Book 2), Blood Cross (Jane Yellowrock

This was a really enjoyable story, well written and action-packed with a hint of seduction (not really romance). I was a little disappointed that Jane didn't end up with who I wanted, but I didn't write the story.

The last book finished off with Jane being offered/hired again by the Vampire Council. This time she has to hunt down a master vampire who is turning humans into vamps and setting them out into civilization with bloodlust controlling their every actions. (Vampires typically stay chained for roughly ten years before deemed "sane" enough to be released into society). Big no no in the vamp world.

Molly and her children are living with Jane now. Despite having to decapitate some young rogues and almost having her temporary home burnt down by a crazed vampire in mourning, it would appear that Jane is content with her living conditions.

That is, until Molly's children and one of Katie's Ladies are kidnapped by a mysterious group.

Hunter had me tearing up at one point when Molly's "kits" (I love when Beast purrs that! haha) were kidnapped. Jane's anguish was so... moving. It takes a lot for a book to get me that emotionally involved, and I'm not surprised this was the book to achieve that.

While the seductive Leo made more of an appearance in Skinwalker, George (aka Bruiser) gets to star in Blood Cross. And I gotta say that Bruiser's grown on me. At first I thought he was just some horny bodyguard, but Hunter reveals more of a personality to the Brit, and it becomes apparent throughout the tale that Bruiser genuinely cares for Jane. And Jane? Well, I thought it was amusing how she transforms from a puddle of raging hormones into a blushing little school girl when Beast isn't messing around with her.

Rick stars a bit more, but not as much as the vamp bodyguard. I was slightly disappointed initially, mainly because I want to really learn more about who Rick is (I mean, come on, the initial book emphasized him more in the summary too!), but I have a feeling he's going to be the leading man in Hunter's third book ;)

Leo also made a few guest appearances, and when he wasn't mourning, he was okay. There were a few scenes where I appreciated his character, but overall, I'm disappointed that he wasn't as arrogant and Leo-ish in Blood Cross. I understand why he wasn't though, so I forgive him. I just hope that in the following book he's back and is his old self.

So aside for the three bad boys, Beast plays an integral role once again. I know I complained in my Skinwalker review about how I initially didn't like the writing for Beast. Now I find myself complaining about the fact that Jane doesn't transform into Beast enough. There's no satisfying me.

As for the plot itself, there were a few scenes that I found somewhat unnecessary. Surprisingly, while I found said scenes unnecessary, it did not take away from the plot. Don't ask me why, I'm not entirely sure myself. And in regards to the evil villain: I had an idea about who the villain was going to be in this story, but Hunter tricked me once again. Gotta love it.

As a vampire hunter and skinwalker, Jane Yellowrock is public enemy number one in the vampire community--even though she's also the key to their survival. Now she's about to learn that working for the enemy can be just as dangerous as hunting them.

The Vampire Council of New Orleans has hired Jane to hunt and kill one of their own who has broken sacred ancient rules. But she quickly realizes that in a community that is thousands of years old, loyalties run deep.

With the help of her witch best friend and local vigilantes, Jane finds herself caught between bitter rivalries--and closer than ever to the secret origin of the entire vampire race. But in a city of old grudges and dark magic, Jane will have to fight to protect both sides, even if no one will protect her.

I enjoyed the twists of vamp history and the many plot points backing it up. Beast wasn't in touch, but she had good cameos. I'm glad Jane has chosen to be with someone, but I'm sad that Big Evan is unforgiving. Also in all an enjoyable read.

This is a quick-read, fast-paced series with simple, but fun plot. If you like a female lead, kick-ass character who kills blood suckers, you'll like it. She's hard-nosed, but still sexy. There's also a taste of magic in the plot-lines as well.

I am familiar with Faith Hunter from her other works, and was interested in what she would do with this series. All my expectations fulfilled! Very interesting and clever take on shape shifters. Loved the characters! Definitely will be purchasing more in this series.

I've been waiting for the second Jane Yellowrock novel since I finished the first one last year. The wait was well worth it. First, if you are thinking of purchasing Blood Cross be sure to read the first in the Jane Yellowrock series: Skinwalker. Everything that happens in Blood Cross originates from the introduction novel. It can be a stand-alone book, but why miss out on the whole story and a great read? So if possible read Skinwalker then Blood Cross. But keeping reading...

Jane is a skinwalker. She can shift into different animals but her preference is Beast, a mountain lion. They share one body but each have their own thoughts and desires. In Skinwalker some reviewers felt that the transition from Jane's POV to Beast's POV was a little rough and hard to follow. In Blood Cross I think Hunter did a wonderful job smoothing this out. In the first novel Jane travels to New Orleans to hunt a rogue vampire. This plot is complete in Blood Cross. Also introduced is Jane's Cherokee heritage which Hunter delves deeper into with the second.

Now to this book. Jane is an awesome character. She's just as kick-*ass as other favorite UF characters like Rachel Morgan, Jill Kismet, and Kate Daniels. She doesn't have any character hangups like Anita Blake, but I contribute that to having Beast inside of her and preventing all those pesky "human" trips. She's still hunting the vampire that is creating the rogues preying on both the human and vampire communities. Now she has to deal with Leo's mourning for his son and his fixation on her killing said son. Her best friend, and witch, Molly is visiting Jane with her children, and Jane is caught in a triangle of a romantic/sexual attraction between George (Leo's servant) and Rick, a NOPD officer and herself. Too much for one book? No way. Hunter works everything in, and throws in great action and suspense.

Hunter knocks this one out of the ballpark with smooth, rich in detail, dark writing. Again, readers don't get bogged down with complicated vampire history: it's fairly easy to follow even if you didn't read the first novel. Jane's Native American background makes her interesting and I enjoy the way Hunter describes the culture and ceremonies - also easy to follow and rich in detail. In Blood Cross we get the "creation" story of the vampires, which while not original, is still an awesome story, as well as a small history of why vampires and witches do not get along. Molly's children play a large role in this story and I'm sure we'll get to see much of them in future Jane Yellowrock novels. The romantic interest in the series is well done - not heavy on the sex or description of feelings. Secondary characters get more attention and are proving to be just as interesting as Jane herself. All together, this is a new and exciting series. So when you're waiting for the new Kismet or Kate Daniels book to come out, Hunter's Skinwalker and Blood Cross will make great reads and a nice addition to your UF collection.

Just the right combination of legend, mythology, today's realities, provocative tension, and smart mouth tough chick heroine carried over from the first novel; "Skinwalker". A feast for the imagination.

If you want a gritty urban fantasy series I recommend the Jane Yellowrock series. As in any series some books are a little better than others. But if you are invested in the characters and are enjoying the ride this series is great.

I love Angelique and Molly and of course little Evan, but not too crazy about her family. I was very happy they were in this book. Do not like Rick, I hope she does not end up with him. Violent, sexual, and funny. Loved

I enjoyed the Jane Yellowrock series, because she is a believable heroine. I enjoyed how the author revealed her back story as she worked through the challenges of her job with the MOC. I look forward to more books from this author!

I enjoy the internal dialogue Jane has trying to balance her job, friends, love life and her personal search for her own past. Book 2 has a great antagonist to balance Jane as a fantastic protagonist.

This was a very enjoyable novel. The main character was a lot of fun. Jane was quite interesting to get to know as the story fleshed out and you got further along in the narrative. Her abilities were very cool. Nice to see a new female character to be the heroin. I am looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.

Well done Faith Hunter! I enjoy Ms. Hunter's take on vampire's and found her explanation of how vampires came to be extremely original. i have read two of these novels and starting the third with no break in between. I mention this because I seldom read more than two books in a series in a row because I get tired of the characters and setting. Not so in this instance. Ms. Hunter has some new revelation awaiting us in each book and I can't wait to hear it! Too bad the fourth in the series isn't out until December!

Having just read the third book, I can happily say this is the weakest of the series for me. Happily because this is growing into one of my favorite series and even the weakest one is still a good read. Warning to Kindle app purchasers, this book doesn't have cover art. It's just a boring white title page, like I had bought the book with the cover torn off. Looks kind of odd in my virtual bookcase.

I enjoyed this book more than the first. I thought the character Jane came into her own here. One reviewer said the plot in this story was similar to the first and I have to agree but this book was written better or was paced better because it was more interesting to me than the first. Perhaps it was because there wasn't as much of Beast's POV in this one. I liked that Beast has her own personality but I think there was too much of her in the first. Sorry Beast.

Anyhoo, a really good read and fascinating. And as I said about the first, if you are the type who doesn't like graphic sex scenes then you'll like this book. It's not sex soaked, and the author keeps most of the hot stuff behind closed doors.

Jen