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Danger waits on both sides of the grave.
Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .
With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war . . . to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.
Jeaniene Frost is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the Night Huntress series and the Night Huntress World novels. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to nineteen different countries. Jeaniene lives in North Carolina with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Aside from writing, Jeaniene enjoys reading, poetry, watching movies with her husband, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling—by car. Airplanes, children, and cookbooks frighten her.
Book_WhispererJO
Posted Tue Jan 11 00:00:00 EST 2011
As an avid follower of The Night Huntress series I have never had anything, but wonderful things to say about this series. Jeaniene Frost is one of the best authors I have come across in my years of reading. Her ability to create a story with an action packed storyline and a mouth water romance makes her one of the best author out there. The first of this series, Halfway to the Grave, was a book that I just happened to pick up when its cover caught my eye at the grocery store. Just pages into that first book I was astounded by the outstanding abilities of this author to create a book, so exceptional that I could not put it down finishing it within twenty four hours. After five books I can say without a doubt that this author is not losing her touch, and blows most others out of the water. Cat and Bones are characters that readers can't get enough of. Their books promise readers lust, romance, and compassion that will keep them coming back for more. Over the books of this series have experience the wide array of supernatural characters and a magic and mysterious world; with every new book we build more knowledge and expand this fictional world. Although, don't underestimate this authors ability to include all of the well loved characters in the prior books as well. As the friends and foes grow Cat and Bones have been tested to the limits, and back again. In the past two novel the relationship of Cat and Bones has been a major player in the suspense of the novel. This Side of the Grave seemed to offer a little release of tension for that relationship, which I found to be a relief. The storyline of this novel took more of a lead in this book which allowed the story to expand farther around these two favorite characters. Cat character is noticeably changing over the book of this series; this book take a moment to reflect on this growth of this character. This was a surreal moment to actually grasp the changes and growth of her character from the innocent young girl that previewed in Halfway in the Grave. Our journey has been enlightening, empowering, and promising; but Frost seems far from done with this tremendously intense world. As tragedy strikes in the most unlikely place in this novel I found myself sad to have seen the changes so soon, but I believe this expanded Cat's character further in this small edition. Due to this changes the future of The Night Huntress series will be changing, but that shows promise as well. It is always entertaining to see the appearances of characters from the Night Huntress World Series books still fighting along side Cat and Bones, and look forward to seeing the future for this spin off series as well. The story of Cat and Bones are books that I recommend to everyone when recommending books. This fifth installment only adds fuel to my desire to spread the word about this excellent series.
12 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Mar 02 00:00:00 EST 2011
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First let me say that I am a huge fan of this series. I have read all the books several times and have fallen in love with all the characters. Like most, I was anxious for this next installment. This has a good story line but lacked some of the sexual tension, playfulness and snarky comments that the previous books had between the two main characters, Cat and Bones. Don't get me wrong, I still liked the book and will continue to read the series hoping Jeaniene Frost will bring back some of what I love about these characters. I'm also anxious to see if she continues her Night Huntress World series. I would love to read some stories dedicated to Ian, Tepesh and Tate. Still recommend the series
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This exactly what I needed after finishing the so Dark, complex, and layered series I was reading. I laughed a lot while getting my Bones and & Cat Dose. The plot was weak, so the humor kind of made up for it. I hope the next book in the series is really good!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Mar 09 00:00:00 EST 2011
This is my least favorite of the Night Huntress series. The story unfolded very slowly and seemed to drag on. I found myself reaching for other books between chapters and struggled to pick it up again. I have enjoyed the other books in the series, but didn't really care for this one. If you enjoyed the others and want to keep up with the story, you'll have to read this one too. But it was not an enjoyable experience.
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Mon Feb 14 00:00:00 EST 2011
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I was so in love with this series when i first started them, however it has taken SOOOOOOOOOO long for another Cat & Bones book to come out that i've lost interest! What has it been a year and half since one of these books has been published because Jeaniene Frost was busy writing spin off books! If you haven't read this series i would still recommend them, there great! but i'm not going to wait another year and half - 2 years to read another one. I'd have to re-read all 4 books just to remember exactly where the story left off, not worth it. So disappointed with this author!
4 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Oct 26 00:00:00 EDT 2012
I've been really enjoying this series - the character dynamics are interesting and the story is compelling. My only disappointment is at the end end of EVERY book so far, it ends abruptly. It honestly feels like the author reached a word limit and just. stopped. There is potential to elaborate and tie up loose ends while still teasing for more story later - and she just doesn't do it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I have put off reading this book for quite a while because the previous book in this series, Destined for and Early Grave, left me feeling kind of disappointed in where the series was going. I should have had more faith. This book knocked it out of the park, and addressed all the character points that had me disappointed in the last book in such a way as to allow character growth and open up avenues for further development within the world she created. In short, Ms. Frost is a genius, and while I cannot promise never to doubt again, I will try to keep this experience firmly in my mind and at least promise to give her the benefit of the doubt and see it through. As far as I am concerned she has earned that right and the most precious gift I can bestow on an author, my trust.
This Side of the Grave picks up about two months after Eternal Kiss of Darkness, reuniting us with our favorite redhead and her irrepressibly roguish husband. Cat and Bones again face the threat of a vamp/ghoul war incited by the peculiarity—not of her half vamp status anymore—but of her disturbing abilities as a vampire with an occasional heartbeat. The whole gang reunites in this one, including cameos by all of our world book couples as well as the frightening Queen of New Orleans, Marie Laveau, our friendly ghost Fabian, friends and family from the compound and of course my personal favorite side character Vlad (Who I am thrilled to know has his own series, Night Prince, coming out soon...which in part fueled my fervor to work my way through the titles sitting on my shelf so that I could go out and get and then devour Vlad’s story with zero guild. Only one book left to go and quite a while until release I think I’m good. :).
This book, to me, was all about characterization and growth. While the action scenes kicked butt, the plot was complex without being Machiavellian, and I truly enjoyed all the wit that was heavily sprinkled throughout with a tongue-in-cheek disregard for propriety, including writing in a scene with Joan of Arc; the real magic was in Cat’s growth as a character. Honestly, without this I don’t think I would have been able to continue reading the series, but Ms. Frost managed to round out her main character in a way that made her a more complete individual while still retaining her flaws. A hard thing to do when she is still the main push behind the series, as you don’t want her perfect…then it becomes a bore…but you can’t have her too dense…or people begin to lose patience. I think Ms. Frost managed to reach that plateau of balanced without losing momentum very well, and I am looking forward to seeing where she takes the story next. The one plus side to waiting so long to read this book is that I now have the next one in the series just sitting there waiting to be read. I can’t wait.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Feb 27 00:00:00 EST 2011
Another absolutely amazing installment in the Night Huntress series. These books are all incredible. Just when you think you can't love Cat and Bones any more than you already do, you read this and the admiration only grows. It's nice to see a more mature and vulnerable Cat in this story. To look back to the first books when she barely seemed to think anything through before she acted, to this force to be reckoned with, is heartwarming. Another bonus, Vlad, Mencheres, Denise, Kira, and other favorites make appearances in this book. There is nothing not to like about this book other than the fact it had to end. Can't wait for the next one!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Feb 26 00:00:00 EST 2011
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These books are so amazing! I can't say enough about them. They have everything: romance, action, sorrow, laughter. And of course Bones is the sexiest vampire out there. He is ruthless and volatile, but also tender and caring. Cat is kickass as can be, and together they are able to overcome everything thrown their way. I recommend the whole series and can't wait for more Cat and Bones action!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Feb 24 00:00:00 EST 2011
I loved it. The only part I didn't like was that it ended. I wished the next book was out already.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Jul 07 00:00:00 EDT 2012
I must start by saying that I didn’t read ‘First Drop of Crimson’ ( Spade’s book) and ‘Eternal Kiss of Darkness’ ( Mencheres’ book) before I went onto ‘This Side of the Grave’. Maybe I should have as there is reference to Spade and Mencheres’ relationships which are talked about in this book. Their stories are Night Huntress World # 1 and # 2. I would recommend reading those 2 books before going onto # 5 or else you get a couple spoilers, nothing too major but, enough. Dang me for not realising!!
Cat has some extra grief in this instalment. Not only is Apollyon with the whip around hairdo trying to start a war over Cat, Vampires vs Ghouls, truly, she should feel flattered the amount of trouble that follows her, hehe! But, she has Majestic pushing her buttons and keeping Bones on the clock for a couple days. No wonder he needed a cigarette *waggles eyebrows*.
Bones is picking up strays and ghouls are doing their best to eliminate vampires. Cat takes a thrilling elevator ride ( one of my worst fears) and prepare for a major lump in your throat. You just want to bawl. Justina for once has grown a set, even if it was just to snatch some extra time and Tate is not happy, Jan!
Dave goes undercover and Cat has a new fragrance she wears..ha!
Cat has to work out Marie’s secret in saying goodbye to Remnants on command and Vlad and Cat have a rather interesting scene together. Shame she didn’t work out the less painful answer beforehand.
Denise was a surprise to me, because well that would be one of the spoilers if you don’t read Spade’s story first, but she came in handy.
Oh, and there is another one of those uber , uber smexi chapters...* fans oneself and throws bucket of ice water over my head, repeatedly*
It’s all hands on deck trying to sort the Apollyon problem out which makes for a kick butt action scene.
I loved this instalment, Jeaniene writes Bones like no other lead guy, he is something spesh.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.In this 5th book of the series, we find a more mature Cat, learning to reflect before acting given the catastrophic results in the previous two books because of her leaping before looking. She and Bones are settling into their marriage, becoming more comfortable with their relationship but still keeping the steam in it!
Cat's maturing isn't just limited to her decision making but also extended to the other people in her life. She's more contemplative and is thinking beyond the obvious and is learning to work as a team with all of the talent surrounding her.
In this story, she's having to deal with a rogue ghoul who is trying to use her "half-breed" origins to make other races frightened of her. Cat's display of skills, though temporarily borrowed, doesn't help matters. There's a lot more strategic thinking and execution in this story, which makes it a less stressful ride but a lot more interesting. Many of the secondary characters from the past appear as well.
There are still highly emotional moments that will tug at your heartstrings and tear ducts. And, the ending is just as climatic as those in the past. Another winner in the ongoing saga of Cat and Bones.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri May 06 00:00:00 EDT 2011
loved this book and the whole series Bones and Cat are great together lots of excitment and steamy if u love this kind of story read Black dagger Brothershood series its also hot and steamy with a good on going plot these are keepers to re-read again
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Mon Mar 07 00:00:00 EST 2011
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I love the story of Cat and Bones (love their romance). The plot was good. I love the characters - they are not wimpy at all. I also like the fact that the author concentrated on the story instead of detailed sex (which has a tendency to get boring since there is nothing new about sex). I can't wait for the next book to come out.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Mar 05 00:00:00 EST 2011
I have absolutely fallen in love with all the characters in this series...especially Cat and Bones. I can't seem to get enough of them. I anxiously await the next one. I hope the story will continue for many books to come. Even though I thought this one did not have some of the edge the other ones had. It was still very enjoyable. I am hooked on the series.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Mar 02 00:00:00 EST 2011
Another great book. I love all the characters in this series!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Mar 02 00:00:00 EST 2011
First of all, I love this series but had grown tired of the constant struggle for Cat (I especially like this nickname as it is mine) and Bones to find their HEA in the previous books. So, while I welcomed the lack of the jealousy, distrust, denial of deep feelings, I was disappointed that there was a noticable lack of the steamy scenes I usually associate with this couple. One scene and the hint of other sensual encounters did not scratch the itch of wanting to see a healthy, sexy relationship. While I did weep in certain places, I found the rest of the story rather mundane and predicatable. As much as it pains me to say it, perhaps the time has come for Frost to move on to the other characters (I cannot wait for her books on Tepesh!) and develop their story lines while allowing us voyeuristic glimpses into Cat and Bones through the eyes of the others in this world. Still a great series, just not going to re-read this one anytime soon. Cheers, Cat
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Feb 23 00:00:00 EST 2011
These books are absolutely amazing page turners. This addition to the seires is just another reason I will always be a diehard Jeaniene Frost fan. Her writing can make me laugh out loud and cry in the matter of 5 minutes. From start to finish, they are an adrenaline-filled rollar coaster.
I would highly recommend giving these books a shot!
I also must say, I just love how people blame the author for how long it takes a book to come out. The author has NO say in what the release date is. Furthermore, they have no say in what order their books come out. If the publisher wants ten spin-off books in between a series, then that's what will happen.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.You will be hooked from the very first book !!!
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This author keeps me wanting to read! I will read anything she writes.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .
With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires ...