Rafael

I feel like it's been a while since we've seen Rafael, and I've missed him. Yes, he's arrogant, but that's kind of par for the course with most of Anita's men, and I've liked the back and forth between the wererat king and Anita since he first showed up in the series. I've been a fan of the Anita Blake series since it all started, so it's safe to say I'm thoroughly invested at this point. This 28th book in the series is a bit shorter than the norm, but we do still get quite a bit of the relationship angst that has been an ongoing theme for some time - or maybe that's relationships angst? Either way, it's there as well as Anita's indecision. Granted, she's always been conflicted, but this is a strong woman who only gets stronger with each new big bad she faces, and with so much growth over the years, I would've expected some improvement there too. And that lengthy issue over something as simple as walking into a shower room combined with all the discussion in the hallway is the only reason this one got 4 instead of 5 stars - because the last half of the book was exactly what I was hoping for. It was exciting and dangerous and even creepy. It was also fast-paced and frantic, which means I didn't stop turning pages until I'd read the last line for the whole second half of the book. Another plus is the page time for Jean-Claude. It's not as considerable as I would've liked, but given that this is Rafael's book, it's a fair amount. I'd say if you're a long time fan of the series, this is one you'll want to read despite needing to wade through the angst of which lover might get their feelings hurt and how Anita can avoid doing that with so many. So, it was good to catch up with Rafael, and I hope to see more of him in the future. It was also nice to see a new Anita Blake book so soon after the last one. The characters and the world Laurell K Hamilton has created are still hanging on tightly, and I'll be anxiously waiting for whatever's next.

I truly love the World that LKH has built for Anita Blake & all the rest. My only complaint is the story was over too soon. (I literally finished the book in about 13 hours despite other demands of life.) The way that magic, anthropology, combat, sex, & love weave through this series is adictive as ever, but the culture of the rodere *shines* beyond any pack, pard, pride, or clan previously dealt with.

much better than the last book but very short. I agree that too many pages were taken up by a silly shower argument. hoping to see anita continue to get back to herself. she is a badass with a conscious but she isnt a wimp like depicted in the last book. she needs to embrace her queenhood