Destined for an Early Grave

Beyond Books

Aug 10

Written By

Destined for an Early Graveby Jeaniene FrostSo.I know that doesn't bode well as a start to a review, but it's all I can think of right now. I equally liked and disliked this fourth book in the Night Huntress series. The last half of the book rocked and blew me away with action and revelations, but the first part. Hmm.I realized as I was reading the book that Cat and Bones are two of the most selfish and self-absorbed characters I have ever read. They don't seem to care about what's going on around them and this will even trickle down into their own relationship. I don't even think I like Cat at all after this book. It might appear like she's thinking of others, but she doesn't. Rather than wait and see what's going on she runs out and ruins plans and almost gets herself or others killed and then goes through the "Oh, God, this is all my fault" motions each and every time.And what is up with all the fighting about nothing that Cat and Bones do? I mean, right from the start they are fighting about everything and generally there is no good reason for it. I found myself tiring of that plot point and skimming pages just like I do for the sex scenes which really aren't my thing. And so for the first half of the book, that's what I did - skim.One of the scenes that just made my eyes roll and my blood start to boil was a fight in New Orleans between the couple. In order to have safe passage through part of the city, Bones had to meet with the Master vampire Marie (or Majestic). She told him to come alone and Cat freaks out and starts yelling and screaming when she can't go. Personally I thought it made sense, this vampire knew Bones and he was requesting, on their behalf a meeting with her in order to keep Cat safe. But does Cat ever see the logic in actions? Hell no. So she's pissed at Bones and when Bones returns with the news that Majestic wants to meet Cat alone Bones gets all bent out of joint and mad at Cat because he can't go and protect her.Hello? Pot? Kettle? Black?Not to mention, there's this girl living in Bones' New Orleans home who looks 14, but was 17 when she died (I think she was a ghoul) and she's in the room when they get into a downright brawl, with thrown marble furniture and everything and then it gets SEXUAL! This girl even yells at them to please stop and they ignore here, fighting each other for the last word and I actually had to reread this part to make sure the girl was OUT OF THE ROOM before they were ripping each other's clothes off.I am so frustrated by their lack of respect for each other and others. It was almost enough to make me stop reading the book.BUT - the plot was very interesting. I was curious about how Gregor played a roll in Cat's life and how he was able to track her no matter where they went. And there were a couple of whammy-moments as well where I went "Well, gee! I didn't expect that to happen! Cool!" That last third of the book was riveting and exciting and I had no idea how it would end. And when it did end? I wanted more. A quick visit to the author's website yielded nothing but a Book 5: coming soon result, so I will have to keep my ear and eye to the net to find out when SOON will be!Meanwhile, Jeaniene Frost has a "spin-off" series about to begin, the first book is titled, First Drop of Crimson and it stars Cat's best friend Denise. This is due in stores in February 2010. I am not too sure about it, because I generally am not a fan of spin-off series. I have yet to read the one by Rachel Caine, set in the Weather Warden world, nor have I read Karen Chance's sister series to the Cassie Palmer series. I'm going to think about this one, and will watch for reviews as I know many Frost fans will pick this one up on automatic (like I do with the Night Huntress series - despite my rage at the main characters! I'm like a glutton for punishment!)I love to hate Cat and Bones and I generally love the story lines, so I will continue to read anything in this series that Jeaniene Frost puts out - also? I adore the covers. They are so pretty!Night Huntress Series