At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress #3
Published by Avon
Published on: October 6, 2009
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Amazon | GoodReads
Some things won't stay buried . . . at grave's end
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.
At Grave’s End is different from it’s predecessors in the Night Huntress series. The story revolves around Bones and Cat’s emotional relationship rather than their physical one. Don’t fret, there’s still swoon worthy moments but, this book is so much more than that! Existing characters are given new life and Dracula (a.k.a. Vlad) is introduced.
The chemistry and love between Cat and Bones is undeniable in this third installment. It was fun to watch them work out relationship problems while in the midst of danger and chaos. Cat finally gets an official engagement ring. Oh boy, and what a rock! I loved how Bones refers to her as his wife throughout the novel. In doing so, he further demonstrates his vampire territorial instinct but it comes off as romantic too. They may both be badass characters but when the shit hits the fan they’re each other’s number one priority. But, their love story isn’t all fun and games, parts of this book did make me cry. Specifically when Cat’s on the cliff… I was a wreck until I read on a bit further.
Many of this series’ characters grow significantly in this novel. I developed a whole new appreciation for Annette. Previously, I found her to be a cold-hearted bi#@$ but after learning her story and the reasons why she makes certain decisions; turns out she’s not all bad! Tate really comes into his own this time around. He’s center stage and the combination of his sarcastic personality and of his hostility towards Bones make for amusing interactions. Last but not least is Vlad. I’ve seen many posts of fans swooning over him and claiming he’s on the same level with Bones. Although, I don’t know him well enough to judge yet; he’s definitely yummy! Dark and brooding, my kind of guy!
The story and danger are of epic proportions in At Grave’s End. No real surprises there! Pantra, the villainess, is wicked evil. She’s ancient and practices black magic. Add to that her dark army of vamp followers and you’ve got a war. Zombies even make an appearance in this installment. I love a good un-dead brawl! Frost further expands on her vampire lore by introducing new abilities to existing and first time characters. Bones also gets a power boost and one of his new skills might not work in Cat’s favour!
This book is my favorite book of the Night Huntress series so far. Sure, One Foot in the Grave has chapter 32 but this novel brought Cat and Bones to a whole new level in my eyes. At Grave’s End really stands out in the urban fantasy genre. It has the expected action and blood but the depth of Cat and Bones’ relationship was a pure joy to read. I’m now only one book away from being caught up on this series and to being ready for This Side of the Grave’s release in February 2011. This series just keeps getting better and better. How is that even possible?
  My Review |
  My Review |
  My Review |
  My Review |
  My Review |
  My Review |
  My Review |
|||
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
Glad you liked it! I loved this series! And Ch 32 is practically epic now!! Although with some of my other screennames I have 32 in it but it was for a different reason at the time. Now it can be both!
I really did like the suspense in this one as well. So can’t wait for This Side of the Grave next month!
It’s possible because Jeaniene Frost is a kick ass author! And Vlad is great. I’m glad he’s getting a spin-off series. 🙂
The next one, Destined For An Early Grave, is my favourite so far. Can’t wait for your review! This one was great.
So glad you liked it! The first 2 were my favorite. At Grave’s End would have to be my third favorite…but all of them are sooooo good =D
@Jessica – I know what you mean! One more book to go before I’m caught up!
@Julie – Me too. I’ll have to get started on that one sometime soon.
@aussieinengland – Dully noted. I’ll keep you posted! 🙂
@Mariya – It’s so hard to choose a favorite cuz they’re all so darn good!
I’m going to start this series this month and I’m really looking forward to it. Everyone seems to really like them!
Just read this a few days ago and I loved it. I loved the knowledge we gained about Annette also. I was almost sad for her.
Great review and I really enjoyed this one too!
Have to agree the books keep getting better and better!
@Logan E. Turner – This series is a must read. I’m happy to hear that you’ve decided to give it a try!
@Shannon@BooksDevoured – Yeah, I can understand why Annette’s such a piece of work and I don’t blame her for it anymore.
@Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – I usually expect a series to dwindle as it progresses. Not with the Night Huntress series!
I can’t wait , I just ordered the first book (I know I am behind times lol) Once I get it you might all see me disappear til I finish it lol.
Stopping by to hand over this award, I’m not sure if you accept any but I wanted to show my appreciation for all you do.
http://booklovershideaway.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-have-been-honored-with-stylish-award.html
@BLHmistress – ’bout time you read this series! 😉 Aaw, thanks for the award !
Squeeee i love this series! But honestly….Tate is kind of a creeper LOL!
congratulations Carmel! i’ve given you the Stylish Blogger Award. please check it out at http://aobibliosphere.blogspot.com/2011/01/stylish-blogging-award.html c”,)
I’ve wanted to read this series for ages. I’ll be adding this one to my wish list…along with the rest.
@Straylights – Tate is a creeper but I like him anyway. Hehe Does that make me weird? 😉
@aoblibliophile – Thanks for the award hun!
@The Mistress of the Dark – I think 2011 should be the year you read this series. 😛
Hi Carmel,
Sorry I haven’t been around much this first week, been crazy with me but hopefully everything will calm down now.
YAY! I knew you would love this book! It is so true you always want more BONES! Well just like Cat said “Once you go dead no one is better in bed! LOL!
@DarkBloodyVamp – No worries darling, life happens. 😛