I have already ordered this book for my library system. It was a great read. There is a lot going on with vamps not accepting Jane as the Dark Queen and others conspiring against her. Felt like my heart stopped a couple of times during some of the battles. Love the series!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love that Jane is back in New Orleans, the place where it all began. Wrassler and the police LT. Jodie are getting married at HQ and Jane needs to make sure their wedding goes off without a hitch. Unfortunately there are enemies in the city who have other ideas over what needs to happen. Constantly under attack, Jane still managers to investigate the past, put pieces into a puzzle that she has been working on for awhile, a puzzle that will explain who the big bad is that is in town.

I have loved the evolution of enforcer to Dark Queen. I’ll admit that my head was spinning after Leo died, Jane got cancer, based herself out of a winery in Asheville, and healed. I hated leaving the Tequila Boys, and everyone at HQ behind, so when I saw the synopsis of this novel that Jane and her gang was headed back to New Orleans I was so excited to get the book and start reading. It was everything I wanted it to be. Although Jane is now the big boss as the Dark Queen, to these people that she knows so well she is still “Legs” and finds relief in being treated the same by her friends. At least in private.

There are some evolutions to Jane’s relationship with Beast that are best found out as you read the novel, but they bring an interesting twist to each dangerous escapade that keeps you on the edge of your seat and your heart pumping if you see if Jane will come out of this most recent war intact. As with all the novels, she has her two chosen brothers, Eli and Alex by her side, but her true brother Ayatas Firewind plays a bigger role in this book and their familial relationship advances adding another element to who Jane is and was.

I can’t end this review without talking about Jane’s relationship with her love Bruiser. He has his own bit of discovery and evolution in True Dead. Despite both of their characters learning and evolving never fear, they are truly bonded and together.

You’ve heard me say this before (now, 14 times!) but I have to repeat it. If you haven’t read this series please start with book #1. Admittedly that book is the worst of the series because all of these characters grow so much over every book and are a little flat in the first novel. The books just get better and better after that first novel. You can’t jump in at book #14. You wouldn’t understand the nuances in the story or characters so I wouldn’t even try but if you give book #1 a chance you will be in for a really fun, riotously fanciful, dark and thrilling urban fantasy series. You won’t regret the time it takes for you to catch up, I promise!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review and it was honest.

I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley. This book hits the ground running, and never stops. As the Dark Queen, Jane is still working on finding a balance between her urges to fight her own battles, and allow those around her to keep her safe for the good of all. She will never have a quiet life at this rate, and she is still trying to come to terms when the fact that her loved ones are at risk solely by their proximity to her. She has to do some real work on her relationships in this book, and it's really nice to see the evolution of Jane as a character.
It's hard to discuss a lot of the plot without spoilers, but Jane has a rough ride in this book. Characters that you like get hurt, people die, and deep-seated treachery is exposed. This book is longish, but it needs to be, because so much happens. A good chunk of this plot is based on events from previous books, so if it has been a minute since you've read the last book or two, maybe pause to do a quick refresh. Overall, this book is absorbing, exciting, emotional, and excellent. I got sucked in completely, and I will absolutely be reading the next book.

Faith Hunter has done it again. Just when I think the world of Jane Yellowrock couldn't possibly get better, another book comes out. Action, suspense, crazy plot twists...you got it in True Dead!

I always look forward to reading the new Jane book, and it was no different with this one. I'd been looking forward to it since I finished reading the last one, and I was not disappointed one little bit.

We get to see Jane in a new light in this one. She's really struggling with who she is right now and what she has to do. I mean, when you look at it, her life has changed drastically since she first came to NOLA to work with Leo et al. It's really hard for her to deal with all the changes, because she still thinks of herself as that BAMF vamp killer. I'm not saying she isn't still that, but she's more now too.

I have enjoyed Jane's journey through the entire series, and I think that she took a huge leap in this book. I can't wait until the next one comes out, because I'm pretty sure it's going to be so good.

Thank you to NetGalley.com, Berkeley Publishing Group, and the author, for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

This is book fourteen in the Jane Yellowrock series, so if you feel lost reading this, just remember there was much that happened before.

*** Spoilers Ahead ***

So the tale picks up with Jane still having shifting issues, which is causing stress not only to Jane, but to her clan followers. An attack in the clan territory emphasizes this, plus stresses the issue, because in two weeks, they are returning to NOLA for a wedding. But that return to NOLA, Jane has to BE her titles: Leader of Clan Yellowrock, Master of the City New Orleans, and Dark Queen of the Mithrans. In NOLA they discover a new enemy that is coming against them, and it involves Jane's true Native American, Skinwalker family. Because she is the Queen, it is her duty to find the enemy and wipe it out. Oh, did I forget to mention Leo is back?

May have some spoilers ahead.....

I have really enjoyed this series, and was so happy to get an ARC of this one. I was beginning to wonder if there was going to be any other Yellowrock books, and now know that there is room for the story to continue at least for another book after this one. Plus, I think I might have read somewhere that there may be a second conglomeration book with CE Murphy as well. But back to topic....

Janes character has changed so much through the storyline of fourteen books. Being solely responsible for so long is hard to change, but she is learning now that is has to happen. With a seeming lack of control on the her/Beast changes, whether to/from human/Beast/half-beast it comes randomly with different effects: pain, quickness of change, etc. Her clan, and personal guards have to learn to let her know details of missions/plans to keep her safe otherwise Jane goes nutso and charges right in, putting herself at danger (sense she cannot shift on will, cannot heal herself quickly).

I don't believe there was much world-building going on in this tale. NOLA had been pretty well set-up in previous books, though this time having the higher titles, obviously more money , meant more properties around the town were owned by Jane. There was more background built up on the Mithrans, as they uncover information of 'The Rule of Three' and I look forward to much more of that being shown in the next novel. Also, this Heir, name being revealed, but what level of power are we talking about? With Leo now a second-born, outclan priest, he has gained more power, but he was powerful before - and this Heir being of that line, could they have even more power? Things to make one anxiously await the next book.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this one. This series has been one I have read for the past couple years, having binged through half the series or more to catch up. I like Faith Hunter's writing style, and the way she tells her tale. I am not a romance reader, and the author keeps it at a minimum, with an absence of explicit details (thank you!) that even older YA would enjoy to read. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

#NetGalley #TrueDead

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
True Dead is the 14th installment in the Jane Yellowrock series. It absolutely cannot be read as a standalone or out of series order. Not only is the world building complex, crafted from Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock book one) onward but it's a continuing story arc throughout all the novels. Extreme confusion would be had for new readers. Start at Skinwalker.

Eagerly anticipated and well worth the wait, I savored True Dead, thrilled to move forward in Jane Yellowrock's universe.

Healed from a form of magical cancer, heavy is the head that wears the crown. Our Dark Queen, Jane is used to being the first to run into battle, used to being the cannon fodder for political monsters, a pawn maneuvered on the Southeast territory's game board. With Leo's death, with the crown choosing to rest upon Jane's head, she is the Dark Queen, and it's beyond difficult to switch gears from the underling to one of the most powerful, wealthy, and influential beings on the planet.

Based in North Carolina, Jane and company are prepared to journey back to NOLA for Wrassler and Jodi's upcoming nuptials. A large portion of the beginning, around the first third, the reader joins Jane as she tries to get her footing in North Carolina. Make no mistake, those pages are filled with action and the gamut of the human condition as Jane struggles. Not only is she having trouble adapting, her human form is a cost paid via the healing of the magical cancer. Jane's half form is becoming the natural skin she wears, taking a toll for her to try to maintain a human form for more than a few hours.

Where Faith Hunter shines is the connections she's created for Jane. The orphan has constructed a large, extended family of chosen confidantes who accept Jane for who she is, people willing to lay their lives down for her. They're frustrated with her, because Jane is the ultimate alpha predator, believing she needs to be between her loved ones and danger, when with her death it will bring destruction to all they know and hold dear. They're the fodder now, but they're too valuable emotionally for Jane to lose.

The familial connection, the romantic entanglement Jane has with her mate/consort, the camaraderie and laughter between them all, especially the uncanny thought process of Beast, this brings levity to a very deep and heavy novel, lessens the stress felt on every page, as the reader empathizes with Jane's plight.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. No matter where Jane and company reside, the target is firmly resting upon her head. Greed and lust for power, the European vamps are in cahoots with a surprising faction of supes, which I will not name as that would spoil the reader's journey. Both factions seeking Jane's magical artifacts for their own gain.

Set to the backdrop of a NOLA wedding, Jane is in danger on every page. The title – True Dead – had fear in my heart for the entire time, many of Jane's nearest and dearest in peril. There are hard hitting deaths, surprisingly fitting twists, new positions created and held, and a slight cliffhanger as readers ravenously await what this new connection made means for Jane and another.

As always, the best parts of the novel feature Beast-speak. Beast is a separate entity in her own right, with her own emotions, desires, needs, and drive, and she pushes Jane sometimes for Jane's benefit and sometimes to her detriment.

I won't lie, I got majorly choked up when Jane stepped foot into the foyer at HQ. I won't explain, as I hope readers have a similar, shocked emotional reaction.

The twist... holy crap, Batman!

Have some tissues handy, tears from shock, grief, and emotional overload will undoubtedly fall.

On the negative side. I spent a large portion of the novel just rolling with it. Bear in mind, I just reread all 14 novels back-to-back in two weeks' time, the world building and events firmly in my mind. Some of the world building, the jumps in logic, the actions of enemies, I was totally lost on what was occurring. Maybe I'm head-blind after reading nonstop, but it felt as if Hunter managed to connect A to G, without leaving breadcrumbs from B to F for readers to follow. This left me confused, where I just had to take it as face-value and roll with it. Too much information dumped, where Hunter tried to explain a simple plot with a very complicated explanation, featuring hundreds of years’ worth of political maneuverings.

Now the wait begins anew, where I eagerly await what will happen next for Jane and Beast, along with all they call their own, targeted by their enemies both near and far.

★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S TRUE DEAD ABOUT?
Jane and the rest of the Yellowrock Clan are headed for New Orleans after a little excitement near her new home. There are two things that bring her to her old hunting grounds and her "freebie house."

The first is a new, looming threat to her as Dark Queen, Master of New Orleans, and pretty much every Mithran in North America—at least those who are her loyal subjects. It's a threat that has roots in ancient vampires, magic that Jane hasn't encountered before, and possibly a tie to the "liver eaters" of the Cherokees. It's going to take more than a couple of sliver stakes, shotgun blasts, and a wicked grin to take care of things.

The second reason to head for New Orleans is much more pleasant—almost as elaborate, it should be added. Jane's strengths are best displayed in combat, figuring out what supernatural threat is out there, and that sort of thing. But social events, diplomatic moves, and things like that? Not what anyone thinks of when they think Jane Yellowrock. For good reason. Thankfully, she now has a staff.

While dealing with new supernatural forces set against her and the big social event, something more immediate is plaguing Jane. She's unable to control her shifts—she'll wake as the cat, or in half-shifted form. She won't be able to change back when she wants to—and Beast isn't doing much better with it than Jane is.

All in all, Jane's got her hands (or paws) full.

BEAST
Beast gets some great moments—possibly better than Jane. She has her own agenda at points and is keeping secrets still.

I feel like I should have more to say about Beast here, but I really don't. Mostly because I wouldn't be able to avoid spoilers. Also, I'm not sure when I'd shut up.

Simply put, she's a delight.

LEO'S LONG GAME
Over the course of the book, Jane learns some things, pieces together a few more, and makes a couple of good guesses about what she calls Leo's long game. What she comes up with helps her—and the reader—to see her arrival in New Orleans and most of what she's done in various situations for Leo in a new light.

It's not as drastic as some other UF series have been when the chief protagonist learns that changes their understanding of pivotal moments in the series—but it is pretty significant. You won't be able to think of the series and Jane's adventures in quite the same way again—you'll have a richer, more nuanced idea.

I'm so glad she did that.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT TRUE DEAD?
This thing started off with a bang—a killer first chapter that had everything a Yellowrock fan would want. When I saw the heading reading "Chapter 2," I stopped cold. How had she fit all that into a chapter? I seriously thought I was wrapping up Chapter 3 at that point. Sure, Hunter's chapters tend to be longer than many of the things I read, but anyway you cut it—Chapter 1 gets things rolling in a big way.

It didn't stop from there—the hits keep coming, Jane's sharper than she's been in a couple of books. Not that I'm complaining about the books, but Jane's been going through a lot lately—and now that's fairly settled. She's adjusted (at least more adjusted) to her new role and position. So now when trouble is on the horizon, she can throw herself at it.

And, boy howdy, does she. There are a few scenes that feel like vintage Jane—sure, given her new status she ends up dealing with things in a very non-vintage way. Long-time fans will enjoy seeing Old School Jane.

But New School Jane has more than a few surprises up her sleeve, and as fun, as it is to take a nostalgic look at how Jane dealt with problems, it's more fun to see the way Jane deals with them now.

True Dead felt like a gift to the reader—not just because we get to see Jane tooling around New Orleans again with a vamp killer in hand, but because of everything else. The new challenges are great—and watching all the members of Clan Yellowrock rise to them is just as great. There's a lot of joy, some sweetness, a little romance (and a little of the stuff that accompanies romance), we get to see some old friends--including a couple of pleasant surprises. And there are some very unpleasant surprises, too. Like every good writer of a long-running series, Hunter knows how to put her readers through the emotional wringer.

What it sets up for book 15? Ohh boy, I already can't wait.

In the meantime, get your copy of True Dead as soon as you can. If you've read this far in this post and don't know Jane Yellowrock? Fix that and thank me later.

It really isn’t every long fantasy series that’s still fun to read by book 14! Jane has had power creep over the length of the series of course but it’s all been reasonable and it’s served the changes in the story as it’s gone along. If you haven’t read this series yet and enjoy an action based urban fantasy this one’s an enjoyable ride though of course it wouldn’t work well as a starting point for the series!

Jane Yellowrock, the reluctant Dark Queen, has been enjoying much needed peace and quiet with Bruiser and her people after being healed in the Rift. As usual for Jane, the rest time is short lived since the vampires who want to rule just cannot leave her alone for long. Jane and company head back to NOLA to shore up their defenses and get Wrassler and Jodie married in a big, splashy wedding at vamp HQ. Jane is still dealing with problems associated with her ability to shift; she spends quite a bit of time in half form which seems to be controlled by her other half, Beast,…or maybe not.

Jane as a warrior has a difficult time reigning herself in when it comes to being right in the thick of fighting and taking out enemies. If she goes down, Bruiser, the Younger brothers and every one of her followers will suffer. Once in NOLA, she has to get accustomed to queenly duties and protocol which chafes Jane mightily. Heavy is the head that wears the crown and, in this case, Jane’s stubborn resistance to the role Leo forced her into makes everything that much harder.

This book has so many twists and turns including a certain vampire’s body being stolen, questions about whether Sabina survived the devastating fire at the mausoleum, Eurovamps still trying to conquer all, and spies in Jane’s own court. Thankfully, there is a handy dandy timeline in one of the chapters that helps readers remember who is on first. With so many enemies, Jane and Bruiser need a scorecard to keep it all straight.

Those of you who have been waiting for Jane to get into it with dear old granny will not be disappointed. Jane and Ayatas still have a prickly relationship too; however, that will have to change when certain very difficult facts come to light. Jane still has a lot of deep-seated hurt feelings when it comes to poor treatment by her family in the far distant past as well as now.

With the usual high body and weapon count, it is no suppose that there are new and old enemies at every turn who want to take Jane out. With a lot of help from her found family, the love of her life, and friends, Jane throws everything she had in staying alive and protecting her people. This book is non-stop action with some events that will have readers so excited and doing the happy dance. At book #14 and the penultimate in the series, Ms. Hunter does a fine job of keeping her fans entertained especially with a big surprised or two.

If you’ve been here before, you know I’m a huge fan of Faith Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock series – and I couldn’t wait to read True Dead. Jane/Beast faced some gnarly stuff in Dark Queen and Shattered Bonds, and her slow recovery is worrying EVERYONE. Especially with non-friendlies closing in, chafing against the audacity of a vamp killer wearing le breloque (instead of a vamp, of course).

There’s a lot of history in True Dead, including events that begat the events that started way, way back in Skinwalker (book 1) – and that’s only what Hunter has chosen to reveal to us. It makes one wonder what one might’ve missed by not doing a complete re-read prior to picking up True Dead. Or maybe it just makes one want to do a re-read now, to see if all the newly-revealed nuggets will lead to different perspectives on favorite or hated characters? (That’s a completely rhetorical question; a re-read is never a bad idea, whether its done before or after checking out the latest installment!)

There’s also a lot of action in True Dead, and sometimes you wonder “well, how the heck are Jane/Beast supposed to do anything when they’re so busy dealing with plots and more plots and all that jazz?” But Jane goes on as she always does – one step at a time, even if sometimes she has to go backwards in order to move forward again.

Every book in this series brings out more about Jane, her background, her powers, and so on. True Dead is almost brutal in all the stuff it dumps on her, and I’m amazed that she’s managed to cope as well as she has. Not perfectly by any means, but I’d be curled in a ball and she’s gearing up to take on more baddies. And the surprises – oh my the surprises. I’d need more than tea to deal with some of what Hunter dishes out. As it is, Jane’s growth as a person from Skinwalker to True Dead is what I love about this series. She’s not just a skinwalker, not just a vamp-killer, not just. She’s gained perspective and insight, and the more she learns the more she understands how her choices have consequences. Even if they didn’t seem like a choice in the first place.

I looked forward to True Dead for so long that it’s almost anticlimactic when you’re done with the book. Then you have to re-read right away in case you missed something. Then you do a series re-read in case you missed anything else. And you rue the day you finished this book, because now you’ve got another long wait before the next one.

Definitely add this series (and book) to your TBR if you haven’t yet.

drey’s rating: Excellent!

The time has finally come! Jane Yellowrock #14, True Dead, is in my hands, and I couldn't be more excited if I tried. Seriously, I think the neighbors heard me squealing with delight. Written by Faith Hunter, our vampire hunter turned Dark Queen is back for yet another adventure, and this time the stakes (pun intended) are higher than ever.

Jane Yellowrock, otherwise known as the Dark Queen, was supposed to be spending some much needed time up in the mountains. Instead of a nice calm time up there, she and her people are surprised by a sneak attack - one that launches a whole new series of deadly events.

We all knew that Jane's crown and title wouldn't go uncontested. Not with so many power-hungry vampires – and especially not while the European vamp threat still lingered. Which means it's time for this queen to prepare for battle.

“Beast did not worry as stupid humans worried. But Beast feared Beast had missed important thing.”

True Dead is arguably one of my most anticipated reads, not just of the series but this year. I literally counted down the days until I could finally sit down and read this beauty. And I know that I'm not the only one.

It is time to take all of your expectations and assumptions, bundle them neatly into a little box, and dump them in the trash. Because there is no way, those expectations will live up to reality. Faith Hunter delivered big time, proving once again that her novels will always be worth the wait.

Admittedly, the last few years have been rather difficult for Jane Yellowrock fans. The status of certain characters has been left up in the air, and it has been a very delicate form of torture, having to wait and see how it would all unfold. That just made True Dead's release all the sweeter.

“On second thought, I'd like tea.”
“Too late. You had your chance. I don't negotiate. I just bust skills, break arms, and collect vamp heads.”

I am constantly blown away by Faith Hunter's writing. Her character design and worldbuilding are to die for. Her worlds have always been expansive and fascinating (as any world with magical creatures should be), but I feel like lately, she's really been upping the ante. It makes me all the more excited to see what will be in store for readers next.

Likewise, the characters are pure perfection. Not literally, of course. Perfect characters are boring characters. Every character in Jane Yellowrock's world feels very real, from the characters we love to the ones we love to hate.

There were some fresh faces in this novel, which is always a delight. And there are several character arcs in particular that really caught my attention, especially when combined with all of the politics of the world.

Consider yourselves warned: this is a book that will demand all of your attention, even after you've read the final page. I speak from experience here, having already read True Dead twice (and with full intentions of reading it a third time before the week is out).

"True Dead" by Faith Hunter

"True Dead" by Faith Hunter is the 14th novel in the Jane Yellowrock series. I am always excited for a new book in this series and this installment definitely did not disappoint! Jane is under attack once again. She is surrounded by her chosen family as well as her brother by blood and has gathered an amazing contingent of warriors to defend her Dark Queen status. Koun, her enforcer, is my favorite! The action was non-stop and I love the bits of humor that are sprinkled through out. Jane and her family continue to battle for each other and discover new tools and magical skills. Another great adventure!

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2021/08/26/true-dead-by-faith-hunter/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

4.5 hearts

<strong>True Dead</strong> was exciting and had a story I needed and wanted. It has been almost two years since <strong>Shattered Bonds</strong> and that time gap hurt me.  I didn't remember some of the newer characters introduced there who were also key here. I had forgotten how much happened besides Jane being healed. She also started learning her role as Dark Queen.

Jane continues to figure things out about her newer abilities, the etiquette and politics of her position. She needs the history behind the making of her newest enemies.  She has some excellent tools to help her in Alex's computer skills, her own ability to scent magics, and various elders and diaries she can consult for more historical information.  They help her form her theories and confirm some things.

Beast is both a help and a problem.  She is making some of her own choices which leave Jane weak or in trouble.  I love Beast but almost felt she was dangerous to Jane sometimes. Beast is bigger on fighting and sex than she is smart strategy.  I hope they make  a better understanding at some point to go forward.

It was great to see some favorite characters and learn more about what others have been doing. On the other hand, some characters are not around at all (the witches, Edmund).  Of course,  some characters die, not all of them the enemies.  There are some characters who should die, but have yet to be brought to justice.  The ending is a pause,  before the next big battle they know will come.

I've long been a fan of the  <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/161451-jane-yellowrock" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>Jane Yellowrock series.</strong></em></a>  I highly recommend this series, which does need to be read in order (like most urban fantasy).  The fast paced action and complexity of the world and its magic systems is exceptional. The strategy along with both the planned and spontaneous attacks is thrilling!

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<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>TRUE DEAD</strong> Q&A with Faith Hunter:</span></h3>
&nbsp;

<b>Can you help me understand Jane and Gee's Goddess blood more?</b>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Answer: This is the first time I’ve been asked this in just this way. Short answer—Le breloque will only accept a few beings as its own. A very few humans throughout history, the arcenciels, and Jane. Gee DiMercy knew that the crown would take Jane. His blood and arcenciels’ blood is similar, as in they come from the same world and neither really belongs on Earth. Jane was an outlier, the only skinwalker with two souls who had not been driven insane. And … Beast knew an arcenciel back in the hunger times, so there was a connection. A sharing of meals. Perhaps … a sharing of blood.</span>

<b>I'm listening to Shadow Rites (again) and it has made me wonder. Is there any chance that you will do a series or follow-up novel in the future to let us know what happens with Angie Baby and Edmond once she is grown?</b>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Answer: Not planning at this time. Not thinking that far ahead. I have contracts through 2022, and after that I’ll decide what to do series wise. I think about spinoffs all the time, but finding the character voices isn’t always easy. I try not to promise books I may not have in me to write.</span>

<b>When fighting the EV’s how did you decide who would win and who died and why? (A few of my favorites were gone.)</b>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Answer: A few of my favorites were gone too. I had no idea when I started who would live or die, except for the chicky who got burned up in the rising sun. She had to go, and it had to be bad. Why? TRUE DEAD holds the answers. </span>

<b>Your books rollercoaster readers’ emotions, but what was the personally most emotional scene for you to write?</b>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Answer: I’ve been writing for over 30 years. After all this time, the most emotionally difficult to write was the scene in BETRAYAL (by Gwen Hunter, first pub’ed in 1994) where my character waits for her husband to come after her to kill her. He was abusive, dangerous, violent, and she knew with a certainty that he was going to kill her. So she let him come. That set-up scene, where she prepares herself emotional and physically and spiritually for what was to come, was powerful and empowering for me. And still one of my best.</span>

<b>It has already been established that Jane can travel to alternate universes if that's what we can call it when she met Joann and Papa Legba. Could it be that she did again and the Sangre Duello actually took place not her time but in the other one?</b>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Answer: Nope. That alternate universe was a special situation, part of what is called a crossover story. However, CE Murphy (author of the Walker Papers) and I might be talking into doing a second crossover story… Maybe. 😊 </span>

&nbsp;
<b>Excerpt:</b>
<blockquote>(Beast)

Beast growled low, showed killing teeth again, eyes still on Koun. Sat with cow meat between claws. Ripped cover off meat and spat to floor. Tore meat off. Ate. Swallowed. Ate chunks. Water-blood ran across floor.

“You are angry. So, the messy kitchen is a lesson for Eli. What are you going to do to George? Hack up a hairball onto his pillow?”

Beast chuffed. Ate more meat. Belly was full. Dead cow meat was gone.

“Tell me, Vengeful Cat. Would you like to join the vampire hunters? The Chief strategist of Clan Yellowrock would be happy to follow you into battle.”

Beast ear tabs perked high. Venge-ful Cat. Was good name. Beast nodded as human does.

“Do you go in cat form, or do you shift into Jane?”

Most vampires and humans in Winter Court of Dark Queen did not know the I/we of Beast was not always Jane. Most did not know how to talk to not-human-forms. Koun knew how to talk but did not always act with knowledge. Koun asked two questions at one time. Could only ask one. Beast waited. Stared at Koun.

Koun pursed lips, thinking. “Do you hunt vampires in cat form?”

Beast licked paws and muzzle free of blood, rough tongue getting all blood and meat-bits from paws and toes and off pelt. Shook head no.

“Shift then. I’ll weapon up.” Koun turned and left kitchen, closing door softly.

Beast looked at office area. Met Brute eyes, blue as sun on ice. Brute shook head and went back to big mattress in office corner. Turned three times and curled into ball with lizard. Beast raced up stairs and into sleeping room. Went to place where Bruiser kept clothes. Nosed open door. Found Bruiser best shoes for dancing. Carried one to empty room and hid in empty closet. Could bite holes in dead-cow-skin-shoes with killing teeth, but did not want to make Bruiser sigh. Hiding shoe was enough. Chuffed. Padded back to bedroom, to bathroom, and leaped into place where humans lay in hot water. Was cold on Beast belly. Took claws off of Jane.

What the heck are you doing? Jane shouted at Beast.

Beast reached into Jane skinwalker magics and thought about Jane half form. Did not know what would happen when shifted. Did not know what form I/we would be. Most of Jane people did not know of Jane shifting problems. Some knew secret. Beast liked secrets. All cats liked secrets.
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Of course I loved reading this book! I love this series and world so much, and it was fantastic to spend this time with Jane, and boy does she have a lot on her plate! Being the Dark Queen and all, and now that she's healed of the cancer, it's time for her to focus on the threats brewing!

The way things started off was pretty fantastic. We got a moment of concern, and then a moment to get our bearings in this world again, and then we were fairly thick in the action, and it was just wonderful to read! Jane is just bad ass, and Beast is amazing, and I just love them!

I felt so badly for Bruiser, he's been through a lot through this series, between Leo and Jane, and dealing with what he wants and what his place in the world is. And a big question on my mind was about Leo, because some interesting developments happened, about what plots he left, and how that might affect Jane, and the world, to Bruiser.

This book is a rollercoaster of emotions. There's some really high moments, but there's some really hard ones as well, and there's adrenalin. And that ending was just so captivating! I'm so excited to see how those developments play out!

I loved reading this book so much, and I can't wait for the next book in this series, and the next book in the Soulwood series!

True Dead is the 14th installment in author Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series. If you haven't read Shattered Bonds or Dark Queen yet, I highly recommend that you do so since this story is not a standalone. It's the aftermath of the previous books events. Jane is a shapeshifting, skinwalker who used to hunt vampires for a living. She was very good it. After moving to New Orleans, she soon became the master of the city's enforcer. After standing with Leo Pellissier against a serious threat from European vampires, she's now the Dark Queen of the Mithrans thanks to powerful relics.

She's also Leader of Clan Yellowrock, and Master of the City New Orleans which means that she literally has a large group of people surrounding her trying to keep her safe. To top things off, Jane has become a scary combination of beast and human since coming back from the arcenciel rift. A half Human/Half beast mode that makes her look as deadly as anything, or anyone she'll have to face. When Eli plans a recon that turns into a rescue, it ends in a surprise attack on Jane and Bruiser by vampires, humans, onorio's, and a firestarter.

Jane knows that it's because she's become the most valuable target in the world. She's not only has political value, but the significance of taking her down and out of the picture, would change the balance of power. 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. Leo had been fighting the European vamps for centuries, playing a long game. When Jane arrived on the scene, he knew she would be the wild card to tip the world on its axis.

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. Another reason to return to NOLA is the wedding between Jodi and Wrassler which is beautiful. Part of the book is once again through the eyes of beast with banter between Beast and Jane. It's funny if you think about it. One upon a time, Jane was an orphan. She's since learned she has a brother who works for PsyLED. She's has a relationship with Bruiser which only gets stronger.

She has new characters who try to keep her out of danger knowing that they will eventually fail since nobody keeps Jane from doing what she wants to do. There is a surprise in this book which someone have already spoiled. If you like spoilers, try Goodreads. There's also a hint of things to come in the next installment which I won't spoil. This book is filled with action, powerful new villains, and Jane being Jane and not taking any crap from anyone.

True Dead by Faith Hunter is the 14th book in her fantastic Jane Yellowrock series. As I have said previously, this series just keeps on getting better and better. I had previously noted that the last two books were the best in the series, and now I have to say True Dead is also a fantastic read. I pray Faith will continue giving us these great stories on our fabulous Jane Yellowrock.

When we last left off, Jane had just recovered from her cancer battle, but she continues to have issues with her shifting (with Beast), and never knows what she will look like each time. When a surprise attack in New Orleans happens, Jane and her team (Bruiser, Eli, Alex, Brute) know it is time to return to NOLA, as a powerful magical evil is bent on eliminating Jane, and take control of the paranormal world. Jane had already made plans to return to NOLA, since she was attending Wrassler and Jodi’s wedding.

As the Dark Queen, Jane has always been the one who would step forward and defeat the enemy. In True Dead, things are slowly changing, as Jane now has added security to protect her, not to mention help in defeating their enemies. I have to say I loved all these new people, who are there for Jane, such as Koun, Quint, Thelma, Kojo, and Brute played a big part. She is after all the Queen, and with evil once again coming for her, the extended team is up for the task, and will protect her with everything they have. Jane does need to get used to others fighting with/or for her. An amazing group…love them.

From start to finish, the story is action-packed, constant danger, deaths, and surprises along the way (someone you may have been waiting for). There are a few times I held my breath that we would lose one of our favorites. I loved Beast even more, as she pushes Jane aside to come forth and fight; and the banter between them is fun, as they are now fully one; stronger, better, smarter and unbeatable. Jane’s brother does come forth to help her battle a surprising enemy within the family.

What follows is an exciting, intense, action-packed thriller, with Jane and team in constant danger, especially from those who have taken the side of the enemy. She, Beast, Eli, Bruiser, Alex and the rest of their extended team, will need to use all those who have sworn loyalty to Jane, as well as other help, such as the Aya, Mithrans, Arcenniels, Infermieri, just to name a few. To tell too much more would ruin this for you, and this must be read to see some of those surprises.

True Dead was another fantastic addition to the Jane Yellowrock series. I was thrilled with all the changes and new characters, as well as excited to see where Faith Hunter will take us next. For those of you who have not read this series (which you need to start at the beginning), you are missing a great series, a super wonderful bad-ass heroine in Jane Yellowrock, and author who kills it (& us) every time.

I want to start out by reiterating my love for this series even if I didn't love this particular book. While it's not a series that I would re-read, I always enjoy jumping back into the world Hunter created. Jane easily lands on my top 10 list of favorite kick ass protagonists. She's funny, she takes care of herself, and shows character development in 14 books that we have had with her. Unfortunately, Jane's not super likable in this book and the world that I know and love is really muddled in this book.

For those of you who may not know, this series was originally intended to end with Dark Queen, book 12 in the series. Late in the publishing game of that book, the series was granted a reprieve and Hunter announced that we wod be getting at least 2 more books. Unfortunately, Queen was basically already written at that point so there were a few changes to make it so another book could happen but it really felt like the ending of the series. Now, some series like the Rachel Morgan books, have successfully navigated the scenario where the series ended but then the author returns to the world. In the case of Jane, where the series ender was changed to leave the series open, we are left with a series that feels like it should have gotten a clear ending but is now continuing on. It's clear that the following books Shattered Bonds and True Dead are meant to be a new chapter in the Jane saga which is wonderful but the execution of the transition from old to new is really muddled. We lose a lot of the characters and connections that have kept me engaged in the series.

For example, one of the best things about this series, for me, is the relationship between Jane and Leo. It's so much fun. Leo is rich and privileged in a way that reminds me both of Schitt's Creek and Succession. Basically, Jane is Leo's cousin Greg (shout out to anyone who got that reference. If you didn't, please go watch Succession immediately on HBO) and it's a gift that keeps on giving. Yet, with the presumed death of Leo in Dark Queen, we lose a magnificent relationship. The loss of Leo and Jane stepping up as the ruler really highlights how mundane it is to be the ruler.

Now, all that being said, I think that True Dead is attempting to bring the elements that we missed back while still embracing Jane as a ruler. There are some moves made in the plot that make me think that any future books will bring back some of the banter and humor that I love so much. Overall, I think that this book is setting the scene to re-align the series, but we gotta get some things figured out if I am going to keep coming back to this world because I really want to love these books again. Dark Queen was so much fun, but the last two books have been on the lackluster side.

True Dead is available at a bookshop near you on September 7, 2021. Thank you so much to NetGalley & Ace for the early access in exchange for my honest review.For example, one of the best things about this series, for me, is the relationship between Jane and Leo. It's so much fun. Leo is rich and privileged in a way that reminds me both of Schitt's Creek and Succession. Basically, Jane is Leo's cousin Greg (shout out to anyone who got that reference. If you didn't, please go watch Succession immediately on HBO) and it's a gift that keeps on giving. Yet, with the presumed death of Leo in Dark Queen, we lose a magnificent relationship. The loss of Leo and Jane stepping up as the ruler really highlights how mundane it is to be the ruler.

Now, all that being said, I think that True Dead is attempting to bring the elements that we missed back while still embracing Jane as a ruler. There are some moves made in the plot that make me think that any future books will bring back some of the banter and humor that I love so much. Overall, I think that this book is setting the scene to re-align the series, but we gotta get some things figured out if I am going to keep coming back to this world because I really want to love these books again. Dark Queen was so much fun, but the last two books have been on the lackluster side.

True Dead is available at a bookshop near you on September 7, 2021. Thank you so much to NetGalley & Ace for the early access in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for nothing more than an honest review.

FAITH YOU ARE A GENIUS. You've given new life to an already amazing series. You've sent some surprising shockwaves through Jane's world that are sure to massive consequences and reverberations throughout the rest of the Jane series and into Nell's series as well. And you've just blown me away.

I loved the heck out of this one. More big bad setup. Some storylines tied up, but in a way that means they were really threads of a bigger story. Progress on some already setup plotlines. Huge shocks. More Jane-family. More Beast.

Needless to say, I am even more excited about the next Jane book now, and I know that while it's a longer wait, it'll be worth it. We'll have a Nell to tide us over.

Gosh, I can't rave about the Jane-verse enough!!!!

GO READ THIS! But if you've not read the rest of the series and it's Nell spinoffs, please read those too. You'll be glad you did, both because they're awesome books and because there's so much history that you'd miss out on!

A fantastic entry to the series where questions are raised, some answers are given, and the balance between power, grief, and family come to light.