Up From the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Night Huntress, Book 7

Synopsis: There’s always one more grave to dig

Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband, Bones. They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war . . .

A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights. Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death . . . because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences. And if they fail, their lives—and those of everyone they hold dear—will be hovering on the edge of the grave.

Review: This is the final book in the Night Huntress series and it is true that I was curious to find out the whole story. However, certain points made ​​me a little anxious … Indeed, the latest volume of a series is always very difficult to write to content all readers and I was afraid of being disappointed by it… But that’s not all because the sixth volume was a little less interesting than others and I was afraid that it may be the same with this one. But I can tell you that I was wrong and Jeaniene Frost presents us with a very good final book.

Cat and Bones continue their lives quietly, trying not to attract attention until they learn that Tate and the gang disappeared without a trace. While our couple is determined to understand what is happening, they are at the heart of a story about secret researches for the government. But in order to save her friends, Cat will have to ask for help to all her allies to thwart the plans made for her. But it will not be easy, and even far from that because this adventure will be more explosive and lively than expected.

I loved to follow this new story. Cat and Bones will have to excel here as many surprises await them. I admit that I really enjoyed seeing all the characters that we had the chance to discover throughout the novels. Yes we do! You heard right, ALL the characters are present, Vlad, Spade, Ian, Marie, Tate, Don, Denise and many others … Even if some do not have a great impact on the story, it is always a pleasure to see them again. Together, they will find a way to infiltrate a secret laboratory. They could also find here a new character who could impact on their lives.

Cat has evolved over the novels but nothing could stop her once she has an idea in mind. Yet it also puts her in rather dangerous situations and even if she sometimes acts at odds with Bones, they are always there for each other. There is no dead time in the story and I loved the ending to the novel. Everything was really well done and I am very happy to have discovered this last volume. It was a nice surprise for me and I’m sad to leave the characters behind me now.

4

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Cat & Bones by Jeaniene Frost

Night Huntress, #0.5 ; Night Huntress, 4.5 ; Night Huntress 6.5 
Review : It is always a pleasure to see Cat and Bones in new adventures. The French publisher made us a wonderful gift by publishing these three novellas in one book, especially as the first one, Home for the Holidays takes place just after book 6. 

  • Home for the Holidays
Home for the Holidays is without a doubt my favorite novella because it’s a continuation of book 6. It’s Bones’s birthday and for the occasion, Cat wanted to surprise him by inviting all their friends at home. But Annette is missing, which is quite disturbing, not to mention the fact that Bones is behaving strangely. Once again, Cat will have to intervene and with the help of her friends Ian, Denise, Fabian and Elizabeth, she is determined to understand what is going on. 
I really loved this novella full of surprises, twists and revelations. Here Cat will have to team up with Ian, if she wants to save her friends and her husband Bones from the new danger which is threatening them. And with Ian, as you can imagine, we will have some comical scenes. Their verbal sparring are absolutely delicious. Ian of course is equal to himself: selfish, arrogant and a litle bit perverse but so funny. It was delightful to see him take a more important role here. We learn a few fragments of his past and I admit that they had only as result to tickle my curiosity even more about him. I enjoyed discovering all these things about him, especially at the end, I didn’t expect that at all. Definitely, Jeaniene Frost still manages to surprise us! He is a nice character despite all his faults and I really hope that one day he will have his spin-off too. 
The others characters however, are less present, even Bones although we learn a little more about his past too. It was also strange to see him so helpless and vulnerable to what happens to him. So, it was a very good novella and I recommend all the fans of the series to read it.
  • One for the Money
One for the Money is a novella situated between book 4 and 5 of the series. Here, Cat and Bones must protect, at the request of Don, a wealthy heiress whose death would benefit to his cousin who is determined to inherit instead of her. This second novella is pretty nice although very short, and we find our heroes in action, as they had accustomed us to at the beginning of the series. This is also an opportunity for Cat to see her mother, Justina, and maybe to reconnect with her. 
  • Reckoning
Finally, the latest novella Reckoning, focuses only on Bones because it takes place before the events of book 1, that is to say before he met Cat in Ohio. So we find Bones in New Orleans. Indeed, Jelani, the faithful servant of Marie Laveau, asks him to eliminate a couple of ghouls who attacks the tourists in the Queen of vodoo’s territory while she is absent. Bones accepts the contract and expects to achieve his mission but he is hunted by Ralmiel, another bounty hunter. It was interesting to see Bones work without Cat. But he remains efficient and very intuitive. I also liked Ralmiel and the magic of New Orleans with its festivities, Mardi Gras, its ghosts and vodoo. 

Conclusion: This book was a pleasant surprise, I enjoyed to find all the characters because I am so attached to them. It is an essential complement to all fans of the series, until the release of book 7.

One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost

Night Huntress, Book 6


Synopsis: How do you send a killer to the grave when he’s already dead?
Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans’ voodoo queen just keeps on giving–leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.
Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity–forever. But one wrong step and they’ll be digging their own graves.


Our review: After seeing many mixed opinions about this book, it took me a lot of time to start it. But here I am, I know, I needed to try it myself to have a real idea. I must say that I understand the concerns that some have had. The story is interesting, but it’s sometimes a little too long, and it’s something we didn’t have in the other volumes of the series. There isn’t a lot of action and I think the book is not rhythmic like the ones we’re used to have. However, it was a great pleasure to find Cat and Bones in this new story.

We find our couple in a dilemma with a new protagonist, Madigan, who is the head of the unit (as Don isn’t here anymore). Something that few people appreciate. But in addition to this, a terrifying ghost scares and tortures a few young women every year and when one of his former victims asks for help, Cat doesn’t hesitate a second and accepts, making of this new investigation her quest, something very personal. Between medium, ghost hunters, we have a lot of things.

I thought the volume would focus on Madigan and what he wanted to do, especially about Cat. I must say that this character intrigues us from the start and we would like to understand his motivations, especially as Don seems to know more elements than he wants to admit. But I think ultimately that this volume is an introduction for the next one in relation to this subject, because we have a lot of new questions.I am very curious to learn more now.

The story here focuses on the track of Kramer, a horrible ghost. I enjoyed this investigation, especially with the help of Tyler. He is a little too cliché but he brings an undeniable touch of freshness in the story. As I said we have a few lengths about this research, but I was curious to see how it could be possible to kill a ghost. Then the arguments between our beloved vampire and the spirit were always very interesting to follow. I must say that our Cat has an impressive character, even if she deals with a completely sadistic ghost.

To conclude this was a novel easy to read and I enjoyed the ideas despite I for me this one isn’t as good as the others. In any case, I look forward to the next one.

This book picks up exactly where book 5 had stopped which is unusual because Jeaniene Frost had accustomed us to a certain delay between each adventure. This time, Cat and her husband Bones are dealing with the ghost of a former witch hunter of the Inquisition. Every Halloween, the ghost leaves its vapor form to become a being of flesh and blood and murders poor innocent women. Our favorite couple is determined to stop his actions. But the task proves to be more complicated than expected. Meanwhile, Madigan, Don’s successor, arrives at the HQ. He seems to have a grudge against Cat and he is determined to rot her life. 
I was eager to read this sixth installment of The Night Huntress series, but at the same time, I had some apprehensions. In fact, I was disappointed by book 5 because I was not as thrilled as the previous books. Then the various mixed reviews I have read on the web concering this sixth book were not reassuring! I confess that I expected it to be worse than book 5 but finally I found that there was no much differences. Although it is not as good as the volumes 1 to 4 but it remains in the same vein as This Side of the Grave. I even think I found it a little better. 
I was quite surprised by the turn taken by the events in this volume. This book is not dealing with vampires or ghouls problems but ghost hunting. Indeed, throughout the novel, our favorite couple is trying to track down a psychopathic ghost. So here the story focuses primarily on the ghosts. It is clear that this adventure is less exciting than the previous ones. This ghost hunt seemed to me very long. It was unsettling to see how Cat and Bones were clueless about a ghost while they usually are so formidable against their enemies. There are passages where it does not happen much, and as for the previous volume, I had difficulties to finish it. Nevertheless One Grave at a Time is easy to read and is a sort of interlude before the future problems Cat and Bones will have to solve. Because there will be, it is a certainty and this volume announces a big one. 
Regarding the evolution of our two main characters, this book continues what had been started in book 5: we have a heroine who has more confidence in her husband. Now Cat and Bones are a couple very strong and make decisions together. It was good to see that Cat finally became reasonable. Everything is fine for them, it’s great but unfortunately, it is boring too. However, I was delighted that Ian was present. He was almost absent in the previous book! His sense of humor is still doubtful and annoys our heroine but it was a pleasure to see him here. I missed him so much… Denise and Spade are there too and this time the absents are Mencheres and Vlad. As usual, new characters appear such as Tyler the medium or Fabian’s friend Elisabeth. But what intrigued me the most is undoubtedly Madigan’s arrival. He is an unpleasant character. We do not learn much about him in this volume. We wonder what he’s hiding. Whatever it is the mystery is maintained. 
To conclude I would say that this is not the best novel by Jeaniene Frost but it is still a nice read. I hope that the next book will reinvigorate the series.

This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost


Night Huntress, Book 5

Synopsis: 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.


Review: After their victory against Gregor, Cat and Bones didn’t have a single moment for themselves. Once a battle is over, a new one appears. In this fifth book, Cat and Bones investigate about the influx of ghouls and the disappearance of several vampires without Master in Ohio. It seems that this is the work of Apollyon, the ghoul who is the source of rumors about Cat and now we have some tensions between vampires and ghouls. The truce between the two species is about to be broken and therefore our favorite couple will have to prevent a new war as it could have a disastrous impact on humanity. And as if all that was not enough, Cat will also have to manage the concerns that her mother and her uncle cause to her. 
I was eager to read this fifth installment of the Night Huntress series. And although I am a great fan of Cat and Bones, I must admit that I was disappointed by this book. 
Concerning our two heroes, I have not found in them what I had so enjoyed in previous books. In fact I would say that both seemed to me a bit insipid. Bones has lost some of his luster. He is less present in this book. Cat seems to have finally learned from her past mistakes. Now she does not hesitate to talk with Bones instead of rushing headlong into the fray. Well, when they do not agree, she rebels herself but overall she is more reflective. It was good to see her evolve like that, but I still was a little disappointed. I found that their relationship lacks of passion. They are more united than ever and yet something is missing, that same little something which turned them into the explosive couple we loved. 
I have not really been transported by this book. On the contrary, some passages seemed to me very long and I put more time to finish it, unlike the first four books that I read straight through. Nevertheless, it was a very pleasant reading, and as in the previous books, we can see with pleasure the characters we appreciate particularly. Ghosts are very important here and Fabian is still loyal to Cat. He does everything he can to help her without complaining. The relationship between Cat and Mencheres also changes for our greatest pleasure. She finally sees him differently and she is not as uncomfortable in his presence as before. Moreover Mencheres has changed a lot since he is with Kira. Spade and Denise are there too and Vlad remains true to form. We learn a little more about Marie Laveau, the ghoul voodoo queen of New Orleans, who is a calculator and who knows to wait patiently her time before striking. However concerning the enemy, I must say that I was not really convinced. In fact we do not see him much and I didn’t find him very threatening. The battle seemed won for our two heroes. 
To conclude I would say that we have here another book very nice although I didn’t enjoyed it as the previous ones. It is not the best novel in the series but it is always a pleasure for fans like me to find Cat and Bones. 
Note: It is preferable to read the two spin-offs First Drop of Crimson and Eternal Kiss of Darkness before starting the book 5 because chronologically their story takes place between books 4 and 5.

Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost


Night Huntress, Book 4

Synopsis: Her deadly dreams leave her in grave danger

Since half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her undead lover Bones met six years ago, they’ve fought against the rogue undead, battled a vengeful Master vampire, and pledged their devotion with a blood bond. Now it’s time for a vacation. But their hopes for a perfect Paris holiday are dashed when Cat awakes one night in terror. She’s having visions of a vampire named Gregor who’s more powerful than Bones and has ties to her past that even Cat herself didn’t know about.

Gregor believes Cat is his and he won’t stop until he has her. As the battle begins between the vamp who haunts her nightmares and the one who holds her heart, only Cat can break Gregor’s hold over her. She’ll need all the power she can summon in order to bring down the baddest bloodsucker she’s ever faced… even if getting that power will result in an early grave.


Review: After the last confrontation they faced in book 3, Cat and Bones thought they could finally have a little time for themselves. They even decide to take a few vacation days. But unfortunately, nothing goes as planned and new problems arise. In fact, Cat has strange dreams of a certain Gregor, another Master vampire more powerful than Bones. He claims Cat as his and maintains to have married her before Bones and he is determined to get her back. Meanwhile, the ghouls are concerned about rumors circulating about the new powers that our heroine seems to develop. The tension increases between the two species and a new war could break out if these rumors persist.

There are so many things in this book! I loved it! I think it is my favorite of the series. This volume marks a turning point in Cat’s life, she will have to choose what she really wants to be and it will not be without consequences. Many changes take place in the fourth installment of this amazing series, and there is plenty of action.

Cat and Bones are in turmoil and the strength of their couple will be seriously damaged. Gregor does everything he can to sow confusion in the young woman’s mind. For the first time, Cat has doubts about her husband. Worse, she does not trust him enough to talk to him, which puts Bones in a rage. He has difficulties to accept this situation and he blames her. It’s heartbreaking to see them argue like that, especially Cat who continues to be so stubborn and does not listen to him. We thought that she had finally learned the lesson with everything that has happened before (book 1 and 2) but she still wants to go on her own way and in the end, once again she makes the situation worse.

We find all the characters we used to see in the previous books. We can see however that Vlad is more present here. I loved the friendship he forges with Cat throughout this novel. He is the only one to be really there for her. Indeed between her arguments with Bones and Denise who has her own problems to deal with, our heroine finds herself alone. Talking to her mother is unthinkable and Spade is too close to Bones. So she turns herself to Vlad. This character is more and more intriguing. His power of pyrokinesis made him one of the most feared vampires and Cat seems to be one of the few people he considers as his friend. I can’t wait to learn more about him and so I’m looking forward to the release in France of the first book of Jeaniene Frost’s other series, Night prince.

I also enjoyed Mencheres in this book. We finally understand why Cat is so uncomfortable in his presence. I also found her attitude towards him unjust because after all it is a bit thanks to him how she became what she is. Those who read this novel will understand what I mean. Then we meet new characters such as Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen or Apollyon, two ghouls that we surely will see in the next volume, not to mention Fabian, the ghost. Others however, disappear abruptly when we were used to see them regularly.

To conclude we have a fourth book so rich in action and emotions that I think he should satisfy all the fans of the series. I look forward to read book 5. 

At Grave’s end by Jeaniene Frost

Night Huntress, Book 3

Synopsis: It should be the best time of half-vampire Cat Crawfield’s life. With her undead lover Bones at her side, she’s successfully protected mortals from the rogue undead. But though Cat’s worn disguise after disguise to keep her true identity a secret from the brazen bloodsuckers, her cover’s finally been blown, placing her in terrible danger. As if that wasn’t enough, a woman from Bones’s past is determined to bury him once and for all. Caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vamp, yet determined to help Bones stop a lethal magic from being unleashed, Cat’s about to learn the true meaning of bad blood. And the tricks she’s learned as a special agent won’t help her. She will need to fully embrace her vampire instincts in order to save herself—and Bones—from a fate worse than the grave.


Review: So here is the third installment of the adventures of our favorite couple! Cat and Bones are finally together. But he had to do a lot of concessions to be with her, like negotiating with Don so she can continue to work as leader of the special unit. Now he goes everywhere she goes. But the missions are more and more dangerous. All the undeads know her reputation of cold-blooded killer. So vampires are more vigilant and acting as bait has become very difficult for Cat even if she is disguised. And as if all of that was not enough, there is another very serious threat hanging over their heads.

I found that there was a lot more action in this volume than in previous ones. In fact the very first pages start quickly. It is also a darker book, compared to others. For the first time since the beginning of the series, Cat will know what pain and suffering are and we will even be scared for her. There are several passages in this volume where we’re heartbroken and the least we can say is that this time, Jeaniene Frost did not spare her heroine. We learn many things about Max and Don. Moreover, the reunion between father and daughter is terrible. But that’s not all: our heroes and their friends will have to face a powerful vampire who is determined to come to eliminate Bones and his lineage. A war is about to explode and to overcome this battle, new alliances will be forged.

The always quiet and reserved master vampire Mencheres will be more present in this book, as well as Spade, Annette and even Ian! Spade is still loyal to Bones. However, Ian surprised me; we realize that ultimately, he is not such a bad guy. Well he’s not perfect either but he has made efforts! As for Annette, like Spade, she remains loyal to Bones. It is difficult for Cat to appreciate her as she is in love with her man, but in these difficult times she can count on her. In addition to the characters we already know, a newcomer appears in this volume: Vlad. And I can already tell you that I love him! He is really a very interesting character and he leaves no one indifferent. He is unique! This is undoubtedly my new favorite secondary character and I can’t wait to know more about him! Then we also meet other secondary characters but most of them are just passing through and they will disappear as quickly as they came.

As regards of Cat’s co-workers, we have Tate who is still annoying! Worse, he has a petty attitude and does everything he can to separate Cat and Bones. It was good to see Dave in top form, especially when we know what happened to him in the previous book! Justina, Cat’s mother, is also changing, she still has prejudices against vampires but seems more tolerant. Rodney’s influence must surely have something to do with that!

In short, you’ll understand, I loved this book! It was better than book 2! And now I’m going to hurry to read book 4.

One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Night Huntress, Book 2

Synopsis: You can run from the grave, but you can’t hide… Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She’s still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind. Being around Bones awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline rush of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head – wanted: dead or half-alive – means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard Cat tries to keep things professional between them, she’ll find that desire lasts forever … and Bones won’t let her get away again. Original.


Review: The end of the previous book was really terrible. Fortunately I had book 2 next to me because otherwise, I would have a fit! In this second installment of the Night Huntress series, the first thing that is surprising is the fact that the action does not take place immediately after the events we had in the previous book, but four years later. I did not think so much time would elapse between the two volumes and I remember I was very surprised the first time I read it.

Now, Cat is the leader of a special unit which is under Don’s direction and whose mission is to eliminate the rogue undead and of course without the population knowing it. She left Bones behind but we should expect that he does not give up so easily! He manages to find Cat in the wedding of her best friend Denise. The reunion is pretty embarrassing especially for Cat. Much time has passed and we find a heroine who is very uncomfortable in his presence. She tries to deceive him by adopting a professional attitude but in vain. She has never forgotten him and when she faces him all the feelings she had fled resurface and strike her hard. Bones meanwhile wants to understand her; he wants an explanation for what happened four years ago.

I enjoyed this second volume, although I found it wasn’t as good as the first one because it focuses more on Cat’s personal problems so there is less action. This book allows Cat to finally clarify things with her family. Cat must learn to balance her career and her love life, something that does not look easy at all. She had managed to make a new life and establish some kind of routine, but now that Bones is back in her life, all the problems she had fled resurface. This book is also rich in revelations especially about her father. And as if it was not enough, killers are after her.

Regarding the secondary characters, we meet Tate, Dave, Juan and Cooper, Cat’s co-worker who are quite interesting, except Tate who sometimes annoyed me. We are also introduced to other characters in this book, including Mencheres, the hero of the second spin-off Eternal Kiss of Darkness, a very powerful Egyptian Master vampire and Bones’ grandfather. Well, sort of. Then we have Annette, who is the first person Bones turned into a vampire and finally Ian, Bones’ creator. Of course, Spade and Rodney are still there too.

It is always a pleasure to plunge into Cat and Bones’ adventures and even if it is a reread, I had a great time with all of these characters and I have formed a strong attachment to them! And now I have only one desire, to read the book 3.