Danger waits on both sides of the grave.
Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .
With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war . . . to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined. (goodreads)
Have you ever been on a really long road trip and all you can think about is getting back home...where you can put on your favorite pair of sweats, indulge in a glass of wine, and flop back on the couch? There's nothing like the feel of going home, and that's exactly what this book felt like to me.. After so many months of waiting for the next Night Huntress book, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was for me to get back in the "Cat & Bones" groove. It was like they never left me. And now, after getting my fill....I'm sated, happily basking in my "morning after" glow. (Ahhhhhh)
Book five in the Night Huntress series is much different than its predecessors. Yes, someone is still out for Cat's blood...but hey, Cat's demise is usually the focal point of this series, right? What is different with TSOTG is that Cat has grown. She's still a smart-arse, but now she's a smarter, wiser, and overall more mature smart-arse whose come to terms with her vampire nature, almost relishing in it. This was a nice change to see..In addition to this, Cat lets her guard down with bones, revealing to him just how much she truly loves him. In my opinion, this was the most memorable part of the book...While few words were said, the intimacy in that moment was palpable and intensely beautiful.
One of my favorite parts of this series is the side characters. The one's readers love to hate, ie Justina, Tate, -really redeemed themselves in this book. Kudos to them. Readers beware...there is a tragedy in this book, one that affects the entire team, so make sure you have a Kleenex handy. As for the humor, you know the satirical kind that Jeaniene masters so very well? (Hail the queen of Satire!!) Well, Jeaniene proves once again to be the master. This time around, the "Funnies" award goes to the show hound, aka Vlad the Impaler.
"What the hell was that?" I gasped. "Premature inflamulation," he replied. "Happens sometimes. Very embarrassing. I don't like to talk about it."
Other memorable quotes include:
"Ask me if I sparkle, and I'll kill you where you stand."
"See?" I'd whispered to Bones, nudging him with a grin. "He never argues with her. Isn't that sweet?" A snort preceded his response. "Keep dreaming, pet."
"You think I look like an angel? Well, Kitten, your hands are my heaven and your eyes are my home."
Overall, this was a great edition to the Night Huntress world. Cat and Bones, - you're still my favorite book couple. In TSOTG, readers get to see their relationship at its strongest. Any doubts I formally had, was reaffirmed with Chapter 21, so appropriately nicknamed, "Cat Bites Back!" Watch out 32, there's a new number in town, lol!! This chapter is Hawt, like flammable hawt, no pun intended! My only complaint witho TSOTG, however, would be the lack of sexual tension between Cat/Bones, Cat/Tate, Cat/Vlad, Bones/Annette, etc. I missed the fights, jealousy issues, and pissing contests that were so prevalent in previous books. Scenes like these, while frustrating as they often were, yielded some of the best "make up" scenes, ahem 32! One other minor complaint.....my favorite pervy vampire, Ian, with the exception of one or two lines, was MIA throughout the entire story (pouts)! Other wise, another wonderful book, Kudos to you Mrs. Frost! Now, if your not already reading this book, go out and get it, like pronto Frost Fans!
One more thing....I am giving away FIVE signed copies of TSOTG along with accompanying "TEAM BONES" bracelets. If you want to win one, (silly question, of course you do) go HERE.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
Book Information
Title: This Side of the Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: 2/22/11
Page Count: 357
Purchase Here: Amazon ♦ Barnes & Noble ♦ WorldCat ♦
Yes, I missed Ian too! Great book!
ReplyDeleteMandi,
ReplyDeleteYes, Ian is my cup of "bad boy!"
:) Kristin
great review. I can't wait to get my hands on this book. Btw, new follower. Glad to find another UF/PNR blog XD
ReplyDeleteMariya
The only thing I complain about with Mrs. Frost is I'm always left wanting more! I loved the book and as always,Cat and Bones rule my alone time :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review Kristin!
ReplyDeleteSeems everyone is giving it a 4 out of 5 or 4.5 our of 5 and not 5 out of 5 because they miss the fighting and jealousy going on. Though I liked those times I found them causing me too much heartache. I'm a perv give me Cat & Bones (especially Bones) in adventure and lots of HOT SEX and I'm on cloud 9! :)
I'm so behind on this series!!
ReplyDeleteKristin@ My Bookish Ways
First let me say that I am a huge fan of this series. I have read all the books several times and have fallen in love with all the characters. Like most, I was anxious for this next installment. This has a good story line but lacked some of the sexual tension, playfulness and snarky comments that the previous books had between the two main characters, Cat and Bones.
ReplyDelete