| Title | : | Black Arts (Jane Yellowrock, #7) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0451465245 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780451465245 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 325 |
| Publication | : | First published January 7, 2014 |
When Evan Trueblood blows into town looking for his wife, Molly, he’s convinced that she came to see her best friend, Jane. But it seems like the witch made it to New Orleans and then disappeared without a trace.
Jane is ready to do whatever it takes to find her friend. Her desperate search leads her deep into a web of black magic and betrayal and into the dark history between vampires and witches. But the closer she draws to Molly, the closer she draws to a new enemy—one who is stranger and more powerful than any she has ever faced.
Black Arts (Jane Yellowrock, #7) Reviews
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Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾 -
Jane I have hope for you
I was doing okay in this book I mean I really enjoyed that Evan and the kids came to town and Jane actually had a dialogue with Leo that seemed pretty healing, I still want him to die the death a thousand paper cuts but then we here that motorcycle coming up the drive and I *cringe*.
Why??? Why is this guy here? What do we have to do to get rid of The Ricky-dick? Why does Jane even bother with this guy? Why does she swoon anytime he shows up? I totally don’t get it at all. He is horrible to her 90% of the time and yet she turns into a slobbering emotional needy mess anytime he shows up.
Thankfully something went down and I’m seriously hoping that it means the end of the Rickster. I get why Beast wants him, hell she wants every strong male out there but she doesn’t care about the emotional crap that comes with them. Jane is looking for someone who is going to really love her. I’m hoping she gives Bruiser a shot because that man is bending over backwards for her and has taken some hard hits literally because of it.Eli said, “Why did you beat your primo to a pulp? Just for starters.”
Leo held the Ranger with his eyes. “My primo has been acting contrary to my needs. He has placed another’s needs before my own.”
“And?” I asked, feeling that there had to be more to it.
“Onorios cannot be bound,” Leo said simply.
I was always leaning to the Bruiser side of things which isn’t saying much since I hated Rick at book go but now I’m totally on board the Bruiser train and I’m really hoping that Jane gives him a serious shot because I think that if she finally let into the attraction between them it would leave whatever she was feeling for Rick in the dust.
Other than the drama lama of the love triangle I loved the plot line. Molly is missing and Evan brings the kids since he thought she was with Jane. It was sad to see how the relationship between Molly and Evan had changed after the death of Evangelina. I liked the slow discovery of what Molly was dealing with and why she is so changed. Angie is the cutest little shit ever and I loved seeing how she is dealing with having magic so young. Molly and Evan are going to have their hands full for awhile with that little girl she is equal parts cuteness and mischief.
There are a few things that happened in this that had 0 explanations after they happen like Bruiser getting pulled into the gray place to come to Jane’s aid. It is never figured out how he got there, if it was because of Jane or something else. I really wanted more explanations on this since it seemed like a pretty big thing. But a friend says that is what the next book deals with so I’ll let it go for now.
So to recap. Cute Witchy kids, decent intresting plot, a possible conclusion to the drama lama love triangle (4 books too late IMHO) and some big movement on the Jane personal growth front. Lets keep the forward momentum going Jane.
read with
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*** 4.35 ***
Another buddy read with the UF Freaks @ BB&B! Because Beast is awesome!!!
Well, finally things happen in such a way that we should reasonably expect in the next book Jane to stop pining after the cheating, self-involved, Beta cat Ricky-bo... Ghhhrrrr! I still have a hard time understanding what she sees in him?! He is a layer, a cheat, and she always has to go and save his ass when he is in trouble... I guess him being so very pretty and sexy, he must have magic in his genes somehow... Well, good riddance, I say!
"...“I also know about running away," I said, when staying around is so much harder. And I know the happiness, the"-I searched for a word and had to settle on- "the joy when sticking around and fighting things mean I get to keep the people I love near me.”..."
We also, finally, got to see how Molly's family has been doing since they dropped off the scene... And it has not been pretty. Molly is missing and Even drags the kids to New Orleans, storming Jane's house and demanding for Jane to produce his missing wife. Apparently, before she vanished she had left him a note stating she is going to visit her... However, Molly never arrived and a frantic search ensues. The house is full of her two partners, the Younger brothers, who have become very dear to me, by the way, Evan and now the toddler EJ and his 7 years old sister, Angie baby. Speaking of the little girl, the cutest, most precocious character in the book, she has become a handful! She is getting stronger and stronger in her witch power and is starting to try and manipulate everyone around her not only with cuteness, but also magical means... I cannot even imagine the hell she will be when she becomes a teenager!!! Her parents are going to go gray every minute...
Beast likes having the kitts around, but is worried about all the grown males in the vicinity - she had had some bad experiences in the past... That was very sad to read... On top of the search for Molly, two of Katy's girls are missing as well and since this is her job, she is charged with finding them. And as if this is not enough, in order to make the commotion complete, Leo is having a soiree to have new supplicants and a very old and very scary vampire swear fidelity to him, as well as delegates from the weres of Africa visiting, and Jane has to be in charge of the security of the event... Talk about having a full plate...
Having this type of set-up, the book was full of action, intrigue, explosive revaluations and even was able to squeeze some very tender moments in as well!!! Those were my favorite! We even got introduced to some new and very terrifying characters, which I hope we will get to learn more about as we go. One thing to say, this series is only getting more exciting as the volumes build-up, and I am very committed to be along for the ride all the way to the end!!!
"...“I've spent all the years since full of guilt and misery, even though I didn't remember it. I've let it run my thoughts, my plans, my whole life. But the experience doesn't own me. I own it. What I do with it is up to me, just like what Molly does with her death magic is up to her.”..."
Jane, I love you and I hope the shifting in relationships and the great sweat therapy you got from the two Native American ladies finally puts you back on the right track emotionally. ANd I can't wait to see what happens then:):):)
I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you need in the pages of a good book!!! -
4.25 Stars. I do so enjoy this series. I needed to take a quick break from my ARC reviewing, because I was getting a real craving for one of my mainstream urban fantasy/PNR books that have been sitting on my Kindle for way too long. I was thinking some Patricia Briggs or maybe Ilona Andrews, but for whatever the reason, when I want to read about a strong woman, kicking some supernatural ass, I can’t pass up Faith Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock series. This series took a little bit to find its footing, but the books are really good and with the news that the series is ending -with the 15th book later this year- I wanted to try to slowly start catching back-up.
While I love that Jane is such a badass, I also love all the vampire intrigue and politics that goes on and how Jane always has a big mystery to solve. Jane is an “enforcer” but she takes on jobs finding missing people, rescuing people and supernatural beings, and she’s a vampire bounty hunter/executioner too. You don’t even realize it, but these books could almost go into the paranormal-crime category and that is probably why this series it is such a great match for me.
I also like that these books are not filled with as much sex as you would expect since Jane works for a bunch of vamps –this particular book had none-. After reading so many Anita Blake books –which jumped the shark when the orgies started- too many sex scenes can be pretty repetitive in this genre and I like that Jane’s personal relationship are a storyline but a smaller side one. Also, there is the fact that Hunter has given Jane one of the worse boyfriend/exes, on again off again, in almost any urban fantasy novel ever, in Ricky, and I can’t stand them together. Just when I was enjoying this book, in an extra way with no Ricky, he makes an appearance. While I won’t give anything away, I have real hope that the only time Ricky will be back in Janes life is if he goes crazy from were taint and that the Grindy’s might be missing so Jane would have to put him out of his misery. Now that would be a storyline!
I would recommend this series to fans of mainstream urban fantasy and maybe even paranormal-crime books. The series takes a bit to get of running, but once it gets there it doesn’t stop. I would also highly recommend reading this series in order. There are so many storylines that are connected that I think a person just jumping in would be confused. I just realized that I have been reading this series for over a decade. While that might seem like a lot when I’m only now on book 8, Hunter writes a ton of novellas and shorts so I have read at least 17 stories in the Jane Yellowrock world. I think it shows that this is a good series or I would have given up on it long ago. -
Jane hasn’t exactly been on Evan Trueblood’s Christmas card list lately. So when he shows up out of the blue, something must be wrong. Molly has gone missing, neither one of them can trace her, and there’s something fishy up with black magic, witches, and vampires. Because, of course.
As usual, the world-building and detective procedural aspect of Faith Hunter’s books is top notch. Loved the continuing development of things with Jane/Leo post-forced feeding. That story line has continued to evolve in interesting ways. Now Jane will have to use the information she gets from the Master of the City so that she and Evan can rescue Molly before it’s too late. This one was fantastic!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader. -
Black Arts is going on my favorite reads shelf. Extraordinary writing and fabulous character growth, has moved Black Arts to the top of my Jane Yellowrock adventures.
Evan Trueblood and the wonderful kids come crashing back into Jane's life, quite literally... Molly is missing and Jane pulls out all the stops to find her friend. But Molly isn't the only one that has gone missing and Jane is tasks with finding the other missing girls as well.
Jane's character is really coming into herself. Outed as a skin walker, Jane true self begins to really shine. Getting accustom to not hiding is new for Jane but she is beginning to excel at accepting who she really is, her nature and the nature of beast.
Jane does once again get romantically slammed but after some time she comes to see the situation for what it is. Jane comes to find to even greater realizations about her vampire connections.
I was left feeling hopeful and happy the Trueblood family, especially the children, are back in Jane's life.
Black Arts was a straight read through...leave me alone I'm living in the Yellowrock world right now...I'm not putting this book down for anything...read. I loved it. Faith Hunter, once again, created a brilliant story that captivated, thrilled and surprised me.
I received this ARC copy of Black Arts from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW - Roc in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication January 7, 2014.
Written by: Faith Hunter
Series: Jane Yellowrock
Sequence in Series: Book 7
Page Count: 336 pages
Publisher: Roc
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
ISBN-10: 0451465245
ISBN-13: 978-0451465245
Rating: 5 Stars FAVORITE
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy
Find this book on:
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2019: past-carol. either had a much better attention span or lower standards. Let's be honest: probably a bit of both. So what happened is that I started my cousin on the Yellowrock books and she read up as far as I had in the series (book 6) and then bought the rest. She then dropped off the rest for me to read in a spirit of 'returning the favor,' and I, in the spirit of cousin-ness, did not tell her that I had grown disheartened with the characterization of Jane and the continued presence of vampire politics as a main plotline. I'm not judging her taste; she has a thing for biker chicks and cats. Not to say I don't either, but that my tolerance for all things vampy is now quite low. At any rate, I picked it up, not remembering if I read it. It wasn't long before I was pretty sure I had, but I had a vague sense of tolerance about it.
Well, tolerance, then boredom.
I could not sustain any interest in it. Admittedly, I can see the draw for a first read: in this book, Jane's best friend, Molly, has gone missing, and Molly's husband and two young children have come to New Orleans looking for Molly. They end up staying with Jane and her two young henchmen. Meanwhile, Jane is dealing with the consequences of the last book (I think) where her skinwalker Beast is bound to the head vampire Leo. Leo also offers her a crazy amount of money to be the head of security in preparation for an upcoming European vampire visit to New Orleans. Also meanwhile, two young prostitutes from the house next door have gone missing, one a vamp and one a witch.
This basic (!) three-fold plotting is not aided by periodic attempts by someone(s) on Jane's life, nor by periodic visits to Leo's vampire residence where she occasionally takes time to fight with Leo. Hunter's writing skills and Jane's detecting skills are, frankly, not up to the task. About every chapter, Jane encounters something that is probably supposed to be important, as evidenced by such writing as, "something nagged at me, but I couldn't quite identify what it was." Alas, I had no trouble.
On the up side, there's very adorable scenes with Molly's witch-talented children and Jane, and this is one of the books where there is active female presences, including Jodi, the police detective; Del, a vampire from Virginia or somewhere; an antagonistic female; various female witches; and the Native women.
So while I can see why I might have enjoyed it the first time when I was in reading the series, I have to say when I pick it up as a diverting read, it just doesn't work as well. There's a lot of twisty stuff and stories that are continued from prior books, which makes it less satisfying as a stand-alone, and there's a ton of vampire-related relationships (who owes what to who, areas of power, etc) that's just zzzzz. I'm a little bored just writing about it.
Appropriate evaluation (2014 carol can suck it):
Within the series: 4 Stars
Overall: 3 stars for enjoyment
2014:
Improvement on the last book. Jane doesn't spend excessive time in romantic agnst or moping about her extended family. More focused on problem-solving. -
When I got this I was already sure that I was going to like it (since I have loved every installment in this series) but this was a major step up in not just the story but the look inside to see exactly who Jane Yellowrock is under the hard exterior.
Don’t get me wrong, Jane is STILL Jane but she does a lot of self introspection during this novel and comes out better for it. I must admit I still spent most of the novel wishing for or waiting for her to kill someone that richly deserved it (and there are a plethora of candidates).
The main thing here is that Molly is missing and she has to find her since Evan is a loose cannon without Molly but nobody seems to know what happened to her. Jane will be piecing things together all through the book and concurrent plotlines that will all converge with deadly results as always.
The book comes to an explosive conclusion with most things settled but some things are left for the next book so it is not a cliffhanger but everything is not settled …. yet. Ms. Hunter tried to give us a bit of payback for the acts of betrayal of Leo/Katie/Bruiser back in previous story but maybe I am a hard case since I was not really satisfied yet, but it was not overlooked completely which would have been completely out of character, there may still be some payback. We shall see……
Bottom Line: This is 5 Stars with no real reservations other than maybe I am such a revenge junkie I might want more payback but that was not the real story in this novel. Jane is her deadly best and she handles things better than anyone could and her love life still sucks but what else is new. You don’t want to miss this so get your order in now and read it the first chance you get. -
Sometimes when you are reading a series, you get about 4-5 books in & it starts to feel a little stale, as if the author is tired and/or resting on their laurels a bit. Plot lines become familiar & characters stop evolving. So I'm thrilled to say not only is this a great rip roaring read but one of the best in this popular series.
Jane Yellowrock is back, knives, stakes & all. And faithful fans in particular will enjoy the new revelations about her heritage, who she is & how she came by her skills.
In the meantime, there are a few issues to deal with. Two of Katie's ladies are missing, Adrianna is out for revenge (again), there are illegal vamps in New Orleans, blood slaves are getting ill & Leo is planning a gathering. After the last disaster, Jane needs to tighten up security.
But the biggest worry is brought to Jane's attention on the first page. She wakes to the sound of her doors & windows being blown out by a howling, icy wind. Further investigation finds a very pissed off Evan Trueblood standing in her driveway. Molly has been missing for 4 days & he thinks she is at Jane's.
Jane hasn't seen her since she killed Molly's sister, a witch who was a bit too enamoured with black magic. From then on, Molly's had problems with her own abilities. Fearing a loss of control, she hit the road without telling Evan. Jane has always enjoyed living alone and it's getting a little crowded. Eli & Alex Younger are still staying with her & now Evan and the kids move in. So she contacts Reach for assistance & soon finds Molly's hotel room in New Orleans but she's gone, taken by unfamiliar vamps.
As usual, there's a lot going on & the plot has several story lines that may be connected. The cast of regulars is back with a few changes but not all will survive the coming battle. Vampire politics are never easy to understand & some of the old alliances have shifted. One of them is plotting to challenge Leo for master of the city, taking out Jane & her little family in the process.
Rick is still working with PsyLED & when he shows up, Jane feels the usual chemistry but he, too, is going to face a challenge. It made me wonder if we've seen the last of him as Jane's love interest. Not that there's a shortage. Bruiser's position has changed but not his feelings for Jane. And in one particularly surprising scene, Leo reveals a different side. Huh. Never thought I'd feel a little sorry for the scary fanghead.
There are many agendas & the action is fast paced & deadly. But what I really enjoyed was the new info about Jane. She's a compelling character, tough & kickass but with a conscience that frequently makes her question what she does for a living. The author has been slowly revealing her past, to her & the readers. After a trip to Aggie's sweatlodge, Jane finally understands who she is & why. It also gives her insight into the bond Leo made with her beast. She's been terrified he'd find out & use it to manipulate her but now has hope it can be broken.
Some of the regulars will undergo changes as well & I think this is one of the author's fortes. The relationships are never static & characters just get richer as they evolve with each book. You are continually learning more about them & new ones are introduced to keep the story lines fresh.
The last few chapters will have you turning the pages as fast as you can to see who's left standing. But Jane & Co. won't find all the answers & no doubt will have to face them again. This can be read as a stand alone but it's more rewarding if you start at the beginning as the back story adds much to each instalment. Highly recommend for fans of paramormal or urban fantasy genres. -
Background
Jane Yellowrock is the last Cherokee Skinwalker. Using bones and teeth as her template she is able to transform into animals. On top of her Skinwalker abilities, as a young child, hundreds of years earlier, she took into herself the soul of a mountain lion to save her life. That mountain lion is Beast and she lends Jane her powers of smell and agility and often some unwelcome advice on mating.
Black Arts
Jane’s oldest and dearest friend, Molly Everheart Trueblood has disappeared, and she was on her way to see Jane when it happened. When Evan, an air-witch and Molly’s husband shows up with their two children he brings with him a tornado and a whole truckload of worry.
Jane quickly learns that his worries are well founded, it looks like Molly has been taken by a vampire. And with the strange scent of witch and vampire showing up, she is worried that Molly is being used to power blood magic…and blood magic always demands a life.
Black Arts is book seven in the Jane Yellowrock series and in some ways I think it’s the best yet. Certainly the best since book one, Skinwalker. Some of my favorite characters, characters who have been absent for the last couple of books have returned and things which have been bubbling away in the series are finally resolved, for both good and bad.
This book really feels like a fresh start and I’m excited to see what comes next.
Many thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC -
Black Arts is the 7th book in the Jane Yellowrock series. When I started reading this series with Skinwalker, my review said that it was refreshing to read a vampire series that had such great characters and plot…and wasn’t only about sex. (Bruiser is certainly swoon-worthy though. Do any of you remember the limo scene?) Seven books later and I still stand by that statement.
Anyone could pick up this book and enjoy it because Hunter does a great job at subtly hinting at the backstory without doing an all-out summary. It reminds long-time fans of what has happened in the previous books and gives new readers a sense of direction so they can better understand the web in which the series’ characters are situated. There is one thing that new readers might miss though…the emotion.
Through the past six novels, we have gotten to know Jane, Beast, Bruiser (yum!), Rick (eh…), Molly, Evan, and all the other characters, and we’ve built relationships with them. This book plays heavily on those relationships. The novel opens with a very distraught Evan Trueblood looking for his missing wife, Molly. The tension, trust, and heartbreaking emotion that Hunter sets up in that first scene combined with the mystery of the missing wife and friend grabs the reader and doesn’t let go until the last page is turned.
I absolutely cannot wait to see how the next book plays out with the new element that Hunter has added! (Avoiding spoilers here, folks!) Beautifully balancing emotion, humor, suspense, magic and action, Faith Hunter does not disappoint with Black Arts, the newest novel in the Jane Yellowrock series. Don’t miss this one. It releases January 7, 2014, but it's available for pre-order now!
Review copied from
www.theenchantedalley.blogspot.com -
This book came so close to five stars for me, but still may have achieved dominance as my favorite Jane Yellowrock story to date. So much of what I have loved in this series exists in perfect balance in BLACK ARTS. The focus is on Jane's relationships over vampire politics, and each page featuring Beast and Molly and Bruiser and Leo and even Ricky-Bo was wonderful. Hunter includes just enough detail to make it easy to pick up the threads of the books prior, without overwhelming current action. And as happy as I was to see Jane and Rick on the same page, it was Rick's brief cameo that kept BLACK ARTS from being entirely satisfying as a stand alone. The teaser may have been intended to ensure readers come back for more, but with so little to support Rick's appearance, he was more a distraction than an incentive. That being said, I'll definitely be back for more.
Full review to follow.
Sexual Content: References to sex. -
3.5 Liked this one more than the last one!
Things are finally starting to get interesting!
I'm on to the next one, all this one did was make me damn curious about what will happen next. So many possibilities! -
Cover Love:
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2022 Re-Read
I am having such fun re-enjoying these novels! Hunter has created such a complete fantasy world and treats it with a great sense of humour. She doesn't try to take it all too seriously. This is play for urban fantasy readers.
Hunter uses the fantasy tropes so well! Our Jane is learning about her past, accumulating friends and chosen family, building her strength, and facing some truths. It's the relationships that captivate me. Aren't we all a bit like Jane, trying to figure out our lives, to find that person who we can team up with romantically, to build a posse of like-minded friends to face the hardships of life? If Jane can do it, we feel like we can too.
I keep saying how much I have forgotten, but it's true. I blasted through this series so fast and furious the first time through that the details didn't have time to lodge in my memory. Maybe I'm being ridiculously optimistic, as I'm still reading at speed, but I hope to retain a bit more this time. -
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
The release of Black Arts brings with it multiple story lines that leaves our heroine Jane Yellowrock trying to piece together a nearly unsolvable puzzle before it is too late for her best friend Molly Everhart Trueblood. When Evan Trueblood nearly blows down Jane's front door with his air magic looking for Molly, and two employees of Katie's (Leo's second and heir) disappear, it is the start of a variety of challenges, and revelations that have been waiting to come to light for awhile now.
If you are a series regular, then you know that Jane and Molly have had a rough go of it ever since Jane was responsible for killing her sister Evangelina (see Raven Cursed for more information). The fact is that Jane has also been forced to face the music for her actions not only in her psyche, but in the court of public opinion as well. Jane is one of the strongest characters you will read about, but at times, she questions almost everything she does and often wonders if she is truly a good person, or bad, and it takes her awhile to solve things that are right in front of her.
I will say this about Black Arts, it's not a boring story that's for sure. Jane discovers more about herself and her connection to Beast than any previous installment. She makes choices based on help from Aggie One Feather who has had some recent issues with Jane. Her secret that she's a skinwalker has been exposed to the supernatural community, and her relationship with Leo takes on an interesting turn of events that I am inquisitive and concerned about. Along with a new villain who comes calling on Leo, there are tons of other interesting situations making their way for New Orleans and Leo's territories. So many that I won't spoil them for you. I will just say, read the book!
Although most of the questions in Black Arts are solved, there are a few that are left open ended, and I am eagerly anticipating the next installments release to see where Jane's relationship with Leo, Rick, Bruiser, and Kate heads. There is also important questions about Evan and Molly's daughter Angie that should be fun to discover in future installments as well. I am still happy that Hunter added the Younger brothers (Eli and Alex) to the mix. They are definitely strong characters who add a bit of humor and family ties to Jane's life.
I've read on Faith's Facebook page that the next installment will be called Broken Soul and releases sometime in November of 2014. This was posted on 12/23/2013. Can't wait to see what Jane and gang are tasked with next!
*Recvd 12/05/2013 via NetGalley* Expected publication: January 7th 2014 (first published 2014) __Black Arts Blog Tour Stop @ Gizmos Reviews on January 1, 2014. -
Buddy read with the UF group of BB&B.
I loved the plot of this one! It was a good blend of action, mystery and character development. There were some great moments: and for example.
The only thing that spoiled my enjoyment was Rick. I swear I wanted to weep when I "heard" the motorcycle coming up to Jane's house. Why does he keep showing up? What does Jane see in him? Is she such a glutton for emotional punishment? At least after the stunt he pulled this time, I hope she will finally stop swooning over the idiot. Why she isn't chasing after the perfectly swoon worthy and totally available Bruiser who is basically jumping through burning hoops for her I will never understand! I'm sick and tired of this bullshit love triangle. It's old! Use another plot device, dear author!
This installment brought up many questions and hopefully they'll get answers soon and with the upcoming visit from the European vamps I feel these answers will be the difference between life and death. And having Molly back on our side and that cute little troublemaker Angie, Jane and company might survive yet another crisis unscated. -
Book Info
Paperback, 336 pages
Expected publication: January 7th 2014 by Roc
original title Black Arts
ISBN 0451465245 (ISBN13: 9780451465245)
edition language English
series Jane Yellowrock #7
other editions (4)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
AMAZON
B&NBOOK SYNOPSIS
Jane Yellowrock is a shape-shifting skinwalker who always takes care of her own—no matter the cost...
When Evan Trueblood blows into town looking for his wife, Molly, he’s convinced that she came to see her best friend, Jane. But it seems like the witch made it to New Orleans and then disappeared without a trace.
Jane is ready to do whatever it takes to find her friend. Her desperate search leads her deep into a web of black magic and betrayal and into the dark history between vampires and witches. But the closer she draws to Molly, the closer she draws to a new enemy—one who is stranger and more powerful than any she has ever faced.My Thoughts
In 2009 Jane Yellowrock exploded onto the Urban Fantasy scene in book 1 Skinwalker-Jane Yellowrock #1 and I fell totally in love with the storyline and the characters. Now we are on book 7, Jane has matured over the course of the intervening years as not only a force to reckon with but as a character that you know you want as a friend as she protects to the death those she loves.
When found out the digital ARC was available to read through publisher on Netgalley my heart jumped for joy, never mind the fact that had ordered my copy that releases in 2014 because waiting that long for my “Jane fix” just would not do!
To my joy they approved my request and so got to read over a month early having delightedly dove headfirst into the latest adventure with Jane and the rest with no stops until last page turned. (Fangirl statements done!)
Jane started out to be a somewhat rough character in the beginning of this series but now 7 books later she has matured into a heroine that we can truly enjoy, quirky humor, love for knives and guns, prickly lack of social skills and all the rest of the things that make her more well rounded. First and foremost Jane’s unswerving sense of loyalty to those she has let become close to her is her number one attribute, the fact that she can apparently clean the floor with Leo the MOC of New Orleans is another point in her favor as a very cool character in this action oriented Urban Fantasy series.
We have also gotten to know some of Jane’s friends and in this book the Truebloods are front and center with the main focus on finding Molly, keeping her husband Evan from losing his mind or letting his wild magic ability get completely out of his control. Angie and little Evan are such sweethearts and “Aunt Jane” would do anything in her power to bring their Mommy home safe and sound, and in this story she does just that. Beast is a very powerful ally as usual however this time even she finds surprises in store for her and Jane that have her reaching out more and more for help from her partners and housemates Eli and Alex Younger. Like other fans of the series it was great to see Jane finally harnessing her full potential as a Skinwalker and most importantly letting it become an “open secret”, her coming to grips with this part of herself was very moving as were the emotions the reader feels right along with her as she overcomes her years of reluctance and fear to embrace her heritage.
From start to finish this was one of my favorites, especially a certain action sequence where Jane takes Leo in a sparring match that leaves them both battered and bloody but smiling.
Solid story with many parts that all lead to one ending that will make you wish for more pages to turn![EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
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Wow fans of this series are going to be falling over themselves to read this book. This instalment of the Jane Yellowrock series will tie up unfinished business and give answers that her numerous fans are dying to have but it's also a lynchpin as to just where this characters journey is going. This book is by no means an easy standalone novel and is probably best read as part of a series starting with Skinwalker. If you are looking for urban fantasy and a heroine with heart then look no further.
Janes life as a vampire hunter is finally making sense. Those around her now know of her heritage and abilities and it's strangely liberating to finally show her true self. The only true blot on the horizon is her bust up with her best friend and witch Molly but then again Jane did kill Molly's sister so that's probably to be expected, right? Well actually no as Molly's husband Evan has turned up worried that his wife has disappeared and swearing that Molly had understood and was trying to forgive Jane. Evan is convinced that Molly was on her way to see Jane but she hasn't arrived and the trail has gone cold. Janes not going to leave her friends in the lurch and starts to investigate.
Whilst trying to find out if Molly is safe Jane gets a call from the local vampires asking her to investigate the disappearance of two of their working girls. It's not a request Jane can easily refuse but when she meets up with Leo the Master of the City and he needs her to work at beefing up security at an important gathering he's arranged things start to get a lot more complicated. Is it possible that there's a connection between the missing person cases? It could all be a coincidence but vampire politics are very complicated and the world that Jane inhabits is full of danger.
I've only recently started to read this series as I spotted a novella set in this world in Kicking It and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've had to rapidly catch up and I'm so pleased I finally started reading these books.
The character Jane leads a complicated life and a lot of this book is inside Janes head as we are treated to the internal dialogue that she has with her inner Beast. I love Beast! They hardly ever agree but when they do things get done . Beast has very strong ideas about those around Jane but just like Jane is über protective of those deserving it.
This was quite an emotional read at one point as Janes love life seems to be at a huge turning point and it's a pivotal moment. I fear there will be readers shouting at their books in disgust but I did say that Janes life was complicated!
Although I really enjoyed this I somehow still wanted more. It's a very good book and the writing standard is excellent as always but for me a little more action initially would have been appreciated.
For that reason I'd rate this a four and a half -
Well this Jane Yellowrock novel fails to disappoint. The story starts with missing people, and all of the gang makes an appearance. Leo, Rick, Molly, and the kits. I really enjoy this series and the unique way the author twists it's plot. The romance though is a bit off because there is barely any and that's the only thing I hate about this book. Thanks netgalley for a read in exchange for a review.
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This is the 7th book in the Jane Yellowrock series. I got a copy of this book to review from NetGalley. This series seriously just keeps getting better and better. I loved this book and thought it did an excellent job on building on the overall story while having an excellent contained plotline as well. I read that Hunter has a contract for two more books in this series but would like to write as many as 15 books.
Big Evan shows up at Jane’s house in New Orleans in a rage looking for Molly. Supposedly Molly was coming to visit Jane but has disappeared. While Jane gets her tech-genius the Kid to try and track down Molly’s where-abouts a new problem comes to light. Some of Katie’s ladies have disappeared and Katie wants Jane to track them down, then Leo wants Jane to do some serious security work when a Gather of vampires from all over is scheduled. It’s a lot for Jane to juggle, but in the end everything might just be related.
I love this series. I love the characters and love how the plot is set up and comes together so nicely without ever seeing forced or contrived. I love how Jane is struggling with what she does for a living and trying to come to peace with it.
Eli and the Kid are both still living with Jane. They have been an excellent addition to the story. They both provide some humor and balance for Jane that was really needed. Jane continues to grow as a character, learning how to harness her Skinwalker power better and how to be at peace with herself. There is a fight scene in here between Jane and Leo that absolutely took my breath away.
Rick is, unfortunately, also back in the story. I just don’t like him and kind of wish he would disappear. Hopefully he does in future books. There is also some tension between Jane and Leo and..of course...Jane and Bruiser.
Big Evan is in the story a lot and his two kids are staying with Jane at her house. Baby Angie is an excellent character, her magic powers are really starting to show despite her young age and I think she’s going to add a lot to the series in the future. Molly has some huge character developments that are really interesting and I am eager to read more about.
Jane is involved in three separate plot lines in the beginning of the story. I really enjoyed how these were juggled and how they all came together in the end. Hunter does an excellent job with this. I also enjoyed how there is one storyline that’s resolved and it contributes to the larger overall storyline. Urban fantasies written this way are my favorite.
The book is well written and has a lot of humor, action, and general awesomeness. It’s a good balance of excellent characterization, good world-building, mystery, action, and a bit of romance.
Overall an absolutely wonderful continuation of this series. This series is quickly becoming one of my favorite urban fantasy series; each book is better than the book before and I just love it! I highly recommend this series to fans of action and mystery packed urban fantasy. -
When Evan Trueblood storms (literally) into Jane’s home in New Orleans, she discovers that Molly has disappeared, leaving only a cryptic note indicating she was going to see Jane. Jane convinces Evan that she has not spoken to Molly since the situation with Evangelina and promises that she will find her friend. Together with Eli and the Kid, Jane begins the hunt for Molly, while also taking on a job for Katie to find two of her girls who also have vanished. She also responds to a summons for Leo, where she learns that she will once again be in charge of security for a major gathering acting in her capacity as Leo’s Enforcer. With time running out, dark magic on the wind, old enemies on the prowl, and new threats to the New Orleans vampires, it will take everything Jane has to protect those she loves and that still might not be enough to survive.
How is it possible that this series just gets stronger and stronger with every novel? I can only attribute it to Faith Hunter’s masterful storytelling…or magic. Black Arts is my favorite Jane Yellowrock outing to date. The pacing is so incredibly tight, and the action is breathtaking, but what makes Black Arts special is the spectacular character growth in Jane. We finally get to see Jane begin to accept who and what she truly is and what she can be going forward. This is very much a novel of introspection for Jane, which is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
The actual mechanics of the story are killer. Hunter deftly handles numerous plotlines that weave and flow over and through each other, and never once does she let the reigns go. This book is the very definition of a page turner. There are answers and new layers, some surprising outcomes, and even a few twists I never saw coming. Everything you expect to see in a great book is here in force – including all of our favorite characters.
As for Jane’s love life, there are a few interesting developments that tease and hint at the future, but this is not a book where romance is the focus. The lack of romantic development is only mildly frustrating, as the growth in Jane is something necessary and that is where the focus rightly lies in Black Arts.
There really are not enough words for me to explain how much I love this installment. Not only does it stand as a bright spot in an already excellent series, it is a turning point for the Jane Yellowrock saga. I am breathless with anticipation for the next book.
Originally reviewed at Bitten by Books by KristinD. See the review here:
http://bittenbybooks.com/67062/black-...
Faith Hunter -
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
My Rating 4.5 out 5
This is the Jane Yellowrock book that I’ve been waiting for! Each installment of the Jane Yellowrock series is always jammed packed with action and BLACK ARTS is no exception. This book is go, go, go. It also ties up some loose ends that have been ongoing for several books. But most importantly (to me anyway) BLACK ARTS sees Jane grow a great deal and finally find some self-acceptance of her own history.
The Jane Yellowrock world has a pretty vast cast of characters and the majority of the series regulars have parts to play. I was thrilled that the Trueblood’s are back in Jane’s life. They’re family to Jane and the events separating them have had my heart aching for the last couple of books, so I was excited when Evan and the kits…err kids…show up looking for Jane’s help in finding Molly. I’m also falling more in love with Jane’s partners and roommates the Younger brothers, Eli and Alex, with each book. They’ve got Jane’s back and accept her without reservation.
Then there’s the romance….or lack thereof. My only disappointment in the whole book is that Jane still doesn’t have someone to hold her. Oh, all the love interests (Ricky-Bo, Bruiser, and Leo) are still there, circling around, and forever screwing things up. AHHH!! Come on you guys! Would one of you please man up and be the kind of guy Jane needs? Leo, sorry I just don’t think Jane belongs with the Master of the City. Bruiser, I still haven’t forgiven you for how you betrayed Jane earlier in the series but I will say you made a bit of headway in BLACK ARTS. And Ricky-Bo? I so don’t want to talk to you right now.
For you faithful followers of the Jane Yellowrock series BLACK ARTS is a must read! For those of you not familiar with the series, this is not a stand-alone but it is a must read. Start with book 1, SKINWALKER, and play catch up. It has vampires, magic, guns, a kick-ass heroine, action, intrigue…what’s not to love? -
Great and amazing series. I was especially anticipating to read more about Jane and Leo the Master of the City. Some scenes where kind of disappointing they where harder to follow and even some I thought did dent add anything to the general story line. I was left feeling hopeful and happy the Trueblood family, especially the children, are back in Jane's life. At the end I was hoping to read more about a closure after the big finale but that just never came. Just a happy end of Molly and her family and because this is a series about Jane... Well I just wanted to read a happy end for Jane. Leave it up to that.
Black Arts was a straight read through. Faith Hunter, once again, created a brilliant story that captivated, thrilled and surprised me.
I received this ARC copy of Black Arts from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet. This book is set for publication January 7, 2014. -
Man this one was dark. Good dark. Deep dark. Character developy, mythology developy, awesome dark
-
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta:
*eARC received from NetGalley
--Actual rating, 4.5 Skulls
Wow fans of this series are going to be falling over themselves to read this book.
This installment of the Jane Yellowrock series will tie up unfinished business and give answers that Faith's numerous fans are dying to have, but it's also a lynchpin as to just where this character's journey is going.
This book is by no means an easy standalone novel and is probably best read as part of a series starting with Skinwalker. If you are looking for urban fantasy and a heroine with heart then look no further.
Jane's life as a vampire hunter is finally making sense. Those around her now know of her heritage and abilities and it's strangely liberating to finally show her true self. The only true blot on the horizon is her bust up with her best friend and witch Molly but then again Jane did kill Molly's sister so that's probably to be expected, right? Well actually no as Molly's husband Evan has turned up worried that his wife has disappeared and swearing that Molly had understood and was trying to forgive Jane. Evan is convinced that Molly was on her way to see Jane but she hasn't arrived and the trail has gone cold. Janes not going to leave her friends in the lurch and starts to investigate. Whilst trying to find out if Molly is safe Jane gets a call from the local vampires asking her to investigate the disappearance of two of their working girls. It's not a request Jane can easily refuse but when she meets up with Leo the Master of the City and he needs her to work at beefing up security at an important gathering he's arranged things start to get a lot more complicated. Is it possible that there's a connection between the missing person cases? It could all be a coincidence but vampire politics are very complicated and the world that Jane inhabits is full of danger.
I've only recently started to read this series as I spotted a novella set in this world in Kicking It and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've had to rapidly catch up and I'm so pleased I finally started reading these books. The character Jane leads a complicated life and a lot of this book is inside Janes head as we are treated to the internal dialogue that she has with her inner Beast.
I love Beast! They hardly ever agree but when they do things get done . Beast has very strong ideas about those around Jane but just like Jane is über protective of those deserving it. This was quite an emotional read at one point as Janes love life seems to be at a huge turning point and it's a pivotal moment. I fear there will be readers shouting at their books in disgust but I did say that Jane's life was complicated!
Although I really enjoyed this I somehow still wanted more. It's a very good book and the writing standard is excellent as always but for me a little more action initially would have been appreciated. For that reason I'd rate this a four and a half. -
See review posted at Bitten By Books:
http://bittenbybooks.com/67062/black-... -
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2013/12/26...
Publisher: Penguin
Publishing Date: January 2014
ISBN: 9780451465245
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.2/5.0
Publisher Description: Jane Yellowrock is a shape-shifting skinwalker who always takes care of her own �no matter the cost…. When Evan Trueblood blows into town looking for his wife, Molly, he’s convinced that she came to see her best friend, Jane. But it seems like the witch made it to New Orleans and then disappeared without a trace. Jane is ready to do whatever it takes to find her friend. Her desperate search leads her deep into a web of black magic and betrayal and into the dark history between vampires and witches. But the closer she draws to Molly, the closer she draws to a new enemy� one who is stranger and more powerful than any she has ever faced.
Review: Meee-frickin’-eeeowww, what a cover. Hotty badass in leather with chains whipping around. Fug me. Well, here is a earthly parallel type story of vampires (many kinds of), were-wolves, skinwalkers and witches (good and bad). I am sure I left out many magical entities, but you get the gist. One of the characters that I really liked, yet did not get a lot of play, was the Madame Vampire, Katie. Way creepy and alluring. Like being really horny for someone and there is no protection handy. Anyhoo, one of the cases that Jane is working on, other than finding Molly, is the Madame Vampires’ two prostitutes whom have been abducted. What follows is a disconcerting trail of violence that leads to one bad ass source.
I kind of liked this novel. The characters were fairly well developed. The dialogue, while rather mundane, did have moments of interesting exchanges. The story-line was really straight forward, and not much of a mystery. Our heroine kind of lags behind in the ol’ brains department when figuring the machinations that occur around her. I thought the story could have used a GOOD dose of mystery; where the reader is involved to uncover the secret of the missing persons with just enough information to draw conclusions, both accurate and off the mark, coupled with a surprise ending. This was more of a magical powers/entity battle driven kind of novel, with blades, guns and magic.
Jane Yellowrock is kind of a visual slut. Meaning, that she has the hots for just about every guy she meets. Oh, and all the guys she meets happen to be hot. Go figure. She is either looking at ass, or imagining some kind of tryst with whomever. And here I thought women were mostly singular in their approach to mates once they “mature”. One of my peeves about writers, can be their overuse of certain words. If there was one glaring problem with this novel, it would be that. Her “beast” that resides within her, talks. The author’s constant use of “Chuffing”, or “Huffed” of “Chuffed” or “Growled” by every character, GETS REALLY OLD. There are quite a few descriptors, that although may take effort, can be used to describe a situation without relying on the overuse of certain verbs. The author’s use of J. Bonamassa as integral to her novel during the Gathering would have been better served with Sonny Landreth as the novel takes place in Louisiana.
What this novel lacks in depth it makes up for in creative design. The entities and their Modus’ are really inventive, while the depth of the story-line is kind of one dimensional. “Read or don’t read, won’t hurt either way” He chuffed menacingly . -
This story builds on previous books in the series, so you do need to read in order.
Black Arts is a fast-paced action-packed adventure. It starts with a bang and doesn’t stop. It ties up unfinished business and gives us answers on numerous things we have been waiting for.
Jane’s life is finally making sense. Those around her finally know her heritage and abilities. It’s liberating for Jane. The only downside is she is still estranged from her best friend Molly and her family, but then again that rift is about to be slowly mended.
Jane and Beast are more in-since with each other, but they still have a ways to go, yet some things get resolved between them. It was fabulous to have Molly and her family back in the picture. The Younger brothers are great for Jane and add to the story. Leo, well he’s Leo. George, things are changing for him too. Jane’s love life or whatever it is gets some resolution. I have to say, I cried for Jane. Rick is an ass and I never liked him, but what happens is devastating. Though I have to say I’m hoping he is gone for good. As I’ve said from the get go Jane needs someone who will put her first, stand by her, and love her for who she is.
Black Arts is an emotional read, a roller coaster ride, and a wonderful story blending action, romance, magic, and history.
Rated: 4 Stars
