Scan barcode
library_breeder's review against another edition
5.0
I was worried about this book before getting into it. First, I wasn't a fan of the idea of it being in third person. For some reason, I thought that it needed to be in first person POV because that was the whole point of being in Bone's head. However, that quickly went away and I was drawn into the story.
Second, I was concerned that it was a shortened version of the first book in the series which it wasn't really. I thought it was only going to be going over specific scenes when it really spanned the entire book (Halfway to the Grave) and a bit into the second book (One Foot in the Grave) - if you have read the series then you know which part of the second book you are hoping that is being shown here - it is (NOT Chapter 32 - lol!) The wedding scene at the beginning.
So, if you haven't read the Night Huntress Series and are wondering if you should read this book, I would suggest holding off. Read Halfway to the Grave first and see if you like the story, characters and premise. If you do, then I would suggest reading One Foot in the Grave and the following books. They are pretty much available at most libraries in Audio and Book/ eBook formats. I read them that way and loved the series enough to purchase them on eBook so I always have them. If you MUST know about Bone's POV right away and don't mind re-reading most of the first book again from his POV, then you can safely do so after One Foot. If it has been a while since you have read the series then start with this book and skip re-reading Halfway all together.
I loved this book and really hope that there are more in the series, not necessarily the ones from his POV, although, there are a lot of Bones away from Cat scenes that cover the series which I would LOVE to know what happened, but I miss the characters and am hoping for some more. There really isn?t anyone left in the Night Huntress Universe to do a book about, but you never know.
Also, if you plan on getting the audio version of the book and have been listening to the audio versions of the series in the past, it?s going to be a bit of a shock because the narrator isn?t the same. He is much slower paced and deeper in voice. But keep in mind, it?s what Bone?s hears in his head and not Cat. I got the audio and put the speed at 1.1 or 1.2 to keep up with the slower pace. Sample the audio first.
Second, I was concerned that it was a shortened version of the first book in the series which it wasn't really. I thought it was only going to be going over specific scenes when it really spanned the entire book (Halfway to the Grave) and a bit into the second book (One Foot in the Grave) - if you have read the series then you know which part of the second book you are hoping that is being shown here - it is (NOT Chapter 32 - lol!) The wedding scene at the beginning.
So, if you haven't read the Night Huntress Series and are wondering if you should read this book, I would suggest holding off. Read Halfway to the Grave first and see if you like the story, characters and premise. If you do, then I would suggest reading One Foot in the Grave and the following books. They are pretty much available at most libraries in Audio and Book/ eBook formats. I read them that way and loved the series enough to purchase them on eBook so I always have them. If you MUST know about Bone's POV right away and don't mind re-reading most of the first book again from his POV, then you can safely do so after One Foot. If it has been a while since you have read the series then start with this book and skip re-reading Halfway all together.
I loved this book and really hope that there are more in the series, not necessarily the ones from his POV, although, there are a lot of Bones away from Cat scenes that cover the series which I would LOVE to know what happened, but I miss the characters and am hoping for some more. There really isn?t anyone left in the Night Huntress Universe to do a book about, but you never know.
Also, if you plan on getting the audio version of the book and have been listening to the audio versions of the series in the past, it?s going to be a bit of a shock because the narrator isn?t the same. He is much slower paced and deeper in voice. But keep in mind, it?s what Bone?s hears in his head and not Cat. I got the audio and put the speed at 1.1 or 1.2 to keep up with the slower pace. Sample the audio first.
carlottaione's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
these are such guilty pleasure books for me. i don't know that i really gained anything from reading this from bones' perspective, but you know what, it was fun and i'll give it that. i have to say, these books give me such a good mix of romance and action and mystery, so they really never do get boring.
bear_ridge_tarot's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This novel is written to be concurrent with Halfway to the Grave. This is the story of how Bones meets Cat, from his point of view. We get to look into the inner workings of Bone's dark and twisted mind. Bones’ point of view is honest, sometimes brutally, and sardonic. If the story of how Cat, half-vampire and half-human, started staking vampires at the tender age of sixteen was a good story… well, let’s just say that this one is better! The anti-hero is one of my favorite tropes and Bones is the ultimate bad boy. Suave and with a British accent, he is unerring in his devotion to Cat.
The bigotry that Cat feels towards vampires is even more obvious from Bones’ side of the grave and the ridiculousness of her trying to kill all the bad vampires for her deranged mother’s sake makes me want to smack her even more than when she told the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Gore, and Death
Moderate: Alcohol, Bullying, Grief, Trafficking, and Kidnapping
kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
Concurrent with Halfway to the Grave, 1, even though technically ninth publication-wise, in the Night Huntress urban fantasy series revolving around a pair of vampires: Cat and Bones. The focus is on Bones' perspective of his first meeting with Cat with some updating for the times — see if you can pick out what's changed.
My Take
This is such a crack-up with Bones on to Cat's plans almost from the start. Using his perspective on her continuing actions will keep you grinning and flipping those pages to find out what happens next . . . from his perspective. I gotta wonder how good Cat can be as Frost uses third person protagonist point-of-view from Bones' perspective, and he notes all the mistakes Cat makes.
I do like that Bones is upfront about what he's thinking. He doesn't care if he hurts someone's feelings. Oops, I just got to thinking how awful that makes me sound. That I think this is okay. Okay, therapy time. Part of his honesty is admitting to the negatives in his past.
It's that politeness that has been bred into my generation (and earlier) that hasn't prepared us to be forthright, but too accepting of other's boorishness. So I usually appreciate it in others for their honesty.
Back to the review. It's so creepy how Bones describes Devon's "shopping", comparing it to us checking out produce at the store.
Then there's Cat's bigotry. It's these adventures that force Cat to look back and discover evil is not all one-sided. For one, Cat's family. A. Don't blame the child for being born. B. Rape is not a choice, at least on the victim's part. I do have to agree with Bones though, Cat's mum is a monster.
Those rules about killing a vampire from another Master's line reminded me of those Mire rules in Ilona Andrews' Bayou Moon, 2. Oooh, so nitpicky, lol.
Poor Cat. I don't think she's ever had a lick of fun in her life. She certainly feels guilty every time she experiences a nibbit of fun.
Bones' past history related in The Other Half of the Grave conflicts with history we've learned in other stories, particularly The Bite Before Christmas: "Home for the Holidays", 6.5. So is Frost giving up on continuity or just doesn't care? And remember that The Other Half of the Grave is ninth publication-wise. We do learn how Bones got that nickname. Creepy. A bit more past history reveals the "truth" behind the origin of vampires. Or ghouls depending on who you're listening to, lol.
I am confused about the six years ago bit that Danny Milton complains about. Has the guy been dead for six years? Was Felicity killed today or six years ago?
This is a painful seduction . . . on both sides! Although I must say that Cat is a quick learner in this story packed full of action with quite the characters driving it.
I have GOT to re-read Halfway to the Grave, 1, to remember Cat's side of it.
The Story
Bones is hunting evil vampires and his current target goes off with some sexy redhead. Only Bones is mistaken about who is the victim. Anxious to learn more about that redhead, he captures her and forces her into an unlikely partnership.
The bargain on his part is to keep Cat alive — he wants her to have a better chance of staying alive and changing her mind about defining evil. At least until a group of killers and government agents pursue the couple.
The Characters
Bones, a.k.a. Crispin Phillip Arthur Russell III, who has been a vampire since 1790, is now a bounty hunter with a purpose. Baron Charles "Spade" DeMortimer is Bones' best mate, from their days as prisoners along with Timothy and Ian at the New South Wales penal colonies in the late 1700s. Giselda had been Charles' love one hundred-some years ago=. Ian is Bones' and Spade's Master. Ted is a human hacker friend. Rodney is a ghoul and a friend of Bones'. He makes new IDs for those in need.
Catherine "Cat" Kathleen Crawfield is a girl on a mission. Bones prefers "Kitten" or "Red Reaper". Justina is her nasty, hypocritical mother. Her boring, mean grandparents, Grandpa Joe and Grandma, own a cherry orchard.
Bite is an old, very particular club owned by the fashionable Verses, a poetry-loving ghoul. Trixie has been the bouncer for over a decade. Mina is a customer. Ralphie and Martin are other customers with their own mission.
Hennessey, an old, powerful, well-connected Master vampire owns Flat Creek Inc. Sergio Ricci, a pampered aristocrat before he was turned, is one of its sloppy clients. Lola is tight with Hennessy. "Switch", a.k.a. Vincent, is Hennessy's enforcer. Francesca is part of Hennessy's line. Tony is a nasty bit of business, cheating customers with his abilities.
Devon runs the books for an undead cabal. Winston Gallagher was a railway worker with a side business of moonshine. Judge John Simms was the bigot who didn't get away with it. George Shayne wanted to find whoever killed his daughter, Aurora.
Victims include Samantha King, Felicity Summer, and Suzy Klinger. Timmie is Cat's sweet neighbor. Detectives Mansfield and Black are ticked at Cat.
Tanacharisson had been an angry Mingo when the Indian Removal Act forced his people from their lands. The Law Guardians appear to be the highest level of law for supernaturals. Red Dragon is a drug, tainted blood that affects vampires. Danny Milton is the entitled jerk. Ethan Oliver is the governor of Ohio. Randy is the groom marrying Denise. Cristine Russell is her maid of honor.
The Cover and Title
The cover is menacing with its range of deep blues in the sky, the brilliant moon with bats flying past it, and the silhouettes of crosses and tombstones in the background. It's only slightly warmer with that close-up of the green-eyed Bones with his stubble and naked shoulder. At the top is an info blurb in a gradated pale blue to white with the same pale blue used for the author's name immediately below it. To the left of Bones' head is a testimonial in white and just above his shoulder, in that pale, pale blue reminds us that this story is "Bones' turn . . ." The title is in a pale green under Bones' chin. Below the title is the series info in white.
The title is all about Bones' perspective from his side, The Other Half of the Grave.
My Take
This is such a crack-up with Bones on to Cat's plans almost from the start. Using his perspective on her continuing actions will keep you grinning and flipping those pages to find out what happens next . . . from his perspective. I gotta wonder how good Cat can be as Frost uses third person protagonist point-of-view from Bones' perspective, and he notes all the mistakes Cat makes.
I do like that Bones is upfront about what he's thinking. He doesn't care if he hurts someone's feelings. Oops, I just got to thinking how awful that makes me sound. That I think this is okay. Okay, therapy time. Part of his honesty is admitting to the negatives in his past.
It's that politeness that has been bred into my generation (and earlier) that hasn't prepared us to be forthright, but too accepting of other's boorishness. So I usually appreciate it in others for their honesty.
Back to the review. It's so creepy how Bones describes Devon's "shopping", comparing it to us checking out produce at the store.
Then there's Cat's bigotry. It's these adventures that force Cat to look back and discover evil is not all one-sided. For one, Cat's family. A. Don't blame the child for being born. B. Rape is not a choice, at least on the victim's part. I do have to agree with Bones though, Cat's mum is a monster.
Those rules about killing a vampire from another Master's line reminded me of those Mire rules in Ilona Andrews' Bayou Moon, 2. Oooh, so nitpicky, lol.
Poor Cat. I don't think she's ever had a lick of fun in her life. She certainly feels guilty every time she experiences a nibbit of fun.
Bones' past history related in The Other Half of the Grave conflicts with history we've learned in other stories, particularly The Bite Before Christmas: "Home for the Holidays", 6.5. So is Frost giving up on continuity or just doesn't care? And remember that The Other Half of the Grave is ninth publication-wise. We do learn how Bones got that nickname. Creepy. A bit more past history reveals the "truth" behind the origin of vampires. Or ghouls depending on who you're listening to, lol.
I am confused about the six years ago bit that Danny Milton complains about. Has the guy been dead for six years? Was Felicity killed today or six years ago?
This is a painful seduction . . . on both sides! Although I must say that Cat is a quick learner in this story packed full of action with quite the characters driving it.
I have GOT to re-read Halfway to the Grave, 1, to remember Cat's side of it.
The Story
Bones is hunting evil vampires and his current target goes off with some sexy redhead. Only Bones is mistaken about who is the victim. Anxious to learn more about that redhead, he captures her and forces her into an unlikely partnership.
The bargain on his part is to keep Cat alive — he wants her to have a better chance of staying alive and changing her mind about defining evil. At least until a group of killers and government agents pursue the couple.
The Characters
Bones, a.k.a. Crispin Phillip Arthur Russell III, who has been a vampire since 1790, is now a bounty hunter with a purpose. Baron Charles "Spade" DeMortimer is Bones' best mate, from their days as prisoners along with Timothy and Ian at the New South Wales penal colonies in the late 1700s. Giselda had been Charles' love one hundred-some years ago=. Ian is Bones' and Spade's Master. Ted is a human hacker friend. Rodney is a ghoul and a friend of Bones'. He makes new IDs for those in need.
Catherine "Cat" Kathleen Crawfield is a girl on a mission. Bones prefers "Kitten" or "Red Reaper". Justina is her nasty, hypocritical mother. Her boring, mean grandparents, Grandpa Joe and Grandma, own a cherry orchard.
Bite is an old, very particular club owned by the fashionable Verses, a poetry-loving ghoul. Trixie has been the bouncer for over a decade. Mina is a customer. Ralphie and Martin are other customers with their own mission.
Hennessey, an old, powerful, well-connected Master vampire owns Flat Creek Inc. Sergio Ricci, a pampered aristocrat before he was turned, is one of its sloppy clients. Lola is tight with Hennessy. "Switch", a.k.a. Vincent, is Hennessy's enforcer. Francesca is part of Hennessy's line. Tony is a nasty bit of business, cheating customers with his abilities.
Devon runs the books for an undead cabal. Winston Gallagher was a railway worker with a side business of moonshine. Judge John Simms was the bigot who didn't get away with it. George Shayne wanted to find whoever killed his daughter, Aurora.
Victims include Samantha King, Felicity Summer, and Suzy Klinger. Timmie is Cat's sweet neighbor. Detectives Mansfield and Black are ticked at Cat.
Tanacharisson had been an angry Mingo when the Indian Removal Act forced his people from their lands. The Law Guardians appear to be the highest level of law for supernaturals. Red Dragon is a drug, tainted blood that affects vampires. Danny Milton is the entitled jerk. Ethan Oliver is the governor of Ohio. Randy is the groom marrying Denise. Cristine Russell is her maid of honor.
The Cover and Title
The cover is menacing with its range of deep blues in the sky, the brilliant moon with bats flying past it, and the silhouettes of crosses and tombstones in the background. It's only slightly warmer with that close-up of the green-eyed Bones with his stubble and naked shoulder. At the top is an info blurb in a gradated pale blue to white with the same pale blue used for the author's name immediately below it. To the left of Bones' head is a testimonial in white and just above his shoulder, in that pale, pale blue reminds us that this story is "Bones' turn . . ." The title is in a pale green under Bones' chin. Below the title is the series info in white.
The title is all about Bones' perspective from his side, The Other Half of the Grave.
kini83's review against another edition
5.0
Yet another reread. I just reread this at the end of 2022 too. I will always reread this series!!
Jeaniene kills it again. I love seeing the story from Bones’ point of view!
Jeaniene kills it again. I love seeing the story from Bones’ point of view!
lyndz_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
joyreads2024's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Rating this book was HARD. First and foremost, I’ve read this series for over a decade, but ngl, I barely reread the first book because of Cat’s fookin attitude. Which I was warned by the bookshop employee was even worse from Bones’ perspective. Add into reading this with COVID, and well, you can imagine how much I wanted to yeet Cat out of the book for the first 3/4 of the book and shake her. And don’t even get me started on Justina. I think my feelings towards THAT particular character is what Bones thought he should do, which is bite her until she becomes nice. Do you know how much easier the coming several books will be to read? Dear LORD.
I actually don’t know how Bones survived this book in terms of brain cells because it was hard. Now in terms of Bones, first book boyfriend, fav character… what the fuck. Babes, babes.. INSTA LOVE REALLY. I was hoping for a bit more angst but I guess it was more fated mates vibes, and kinda made me roll my eyes at him for the 3/4 of the book. And the sex scenes… Jeaniene, babes, I’ve seen you write some good ones, but what the tuck was that. Sucked with immortal strength? Please. The detailed thoughts at the start of the first scene? GIRL. I rolled my eyes so hard I got a headache.
Also the pacing at the start felt very clunky, and it just made it a bit difficult to get through.
Now by this point, your probably wondering, if you disliked it so much, why did you rate it highly? Well, first of all, it’s Cat and Bones and they’re my babies, even if they’re my stupid ones. Secondly, Bones’ wit and humour CARRIES the series. Thirdly, we had this beautiful sentence from Ian, and man have I missed the man we hate to love and who honestly is the most chaotic bitch on the planet, “What part of ‘be more careful’ did you take as ‘whee, murder spree!’ Crispin?”. Fourth, Rodney, I have missed that man. Fifth, the epilogue. Mm mm mmmm there’s that angst I need. Also, Cats growth always slays and it gets really romantic at parts.
I feel like I can critique it as I would a misbehaving child because the characters live rent free in my head, but love it dearly at the same time.
While this book made me question whether or not to buy the second book from Bones’ perspective (for fear it’ll ruin the second book for me), it was a good homecoming, and idk, while I didn’t LOVE it, I’ll probably read it again in the next half decade.
End of rant, thanks for listening xx
I actually don’t know how Bones survived this book in terms of brain cells because it was hard. Now in terms of Bones, first book boyfriend, fav character… what the fuck. Babes, babes.. INSTA LOVE REALLY. I was hoping for a bit more angst but I guess it was more fated mates vibes, and kinda made me roll my eyes at him for the 3/4 of the book. And the sex scenes… Jeaniene, babes, I’ve seen you write some good ones, but what the tuck was that. Sucked with immortal strength? Please. The detailed thoughts at the start of the first scene? GIRL. I rolled my eyes so hard I got a headache.
Also the pacing at the start felt very clunky, and it just made it a bit difficult to get through.
Now by this point, your probably wondering, if you disliked it so much, why did you rate it highly? Well, first of all, it’s Cat and Bones and they’re my babies, even if they’re my stupid ones. Secondly, Bones’ wit and humour CARRIES the series. Thirdly, we had this beautiful sentence from Ian, and man have I missed the man we hate to love and who honestly is the most chaotic bitch on the planet, “What part of ‘be more careful’ did you take as ‘whee, murder spree!’ Crispin?”. Fourth, Rodney, I have missed that man. Fifth, the epilogue. Mm mm mmmm there’s that angst I need. Also, Cats growth always slays and it gets really romantic at parts.
I feel like I can critique it as I would a misbehaving child because the characters live rent free in my head, but love it dearly at the same time.
While this book made me question whether or not to buy the second book from Bones’ perspective (for fear it’ll ruin the second book for me), it was a good homecoming, and idk, while I didn’t LOVE it, I’ll probably read it again in the next half decade.
End of rant, thanks for listening xx
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Trafficking, and Kidnapping
Minor: Alcohol, Cannibalism, Bullying, and Grief
trudyd's review against another edition
5.0
As a huge fan of Night Huntress (I will never confess to how many times I have read the series) I have been counting down to Bone's POV since I heard it was a possibility. After all Bones is my all time favorite vampire. I am not sure if it is because he is a Brit, his gorgeousness or his love of Cat, but I can't resist Bones.
The other half of the Grave not only gave me Bone's POV, but allowed me to get in his head thanks to the author. She shared what he was thinking. It really added to the story.
The story was packed full of action. Bones is sort of a vampire bounty hunter. He comes across some really interesting characters that never just surrender. While searching he comes across Cat. He is not impressed with her until he gets to know her. Who would have thought a person like her existed. He is besotted. He is in love.
She can't stand him, at least in the beginning. You don't have to like your partner, to work together. Action hits the extreme. Bullets Fly. Knives are thrown. Bones and Cat end up in the thick of things. There will be consequences. Will it destroy their love or make it stronger?
I needed more Bones and Cat when I finished the story. I went back and read Halfway to the Grave and then read The Other Half of the Grave. Now I am thinking about alternating both books. I can't think of the last time I have been so completely satisfied with a book, refusing to move on.
The other half of the Grave not only gave me Bone's POV, but allowed me to get in his head thanks to the author. She shared what he was thinking. It really added to the story.
The story was packed full of action. Bones is sort of a vampire bounty hunter. He comes across some really interesting characters that never just surrender. While searching he comes across Cat. He is not impressed with her until he gets to know her. Who would have thought a person like her existed. He is besotted. He is in love.
She can't stand him, at least in the beginning. You don't have to like your partner, to work together. Action hits the extreme. Bullets Fly. Knives are thrown. Bones and Cat end up in the thick of things. There will be consequences. Will it destroy their love or make it stronger?
I needed more Bones and Cat when I finished the story. I went back and read Halfway to the Grave and then read The Other Half of the Grave. Now I am thinking about alternating both books. I can't think of the last time I have been so completely satisfied with a book, refusing to move on.