReplyDeleteParanormal romance, for some reason, never *quite* does it for me. Which is a bit strange, because I really like urban fantasy with a touch of romance. Regardless, I have this one, so I'm sure I'll give it a try eventually - I'm glad there were enjoyable aspects to it. :)
ReplyDeleteStaci - I will look forward to hearing your thoughts on this one, Staci!
ReplyDeleteHeather - Thanks! I have come across a few good sexy vampire books--but usually the romance takes a backseat. At least in my preferred vampire reads.
Kris - That's good to know--that you didn't find the sex to be as strong in all the books. That gives me hope. :-) I did like Cat quite a bit and I wouldn't mind seeing Bones again--I like them together, actually--so we'll see.
Kathy & Kathleen - It's definitely not for everyone.
Meghan - Me either, Meghan. I prefer the romance to take a side seat to the main storyline, so I tend to shy away from paranormal romance where the romance is the main plot line.
I bought this book when it first came out years ago when I liked the cover. Of course, I still haven't read it and not sure when I will get to it!
ReplyDeleteMarg - Isn't that always the way? I have quite a few books sitting here like that.
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