Being honest here, as I do with my book reviews, I will say that I'm reading this because I started to read this series when I was younger and it was one of my favorite ones; and I think that the earlier books in the series are still fantastic but the later books have gotten.... a little far-fetched.

That being said I did enjoy the read. It was quick, fun, and light-hearted. Jacky is always a rollicking good time. I will probably continue to read the rest of the series even if it continues to get more and more ridiculous because I want to find out what happens to Jacky and Jaimy!

This felt like such a filler book, and a disjointed one at that. I still love Jacky's character (despite the more adult themes the later books in the series have), but come on, it's the tenth book. I'm ready for closure on the story and characters. I've enjoyed the series overall and am glad to be nearing the end.

Meyer, L.A. Viva Jacquelina. Bloody Jack #10. Harcourt Children's Books, 2012.

This is the tenth installment in the Bloody Jack series. This time Jacky is in Spain, where she learns to paint with Goya, runs with the bulls, is a victim of the Spanish inquisition, and has various other adventures.

This book would have been more enjoyable if I had read books 2-9. I read the first book when it first came out but have not kept up with the series. Nonetheless, Jacky is an entertaining and strong character, and the stories have enough funny moments mixed with adventure that will keep kids reading.

Recommended for: tweens, teens
Red Flags: Jacky poses nude for Goya and his art students; alcohol use
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars

Liked it :)

A solid installment. Fun adventures with entirely too much kissy kissy in between, as always. A few too many adventures this time...things got a bit scattered. I've begun to think this it's a series that ought to go out gracefully. Soon.

Jacky!! oh boy can she get into some trouble without even trying. Poor girl needs a break in her life without consequences. Loved the Spain storyline with the painting chunk, hilarious adventures she gets herself into.

Jacky is in Spain and takes in the culture, people, and events happening in 17th century Spain.

More crazy adventures.

This might be a little spoilery.

I just about couldn't believe this series has hit 10 books. But then again, I can.

The greatest weakness of the whole thing is the serialization. No book really stands out in that they are all the same plot set in different locations.

But I can't stop reading them. I was getting weary with Mississippi Jack, but the last two have started to head towards an end game and I like what I'm seeing. The turning point in this series was when Davy calls Jacky out on liking her life and not actually wanting to get married. She'd rather flirt and have adventures.

What I like most about this story is for all it's vim and vigor, Jacky is really in a tight spot. She can continue as she is (a virgin), because in that time period it's the only way for her to be as independent as she is, or she can settle down and "belong" to a man and all that society at that time expects from that relationship. Can Jacky still be Jacky if she marries? So the tension of the books is this choice she's someday going to have to sit down and really face. Davy calling Jacky out in Golden Dragon was a start to that.

I also thought the end of this book had a different feel. With everyone converging on America, it could bring things to a head and, I do hope, an end. It's been an enjoyable ride and Viva Jacquelina! is as good as any other book in the series, but I'd like to see it come together and end on a strong note before becoming totally played out.
adventurous emotional funny lighthearted tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes