Biting the Bullet

Orbit,fall07

Fall/Winter 09/10

Rardin is getting better with each book in the series. I definitely liked this one the best so far - the mythology continues to deepen and I like that instead of adding tons of new characters with each book we're getting to know the main ones a little better. I'll be interested to see if E. J. pops up as being important again. Already, I'm about done with the love triangle thing with Cole though - between Jaz and Vayl's pasts and the general issues of human/vamp relationships there are really quite enough complications in place already. ( )

Jaz, Vayl and the rest of the gang have teamed up with Jaz's twin brother's military unit in Iran on a joint mission to assassinate 'The Wizard', a necromancer and terrorist responsible for death and mayhem across the world. Their mission is complicated by a mole in the special op's unit that allows the Wizard to sat one step ahead of attempts to stop him. For Jaz, whose relationship with David is complicated by the death of his wife at her hands, the assignment is awkward, made more so by the instant attraction of Cassandra and David, and her growing concern that something isn't quite right. Then there is Vayl, who becomes obsessed by a local mystic who promises to reunite him with his sons in return for being turned, sparking irrational jealousy in Jaz, threatening their partnership. To top it all off, Jaz is marked by a demon bent on vengeance, tormented by creatures that feed on violence and her father is critically injured.This third installment in the Jaz Parks series is an action packed story from the opening firefight with a group of zombies to the astral plane battle for Jaz's soul. There is so much going on that it can get a little chaotic but I feel Rardin manages the various threads well. Even with a busy storyline, Rardin is careful to continue developing her characters. Bergen, who is a surprising inclusion on the mission, is wrestling with his fears and Cassandra has temporarily lost her visions.For Jaz and Vayl's relationship, its two steps forward, ten steps back.This series continues to be a light and fun read, and I look forward to continuing it. ( )

"Biting the Bullet" is the third installment of the Jaz Parks series- and it does not disappoint! Jennifer Rardin really brought an enthralling, thrilling adventure into this book. (Read reviews of the first two books here.) Jasmine (Jaz) and her new crew are sent to Iran to assist Dave's special ops troop assassinate the Wizard and weed out a mole. Oh- and the Wizard just happens to be one of the most badass terrorists and has eluded entrapment for over 20 years.

Jaz has finally come to terms with her past- but is it too soon to face her twin brother, Dave? Jaz really discovers if she has dealt with her past when it slaps her back in the face. What happens when one of the people that you care about the most becomes an enemy? This book literally makes Jaz focus on some of her personal issues, which is a great addition to the CIA mission. When Vayl sneaks off on his own personal mission with a new Seer, Jaz is also slapped in the face with her own emotions. She may finally realize how much she cares about Vayl, and how much (or how little) he cares about her.

This book was hard for me to put down, I read it in two days. (I probably would have read it in one if I wasn't visiting relatives that weekend!) Rardin delivers a plot twist around every corner with more than enough obstacles to keep Jaz on her toes. I love that each of these books has a single mission that is completed accompanied by sub plots that are stretched over the course of all three. My favorite subplot is the relationship between Vayl and Jaz. They seem to know there is something going on and that they should have taken this relationship to the next step- but there is always something that holds them back.

I was banking on Cassandra and Bergman, but it seems it isn't so in this book... I really don't know who I want with who anymore! Cole and Jaz? Jaz and Vayl? Cassandra and Dave? Bergman and Cassandra? I just can't figure myself out- no wonder the characters have such a hard time making a decision ;o)

This book was really funny. I laughed a lot- the situations, the dialogue between characters... This series is really maturing and becoming addictive. I can't wait to read books 4 - 6. ( )