| Title | : | Blood Trade (Jane Yellowrock, #6) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0451465067 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780451465061 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 337 |
| Publication | : | First published April 2, 2013 |
| Awards | : | Goodreads Choice Award Paranormal Fantasy (2013) |
The Master of Natchez, Mississippi has a nasty problem on his hands. Rogue vampires—those who follow the Naturaleza and believe that humans should be nothing more than prey to be hunted—are terrorizing his city. Luckily, he knows the perfect skinwalker to call in to take back the streets.
But what he doesn’t tell Jane is that there’s something different about these vamps. Something that makes them harder to kill—even for a pro like Jane. Now, her simple job has turned into a fight to stay alive…and to protect the desperately ill child left in her care.
Blood Trade (Jane Yellowrock, #6) Reviews
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Reread!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾 -
3.5 It was ok, I still love Jane, she's an absolute badass!
Maybe this book deserves a lot more stars, but I read it after a fantastic, 5-star novel, so I was fresh out of feels.
Still, she's the same badass chick I got to know and love. True, I would have liked a bit more romance stuff, this one felt kind of like a filler (although I understand Jane's need for but of away-time).
Ah well, on to the next one!
-
*** 4 ***
A buddy read with the great Wednesday UF group @ BB&B:-)
Another wonderful addition to the Jane Yellowrock series! By now we know most everything about Jane, although the author keeps on feeding us little crumbs of flashbacks, revealing information about her past. I love Jane! She is one kick ass chick with serious skills to take down rogue Vampires and other evil creatures. She is a skin walker, tall, dark and dangerous, loves dancing and HAS THE WORST TASTE IN MEN EVER!!! Also, she is pretty bad at communicating with anyone, not just her potential love interests. I guess spending your formative years as a wild cat in the wilderness over a century ago and later trying to humanize herself in an orphanage, would not make for an outgoing eloquent flirt...
So, here is Jane living with the two brothers with whom she works as partners in security and hunting. Despite her determination to stay as far away from human interaction as possible, since she always seems to bring trouble to those she loves most, Eli and the Kid have become like family and she realizes that she likes having them around. However, she is still depressed. Before the last book ended we observed a violent and complete betrayal of her trust when Bruiser took her to Leo and held her down while the MOC of New Orleans forced a bond on her. Things happened after, but ultimately Beast found herself chained to Leo and Jane feeling betrayed and unable to trust anyone. Her best friend Molly is not talking to her since Jane killed her evil sister, Molly's husband blames her for everything bad happening to every witch ever, her boyfriend is mad at her and doesn't want to see her, and her other love interest stabbed her in the back... Even the soldier boys she used to partner with evade her since she was forced to come out officially as a Skinwalker... I say Good riddens !!!!
Her newest job is to go to Mississippi and help the master Vampire of that region deal with an infestation of Neuraliza, the weirdest, most durable and hard to kill vampires left over from the possy of the scary dude she killed previously... She is going well armed and with Eli and the Kid as her team. As always, things seem like they would be easy to resolve, but old friends, a sick kid, witches, and very creepy but smart rogues make for a murderous combination which endangered everyone. On top of that Ricky Bo and Bruiser also had to make an appearance, only making the tensions jump higher and showcase the worst of Jane's qualities - she sucks at choosing mates and then letting go!!! I wanted so badly for her to kick their asses and move on, but it seems that is to much to ask...
The action is nonstop, the tension is unbelievable, and the story does not disappoint at all! I loved every minute of it and was glued to the pages, even missing sleep over it. Obviously, I have read everything up to here and I am looking forward to every story in the saga of Jane!!!
I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come! -
I love a strong female protagonist, especially in my urban fantasy, and Jane definitely fits into this. My only issue with her is the tired love triangle issue with three men and none of them worthy (sorry Beast I think you’re off on this one). So for me it takes away from her tough guy persona. That being said I thought this book was a little better than previous books in that it really focused on the plot and the bad guys for this one. Jane gets an offer for a job in Mississippi and she feels some time away is just what she needs (and distance from Leo). When she gets there she realizes that something is wrong with the vampires she has been sent to kill. This is book 6 in the series and I definitely recommend sticking to reading these in order.
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I feel badly giving a Jane Yellowrock book 3 stars. This is definitely a series I look forward to reading, an author I enjoy supporting and I have a great deal of interest in and affection for the characters. Like a lot of the other readers I felt like this installment didn't get us anywhere and was much more of the same.
In all fairness, it was intended to be a transition book...a book that set us up for big changes the next book, except I already feel like I have been waiting. While some of the characters were settling into Jane's big reveal from Death's Rival, we, as the readers, have already known Jane's secret for a long, long time. I am not all that invested in Rick-bo's or Bruiser's feelings of reconciliation. I am very, very over the love triangle, square, etc. If it goes on much longer I will lose interest in the characters, quite honestly. I am comfortable if she takes a chance, makes a mistake and then changes course, but her indecision is not worthy of the character or the readers. I am glad that Jane's extreme isolation is making progress and her new family is lightly cemented. I am also pleased that Evan and Molly will be returning....
As an aside, I love strong women protagonists, I love that they kick butt, wear leather and don't take second place. I can not state strongly enough that I couldn't care less about the technical specifics of gun and knife porn. I don't covet the information. It does not make the character more credible for me nor does it make me hot. It bores me, disgusts me a bit and I always, always skip it whether it is Ilona, Faith, Patricia, etc. Are your readers really the readers who covet this detailed information? No kisses, hugs, caresses or even a cup of coffee with those closest to her heart but pages and pages of explicit weapon descriptions. It is making me wonder a bit why I am reading it. Just a thought. -
“Have stakes will travel” is Jane’s motto. She’s been hired by one of Leo’s frenemies to take out some rogue vamps in his territories. She and Leo are still on the outs because of the events of book five (I’m totally #TeamJane on this one.) Beast has gone silent and sulky, which isn’t good as the rogue vamps Jane finds are some sort of new variation that makes them hard to kill. As usual, Faith Hunter’s books shine in the world-building, with lots of details on military specifics, fighting, and supernatural politics.
Her two new boy band members team up with her in this one, and while they’re still growing on me, it’s definitely a different dynamic. , I did like the addition of a contact of Jane’s from her days in the children’s home. That was interesting. As usual, things get super complicated and political, and Jane can never go anywhere without finding herself in vampire/witch/other trouble. This had a really cool ending!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader. -
Another week and another Jane Book. some spoilers in the Rant section
I have the same issue with this book that I have had with all of the Jane Yellowrock books. I like the plot lines and the monsters in them, I also enjoy most of the side characters but I end up hating the silly and ridiculous love triangle crap thrown in.
So we will discuss the plot line first. Jane is stuck, after the events at the end of book 5 she now can’t get very far away from New Orleans and Leo. At least for now and in the beginning she is a little bit pouty about it. But eventually she stops throwing herself a pitty party and starts to get on with it because there is a job to do. Killing vamps.
The vamps in this are outside of NO so Jane is back to Mississippi to help kill some Neutraliza vamps. But these vamps seem even more hopped up on something than normal and there are a lot of people missing in the area including a large percentage of witches.
I usually like the story line. Yes this book feels a little on the filler side of things in many ways but the addition of this story with the vamps and more of those watches that smell of dead meat and magic we learn more about the vampires lore of the past and what some would possibly like the world to be where humans are merely food to be taken and drained at will.
I liked the new character Bobby and his history with Jane. They were kids in a foster home together and Jane always protected Bobby since he is a little mentally challenged but still has some special gifts. Hopefully if she can fill her life with some people who actually care about her then she will realize what a douchebag Rick is and get over it already.
Now I will Rant as to why this series still continues to fall under 4 stars dipping to 2.5 at times.
The love triangle/square/quadrangle thing. I was having a pretty good book experience and then Jane calls Rick and she becomes an idiot. We get it! Jane has social issues, she doesn’t know how to communicate well, she has no idea what a real relationship looks like. Quit hitting us over the head with it, it is like book 6 or 52 if you count all the short stories in-between can’t she finally learn something about interpersonal communications???
This is the part of the book I hate Rick shows up again.*internal groan* talks about how much he misses Jane and then in the same page they semi fight for no reason what-so-ever. I can’t keep up with the emotional shifting. Rick’s cat thinks they are mated. Jane thinks that Rick’s tattoos mean the are destined to be together…wtf, they are tattoos and ones he didn’t even pick for himself if I remember that story right. Plus Jane is all jealous of Soul (Rick’s Partner) and some chick Rick talked to on the phone. Meanwhile Rick tries to attack Eli because he was sparring with Jane and he must protect her *internal groan again*, Rick tries to attack Jane because he smelled Bruiser on her bed, not because they did anything fun together but because Bruiser sat there once while they talked *internal groan and throw up a little in my mouth*. But then Jane gets jealous because Soul looked at Bruiser with interest and Bruiser smiled at her. Oh Jane this is why I can’t stand you sometimes.
Between Rick and Bruiser I think it is no contest as to who Jane should choose.
You have Asshole A: The guy you were officially with for less than one month who then chose his job over you, went undercover without telling you, cheated on you for his job, got infected with were-taint so now can’t have sex with anyone not were, chose another job that is in direct opposition of yours, knows your secrets and told that job about them AND as if that was not enough said this“We can’t be together right now. Not like you and Bruiser can. But eventually I’ll find a way out of this were problem. And then . . .”
He let the words trail off. I swallowed, my throat dry. Beast peered out of my eyes, purring deep in my mind. “Then what?” I managed.
“Then if you’re sleeping with him, I’ll kill him and take you.”
Really??? No Seriously??? Am I supposed to swoon over that crap. I’m assuming that if Jane was sleeping with Bruiser it would be because she had feelings for him and wants him. So for Rick to be all I’ll kill him, which let’s be honest I don’t think he could take Bruiser in a fight for one, but he would just disregard Jane and her feelings again for what he wants. It wouldn’t matter if she loved Bruiser at the time because, clue in Jane it is all about what Rick wants when he wants it. He isn’t even going to try to win her back…just kill the competition. So if I didn’t hate Rick already this would do it.
You Have Guy B with a TON of Potential: This is the guy that has helped you in every way he could even when he wasn’t supposed to. The man who is methodically doing things to distance himself from Leo, who was like a father and friend to him for over a hundred years. He has taken your side against someone exceptionally powerful in hopes of protecting you. He was completely shredded by trusting that person with you and is now paying for it in his own ways. He is the man with patience who is waiting for you to decide what you want and plans on being there when you wake up to the fact that he has always been there in anyway he could be to help and protect you.“I would—” He stopped and took a slow breath. His hands tightened on the marble, fingers whitening before he relaxed. “I would give,” he said, his voice rough, “everything I am to keep you from being hurt. And that includes my freedom.”
[…]
“I’ll never keep anything from you, Jane. Even when it may be uncomfortable. Painful.”
Hmmmm…..how to decide. I'm with beast 'Jane is stupid, killer only.'
I’m so sick of the love triangle. It is making a story that could be 5 stars because there are some really cool things and a lot of action into a story that barely hit 3 stars. I’m so over it. I would love a Rick free book. PLEASE…give us a Rick free book.
If it weren’t for my BB&B friends I might have given up on Jane but they are keeping it fun so off to another one.
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2022 Re-Read
My 100th book of 2022! I'm taking a stroll down memory lane with Jane Yellowrock and enjoying myself immensely. It's been five years, and the details of the books have been hazy in my memory, leaving just the general impression of fun. It's nice to renew my acquaintance with those details again.
If you're sensitive about spoilers, this might be the point to turn back! Because I'm going to list the plot points that I found significant this time through. In this installment, we have creepy, insectoid Naturaleza vampires, growing carapaces, pincers and other arthropod characteristics. It makes them more difficult to kill, but the killers feel less guilty about it. I had forgotten that Jane imprisoned one of them and tortured him for intel.
This is also the book where George/Bruiser announces that he has become an Onorio, although the full import of this change isn't yet revealed. Rick continues to struggle with his inner cat, having difficulty dealing with everyone as a result. Jane and Soul reach a detante of some form. Evan Trueblood admits his prejudices and tries his best to be gracious, with limited success. Jane experiences something new with a Choctaw dreamwalker, which was so cool.
Both aspects, the vampire developments and the evolution of personal relationships, are what keep me entertained. I love the imaginative way that Hunter explores this fantasy world and the system that she has developed for her vamps. Jane's ties to the vamp community are shifting too. Her Beast is bound to Leo Pellissier, the Master of the City. I love how that binding makes Jane pissy, looking for ways to annoy him. But she is also making friends and starting to feel protective of them, an occupational hazard of being a skinwalker.
I know that Hunter has published two more books in the series since I got distracted from them. I'm looking forward to reading those when I get caught up on my rereading frenzy.
Original Review
***2017 Summer Lovin’ Reading List***
I am stalled on the Anita Blake series (my library has the next required volume ‘on order’) and on the Fever series (waiting on another reader to return the next volume), which has left me forging ahead with a vengeance on the Jane Yellowrock series.
I am fond of Jane’s new partners-in-crime, Eli & the Kid. If anyone loves guns more than Jane does, its Eli. I’m glad he’s found his love-interest in a small-town sheriff, because Jane doesn’t need any more complications in her love-life. As it stands, Rick can’t stand by her and George has betrayed her, but neither one will leave her alone! At least the one guy who has been one of the biggest thorns in her side has finally realized that he owed her a great big apology—and actually said it. Good on you, Evan.
This installment had a real “Mission Impossible” vibe. I’ll be interested to see where things go when Jane & Co. return to the Big Easy. -
Jane Yellowrock really is a well done urban fantasy series, and this latest installment delivers in almost every way. It's well written, with a smart plot and intricate story telling. The world-building is good; the continuity is great; and the characters are fleshed out and sympathetic.
As the story begins, Jane's beast is still bound to master vamp Leo, and it's just one of many reasons she is depressed. She's still sad about her break-up with Rick; she misses her lost friend Molly; and she is devastated by Bruiser's betrayal since he helped Leo forcibly bind her. Basically, the only good things in her life are Eli and the Kid. But things start to turn around when she decides to take an out-of-town job in Natchez with her new back-up crew.
There are still plague-infected vamps floating around Natchez as well as some Naturaleza vampires who like to suck their victims dry. And more than 100 humans have gone missing. Jane agrees to work for Hieronymus to root out the errant vampires. She quickly discovers it won't be a simple mission. Somehow, the vamps have mutated into monstrous hybrids that are very difficult to kill. Not only that, she has a personal connection to the problem.
Shortly after she arrives in Natchez, Jane is greeted by Misha and Bobby, who both attended the group home where she grew up. Bobby is mentally disabled and Jane always had a soft spot for him. Misha helps care for him as she raises a sick daughter and is trying to write a book on vampires. She asks for Jane's help, presumably to help care for her child's medical bills. But once she goes missing, Jane feels like she owes it to Bobby and the little girl to bring her back home.
The plot is complicated, but it's not murky. As Jane digs to uncover the mystery of the mutant vamps, we learn more about the vampire origin story; the witches get involved; and of course, Jane's skinwalker heritage plays a role. And in the middle of all of this, Bruiser and Rick end up front and center, representing their own interests in cleaning up the Natchez mess.
This is the only part of the story that didn't work for me. This is like the love triangle that never really gets off the ground. There's angst, angst, and more angst... with absolutely no payoff. Jane wants both men at the same time that a relationship with either guy is impossible. She's hurt; she's jealous; she's depressed, angry, and miserable. And... nothing. No movement. I feel like a hamster in a wheel with her love life.
Everything else rocked. The action is great. The dynamic with Eli and the Kid is great. I loved Bobby and the tender feelings he evoked in Jane. I loved the resolution with Evan. I loved the explanation on the mutant vampires. I loved the holy water cannon. I loved Beast. The book is really very good. But I am hitting critical mass on the romance angle. Fish. Or. Cut. Bait.
Rating: B+
*ARC Provided by Roc -
I love Faith Hunter, and Jane will always be one of my favorite kick-ass heroines, BUT . . . this latest installment was not my favorite.
Jane is in a new city. By itself, that's not terrible.
Jane was in Asheville in Raven Cursed, but Natchez, Mississippi is different. Jane has no ties to Natchez. Asheville, on the other hand, is where Jane learned the ropes of her security trade, and it's also home to Molly and her entire extended family.
In Asheville, Leo was still a big presence despite his remaining in New Orleans for most of the book.
In Natchez, there is an entirely new MOC, almost no Leo, and the new MOC is not particularly likable. He's not particularly unlikable either. He's not much of anything, which is part of the problem.
So new place with new secondaries, and not a lot of groundwork laid to make you like it.
ALSO--there seriously needs to be a turning point with either Ricky-bo or Bruiser. This is book 6 and there is still no definitive progress. COME ON. You gotta give us something.
All that being said, I will continue to read this series, b/c Jane is frickin' awesome, and I hope that one day she will get her own version of HEA, and I want to read it when she does. -
Buddy read with the fantastic people of BB&B.
Jane is a great character but she's also one of the biggest idiots I've ever read about. She's somewhere up with Gin from Elemental Assassin when it comes to idiotic behaviour. Thankfully she has Beast to balance things out.
You see this book had the potential to be a five star read. I loved the way it started. Mostly I loved the absence of the two douchebags Leo and Rick. I'm still mad at Leo for what he did in the previous book and I want him to die a slow and horrible death. So I was a happy camper - we were heading into another territory away from the main fanghead and with the events at the end of the previous novel I thought that we will be finally free of Ricky Bo. Guess not!
The first thing that really annoyed me is Jane's whining and self flagellation about her "relationship"with Rick. Girl, you were together for one or two months! And then he took the first chance to get away from you and go under cover. Under cover where he could whore himself out for information, while you were stuck home wondering what the hell is going on. He is a CHEATER undeserving your kick in the nuts yet alone all that attention! Get over him already! And while she forgives Rick all sins and thinks that rainbows come out of his a@@, Jane blames Bruiser for what Leo did to her. Bruiser who was just as much a victim in that situation even if he didn't suffer physical damage. Tell me why does one get a free pass while the other is being constantly judged? I just can't! Jane you are a total moron!
And to make things worse Rick actually shows up *screams in frustration* God dammit go away! Crawl in some hole somewhere and don't show up again! Another reason why I can't stand Ricky is that when he was moaning about how much he loves Jane and how he is sorry that they can't be together because of the werecat taint he again abandoned her to go work for PsyLed. See the pattern? Because I sure as hell do. Rick was the first person other than Jane's BFF to be told that Jane is a skinwalker. And what did he do with that secret - he spilled everything to his new bosses, the very people that would love to study a skinwalker. Because apparently that is what you do to the woman you say you love and want a future with - you cheat on her and betray her secrets. I hope he screws up and Pea kills him. I really do.
Apart from the plot of this book was very intriguing. But my enjoyment of it was spoiled by Rick's appearance. Is it too much to hope for a Rick free book? -
Blood Trade takes Jane and her gang to Asheville. The Master of Natchez, Mississippi has a problem and he needs Jane to clean it up.
Jane and Beast are awesome in this installment. Their was some good progress on their front. Jane has been depressed and Beast is not happy with her. Why? Well in
Death's Rival some bad things happened. Jane lost her best friend, is now tied to MoC of Louisiana, and Rick well he’s out and in her life, which makes things difficult. She’s all messed up in the start of this book.
Their is no shortage of action and blood. Jane has a job to do and she gets it done, but she is no longer alone. She’s got a team, the Younger brothers. I’m really enjoying the Younger brothers and how Jane has pretty much made herself a family of sorts. They are helping Jane grow as well as adding to the story.
Love triangles are not my thing. I’m so over all the men in Jane’s life, but manly I’m so over Rick. Each and every time he sets foot in Jane’s life it hurts her. We are at book six now and their is no resolution on the boyfriend/not-boyfriend angle. I’m tired of it and ready for no man or for her to be with someone who will stand by her.
Jane Yellowrock is an enjoyable series. Jane herself is unique and a kick-ass chick.
Rated: 4 Stars
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This is a difficult review tor me to write because I love the Jane Yellowrock series but feel that "Blood Trade" is more of the same ole same ole. The series is beginning to feel stagnate to me with Jane rushing off go one job after another, battle after battle, and no progress towards resolution in her love life or lack there of.
In this installment, Jane goes against the wishes of Leo, Master of the City of New Orleans and accepts s job from Hieronymous, MOC of Natchez, Mississippi. The big H had a problem with rogue vampires who ate exhibiting behaviors atypical of normal vamps.
If Jane is to survive, she must team up with dome old acquaintances she would rather avoid including Bruiser who betrayed her trust, Rocky Bo who she falsely accused of trying to kill her and none other then Evan, the father of the godchildren she has not had contact with in months.
There is plenty of action which is typical of a Jane Yellowrock book but what is painfully absent is the lack of a hot romance. I am just plain tired and bored of book after book of Jane waffling about who she wants to be romantically involved with as well as the lack of any new unique twists. I would loved to finally read a hot romantic scene and have Jane commit to someone or even have her become pregnant to see how Beast would approach protecting the kit. Unfortunately after 6 books we continue to get additional books devoid of any romantic heat but chocked full of information on every new gun, fighting technique and military strategy available.That my friend is a great recipe for "dull."
I am at a crossroad. If book 7 does not produce some new approach that resolves my major issues, I will not be continuing on with this series. 7 books is more than enough time to resolve the romantic issues of this series. Sorry Ms Hunter but the series us losing its edge. -
Huh???
This is really frustrating.
Neither like it nor hate it.
Yet I am feeling disturbed and frustrated that I seem not to feel any connection with it or immerse myself into the story.
Frankly speaking.. it is just Jane killing vamps. What else right?
It feels that Jane is getting soft and teary eyes all the time.
Hookey gluey to the men issue in her life.
Her obsession in what she is wearing for her job.. her so called toys aka guns.. knives..
It is all blah blah blah to me....
I hate Rick. Still do. Don't care what that statement mean and beast rubbing herself all over him? Ewww. I mean Ewww * 100 times!!!!
Brusier. Oh man... what is your problem?? What's up with Soul?? And then...Being silent and all these.. AARGH!!!!!
Again, I find myself repeating this book after book.. Go screw them all and get on with your life!!!!!
What is so confusing about them?
1 cheated on you.
1 betrayed you.
NO?
No wait. I think Jane needs to tame Beast down since Beast is always thinking everyone is good mate or mates. *rolls eyes*
Guess the only thing I like is the introduction of Bobby.
I like him.
Simple and not complicated.
Will I read the next one?
Of course! Got to see if she finally lay with Brusier or Leo and get on with her life! :p -
Synopsis:
Jane Yellowrock is a shape-shifting skinwalker who’s always up for a fight—even if it means putting her life on the line...
The Master of Natchez, Mississippi has a nasty problem on his hands. Rogue vampires—those who follow the Naturaleza and believe that humans should be nothing more than prey to be hunted—are terrorizing his city. Luckily, he knows the perfect skinwalker to call in to take back the streets.
But what he doesn’t tell Jane is that there’s something different about these vamps. Something that makes them harder to kill—even for a pro like Jane. Now, her simple job has turned into a fight to stay alive…and to protect the desperately ill child left in her care.
My Thoughts:
More Jane for me to love. And even with all of her emotional issues, I do love Jane Yellowrock.
It's been a few months since the events of Death's Rival and Jane has been in a funk. Despite the fact that she's been moody and not taking on any jobs, Eli and Alex Younger are still working for her and living with her as well. Jane has been very depressed and hasn't been shifting because she's terrified that Beast will go straight to Leo and started purring like crazy considering the current state Beast in with that whole being bound to Leo, thing.
When a job that sounds pretty good to Jane comes up, she decides to take it. And it's a good thing that she did because it seems that the Younger brothers were on their way out of the door to go work for Rick. Who Jane has been missing and is still beating herself up over messing up their relationship when she accused him of trying to kill her. Considering what he had threatened, I still don't fault her for thinking he was aiming that gun at her in Death's Rival. I'm ready for these two to move on from each other. There's too much back and forth and unless Rick can rid himself of were-taint anytime soon, they can't really be together, anyway.
Unlike Bruiser, whom Jane also still has relationship issues with. I can't blame her for not being able to totally get over his role in that forced feeding that Leo and Katie made him participate in against her, but I want her to at least try. It looks like they had a breakthrough moment, though and he obviously still wants her and she still wants him despite everything. She just needs to work past on moving on from that trauma. Not forgetting, but forgiving. He sincerely feels awful about it, but none of it was his fault. However, considering what he went through, it seems Bruiser is a changed man. And not nearly so bound to Leo as he once was. Still loyal, but not tied so tightly. Jane better take advantage of this. I need Jane and Bruiser together. I want it badly. She better do it before Soul decides to take a go at him. Bruiser can't be expected to wait forever.
My favorite moments, though, are of Jane with Eli. They are so much like a family and I love that the Younger brothers see her like family. She even thinks of them as her brothers. I love the way the three of them play off of one another. My other favorite moment was at the end of the book when Jane and Big Evan finally have it out. It looks like the Truebloods may yet become a part of Jane's life once again. They were the first family that she ever had, so I want this for her. She needs this and I want this for her so badly. I love that the Youngers are another family for her, but she needs the Truebloods in her life. I think that will help her to stave off some of the darkness in her.
Speaking of which, that was brought up a number of times in the book. A number of people commented on Jane's darkness. Is she in danger of becoming a Liver Eater like the skinwalker she killed in book 1? I hope not, but Jane has a lot of darkness in her. The people that are in her life have the potential to keep her from going to the dark side, so I hope they stay there. She's got herself a pretty good team.
I'm very much looking forward to the next book. I'm sad the release schedule is being slowed down, though. I was loving the new book every 6 months thing. Now there'll be a 9 month wait. *cries*
Faith Hunter, please give me a Jane/Bruiser scene soon. I am begging you. -
Blood Trade
4 Stars
Jane and the Younger brothers travel to Natchez, Mississippi at the behest of the Master of the City who is dealing with a nasty rogue vampire problem. Unfortunately, these rogues prove more difficult to dispose of than expected, and the body count continues to rise. The situation worsens when witches begin disappearing and the men in Jane’s life also arrive on the scene. Jane will have a great deal of juggling to do to restore order…
The focus in this installment is more on the action and excitement of the rogue Naturaleza plot with little progression in Jane’s personal life. There is some repetition of detail that has already been provided in earlier books, but newcomers to the series will probably appreciate the information.
Although Jane’s love life takes a back seat, that is not to say that the men in her life don’t play a role in the story. The love triangle between Jane, Rick and Bruiser continues with Jane still sore over Bruiser’s perceived betrayal and more open to her attraction to Rick. Personally, I’ve never understood this particular relationship as Rick manages to annoy me even before he puts in an actual physical appearance. He is an obnoxious, childish jerk in dire need of a serious ass-kicking. Bruiser on the other hand, is exceedingly swoon-worthy and there are some very intriguing developments in his characterization and it will be interesting to see where Hunter goes with this in the next installments.
The rest of the secondary cast adds another layer of enjoyment to the story, especially Esmee’s shenanigan’s, Leo Machiavellian tendencies, Jane’s banter with Eli and the smoldering looks Eli shares with the lady Sheriff - they are so cute together!
In sum, Blood Trade is a fun read and I really enjoy the sense of family and belonging the Jane is developing with Eli and Alex. My only caveat is the need for a resolution in the love triangle - Jane really needs to make a choice one way or the other. -
The latest in Jane's tale reminds me of a chocolate covered espresso bean. Smooth, bittersweet on the outside, and hard and full of energy on the inside.
Jane's character is stretching. She's continuing to discover things about herself, including that relationships are difficult, whether they are romantic interests or close friends.
In the meantime, she's also learning that vampires aren't all that they seem. In Jane's world, they never sparkle, they are dark, generally charismatic, and egotistical predators. They also appear to be evolving into something not quite as attractive, but far harder to kill. It doesn't matter how hard it is to nail these rogue vamps, it's Jane's job to kill them and she's the one that has to figure out how.
Since Jane is a Cherokee Skinwalker who shares her body with the soul of Beast, a cougar, she has a few more tricks up her sleeve than the average vampire killer-security expert. Beast and Jane are more than their sum. In the past, Jane seemed to fight Beast when in her panther form, but now they seem to be working more as a team. Which is good, since in the last book, Leo Pellissier managed to link himself to Beast. Beast doesn't seem to mind the shackle around her paw, she's admires Leo's strength and is interested in mating with him.
Jane isn't too thrilled with the concept.
Her back now covered by close friends that might even be construed as family, Eil Younger and his brother, she is learning to be more human, and still holding onto her Beast. And Beast, that most clever of characters, is gaining strength of her own. She also finds out that she may not have alienated or others that she loved.
A strong Urban Fantasy story that contains aspects of a police procedural, unique in its take of a supernatural world. These books get better and better with each release. -
Very well connected to previous books. excellent story line, nice twists and turns.
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*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*First Thoughts*
Blood Trade, the sixth book in the Jane Yellowrock series, mostly takes place in Natchez, Mississippi where the master of the city, Hieronymus, is having problems with Naturaleza vampires left over from Death's Rival. The Naturaleza's are causing major problems for the residents of the city and asks Jane for help through Reach.
Jane has been through a lot over the course of this series. The one thing that hasn't changed is the number of weapons she carries on her body when hunting, her love of guns, and killing vampires. It's a bloody and dangerous job, but someone has to do it. It you like a lot of violence and blood this book definitely has its share of both.
Jane still makes some dunderhead mistakes but tries to learn from them before someone she loves ends up dead. She has lost friends like Molly Trueblood and lovers like Rick LaFleur and really needs a vacation away from witches, and especially vampires who have caused her nothing but problems for awhile now. Yet, there seems to be sort of a prophecy that these events are somehow related to Jane as a skinwalker and the last of her kind.
After what happened in Death's Rival, Jane doesn't fully trust Leo or Bruiser for what they did to her and decides to go against Leo's orders and help Hieronymus with his Naturaleza problem. It also left a situation with Beast that she needs to rectified sooner, rather than later. The one thing that doesn't change in this series is that Jane has her enemies who don't much care for the fact that she's working for Leo and acting as his Enforcer. Some, like Sheriff Sylvia Turpin do eventually come around after seeing what Jane deals with on a regular basis.
There are some really good things that happen to Jane as well. The arrival of Eli and Alex Younger who have become her partners and family makes her realize how nice it is to have people surrounding her and helping her out of sticky situations. I love the way they work together. I love the way they interact together as well, especially when they are sparing or going after the bad vampires. Eli even gets a chance to meet someone and hopefully fall in love with her barring any unforeseen Hunter mishaps.
The one thing that continues to be dragged on and on is the 3-way triangle between Jane, Rick, and Bruiser. I'm not really sure if Jane trusts either of them at this point, but Rick's temper tantrums really had me seething. Then he goes and says something that totally shocked Jane and we are left puzzled and wondering what will happen next.
I really loved the fact that Jane gets a reunion with Bobby, the boy she protected while they lived in a group home as kids. I absolutely adored Bobby in this book. He's really a special character with some wicked cool abilities that come in handy. I hope you read this book to the end, because it will totally make you cry when Jane also comes to terms with Molly's husband Evan. I hope that means that the thaw between Jane and Molly will eventually come as well. I miss the little girl Angie baby, and so does Beast!
Overall, a really good read for anyone who has read this series. Definitely worth the time to pick it up or borrow it from the library.
Expected publication: April 2nd 2013 by Roc -
Since this is very early in the book's release (I got my Kindle download at midnight and as a result got very little sleep!) this review will remain a bit vague to avoid spoilers, but I will share my impressions.
The action packed Skinwalker series continues to grab readers from the start and pull you right into the story. Jane Yellowrock, a shape changing, Harley riding, snarky, Cherokee skinwalker who shares her soul with a mountain lion simply known as Beast, has a little problem. In a nutshell, vampires. Normally, she hunts them, but now she is stuck working for them. But, hey, even rogue vampire killing, security expert bodyguard/bounty hunter gals have off days, right?
Intense action and detailed world building are always key elements in Hunter's books and this one is no different. It takes us away from the now familiar New Orleans setting to a richly described Natchez, Mississippi on a new case. This time it is hunting an even more dangerous type of rogue vamp than usual. This one is not held in check by vamp law or custom, but believes in the Naturaleza, which pretty much means he has been going postal on humans, that humans are nothing more than prey. Supported by a returning cast of interesting secondary characters, Jane finds herself coordinating with her ex, now a federal agent, to try and solve the case before any more are hurt.
Amidst all the action and mystery, Jane continues her spiritual journey to unlock bits of her past that have been affecting her current day actions. I think Jane is finally coming to grips with her past in this book and it is encouraging to see her getting back to her old form and choosing new paths. There is still a lot of room for growth and discovery in new books, but this is a good start.
This is a great read that I found nigh impossible to put down. As I mentioned, it has plenty of quick paced action and a strong enough mystery that it can easily be a stand alone read or read out of order. What are you waiting for? Get Blood Trade, and once you get hooked, go back and start with the first book, Skinwalker. You won't be disappointed! -
So this was really good. The story arc from the last 5 books comes to a close here though really I didn't know that there was an arc or anything that was binding them until we come partially through this one. You need to read the books preceding it to understand the whole, so don't start with this one.
Still even with a pretty good read, I'm not taken by Jane Yellowrock. I have friends that love Beast and their relationship. I have friends that love the relationships she wants but doesn't seem to ever get. I have friends that just love the mythology and Jane's kissassness. I would like to say that I feel all that but I just don't. I keep feeling like I should feel more but I don't. I think it is a good series, it just doesn't click with me as great. I feel like I've read out of my genre, a really good read but not what I would choose to pick up. Strange as it is my genre. I love Kate Daniel and Mercy Thompson so why not Jane? I cannot put my finger on it. Part might be that there is always love interests that she fights the attraction and more than one. None come to fruition even though we are 6 books in. Each of the 3 (4) interests, Bruiser, Leo, Rick, and maybe Eli (no more), have big red x marks for me in the way she describes them, yet she and Beast are still yearning and arguing over the 3. To me it is a distraction and annoying. Then there is her self blame, well in this one, she pretty much has dropped it! Yea! I didn't connect with one of her books just because she had so much misplaced self blame. I didn't feel that in this and felt like she had moved on. Maybe if the love square resolves, I would connect more with Jane. -
I am funny with this series. I've read them all. I even pre-ordred this one, but I don't find them totally satisfying. They are well-written, but I find I lack connection to the lead character, perhaps because she too lacks in connection with the people in her life. I find myself skimming pages now and then, just wanting to follow the thread of the plot rather than historical details about whatever town Jane is currently in.
But I obviously like the series enough to continue reading it, and the overall world and plot is interesting. -
It's still a great series but this was my least favorite. Jane again leaves town. Bruiser is around some but little happens. Rick is likable but still too in her life for me with the love triangle stuff but the sheriff and Eli were hilarious. It's nonstop action but I wish the author would slow down a bit - I'd like to have had Jane calm down a little of the non-compassion that she used to have - a lot of important characterization seems skipped over at times to get to the action of the story, but I don't mind the pace slowing to show more of the bonding scenes. Beast is a joy as always, and the cat scene in the kitchen was hilarious, both with Eli, then Rick, then the wolf. Also, I hope the author doesn't have Jane see Leo offpage and miss seeing how it is the first time since you know who was accidentally bonded instead. Was purring involved against Jane's will? These are little details that spice up the story for me but that the author is starting to skip through.
I really like this series but inconsistencies with the Grindys and weres is driving me crazy and causing mucho distraction. I can't stand this part of the series
1 - This book and another suddenly claims that if Jane is bit by a were and changed, not only is the Were who bit someone killed, but also the one bit will be killed if they do not get healed by a magic blade in time. WTF? In the first book with the Grindy, only the biter was killed as a punishment for spreading on purpose. The victim was never killed! If this were the case, why are there any Weres at all? Why weren't the Weres she hunted previously who spread the bites not killed instantly by their Grindys? ALSO, in the first few books of the series it was mentioned several times that just because someone was bit by a Were, it was no guarantee they'd get the infection and become a shapeshifter, and it could take awhile to tell - so saying now that the Grindy would kill the victim almost immediately is pissing me off to no end. Not fair and not consistent.
2 - At first the Grindy's was Were-cat only - we know this because no one there had heard of them until the visitor from the African Tribe where the were-cats are. It doesn't make sense the werewolves would have their own version because then there never would have been that battle in the bar (they would be too scared to go around killing people), we would have seen grindy's there, and werewolves wouldn't have been involved in so many wars and infect so many people...otherwise they would have just been killed out, so this makes no sense.
3 - The Grindy's have been overdone now and make the Were-animal completely unscary as they are suddenly killed instantly if they do anything wrong
4 - It still makes NO sense that Jane could be changed into a shifter considering what she is. That's just annoying reasoning. And this stumble with Rick because of that is also incredibly annoying - I don't want that to be who she ends up with anyway (George instead, anyone?), but having that as a reason is obnoxious.
Full review to come. -
Jane and the Younger brothers, Eli and Alex, travel to Natchez, Mississippi because the master of Natchez requests her help with the Nautraleza vampires. There is a large number of people disappearing and they believe the remaining Naturaleza are to blame.
Jane quickly discovers that there is something very strange about the Nautraleza in Natchez, most importantly they seem to be moving more like insects and virtually impossible to kill which makes her job much harder...but when two people from her past get caught this nefarious plot of these new vampires Jane will have to pull out all the stops to save them. If that wasn’t complicated enough, her friend from her past goes missing leaving her very ill young child in Jane’s care.
Jane is having a tough time dealing with the fallout from her past actions. She must keep a tight lease on Beast because of the bond with Leo. She is having difficulties reconciling her emotions on Brusier’s betrayal and Jane is mourning the loss of Rick.
Jane’s character growth in this installment was amazing. Even though she is suffering from a sort of despression/funk, she pulls herself together to be the ultimate protector and heroin we’ve come to love.
I am completely intrigued with the direction Jane’s relationships are taking. A total surprise for me was her changes with Soul. There are others that I can’t mention because it could be considered a spoiler...let me just say there are a few relationships that are evolving and some characters I am very much looking forward to their return in Jane’s life.
I read this book completely for the pleasure of reading a series I love. I picked it just for me! As a huge fan of the Jane Yellowrock series, I was thrilled with Blood Trade the sixth installment in this series. Riveting from start to finish with lots of brilliant twists and turns, once again Faith Hunter outdid herself. Blood Trade is going on my favorite shelf. -
I just loved this book. Jane is a perfectly imperfect heroine. She screws up, she falls, she says the wrong thing, but she keeps trying. She keeps learning, she keeps growing, and this tale is more of what I've come to expect from her. I won't post spoilers, because I just won't, but I can say that inroads are made in some relationships, and one person in particular, gets called on his BS, which frankly, I've been hoping for for a while. The action in this book is fantastic and fast moving. I love the details of the weapons, and Eli and Kid have cemented themselves in my heart. Of course, some thing's are unresolved, and some new questions pop up, but through it all Jane keeps slogging through, and Beast is just Beast. Practically perfect in every way. You will not be disappointed!
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Another great addition to what amounts to the second half of Jane Yellowrock's storyline. We've got all the old characters, fleshed out in even more detail, with a great storyline full of twists and turns and... THANKFULLY... Not as heavy on the three page deep descriptions of unrequited lust that bogged down the earlier novels. (I know it's just a story, but not every human interaction is tainted with unspoken sexual tension... And lets be frank: when adults want to get it on, they get it on.) I'm easy for the next one in the series!
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Yay! The new Jane Yellowrock does not disappoint fans! Although it is hard to remember since the last time I read Jane's epic saga, I got pulled right into the story and its action. In the last tale, we were able to learn more about Jane and her past, now we are learning more about her present (some of her past) and a lot about relationships. Or better yet, Jane's relationships with a certain primo and black panther. I really did enjoy getting to see this side of Jane more, simply because we don't get to see that side very often. Jane is tough, which I love! But it is nice to know that she is a human still and a woman as well, she has feelings and things that we all deal with.
The story is a follow-up to the last book in that Jane has to fix the mess of the Naturalezas. Except this time she has to go to Natchez to do it. Rather new characters get to be explored more, lots of action packed scenes, twists, plot developments, and just about everything you can think about are thrown in here. I will say that I don't think it was the best Yellowrock book, but I still definitely enjoyed being in the world, learning more about characters, and all the rest. I think there could have been a little more tying of loose ends and such but I realize that there are other books coming out too and you can't give away everything, but rather must have something to build on for the next book. All in all, very good addition to the Yellowrock series and cannot wait to meet Mrs. Hunter on Sunday! -
Jane Yellowrock is a one-of-a-kind heroine that reflects a female "tough-as-nails" persona that appeals to readers of all ages and genres.
The popularity of this series is unquestioned as is the quality of the writing, Ms Hunter has brought to life a character that embodies shape-shifters with Cherokee heritage plus a dose of vampires and a bit of other nastiness to top it off.
Like I said, nothing's like it and if there is another one that I have missed it obviously is not as well written and addictive as this series is to those of us that have followed her though all the installments.
This installment is as good or better than most and I hope Faith Hunter can continue to create and write these novels for many more years. I still tire of the on/off relationship with Rick but that keeps going and I am still waiting on some revenge for the actions of Leo and Bruiser, my revenge junkie was not happy :)
(UPDATE: Faith Hunter replied to my complaints about a lack of revenge with this info about the next book : "I just wrote the revenge scene, Douglas Meeks. It was ... lovely. And best served cold...")
this is the reading order:
http://www.faithhunter.net/wp/books/j... -
4/5; 4 stars; A-
Its great to get back into Jane Yellowrock's world. Even though its been a while for me so I couldn't remember book 5 in great detail, I picked the story up and was immersed immediately. This book takes up shortly after the last one ends. I was really happy to see that Jane has made a solid partnership with the Younger brothers and that she got to go back to Natchez Mississippi. There was a lot of ugly, unfinished business in that town and it got stranger and stranger as the story went on.
I like how Jane's character grows with each book. I was happy to see at the end of this one that she finally stood up for herself.
The Rick/Bruiser/Jane/Beast/Leo potential combos are seemingly endless. I hope that one day Jane can find love and happiness but this book has pretty much zero romance...still too soon I guess. Its pure UF.
