Series: Jane Yellowrock
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Blurb from goodreads:
New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter presents a comprehensive collection of stories starring everyone’s favorite “smart, sexy, and ruthless”* shapeshifting skinwalker...
In this must-have collection of stories, experience nineteen thrilling adventures from the world of vampire-hunter Jane Yellowrock, including many fan favorites and two all-new novellas. Read about the first time Jane put the pedal to the metal in “The Early Years,” and the last thing a werewolf will ever see as Jane delivers justice in “Beneath a Bloody Moon.” Get a searing look into the pasts of some of the series’ best-loved characters: Beast in “WeSa and the Lumber King,” Rick LaFleur in “Cat Tats,” and Molly Everhart Trueblood in “Haints.”
In the brand-new “Cat Fight,” the witches and vampires of Bayou, Oiseau, are at war over a magical talisman—and Jane must figure out how to keep the mysterious artifact out of the covetous hands of the Master of New Orleans. And in the never-before-published “Bound No More,” Jane welcomes a visit from Molly and her daughter, Angie, who is about to prove she’s the most powerful witch in Everhart history....
From the Big Easy to the bad bayou, from the open road to a vampire’s lair—with Jane Yellowrock, it’s always a given: have stakes, will travel.
*New York Times Bestselling Author Kim Harrison
I really like the Jane Yellowrock stories. They have werewolves and vampires like so many other urban fantasies but Hunter gives them a fresh spin. Over the course of the series Jane has grown and evolved and become more and more interesting. While I'm not sure this anthology is a good place start for a new reader since it contains spoilers for books as well as references to events and people in those books, it's a wonderful treat for fans of the series.
The short stories take place over several years, allowing us to see not only Jane's changes but those of the people important in her life. I loved seeing the relationships between Jane and her lovers, Jane and her friend Molly and Molly's daughter Angie Baby, and Jane and her partners. We see some pockets of Hunter’s universe that we've only glimpsed in the books, especially how vamps and witches live and interact outside of New Orleans. I loved seeing Jane's early days and her early times with Beast and also the stories that focused on Angie Baby, Molly's daughter and Jane's goddaughter; that little girl is powerful and scary!
Not all of the stories are from Jane's POV; we get other characters which allow us to see how other people see Jane. It was interesting to get their perspectives. The stories provide a nice mix, ranging from dark and thrilling to sweet and funny and a few that both dark and thrilling and sweet and funny. There's even humor, including a couple of laugh out loud moments. The stories were a wonderful way to see more of Jane's world, full of insights, and providing additional depth. Unlike many anthologies, there were no duds; all of the stories were good. I recommend this book.
Jax's Thoughts:
I do adore a good anthology. And Faith Hunter delivers. This one has a few stories that are republished from other sources, but they're all worth a reread. I will say, I did not want to like Ricky Bo again. And yet, now I do. That's the joy and downfall of stories from another character's point of view!
I was quite happy to see more of the Everheart/Trueblood witches. And how other communities of supernatural interact. I'm a little torn on whether or not this book is a good introduction for those new to the series or not. As an established fan of Jane Yellowrock, I knew the references to the novels. The collection may seem a bit less cohesive without having read some of the series. On the other hand, it gives an amazing view of the book verse. Much broader than the full length novels.
The stories are all fantastic, though. There wasn't a single one I wanted to skip over for the next. They made me miss the characters, and want to go read them again. If you're already a fan, this is a must read. For someone new to the series, it’s worth a read. You can always pick up the rest of the books too.
Steph's Thoughts:
I have been a fan of the Jane Yellowrock books, since the very first book. When any of these books come up for review, it's a no brainer to accept them (OK, maybe I beg, but it's worth it).
I always have a hard time with anthologies. On one hand, I love the little insights into places in time where we never get to go in the books. I love the little glimpses into not only Jane's past but other character too. My problem is that short stories are always too short. I never want the story to end, even though I know where it leads. I guess I am headed for another massive reread of all the books.
I always hate the question "Which one was your favorite?” Obviously, the ones centered on Jane are my favorite. Although, Rick's story about his tattoo was pretty good. I really liked "The Early Years" and "Kits". I liked getting more history on Jane's first shift as an adult and her first job. I also loved seeing how her friendship with Molly and her daughter bloomed.
Overall, not one of these stories will disappoint you. They all give you just a little more insight into Jane and her friends.
About Faith Hunter
Faith Hunter, fantasy writer, was born in Louisiana and raised all over the south. She writes three Urban Fantasy series: the Skinwalker series, featuring Jane Yellowrock, a Cherokee skinwalker who hunts rogue vampires. The Soulwood series, featuring earth magic user Nell Ingram. And the Rogue Mage novels, a dark, urban, post-apocalyptic, fantasy series featuring Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage. (There is a role playing game based on the series, ROGUE MAGE.)
Under the pen name Gwen Hunter, she writes action-adventure, mysteries, and thrillers. As Faith and Gwen, she has 30+ books in print in 29 countries.
Hunter writes full-time, tries to keep house, and is a workaholic with a passion for travel, jewelry making, white-water kayaking, and writing. She and her husband love to RV, traveling with their rescued Pomeranians to whitewater rivers all over the Southeast.
Giveaway #1
The publisher is giving away one print copy, US only, no PO Boxes please. Please read our Giveaway and Privacy Policies. Giveaway ends Monday February 1st at 11:59PM EST. Enter using the widget below.
Giveaway # 2
Faith Hunter has a $25 Starbucks gift card for ONE commenter who comments on all the blogs who're hosting the story parts (i.e. guest post stops). Blog tour schedule is here: http://www.ltpromos.com/ 2016/01/04/faith-hunters- blood-in-her-veins-blog-tour/
This sounds good. I wouldn't start here, sounds like, but for someone who knows the setting seems like this would be a neat treat- little insights into the world and characters.
ReplyDeleteI like anthologies generally as it's nice to be able to blow through a few stories and see different aspects of a favorite world. Great reviews!
That's exactly what this one dies, gives different aspects of a favorite world. It's not the best place to start the series; I think it would be confusing.
DeleteAs a longtime fan I'm really looking forward to reading Blood in her Veins. Old familiar stories as well as new . True excitement.
ReplyDeleteI thought the review was over shadow rites. When are there going to be early reviews over shadow rites?
ReplyDeleteAh, a direct communicator! I'd imagine reviews will begin near Shadow Rites release date this summer. However, Faith is having four books published this year so there will be LOTS of good things to read!
DeleteI promise they will be out around March. The book will be excellent, I assure you. -LTP
DeleteOoh, I'm glad you all enjoyed this anthology. It seems as though you all find Hunter's characters very engaging and the stories compelling. I've yet to try this series but I do have #1 on my nook all ready to go. :) Great reviews!
ReplyDeleteThe first noom has a lot of info dumping but it's enjoyable and the series gets better with each book.
DeleteI've been a Jane fan from the get go. An anthology offers me side stories that are too small to be a free standing book. I'd love to add this to my home library (2100 and growing).
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the pluses of an anthology. :)
DeleteI love these books, and the anthologies are a ton of fun.
ReplyDeleteI agree. :)
DeleteI'm also a big fan, Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteIt's important to remember that many of Faith's short stories fill in events that occur between stories released in books. Some fill out character background or maybe events that played largely in one of the full books. Her compilations of stories round out Jane's world and I'm looking forward to the two new novellas in Blood in Her Veins! (Pauline E)
ReplyDeleteYep, they fill in and round out the books. I'm looking forward to Shadow Rites..
DeleteHmmm, I should request my library to purchase this series. It sounds solid despite having a lot of books out already
ReplyDeleteI have some books like that. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI love this series and am always looking forward to the next one.
ReplyDeleteHaving read and reread all of Faith's books, I'm pleased to say they are my favorites. Blood in Her Veins will be another excellent college of Jane's world. Alisha Henri
ReplyDeletelooks different
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
This is a series that I keep meaning to read but just haven't got to it yet. I like this kind of book of stories but I need to read the series first. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteFaith is one of the few writers in my life that as soon as her book comes out, everything else is put on hold until it's finished.
ReplyDeleteLast winter I read the crossover fan fic Faith & CE Murphy wrote together, after years of it languishing in my electronic TBR pile. Once that happened I had to binge read the series and all the short stories to that point. Then started maniacally waving them at bookish friends.
ReplyDeleteI have read the series and shorts numerous times! I can't get enough! I'm excited not only for the shorts to be together, but also for the two novellas!
ReplyDeleteTammy Mabire
Great review's! I really do need to start reading this series. I do have it on my TBR!
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to this collection of prequels and side stories, old and new, in the terrific Jane Yellowrock world.
ReplyDelete