Group Review & Giveaway of Blood In Her Veins by Faith Hunter

Series: Jane Yellowrock
Publisher: 
Source: the author/pr firm/publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: 
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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

Bea's Thoughts:

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/

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