Blood Cross by Faith Hunter
Series: Jane Yellowrock #2
Published by Roc
Published on: January 5 2010
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 336
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
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Jane Yellowrock is back on the prowl against the children of the night...
The vampire council has hired skinwalker Jane Yellowrock to hunt and kill one of their own who has broken sacred ancient rules — but Jane quickly realizes that in a community that is thousands of years old, loyalties run deep...
With the help of her witch best friend and local vigilantes, Jane finds herself caught between bitter rivalries — and closer than ever to the secret origin of the entire vampire race. But in a city of old grudges and dark magic, Jane will have to fight to protect both sides, even if no one will protect her.
Blood Cross begins with house guests, a power outage (b/c hurricane), and restless villagers.
And by “villagers” I mean “vampires.” FYI.
Molly is visiting Jane with Angie-baby and Little Evan while Big Evan is doing whoknowswhat in Brazil. Leo is deep in the dolore (<——when vamps fluctuate at varying levels of crazy b/c SAD), and sees Jane’s inability to call for help as an opportune time to seek revenge for thatwhichisnotherfault, and shows up with some of his top scions to literally burn Jane out of New Orleans.
With torches and gasoline and shit.
Dolore also means drama queen, I think.
But before things can get too heated (HA!), Angie strolls out on the upper balcony and starts asking questions/saying things like, “I like fire. Can I come play?” “What’s your name?” and “Mama says you eat people.”
*snickers* LAWD, I love that kid.
Fortunately, Leo isn’t so far gone that he wants to kill Jane badly enough to go through children to get to her. He warns her that, “This isn’t over,” exits, stage left, and leaves his scions raising their eyebrows, b/c he nearly had them burn a couple of kids alive, and as Master of the City, it’s his responsibility to be in the know about these kinds of things.
The next day George (aka Bruiser) shows up with a letter from Leo (handwritten on vellum, and sealed with wax and blood, b/c YEP, dolore = drama queen) ordering her to leave the city immediately after completing her contract with the vamp council, or else.
The contract is to find and eliminate the rogue vamp maker we were made aware of in Skinwalker, and it doesn’t take long for Jane to figure out that the rampaging baby vamps and a long-running string of disappearing witch children are connected.
Do you see where this is going?
YEP . . . not long after that both Bliss (one of Katie’s Ladies in denial about her witchy heritage) and Angie and Little Evan are kidnapped.<——so, so bad.
Molly is nearly killed in the attack, but Bethany (creepy, hella old out clan vamp) heals her, and when Jane shuts down emotionally, b/c 1. she’s bad with FEELS, and 2. she’s blaming herself for not making Molly leave when she found out about the missing witch children, BEAST takes over . . . yes, you read that correctly—Beast takes over, comforts Molly, and promises pain and death for “thief of kits.”
Beast is kind of badass.
In Skinwalker we learned that Jane spent an indeterminate number of years in cat form before wandering out of the woods in Jane form and being placed in a Children’s Home. Jane had no memory of being in cat form, and doesn’t shift again until she’s 18 and stumbles upon the ability. After that she’s aware of Beast’s presence, and sometimes Beast fights Jane for supremacy, but unless Janes’s in cat form, the most Beast can do is make her uncomfortable or seek petty revenge the next time Jane shifts.
Or so it seems . . .
In Blood Cross, Beast takes over Jane several times, and whether she’s able to do this as a result of Jane being off balance and emotionally distraught, or b/c she has more control than we originally thought, but exercises restraint, we don’t know . . . but it’s unnerving. It also provides valuable insight into what makes Beast tick.
And Beast isn’t the only character to benefit from this kind of development. We also learn oh-so-many interesting things about George, Rick, Angie, and about vampire history in general (if you’re the kind of person who views extremely altered versions of biblical events as origin stories for supernatural creatures as heretical, I’d skip this one). ALSO—there may or may not be some seriously HOT developments with one (or MORE) of the above mentioned men . . . it’s a possibility . . . *taunts* *blows nose at you* *maybe even throws a cow . . . *
All in all, a most satisfying second installment to the Jane Yellowrock series. Next up—Mercy Blade!
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My name is Jessica and I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I’m trying my hand at writing, but mostly I read. My favorite genres are Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, and the YA versions of those genres, but if there is a book of a different color getting lots of buzz, I’ll read it too, just to be informed. If I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably on Goodreads or Pinterest or baking blueberry pies because I love them.
Well, I’m happy to hear this second installment is quite good, and even if I’m not too big a fan of vampire drama queens your review has made me snickered in a pair of occasions, and that’s always a sign that I should at the very least check the first book of the series for sure!
Great review, Jessica!
Pili recently posted…Showcase Sunday #45!!
Drama queen! *snickers* So apt, Jessica! I used to love this series, and the first few books are really strong. This one was especially unnerving because of the poor kids. But last two books I kind of gave up on..:(Fabulous review as usual!
kara-karina recently posted…The Postman Knock #92
This was my favorite, actually, and I really enjoyed the audio format. I was always a huge Bruiser fan for some reason so when things started taking a diffferent direction, I kind of gave up on the series altogether. I just can’t stand Rick, I’m afraid.
Great review!
Sounds interesting. And a VERY detailed review. It sounds like it made a big impact.
Stephanie Faris recently posted…Teen Ignoring Your Text? This App Might Help
Maybe I will give this series another go one day
blodeuedd recently posted…Author Interview: Christina Courtenay
This is another UF series I really need to read. Hopefully I”ll get to it one day. =)))
Mariya recently posted…Review: Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole
Gotta love a good kick ass vamp series!! I think I need to try this one. 😉
kindlemom1 recently posted…Blog Tour Book Review and Giveaway: Taken By Tuesday by Catherine Bybee
I know I have book 1, I won it at a blog, and of course I haven’t read it still. I haven’t read a good vamp book in a long ass time, I have to admit, I miss them fangers sometimes.
Braine Talk Supe recently posted…Steampunk Sundays: Evernight by Kristen Callihan
LOL, you kinda have a way to made EVERY UF series you like AWESOME. The way you talk about the characters, perhaps. But no good for my TBR. I’d love to start Kate Daniels, by the way, but do you think I should finish a UF series before? Hmm…
Anyway, fantastic review! 😀
OMG, I can’t wait for you to debate me on The Kiss of Deception, LOL
SHE WAS NOT A GIGGLER, FYI. (IMO.)
HA. 😉
Lola recently posted…Review: The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles #1) by Mary E. Pearson
I love books about vampires and haven’t read this author yet. So many books so little time it seems. Thanks for letting us know about this one.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Hamsters As Pets
Whoa there are a lot of them already. I was just hearing about this from a friend when we got together and she loved them too. One day hopefully I’ll make it to these 🙂
anna (herding cats & burning soup) recently posted…Sleep With the Lights On (Brown and de Luca #1) by Maggie Shayne
Oh Beast, you naughty kitty! I’m soooo excited about this, Jessica, it’s not even funny. More Molly, more Angie, more Beast? Hell yes. But I have to say…I still think Ricky’s gross. *stomps foot* YOU’RE GROSS, RICKY! Bruiser/George/excellent dancer man all the way.
Danya recently posted…Review: The Ultra Thin Man by Patrick Swenson
sign me up. I have to read book one of course
Lovely review, badass Jessica
Roro recently posted…BOOK TOUR: Playing By The BOOK by S. Chris. Shirley ( REVIEW)
I have the first book on audio…may have to start this series soon. It sounds very kickass endeed.
sharonda recently posted…Bought, Borrowed & Bagged #2
I really want to start this series on audio, and I will someday! The narrator of the books is one of my favorites and I’ve heard nothing but good things about this!
Kate recently posted…Audio Review of Tease
I may be about ready to get back on the UF bandwagon. Wonder if it is any good on audio.
Nathan ( recently posted…Fantasy Review: ‘Servants of the Storm’ by Delilah S. Dawson
I literally JUST bought the first book on my Kindle for $2. I don’t know why all these urban fantasy series book ones are suddenly on sale these days – Kate Daniels, The Hollows (and that was FREE!), Jane Yellowrock, etc. – but they’re all by authors I’ve wanted to read since forever, so I’m not complaining!
Mogsy recently posted…Sunday Musings
Fun review, Jessica! I’m not sure I’m up for an emotionally unstable vampire(?) and drama llamas but I’m definitely intrigued about Jane’s ability to transform into a cat. Because if I can do that, I can do all things. Lol
Fun review, Jessica! I’m not sure if I’m up for an emotionally unstable vampire(?) and drama llamas but I’m definitely intrigued about Jane’s ability to transform into a cat. Because if I can do that, I can do all things. Lol
Sarah recently posted…Review: Words and their Meanings by Kate Bassett
It is great to see that you are this far into the series and the author can still throw in some twist to keep you surprised! I think I’d really enjoy this series! Thanks for sharing Jessica, fab review!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Naomi recently posted…Review ~ Flame by Clarissa Wild
So many books and I’m also so behind! I read the first one years ago and I don’t remember the whole story even if I remember some things but i really should try to read more. I tried it in French but I think I should try in the original language because I think it could be better. Great review!
“extremely altered versions of biblical events as origin stories for supernatural creatures” <– SOLD!! Bwahahaha Jessica, your reviews are always so much fun! I've had Skinwalker on my nook for – well, I can't even tell you how long. (have I told you this already?) Anyway, I'm even more intrigued with Jane and crew now. *ducks to miss cow* Your taunts and teases are moving this series up on my calendar. (do I have a calendar?!?) But seriously, I'll be starting this series SOON. 🙂
Heh, love the sound of Angie and her questions.
This sounds like another great series, Jessica! Seriously altered biblical events as origin of supernatural … Yes, I’m in & curious now 🙂
I hadn’t heard much about this book/series but you’ve got me interested now. Especially in the whole altered biblical events part! Great review 🙂
Lily recently posted…Rumble: Review
Beast is of course totally kick ass! I’m reading Black Arts right now!!
Tabitha (Not Yet Read) recently posted…Review: Let’s Get Lost by Adi Alsaid
Oooh, Jane is a BAD M-Fer!! I love that chick. She kicks booty like no tomorrow and is so fabulously unapologetic about it. I’m feeling the need for a reread of this series.
Mary recently posted…Do It In 140: Tweet-Short Book Reviews (3)
I have stayed away from this series because of the length and detail in the first one – that’s not to say that I didn’t love the characters and storyline. At the time I was reading 20 books a month…maybe that was my problem. Will put this back on my list now that I’m back to manageable levels!
Lorelle Page recently posted…Can we increase our creative limit?
I’ve heard a lot of good things about this series. There’s just so MANY of them (books)! I have some, but I’m not sure if I’ve picked up the first yet. I’m pretty curious though!
Candace recently posted…Audiobook Review: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill
As you know…this series is already on my TBR…so I only skimmed your review just to avoid any surprises and not that you would include spoilery things in your post but you know how I love to be surprised! *wink* And what I did see made me snort which made you know who, you know, the guy that sits across from me stare. Once I’m done with Outlander…I’m starting this one! ♥
Cristina recently posted…Voyager (Outlander #3) by Diana Gabaldon
That is one bad-ass chick on the cover! There are just so many things you mention in this review that have me bump, bumpity, bumping this series to the top! I want to know all the things and meet all the characters right now! Severe case of grabby hands. Awesome and addictive review!
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