Still readable, but this will never be my favorite series nor will Anna ever be my favorite person. I plan on reading the next book, though. It kind of reminds me of Evanovitch's 'Stephanie Plum' series in some ways. An OK, quick read, but it doesn't really grab me. ( )

The premise: book three has Anna still struggling to balance her vampire life with her human life, all the while trying to keep the two very separate from each other. But her two lives collide in this book when her lover disappears and seems to be connected to some very supernatural events that are going on, which includes a which trying to raise a demon to wreck havoc on the supernatural kind. Anna will do anything she can to help, but her vampire mentor doesn't trust her not to screw up, and she's got to prove she's fit for the job, even though the lives of the people she cares about are on the line.

My Rating

Wish I'd Borrowed It: for the third book in the series, it lacks focus and any kind of development, especially in characterization. The world-building keeps adding more stuff to the pot, but none of it's anything that interests me, and it doesn't seem rooted to the fictional world so much as just tossed in. None of the subplots really gelled together in a satisfying way, and I really, really dislike the heroine at this point. If I didn't already have the fourth book in the series, I'd stop here. But I do, so this series gets one more shot, though I'm 99% certain it's not going to do a thing to change my mind. There's nothing new or unique about this urban fantasy series, and the only credit I will give to the author is her excellent use of first-person, present tense POV and her ability to keep you turning those pages. That's it. It's a fast read, but when you sit down and really reflect on what you've read, you realize there's not much to chew on. Oh well.

The full review, which includes lots of ranty spoilers and cover art commentary, may be found in my LJ. As always, comments and discussion are always welcome.

REVIEW: Jeanne C. Stein's THE WATCHER

Happy Reading! :) ( )

This is a MUST READ series. I find this author to be an amazing author. I have been hooked with the first two books in this series. I find her to write stories that are of the abnormal world, but Jeanne Stein almost makes you feel that it is actually possibly. I didn't find myself as absorbed in this book as the previously two due to the relationship with Max and Anna being the main focus. I like Max, but I find myself having trouble with his absences in the earlier books. It seems that their are other characters that would offer a more fulfilling relationship for Anna. I am still terribly anxious to read the last book. ( )

The third in the Anna Strong Chronicles, this paranormal action thriller is filled with well .. action! Anna Strong is a bounty hunter and newly turned vampire. Learning her new strengths and weaknesses, she is trying to "control" her vampire side when things get a little crazy. Someone is trying to kill her, and Stein does a good job of weaving several scenarios into one strong plot. Character development and humor are a little thin but still good. How many times must the heroine sleep with different men? It just gets old after the first few times... but the action and a few sidekick characters keep things interesting. Stein writes the action scenes strong and very vividly. High marks for that! I'll look forward to reading the next in this series to see how Anna develops. Overall, not a great read but good nonetheless.

Love this series. Curious to see where this leaves her personal life. I will be watching release dates for sure. ( )