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A review by sarahhbeth_reads
Wicked Bite by Jeaniene Frost
2.0
Chaotic and mid.
In contrast to Frost's other heroines, Veritas does not really have a distinct personality, or, at least, very little presence. There is too much going on with her identity (beyond just the dual-nature conundrum) that her character comes off as poorly developed; she's Veritas, she's Ariel, she's a vampire, she's a demigod, she's 4,000 years old, she's a Law Guardian, she's a secret altruist witch. By this point in your life you should at least have more substance beyond just 'titles'. I don't know what it is or if anything I am saying here makes sense, but generally I couldn't relate or empathize. Veritas is powerful but boooring.
The plot is both dull and chaotic. In contrast to the last book, the Dagon arc is no longer compelling. And whatever is going on at the end, abruptly introducing yet more supernatural beings and lore--it's just messy and unnecessary.
Cat's library conversation with Veritas--while one of the most interesting moments in the book--made me so upset because it reminded me how incredible the Night Huntress series is and emphasized how tedious this series is in comparison.
The only thing I found interesting was Veritas coming to terms with her identity.
As typical of Frost's books, everything comes back to trauma. Veritas is forced to confront the long lasting shame and self-fear instilled by a beloved parental figure, and it's an understandably painful experience.
"Fear can make people do terrible things, even to the ones they love," Ian replied in a softer tone. "You know that. You just can't bring yourself to admit it when it comes to Tenoch. Makes you feel disloyal, and that's just the beginning. When you realize it was Tenoch who was wrong and not you, you have to confront the fact that you stuffed half of yourself into a cage merely to appease the fears of a man who should have loved you unconditionally because that is a parent's bloody job."
Getting into the dirty details--because it is that kind of book--the sex scenes in this book seem more consistent with Ian's reputation than in Shades of Wicked. Still kind of tame, but bothered me a lot about the first Night Rebel book given the reputation Frost built up for him over the 14+ books in this universe. A worthy effort. I can kind of buy Ian and Veritas as a couple now.
Most importantly, Silver is still an adorable, precious little angel. I would willingly read an entire chapter just about that floof.
After I finish the series or if I eventually re-read, I might feel differently. At this point, I'm just thankful there's only one Night Rebel book remaining.
In contrast to Frost's other heroines, Veritas does not really have a distinct personality, or, at least, very little presence. There is too much going on with her identity (beyond just the dual-nature conundrum) that her character comes off as poorly developed; she's Veritas, she's Ariel, she's a vampire, she's a demigod, she's 4,000 years old, she's a Law Guardian, she's a secret altruist witch. By this point in your life you should at least have more substance beyond just 'titles'. I don't know what it is or if anything I am saying here makes sense, but generally I couldn't relate or empathize. Veritas is powerful but boooring.
The plot is both dull and chaotic. In contrast to the last book, the Dagon arc is no longer compelling. And whatever is going on at the end, abruptly introducing yet more supernatural beings and lore--it's just messy and unnecessary.
Cat's library conversation with Veritas--while one of the most interesting moments in the book--made me so upset because it reminded me how incredible the Night Huntress series is and emphasized how tedious this series is in comparison.
The only thing I found interesting was Veritas coming to terms with her identity.
As typical of Frost's books, everything comes back to trauma. Veritas is forced to confront the long lasting shame and self-fear instilled by a beloved parental figure, and it's an understandably painful experience.
"Fear can make people do terrible things, even to the ones they love," Ian replied in a softer tone. "You know that. You just can't bring yourself to admit it when it comes to Tenoch. Makes you feel disloyal, and that's just the beginning. When you realize it was Tenoch who was wrong and not you, you have to confront the fact that you stuffed half of yourself into a cage merely to appease the fears of a man who should have loved you unconditionally because that is a parent's bloody job."
Getting into the dirty details--because it is that kind of book--the sex scenes in this book seem more consistent with Ian's reputation than in Shades of Wicked. Still kind of tame, but bothered me a lot about the first Night Rebel book given the reputation Frost built up for him over the 14+ books in this universe. A worthy effort. I can kind of buy Ian and Veritas as a couple now.
Most importantly, Silver is still an adorable, precious little angel. I would willingly read an entire chapter just about that floof.
After I finish the series or if I eventually re-read, I might feel differently. At this point, I'm just thankful there's only one Night Rebel book remaining.