I discovered Cat, aka the Red Reaper, and Bones shortly after the release of
Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress, Book 4). Fans on Ilona Andrews' forum (Authors of the Kate Daniels Series
Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1)) directed me to this wonderful series. I devoured the first four books. I was mesmerized by Cat, her family, her world, her abilities, and her team of hunters she created. Cat's trouble with being caught between two worlds and embracing her true self was heartfelt. The chemistry between Cat and Bones had me fixated on their story. I quickly picked up the two spin-offs centering around two of Bones' fellow vampires. (One was okay, enjoyed the other.) However, when it came to THIS SIDE OF THE GRAVE, I was left feeling a bit disappointed. It felt as if the magic wasn't quite there. Oh, it had an excellent storyline and plot, but it felt a bit lackluster. So, even though I was eager to get my hands on book 6 (this little beauty), I was still a bit apprehensive.
Five weeks have pass since the events of THIS SIDE OF THE GRAVE. Cat can't seem to get rid of Marie's power and ghosts still flock to her. Cat's ghost friend Fabian finally has a request for help: the ghost Fabian is in love with needs help eradicating another ghost and wants Cat's help doing it. Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter and didn't necessarily stop once he died. He's used the fear and torture of innocent women to increase his own power giving him the ability to inflict harm on flesh even when he remains spectral. So, how do you kill someone who is already dead? Cat & Bones do everything they think of to end this witch hunter's existence forever and stop his reign of terror.
The magic is back. I still don't think this latest installment is the best of the series, but it felt like things are coming back together giving me higher hopes for the next book.
What I enjoyed:
1. Cat & Bones are back and stronger than before: no more leaving each other, no more forced separation for an entire book, no more trying to save the other by running off half-cocked. They have weathered the storms and have learned: they are fighting this one together.
2. Cat's growth--Cat has a LONG life ahead of her and is finally realizing it. This realization is changing her outlook a bit, but she is still the Cat we all know and love. She still has her great sense of humor and is full of snide remarks. She has just finally come to realize she can be happy in the moment.
3. Bones--what a hottie! He is growing and developing as well. I loved that even though he still has the vampire territorialism that he has loosened up a bit and is more trusting. I also loved how he seemed to be more of a partner to Cat rather than a teacher.
4. The romance--Cat and Bones' relationship is solid. There were so many small tender moments between them that really made me smile. For those looking for it, there is one sex scene. It's not a Chapter 21, but it was unique and fun. I can honestly say I have NEVER read something like this before. It gives the name "Mile High Club" a whole new meaning.
5. Friends--not everyone got in the book, some had a few pages, and some only had their names mentioned. But those who were there added much to the story and made me smile. Cat's mom is still feisty even though she is still struggling with her change. I actually liked Denise here! Ian--what a hoot! And we meet Tyler the Medium. I absolutely LOVED Tyler.
6. The Challenge--Cat has prevailed against so many things. But how do you fight something that isn't corporal? Something that can use physical violence against you but you can't touch? Something that can't die or be erased? I enjoyed watching Cat tried to out maneuver a crafty old ghost. Cat can't just unleash her Red Reaper skills since she can't physically touch the sly witch hunter. I do wish we could have seen her go all Reaper on everything, but that wasn't in the cards this book.
Things that didn't quite work for me:
1. The villain--every other book revolved around a very personal enemy. That intimate connection gave each story emotion, depth, and gravity that was just lacking here. Think back to books 1-5: Cat had to battle her own prejudices, Ian, Patra, Gregor, and Appollyon. Book 6? Not so much. Yeah, this guy is sick and twisted but only torments Cat because Cat went looking for him as a personal favor to Fabian. And then Fabian was AWOL a lot of the story. I just missed that personal touch. It's just not the same when she goes looking for trouble.
2. The ending--yes, we do get a clear resolution to the problem, but for some reason I felt like the ending was incomplete. It lacked that sigh of satisfaction. The ending seemed to be just quickly summarized and thrown on there.
ONE GRAVE AT A TIME was a nice installment to this series, which I had a hard time putting it down. I like where Ms. Frost is taking Cat and Bones and am glad some of the magic is back. Oh, and as an added bonus, we get a small excerpt from Cat and Bones' Christmas story due out in November called HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. That little snippet was nice and juicy making me want the novella and the next book that much more.
READING ORDER OF SERIES, INCLUDING SPIN-OFFS
Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1)One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 2)At Grave's End (Night Huntress, Book 3)Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress, Book 4)First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World, Book 1)Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Night Huntress World, Book 2)This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 5)ONE GRAVE AT A TIME
