Helpful Score: 5
This Side of the Grave shows a more mature Cat who doesn't rush impulsively into dangerous situations by herself. I did miss that impetuosity of hers. I liked it when she would run half-cocked into situations that she shouldn't have, but it's good to see her think, plan and act. While she's more restrained as far as assessing dangerous situations, she isn't restrained about her feelings concerning Bones. She's not as guarded because she really has given him her heart and soul. Some of the best parts of this book are found in the sections that deal with their relationship.
Bones and Cat are together more often in this book than they have been in last two books. If you've read Book 2 (One Foot In the Grave), you should remember the infamous Chapter 32 with Bones doing all sorts of naughty things after Annette taunts Cat with Anette's past with Bones. You'll find a similar chapter in this book in Chapter 20 when Cat does some things, but in my opinion, it's not as steamy as Chapter 32 of the second book. This time it's Cat turn to show her skills in the bedroom. I'll just say it's hot and I use that word both literally and figuratively. There's also a scandalous love scene involving Bones, Cat, and Mencheres.
Kira, Mencheres, Spade, Denise, Don, Tate, and Justina all make appearances in the book, but it's Vlad with his trademark one-liners who steals the show. Justina has a new role that I completely didn't expect. While there is action in the book, but it's not as epic as the fights in the previous books. There isn't much tension, romantic or otherwise. I missed Annette and Tate and the romantic tension they brought with their lust for Cat and Bones. The villain isn't that much of a threat. There's also a scandalous section in the book where Cat needs to be "serviced" because she's ingested some supernatural blood that acts like a super aphrodisiac. Rather than showing those scenes, Frost has Bones give a summary after the deeds have been done. No, don't recap! We need details! A certain beloved secondary character dies. It was sad, but was written well. I still consider Book 1 and 2 to be the best of the group, but I enjoyed Book 5 enough to keep it on my bookshelf.
Frost has written some very funny quips. This one from Vlad after he burns a ghoul Cat wanted to keep alive is especially good.
"What the hell was that?" I gasped. "Premature inflamulation," he replied. "Happens sometimes. Very embarrassing. I don't like to talk about it."
Bones had a good one with "Ask me if I sparkle, and I'll kill you where you stand."
If you haven't read the Night Huntress series, this isn't the book to start the series. You need to see Cat's evolution starting from Halfway to the Grave (Book 1).
Bones and Cat are together more often in this book than they have been in last two books. If you've read Book 2 (One Foot In the Grave), you should remember the infamous Chapter 32 with Bones doing all sorts of naughty things after Annette taunts Cat with Anette's past with Bones. You'll find a similar chapter in this book in Chapter 20 when Cat does some things, but in my opinion, it's not as steamy as Chapter 32 of the second book. This time it's Cat turn to show her skills in the bedroom. I'll just say it's hot and I use that word both literally and figuratively. There's also a scandalous love scene involving Bones, Cat, and Mencheres.
Kira, Mencheres, Spade, Denise, Don, Tate, and Justina all make appearances in the book, but it's Vlad with his trademark one-liners who steals the show. Justina has a new role that I completely didn't expect. While there is action in the book, but it's not as epic as the fights in the previous books. There isn't much tension, romantic or otherwise. I missed Annette and Tate and the romantic tension they brought with their lust for Cat and Bones. The villain isn't that much of a threat. There's also a scandalous section in the book where Cat needs to be "serviced" because she's ingested some supernatural blood that acts like a super aphrodisiac. Rather than showing those scenes, Frost has Bones give a summary after the deeds have been done. No, don't recap! We need details! A certain beloved secondary character dies. It was sad, but was written well. I still consider Book 1 and 2 to be the best of the group, but I enjoyed Book 5 enough to keep it on my bookshelf.
Frost has written some very funny quips. This one from Vlad after he burns a ghoul Cat wanted to keep alive is especially good.
"What the hell was that?" I gasped. "Premature inflamulation," he replied. "Happens sometimes. Very embarrassing. I don't like to talk about it."
Bones had a good one with "Ask me if I sparkle, and I'll kill you where you stand."
If you haven't read the Night Huntress series, this isn't the book to start the series. You need to see Cat's evolution starting from Halfway to the Grave (Book 1).
Karissa E. (ophelia99) reviewed This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, Bk 5) on + 2527 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This is the fifth book in the Night Huntress series, the 6th book in this series (One Grave at a Time) was released in August 2011 . This was an excellent addition to this series and does an excellent job of wrapping up the story arc that started in the last book (where the ghouls were worried about Cat becoming an uber-powerful supernatural entity). I listened to this on audio book and these audiobooks are extremely well done. I would recommend the audiobooks over reading the books on paper, the narrator is just so awesome.
Cat and Bones are struggling to figure out how to predict and control Cat's new powers. They've been trying to keep her crazy new vampire powers secret, but some rumors have gotten out and the ghouls aren't happy. Cat and Bones thought Cat becoming a vampire would make the ghoul factions happy, but now that she has strange new powers the vampire-ghoul balance is being threatened again. Cat and Bones will have to petition the super scary ghoul queen, Majestic, for help if they are going to avoid all our war between the two races.
This book wasn't as emotionally wrenching as the last one, but it was a solid and entertaining story. We learn a lot more about Cat's new powers and get to watch Car try to master flying (some very entertaining scenes there). There are lots of awesome action scenes and the pace moves quicklly.
Bones and Cat are stable as a couple; it was nice to see their loving relationship for each other and for them to finally get a little bit of a break in this book. There are some very well done steamy scenes between the two and I continue to adore them as a couple.
There were a couple things that completely floored me. I had know idea where Denise had gotten demon blood, I was like what the heck! Then there was Mencheres new girlfriend, who I liked, but was completely confused about where she entered the story. Finally I figured out that those two stories are featured in the Night Huntress World books. Of course now I totally want to read those books. It would have been nice to get a little bit more background on those things though so I wasn't completely confused in this book. So, if you really want to understand what's going on here go read the first two Night Hutress World books and then come back and read this one.
This book did a nice job of tying up the story thread about the ghouls being worried about Cat taking over the supernatural world. It makes me wonder what is next for our favorite vampire couple.
Overall a very solid addition to the series. I enjoyed the book, it was well written and well paced. I continue to enjoy Cat and Bones as a couple. I was a bit irked at being completely lost about what was going on with Denise and Mencheres; I wish a little more back story had been included. Other than that I was pleased with this book and am eager to see where the story goes in the next book, One Grave at a Time.
Cat and Bones are struggling to figure out how to predict and control Cat's new powers. They've been trying to keep her crazy new vampire powers secret, but some rumors have gotten out and the ghouls aren't happy. Cat and Bones thought Cat becoming a vampire would make the ghoul factions happy, but now that she has strange new powers the vampire-ghoul balance is being threatened again. Cat and Bones will have to petition the super scary ghoul queen, Majestic, for help if they are going to avoid all our war between the two races.
This book wasn't as emotionally wrenching as the last one, but it was a solid and entertaining story. We learn a lot more about Cat's new powers and get to watch Car try to master flying (some very entertaining scenes there). There are lots of awesome action scenes and the pace moves quicklly.
Bones and Cat are stable as a couple; it was nice to see their loving relationship for each other and for them to finally get a little bit of a break in this book. There are some very well done steamy scenes between the two and I continue to adore them as a couple.
There were a couple things that completely floored me. I had know idea where Denise had gotten demon blood, I was like what the heck! Then there was Mencheres new girlfriend, who I liked, but was completely confused about where she entered the story. Finally I figured out that those two stories are featured in the Night Huntress World books. Of course now I totally want to read those books. It would have been nice to get a little bit more background on those things though so I wasn't completely confused in this book. So, if you really want to understand what's going on here go read the first two Night Hutress World books and then come back and read this one.
This book did a nice job of tying up the story thread about the ghouls being worried about Cat taking over the supernatural world. It makes me wonder what is next for our favorite vampire couple.
Overall a very solid addition to the series. I enjoyed the book, it was well written and well paced. I continue to enjoy Cat and Bones as a couple. I was a bit irked at being completely lost about what was going on with Denise and Mencheres; I wish a little more back story had been included. Other than that I was pleased with this book and am eager to see where the story goes in the next book, One Grave at a Time.
Sherri B. (sharalsbooks) reviewed This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, Bk 5) on + 259 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
The Night Huntress series is one of my favorite series. Cat and Bones are characters I connected with immediately and they continue to entertain me and make an impression. This story is a little sad, though, because one of the major characters isnt long for this world. Im still trying to figure out Marie, the voodoo queen. Is she an ally or an enemy? Several times in this book, my opinion fluctuated regarding her motives.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when Bones is teaching Cat how to fly. The means with which he is trying to trigger her flight skill was quite humorous and thoroughly enjoyable. There are some other new abilities that Cat receives in this story that were a little creepy and didnt make any sense initially.
We see quite a bit more of Vlad in this story and Im looking forward to reading his story when it comes out this month.
My only problem with this story is the very tiny appearance of Ian. I love this character and think he brings fantastic irony to otherwise tense situations and his special brand of humor and smart aleck remarks were sorely missed in this book.
Overall, another great installment of the Night Huntress series and I am eagerly anticipating the next one. If you enjoy paranormal romance, urban fantasy or action packed stories with lots of great fight scenes and covert military ops missions, this is a series you can really sink your teeth into.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when Bones is teaching Cat how to fly. The means with which he is trying to trigger her flight skill was quite humorous and thoroughly enjoyable. There are some other new abilities that Cat receives in this story that were a little creepy and didnt make any sense initially.
We see quite a bit more of Vlad in this story and Im looking forward to reading his story when it comes out this month.
My only problem with this story is the very tiny appearance of Ian. I love this character and think he brings fantastic irony to otherwise tense situations and his special brand of humor and smart aleck remarks were sorely missed in this book.
Overall, another great installment of the Night Huntress series and I am eagerly anticipating the next one. If you enjoy paranormal romance, urban fantasy or action packed stories with lots of great fight scenes and covert military ops missions, this is a series you can really sink your teeth into.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm with Jamie. Good but not great. Honestly, I got a little bored at times. I just could not get why Cat seemed so important to the Ghouls and while everyone in past books appeared, it was more in cameo form so there was no point to their appearance. However, she did set some things up for future books which might be really good and it was nice to see her and Bones work as a team without all the relationship angst. Let's see what the next books bring.
Kaity G. (asterravos) -
Helpful Score: 1
Jeaniene Frost is a master craftswoman and This Side of the Grave is her best book yet. I'm always blown away by her phenomenal world building but it's her characters that steal my heart. I devoured this book and am already eagerly awaiting the next.
Cat is always so much fun to read about but it was especially fun to see how much she'd grown and how far she's come in this one. There were lots of references to previous books and many characters made returning appearances which gave us so much extra insight into Cat. I love how funny she is. She manages to be hilarious and lighten to book up without making it silly. In this book she was working towards showing her loving and caring side as well which I thought was very well done. Some of the scenes were a little depressing but Frost always took care of us in the end, thankfully! I'll admit that I teared up quite a bit.
Bones was better than ever! I'm so glad there wasn't a repeat of last book with relationship angst, I was so worried about that. Bones is probably my favorite vampire ever and this book cemented that. Everything I love about him was encompassed into this book; his bad ass side, fun and playful side, loving and devoted side, etc. Cat is a very lucky girl. I was so glad to see a return to his training Cat, I loved that in the first book.
One of my favorite things about this book was all of the returning characters. I was most excited about seeing Vlad who played a larger role in this book, yay! I freakin' adore him. He's the perfect 'best friend' for Cat. He's always funny and intense but I thought he was on his A game for this book. Lots of clever lines and I loved his turn for helping Cat learn. We saw the secret government crew several times briefly. Wow does Tate grate on my nerves... This book was a turning point for him so I think we can expect the next book to be very interesting. There were lots of others popping up, Fabian was another one that stood out though. He got a chance to shine and I'm really glad he put the vamps in their places. Loved his interactions with Cat too.
The plot for this book is one of my favorites for the series. Very well done and paced. In previous book, some of the battle scenes got a little drawn out or there was just so much going on that I felt overwhelmed, that didn't happen with the book. Everything was perfect. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us!
Cat is always so much fun to read about but it was especially fun to see how much she'd grown and how far she's come in this one. There were lots of references to previous books and many characters made returning appearances which gave us so much extra insight into Cat. I love how funny she is. She manages to be hilarious and lighten to book up without making it silly. In this book she was working towards showing her loving and caring side as well which I thought was very well done. Some of the scenes were a little depressing but Frost always took care of us in the end, thankfully! I'll admit that I teared up quite a bit.
Bones was better than ever! I'm so glad there wasn't a repeat of last book with relationship angst, I was so worried about that. Bones is probably my favorite vampire ever and this book cemented that. Everything I love about him was encompassed into this book; his bad ass side, fun and playful side, loving and devoted side, etc. Cat is a very lucky girl. I was so glad to see a return to his training Cat, I loved that in the first book.
One of my favorite things about this book was all of the returning characters. I was most excited about seeing Vlad who played a larger role in this book, yay! I freakin' adore him. He's the perfect 'best friend' for Cat. He's always funny and intense but I thought he was on his A game for this book. Lots of clever lines and I loved his turn for helping Cat learn. We saw the secret government crew several times briefly. Wow does Tate grate on my nerves... This book was a turning point for him so I think we can expect the next book to be very interesting. There were lots of others popping up, Fabian was another one that stood out though. He got a chance to shine and I'm really glad he put the vamps in their places. Loved his interactions with Cat too.
The plot for this book is one of my favorites for the series. Very well done and paced. In previous book, some of the battle scenes got a little drawn out or there was just so much going on that I felt overwhelmed, that didn't happen with the book. Everything was perfect. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us!
Helpful Score: 1
Coming off the disappointment in Harris's Sookie Stackhouse series, I read "This Side of the Grave" and thought this is who Harris needs to learn from when it comes to character growth in a series. I love how far Cat has come from the first book and how wonderfully Frost shows this. I think it shows how well Frost has grown as a writer as well.
And of course there are silliness in this book as well as the others. Some of the gags are rather immature but that's what I adore and they are funny. I especially love the whole thing with her learning to fly. There are a couple of other scenes that I literally laughed out loud. I cried in a few too.
I agree with the review that this book is slightly slower than the other books but the end seem to come really fast. I still really enjoyed it though.
Would love to see Ian get his. A good read, looking forward to the next one.
And of course there are silliness in this book as well as the others. Some of the gags are rather immature but that's what I adore and they are funny. I especially love the whole thing with her learning to fly. There are a couple of other scenes that I literally laughed out loud. I cried in a few too.
I agree with the review that this book is slightly slower than the other books but the end seem to come really fast. I still really enjoyed it though.
Would love to see Ian get his. A good read, looking forward to the next one.
Good times (for the reader) catching up with Cat, Bones, Vlad, Spade, Denise, Mencheres,Kira, Tate, Don't, Juan, Dave, Cooper, Cat's mom and more. The story wasn't super engrossing but the characters were fun, Cat and Bones sexy, and the action entertains. Totally worth the read.
The 5th installment of this series was considerably better than the 4th but the relationship between Cat and Bones is becoming that of an old married couple. After all the bickering from the last book this one seemed almost boring in comparison. The characters are still as dynamic and entertaining as always, however the "romance" part of the story seemed a bit slow and the main characters spent much of their time apart.
Cheryl R. (mysteryfan43) reviewed This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, Bk 5) on + 129 more book reviews
Cat and her husband Bones are heading into another battle. Cat's new and unexpected abilities are causing problems with the ghouls who have declared her as an enemy. She is now being hunted by the ghouls so she seeks help from the ghoul "Queen" of the New Orleans.
Lots of twists and turns and of course steamy love scenes with Bones! I love this series. Great fun. 5 stars!
Lots of twists and turns and of course steamy love scenes with Bones! I love this series. Great fun. 5 stars!
Jamie S. (2lilmonkees) -
Not my fave of the series. I didnt fly through it, like i normally do. It was a really good book, just not amazing like the other 4. Hope the next turns it up again. But fans of the series MUST read it. & must be read in order. Good, but not great, but still neccessary. :)
May contain spoilers!
While I usually LOVE Cat & Bones this installment just didn't rock my world. Its not that it wasn't a great story its just that is was a little predictable. We already knew before the book started that it was going to be about Apollyon trying to start a ghoul war. And I felt like the whole book talked up this war and then you get to the last few chapters and it just let me down. The humor was average of her other books and the jokes were all new but there was just something missing for me.
While I usually LOVE Cat & Bones this installment just didn't rock my world. Its not that it wasn't a great story its just that is was a little predictable. We already knew before the book started that it was going to be about Apollyon trying to start a ghoul war. And I felt like the whole book talked up this war and then you get to the last few chapters and it just let me down. The humor was average of her other books and the jokes were all new but there was just something missing for me.
Melissa F. (mitabird) reviewed This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, Bk 5) on + 188 more book reviews
This was a solid addition to the series, but not one of my favorites. It took me almost a week to finish it. The storyline is a continuation from the last book, but I didn't find it all that interesting. I still love the relationships and it's what keeps me reading. Bones is not shy about letting Cat know how he feels about her and Cat is finally starting to come around with being more open with him. I also like that she is becoming more comfortable in her skin and growing as a person. One thing that I dislike about some series if when the characters seem to stall without any progression. I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see what Frost has in store for Cat, Bones and family.
Robin M. (robinmy) -
After the mysterious disappearance of some vampires, Cat and Bones learn that Apollyon is inciting the ghouls into a war against the vampires. He is citing Cat's new powers as a reason to overthrow the vampires. While trying to stop the groups from clashing, Cat and Bones must ask for assistance from Marie Laveau, the ghoul queen of New Orleans. But asking for her help may lead Cat and Bones to other problems they never expected.
In many series the couples become boring after being together for a couple of books. This is not the case with Cat and Bones. Their relationship is solid and definitely not boring. Cat is more mature in this book and is starting to be more up front about her feelings. Bones, as usual, is totally in love with his wife and shows it.
There wasn't as much action in this book compared to the previous books in the series, but the snappy dialogue and amusing scenes kept this story feeling fresh. There were many scenes with Vlad. He is a character that is definitely growing on me. Another favorite is Fabian who had a larger part in this story.
I can't wait for the next book in the series. My rating: 5 Stars.
In many series the couples become boring after being together for a couple of books. This is not the case with Cat and Bones. Their relationship is solid and definitely not boring. Cat is more mature in this book and is starting to be more up front about her feelings. Bones, as usual, is totally in love with his wife and shows it.
There wasn't as much action in this book compared to the previous books in the series, but the snappy dialogue and amusing scenes kept this story feeling fresh. There were many scenes with Vlad. He is a character that is definitely growing on me. Another favorite is Fabian who had a larger part in this story.
I can't wait for the next book in the series. My rating: 5 Stars.
Cheryl C. (moondance120) reviewed This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, Bk 5) on + 422 more book reviews
Cat and Bones just keep getting better! Their relationship developes more in this installment of the Night Huntress series. Vlad cracks me up! I always enjoy the interaction between he and Cat. 4.5 stars
Barbara F. (mama2timmy-daphne) reviewed This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, Bk 5) on + 35 more book reviews
This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 5) by Jeaniene Frost is awesome! It continues the adventures of Cat and Bones, who are facing more trouble than they know what to do with. I honestly loved this book & had been anxiously awaiting the release to see what Cat and Bones got into next. But, I have had the worst time trying to write a review of it. I've been trying off and on for several days, but every time I write something it feels too spoiler-ish and I start over. I figure that if you are reading the series, you certainly won't be disappointed and if you're not familiar with the series, start it. Go buy or download or borrow Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1) and get started. Cat is an incredibly interesting character who continually evolves over the course of the series & Bones is, well, Bones is freaking hot :) If you like a little spice with your vampires, et al, read Jeaniene Frost.
Enough said.
Follow my reviews at readerbarbara dot blogspot dot com
Enough said.
Follow my reviews at readerbarbara dot blogspot dot com
Cat's coming into her own. Love the way Cat and Bones relate to each other. Slowly, but surely. Mencheres and Vlad have decent decent size roles in this one. Spade and Ian not so much. This does make me look forward to Vlad's story (do recommend reading in order- using the "Night Huntress Universe" order)
Never really though of using hot candle was in THAT way before.
Marie is intriguing. Could be an interesting story there.
Favorite quotes:
"Ask me if I sparkle and I will kill you where you stand."
"Lucifer's bloody ball sack."
Never really though of using hot candle was in THAT way before.
Marie is intriguing. Could be an interesting story there.
Favorite quotes:
"Ask me if I sparkle and I will kill you where you stand."
"Lucifer's bloody ball sack."
Another fun adventure for Cat & Bones. You probably need to have read the other 4 previous books to enjoy this one to the utmost, but if this is the only one you have to read, it's still a fun time, and should encourage the reader to read the others.
Valerie (IDOLFAN) -
I loved reading this book.
I am reading this book now and it is every bit as good as the others!
Great series.
Kiresten F. (chronicallyillbabe) reviewed This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, Bk 5) on + 6 more book reviews
Love it!
