Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock is now the Queen of the Vampires and heavy is the head that wears the crown. Action-packed with vivid personable characters and a strong solid storyline continues to thrill readers even 14 books in

An action-packed read that will have your heart racing as you frantically turn pages, wondering where Jane's story will lead her next. The plot moves along smoothly, and while you should read the earlier books in the series to understand everything going on, there aren't many dull moments within these pages. I won't give any spoilers, and while I don't know if this is where I thought the series would land, it's definitely an interesting new installment.

I've struggled for a while with keeping straight the vast cast of characters in this series. The same goes for its dense storytelling and complicated history. So I thought maybe it might be easier if I saved a few of these books up and read them back to back. It did help to some degree. The events of Shattered Bonds were super fresh in my mind, which meant all of Jane's health struggles and the rising power of Beast over their form flowed right into this story. On top of that, I read Of Claws and Fangs which ramped me up for more of Atayas, who I was never really interested in before. But man, I still didn't remember who all the players were, particularly when it came to the intricate backstories of the villains.

All that said, the book was good. These books are always good. When I don't remember something, I just go with it. The narrative usually weaves in enough explainers for me to get by. Heck, this one even had a breakdown of events buried inside like a little meta readers guide. What you really need to know, though, is that Jane and the gang are going back to New Orleans for Wrassler's and Jodi's wedding --and of course-- to meet the latest threat looking to take down the Dark Queen.

Most of my faves were there. Bruiser, who I adore. Eli and Alex. Brute. I really found myself digging new characters, Koun, Thelma, and Quint. And there were some surprise appearances from old characters whose names I won't spoil here. I did miss Molly, Evan, and Angie in this one... not to mention Edmund. But to be fair, there are a lot of moving parts already.

There's plenty of action... machinations... and magic. I loved watching Jane explore her powers as Dark Queen and her family skinwalking history with her brother. It's awesome to see her interact with the NOLA vamps and crew and the way they love her. It always seems to surprise Jane when she realizes she matters to people. That stuff is gold.

The ending was great and sets up the final book in the series, which I am jumping into now. I'll be sad to see these characters go, but it's been a great ride.

Complex, compelling novel for fantasy lovers. Although all the series are complete novels, to understand much of the action and interaction of characters you will need to read the books in order. Powerful lead character and memorable story line. Shape shifter Jane Yellowrock, ex vampire hunter, suffers many traumatic events on the way to becoming the Dark Queen and protector of all supernaturals in New Orleans. The past never lets go and new challenges spring up. Excellent, read.

TRUE DEAD was not my favorite installment of the Jane Yellowrock series. The first half was wordy and a tad bit boring. Jane made a lot of bad decisions and I hated reading about them. The second half of the book definitely picked things up in the action department. The storyline flowed better and I was more interested in what was happening.

Although I was a bit disappointed while reading TRUE DEAD I am still very interested in seeing how things will end for Jane and her clan. It has been a great series and I look forward to everyone hopefully getting their HEA in whatever way that might come.

I feel like it's been so long since I last read a Yellowrock book (and I'm about 6 months late on this one) do I was glad I was able to read Of Claws and Fangs first for a refresh. If you need one of those like me, all the Claws and Fangs stories take place before this book.

Lots of action here, but that's expected whenever Jane and Beast are involved. But we head back to New Orleans for Jane to finally claim her position as the MOC and Dark Queen. Challengers and betrayal and surprises abound. It was interesting to see the change in Jane/Beast since their pass thru the rift, and to find out just what happened to Sabina and Leo. I really really like Koun, and would love to see some spinoff or short stories featuring him. I also like the new addition of Quint, because who wouldn't love a loyal sociopath!?!

I got sucked into this story and devoured it in 2 days. But it makes me sad that the ending is nigh, as these are some of my absolute favorite characters in urban fantasy.

Exhilarating

Jane used to hunt vampires, but now she’s their queen. She’s holed up in the mountains with the Yellowrock Clan, enjoying a little peace, when a surprise attack on her people proves that trouble is brewing. Someone is using very old magic to launch a bid for power, and it’s all tied to the place where Jane was first drawn into the world of Leo Pellissier—the city of New Orleans.

Jane is compelled to return to NOLA because someone is trying to destabilize the paranormal world order. And because she now sits near the top of the vampire world, the assault is her problem. She will do what she must to protect what’s hers. Her city. Her people. Her power. Her crown.

One of the things I love the most about Faith Hunter is her ability to summarize previous information so you don’t feel lost.  In the 14th book in the series that becomes critical because even if you’ve read all the previous books, if you’re like me, you don’t remember every last detail. Not only does she summarize but she does so organically within the story and as the information is needed and applicable. It makes the story easier to follow and makes it more enjoyable for those of us who can’t track everything from the prior books. 

As for True Dead itself…...it is an exhilarating ride of action mixed with intrigue. Not only is Jane struggling with her own shape changing abilities, which she is having issues controlling but she has enemies coming at her left and right. While she quickly deals with one enemy, capturing her in order to obtain information, she soon finds there is an entire network to deal with and manipulations that have been happening since before she was born. The intrigues and action makes for an exciting and easy to read novel, fun and quick paced. 

One of the best elements to the plot for me was Jane’s found family, though. Similar to other author’s I like, the character finds friends and family along the way, and adopts them, creating loyalty and a host of secondary characters that you love. I loved the appearance of her real brother and dealing with not only his presence but her grandmother. I also found it heartbreaking as Jane is attempting to protect all her people, which is not always successful. 

But as a reader, what is successful is the Faith Hunter’s ability to make you connect with the character’s, care about each individual and root for the good guys, for Jane, as she becomes more than she realized she could be, as she struggles to figure out how to be a queen, to think through problems and not just go out and fight. The flaws in the character, her struggles makes her more human and more relatable while making for a very enjoyable read. 

If you like vampires, action, and fun, caring characters, I strongly suggest “True Dead.”  I do recommend reading the series of Jane Yellowrock books first but Faith Hunter does a great job of helping you figure out the story even if it’s been a while between books.  Fantastic read and well worth buying the entire series if you need to.

Rating: 5 out of 5 enemies

Jane Yellowrock has held a number of titles over the last few years: Skinwalker, “fanghead” killer, enemy, Enforcer, friend, sister, lover, and…Dark Queen of the Mithrans? And doesn’t that just suck. Too bad she hasn’t got a choice in the matter. Now that the head vampire of New Orleans/all of North America is dead, and some super powerful relics have chosen Jane as the only one who’s fit to wield/wear them, the job is hers. Except, now she’s no longer alone. Now, she has allies, friends, and a family to protect. Now, she has a life worth fighting for. Even if it takes declaring war on her enemies to do so.

True Dead is the fourteenth novel in the Jane Yellowrock series, and, as much as I’ve liked them all, took me the longest to get through. As I’ve come to anticipate with anything Jane, there were many consistencies, for good or ill. As usual, there is a ton of stuff going on throughout, which makes the action scenes (and there are a lot of them) really move. Also, these characters are thoroughly battle-hardened and/or very old and they don’t hold back, so readers shouldn’t expect any fights to go easy. Jane’s world is an extremely violent one, and the absence of sentimentality for anyone but her nearest and dearest is fairly rote at this point.

I think what gave me the most trouble with True Dead was the ongoing unravelling of vampire politics and the piecing together of centuries-old treachery and revenge. Every novel is a fight to the death or apocalyptic ordeal, but along the way we learn about new (or super-duper old) characters that have been manipulating things behind the scenes so there is bound to be another threat waiting to draw in air for the next combustion. It had gotten really difficult to keep up during that previous story, so while reading True Dead, I simply didn’t try. When my brain started whirling with all the who/what/where(s), I just settled in for the ride. And ended up having a great time.

As has also been the case for a while, my favorite parts of True Dead involve Jane’s closest relationships along with the personal changes she’s constantly undergoing. Jane is ever “in-progress,” and I can’t imagine her any other way. Still, there’s almost an eagerness for balance as she navigates her own missteps, and a continuously-bruised sort of hope that surrounds her quieter moments. Jane is always intriguing, but I’ve become highly invested in her and her assembled family’s (vaguely possible) happiness. Which is a pretty good reason to keep coming back.

Although there is a “Clan Pellissier, Blood-Family” record at the end of True Dead, as well as a highly amusing summation provided by Alex Younger towards the middle of the book, the Jane Yellowrock novels are far too saturated with characters and history to recommend this story as a standalone. And while I’ve expressed some issues I’ve had in the course of reading, I found a way around them, and really did enjoy True Dead as a result. It is violent and bloody and the fact that someone important will be lost—and horribly—is a guaranteed thing. There are no easy answers. No tidy HEA’s. The entire series is a “long game,” as are the machinations of many of the characters. It’s infuriating. But, it was also extremely satisfying. I don’t have any idea as to the duration of the series, but I’ll be here for it. I just might need a nap first.

Another great addition to the Jane Yellowrock series. Complicated plot that I needed to read twice to get all of the details but I can't wait for the next one.

Jane has problems. She can't control her shifting so she is vulnerable. Then there are the issues of betrayals by friends, vampires, blood servants, and family! Plus, as Dark Queen, she has a big, red target on her back. And there is a wedding to host and attend. Then there are all the deep, dark, long games that vampires and others have been playing that is coming out all at the same time. No wonder Jane is frazzled and Beast just want to go hunting! Luckily, Jane has folks that really do have her back. But will that be enough? Read True Dead and find out!

From the publisher:
Jane Yellowrock goes back to the city where it all began in the newest installment of this thrilling New York Times bestselling series.

Jane used to hunt vampires, but now she’s their queen. She’s holed up in the mountains with the Yellowrock Clan, enjoying a little peace, when a surprise attack on her people proves that trouble is brewing. Someone is using very old magic to launch a bid for power, and it’s all tied to the place where Jane was first drawn into the world of Leo Pellissier—the city of New Orleans.

Jane is compelled to return to NOLA because someone is trying to destabilize the paranormal world order. And because she now sits near the top of the vampire world, the assault is her problem. She will do what she must to protect what’s hers. Her city. Her people. Her power. Her crown.

True Dead by Faith Hunter was published September 14th, 2021 by Ace.

My thoughts:

This is the fourteenth book in the Jane Yellowrock series and the second to last novel in the series. That it's been so long running shows that there are readers who enjoy it as well as a talented author.

The world building is detailed and complex. There are many cultures and magic systems. For Jane, the center of it all is New Orleans. It's where things started and where things may end. As the Dark Queen, Jane is responsible for many different people and beings. And because she is the Dark Queen she will be challenged. It's hard to keep the many cultures straight. Lucky for her she has people to help with that.

Jane herself is not just Jane. Beast also resides within her. The relationship between the two has changed over the years and is complex. Both of them continue to grow as more responsibility is thrust upon them. It's interesting to watch how they view the same situations differently.

There's plenty of action in the book. It seems a little slow at first, but it picks up soon enough. With each action scene, the stakes seem to get higher.

This book should not be read as a standalone. There are plot points that refer to previous occurrences in the series. While some explanation is given, there's so much more richness to be gotten from reading other books in the series first.

Overall I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. It's a well written, complex piece of urban fantasy. If you have read other books in the series, this is a must -read. If you like urban fantasy, you will probably enjoy this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

One of the best new installments in this series. Jane, Bruiser, and company have a lot ahead of them and with old and new enemies popping back up into the mix, it's non-stop, heart-pounding action. Can't wait for the next one!

True Dead is the most resent installment of the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter Yes, you really do need to read this series in order- and if you enjoy audiobooks this series is done wonderfully in that format.

Jane used to hunt vampires, but now she’s their queen. She’s holed up in the mountains with the Yellowrock Clan, enjoying a little peace, when a surprise attack on her people proves that trouble is brewing. Someone is using very old magic to launch a bid for power, and it’s all tied to the place where Jane was first drawn into the world of Leo Pellissier—the city of New Orleans. Jane is compelled to return to NOLA because someone is trying to destabilize the paranormal world order. And because she now sits near the top of the vampire world, the assault is her problem. She will do what she must to protect what’s hers. Her city. Her people. Her power. Her crown.

True Dead is exactly what I needed for the continuation of this series. Jane and her chosen family have been through a lot, and this book starts just as the next wave is about to roll in. I liked the continued character growth for Jane, and her growing awareness about how much is at stake, and how much rides not just on her choices but on her very survival. I was thankful for the moments of Jane's trying to figure out all the important players, and what is likely to come next, included her running through important bits from past books to remind me (and other readers) of moments that might have been forgotten or deemed less important. It helped me get back into the swing of the adventure and layers of planning involved in the larger story line. I was glad to see certain story arcs play out, and interested to see where some of the new threads lead us all. This is very much not for newcomers to the series.

True Dead is a great addition to the series, fans will want to pick it up and dive in.

4 Hearts
SJ, Romance Junkies

TRUE DEAD is the fourteenth book in Faith Hunter’s popular Jane Yellowrock series about a shapeshifter and the supernatural and human company she keeps. Hunter delivers a solid chapter in Jane’s ongoing storyline. Fans will be thrilled to see Jane, the new Dark Queen, manage her health, her consort, and vampire politics. But new readers will be totally lost—you have to be familiar with the series and read the books in order.

It took me a while to get into the story, and I had to go back and reread the previous book, SHATTERED BONDS, to wrap my head around the ongoing plot and multitude of characters.

When we last left Jane, she had cancer, a new title as Dark Queen, taking over for Leo, and danger in the form of the Son of Darkness. Now she’s dealing with Beast, her feline other half, and trying to figure out what form she’ll stay in. She also needs to come to grips with her overprotectiveness, as well as her makeshift family’s protectiveness over her.

The story is as always, complex, emotional, and fast-paced. Bruiser, Alex, Eli, and crew are working hard in the Appalachians while Jane tries to recover in time for a wedding (not her own but a friend’s.)

The best parts of the story seem to be between Jane and Beast, and hearing Beast’s thoughts, which add much needed levity to the darkness that can be overwhelming. Bruiser’s solid, as usual, and Eli is her constant. But there are surprises and the return of some characters that are truly shocking.

A must-read for fans of the series, but if you haven’t read the previous books, you need to. Start with SKINWALKER. You won’t be disappointed.

Faith Hunter does it again and I can't wait for the next in this series. Jane Yellowrock is my hero and I need a Bruiser of my own! As always, it picked up the story where we left off and continued it in a way that was both logical and new. I love how Jane is continuing to grow and develop as a character and how the story continues to unfold. It's a winner!

3.5 Going Back to the Beginning Stars

Have you ever started a book and wondered if you accidentally missed a book in-between? It has only happened to me a few times and one time I had forgotten to read the prior book. When we start True Dead Jane is the Dark Queen, has time walked to heal herself and is now back with her Yellowrock clan plus a few new Vamps.

Jane is having some trouble with shapeshifting and because of that it seems that her Consort, Alex and Eli are being a little overprotective of Janie and she is tired of it. There is a new vamp player who is coming to challenge Jane for the crown and a bunch of players from the start of the series will become important again. Bruiser will be there to support Jane through this all in all of his Onoreo glory.

I have struggled a bit with the last two books in this series specifically just because so much of it is in Jane’s head and soul home as she tries to work out who the players are and the magic really at work. Sometimes it is just hard for me to get into that and I didn’t remember Ka or the Firestarter at all so I felt a little disconnected. There is still a lot of action and a lot of stuff to love but sometimes I struggle with Jane as she struggles to get used to her knew roll. She will get there but at the same time I have questions I want answered and so I’d like to get there sooner.

Some fans of the series are going to be excited that a character finds a way back to the forefront of the story in an unexpected way. There is a wedding on the books too and Jane needs to find a way not to mess this up for Jody and Wrassler, which is hard since trouble just follows Jane.

Overall, there are some great things for the fans of the series in this book. Jane and Beast are always a great duo. I love the give and take of their relationship and how each of them brings something to the story. Beast that ‘dang cat’ can be hilarious, I do wonder what secrets she is keeping from Jane since there seem to be a few. Not my favorite book of the series but still a decent story.

I have read every book in this series and have never been disappointed but I have to say this one came close but for reasons that I can't talk about other than her loss of the power to shift at will seemed to get a bit cumbersome for the reader. The book while moving the story along in a superb fashion with the usual multitude of plots and surprises did seem to take a road never taken where it seemed everybody was suddenly less powerful. This added just a small bit of frustration to my enjoyment which is miles away from not loving the story but keeping up with all the characters was a small chore since I had to stop several times and remember who "Now who was this again" but this is still Jane Yellowrock and I still sense the end of the series coming and that makes me a bit sad but in all I wanted to give this 5 Stars but I felt that was more my love for the series than the actual enjoyment of this book. In the end they brushed over it quickly but it sounded a lot like the ending of Godfather 1 (and I loved it)

True Dead is the 14th installment in the Jane Yellowrock series and was another fast paced, exciting, and rollercoaster of emotions!

In this installment, Jane and company head back to NOLA for Wrassler and Jodie’s wedding. This time however, Jane returns not as the Enforcer vampire hunter but as the Dark Queen. Now healed from a form of magical cancer, Jane is the Dark Queen, Master of New Orleans, and every Mithran in North America. However, while some are her loyal subjects there are also threats among the ancient vampires. So now Jane must figure out her problems with her ability to shift and the politics of her position and she’ll need all the help she can get. The reason is the European vamps allied themselves with a certain group who also want Jane’s magical artifacts for their own gain.

Overall, I loved True Dead with all its twists and turns! Just goes to show Jane has more than a few surprises up her sleeve now that she’s the Dark Queen. Faith Hunter sure did a great job showing the difference between the Jane from Skinwalker and the Jane from True Dead. She’s really come a long way since then. We finally got some questions answered but as always new questions took their place which I look forward to see answered in future installments. Once again, Faith Hunter did not disappoint!





*I received True Dead from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley in return for an honest review.*

Faith Hunter continues to ramp up the stakes in vampire politics in New Orleans with Jane Yellowrock as the Dark Queen of the vampires. Bodies start falling. Her grandmother turns out to be mad and bad. All in a day's work for Jane. Read this exciting action packed vampire tale.

Jane Yellowrock is a 190-year-old Cherokee shape-shifter. Having been magically cured of her cancer in the last book, Jane is now having trouble holding her form. Her companions see this, along with Jane’s position as Dark Queen of the vampires, to shield her from danger and any action. But the danger cannot be avoided as they face an ambush on a simple reconnaissance mission even though they manage to capture a powerful enemy. Before leaving their mountain home to return to New Orleans Jane participate in a Cherokee ceremony with her brother and grandmother only to learn that her grandmother is part of those who are her enemy. The return to New Orleans, apart for Lori and Wrassler’s wedding, turns into a series of attacks and counter attacks as Jane and her friends must determine who among them is loyal and who are traitors. There are challenges galore and if Jane and her friends lose, than hundreds of people, human, witch and vampire, will die. It is up to Jane to figure out the vampire’s long plan and save her people.

This was an enthralling read, once I started I could not put the book down. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” until I reached the end. There is sad death, surprising revelations and almost non-stop action until we reach an exciting climax that leaves us longing for the next book to see what happens. The whole series is highly recommended