November 30, 2020
Hamilton’s entertaining but overwrought 28th installment of the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter urban fantasy series (after Sucker Punch) is equal parts soap opera and adventure. When Rafael, Anita’s friend and lover, is challenged to a fight to the death for the throne of the wererat community, Anita is bound to stand by his side—and the outcome could drastically alter the balance of supernatural power in America. Wererats only respect strength, so Anita must repeatedly prove herself against a host of opponents, even as she and her allies navigate the complicated politics that govern vampires and shape-shifters alike. Further complications arise when Anita realizes Rafael’s challenger has ties to a powerful foe with their own sinister agenda for the wererats. Amid the intrigue, Hamilton still devotes plenty of time to Anita’s ever-expanding polyamorous relationships and upcoming wedding to vampire king Jean-Claude. This entry does little to advance the series arc even as it delivers all the escapades readers expect, including copious sex scenes, check-ins with a sprawling supporting cast, and moments of visceral combat. Newcomers may feel lost, but Hamilton’s die-hard fans are sure to be pleased. Agent: Merrilee Heifetz, Writers House.
December 4, 2020
Rafael has known Anita Blake since the beginning, and now he is in a position where he needs her, but it may cost him his leadership position as king of the rats. His rodere fears that if Rafael becomes Anita's animal to call, it will bring the rats under the power of the vampires, especially as Anita still prepares for her wedding to Jean-Claude. Rafael has been challenged and must fight to the death to preserve his authority. Asking Anita to come stand as his ally and queen will lead her to discover even more about the customs and history of the wererats, and the brutal truth about this fight. For this challenger holds secrets from both his king and Anita and, if victorious, could destroy both the wererats and the vampires. Tied together with Anita's myriad relationships and her own decisions about the men and women in her life, this book is filled with the bloody action and angst Hamilton (Sucker Punch) is known for. VERDICT The 28th novel in Anita Blake's world centers on a supporting male character who does not necessarily advance the plot but gives space to see more of Rafael and his rodere.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton
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