Reading level: AdultThis is the third book in the Night Huntress series
. It was a good addition to the series; not quite as engaging as the first two books but still very well done. This is definitely straight urban fantasy and the fun tension between Cat and Bones is decreased from previous books. I listened to this on audio book and the audio book was well done; in fact I think I enjoyed listening to this more than I would have enjoyed reading it.It's been a few months since the last book. Cat is continuing to work as bait and Bones is one her vampire hunting team. When Cat's identity is outed she is finally forced to face her father. Shortly after this Mencheres makes Bone's, an offer Bone's can't refuse. Unfortunately it is an offer that places Cat and Bones right in the middle of a vampire war with a very old and mean woman vampire who has a bone to pick with Bones.
This book is a straight urban fantasy. There are a lot of great action scenes and the plot moves along at an excellent clip. We get to learn a lot more about Mecheres and he is an excellent character. We also meet Vlad, yep the original Dracula, and he was another great character that hits it off with Cat surprisingly well.
While the plot, action, and character additions were all great there was something missing in this book. Cat and Bones don't have that heat and wittiness that they had in the previous two books. They both seemed in love but tired. I didn't find myself laughing out loud as much with this book; I didn't find myself absolutely enrapt by their interactions. There are a couple sex scenes but they are boring, quick, and relatively emotionless.
Bones and Cat do have to face huge obstacles to their relationship. I enjoyed that they were mature with each other and made responsible decisions; they make a wonderful couple. I was disappointed though that they didn't display the enormous love coupled with lust for each other that they did in the previous two books. Let's face it these two pretty much make this series and without their witty banter things aren't nearly as entertaining and exciting. There is still some humor in the story; it is just not as present between Bones and Cat as it was in the first two books.
Tate features quite a lot in this book. He makes a play for Cat in a big way. This was entertaining, but at the same time I couldn't help feeling that he came across as a bit pathetic...I felt a bit sorry for him. The scene where they fight the Grave was absolutely fantastic action-wise; just a great epic battle-type scene. I love zombies and loved their inclusion in this book :-)
All that being said the book ends well, the story is progressed well, and it is a decent urban fantasy read.
Overall this isn't my favorite book in the series. The plot, action, and new characters added are great. The witty banter and heat between Cat and Bones is significantly decreased; and I felt its absence profoundly. I will definitely read book 4, Destined for an Early Grave
, but if it follows the path of this book I may not read anymore of this series.This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
Great review. I also very much prefer the audio of this series to the print version. For some reason, the audio "Bones" reminds me of a much darker, sexier Russell Brand! lol. I love that this series is more Urban Fantasy than paranormal romance but you're right, the dynamic between Cat and Bones is what makes this series so wonderful.
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