Member Reviews
Yet another absolutely fantastic book in this series. I can't recommend this series highly enough. I just love it! So much went on in this book - the European vampires have arrived and are definitely making it known that they are here and not just for a little vacation either!
Jane has so much to deal with and never ever seems to get any down time - she literally runs from one scene to the next dealing with each crisis in turn, each problem as it arises and never does she falter, never does she slow down or stop, never does she say no! Luckily for her, she has the best team backing her up. Her powers are becoming much stronger, more scary and nothing seems to stop her from doing what is needed, even if it is not that easy for her.
My favourite part was her interaction with Ricky-Bo. He was a real idiot in the way he dealt with Jane and Paka and if he expects Jane to just roll over and forgive him, he's very much mistaken. There's no way she is letting him come between her and Bruiser - these two have a great thing going and the three magical words are finally said! I jumped up and down for joy at that bit!
Good thing that there is a thing called Soulwood, otherwise I would never picked this series back again. I was a bit tired of the euro-vamps eminent visit, that STILL hasn't happened - yes, there is a difference between invasion, sneak attack, stealth unleashing of the kraken and official visit.
This one has to be my favorite so far, and I can't wait till the visit finally happens.
I am a huge fan of Faith Hunter and this book lives up to her best, but leaves us with major questions that set us up for an entire new chapter in Jane's life. I'm looking forward to seeing where Hunter takes us in the future.
My Jane is back the kick ass Jane that isn't so trusting that finally defends her man is here an here to stay. While not perfect there is better overall pacing and cohesion of this story.
Wow, the book started with a bang and hardly stopped. Events happened quickly and there was a lot going on. Hunter pulled and brought together numerous threads and plot lines from earlier books. If you are new to the series, STOP, do not pass go, but grab book 1 and read in order. You can not jump into the middle of this series.
There was a scene with Alex and some vamps where my heart almost stopped and I was having very unkind thoughts about Ms. Hunter. Throughout the story, she put me through the wringer but overall I was happy with the book. I loved the blend of vamp politics, relationships, action, suspense, world building, even romance, and religion. There are revelations galore and I decided that I really need to go back and read the earlier books again, especially in light of the revelations. Also, my feelings on some characters, including Jane herself, have changed over the series. Hunter does not keep her characters, or her world, static but lets them grow and change. It's one of the strengths of the series.
"Cold Reign" kept me reading, flipping the pages on my ereader to see what would happen. It kept me guessing, made my heart race, and gave me all the feels. It's a smart, thrilling, complicated story that is exactly what urban fantasy should be.
In this 11th installments, the Jane Yellowrock series shows no sign of slowing down. If anything, the story just seems to keep getting deeper and more complex with each book. Don’t get me wrong, these books have never been light reading. But now it is more complicated than ever.
The story comes out swinging with plenty of action. Something or someone is raising twice dead vampires back from the grave. These revenant’s are mindless, powerful killers. Jane’s initial mission is to take them down. After that though, she needs to figure out how they are being reanimated in the first place.
It all boils down to those pesky European vampires Faith Hunter has been teasing us with for several books now. That’s right, the EVs are finally here. It’s not with the great pomp and circumstance that we were expecting, however.
I’ve said before that these books or dense, but I will admit that sometimes I simply cannot keep up with what the hell is happening. I’m not talking about the great fight scenes or the good relationship stuff. I’m totally down with all that. But when we start delving into the long game of vampires and alliances that span back centuries, I’m more than a little lost. At a certain point, I just have to accept that we are just talking about a bunch of old European dudes who want to rule everything and are generally sadistic… and hope that the author makes it all obvious enough who is who when the climax happens. Thankfully, she does just that and it partially made sense when all was said and done. There are just so many names to keep track of!
Jane has evolved so much, especially in the past several books. Her magic has changed significantly, but underneath it all is still the great dynamic she has with her Beast. It is one of the best things about this series and it is as awesome as ever. And while just a second ago I was complaining about there being too many names and too many characters, it will sound like I’m contradicting myself when I say I love how her family base is expanding. For a woman who only had one real friend in her life when this series started, Jane now has a huge family that helps make her stronger and better. I love Eli and Alex. I love Edmund. I want Brute to turn back into a person who I could meet.
And then there is Jane’s romantic love life. I know that everybody has their own opinions about who she should be with. It wasn’t totally clear at the start of these books to her HEA would be. I am a big fan of her with Bruiser so I really loved watching this relationship continue to progress here. And as much is I grew to hate Ricky Bo in earlier books, I think I have finally made my peace with him. I never want him with Jane, of course, but I don’t think I hate him anymore. Kudos to the author for getting me to your place I never thought I would.
Overall, this was a smart, entertaining, and action-packed read. There are such great fight scenes and fabulous violence. And still so much awesome story too. I am already excited to see what will happen in book 12.
Rating: B+
Jane and Clan Yellowrock have their hands full in Cold Reign. In the midst of a magically charged storm, twice-dead vampires rising and creating havoc. Then sleeper agents of the European court of vampires start to make their moves. But despite being caught wrong-footed, the good guys manage to narrowly pull out a win. And Leo did not get his wish, again. It will be interesting what Faith Hunter pulls in the next book!
Cold Reign is the latest book in the Jane Yellowrock series. What I find so intriguing about this series is that each book gives us a little more insight into Jane’s past. There are elements from the culture of her birth tied into her emotional growth as she learns more about herself, her past, and continues to build the family she’s created for herself. There is treachery and power struggles in the Mithran camp, which leads to action and danger as Jane and the Youngers try to survive and protect New Orleans. I so enjoyed this book and I hope that we see much more of Jane Yellowrock in the future!
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.
Oh wow! Jane Jane Jane...I love you, root for you and want to kick you sometimes too. But I always want to read what you get up to next.
All of the familiar players are back in the eleventh story in the Jane Yellowrock series: Jane and Beast, the Youngers, Bruiser, Leo, Edmund, Derek, Grégoire, the Robere twins, Gee, Brute, Ricky, etc. Leo, of course, is so insufferably arrogant (yet necessary) that I kind of wished Jane would just kick him, but Jane’s family, Clan Yellowrock, becomes more endearing and fascinating by the minute. This growing assemblage of personalities is my favorite part of Cold Reign, and Jane is infinitely better for their presence in her life.
In Cold Reign, Jane is once again trying to stop an attack aimed at Leo Pellessier, the Mithran Master of the city of New Orleans. Despite Leo’s secrecy and manipulations, Jane is now fully aware of what might be lost if Leo falls, and knows that turning her back on it all would be far too costly for everyone, including her. To say that it’s a complex situation is a gross understatement, but Jane’s learned a thing or two since her arrival and uses it to her advantage without a flinch.
As to Jane, she’s become one of my favorite characters ever, and I truly feel invested in the life she’s been building for herself. She’s got scars. Lots of them. But, she’s earned every one, and has managed to find some happiness, too. No longer the obstinate, wounded loner, she’s a richer character all-around, and in Cold Reign, it seemed more evident than in any of the previous novels.
Jane’s evolution is reflected in the narrative as a whole, and Cold Reign benefits from the effect it has on the other elements of the story. There are some really funny moments sprinkled throughout, made even more so because of their irreverence and borderline impropriety, thanks to Jane’s “quirkiness”—which seems to be catching. Likewise, there’s serious romance going on here that Jane absolutely deserves, even if she’s disgusted with herself just a little. I thought it was completely wonderful.
Eleven books in, and the Jane Yellowrock series keeps getting better and better. And unlike many other long-running series, it has remained consistently strong and downright riveting more often than not. Jane still stumbles occasionally, but rarely now, and her determination to learn whenever she does makes me love her even more. While Jane’s understanding of the world she’s become embroiled in continues to grow, it is her own self-realization and acceptance in Cold Reign that is most impressive. This series is a definite favorite of mine by now, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
The Europeans are coming, the Europeans are coming, or they might already be here. Once again, Leo’s tight-lipped policy causes all kinds of head aches, heart aches and just general mayhem for Jane, everyone she holds dear and the NOLA in general.
Revenants are running wild.
A bunch of key New Orleans vamps have gone missing.
And a ghost ship has docked off shore.
It is what manages to make it assure that puts everyone at risk.
I flat out love this series. Faith Hunter never fails to bring a high octane adventure that keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat and reading into the wee-hours of the morning.
I love watching the dynamics between Jane and her family by choice grow and evolve. COLD REIGN is packed full of this character growth and new and exciting developments that I've come to expect and love from Hunter.
I knew before I even clicked on this ebook, I was going to be hooked…it of course, is another Jane Yellowrock adventure…what’s not to LOVE! With every installment, I am amazed by the fresh, new and exciting twists Hunter manages to through our way and of course, new perils Jane and the gang must face.
I do admit, I’m a little concerned about the possible all the complications in Jane’s love life and hope that directions might be taken to just make more heart ache for Jane.
In the end, I found myself completely immersed in Cold Reign. Faith Hunter had me hook, line and sinker…and I didn’t want this experience to end. And that is just what this was, an experience in another world, the amazing imagings of Faith Hunter.
Sure to delight any urban fantasy fan, check out COLD REIGN.
I received this copy of COLD REIGN from Berkley Publishing Group - Ace. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Action layered upon politics upon history, COLD REIGN is a procedural that doesn't slow down. Long time fans will enjoy Jane's ever developing relationships and magic, but even those new to the series will find lots to enjoy in this installment.
The Jane Yellowrock series has always been a mix of continuity and "I can't remember where I am in the series but damn this is fun". COLD REIGN is even more "jump on board" enjoyable than most, as the risks facing Jane unfold with plenty of backstory and development. Bruiser has never felt like much of his own character, but that is immaterial in the face of how he makes Jane feel. Their happy domesticity is the reminder, again and again, of why Jane is happy with him (though I agree more with Beast, who is game to continue collecting mates). There is also some intensely satisfying "look how great I'm doing" when Ricky-bo and PsyLED show up, and I'm not above taking petty pleasure in his pain.
COLD REIGN is vamp politics to the nth degree, but the main focus is on how all of these dangers could impact Jane and the people she loves. It is this very human touch that makes the intrigue so satisfying, and ensures I'll be back for book twelve.
Thanks Berkley Publishing Group and netgalley for this ARC.
Always amazes me how awaseome the Jane Yellowrock books grab all my attention til the end of the book. I love the fast pace, action, and spiritual side of the books too. This series will never get old for me- I'll read it as long as Fatih Hunter writes. them.
This is an urban fantasy with hints of sex - nothing descriptive, lots of blood and gore. Plenty of scheming and manipulation - vamps are good at that and magic. The ending isn't a cliffhanger but the game has changed dramatically so it will be impossible to stay away from the next installment. There is only one word for this book and it has to be "EXCELLENT" or how about two words.."Solid Gold".
I have loved this series since it began. Jane Yellowrock has grown and grown into a force that no one can deny. Even the fangheads have to respect her because she CAN and much to her independent nature WILL take them out.
This story threw me into the action right away with Jane and Eli fighting a revenant. There are NCIS investigations into dead sailors and since the dead sailors were drunk dry, Yellowrock Securities or rather Leo Pellissier's Enforcer were called. That had me hooked from the get-go. Seriously? NCIS and Jane Yellowrock in the same paragraph? I am SO in.
The action doesn't stop there. Nope. Not even close. The revenants are the main story line and why they are all of a sudden digging themselves out of their graves 200 years after they were put there is the million dollar question. And then comes the riots. And then the storms. And then the attacks on Leo and his HQ. The suspense and treachery reach a friendzied pitch and then back down just as I was on the edge of my seat. When I finally relax a bit, here goes the action and mayhem all over again. Jane and her team get thrown in head first time and time again while Leo sits back with his drink and his toys just waiting for Jane to fix things. He's such a jerk.
Leo doesn't come out of this adventure unscathed, however. He suffers some loss although the loss isn't as great to a vamp as to normal people. They have games not relationships. Now, I may be a bit biased because I don't like Leo much. I will concede that he does seem to treat his people well and he pays Jane well. I hate the vamp politics and the long game they play to one up each other. He's just too devious for his own good. And pretty. And a schmoozer. And a liar. And just plain fangy.
Relationships expand in Jane's household in this book. She gets herself a Primo, a Secundo and to top it all off - an Enforcer. Jane has worked dang hard for her place in vamp hierarchy and she deserves happiness. Enter Bruiser. *Swoon* Yes, he is pretty and romantic as ever. I think they make a super pair. It makes me all warm and melty. Of course I couldn't get comfortable with that because THEN things so a bit sideways because Ricky Bo makes an appearance. He makes it known that he wants Jane back and (this is the part that is cool) Jane is the one that tells him to...um...go jump in a lake. Bruiser is not the one flexing muscles here and going all alpha protective over Jane because Jane can take care of herself. Go Jane!
I cannot rate this any higher than 5 stars though I'd want to give it 20. Faith Hunter's writing is out of this world and her story line is one that is original and engaging. Go Faith!
Jane Yellowrock is back in this new installment of the series. The city of New Orleans is on edge. The European vampires' arrival is eminent and strange storms are hitting the city, making Jane's magic go all wonky. There are revenants roaming the street and strange vampires with double fangs. Jane and her crew will have to work with with Psyled, and incidentally her ex Rick Lafleur to figure out what's going on a put a stop to it.
If you are looking for a kick@ss heroine, great fight scenes, real relationships and a good dose of humor, this is the series for you. I love how the characters have evolved and changed through the series. When Jane first came on the scene in Skinwalker (2009), she was the embodiment of "Have Stakes, Will Travel." In Cold Reign, the 11th book in the series, Jane has established a home and family, something that makes her and Beast even more protective and fierce. It's a great series in the urban fantasy genre. For fans of Ilona Andrews.
My review partner ended up reviewing this one instead of me.
Cold Reign is the latest book (#11) in the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter. If you're unfamiliar with the series, it is an urban fantasy set in New Orleans. It has vampires, weres, witches, and Jane, a skin walker with the soul of a mountain lion (Beast) inside her. It is also amazing.
When you get to book 11 in a series it's pretty much a given that it's been an up-and-down ride. The past few books in this series have left me frustrated because of a new ability Jane has since she encountered an angel. When she uses it, she gets horrible stomach cramps and vomits blood, but she doesn't seem too concerned with finding out why it's happening. This seems odd to me. In Cold Reign, the angel makes another appearance and this issue seems to finally be on the way to being sorted out.
As Leo's enforcer, Jane gets assigned to take out revenant vamps (crazy vamps rising from the undead) popping up all over the city. Throughout the book, Jane goes back and forth between taking care of the revenants and helping Leo guard against a possible attempt of his territory being taken over by visiting European vampires. It's an exciting, fairly quick read, and if you've enjoyed the other JY books like I have then you will undoubtedly like this one. If you're new to this series, I HIGHLY recommend it! I listed to the audio books, and the narrator does a really great job.
Faith Hunter continues her Jane Yellowrock series with Cold Reign. Jane exploits her growing paranormal talents
to defend New Orleans from invading vampires. Nonstop action and interesting plotline make this a good read for those who like their paranormal novels packed with excitement.
Oops, I did it again! I'm jumping into a series I have never read before, have no knowledge of and am hoping it works out. Normally it is only a few books in, but with the Jane Yellowrock series, it is the eleventh book in. Eleventh! That's insane! How I expected to even begin to follow along with Cold Reign is beyond me. However, looking at the reviews for the previous books as well as the blurb for this book, I just couldn't resist. Annnnd....
I freaking loved it! Cold Reign had everything I look for in a book. Top notch characters to connect with. Jane, Bruiser, Eli, her whole 'family'. There's a story to them I can't want to learn more about. An unpredictable story line. What are the Mithrans (nevermind who they are) really up to. Action, suspense, humor, that 'Holy Cow!' ending!!! - honestly, I could go on and on it was that spot on for me. So how did I enjoy this book so much yet feel so lost?
The lost part is easy enough to figure out. There's quite a bit of world-building I am clueless since, as I said before, I'm reading this series for the first time. Revs? MOC? Paranormal politicking? So much to learn here. Jane herself is the biggest mystery for me. Skinwalker? I thought I had that figured out but nope. I had to turn the portion of my brain off that is usually reserved for backstory retention and just take everything as it came up. Once I did, I found myself being sucked in, losing sleep and loving every minute of it.
It's not often I am taken that much with a series this quickly. Reading one book well into an established series and I am hooked. I've already started looking into reading the whole series from the beginning. Label it what you want - urban fantasy, paranormal - really I don't care. What author Faith Hunter has got here is a masterpiece and if the previous books are as good as this one, then I may have a new go-to series to lose myself in.
reviewed by Jac