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4.0 out of 5 stars
Felt like a transition novel to me; can't wait for the next one, December 22, 2008
This review is from: Bitten to Death (Jaz Parks, Book 4) (Paperback)
This is the fourth book in the Jaz Parks series by Jennifer Rardin. It was pretty much on par with the third book of the series as far as quality goes. I am still enjoying these books but I thought that this book was marginally less great than the other books.
In this book Jaz, Vayl and David return to Vayl's old Vampere Trust. They have an agreement with the leader of the Trust that they hope will lead to the assassination of Edward Samos, the Raptor. Unfortunately when they arrive they find that the Trust has changed leadership and is now in the hands of someone who has a deep connection with Vayl. The new leader has different plans for Vayl and the magic of the Trust seems to be pulling the characters apart from each other. Will Jaz, Vayl, and David survive their stay with the Trust? Will they finally eliminate Edward Samos?
This was a pretty good book. It was action packed and introduced a lot of new magical aspects to the series. Were-creatures join the plotline and we learn a lot more about Vayl's past. All in all it was fast-paced and engaging. Although so far I think it was my least favorite book of the series.
I will restate that this was a really good book but there were some things that bothered me about it. In someways the plot seemed to be rehashing the plot of the third book. Jaz runs around trying to save Vayl from himself again; and Jaz and Vayl's relationship seems to be treading water. I suppose this may be a transitional book, but I thought this book was a bit weak on character development. I am starting to get sick of Jaz's whining that she needs space, when the whole time she is acting the opposite way. I am really hoping that the major flaw in Vayl's character has worked itself out and we don't have to hear Vayl obsessing over his dead sons anymore after this. That was an interesting plot element for a couple books but it is wearing thin and getting old. I also missed that there weren't as many nifty gadgets in this book; there were a few, but Bergman was mostly absent. Also the careening from mission to mission is getting a bit tiresome even for me; does anyone else think maybe Jaz needs a vacation? I don't think the woman hardly ever sleeps. I am beginning to think it would be more exciting to hear about what Jaz does when she's not knee deep in scary terrorists.
This was a good book. I think the next book will probably decide whether or not I keep reading the series. The ending of this book left the next book open to some new plot lines and new ideas; hopefully it will follow through.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Series that gets better and better, April 16, 2011
I really, really like Jaz Parks. This is book 4 in the series, and the series is going strong. I like that Jaz is messed up, she has issues, but she still manages to deal with her crazy family, her vampire boss, and her newly inherited sensitive skills. She is a tough cookie, always ready for a fight, always ready to protect the people close to her. I like Vayl as well. He's got his own issues, he's not just some studly super-vamp...he's got obsessive issues. I really hope that Vayl manages to overcome his hang ups and focus on the future instead of the past, and I hope that Jaz does the same....sooner rather than later. The sexual tension is getting crazy already.... anyhow, I'm starting the next book now....I'm so hooked on this series.....
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Great Installment, March 14, 2011
This review is from: Bitten to Death (Jaz Parks, Book 4) (Paperback)
Jaz, Vayl and Dave are teamed up in this installment to enter into an agreement with a Vampere Trust in orfer to get a shot at their number one target, The Raptor. This particular Trust holds particular danger for Vayl as it was the very one he escaped from a very long time ago. Not only is animosity towards him high, but one member in particular has her sights set on Vayl. Jaz and Vayl have face a lot in the past, but the tangled web being weaved may just be enough to ensnare them for good.
This book gives us a further look into Vayl's past. While much of it still remains a mystery, and probably always will, I did enjoy learning more about him. He has made allusions to the fact that Jaz wouldn't have liked the man he used to be and he seems ashamed of his past. However, even though he may have done bad things in the past, that was then. That he had the strength to leave the situation he was in as well as able to survive to make a better man of himself is nothing short of admirable.
Poor Vayl and Jaz, they never seem to be able to catch a break when it comes to their budding relationship. Vayl thinks he is sure about Jaz, yet anytime something comes up with his sons, his thoughts about her seem to go out the window. Jaz on the other hand knows that she loves and needs Vayl, but just cannot bring herself to accept this fact. The fear of losing him is too high. So, when you add in those problems to the psychotic vampire who is trying to steal Vayl away and claim him for her own, you can't expect much progression to happen. It is a shame that everything seems to be against them, and I think I will do a happy dance when they finally get together. As frustrating as the slow progression has been, I prefer it this way as long as that means that they will have a strong foundation and not crumble at the first obstacle, so that in the end everything will have been worth the wait.
I enjoyed this book, but I did have one complaint. The situation with Cole is really starting to grate on my nerves. It is obvious that she will never choose him, and I think he knows that. In fact I bet the only reason he seems to be going after her so hard is the fact that he can't actually have Jaz. He just doesn't seem to be the type to settle down, which is what being with Jaz would lead to. Jaz has herself so worried about crushing him by telling him no, but I just don't think it will really effect him that much in the long run. He may think he loves her, but deep down I think she is just a "safe" outlet for him. So despite that one issue, I loved the book and cannot wait to read more. I'll have to say the thing I love most about this series is that while there is an overall story arc that leaves unfinished business from book to book, each individual book has its own issue that gets resolved. So, no nasty cliffhangers to drive you nuts, making this series a must read in the urban fantasy genre.
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