Customer Reviews

Another One Bites the Dust

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Ever since the Anita Blake series turned into bad porn, I've been hunting for a good urban fantasy series, with plenty of action, vampires and a likable yet tough female lead.

Well, I may have found what I'm looking for, in Jennifer Rardin's Jaz Parks. Her second novel "Another One Bites the Dust" has plenty of guns, gore, evil vampires and brewing world wars, but Rardin doesn't lost her grip on the inner intricacies of the characters, or the tongue-in-cheek way they do their jobs.

New target for the team: a Chinese vampire and his acrobat troupe, who are performing at the Corpus Christi Winter Festival. Even worse, he stole Bergman's invincible "dragon armour."

So while Jaz struggles with the prospect of public belly-dancing, she finds herself facing a crabby undercover team, soul-devouring reavers, religious fanatics, and a luxury yacht full of vampires consulting with Chinese generals. As if that wasn't bad enough, Jaz is being haunted by nightmares about her fiance and brother, which always end with her almost getting killed -- for real.

And it's getting progressively more dangerous to poke around the acrobats and their bosses, especially when Jaz finds that reavers are only called in for one thing -- to start world wars. The armour, reavers, and acrobats are all wound up in an international conspiracy -- and to stop the big bads, Jaz will need all her team's technical and supernatural skill.

That stiletto boot with knife in strap sort of suggests that this is some sort of vampire-slaying chick-lit. That's rather deceptive, because "Another One Bites the Dust" has none of that.

In fact, it's sort of a vampire-slaying secret-agent story, complete with dress-ups, romantic tension, lots of gory death and torn-up bodies, and a gloriously explosive, kinetic final chase scene that is worthy of an action movie. Rardin weaves in some enjoyably comic moments and entertaining dialogue ("It sounds like someone's seesawing dental floss inside her nose!" "Are you sure she's not our target?").

But she balances out the fast-bang action and international conspiracies with a healthy dose of Team Jaz exploration. Since all the good guys are crammed into a largish RV, we get to see how these guys operate when they're forced to spend a lot of time living together-- and it's a credit to Rardin that she keeps things from ever turning sitcommy. Blech.

But none of this would matter if Jaz weren't a likable, tough, believable heroine... and she is. She's smart, funny, a little too reckless, and acutely attached to all of her coworkers. But this time, she's forced to deal with her unresolved, guilt-riddled feelings about the death of her fiancee, and the source of her suicidal nightmares.

And her team is no less likable -- Vayl is one hot gypsy vampire, though I'm glad the smoldering tension between him and Jaz doesn't overwhelm the storyline. Cole, Bergman and Cassandra add their own quirky, sometimes dramatic edge to the story, and we get some very nasty villains, including a "Dragon Lady" vampire and a bunch of ravenous three-eyed reavers.

"Another One Bites the Dust" is a solid, enjoyable story for anyone who likes their vampire stories fast and witty, and their heroines strong and likable. Definitely an author to watch.

Jaz and Vayl's latest mission finds them pursuing stolen biotechnology, and saving the world...again. :) Also along for the ride are Cole, Bergman and Cassandra. The group goes undercover at the Corpus Christi Winter festival - fighting reavers, human extremists and dragons. Jaz is still dealing with her unresolved issues and once more the ultimate villain (Samos) proves to be elusive.

The thing I adore about this series is the relationship between Jaz and Vayl. They have great chemistry together, but the situation doesn't feel forced or rushed. They are still having misunderstandings, very realistic as he's a vampire and is over 300 years old. At certain points in the book Jaz is somewhat self-involved, and thus there's a delay between Vayl's actions and her grasping what he's about. Unfortunately by the time she's up to speed, he's brooding. It's realistic though, because she's still dealing with the death of her fiance. She's trying to resolve the issues in her sleep, so you have to pick up the cues when surreal stuff starts happening, as she doesn't always realize she's dreaming. Very well written.

The dialogue is again snippy, sarcastic, witty and self-depracating and I find Jaz's internal commentary hilarious. The banter between the characters means you are racing through the pages whilst at the same time not wanting it to end. There are so many quips to choose from.

"Something was stuck in my throat. If I was a guy, I'd have sworn they were my testicles."

My favourite is the 'snippy' comment on p59 of the UK issue. Just like book 1 the story is peppered with moments that make you laugh, wince and surprise you. And for those of you who've read book 1 and remember the hula dancing quote, p3 'belly dancing'. nuff said.

We learn more about the other members of the team in this book. Especially Bergman and Cassandra. Though it's not necessarily in what they say, but more in their behaviour and actions towards each other. There's a definite friction between them, which makes for some snappy dialogue. He's very much of the technological and Cassandra is of the magical.

There are also things left unresolved here that I think it will be important in upcoming books. Especially Cassandra's vision. Of some concern is that it's hinted Jaz might be developing new powers. Always a bit of a worry in urban fantasy that your hero/heroine is going to be 'The One' and become super-powerful and boring. But that's a concern for a future book.

Also available:-
Book 1 - Once Bitten, Twice Shy
Book 3 - Biting the Bullet

After defeating an ancient demon in ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY, CIA field operative Jaz Parks and her vampire partner Vayl have forged a special squad with their new associates they met on the last case. Millennium old Cassandra the seer, technological genius Bergman, and sensitive Cole have joined Jaz and Vayl in hunting down evil doers.

Their current assignment is to prevent an invincible Chinese vampire, Chien-Lung from starting WW III. Bergman is especially sensitive to this malevolent being as Chien stole one of his gizmos from the army's White Sands Missile Range, a body armor that has made him unbeatable when combined with his supernatural abilities. Finding this cold blooded killer will not be easy as they also must dispatch the soul stealing Reavers who want to snack on the team members especially Jaz while she goes undercover as a belly dancer in Corpus Christie. They also know somehow malevolent vampire Edward "The Raptor" Samos, who believe he should rule the world, is somewhere in the mix

The second Jaz urban fantasy mystery thriller is an exciting tale that grips the audience from the onset. The heroine forges her new team into a cohesive fighting and bickering until, seeks to defeat the evil ones, belly dances at a winter festival and learns more about her relationship as Vayl's avhar than she wants to know. With romance, espionage, and mystery enhancing the fantasy, sub-genre fans will appreciate the adventures and missteps of Jaz and her mates.

Harriet Klausner

I am a total book addict, I read at least two books a week. I read a lot of this type of book. I keep up with the majority of the most popular series out there right now. (Sookie Stackhouse, Eve Dallas, Joanna Archer (Zodiac series), Joanne Baldwin (Weather Warden series), Dante Valentine, Rachel Morgan, Betsey Taylor (Undead/Unwed series), Aisling Grey, etc. etc.) However, I hate talking the time to write a review. The fact that I'm doing so for this series is a sign that I really, really, like it.

Honestly, I've O.D.'d on this genre. I picked up the first book in the series (Once Bitten, Twice Shy) from the library only because I couldn't find anythig better to check out that day. I really wasn't expecting much. Wow! What a nice surprise.

The books are smart, action packed and well written. Jaz Parks (the heroine) has a great, snarky sense of humor. Some of her observations and comments had me literally laughing out loud. In addition, I'm a sucker for romance, and the chemistry between Jaz & Vayl is great. If I have any complaints about the series so far it's that it's taking too long for the two of them to REALLY act on their attraction.

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to hang in there. I can't wait for the 3rd book to be released. I hope it's as good as these first two have been.

This is the 2nd book in the Jaz Parks series by Jennifer Rardin. This series currently has 4 books with a 5th book due out in Jan '09. Don't let the cheesy title and the saucy cover fool you. These aren't chic lit novels and they aren't romance; these are hardcore supernatural spy novels with great action, lots of violence, and oodles of gore.

In this book Jaz and Vayl get an assignment to deal with a Chinese vampire who thinks his current state is just temporary and he is destined to become a dragon. This vampire is a close-associate of Edward Samos (the Raptor). They aren't sure what Lung is planning but they know they need to get information from him about Samos and bring him down. This time there's a full team on the case with Cassandra and Bergman providing magical and technical backup respectively.

So far I am loving these books. They are fun and witty, fast-paced, filled with neat gadgets. The characters have a lot of depth and I am really enjoying the character development so far. Jaz and Vayl are both developing fascinating powers and learning how to use them. There's a lot of sarcasm in these books and funny comebacks. Some of the analogies that Rardin puts into Jaz's mouth have me roaring with laughter. I think it drives my husband nuts that I sit in bed reading this book and am constantly laughing out loud. That't not to say these are light books; there is a lot of dark humor and a lot of life/world threatening situations.

So, I really loved this book. My only problem with it was that I didn't think it was quite as good as the first one. I think maybe it was the setting at the festival that hurt the plot some for me...or maybe it was the lack of cool fast cars. Either way, overall I am really enjoying these books. I am so excited to read the next one.
karissabooks.blogspot.com

This second installment of the Jaz Parks series, finds Jaz and her CIA partners in Corpus Christi, Texas for the Winter Festival . A treacherous Chinese agent is in the area. He has stolen a secret weapon, one so dangerous that Jaz and her vampire partner Vayl, both highly gifted agents where the supernatural is involved, have been sent to Corpus Christi in order to retrieve the weapon - a near impossibility - or to keep Chien-Jung from using it - also close to impossible. Vayl, a vampire of the good guy variety and the agent in charge, decides that the group, which includes Bergman, a brilliant creator of gadgetry with little patience for most things supernatural, Cole, who is also a sensitive like Jaz and can detect troublemakers before anyone else can even see them, and Cassandra, a several hundred year-old psychic who knows a bit about casting spells.


Immediately after arriving in Corpus Christi Jaz encounters a demonic force which first impersonates its victim and then devours its soul. This entity, says Cassandra's mystical database, is difficult to kill, but when fighting this monster called a reaver, Jaz finds a way. A good swift sword thrust, for those who dare to get up close and personal, will do the job. There are other evil beings for Jaz and friends to overcome thanks to the brilliant imagination of author Jennifer Rardin. At the moment the top of the must-destroy list is Chien-Lung, the man who has now learned to use the stolen weapon. It is a biological suit designed for combat soldiers which will give them all the fearsome attributes of a fire-breathing dragon. The only way to regain the suit is to kill the wearer.

The novel's brisk pace propels the plot but still allows the reader to understand the interconnection of the characters and the personal baggage each brings to their job. This is especially true for narrator and heroine Jaz Parks. Throughout the story Jaz has blackouts accompanied by terrifying dreams that include sleep walking, often putting her in perilous situations. Each time, fortunately, someone like Cole or Vayl find her in time to save her. The dreams always concern her twin brother David blaming her for causing the death of his wife Jess as well as Jaz's fiancé Matt. So disturbing are the dreams for Jaz she must solve the mystery behind them before she can give proper attention to the current case.

The special connection Jaz has with Vayl strengthens. Since the moment she gave her blood to him, at a time of his desperate need, the intensity of their bond has grown. Although there is a sexual tension in the companionship they enjoy, it remains for now firmly in the background.

Through Jaz's barbed humor and salty language the reader is taken on a thrilling action packed adventure.

Jaz Parks is back the whole crew. This time, they're after a Chinese vampire who stole advanced biotech armor. Going undercover as carnival entertainers, Jaz and the gang show off their talents while tracking down rogue vampires.

With more action and tougher bad guys, this sequel doesn't disappoint. The storyline is developing through the series installments, as well as character development. Jaz's past begins to haunt her in an extremely dangerous way, creating an intense subplot. And her relationship with her boss, Vayl begins to change as well. With the vivid backdrop of a carnival setting and an array of other-worldly beings, anything can happen. My favorite ingredient to Rardin's series is Jaz Parks' personality. And she's as witty and headstrong as ever.

This second book in the Jaz Parks series is every bit as good as the first (which was, incidentally, great). Sarcasm, humour, action, mystery, romance... These book really run the gamut, without ever letting up. There are continuously things that are being thrown at Jaz, Vayl, and their companions, making each page a study in 'how to keep your readers flipping.' It was, quite truthfully, very hard to put this book down, because it was so chock full of Important Conversations and Pivotal Events. You couldn't help but keep reading.

As the second book in a series, Another One Bites the Dust certainly delivers. There are some answers for questions brought up in the first book, some (halfway?) resolutions, but then there are also new questions raised which have me iching to get my hands on the next books. This looks to be the start of a new favourite series!

In this second of the Jaz Parks series, a Chinese vampire has stolen a suit of armor that bonds to the wearer, making it almost impossible to kill him. Jaz and team must find a way to recover the prototype and take down the vamp. Along the way, they're faced with reavers -- soul sucking enemies contracted by the Raptor. Plus, Jaz's new nightmares may be the death of her if she can't find the cause.

Even better than the first in the series! Jennifer Rardin's characters are phenomenal and the action in these books makes the pacing quick and intense.

Jaz is used to playing undercover roles for her assassination missions, and typically doesn't mind. However, when she finds out her latest cover is a belly dancer, she is less than thrilled. Like it or not, she has no choice as their target is a crazy vamp that has stolen a very important piece of technology, a suit that makes the wearer all but invincible. Add into the mix some soul stealing reavers and dreams that can kill. Literally. The good thing is that Jaz can sense and destroy them. The bad thing is that means she will quickly become their top target. What's an assassin to do?

The great dynamic and sexual tension continues in this book between Vayl and Jaz. However Cole, who we met in the last book has "wormed" his way into things and is causing some pretty major friction. I understand that he has a crush on her, which is fine, but I think Jaz needs to stop encouraging him as it is obvious she just doesn't have the right chemistry with Cole. The biggest problem is that Jaz is slightly oblivious to Vayl's feelings for her. Well, I guess oblivious might be the wrong word, it's more like she is in denial of it. If she doesn't acknowledge the feelings then they aren't actually there. I'm wondering if it is actually him that she is afraid of, or if it is herself. Because of what happened to her fiance, Matt, I think she believes that if she allows herself to care for Vayl, then something terrible will happen to him. She really has a long road ahead of her to overcome her "demons." Luckily Vayl seems to be a very patient man, and will be able to give her the time and understanding she needs.

The overall feel of the book changed from the last one. While Jaz and Vayl had help from some others, they were still a partnership with the others being outsiders. However, in this book we find the one who helped before are now full members of the team. As much as I enjoyed Vayl and Jaz's partnership, I think the team dynamic added so much more to the series. By having the multiple characters and the friction between them, it allowed for both comic relief and for the focus to not be too far stuck on Jaz and Vayl's issues.

I enjoyed this book even more than the previous one. I'm really interested to see Jaz's powers continue to progress, as well as the repercussions of some of the actions of this book. I'm especially enjoying the combination of magic and technology as that makes the story more relatable to the world we live in now. I am very eager to dive into the next book. Definitely a highly recommended urban fantasy that you won't want to miss!