Vampire Hunter), Serpentine (Anita Blake

This story line was worth waiting for! Laurel can spend a tale so real and exciting that it's scary! Anita, Edward, Micah, Nathaniel all come together with previous characters for Edwards wedding to Donna. With mixed wedding bliss a brides maid,Dixie, is used by a dark monster to get the Four Horsemen off the trail of a serial killer. When a woman whom Nathaniel had been flirting with comes up missing, the full wedding party goes into over drive to find her. When the next woman is kidnapped turns out to be from their own wedding party the stakes are raised. A bad police dective, a family of snakeshifters, fey, and sirens are all included in this one. A must read for all Anita Blake fans!!!Waiting breathlessly for the next book.

Anita is finally going to be in a wedding, and it's neither of hers. Her best friend, Edward "Ted", is getting married in a gorgeous destination wedding in the Florida Keys. Anita is also on the first ever vacation with just Nathaniel & Micah. However, good intentions of it being a romantic, relaxing time gets all snarled up when a couple of missing persons cases with ties to a job Micah has been working on comes up. A family that believes it was cursed with a very strange form of lycanthropy. Just so happens that "The Four Horsemen" are in town for the wedding, so they get to help the local police. An amazingly written book from the incomparable Ms. Hamilton!

I loved this book more then the last few. It made me think YAY SHE IS BACK . There was a real story here it was not all pg13 , don't get me wrong there were some very steamy scenes but it didn't over shadow the whole story plus thank God no main character deaths though there were some very close calls so no major crying. Over all it rocked.

Ms. Hamilton is a gifted writer and storyteller.
It was good to read about Edward’s and Donna’s wedding and more about the Four Horsemen. The Olaf thread is back and the change in Olaf’s character is very interesting. I “dread” what the future holds for him and Anita, however.
I gave this book 4 vs. 5 stars because it seems short in length and the ending feels rushed. Not as much erotica scenes, as typical in the other books. I liked that, as this supported the book focusing more on the story plot vs. sex scenes.

Great read! I had gotten a little bored with so much sex going on in the last few books so it was nice to not be so focused on that on this book. There was actually a great storyline and it was nice to learn more about Donna and Edward/Ted’s family dynamics. Very curious to see what happens next with Holmes and Adler!!

I have loved the books since the beginning. The details and thought put forth make this book one of my favorites. Life is not simple. It's messy but it's how you handle it that speaks. If you get hung up on the sex, you should probably think about therapy. There is so much more in this series to entertain and entice. The growth of all the characters and following the bumps in the road makes you realize how far they have come since the beginning.

Feeling the need to go back to the beginning again.

Since the sexy stuff caused sales to explode, it's almost been like it's been holding this series hostage. Not this book. The last few showed promise of a balance and this one delivers. Relationship, character development, sexy times, and monster plot are all in synch with no one overpowering the others. I especially love the surviving Irish triplets! The smaller permanent cast helped too and here's hoping the next one set in St Louis can manage a smaller cast too if this is the result...

Anita and everyone around her! This is one of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors! I am a little confused by the anger that kept being brought up... I thought that maybe it would be explained as a byproduct of monster had guy or something with Anita and her group or her inner beasts. But it was never explained, or maybe it was and I missed it either way too much love for this series!!! Hoping for many more!!!

I've been reading LKH since 2000 and her stories always leave me smiling. I will say though that they can get confusing with so many characters in play and sometimes the whiney side characters can be a bit much but the core characters like Anita and her main lovers keep me reading. Also Edward, even though he's just her best friend he always helps to bring good action but maybe he needs to be banned from flame throwers.

Back to basics. I have loved the Anita Blake series for a long time. Somewhere a long the way her books became more about her poly choice and less about the paranormal activity. This book has the best balance of both. It's not vanilla but still brings in the complexity of having partners whether it's one or many. I look forward to more of Anita's adventures in the future.

I liked the story and the characters. Reminding people of things that have happened in the past helps refresh your memories of characters and events, a lot of time has passed from book 1 and the gap between books is large. Would have like to have seen more about how the end bad guy formed together to be one. Not enough time spent with snake people.

I've been reading Laurell K. Hamilton for a really long time. I love her writing style and I love Anita Blake and her bevy of hotties! Like other reviews of this book sometimes she rambles to long on a topic. However I will continue to read this series as long as it lasts. Now if we can only get her to finish the Meredith Gentry series! Please!

The newest book in the Anita Blake series is an out of the ballpark hit once again. I devoured it in less than 24 hours staying up until 5 AM twice. There are only two writers I get this lost in, and it is worth it every time. Loved the book and am ready for the next. The only thing that disappoints is having to wait a year for it to arrive.

Serpentine is the latest novel in the Anita Blake vampire series by Laurell K. Hamilton, and while I’m not sure this novel is any worse than previous ones that came after either Obsidian Butterfly or Narcissus in Chains, but this being said, does not detract from the fact this novel is awful.

SPOILER ALART – SPOILER ALERT – SPOILER ALERT

I honestly do not know what is wrong with the author, but my only working theory for why her writing and imagination, or lack thereof has gotten so bad, is traced back to her divorce from her first husband, her induction into the Poly-lifestyle, and perhaps the notion she simply has gotten older and hates herself now.

I recently had the opportunity to meet the author in person and she doesn’t look like the same person I meet years ago when she was promoting her first book Night Seer. She has tattoos, nearly a full “sleeve” down one arm, and she seems as if she’s not taking good care of herself anymore. Yet, this is my own personal opinion. I don’t want to digress further into this speculation, so let’s just continue.

Many know that the Richard character was conceived by her first husband. When this relationship and marriage fell apart, the character of Richard was doomed. The first books in the Anita Blake series were created while the author was still happily married and full of life. Now all have taken a slutty, depressing, dark turn for everyone involved.

Still, I’m harping on the writer, instead of reviewing the novel in question. Getting back to this latest novel, let me start off by saying we spend the first few chapters on a plot about Micah attempting to help a family in Florida, seemingly cursed to become a snake ball over time and become less and less human to the point many family members kill themselves or are murdered to keep the family secret---well----secret, and Nathanial having a temper tantrum all throughout the book, because Anita and Micah don’t have sex with him as often anymore, and Micah doesn’t like to have sex unless Anita is in the bed with them.

Yet, as readers, we all remember that Micah is not really gay or bisexual, but goes along with the whole concept of being married to another man, because he said all the way back in Narcissus in Chains he’d do whatever it took, shared Anita, with anyone it took to be with her and keep his leopards safe. And can I just say, leopards, we’ve not seen in years now in all the new novels the author has released. Just like we’ve not seen anymore of Wicked & Truth, the Wicked Truth anymore either.

The author has added so many new characters and just pushed all our beloved old characters to the side so much now you’d need a score board or a computer with a huge amount of memory just to keep track of them all. Anita, herself, has so many lovers now she and Micah both are getting tired of all the new players; a surprise I felt even I was shocked with the author even put that in the storyline, because I agree with it.
Now, between the opening on this “plot”, of just a few chapters and the ending of the book, where in the last chapter, the author very quickly wraps everything up, because she’s spent the in-time-between of the novel with haters, whiners, drama, more drama, extra drama---you’re getting my point here---there’s just no real plot to this book at all.

It is a mass of Nathaniel whining he’s not being paid enough attention to or getting enough sex, Micah complaining he’s tired and taking many things personal in his job, Anita still whining and never maturing into her powers or abilities at all, and Jean-Claude practically never being introduced back into the storylines at all, except as either filler or a side note.

Then you have all the women hating Anita, because apparently she’s like the most beautiful woman in the world now, her boobs are just right, her height is just right, and women just can’t compete with how sexy and alluring she is, and this is without the ardeur and cop after cop after cop being jealous of Anita because she’s better than they are at everything when it comes to police work or just being the biggest, baddest, kickass around. It is annoying and cheap, and a disgrace to have the character of Anita have fallen so low.

And I did promise you spoilers:
Andy is the real bad guy in this story, he's the one doing all the real killing. Rankin is a relative and has been watching young videos of when Nathaniel was a child-porn-victim from way, way back years ago, and Rankin is a type of Siren and he is feeling bad about watching Nathaniel all these years he attempts to blame him for the girls going missing in order to release himself from his guilt about victimizing Nathaniel over and over again by watching said early films. Melanie the Lamia actually knew information that could have help, as she's the ancient ancestor of the bloodline in Florida who was cursed, and to top it all off, Olaf comes into this novel and the storyline, and just when we thought it could not get creepier or more disgusting, the author is setting the stage for Anita and Olaf to have sex, because apparently, Anita's lioness has chosen Olaf's lion (werelion) as its mate. Rankin is killed, suicide by cop, Andy is killed by Anita and the Four Horseman using a flamethrower, and no emotional drama is resolved, and Anita continues to be the immature, self-doubting person, she has continued to be.

Now see----You don't have to read the book. I've filled you in on everything you needed to know.

Do not---do not---I repeat---do NOT waste your time with this novel. Wait to buy it second or even third hand, or get it for free when it comes to your local library, but I’m telling you right now, this book is awful. Just absolutely, plain and simply---awful!

You have been warned. Purchase and read this book at your own risk now.

Bottom line.

End of Review...

Bravo! Another one that harkens back to the beginning of the series that was not 24 hours long or back to back to back sex scenes! Not for nothing, I don't t mind gratuitous sex but not after giving me the Full Monty of action, adventure, gun/knife fighting, good/not so good and bad monsters! I mean come on! This was the perfect mix!

I would recommend this book to people who love the series but she always sort or fills you in on some of the history enough to get you caught up with the plot. The creatures this time were beyond my imagination! I’m going to read the book again because I was reading really fast this first time!

I can't even say how much I love this series. Anita Blake is the epitome of female empowerment. I have enjoyed watching Anita grow into her powers, her relationships, and just overall growing as an individual. I look forward to seeing how Anita keeps moving forward, we have 2 other weddings, to see, and Anita getting a Lion King to her Lion queen. Yay Olaf? I'm conflicted on Olaf, in the way only a good story teller can make a reader. I love Laurell K Hamilton's writing, an excellent mix of action and character growth. Once again an excellent book from an excellent writer!

She's back! This is the Anita that we have grown to love. The last book I was disappointed. This book filled every expectation even though I guessed who done it with in the first few chapters. I enjoyed reading it again. She's bacckk, Hamilton is back doing what she does.

Loved it. I didn't know what to expect from this book, even though you hope for something good. However, after so many installations you think well I might not like this one. Laurel comes through once again with a book you won't be able to put down. A storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat and wanting more.

This has been an amazing read and well worth the wait. I love the characters she brought together and the insight that we as readers get into the main characters wants and needs. Now my biggest question is when’s the next book by her gonna be out?!?!?!

Better than the last book,not as much polysex but still needs more monster action. No monster fighting till last chapter "spoiler alert". I know Laurell Hamilton is only and I don't care but I wish she would write less about Blake's poly life and more blood and Gore monster crap. When there are two or more chapters in a row talking about nothing but the characters sex life, it's boring. Bring on the monsters!

Ted and Donna's garage is on and so are gathered on a small Florida Key island when women start turning up missing. The local detective tries to use supernatural powers on Nathaniel to get him to confess. Big mistake. The fight is on. Good read.

Although polyamory continues to be a theme, this book feels much more like the paranormal/horror/detective crossover novels from before Narcissus in Chains. Also, Jean Claude makes an appearance in the first half of the book, so Yay for that.

I have always love the series and this book was no exception however it sucks that it goes by so fast after I wait forever for a new book to come out then it’s back to the waiting game! Absolutely love Anita and all of her men in her poly group!,

Edward (Ted) and Donna's wedding is finally here, and Anita, Micah, and Nathaniel are planning on some much needed R & R, which for Anita always means "Rest and Romance" but nothing can ever go according to plan with Anita's love life, now can it? The events in Ireland, the loss of Domino at the hands of the Harlequin Rodrigo, and the integration--or lack thereof--of his brother and sister, surviving triplets, and new Brides Ru and Rodina, also Harlequin, into her security team are still weighing heavily on her. Nathaniel feels like Anita and especially Micah are pulling away, and Micah feels like he never has any alone time with just him and Anita.

As if that's not enough, they now have to deal with a new kind of supernatural that none of them have ever heard of or know how to deal with.

With all the personal issues of Edward and Donna's wedding, the lack of intimacy that Anita and Micah's hectic schedules have worked in their relationships, I expected Serpentine to be mostly about relationship issues. It is, and it isn't. While there is a lot of this, the book seems much more balanced between her personal life and her work as a Marshall. I think we're seeing the results of Anita finally working through most of her personal issues and integrating her personal life back into her professional one in a much smoother way than ever before.

I was like many fans who felt like the hard-boiled vampire hunter series was devolving into erotica with a thin veneer of mystery after the ardeur made its appearance in Anitia's life, but I stuck with the series and I'm SO glad I did. Hamilton stuck to her guns, took the criticism, and showed that she had a master plan all along where Anita needed to grow her personal life to match her competence in her professional life. Now, I think, we're going to see more about how she works at integrating her vampire, necromancer, and marshal skills into a more effective whole.

It was Edward's wedding after all so it could only be awesome. All and all this book was much more focused than the last one and struck a good balance between the different parts of Anita's life. Well done.

Finally! A Anita book that isn't about metaphysics and sex. That isn't to say there isn't any sex, nor it isn't prevalent.

Good read. Characters are great and Otto/Olaf is a continuing and interesting surprise.

Another great installment in the world of Anita Blake & family. Highly recommend this series, while this book can be read without reading the series, it's more enjoyable if you start at the beginning.

It is always so hard to finish another Anita Blake book because it means waiting for the next installment and that just fuels reading all the books once again! Thank you for another wonderful sexy read!

Another fantastic addition to the world of Anita Blake. The stories only get richer as the series continues. Love all the characters developing stories and the great adventure in preturnatual crime fighting. It's going to be hard to wait for the next one!

I liked that it had a good story line with significantly less sex. The last few books were too touchy freely for me and the story lines were not nearly as good. I disliked that it was not as good or complex as some of her older stories but still gave it a five because I had a hard time putting it down.

I was leery due to the last book dragging but this book is an exciting read! Love the story! My only complaint is I enjoy when Anita fully bonds with a new lover. Those bonds are what have kept me reading. I'll probably still buy the next book.

If you are reading book 26, you should know what you are getting by now. I really enjoyed this book, only down side is i feel that Jean Claude has been kind of missing from a lot of the books lately. Not to much sex, only a couple scenes including some off screen.

I’ve been a fan of this series since it was introduced to me by a fellow coworker when Borders was still open. I read all the Anita Blake series that was out inside of a month to Obsidian Butterfly being published and never stopped. With as many people in Anita’s life as she has and not have a big discussion once in a while is awesome but to see three of the main characters have a big heart to heart was sad but issues got worked out and I’m eagerly awaiting for the next book to come. Thank you to Laurell K. Hamilton for writing a series that many love and will always wait for the next!!!

I'm tired of Nathaniel. His character makes Anita what she wants NOT to be, that is, needy.
I want more vampire in these stories, less poly. Anita and Jean Claude's love story is what got me hooked. The concept that she is a vampire hunter who loves one of the vampires has been completely overlooked with all her were lovers. Let's go back to the original premise and forget about Micah and Nathaniel for a book or so! Jean Claude could not really be so mellow about sharing her with everyone!

nEedy.

I’ve been reading Laurell K Hamilton for years, or Anita Blake series has grown, her characters are real, they have depth, and she’s a real talent for making you really care for their growth and them as a person.

The ugliest, most dreaded word in a Laurel K. Hamilton book is "Epilogue," because it means an otherwise enjoyable read is ending. Yes, I've read the reviews about lost plots and in Serpentine, the plot isn't so much lost as hidden a bit too well, only revealing itself at the end. It does reveal itself, though, and many elements do finally come together in the end. There's nothing wrong with delaying gratification, right, Anita?

IMHO, it seems there were times in the Anita Blake series that Ms. Hamilton was writing just to be writing and had no real sense of purpose or enjoyment in it. Sometimes I feel she spends a little too much time 'processing' issues rather than attending to the matter at hand and forwarding the plot. Serpentine took forever to get to any real action and then it ended far too soon (at least for me), but even with that, it seems as if Ms. Hamilton is getting closer to being the storyteller she was at the beginning of this series, with more going on that just therapy (not that the therapy is bad; there's just too much of it sometimes - especially when her characters take time out to process something when they should save the processing for later and attend to business). Overall, though, I have to say I've enjoyed this series immensely and eagerly look forward to the next book in the series. I will always buy Ms. Hamilton's books.

I have been reading this series for 15 years and it never gets old. When I stopped wanting to be Nancy Drew I wanted to be Anita Blake. Still do. This book had me flipping quickly to the next page. It hits all the right buttons for those of us who love badass girls.

I love this series, and anxiously await the next installment. The characters are interest holding, the book is well plotted, and always leave you WISHING for more. I have recommended this series to my friends, and they all enjoyed them as much as I do.

Love, love, love this book. There's something so perfect when you put Anita and Edward together. I've waited for this book for such a long time. Took 2 days to read because I've been watching my grandson, and now I'm waiting for the next! I've 're-read this series every time a new book comes out! It's one of my very favorite series that I never get tired of reading.

Anita's vacations never go as planned. But I think that is why I love the stories so much. So much can, and does, happen when she plans a romantic get away with one or more of her guys. That is, anything but romance. *grin*

A day or so before release the author did a blog about what she could/should or couldn't/shouldn't talk about on tour. Everything she wanted to talk about in the book would give spoilers. Now that I have read it, I get it. If I mention . . . Well spoiler. OR . . . Again, spoiler. So really, you just need to get a copy of this book and read it for yourself.

There is some of the talking and "working issues" that seems to happen with Anita and gang in recent books. (One of the reasons I love them though. I enjoy working my issues right along with them.) But, not as much as there has been. There is more drama and mystery. Some fascinating twists and turns. Just when you think the author has done about all she can in this world, here comes another monster and/or creepy crawly. Laurell K. Hamilton can still tell a good story. Thank you.

I wil admit, I was reluctant to read another Anita Blake book because the last books were more orgy than plot. This time, it was the perfect balance. Anita still feeds the ardeur but this time, it did not over take the story line. I missed the days of good old monster hunting. My favorite characters are still there and they had roles that made them more than sex objects. So for those of you who had given up on the series, you can come back into the fold. Edward's wedding was a great backdrop. The criminals in the story are both horrible but yet pitiful. I felt their pain, but also wanted justice. No one deals out justice like the 4 horsemen. Thank you Ms. Hamilton for bringing the Anita we loved back to us. I am still rooting for her and her future husbands. I also like that she has matured and does not fight herself so much. She fights bad guys!

I have to be honest....I have read all the books at least once and listed to the audio books over and over while walking and working out. The contrast between the earlier books and the last is huge. The last few have been disappointing. Not enough of a plot - the "case" is barely developed. It's like the focus of the books have shifted from the case/monster being the primary plot to relationship therapy driving the story. It's almost like Laurel isn't the one writing these anymore they are so different....

SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!

SERIOUSLY! SPOILERS!!!!!

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!

The Good: for a brief, brief moment at the end, I saw a speck of the action we used to see in the first nine books.

That is all of the good.

The Bad: where to start?

Nate: let us remember that in Crimson Death he mind rolled Anita and Damien and RAPED them for HOURS...repeatedly raped them for HOURS. In Serpentine, he actually complains that he doesn't have enough time with Micah or Anita because their jobs take them out of town so often. But he's not upset that he doesn't spend quality time, he's upset because they don't have sex at the rate they used to. Yes, the manipulative rapist is actually angry that he isn't having sex with Anita and Micah multiple times a day. Not only that, he's complaining that Micah doesn't like to sleep with him unless Anita is around- he even states that he KNOWS that Micah is barely heteroflexible, and that doesn't like to have sex with other men (Micah states this as well). Boo-freakin-hoo, Nate. Your "partners" have full time "jobs" that they travel often for- pick different partners if you are that unhappy. He goes even further and wonders if the only reason they ever even had sex is because of the arduer...and Anita answers "probably" knowing full well that is the case and they all know it. Anita has stated it in past books.

Nate wants a child- Anita doesn't. Nate wants more sex- Anita has more control of the arduer and can go longer periods without feeding, which means she doesn't have sex with Nate that often. She says that her and Micah have had sex more frequently, but most of the time when they get home they like to collapse into bed and fall asleep snuggled against each other. And that BOTHERS Nate. Well, if he is that unhappy (again), then he needs to find another relationship.

Micah: this book certainly points to him being the one that Anita really love (you know, because he is her rapist).

Anita: I hate this woman. I really do. This entire book is how she's the most beautiful woman ever and even Donna, the bride to be, is jealous of her. EVERYONE is jealous of her for no reason. Her boobs, her body, her skills as a fighter (at least her vagina didn't save the day this time).

Edward: he really disgusted me in this book. He TOLD his fiance that he was sleeping with Anita, allowed her to believe it, and then had the audacity to tell her the entire wedding drama was HER fault. It is clear he is emotionally abusive, and Donna shows every sign of being abused in that manner. He doesn't love her- not one bit.

Donna: I find it disgusting how LKH and her readers hate on this woman. Her fiance lies to her and then blames her for the fallout when the truth comes out. Her son, who is a rapist and physically abusive to his girlfriends, treats her like garbage. Anita treats her like garbage because she's a woman and she's blonde. Donna should run from Edward. Far away.

The entire wedding drama is all Edward and Anita's doing, and made worse by both of them and Peter. This book is filled with copious amounts of jealous whiners and the usual Anita Blake misogyny, sexism, better-than-everyone bs. It takes up 95% of the book.

The "plot" comes at the end of the book, of course, and by then I didn't care anymore. The snake curse could have been interesting but LKH ruined it, as usual, by putting in on the back-burner and ignoring it for the entire book. But as I said before, at least her vagina didn't save the day this time.

This brings me to Olaf: yes, he arrives in this book. What follows? Basically, this is a set-up for him and Anita to sleep together. He was creepy, as he should be, and worms his way into her good side, but Anita basically implies at the end that her lioness wants him as a mate and she needs to find one because she "Refuses" for her "mate" to be him. Olaf should be dead. He should kill several of her men before being killed, but he should be killed. This is just lining him up to be another "pet".

A few other things: Peter is wounded by Dixie (the woman trying to stop the wedding because Edward is a cheater- again, HE told Donna he WAS sleeping with Anita), but not one shapeshifter in the bunch senses it. Not even when it's "discovered" when he starts to weaken and they're trying to stop the bleeding. These shapeshifters, who are supposed to be able to smell everything far better than a human, don't even realize he's life-threatening wounded.

Honestly, considering this book went through THREE rounds of full revisions, it scares me what it was before they chopped out huge chunks of the book. The "plot" doesn't start until the last 15%, or less, and yet the blurb leads readers to believe that the snake creatures are the main plot. They aren't. This entire book is tired, boring, disgusting, and what could have been an interesting plot is again wasted. Replaced hundreds of pages of relationship angst, bullying, sexism...etc.

Overall: no, I don't recommend this book. If you're a diehard fan, go ahead and read it. Otherwise, it's not worth the liver damage to try and get slog through it. Snarking this book is almost impossible, that's how bad the books have gotten.

As ususal, I couldn't put one of the Anita Blake books down. You never know where the book is going until you turn the page. I both love and hate when a new book comes out. Love because, come on, it's Laurell K. Hamilyon, and hate because now I have to wait again! The plot was great, and I loved the couple time with Anita, Nathaniel and Michah. I'm not giving any details, just read it yourself!

I look forward to Laurell Hamilton books. I am in awe of her imagination. How does she keep coming up with new monsters and story lines while maintaining the growth and development of her characters? Lots of sex and violence if you don't want that don't read her. An excellent story from one of my favorite authors.

I now have a new favorite Anita book! Anita is tough as nails still but she's learning that sensitivity and communication are not weakness. She has grown out of her angsty, stubborn ways and evolved into a more accepting Anita.
Edwards evolution is nothing short of miraculous.
Oloaf is even becoming a deeper caracter.
Peter is gonna be special.... I hope he gets his own book of not series in the future!
And Anitas polyamory is fantastic to see and explained so well! She needs to be mandatory reading for Fetlife and SLS.

This book has two confused families, a wedding for Anita to attend, Ted and other Marshals, a terrifying new power, and new shapeshifters. Finally, more actual plot and fewer sex scenes. This is the type of Anita Blake story I fell in love with in the first place.

This had some plot twists I did not see coming. The characters were well explained and I enjoyed catching up on their lives. I enjoy reading and so many books start to seem good, until something like this comes along. The writing is just that good. I look forward to her next book.

As always Laurell K. Hamilton delivers! Couldn't put it down and will be reading this one again. Well written and enthralling. A must have author for anyone who loves paranormal romances. Thank you so much for your thrilling series.

I keep wanting this series to be what it used to be...great sex, monsters and creatures getting slaughtered...a bit of relationship drama...Now it is just a few pages of fighting a monster, a couple tepid by comparison sex scenes and several hundred pages of talked to death personal drama. All the background and the the rehashing of everyone's feelings and the whining and apologizing. Just soap opera stuff. Just disappointing knowing that every new book means I have to back and listen to all the backstroke...if someone is reading this series and doesn't know enough about the characters to fill in some gaps they should start over. This is a fifty page short story dressed up as a full length novel.

I have read every book in the series and I'm always waiting with baited breath for the next book to come out. As always Ms Hamilton has written an exemplary novel. This book has everything you want in an incredible story. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal fiction.

Hamilton’s books aren’t great literature, but that’s not what people buy them for—they’re paranormal escapism. And this isn’t rocket science—Hamilton’s first books had a solid recipe: tough sexy vamp hunter meets supernaturals, mayhem ensues. Different locales, different monsters, alliances forged, solid sex scenes, building tension.

But in later books, Hamilton’s just dialed it in—longer sex scenes, each more over the top than the next, started eating up the pages while the storyline was lost in a morass of adolescent melodrama, Anita’s childish narcissistic interior dialog, and long descriptions of the most boring clothing and interior design choices in literature (I mean really? Immortals design tastes are stuck at cheap bordello levels and all clothing choices are basically 80s disco?). Add to that, each book chips away at Anita’s monsters to the point that they’ve been left with no agency—they’ve all been reduced to whining shadows of their previous glory.

Ugh. Hamilton should hire a decent editor. Get a decent writing coach. Dialing in a book because she wants the cash isn’t doing her brand any favors. If she’s bored with Anita, she should kill her off and start a new series (And do NOT give her a “happily-ever-after in the suburbs with a pack of monsters” ending...yawn). Stop throwing out this drivel. It’s boring the hell out of a previously engaged audience.

I'm 3/4 of the way done with this and the only plot that has been explored is dealing with a drunk at a bar. Everything else is therapy and double standards. This will be the last book I read. Thankfully I got it from the library and didn't spend real money on it.

When there was plot it was pretty good, but I was dismayed to discover I was 70 some percent done with the book when it finally did make what could possibly be called a solid appearance. And the true climax kicked in with 10% or less to go which is where you expect it to kick in I suppose, but it was resolved in a few simple pages and rather easily for our heroes considering some of the stuff they have tackled previously and then the oh so very short epilogue. A great well chosen gathering of some great characters from the series and practically nothing happened. Might as well have let Edward and Donna have their wedding without a mystery or crime occurring for what little did occur. There was more drama among Donna's long time friends in the bridal party than any mystery, crime solving, or action.

I borrowed this book from the library because I told myself after Narcissus in Chains it just wasn’t worth it. I like the Executioner, the “boo” not so much. Even Jean-Claude is boring in this book and that’s such a shame.

Things still haven’t changed and I’m still bummed about it, but i keep hoping it will get better. The first 260 pages of this 486 page book are pretty boring...they kind of read like a manual on poly relationships which is okay, but not what I want from the bad-ass Anita Blake.

She used to be such an interesting character. This book didn’t really get interesting until Olaf showed up. Hamilton hints at the end that there may be a new hunter which could be interesting if Anita’s frankly boring personal life doesn’t get in the way.

I’ll continue to play it safe and borrow her books instead of buying them.

I have been an avid reader of the Anita Blake series for many years now. Despite the ups and downs of the series, I've always picked up the next book and tried to be as open-minded as possible. There is always a big wait between books and I my hope is that the wait will bring greatness. When I read an Anita Blake series, it has become more for the adventure than it has for any kind of romance.

Despite a great amount of time at the beginning of Serpentine trying to explain the romantic side of Anita's love life, I still find myself overwhelmed and then to the point where I just don't care anymore. It has come down to just a few main characters now, which is great, but the constant description of their polyamorous life and how it works just does not interest me anymore. It is like the author feels the need to explain how the whole situation works in every installment. The problem is, most of Anita's love life and problems within it took up almost the first full 60% of the book. I was almost to the point of DNF when I realized how far in I was and at that point we were finally getting into the meat of the story and the adventure, which was what I was waiting for. Especially with a story that included the Four Horsemen together.

There was an interesting power within one of the detectives that almost had Nathanial and Anita trapped in a bad place in the investigation of some missing girls from their hotel. It was a magic Anita hadn't come up against before and was a struggle for her to overcome. Anita also has another foe to deal with and I'm kind of worried about what is happening in that situation.

There are a lot of surrounding things happening with Anita, and the main adventure seems to take up very little time. You don't really get into it until well into the book and the details seem to be slipped into moments of other crises that Anita goes through. The time we did get with the Four Horsemen and the mystery storyline was my favorite and I savored what time we spent with that. Bernardo's reaction to the killing and missing girls surprised me a bit. I was also interested to see the many sides of Edward we see in Serpentine as his Ted and Edward personalities are warring between his relationship stuff with Donna and the case. I love Edward so any of the stories that he is in really grab me. His relationship with Donna was in jeopardy and his reaction was definitely interesting.

Serpentine has many ups and downs for me. I was disappointed that so much time is spent on the poly relationships in comparison to the adventure of the case. For readers who have been with this series for as many years as I have, we pretty much have all that stuff down. Of course there will be bumps in the road, but I don't think we need to spend so much time with them working it out. I'm much more interested in the kick-ass Anita and the monsters she has to fight. I hate to say I was disappointed with Serpentine, but for the most part I was. I think the series has pretty much run it's course. There are still the relationship strings to tie up. Maybe if we spent more time with Jean-Claude with the crew defending his kingship we might get more metaphysical stuff and action. Maybe more of Edward with his flamethrower!

I honestly don't know if this will be the end of the series for me. After as much time as I've spent with this series, I hate to give up not having some finality to it, but it is getting harder to get through all of what I feel is filler to get to the meat of the story. I sure hope the poly group just gets the weddings over with and move into some good action. I think it is really needed to pick this series back up.

Twenty-sixth in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter erotic paranormal fantasy series and revolving around a US Marshal and vampire executioner. The focus is on Ted and Donna's wedding.

My Take
bHamilton must be listening to all those readers complaining about all the sex, as there is almost nothing here. I don't think her heart was in this one, because it's pretty boring with not much excitement. Instead, it's full of whining, omigod so much whining, with Dixie being such a bitch, the juvenile banter and arguing between Anita and her people, Anita's whining about her losses in Ireland — and yeah, it was a horrible experience, especially when one of their own died. I get that. But the way Hamilton has Anita going on and on about it. Oy.

I do not understand why Donna would keep Dixie in her bridal party?!? And that Rodina. Jeez, what a downer she is. She doesn't like being Anita's funeral dirge, and she's sure bitchy about serving Anita…so, why does Anita even use her on her security team? Is it just so that Hamilton can fill out more pages with whining?

I loved Anita's definition of "good"; it's a much more realistic interpretation, and one I prefer. It's certainly more Christian!

There were so many oddities in this, emotionally, that I kept waiting for the big reveal…which ended up being much too simple. It didn't feel like an Anita Blake story.

I'm suspecting that the theme in this is secrets and secret identities. How lying can come back to bite you.

Why are Donna and Ted having their wedding in Florida? The tension between them ratchets up, and Hamilton doesn't really go anywhere with this. Instead she spends so much time on Anita's whining — that first person protagonist point-of-view means Anita does a LOT of whinging — when Hamilton should have run with the drama on all those cases popping up.

We get a bit of Spotted-Horse's background while Olaf talks about his serial-killing preferences as well as his desire to "date" Anita.

There are quite a few info dumps that are, well, simply dumped in, although it's not as bad as Crimson Death , 25. The best I can say for it is that a wedding goes on.

The Story
It's a new case that has Micah on edge, a new kind of shapeshifter that isn't actually a shapeshifter with a family he needs to help. He's not the only one on edge, either. Nathaniel is desperate to have some alone time with his lovers…without their work getting in the way.

It really isn't Anita's fault that Dixie's long-simmering resentment leads to a big blowout within the wedding party, but it's worse when the cops look to her friends and lovers as the prime suspects when women start going missing.

The Characters
Anita Blake (codename "Kitten" and nicknamed "Adler") is known by the vampires as "The Executioner" and by the shifters as "War", one of the four Horsemen of the US Marshals, and she's Ted's best man. A necromancer and succubus, she's got a slew of lycanthropy types inside her (the only animals-to-call that Anita doesn't have are a lion, a rat, and a hyena), and she's the Nimir-Raj of the leopards.

She's also engaged to Jean-Claude; Micah Callahan (codename "Wolverine"), a wereleopard and Nimir-Rah to the local pard, who is also the head of the Furry Coalition; and, Nathaniel Graison (codename "Robin"), another wereleopard and a stripper (whose stage name is "Brandon") at Guilty Pleasures, who is helping Donna plan the wedding.

On this trip, Bram, a werehyena, is Micah's head bodyguard. Nicky Murdock, Anita's Bride and a werelion who is part of their polyamorous group. Rodina and Ru, former Harlequin guards in Crimson Death , are now Nathaniel's bodyguards. On this trip, they want to be known as Dr Morgan Erwin (with a history doctorate), and Dr Wyatt Erwin (with a doctorate in literature). They have also been Rosemary, Rowan (Rodrigo), and Rue Erwin.

Kirke Key, Florida, is…
…where the wedding will take place at a hotel. Roberto is part of the staff. Herbie's is a local restaurant-cum-bar where Cleo Stavros works. The pregnant Christy is married to Andy Stavros, a drunk his family wants nothing to do with.

Kirke Key PD
Captain Tyburn is amazing. Officer Dunley and Detective Terry Rankin are both jerks. Officer Evans won't allow Anita in. Officer Angela Dalton is their official psychic. Detective Lin is confused. Officer Milford is in charge of the video. The FDLE is the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The wedding party
Donna Parnell is Edward/Ted's fiancée and the bride-to-be (Frank was her first husband). Edward, a.k.a., "Death", is a cold-blooded assassin who specializes [and enjoys the challenge] in killing any kind of monster. His alter ego and public persona, Ted Forrester, was a bounty hunter and is now a US Marshal with the Preternatural Branch. Anita is his regular partner. Donna's children are the nineteen-year-old Peter who is filling out (and one of the groomsmen) and the eleven-year-old dance fanatic, Becca; Ted considers them his.

Denise "Denny" is the maid of honor. Dixie Carlitos is one of Donna's oldest friends and another bridesmaid whom Donna should dump right now. Ray is Dixie's husband while Benji is their son who couldn't wait to go to an out-of-state school. Lucy, a practicing Wiccan, is another bridesmaid and Donna's partner in their metaphysical shop.

The too-totally hot Bernardo Spotted-Horse ("Hunger") and the scary Otto Jeffries ("Plague"; nicknamed "Holmes") are also US Marshals with the Preternatural Branch. Bernardo is one for the ladies and has the fourth-highest kill count among the marshals while Otto, a.k.a., Olaf, is a serial killer (and has been a werelion for the past two years) who wants to date Anita.

Ted's friends include one of his oldest friends, Lieutenant Colonel Muhamad (Frankie) Franklin and his wife, Carol, along with their daughter Ellie who is one of the flower girls, and Sheriff Rufous Martinez and his wife, Marisol.

There's a second wedding party at the hotel
Paul is the groom; the bride is a blonde. The desperate Bettina Gonzales is one of the bride's best friends along with Stephanie and Valerie Miller. Randy is on the groom's side.

St Louis
Jean-Claude (codename "Renard"), a vampire, is the new king of American vampires and home base is in the basement of the Circus of the Damned. Claudia, a wererat, is head of security at the Circus. Fredo, another wererat, is usually her second-in-command but is currently off on contract work overseas. Kaazim, servant to Queenie, and Jake Pennyfeather, a wolf shifter, are ex-Harlequin and part of Micah's security team. "Pud" Custer and "Millie" Millington (an ex-Navy SEAL) are on Anita's security team at the start. Pepita "Peppy" is partnered with Roger Parks.

Professor Zeke Wolf, a werewolf, writes poetry as therapy. Melanie, a.k.a., Echidna, is a lamia. Dead Dave was forced to retire when he was bitten by a vampire while on the job. Now he runs a bar.

The Coalition for Better Understanding Between Human and Lycanthrope Communities is…
…better known as the Furry Coalition, helping to keep people and lycanthropes safe.

The Harlequin had been the elite bodyguards, spies, and assassins for the Mother of All Darkness. Polyamorous is a consensual non-monogamy in which all the people involved love each other. A dependapotamus is a woman who hangs around military bases and preys on the young soldiers. Judith is Anita's stepmother.

The Cover and Title
The cover has a white background with teal shadows of snake scales with Anita's white, white face pressing up through it, her bright red lips slightly parted, two thin dark curls trailing across her face and entwined with a multi-teal snake slithering down from top to bottom…ick… An info blurb is at the very top in a deep red with the author's name below it in an embossed metallic red. Beneath Anita's chin is the series information in a deep teal with the title in that same embossed metallic red at the very bottom.

The title relates to Anita treading a Serpentine path through her relationships and the monster.

If I could have given this book a zero, I would have. Hamilton should be ashamed of herself. Not only was the writing awful, the characters were turned into soap opera garbage actors and there was only the loosest thread of a plot.

Reasons to hate this book: Spoilers

1. No woman is as amazing as Laurell- sorry- Anita.

2. Almost no woman is allowed to be a human with dignity, grace, elegance, class, intelligence, bravery, common sense, or any positive quality. God help any woman who happens to be blonde. Who hurt you, Laurell?

3. There is not a damn thing “wrong” with being asexual.

4. There are other valid lifestyle and sexual choices besides polyamory. I’m all for poly if it works for you; however, I think her depictions of polyamory and BDSM are very damaging to their communities because of Laurell’s inaccuracies and hatefulness.

5. Laurell took Edward, the stone cold BAMF and turned him into a weak shadow of what he used to be.

6. She replaced the IKEA sex with the must utterly vapid and unbelieveable mess of a wedding.

7. There was 2% plot. That’s it. I’m done with this author for good.

Good news, there's an actual mystery that starts off and ends the novel. Bad news, that mystery takes a back seat (or maybe hangs onto the bumper by the skin of its teeth) while the same relationship issues are played out on screen for what feels like the millionth time. Seriously annoyed about the constant references to therapy and the implication that it helps if we are still seeing the same freaking arguments and issues book after book after book.
Also, this is nowhere near a major issue but it annoyed me that Anita claims to be no older than early 30s in the book, yet she somehow managed to obtain training as a sky marshal before 9-11. As someone in my early 30s, I was more concerned with drivers ed than training to be a sky marshal on 9-11 let alone several years before it. Maybe we need an update on the year this is supposedly taking place.

I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads

well, i'm not sure where to go with this review. Start by saying that I've been a fan for many years of the Anita Blake series and i've read them all. But, did not read book 23 or 24. After Jason's book (book 22) I pretty much gave up. When this came up for review I decided I'd give one of my favorite authors another chance. I have to say, I'm pretty indifferent. I dont think things have gotten any better for my long time favorite. I was over 40% into the book and not a single thing was happening in the plot. You're in for total over descriptiveness (which was always present but exacerbated in the past few book) of clothing, scenery, hair color, facial expressions. There's bickering about who gets to have Anita's attention and even Nathaniel became a bit whiny! Micah's character is usually my rock when things get crazy but he was sort of never really present, always on the phone or out of town. There's hardly any Jean Claude in this one except a brief scene in the beginning. Not even really good steamy scenes. The story FINALLY kicks in around the 80% mark with a murder scene & abduction and then does this "scooby do" ending where it all wraps up with one bad guy giving all the plot points & "who done it's". I was determined to finish this and it took quite a bit of skimming. I love these characters, they're like old friends to me after 22 books. I'd love to see something better come out of this!
6

I've read every book in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. I have to say I have been a devoted follower and was thrilled that Anita and Edward were paired up again. The stories with both Anita and Edward have always seemed to be one of my favorites.

From 65% percent on this was the Hamilton storytelling that I enjoy reading. And here comes the BUT... But before the 65% point there was a lot of feelings, mono-logging, feelings, psychoanalyzing, and more discussions about... you guessed it, feelings... I remember Edward even said something about enough bonding for one day (somewhere around 75%) and I wanted to say, YES PLEASE, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! With just shy of 500 pages that is way too much emotional talk and not enough storytelling substance for me. I sure as heck don't want to spend 6+ hours of my reading time reading about fictional characters discovering their feelings. If you can't get enough of Anita's, her poly-group's, brides's and guard's feelings and dynamics then this is the book for you. I'm sad to say, it just didn't working for me.

I received this ARC copy of Seperntine from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Apparently, I just spent $20 to have a therapy session for a problem I do not have. This entire book was plotless and pointless. I understand that both the author and the heroine are in a poly relationship. Great! Good for them. However, I do not need the constant battle of is Nathaniel/Micah/Jean Claude/anyone else Anita sleeps with getting enough attention. I do not need to be constantly reminded that seeing your significant other naked can be distracting. I have a husband, I get it. I really do not need to be reminded that Anita is hot and doesn't think she is and that she has big boobs. I know a lot of women with large breasts who are attractive and yet, strangely, they manage to go about their day without every person in sight trying to sleep with them. And yes, you can have male friends without sleeping with them or wanting to sleep with them.

Work on your issues on your own time and stop wasting mine with therapy disguised as a novel.

Really? This author is what seems to happen with a lot of succesful writers... she has gotten appallingly lazy & trite.... she spent PAGES describing asinine subjects, like how her ridiculous number of bodyguards protect her like she is the First Lady or how she is "polyamorous"... PLEASE! Or mayhap how she & her two Loves of her Life have perfected group hugs. The sex scenes were cringe-worthy... not hot & not believable. She uses explicit terms as a sub for eroticism. Most is just a waste of space to stretch a snooze-worthy endeavor into a hefty book. The wedding is sad, not believable, boring, the mystery not anything worth slogging through this swill. I am furious at her seeming willingness to take advantage of her loyal readers by publishing something that was so obviously, irritantingly bad. This should never have been published... her editor obviously didn't tell her that it is better to end on a high note (say, 5 books ago) instead of devolving into a snooze- worthy example of lazy writing. It just... didn't fit, wasn't worth the trouble. I found myself skipping very large chunks of the book to try to find where the action started. FYI when did Anita become so hot, so irrestible that seemingly everybody wants to get in her pants? The sexual references to her love life were never-ending, as if everbody had nothing better to do other than worry about her harem. Anita has lost her edge and so has LKH.

I struggled with a few anita books over the last couple of releases. Jason really upset me as I felt that it should have been an anthology short story rather than an entire plot. There was no real story line other than progressing their sexual adventures.
I was nervous after that for reading Crimson Death. However, that one reminded me of the anita books of old... so I dove head into Serpentine.

Anita's books tend to be wrapped up in the last 30-40 pages. Anyone who has read her books know this pattern. So, please read other reviews with that in mind. We are in the Anita world where copious amounts of sex and poly-amorous behavior is going to be such a huge part of the story ... why? BECAUSE IT'S A HUGE PART OF ANITA! Okay, rant over. Now, on to the review.

Let me tell you, I'm not going to put through any spoilers but... the amount of loose ends Hamilton's been addressing in this book and Crimson Death are amazeballs. I love that she is pulling things from older books in the series and forcing you to refresh your memory on the Anita history. The other thing is the amount of human-like attributes that are given to the vampires. It is a very interesting thing. I feel that even though Jean-Claude .. who I will say (it's almost like it's addressed in the book that he is becoming a smaller character in the book) has had an amazing character development going on made me watch the rest of the characters and just realize how far they have come.

We see more of Ted, Donna, Peter, and a little of Becca. Everyone has had great development. Except for Becca ... I feel she was portrayed more like an 8 year old instead of 12 year old. Those 4 years are a huge difference in maturity level. I hope to see more of Peter because, honestly, we need to. We need to see more of his journey and have more closure with that character.

Bernardo is back and he really surprises you in this book. Okay, we all know he is a dog but at the same time you get more insight on the man himself and his emotional growth.

I loved we are learning much more about Ted. So, yes, this book does focus on the wedding party a lot ... but if it didn't there would be no point to this book. Not sure how some reviews have missed that.

Now on to the moment I squealed like a girl in bed at 11.50PM ... OLAF IS BACK!!!! I know he is a serial killer but I will say I was hoping she would accidentally roll him or her lionness would force him to be her lion to call. I just love how he has grown as a character while still staying true to his original deviant nature. We see there is a tenderness to Olaf that was lacking when Anita first met him. He is trying to change and address his issues while still saying ... Hey, I'm a serial killer accept me for who I am as I work on accepting you for who you are. So, I loved seeing him and the interesting level of tenderness he can portray.

Donna -- she grows a backbone to then be a whiny mess. I really struggle with her as a character but she is so polar opposite of Tedward as I like to call him ... I get the attraction. I really want Hamilton to slap the crap out of this character and tell her to get her act together and grow up.

But the story overall ... everything is important. I can and ... hey I'll be honest here. I will skip over some sex scenes because I just don't need THAT much in my book, personally. However, it's important when they discuss the metaphysical aspects that you read the sex scenes because Hamilton drops little tidbits in there that are going to be important to the story as well as foreshadowing to an overall anita story arc we are in. I was happy with this book as well as her last one because I felt we got back to Anita ... the older styles that made me fall in love with the series.

I enjoyed this book despite all the snakes. Overall I still love this series too, yes there’s a lot of sex and if you don’t like that, it’s fine, I find it hot. This book had few sexy times and more plot this time- which I agree to have appreciated. It felt shorter than her last couple of installments but I did not feel like it was lacking anything, although I could have used a longer epilogue, there were a lot of loose ends at the end, all of them were solved in the last couple of pages. I did feel kind of mad about that, it was so short and there was soooo much. I’d have liked to learn more about Melanie’s actions for the family( a crazy family if you ask me) but hopefully that will come in the future books. It was nice to have just a few men most of the book to have some alone time with, although there were so many emergencies! I was also scared for Edward, I will not say why but his situation brought me to tears. Nathaniel is slowly sliding from favorite in the last couple books, I love that he’s grown but so have I. I think he’s still my favorite but as I said I am now unsure if he will continue to be so. Micah is still amazing, if beguilingly busy. I would find it hard to maintain all those personal relationships he has and I hope he finds a medium between overburdened and happiness. He deserves more than that though. Nicky is Nicky and I have to say he is awesome for confronting our unwanted, strangely behaved, wedding guest. He deserves brownie points too, he meaning the guest, not Nicky, the guest was just creepily normal and that frightens me. A lot. The story was good, just wish it wasn’t centered about snakes as the bad guys, I’m so afraid of them things, although the monster at the end was so absurdedly hard to imagine I just thought of a mass of tentacles, my mind refused to make a clear picture of it. I’m grateful for that. Completely grateful.

I got this book from my local library.
The series has gotten a little better with this one, I think. There was actually a big bad that they really had to fight, although it was squeezed into the end. However, 3 stars is generous.
Lots of whining, especially from Nathaniel, about who loves whom more, etc and how much time they all spend with each other. I mean, really, relationships mature and evolve, and they really can't spend all day in bed. I actually started skimming over the sex parts several books ago, as the ardeur took over the storyline. And so much name calling, especially by so called professionals.
Also, there is a lot of repetition, for example, at the first of the book she remembers Edward using the flamethrower in a house and then repeats it in a chapter near the end.
So skipping/skimming does make for a faster read.
And, so much angst with the bridal party. I so want Ted to have a happy life with them.
It was good to see Peter and Becca growing up and not being held back by what they had been through.
I really liked the exploration of R and R's emotional states as combined with Anita's, and the possible ramifications.
I really don't like Otto/Olaf, although his changes were interesting.

The 26th installment in the Anita Blake series is very dark and very very sexy.
This was a quitessential Anita Blake book with lots of Edward for us to devour.
There was a wedding, some new magic, and some exciting twists to make sure you stayed on the edge of your seat.
I’m still a bit new to the series, having only read the last seven books in this twenty six book series but each book gets darker and more twisted and I love it.
Murder, Mayhem, Relationship drama, theres really everything in here but the kitchen sink and I mean that in a good way. Theres even the introduction of new magical unknown that Anita and Edward don’t really know how to deal with but its a believable unknown and it really makes you wonder how they’re going to handle this new obstacle.
I can’t rave about this book enough. At roughly 500 pages you’d think it would take some time to get through but I blew through this book in two days. I just couldn’t put it down.
I would highly recommend this series to readers who like darker urban fantasy novels with a big dose of sexy added to the mix. This is not a book for the faint at heart.

You have to go into this with your eyes open. This is not a mystery, it is not a romance, it is a drama from Anita's pov . There are discussions about polygamy and friendships. It is primarily a where/who are they now for Anita and Edward. It is a good read if you don't go into this expecting Circus of the Damned, Obsidian Butterfly, Burt Offerings,etc. It is not As bad as Flirt or Bullet. Yes LKH uses too many adjectives and goes overboard setting the scene. But this book moved at a good pace, it didn't have but 2 short sex scenes, all my faves were present -Olaf, Nathaniel, Nicky. I like R and R (the loss of a character/aftermath was adequately addressed). I could have done within Donna's drama but I think that was more about showing how Anita and Edward differ. The mystery itself was only the focus of about the last 10 chapters. Pluses there was little to no mention of Asher/Richard, However I wish there was more Damien. For the next book can we focus more on the mystery/crime. Or maybe have Richard accept who he is , it is time for him too evolve. And become happy before the others get married.

Releases: August 7, 2018

Overall: 2/5
Steam: 2/4
Feels:

~QD Story Details~
Tear jerker:
Paranormal/Fantasy:
Location: Florida Keys
Character age range: Various
Lead: Anita
Love interest(s): Various: Nathaniel, Micah, Jean Claude, Nicky
HEA: - sort of.

~QD Book Info~
Kindle Unlimited:
Audible:
Series:

~QD Heat~
Sex/kink type: penetrative, oral
Possible triggers: murder, gore,

~Review~
Let me preface this review: I have not read the other books in the series. I was impressed though that I was able to get the gist of what previously happened through the character interactions throughout.

I really wanted to like this book. The story arc sounded awesome. Alas, I was disappointed and felt like the story had way too much fluff.

The chapters often dragged on too long because it felt like the focus had shifted to the psychological aspect of dealing with a polyamorous group (and the interactions of the group with others) versus following the actual story arc. At first it was interesting but then it overloaded the story. There was a lot of insecurity and explanation of feelings despite it being made clear that this was not a new arrangement for the characters. Especially because this is a long running series, I would have expected those things to be ironed out way before now.

Next, was my issue with the abrupt and seemingly nonsensical arguments. If the characters weren’t analyzing themselves or those around them, they were fighting in a way that was reminiscent of either early pubescence or a Jerry Springer show. It all felt like fluff to fill space in the story.

Last, was that while the main issue is resolved at the end of the book and there is a seemingly happy ending, the climax was well, non-climactic in my opinion. After all the lead up, it was a bit of a let down.

I think if I was a reader from the very first books, I would be more excited to hear about how the characters turned out over time but as it is, it felt like a whole lot of filler and not enough meat.

I keep hoping these books get better but the don’t! Sex, sex and more sex! A very thin plot line about Micah trying to help a new kind of shifter group, think Medusa and u r close. It’s a lot of whining from Nathaniel, Micah and Anita and the rest of the poly group! Only good part was that Edward and Donna finally got married after a bit of drama! Other than that it was same Old same old. Glad I didn’t pay money for it. I enjoyed the earlier book way better. This is like the author just gave up
And keeps writing the same basic book just changing one or two thing. Stop phoning it in!

I feel like Laurell K Hamilton is my child whom I just keep giving chance after chance to, hoping she won’t disappoint me. I think I’m all out of chances. The beginning of the series hooked me and shot ms Hamilton onto my list of fav authors to read and re-read. Then the books started to sound the same, the same lines and descriptions were used over and over. Yes, we all know that Anita loves to go down on ‘her men,’ especially when they are soft... and calling Nathaniel ‘our shared boy’ just struck me as wrong somehow. We all know ms. Hamilton is in a poly relationship, it’s like she is trying to shove her relationship down all our throats via Anita and her 200 lovers. There was so much description and overwriting that the plot got lost, hell, the plot was mostly on the book jacket. These books used to be so good! I think we should all stop buying them, either they get better or kill Anita and all the guys off in some crazy bomb under circus of the damned... anything but this horrid writing where you say the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over.... get it???

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I am a huge fan of this series and I have been for a very long time. I had been wondering for a long time what this was going to be like. Ever since Edward/Ted asked Donna to marry him. I was wishing for a lot more action like in the earlier books in the series and less relationship drama. Edward is by far my favorite character. I know that is weird a paranormal/sci-fi book and I pick the human. This has been pointed out to me a few times. But all of us who have been fan know that no matter where Anita goes there is going to be some kind of trouble. There are still some questions in the series I would like answered, but maybe it is time for me to go back and re-read the books and see if there is something I missed and see if I can answer my own questions. I think it is a good read and will continue to be a fan. 

We got some Anita and Edward and Otto and Spotted Horse - in the last five chapters ?
I love Anita's stories - but I want the old Anita back - before therapy! Do not get me wrong I enjoy the poly relationship and the hoops they all jump through to keep the balance - my problem is this has all the feels of a good romance but very little of the action that I crave when I open a Vampire Hunter story - I need the edge of your seat suspense back! I want to shiver, cringe and throw my kindle!
I liked the storyline- it could have gone in so many directions - and I savored the little cookie crumb trails that were scattered about - I just think we could have had a little more blood and death and close calls and a lot less talk of feelings - nothing against you Nathaniel - you still make my heart skip a beat ?
Overall I enjoyed the read but I did not love it

Couldn’t put the book down until it was finished. Gripping story, unique perspectives on so many characters. The only downside is that the book had to end and now it will be a long wait for the next instalment in the series.

Hamilton has totally changed course in her writing style. The last several books are written as long, rambling dialogues between the MOST dysfunctional characters I have ever read about. If I had to read the word "polyamorous" one more time, I was going to set the book alight with matches. Only in the last twenty pages do we get to see a tiny glimpse of the bad-ass Anita that caught our fancy all those years ago. I slogged through the damn bopok, trying to catch a glimpse of the character I liked so much, but she is dead, used-up, and lacking in any redeemable qualities. This Anita has surrounded herself with half-wits and sociopaths. There are no more interesting characters anymore! Everyone is is written as a cartoon, totally one-dimensional and unbelievable. Do NOT waste another moment reading these stories. Yes, I know. HARSH. But I have never been so disappointed in an author.

Laurell K. Hamilton practically invented the paranormal mystery genre with her exciting Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series about a modern world with vampires, werewolves, and other creatures living openly. The 26th adventure sends Anita to a wedding party on one of the Florida Keys in which she is the best man for Edward, a fellow U.S. Marshal and rogue vampire killer. There are several weddings on the Key and of course a Bridesmaid is murdered and another kidnaped. At the heart of the mystery is a police officer with siren abilities, and a family of people warped by Serpentine (hard from Berkley) genes that cause snakes to grow from their bodies. I’ve learned to skim over the porn in these later Anita Blake tales, and the rest is still exciting. Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press

Serpentine is the latest Anita Blake book. I am very happy to say that I truly enjoyed this latest adventure.. the last book was disappointing and the fact that I have read all of the books in the series was the only reason I purchased this one...so glad I did! Anita was reunited with Edward, in a destination wedding scenario...not to give any details away but Otto, invited to the wedding by the bride, and to the surprise of Edward, shows up in time to help our heroes solve the mystery of the missing bridesmaids...read this book in one day and am once again addicted to Anita, Jean Claud, Noah, Nathaniel, Edward, Bernardo and even Otto!!! I think Otto may appear in the next novel, a lot of issues were left up in the air..come on Ms. Hamilton write fast...I’m waiting!!!

So excited to get back to Anita's world. This time she's going south to Key West for Ted/Edward's wedding but things go south very fast, from Micah's job helping a cursed family to the bride's best friend's anger issues.

Serpentine is more about relationships than some of the past Anita books as we get inside Anita's head as she's juggling her many loves. Relationships require care and poly ones more so as everyone must talk and agree before things become broken.

But if you have been missing the other two of the Horsemen, you won't be for long as Bernardo and Otto return to help Edward and Anita deal with the bad guy who has killed young women.

I'm on the fence with this story. This is the first book since Narcissus in Chains, that the entire book didn't revolve around the ardur or just the poly sex group in general. However, the first half of the book has a lot of character dialogue that wasn't needed and didn't add to the overall story and in all honesty didn't remotely get interesting until the trip to Florida. I want monster hunting action, which unfortunately didn't come into play until the last 1/8 of the book. Not sure that I'm going to read any more books in this series. So glad that I picked this book up at the library and not pay the ridiculous book fees for this drivel.

this book in the series feels like it might be trying to go back to the beginning of the series plot wise (the first ten being my favorites), but gets bogged down in the therapy session of defining poly relationships. There are definitely kernals of an excellent storyline, however they never fully develop. I only wish the author would stop using her books as psychotherapy sessions and stick to plot lines. The story seems to get wrapped up more in couple's therapy and never really fleshes out any other part. One last thing, am getting a little tired of some serious repetitive dialog....as in word for word ....from previous books.

It's like how delicious a sip of ice cold Coca-Cola is on a hot summer day but deep down you know it's a disgusting concoction of chemicals and sugar. The sex has become such a common theme in these books I skip over those scenes. I'm tired of all the relationship issues everyone has. I want the mystery; the thrill of the chase. I hope with each book Anita goes back to work and that is the main focus of the story. This books was okay. I'm glad I borrowed it from my local library and didn't have to pay for it.

I enjoy Hamilton's writing for the most part. She's creative and inventive, the narrative reads smoothly, and I enjoy the tangle of relationships woven throughout the stories. But I want plot.

The mystery plot is interesting, but it's thin and doesn't get the focus it deserves. The action doesn't really start until halfway through the book. It's crowded out by everything else going on.

Things I enjoyed:
* Edward, it's always fun to see him
* Olaf's return, creepy fun
* New preternatural aspects introduced in this book (even if they weren't given time to develop)
* The themes of child exploitation are interesting. (Spoiler) Nathaniel's past as a child victim is brought up, and his videos are still being seen and sometimes viewers will find him. Becca wanting to put a picture of herself online, but Anita isn't sure that's a good idea. (Cynric is never mentioned in this novel, probably for the best.)
* Anita's romantic relationships seemed a little more focused this novel, with only Jean-Claude, Micah, and Nathaniel being in the spotlight, which is much needed. It didn't try to address every single one of her extended relationships.

Things I did not enjoy:
* The intense civil rights violations that don't at all seem justified going in. I get it, Anita operates in a grey zone of morality, but consider the current climate of police brutality and the thin-at-best reasons in the story for doing this, and damn. Not cool. The-ends-justify-the-means is weak writing anyway, it needed more development going in.
* (Spoiler) Seriously, they maimed a person without any certainty that she even knew anything, wtf.
* (Spoiler) Regarding the above, how is Micah okay with Anita using his information to torture and maim someone during a questioning? That's a horrible conflict of interest and would reflect terribly on him and the Coalition. Surely he's invested too much and worked too hard to be okay with that.
* (Spoiler) The first Big Bad is introduced just twice - once briefly near the beginning, and once briefly at the end when he's killed. There should have been more in the middle to develop this, because by the end I didn't care.
* The second Big Bad is more interesting. Introduced a little late and could have been developed more, and with a villain monologue at the end, but at least he had some substance.

I enjoy Anita's tangled relationships and growing power, but I'd really like a solid mystery with central focus in the novel.

First of all i got the audio version and can i just say i hate her voice, the different tones of voice for characters is so bad. Secondly there is still too much description for the most monotonous things; we all know how to take off jeans so why is there like half a chapter of the description of how to take off clothes? I miss the style of the first books they flowed so nicely not the monotonous description of Micas eyes or other basic things. I think after the sixth book the description of the characters is stupid, its also good incentive for new readers to buy the series to figure out the characters original descriptions.

My excitement and anticipation for this book was almost embarrassing. I've been looking forward to it for over a year. However, I'm sad to say that I was left a little disappointed by Serpentine. I pre-ordered it several months ago through Audible and listened to it over the span of two days. Kimberley Alexis as the continued narrator is really the highlight of the book. She adds levels of attitude and character to Anita and truly brings the series to life. (5 stars for Kimberley Alexis).
I've been reading LKH's Anita Blake series for over a decade and this latest book doesn't bring anything new to the series except major relationship issues between Anita, Micah, and Nathaniel. It's good to see conflict in the core group. We are so used to only seeing it in the secondary relationships (except Richard) so it's nice to see them having trouble as well. However, as others have mentioned, we don't really get to experience how their issues are resolved other than "Yay, therapy."
For readers just coming into the series, the lengthy explanations of Anita's past and how poly relationships work is helpful. For the rest of us, it just becomes redundant and I am getting tired of hearing it explained.
Spoilers:
Towards the middle of the book I had a strong feeling that Anita was pregnant. There were several times throughout the book where she is overly tired and seems to have "pregnancy brain." There is even talk about never being ready for children. At the end of Crimson Death (the previous book), it was mentioned they started the discussion about Anita having a child. If Anita realized she was pregnant this book I would have been greatly disappointed because then I would have figured out 90% of the plot as opposed to 70%. Olaf was brought into the story to add doubt but the book is named "Serpentine". Of course there was going to be a larger and more scary version of the snake-shifters who were sacrificing victims/missing women.
I really wanted to enjoy this book a lot more but I felt there wasn't anything new added to Anita's world to enjoy. I still look forward to the next novel in the series. Lets hope LKH can figure it out and bring back the excitement.

Edward and Donna' wedding. Olaf is present. Micah and Nathaniel were also present. I thought this was a pretty good book. The gratuitous sex was almost gone - that alone adds another star for me. There was a plot although most of the action was near the end of the book. Anita really didn't have to defend herself to yet one more law enforcement man. In other words, most of the really annoying problems of most of the last 15 books were not present. I did get the book out of my library instead of buying it as I have for most of the books in the last few years.

Horrible. If you are looking for the old Anita Blake forget it. I had hopes that this would be the one, well I should have known better. Waste of money and time. Completely stupid, boring, and nothing but an awful waste of time. Laurel must need money for a vacation or new car. This was the worst yet. I am done!

I finished this last night. The book delved not into the sexual exploits of the characters (there were a few explicit scenes), but more the intimacies of their personal lives. The personal drama surrounding Edward/Ted, Donna, Peter & Becca as they prepared to become a family. Otto returns suddenly; reuniting the four horseman to fight a new monster.

The storyline (supernatural) got lost for a while, as LKH veered off but by the end it all came together -- although a little abruptly.

I have to admit it, but I feel disappointed. I read this book in less than 24 hours. It had me totally captivated, because I know how well this author writes. Excellent character buildup, amazing descriptive phrasing, but this story was lacking the usual Anita Blake storyline. Yes, there are monsters, a little sex, suspense, thrills, and loads of action, but it did not fill me with excitement and dread like the previous books in this series usually do.

I received a copy of this title to read & review for Wicked Reads

4 Stars.

Disclosure: I had not read past Hit List, reading the previous books in the series dozens of times each. However, being so far behind didn’t offer much confusion. I easily caught up to speed, without spoiling much that may have happened in those books I own yet have yet to read.

At the start, I found the relationship issues to get rather tedious, reminding me of parents (the characters) bickering in front of their children (the reader). Wading through this manufactured strife/angst, during the beginning 25-30%, I was close to DNFing multiple times. They fought over everything big or small, taking offense to everything, where the plot stopped for the reader to sit through their conversational therapy. Everything was tedious, difficult to get through, with the entertainment value of watching loved ones fight.

Things readers will want to know: This simmers down. There is little to no sex, what is there is fade-to-black-esque. The bickering is classic LKH, so I rolled with it. No fangy fun. No hungry Anita, needing a harem to feast. Shifters, not vamps. Police procedural.

Finally, once the cast gets to the Florida Keys, the novel flows into a mystery to solve, which had me reading quickly, wishing to know what happened next. This was classic Anita Blake.

What I loved: the feeling of homecoming as my favorite characters made an appearance. Edward ‘Ted' has always been one who most intrigued me, & I’m thankful and applaud LKH for maintaining Anita and Edward’s best-friendship by keeping it platonic yet emotionally connected. Olaf ‘Otto' Jeffreys. If Olaf is in a book, I’ll read every word, & Anita and Olaf's interactions were fascinating & had amazing payoff for the reader. Peter. Peter. Peter. I need more Edward, Peter, & Olaf monster hunting with Anita. Peter needs to join the Four Horsemen, make it 5 somehow, because Bernardo is awesome too. The Four Horsemen was pure perfection.

What I didn’t love: the parents bickering in front of the children (characters vs reader). The polyamory discussions that went past educational. I am a firm believer in polyamory, but this went beyond organically unveiled. These two issues roll into one, and felt like beating a dead horse (the reader's patience). The swimming pool scenes were beyond irrational, with women written that give the female gender a bad name, while emasculating men for their inability NOT to flirt or tell women NO.

Overall, I struggled at the start but eventually fell into the storyline. I do believe Serpentine was a worthy installment & recommend to fans, as I never pass up the chance to push Guilty Pleasures at new readers. I plan on reading those books I’ve missed before the next installment, which I cannot wait to get my hands on.

It's hard to believe that Serpentine is the 26th book in the Anita Blake series. I wish the Merry Gentry series had so many books out! I'm glad they are both still going as, whenever one comes out, it's like spending some time with old friends (who are ass-kicking monster killers).

In this installment, it's time for Edward/Ted's wedding down in the Keys, and Anita is the best man. Our big players in the story are (of course), Anita and Edward, along with Nathaniel, Micah and Nicky. There is a short Cameo for Jean Claude early on, but it seems that the series has shifted in these last books with more features by the shifters than the vamps. Unless I'm remembering wrong, there is usually a good stretch between releases that does my memory no favors.

So of course, wherever Anita goes, trouble will find her. There is lots of drama to go around in Key West. Relationship drama abounds, and it seems that some are not as happy with the poly group, and others are feeling neglected. There is wedding drama and bigotry. Micah is stressed about the Coalition, with a never-before-seen shapeshifter situation. And of course a criminal investigation pops up. I had fun navigating through the morass with our main characters, even the relationship drama which is usually an annoyance for me.

I also liked seeing The Four Horsemen back in action. Each of them adds a unique (and scary) twist to the story, given that they are all on the same side. I think the only one that I didn't quite care for in this installment was Donna, she was just a bit too irrational and weepy for me in this one. But it was great to have small parts from Peter and Becca, who are great kids. Well, Peter is a grown man now so I'm interested to see what his future involvement will be.

Overall, I had a good time with this book. I get along well with Anita, and I like her character. The poly group didn't seem overwhelming here, even though Micah and Nathaniel are not my favorites of her partners. I hope we get some variety in the next book. Reading one of the new releases always makes me want to go back and do a re-read, so I may look at doing that in audio sometime soon.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this audiobook that I received from the publisher, Berkley.

Same as a lot of Fed up long time fans , I think I'm done. Like someone stuck in a bad relationship I've said that numerous times, this time I'm serious.
I hated the last book HATED IT. Realized right away it was same ole drivel. Tried this one and I saw nothing had changed at all. I've never gotten my money back for an ebook but I couldn't stand the thought of spending money on this terrible novel.

I was excited this book wasn't only an inch wide and that might mean back to the good storyline at the Circus. No such luck. This is another side venture still trying to get Edward married. While Jean Claude had a cameo he was hardly in it. Richard wasn't even mentioned. The bad guy is dead bye bye. Very disappointed. How can the powerful triumvirate of power just vanish? Going to re read Obsidian Butterfly.

I do enjoy a lot of Anita Blake stories, as this one had a lot of Edward issues in it. It does circle around therapy, couples & marriage concerns but it was a great thrill reading what Anita deals with when Edwards wedding plans become a problem. Flame thrower included, But I had felt the ending of this book was missing something though. Otherwise, it was a good read.

I love reading Laurell books ,I always wait for them. This book s no acceptation. She is a great writer. The book has so many twist and turns. And the big surprise. I can't wait to see what happens next. I love the characters and all the trouble Anita gets into without even trying. diffidently a must read.

Thank you to Berkley Pub #Partner for gifting me a copy of this book, and for inviting me along on the Blog Tour. 

I rate this book a 3 Stars out of 5. 

So, I've read a few Anita Blake books, but nothing close to 25 of them (as this is book 26), so because of that there were often times I was completely lost. But when I was asked to join this Blog Tour I couldn't turn it down, as this was one I didn't want to miss out on. I knew that there is a HUGE Anita Blake following, and I wanted to be a part of it. 

Also, there is A LOT of sex in this book, I was not expecting that, it probably border lines erotica, and I pass no judgement here, I mean to each their own. I can see why so many loved this series, I can also see why many readers were not a fan of this one. It's one of those love it or hate it books. 

I liked her writing style, there is a lot of inner dialogue and a lot of questioning herself, and being unsure of herself. It does tend to get a bit overdone. However fans that have been there since book One probably already know this, so it's going to be normal for them. 

I am a huge fan of the Southern Vampire Series, and I was hoping that I would enjoy this book just as much, while I wasn't in love, I appreciated Hamilton's world building and character development. It's a very sexual and emotional driven narrative, and while not my style, It will be great for others. 

I am glad I got to join in on this blog tour, and I am glad I got more of a taste of the Anita Blake series. I wish it the best of luck, and you die hard fans, I hope you love this book as much as you have the others!! 

Not sure how I feel about this one. The writing style seems so different to Hamilton’s other works. Epilogue? Not sure we’ve ever had one of those before. The book was all in all okay. The over explanation of poly elements is just way too much and way too repetitive.

Haven't read an Anita Blake book in a long time , so glad that I decided to pick this up because now I want to read the rest of the series , thanks Netgalley for letting me see how much I loved this series and for letting me fall back in love with the characters .

Thoughts: This is the classic Anita Blake that I have been missing. This one has more of the vibe and feel of Hamilton’s earlier works that I think will make some of her other readers and fans happy. Not to mention we finally get the reappearance of Otto – which I have been impatiently waiting for after all the tension in previous books. I loved it! Honestly, I wasn’t as impressed with the ‘bad guy’ and that whole storyline as I usually would be – it seemed more of an afterthought and not as impressive as previous ‘baddies’. But the classic Anita vibe in this one more than makes up for it. Serpentine is a breath of fresh air for this series, and has renewed my excitement for this series!

Can’t wait for more from Laurell K. Hamilton!

Favorite quote(s): “It is not power that makes someone evil; it is what they do with that power.”

“When I met Anita she was like the untouchable virgin and I was the man whore. When did I become the more conservative one?”

“Well, Otto, I’d always planned on killing you as sort of a group project.”

Rating: A

The main storyline is good. She knows how to write a good monster storyline. The side stuff of her poly relationships is boring and getting old. Work
your issues out in therapy rather than spend so much time dealing with it in the book.

I hope this finds its way back to the writer but it probably wont. I have been fallowing this series for years. I use to get excited about it. This book sucked! The last one sucked! The last seven have been lacking. She stopped telling an interesting and exciting story and now writes a soap opera about how many men Anita can have in her bed before she gets overwhelmed. I'm done wasting money on this series! If I could give this book less than a star, I would!

Enjoyed having the 4 Horseman back together. It was a good story line,but am I the only getting tired of Nathaniel 's incessant whining? It's getting old and bringing the story lines off. Everyone has to work on their issues in the books except him? It's getting tiresome. I would have dropped him 5 books ago.

This is a very nice, ever-evolving series that hyper-focuses on it characters, their issues, and their development. I’ve been waiting a year for this book and have a great fear for when this series ends. I can honestly say I hope it goes on forever.

Serpentine (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter)I was drawn in by this book, I love the Anita Blake series but the last book was lacking a lot. I just couldn't seem to get into the story. But this one just kept getting better and better. The more I read the less I wanted to put it down I finished this one in two days it would have taken less time if I wouldn't have been forced to put it down for necessary life issues lol.....bravo Ms. Hamilton can't wait for the next!

She's back! I couldn't put this book down! Anita is finally back! Lots of action with just a bit of sex which is a huge improvement over recent books in the series. If you had given up in Anita...come on back!

I love how Laurel answered some of the questions that were unanswered about Ted and Donna, Peter and Becca, and others that are to many to name. Each was an independent story that was tied up loose story line from previous book, so thank you Laurell.
I loved how the complex love life of Ted/ Donna was relatable to every day life as well as how a complex poly relationship emotionally is felt and achieved.
Laurell, you make the wait worth it. I will wait for another of your great works be it Anita or Merry.

I don't like that it has been getting more and more vanilla. Lots of fodder, unnecessary explanations on characters.
Topics still interesting, i've read pass the middle still waiting on action and adventure.

I was so excited when this hit my kindle that I immediately started to read! I couldn’t put it down!! I love all the Anita Blake books but I think this one has become my favourite!!! 10/10 will be reading again! !

A little too much therapy and philosophical reasoning on poly relationships but other than that seems like LK is finally getting back on track.More action less moral justification but overall I enjoyed it.

It's been a long time since I've read Laurell K. Hamilton's books, especially her "Anita Black" series. "Serpentine" is the latest in her series, and I was amazed at both the (continued) development of her characters, and the expansion of her supernatural world! Anita Blake, and her crew, are as sassy as ever, and I love it! It felt like I never got out of touch with the characters!

The novel begins with an upcoming wedding and an "unknown" type of lycanthropy. Anita is balancing her happiness and her new abilities. At the same time, Anita, her lovers, her coworkers, and her crew, must deal with all of the drama that comes with wedding ceremonies (typically), and the mystery surrounding the family with the serpent lycanthropy. All of the characters reiterate their past whether or not they're from previous books in the series (some are just the events from the characters' backgrounds) as a way for the readers either to recall, or to comprehend the scenarios surrounding them. In "Serpentine," the pasts of several of the characters play a role in what happens throughout this story. And, most of the characters' dilemmas come full circle by the novel's end.

I would say that "fear" is the subplot of "Serpentine." In this book, fear is the constant and it influences the plot and the action throughout the story. You see the degrees of fear in Anita, Nathaniel, Olaf, Bernardo, Donna, and the family with the serpent lycanthropy. It will be interesting to see how the main characters deal with their fears in future books.

As I mentioned earlier, it's been a long time since I've read Hamilton's "Anita Blake" series. It feels good to get back into this urban fantasy series. "Serpentine" reminds readers and fans alike why Laurell K. Hamilton is and remains one of the best authors of this genre. And, while I did enjoy reading this novel, the pace of the story goes a bit too slow for me about one-third through the book. However, once the pace picked up again, I was NOT disappointed.

This is the latest story in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. This is #26...which just is incredible! It made me think back to how much growth the title character, Anita, has gone through since book 1. This is in part because the book is very introspective. The character is in therapy and working on her impulsiveness, especially her destructive impulsiveness.

I really enjoyed this book because it was a little slower paced and managed to focus on the main set of characters. The premise is that Anita and crew go to Edward/Ted's wedding. Of course they manage to put their foot right in some supernatural nastiness. Does it ruin the whole wedding? Olaf makes an appearance, we see Micah being less than perfect (finally!), and learn a little more about all the other Horsemen. I admit that Anita really does get a cast of thousands at times, so a smaller locale outside the circus made me a little happier. Overall I now am excited for another one and will go reread at least the last 10 books!

I preordered my book and it came in the mail yesterday. I got right to it and started reading. I finally finished it today. The only bad thing I have to say about it is, I wish it was longer...It is a good length for Laurell's books. I love how she does research. Wish I was her PA and was able to take trips with her to all of the places she goes for research. This one takes place in the Keys. She describes it wonderfully in the book. Edward has the love of his life in Donna and they will make it..Thanks Laurell for the story and thanks for the updates on some of the crew. I love love this book...At least this one didn't make me cry like the last one.....lol....

This will be a short review.

I just finished this book in one sitting. I like this book, it keep me interested the whole time.

The Anita Blake series is about her life, it seems there are still some very negative people that still haven't figured this out yet, and they are reading the series for the wrong reasons still. They haven't like the series in the longest time, yet, they still act like their bias judgment should be listened to.

True fans of this series, that have continued to like this series since after book 10 and on, will enjoy this book.

There is a couple of sex scenes, but they are extremely easy to skip over if you're not interested, and you can get right back to the story.

I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Edward and Donna are having a destination wedding in the Florida Keys, where a family has been afflicted with an unfamiliar strain of lycanthropy for generations. Anita, Micah, and Nathaniel head down there for some together time that has been largely lacking in their relationships. Even though Anita has every intention of just being Edward/Ted’s best man, and having a romantic weekend with her guys, trouble seems to find her. The wedding party is full of drama at every turn, and when the police are called to investigate a possible kidnapping, new problems arise for everyone involved.

Hamilton writes fantastic stories that are filled with sex, vampires, shifters, and monsters you can’t even imagine. After 26 books you would think that the stories would get boring or unimaginative, but she’s still got it and is going strong. I would say my only criticism is that there were not enough love/sex scenes. Her books are famous for them, and there was hardly any, even though there was a lot of focus on Anita and her poly relationships. In today’s day and age, this is a great storyline with sexual fluidity being prominent in the headlines. It would be nice if Hamilton explained a little more on how some of the relationships work for those that are not familiar with the new terms.

I got my copy as a signed preorder from Barns & Nobel, loved the book and finished it in a day. Another great addition to the series and Anita's story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I have always loved this series and am a long time fan, loving the growth of Anita Blake throughout the series. While other may not like how she has changed, I don't mind, and this book bring more growth, action, mystery, and other cool "Creatures". Another happy read to be sure.

Serpentine (an Anita Blake novel) by Laurell K. Hamilton is another fantastic, gritty, twisted tale of mystery, murder, and of course, romance. And I loved it.

It’s been a while since I’ve been in Anita Blake’s crazy world full of gorgeous vampires and wereshifters, with danger and trouble around every corner. Serpentine was like coming home. Once again, Anita finds herself in the most crazy situations.

In this installment, Anita heads off with her men to her best friend’s wedding. Sounds simple and ordinary, but if you know Anita, nothing is ever simple. And her life is as far from ordinary as any can be. Between bodies showing up, and conflict with her friends and lovers, Anita has her hands full. But our girl handles it as only she could.

Author Laurell K. Hamilton creates an exotic, edgy world and captivates your mind with unexpected plot twists. One of the things I love about her books is that, although it is a series with one main heroine, each book is a complete story with the romance carry over. There’s no real cliffhanger. That being said though, the books should be read in order to follow the romance storyline but it’s not mandatory, in my opinion. I could not put this book down and look forward to the next one.

I think Ms. Hamilton is trying to bring the series back to its roots. This installment, and the last couple of books, have certainly seemed to head that way.

SERPENTINE is reminiscent of Obsidian Butterfly, possibly my favorite book in the series.

First, it has a very similar cast: Edward/Ted, Bernardo Spotted-Horse, a few shifters including Nathaniel and Micah, but no Jean-Claude. There’s a (not-so-well-kept) secret cast member, too that made me very happy. You can Google, but we don’t do spoilers here.

Secondly, there is a real mystery--a missing woman from the hotel. Anita and crew really want to help because one of Anita's people is accused of the kidnapping. Soon, one missing women becomes missing people. And the police are stuck on the wrong suspect.

Thirdly, there is new magic, something none of the characters are familiar with.

The storylines come together really well. In fact, the second half of the book reads so quickly, it’s nearly impossible to put down.

Full disclosure: I have been a fan since GUILTY PLEASURES. I stuck it out through some not-so-story-driven books so I would have read this anyway, but it was great fun! And definitely recommended.

Always waiting for the next one in this series I quickly jumped in. This one grabbed me right away with a puzzle they are faced with but are supposed to be having a wedding soon. Hard to believe still Edward is about to be lassoed but not a easy time of it because hey it is Edward after all. When things start going awry you will quickly feel as if you never left Anita and her world this time is spent with a few favorites. The puzzle is one that you too are trying to put together but easy it is not. When you are so deep in not coming out anytime soon the pieces start to come together with when you start to see the answers you get smacked for sure. The heat delightful as always but sometimes you wanted to smack the character that caused trouble between all and tell the future mrs. that enemies are nicer at times than that friend. Another one quickly gorged on so back to waiting again.

The Anita Blake series keeps getting better and better. I couldn't put it down. Full of suspense and craziness that has become normal for Anita. Can she have a romantic weekend with her fiance's without work getting in the way?
The writing is so good. It'll suck you into Anita's mind. The storyline flows well and moves quickly.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha.

I just reviewed Serpentine by Laurell K. Hamilton. #Serpentine #NetGalley

Another great Anita Blake series book. I'll try my best not to do any spoiling.....
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Great story in this one. It's time for Edward/Ted's wedding. But as normally, they can't caught a break. Before they know it they are in a case. There isn't as much of the wild sex in it....
This case they face something they have never seen before. You learn about some of the extra characters in Anita's life. I think this was probably the best book in the series yet. Now I want to read more.....