Killing Rites

If you are a fairly constant reader of my reviews you know that Vicious Grace, the previous book in this series, was fairly hit or miss for me. I ended my last review hoping for something new to come in and sweep me off my feet in the next installment. Well my friends, I got my wish. Hanover didn't just sweep me off my feet in Killing Rites, he full body carried me into the story and I went willingly.

What do I say about Jayné that I haven't said yet? She's a mix of a lost youthful woman and a kick ass, quick thinking heroine who will take you down in a heartbeat. How could you go wrong? Jayné's character comes back with a vengeance in this installment in the series, and everything I loved about her before is back full force. She isn't show more perfect, but she's come to terms with it. She doesn't always make the best decisions, but she's learned how to work with that. Her little family is falling apart, but she's understanding how to cope. Now she has a rider and that is one thing she can't make heads or tails of at all. Watching Jayné work her way through this new, much more personal, problem, really brought my love back in a strong way.

One thing that really struck me about Killing Rites in contrast to the other books, is how strong religion plays into the story. In all the other books Jayné talks about her religious past, and how she had made a personal decision not continue it into her adulthood. Hanover never takes one side or the other, but just makes sure that the reader knows that Jayné isn't the religious type. In this book though, it's there in vivid color. Jayné finds her way into the center of a group of priests, and the ideas of God, demons and salvation are all over the place. For me personally this wasn't a problem. I have an open mind and know my stance. For others, this might hit a nerve. Just fair warning.

The backdrop for this book is New Mexico, and the barren desert really fits perfectly into the story. It's even used as a metaphor multiple times for Jayné's feelings, which I thought was perfection. In terms of plot, this story takes off running and doesn't look back. So many tiny puzzle pieces, the things that kept me wondering before, are put into place in this book. The reader finally finds out why this series is called The Black Sun's Daughter. (No, I won't tell you, go read the series.) Also, for the first time in a long time, Jayné is able to confidently stand on her own two feet. Hanover has been slowly taking her allies away and I've wondered why. Now I see it. In Killing Rites Jayné has to rely on her own cunning and resolve, and I must say she does a pretty amazing job of it.

All in all? The Black Sun's daughter is a solid series. This is the last book, for now. The fifth book isn't slated until May 2013, and I can honestly say it's going to take a lot out of me to wait that long. I'm happy to have met Jayné and her companions and I wait eagerly for more of their story. Until then, a huge thank you to M.L.N. Hanover for bringing me into the world of Urban Fantasy, however unwilling I originally was. If you haven't dipped your feet into the UF genre yet, this is a great place to start. Go pick up Hanover's first book and dive right in! show less

Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Our heroine discovers the differences between good and evil, and all the grey areas in between the two. This book has lots of theological and philosophical debates followed by good ole-fashion demon fighting.

Opening Sentence: “So Miss Jayné,” Father Chapin said, pronouncing my name correctly: Zha-nay.

The Review:

When I started this series, I had no clue why it was called the Black Sun’s Daughter. After the three prior books, this is the one that finally answers my question. So you may ask yourself, who is the Black Sun’s Daughter? Why, it’s Jayné’s demon, of course. Yes! So many questions have been posed throughout the series and now we get some of our long-awaited show more answers.

Jayné has always known that there was something different about her. She can fight, without really knowing how. She heals faster. She has powers that no one else does, and that has been giving her an edge in the war she and her team are waging on the demons. Up until now, Jayné thought that these “gifts” were wards placed on her by her deceased Uncle Eric. After the last big fight at Grace Memorial Hospital, she has another hypothesis: she is demon-possessed. Jayné and Ex go to Ex’s former mentor, Father Chapin, for conformation. He offers to exorcise Jayné’s demon and save her eternal soul. But while at the Father’s place of operation, Jayné notices that there is something not quite right going on there. She senses another demon attacking her during the demon banishing ritual, but no one believes her. Jayné must decide whether to trust her fate to Ex and his former colleagues or come to an agreement with her own demon, Black Sun’s Daughter, and fight the unknown one terrorizing the priests and the people they have helped.

Jayné’s past experiences have led her to be cautious around true believers. Her faith in God has been tainted by her family. Now, she is forced to rely on these priests and their ideals to save her. But this doubt she has for religion lets her view the entire situation with more than just blind faith. She recognizes that there are shades of grey in good and evil, and is willing to accept that her demon may not be as bad as she once thought. Father Chapin disagrees. When Jayné starts to have second thoughts about being exorcised, the priests believe that the demon within her has taken over. They are not willing to listen to anything that Jayné has to say, including her hunch about another demon hanging around. Will Jayné be able to get the priests to realize the true danger around them before it is all too late?

Ex is a former Jesuit priest that trained in exorcisms for years before he left. Now that he has returned to the same men that he trained under and fought alongside so long ago, Ex falls into his old patterns of obedience. He truly believes that Jayné must get rid of her demon but he fails to take into account her change of heart. Ex’s past and the reasons he is no longer a priest are revealed. He sees his chance for redemption for past failures in helping Jayné. He gets caught between his loyalty to the men that taught him everything he knows and the woman he has grown to love. Can Ex let go of his past? Or will the failures that have haunted him for years be doomed to repeat themselves?

Jayné knows that she will fight for what she feels is right, but is she willing to do it alone? In going off with Ex, she left everyone else on her team behind. Now that Ex is siding against her, she must find proof of the extra demon alone. Oddly, the only one she can rely on is another demon; the one inside her. Black Sun’s Daughter is child-like in her interactions with Jayné. Even though she can do some serious damage in a fight, she is still young for a demon. But the demon has never given any reason to want to hurt anyone; she just wants to live. Jayné must decide whether to give Black Sun’s Daughter a chance, or to kill her.

The arguments for the definitions of good and evil really do it for me in this book. Debating whether or not to base the right to life on if that creature has the capacity for evil; Jayné and the priests go back and forth on this point alone. Absolute is not a term that Jayné is comfortable with anymore, and it is a term that Father Chapin lives by. For most people, the philosophical topics discussed throughout the book are volatile. We all have opinions on good vs. evil and Faith vs. Atheism. Killing Rites explores these topics within Jayné and her particular situation. Can Jayné and the priests find a compromise, or will their feelings and ideals get in the way of an alliance against a common enemy?

Overall, this has been the best book of the series for me. Not only has the author answered long awaited questions about Jayné’s powers, he has presented her in a very realistic light. Jayné cannot remain unaffected by all that she has experienced so far and not question the pros and cons of being demon-possessed by something as unique as Black Sun’s Daughter. Jayné is a very strong and relatable character and I am eager to see what is in store for her future. Perhaps there is a future involving more of personal relationship with Ex? I can only hope.

Notable Scene:

“I thought you came here to get rid of it.”

I thought about that.

“You’re right. I did.”

“But that changed,” Alexander said, and let his lead fall back against the pillow.

“I guess so.”

“Chapin shouldn’t have accepted you,” Alexander said with a sigh. “No offense meant, but this was a bad idea from the start. The old man screwed up.”

Ozzie whined, her leg twitching as she chased dream rabbits. The television next door switched to the deep, authoritative voice of a news announcer. On the bed, Alexander folded his hands over his chest. The urge to defend myself was like an itch. What was wrong with me? Why shouldn’t Chapin have taken me on? But I knew. I’d come out of fear and desperation, but I didn’t believe the things Chapin and Alexander-and Ex-did. I had once, or almost did, anyway. But I’d come looking for a cure to a disease. What they had to offer was redemption from evil. The two looked the same if you squinted, but I was starting to think they were really pretty different.

“What do you think he took the case, then?” I asked. “My keen fashion sense?”

The Black Sun’s Daughter Series:

1. Unclean Spirits

2. Darker Angels

3. Vicious Grace

4. Killing Rites

FTC Advisory: Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books provided me with a copy of Killing Rites. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. The only payment received came in the form of hugs and kisses from my little boys. show less

You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2011/11/early-review-killing-rites-black-suns-daugh...

I love this series. I mean, I really, really love it. Killing Rites is the fourth book in the Black Sun’s Daughter series by M.L.N. Hanover, and if you haven’t read the first three, you may find yourself a bit lost with this one, only because quite a few of the demon terms will not be familiar, and Jayne’s journey up to this point is very important to the events of this book. After the events in Vicious Grace left one of her team injured and Jayne’s heart broken, she sets of with Ex (ex-priest and all kinds of sexy), to hopefully get rid of the little something extra she seems to be carrying with her. This extra show more would be a “rider” or demon. Usually riders are not something you want, but Jayne’s seems to be a bit unique in that it has saved her life on numerous occasions (which makes sense, since it’s a parasite, and a parasite wouldn’t want to kill its host), it seems to have been with her a LONG time, and eventually, it saves the life of another. Nice side effects of the rider are super human strength and agility, but is it worth the trade-off of possibly losing herself? Ex takes her to his former mentor, in the mountains of Taos, where they hope to get a handle on Jayne’s demon and possibly rid her of it for good. Only, what they discover in the group of priests could change the game permanently.

The Black Sun’s Daughter series is one of the best UF series out there right now, and it’s unfortunate that it hasn’t gotten more attention. M.L.N. Hanover is a pro (he also writes under other names), and he never has a problem taking the books to the next level. Killing Rites focuses on Jayne learning more about her rider, and herself. Make no mistake, though, there’s plenty of action, and there are some particularly awesome scenes involving a demon possessed eight year old girl (she’s got a rider called a Filth Licker, which is exactly what it sounds like *shudder*) who eventually becomes a key part of their mission. There’s also tons of unresolved sexual tension between Ex and Jayne. It’s no secret Ex has a thing for her, and Jayne seems to be coming around to him as well (fingers crossed), especially since she broke up with wet noodle Aubrey in the previous novel. I’m sorry, Aubrey was a nice guy, but he was no Ex. We also get some time with Midian, vampire and one of my favorite characters, and his dog Ozzie, who tends to sort of steal the scene a bit. Killing Rites is told from Jayne’s unique viewpoint, and I felt myself sympathizing with her rider, who rises to the occasion more than once. It also doesn’t hurt that Jayne has her dead Uncle Eric’s vast fortune at her fingertips, especially when she has to go on the run from Ex and the priests and prove that a more malevolent presence than her rider is at work. I read this one in one sitting, seriously, I couldn’t put it down, and if you haven’t discovered it yet, run to your bookstore or download for instant gratification and read them all the way through. You won’t regret it! show less

This series is beginning to really hit a groove. This is my favorite since the first book [Unclean Spirits]. I feel the series is actually growing stronger, and getting better.

There's a lot less "soap" in this tale, in that we find Jayne pretty much runs away with Ex. After what happened at the end of the 3rd novel in this series, she felt it best to get away from everything and try to get a grip on herself, before any of her gang of companions gets hurt any further.

If you've loved Ex in the previous novels, get ready for an Ex overload. He is front and center throughout most of this tale. Ex is still somewhat mysterious in the beginning of this tale, but by the end everything he does makes perfect, in character sense. But the way that show more he is perceived by Jayne during the beginning almost makes you think something entirely different is going on. I found this to be a very nice way of framing the situation.

Another thing I would like to add: The author treats religion and religious beliefs with a respect that you rarely see these days. And I do appreciate it, it is a great way of framing the same situation through different sets of eyes. and I never feel that the priests in this tale are crazy, they are simply solid believers of their faith, and see things through those eyes. Jayne has pretty much rejected this faith, but she still respects the priests and understands where they are coming from. It's very refreshing to see such a treatment given, as opposed to the extremely tired and worn out tropes of Christians being loonies, luddites, ignorant, etc.

This tale is somewhat about losing your identity and questioning your very own core. And in that situation, who can you count on? What's real, what really is your game plan?

There are some very bizzare occult situations going on here, and there are some very clever riders taking advantage of a situation that you would never expect.
The secondary characters here are well done, and I came to care about them, and it gives an insight into the horror that can be inflicted into a small community, or a small family, by riders showing up and entering their lives.

There are some fights in this novel, but there are also some that practically become more of a large skirmish or battle, building a little on the type of fights with mobs that were happening in the 3rd novel.

And, dare I say it, we finally find out what a Black Sun's Daughter is. Well, sort of.
And I don't think its a spoiler to say we cross paths again with Midian, who has gone unseen since Unclean Spirits. Good call to have him show up in this tale.

If you're still with the Black Sun's Daughter series, then this is a no brainer - you need this book. show less

Answers we finally have answers. If you are anything like me you have been dying right along with Jayné from book one trying to figure out who and what she really is. The time has finally come that we have answers. KILLING RITES starts off a little bit after the events of VICIOUS GRACE. Jayné is beating herself up for the role she played in Chicago and is determined to find out who she really is and what exactly is sharing her body.

Ex ends up bringing Jayné to some old colleagues and things stack up to send Jayné on the run by herself to prove that she isn't being controlled by her rider. Although I love the whole cast of supporting characters, I actually ended up really enjoying seeing Jayné take care of things on her own. She show more really takes control of the situation she is in to take care of not only herself but her friends too. Ex plays a much bigger role in book 4 than anyone else. Aubrey and Kim are off trying to make their relationship work after they find out exactly what Jayné's uncle did to tear them apart. Chogyi Jake is off recovering as well as being pushed away by Jayné because she doesn't want to drag him into another possible place where he could get hurt. I missed having him around for the first half of the story but he did end up coming in towards the end and is back in the mix. Ex really is the only one there with Jayné and they end up getting pretty close. She starts seeing him through different eyes and starts thinking about possibilities. I think they could do great things together relationship wise so I'm hoping this develops more.

KILLING RITES was filled with inner struggles, hard choices and answers. It ended up being a tad bit slower then previous books but I think that it was pretty important information wise. There was still plenty of action and rider drama. The answers wont stop here though there is still plenty to learn and it looks like Jayné will be going home to look for them. show less

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy:
www.allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com

Dealing with unknown powers and conflicting agendas is the bread and butter of the Urban Fantasy genre, and Jayné Heller is a master among masters. Heir to dual a legacy of magic and fantastic wealth, I have enjoyed watching Jayné with all of the changes in her life, both magical and mundane. Almost all of her financial and worldly needs can be met through a simple phone call to the “ask no questions, anything you need” attorney that Jayné inherited along with her uncle’s money, but when it comes to the demons and dangers she’s faced with, Jayné turns to a blend of magical mentors and her own instincts.

KILLING RITES has dangers aplenty as show more Jayne explores her mysterious powers. While I could see the risks she takes (trusting a vampire, remaining vulnerable to the rider who can control her body) I was still rooting for Jayné all the same. Hanover does a masterful job with world building, making it easy to slip into Jayné’s shoes and understand the feelings that drive her choices. I’m also a sucker for “buddy” relationships, and Jayné’s band of brothers goes right to my heart. I loved Jayné’s friendships with Choygi Joe and Midian, but her conflicted relationship with Ex was less interesting to me. While I’d recommend starting with UNCLEAN SPIRITS to get a strong introduction to the cast of characters, Hanover skillfully orients the reader in KILLING RITES, making it easy to jump into the series.

Great mythology, smooth action, and a number of relationships that I was invested in, the only piece missing from the total package was an emotional reaction to the romance. Not that the friendships weren’t compelling enough to carry the story, but it was disappointing to see a key relationship fall short of the others around it. Don’t mistake KILLING RITES for the end of the series, though, The Black Sun’s Daughter is just heating up.

Sexual Content: Kissing. show less

The premise: ganked from BN.com: Jayné Heller has discovered the source of her uncanny powers: something else is living inside her body. She’s possessed. Of all her companions, she can only bring herself to confide in Ex, the former priest. They seek help from his old teacher, hoping to cleanse Jayné before the parasite in her becomes too powerful. Ex’s history and a new enemy combine to leave Jayné alone and on the run. Her friends try to hunt her down, unaware of the danger they’re putting her in. Jayné must defeat the past, and her only allies are a rogue vampire she once helped free -- and the nameless thing hiding inside her skin.

My Rating: Good Read

Another great installment that started out worrying me just a tick, but show more then quickly moved into awesomeness as Jayné reunites with old friends, makes new ones, and learns how to land on her own two feet. Jayné grows in this book, and that's always a plus for me in an urban fantasy series. Killing Rites reads at a quick, fast pace, and by the end had me wondering what was next, which again, is also a great thing in an urban fantasy series. We learn a lot about Jayné herself and what's actually behind her seemingly impossible talents, we answer a few questions we've had ever since book one. If you haven't started this series yet, it's time, because it's been a great ride so far (just make sure you start at the beginning, and not, yanno, in the middle of the series).

Spoilers, yay or nay?: Yay. For this book AND previous installments in the series, so don't read the full review unless you're caught up completely. That full review may be found in my blog, which is linked below. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome!

REVIEW: M.L.N. Hanover's KILLING RITES

Happy Reading! show less