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wellingtonestatelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
It was, once again, great to be back amidst the characters of Clan Yellowrock and its associates. Everyone's story arcs moved forward a bit, but mostly we got a LOT of action. A LOT. So much that it was hard for me to follow at times. The politics are complex and fascinating. I can't believe Faith Hunter's mind that she can hold all these facts together and build on them from book to book. Things that happened in the very first book, Skinwalker, are now coming into play, or at least making perfect sense to Jane. As always, I was thrilled to get into Beast's mind again, although it didn't come soon enough for me! Jane is getting a better grip on her magics, forming more deep and complex relationships and pacts and it was just all around good fun. That ending was superb! Can't wait for the next one. Make sure you're caught up on the Soulwood series or a few things will come as a bit of a surprise to you. I'm glad I followed that bit of advice myself, having just read the two books in the series last week.
vikcs's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
Unlike myself, I got a late start in this series. It was around the publication of the seventh or so book in the series when I finally started to read it. I had my reasons, however misguided, for pushing it but after I read the first book I practically binge read it. And I’m now at the point when I love the series so much that I’m counting down the day until the next book. I was waiting for this book with such and enthusiasm, too.
First, I have to mention the cover. The series has simple but really expressing covers and it is true for Cold reign, too. Even more than for the others because the tones and colors of it give of such a cold and sterile feel that it expresses and shows a lot about the actual story. It’s a brilliant touch in my opinion but I’m not sure that it was intentional.
I’m not going to talk about the world building because we are so late in the story that there is not really anything new to that aspect of the books, it is a really well established part of the series. And I think the author also realized this because lately there is nowhere near as much reminiscing and repeating in it that the previous books in the series. However I have a lot to say about the storyline. This book ended up having a marginally more sedate, slower paced plot than I got used to from the series. There are longer descriptions of the spiritual elements of Jane life and also she dives more into the workings, mechanism of her and her enemy’s magic. It’s provided a more thinking oriented storyline than an investigate and fight driven one which also meant that I found it a bit slower and it could have ended on a duller note if not for other things in it. The other things are the way how the storyline came to a climax point when the characters realized that everything that happened to them from the first book was part of one big, well thought out and connecting master plan. First I thought it is a bit strange and forced conclusion but if you think about it, it makes sense. Also puts a lot of twists and surprising revelations into the arc of the book. So I’m not exactly satisfied with the dynamism of the book but hidden layers in it make up for my disappointment it spades.
Jane has an uncharacteristically melancholic side in this story which is kind of explained in her soul-searching excursions. Other than that she is still the bad ass chick from the first book whole slowly but surely gained a family, friends, connections and more power during her 2 years in New Orleans. Yes it’s only been two years. She is really smart and resourceful as she proved it numerous times. She improved her social skill by a lot and created new, deep and strong connections, got new family and friends. However she also acquired a decidedly girly side and I’m not so keen on this, or more accurately I don’t like the part about her romantic life. Not just because I’m not really fan of the one she ended up but their lovey-dovey moments are a bit too cheesy for my taste and they are also mentioned or happen in the most inappropriate times. It pushes the story or rather Jane character a bit off balance for me. However I love her connection and little inner conversations with Beast. They are fun and delighting.
As for the other characters, there are a lot of regular ones in this series and we get to see yet one more side to the main group of vampires from Jane life. But Leo gone too far in this one. I like him but his scheming and aggressive way which he wants to control Jane starting to create a wedge between them. Oh, Leo my friend how far could you go just with a little bit of trust?
The Younger brothers, Jane permanent companions are also a bit different from their previous selves. Eli is fighting the ghost of his past and also has present personal problems so he is a bit surlier, as for Alex he goes through a lot in this story and mutes with it. I didn’t like Edmund in the beginning but he is starting to grow on me and he has a couple of surprises in talon for us in Cold reign.
There are also a couple of new characters but they are not so deeply developed and a couple of old characters also show up for a brief reprieve.
The last chapter completely took me off my feet and I can’t wait for the next book but I’m starting to fear the end of the series. At least I feel if things go in the direction they are heading right now then the main plotline is nearing the end. I hope it’s not the case because I love Jane adventures and adrenaline fueled escapades.
First, I have to mention the cover. The series has simple but really expressing covers and it is true for Cold reign, too. Even more than for the others because the tones and colors of it give of such a cold and sterile feel that it expresses and shows a lot about the actual story. It’s a brilliant touch in my opinion but I’m not sure that it was intentional.
I’m not going to talk about the world building because we are so late in the story that there is not really anything new to that aspect of the books, it is a really well established part of the series. And I think the author also realized this because lately there is nowhere near as much reminiscing and repeating in it that the previous books in the series. However I have a lot to say about the storyline. This book ended up having a marginally more sedate, slower paced plot than I got used to from the series. There are longer descriptions of the spiritual elements of Jane life and also she dives more into the workings, mechanism of her and her enemy’s magic. It’s provided a more thinking oriented storyline than an investigate and fight driven one which also meant that I found it a bit slower and it could have ended on a duller note if not for other things in it. The other things are the way how the storyline came to a climax point when the characters realized that everything that happened to them from the first book was part of one big, well thought out and connecting master plan. First I thought it is a bit strange and forced conclusion but if you think about it, it makes sense. Also puts a lot of twists and surprising revelations into the arc of the book. So I’m not exactly satisfied with the dynamism of the book but hidden layers in it make up for my disappointment it spades.
Jane has an uncharacteristically melancholic side in this story which is kind of explained in her soul-searching excursions. Other than that she is still the bad ass chick from the first book whole slowly but surely gained a family, friends, connections and more power during her 2 years in New Orleans. Yes it’s only been two years. She is really smart and resourceful as she proved it numerous times. She improved her social skill by a lot and created new, deep and strong connections, got new family and friends. However she also acquired a decidedly girly side and I’m not so keen on this, or more accurately I don’t like the part about her romantic life. Not just because I’m not really fan of the one she ended up but their lovey-dovey moments are a bit too cheesy for my taste and they are also mentioned or happen in the most inappropriate times. It pushes the story or rather Jane character a bit off balance for me. However I love her connection and little inner conversations with Beast. They are fun and delighting.
As for the other characters, there are a lot of regular ones in this series and we get to see yet one more side to the main group of vampires from Jane life. But Leo gone too far in this one. I like him but his scheming and aggressive way which he wants to control Jane starting to create a wedge between them. Oh, Leo my friend how far could you go just with a little bit of trust?
The Younger brothers, Jane permanent companions are also a bit different from their previous selves. Eli is fighting the ghost of his past and also has present personal problems so he is a bit surlier, as for Alex he goes through a lot in this story and mutes with it. I didn’t like Edmund in the beginning but he is starting to grow on me and he has a couple of surprises in talon for us in Cold reign.
There are also a couple of new characters but they are not so deeply developed and a couple of old characters also show up for a brief reprieve.
The last chapter completely took me off my feet and I can’t wait for the next book but I’m starting to fear the end of the series. At least I feel if things go in the direction they are heading right now then the main plotline is nearing the end. I hope it’s not the case because I love Jane adventures and adrenaline fueled escapades.
starborn_books's review against another edition
5.0
The plot thickens.
The way the plots always twist and turn in these books is amazing. I'm so sad I have to wait to find out what happens with Adan!
The way the plots always twist and turn in these books is amazing. I'm so sad I have to wait to find out what happens with Adan!
mlcutter's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my gosh, this one never takes a break! So fast paced I read it in a day and half even though I had to teach classes! Love Jane, Beast is my favorite character ever in any book & the best hunter, and Bruiser makes my heart melt. Sigh. Can't wait for the next one!
lyndz_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Cold Reign
4 Stars
Preparations for the arrival of the European vampires are in full swing when Jane Yellowrock, enforcer to Leo Pellisier, Master of the city of New Orleans, is called in to deal with several rampaging revenants with stranger than usual physical traits and abilities. It soon becomes clear that these long undead should never have risen, and Jane will have to muster all of her powers and resources to battle a ruthless and merciless foe whose lust for domination knows no bounds.
Series note: While not completely necessary, it is recommended that this book be read after the first two installments in Hunter's spin-off series, Soulwood as some character development occurs therein.
Faith Hunter's skill at weaving complex and interwoven plotlines is beginning to rival Rowling's. In this installment, the narrative threads from earlier books come into play and merge seamlessly into the newer ongoing story arc.
In addition to the continued inclusion of various religious mythos (Native American, Judeo-Christian) that enhance both the character and plot development, Hunter also incorporates alternative historical events that enrich the world building even more.
Jane is an incredibly strong, empowered and resilient heroine yet she has also learned the valuable lesson that no one can go it alone, and that she will need the help of allies, friends and family if she is to overcome all of the obstacles that she faces.
In the romance department, it is good to see that Jane has relegated Rick to the past where he belongs, and her continuing romance with Bruiser is going from strength to strength. While the two can be a bit saccharine sweet at times, their connection has been so long in coming that the intimate moments are even more satisfying.
When it comes to the events of the book, all I can say is WOW! This is an absolute rollercoaster of action with several excellent twists that are impossible to see coming.
In sum, another fantastic addition to the series and its going to be a long wait for the next one.
4 Stars
Preparations for the arrival of the European vampires are in full swing when Jane Yellowrock, enforcer to Leo Pellisier, Master of the city of New Orleans, is called in to deal with several rampaging revenants with stranger than usual physical traits and abilities. It soon becomes clear that these long undead should never have risen, and Jane will have to muster all of her powers and resources to battle a ruthless and merciless foe whose lust for domination knows no bounds.
Series note: While not completely necessary, it is recommended that this book be read after the first two installments in Hunter's spin-off series, Soulwood as some character development occurs therein.
Faith Hunter's skill at weaving complex and interwoven plotlines is beginning to rival Rowling's. In this installment, the narrative threads from earlier books come into play and merge seamlessly into the newer ongoing story arc.
In addition to the continued inclusion of various religious mythos (Native American, Judeo-Christian) that enhance both the character and plot development, Hunter also incorporates alternative historical events that enrich the world building even more.
Jane is an incredibly strong, empowered and resilient heroine yet she has also learned the valuable lesson that no one can go it alone, and that she will need the help of allies, friends and family if she is to overcome all of the obstacles that she faces.
In the romance department, it is good to see that Jane has relegated Rick to the past where he belongs, and her continuing romance with Bruiser is going from strength to strength. While the two can be a bit saccharine sweet at times, their connection has been so long in coming that the intimate moments are even more satisfying.
When it comes to the events of the book, all I can say is WOW! This is an absolute rollercoaster of action with several excellent twists that are impossible to see coming.
In sum, another fantastic addition to the series and its going to be a long wait for the next one.
reasonpassion's review against another edition
5.0
Starts fast and doesn't stop. The ability of the author to keep track of multiple threads that have been set from 10 books ago is simply incredible and makes for a powerfully consistent world.
pjonsson's review against another edition
4.0
This book, the 11th installment, in the Jane Yellowrock series is more than any of the other books a non-stop action ride. Although it is a good read I really felt like the constant attacks and fighting was over the top. Every time Jane turned around she seemed to get news that vamp HQ was under attack, that Leo was under attack, that Leo was abducted etc. etc. A lot of the book was repell the bad guys, heal, rinse and do it again.
Having said that, it is still quite a good read. The action is good. There are the usual vendettas and vampire politics and of course the usual bits and pieces of romantic moments. I guess that is a good side-effect of the large amount of non-stop action in this book: there was not so much space left for love triangle nonsens. Sorry guys but that is just not my favorite parts of these books or any other book for that matter.
I did not feel that there was really much development in this book though. Although Jane used her time-bending powers a lot they seemed to be more than a little unreliable in this book. I had quite a bit of difficulty keeping track of all the times they either would not work, went on by themselves, worked without Jane getting hurt, worked and was hurting Jane. Together with all the action I got an overall impression of Jane really not having any control neither of herself nor of pretty much any of the events most of the time.
We have followed this, the European Vampires are coming, thread for quite a few books now. Personally I would not mind closing that chapter and beginning something new in the coming books.
Having said that, it is still quite a good read. The action is good. There are the usual vendettas and vampire politics and of course the usual bits and pieces of romantic moments. I guess that is a good side-effect of the large amount of non-stop action in this book: there was not so much space left for love triangle nonsens. Sorry guys but that is just not my favorite parts of these books or any other book for that matter.
I did not feel that there was really much development in this book though. Although Jane used her time-bending powers a lot they seemed to be more than a little unreliable in this book. I had quite a bit of difficulty keeping track of all the times they either would not work, went on by themselves, worked without Jane getting hurt, worked and was hurting Jane. Together with all the action I got an overall impression of Jane really not having any control neither of herself nor of pretty much any of the events most of the time.
We have followed this, the European Vampires are coming, thread for quite a few books now. Personally I would not mind closing that chapter and beginning something new in the coming books.