Review: Cold Reign

Cold Reign by Faith Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

European tends to conjure up old world sensibilities and manners. In this latest non-stop action book, Jane is plagued with these old world asinine vampires. This book has been a long time coming as hints of the European Vampires' visit has been on the horizon. Still, the planned visit seemed to be far out into the future as the vampire world tends to move so slowly with all the different fancy protocols which need to be followed. It is surprising to all when revenants running amok lead back to the European delegation.

Not surprisingly, this book's theme covers yet another betrayal close to home. Seriously, are there no vampire interactions which does not lead to betrayal? Perhaps for those who live such a long life, there is no enjoyment without drama, assassinations and political intrigue. There must be something exciting to combat the decade after decade of ennui. For Jane and her human short lived friends, this excitement leads to too many deaths. Because once again, it is Jane to NOLA's Master of the City, Leo's rescue.

This may not be a popular view, but I think Jane needs to get over herself and what happened between Leo and her. I get that she is upset. I understand she doesn't like being an unwilling blood donor. However, it is not as if Leo was in his right mind. He's apologized as much as a master vampire can. He even allowed Bruiser to go off with Jane. Leo theoretically could have made it difficult for them. Jane needs to bury the hatchet and make nice with Leo, even if it means to let him have his way with her body. I mean, am I the only one who fantasizes about a Bruiser and Leo manwich with little ole Jane in the middle? I believe Jane doth protests too much. Just give in a little. Leo will get bored and then Jane can move on. Sometimes, it is easier to just go with the flow. Especially with Leo's kinky dominant tendencies! Be still my beating heart. I digress.

It seems all the men who want Jane are coming out of the woodwork. Rick, Jane's former lover who broke her heart is back in town. He is trying to help out but only succeeds in ripping off her partially healed wound and rubbing salt into it. Jane does seem to like to do everything the hard way. Whilst Jane's complicated love life is in full swing, she does take time to figure out the culprits creating the revenants. She also blunders into a conspiracy like a bull in a china shop. Subtlety is not Jane's forte. Still, she gets the job done and the conclusion is satisfying even as it leaves a bit of a hook for the next book. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series because events are heating up and it is going to be a wild ride. This urban fantasy is highly recommended to readers who enjoy complicated relationship, a strong heroine to save the day and alpha males in over abundance.

*provided by NetGalley