Vampire Hunter Novel - The Killing Dance - An Anita Blake

In the space of 1 novel, Anita Blake crossed over from being a very fun rip-off of some of the better pulp fiction styles with several interesting twists to an over-the-top character better designed for a cartoon novella than 300 pages of prose. I liked her better when she was actually trying to do one of her several jobs, rather than spending an entire novel letting the men get all the action--both literally and figuratively.

What saves this book: (1) The development of Richard's internal conflict over being an alpha werewolf pacifist. (2) The introduction of Cassandra, who actually seemed to be a strong non-villainess (shades of a supernatural Ronnie figure?) but ended up dying as yet another cheap female prop to an overambitious male vampire. (3) Anita's relationship with Richard's pack through the first 2/3rds of the book, even though I don't like what Hamilton did with it after that. (4) The development of the friendship between Anita and Edward, who I thought was an underused character in previous books.

What's missing: (1) Bert, Larry and the whole connection to Animators, Inc.--plus any indication that Anita needs to draw some kind of salary in order to pay for her gun habit. (2) Any real police work and the relationships she has formed through it with Dolph, Zerbrowski and Ronnie. (3) At least 30% of Anita's brain.

I'm not sure I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, which I had enjoyed for its own sake. Seems like it might become one of those train wrecks you can't turn your head away from for the next couple of books. And that's not a compliment. No matter how curious you are or how much sympathy and horror you momentarily experience, eventually you have to drive on down the road and leave the accident behind.

It's more of a werewolf/lycanthrope novel than a vampire one, but of course Master of the City Jean-Claude is a prominent member. Without giving away too much, the love triangle between Anita, Jean-Claude, and her werewolf boyfriend Richard comes to a head in this novel in more ways than one. Needless to say, don't expect the triangle to die out easily. This one seemed to enjoy the gore a little TOO much, and shows a lot of character flaws in Anita, in my opinion. The woman is starting to annoy me as a lead character, but I'm reading onwards because I like the rest of the cast thus far.

Wow, Hamilton keeps Anita Blake on the move with this hot story. The necromancer, torn between her werewolf boyfriend and a sexy vampire, now has a series of hit men stalking her. She challenges Richard to unleash his inner beast and holds the Master of the City at bay, but her romantic defences are crumbling.
I've read three others from this series, but this one's the smoothest yet. The words flow like poetry as she describes horrific fight scenes and passionate, otherworldly love scenes.
If you are new to this series, I do recommend starting with the first book, Guilty Pleasures. Sure this one could stand alone, but the tensions build from book to book and you won't want to miss any of it.

I think this book is going to go down as my favorite.

1. You learn more about Anita's necromancing.

2. You find out more about Jean-Claude's past.

3. Hot and steamy scene between Anita and Jean-Claude.

I was a upset in the beginning thinking this was going to be another book like The Lunatic Cafe, all about the pack. It wasn't. So many things stirred up that I kept getting angry every time I was interrupted from my reading.

I know there are split opinions between the fans on Anita choosing Jean-Claude over Richard. Personally I'm glad with her choice. I don't really like how she made her choice but still it was a great one.

The sex scene was shocking because I was starting to get the feeling that Hamilton was steering clear from pornagraphic scenes but I guess not. Her version of their sex was not very original but it was satisfying.

All I know is that this book ended a little too soon. It's time to get the next one.

I have been a fan of Laurel Hamilton's books since her very chaste beginnings (she had two boyfriends, but wouldn't sleep with either of them until she chose between them.) Now, the sex in her books is so explicit and kinky that a few years ago you could have bought them only in an adult book store. But the sex is not the main reason these books are so good. Her plot twists and turns are highly intricate and her characters, both human and non-human, are well drawn. A very petty criticism, however...I wish someone would Super Glue her hyphen key! She uses so many hyphenated phrases that it becomes annoying. But when you get into the hardcore action (whether sexual, investigative or battling) the books are pure fun.

First of all, let me just say, thank God for the upcoming Obsidian Butterfly so that we Edward fans may get a healthy dose of our favorite LKH character! Laurell treads great ground here in this Anita Blake book and with the terribly elusive Edward on her side, one can only feel sorry for the hit men paid to assassinate Anita.
Makes one wonder what it would be like if these two ever got together.
Laurell proves on this novel what she has shown all along in this series, her capabilities to create such a vivid world for us to stay that we never want to leave. Reaching the end of an Anita Blake book is like losing a good friend. Highly recommended for those tired of the Anne rice vampires!

I first discovered "Killing Dance" by blind chance/luck. I read it in one day, read it twice more (and was pretty bleary-eyed by then), ran out and bought the previous books in the series, then read each one over and over several times. Then suffered withdrawal symptoms waiting for the next... and the next.
It is more likely Anita would end up with JP because, noble as she is in her own strange way, she nevertheless has more darkness in her nature than light, considering what she is (a necromancer), what she does (executes vampires), the parts of her humanity she has had to give up to survive, plus the early, vividly remembered childhood trauma of losing her mother tragically (versus after a long, slow illness). If things were different it would make more sense that she'd go with Richard. But the world isn't a safe place, and she understands JP more than she does the Boy Scout (cute though he be).
Talk about a hot ending. I needed a smoke after that. And I don't even smoke! This was the best of the bunch. The 2 after were a bit disappointing in comparison.
Anita Blake is funny, sexy, tough, mouthy and flawed. I love that! I also love the way Hamilton writes so you can see the action, and you can feel the chill and the gut-deep fear, along with the characters. And what characters. The main cast is wonderful, then she adds delightful and/or interesting individuals like Jason, Larry, Willie, Raina, Edward (I'm sorry but I don't see him as part of the main cast), Rhonda, and so many others. I even found Wheelchair Wanda to be quite a fascinating character.
Is there a 7 Step Program for Anita Blake addicts that I can join?

This was the only book of Laurell Hamilton's Anita Blake series that I've read, which was recommended by a friend. It is also the only book I'll read of Hamilton's for reasons I'll state in this review. Being an avid vampire lover, and a writer, I had very mixed feelings while reading this book. I'll touch on all the things I loved about it first.
The world and characters that have been created are truly phenominal. Hamilton did a wonderful job at bringing the vamipres and lycanthropes alive with her use of words and descriptions. They are well developed and thought out, everything is detailed and has underlying stories waiting to be told. I was sucked into this elaborate world of vampires and other worldly "monsters." I was intrigued by the world Hamilton created because I'd never read a story where the vamipres were known to the world. It reminds me a great deal of the X Men world. Anita Blake is a strong character that you can't help but want to learn more about. Her life is filled with excitement and mystery. I wanted to know what was going to happen to her next. It's always great to see strong women characters--even if they are a bit bitchy like Anita.
Now for the downfalls of this story. What kept it from being a great book in my mind would have to start with the details of the story. They were too much. Details are great, but I was bogged down by them. As a reader I don't need to know EXACTLY what every person is wearing unless it has something to do with the story or furthering character development. I don't NEED to know every detail of a room, unless the position of the antique clock on the stone fireplace has something important to do with developing the personality of the character who owns it or some plot device for the story. Otherwise it becomes too much information.
The dialogue of the characters is too straight forward and awkward. Instead of letting the reader find the subtext in the dialogue, Hamilton lays out the meaning for the world to see. And her characters sound unnatural--awkward--while speaking at times, as if they are reading lines like an actor instead of feeling the words naturally. On that same note, I felt that some of the characters' actions were out of character. There are scenes between Anita and her Vamipre and Werewolf boyfriends that made me lose connection with the characters because I no longer felt they were being true to their personalities.
Lastly, there was way too much going on at once. Too many stories interwoven around the main one, though all were part of the main plot, they served to confuse. Switching from the detailed world of the lycanthropes to the equally detailed world of the vamipres and Anita's intricate ties to each of them were whole books in there own right.
I love a great story, with great characters, but "Killing Dance" is merely an okay book. With maybe another editor or Hamitlon's own open-mindedness to maybe do a few more rewrites to the story, "Killing Dance" could have been a great book. Though it's low points are strong enough to get me to not read another of Hamilton's stories, I did honestly like the book.

Someone handed me this book first, and I have since been prowling, looking for the others. I finally had money and location, and bought everything to bookstore had - all but Guilty Pleasures, and have read them in one swell foop - 5 days of getting as much sleep as Anita usually does. :)
I won't say this book is the best in the series - I missed the police investigation, even tho I had gotten a bit grossed out by it all. I missed her interaction with her job... but then I thought, and the action all takes place within 3 days. Not unreasonable, especially since the cops know that she is being stalked.
Anita's necromantic abilities seem to be growing in direct proportion to how much she pushes them, but she hasn't seemed to realize that yet, even though it has clearly given her more confidence in dealing with the undead in all ways. I think she needs to find a teacher she can respect, and soon.
I desperately hope that this is not the end of the triumvirate, in any sense. Ms. Hamilton surprised me in which choice Anita made first, but I hope she will not disappoint me - there is no reason for Anita, Jean-Claude, or Richard to restrict themselves to a monogamy that hurts all of them. Anita grabs at life with both hands already - WAKE UP! woman, and LIVE.
The condoms were an EXCELLENT touch, and delightfully sexy as hell!

I started in the middle of the seres, however it in no way detracted from the stories. Laurell Hamilton has a way of sucking you into the charcter(s). I'm hooked. Anita Blake is very real and her emotions and conflicts show, she's not afaird to speak her mind and back up what she says. It took me two weeks and I've read all 9 books, (two of which I had to order and wait on). Book 10 is out and will be in my hands on Friday. These books are a great read, alot of edge of your seat action, with no punches pulled.

I NEVER READ A SINGLE PAGE OF ANY LAURELL HAMILTONS BOOKS. I HAPPEN TO STUMBLE ON "THE KILLING DANCE" (UNAWARE IT WAS BOOK 6 OF A SERIES)

I RANDOMLY PICKED THIS BOOK TO DO A PROJECT. I NEEDED 2 DIFFERENT (AUTHORS AND STORY LINE HAD TO BE DIFFERENT) THRILLERS, 2 DIFFERENT ROMANCE NOVELS, 2 DIFFERENT HORROR AND 2 DIFFERENT YOUNG ADULT AUTHORS AS WELL.

I HAPPEND TO GRAB HER BOOK AND I MUST ADMIT, I COULDN'T PUT THE BOOK DOWN. THIS BOOK REMINDS ME OF "INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE" MEETS "BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER". AFTER READING IT... THE OTHER BOOKS JUST BORED ME. I AM QUICKLY FINISHING THIS PROJECT SO I CAN GET THE NEXT BOOK OF HAMILTONS AND READ IT! I LOVE HER ATTENTION TO DETAIL, HER STYLE OF WRITING AND HER IMAGINATION THAT IS INVOLVED. AND I REALLY ENJOYED HER CHOICE OF THE BARBIE LIKE BAD A** SHE CREATED.

TWO THUMBS UP!
GOOD FUN!

OMG Jean-Claude finally told Anita that he only wanted her because she rejected him and then he got over that than he wanted her because he though her power would help him be more powerful and now her tells her he loves her, but she doesn't tell him she loves him just that she has feeling for him, but really loves Richard. I can't believe Richard's shifted above Anita how could he do that to her

I have thoroughly enjoyed each book of this series until now. I understand that characters must evolve over the course of a series, otherwise the stories become predictable and monotonous. However, it is sometimes a mistake to tamper with a hero(ine) too much. Such was the case with this book. The focus of this book, intended or not, was the triangle between Anita, Richard, and Jean-Claude. Throughout the prior books, Anita was very clear in her opinion that while Jean-Claude was very pretty and she fantasized about him, it could only ever be sex. It has also been made clear that Jean-Claude is an arrogant jerk whose pursuit of Anita has more to do with her rejection of him than any feelings of love (not to be confused with lust). Ms. Hamilton has made it clear, even in the current work, that winning Anita would soothe only Jean-Claude's pride, not his heart. Richard, on the other hand, is someone who Anita feels she could settle down with. It is her decision to choose Jean-Claude over Richard that causes me to give this book such a low mark (compared to 10s and 9s for the others). This decision was, I felt, completely inconsistent with everything we knew about Anita before. That Anita cannot handle Richard's beast but can raise zombies (involving blood sacrifice) and execute vampires (along with other ugly, violent actions) is completely inconsistent. One would think, from reading the series, that having one's boyfriend metamorph on top of one would be relatively mild and mundane. Anita succumbing to lust in the tub with pretty boy was also out of character. Was it a human reaction? Perhaps. Ms. Hamilton has always let us know that her protagonist was just as fallible as the rest of us. But having a strong, intelligent, feisty heroine who is usually wading in gore get upset over a boyfriend's physical transformation (a situation she knew existed, so it could not have possibly been such a huge shock to her; plus she'd seen it before with other people) give in to another man's embrace, a man she barely respected and tolerated, seems nothing more than a sellout of her fans. I am sure a lot of doe-eyed fans of Anne Rice were bugging Ms. Hamilton to "let the vampire win," but I think Ms. Hamilton is the better writer and should not have sold out Richard and her readers. I am also sure that some fans, in reading this review, will argue that if it were a male protagonist no one would bat an eye. Again, I say Ms. Hamilton is better than that. Her Anita is better than that; don't lower her to the level of a male protagonist. It was, in short, an insult. I hope that this sudden change in character is remedied in future books.

The Killing Dance held a true appeal in its romance and relationship issues for Anita. The plot of Sabin, Dumane and Cassandra however was wasted in an attempt to throw Anita and Jean-Claude's relationship into a more mature level. I feel that the older triumvirate could have been more developed as characters, in order to give more groundwork to the Richard, Jean-Claude and Anita triangle. Hamilton tends to let the deeper plot overtake the relationships sometimes, but in The Killing Dance, she put way too much focus on Anita finally choosing between her two preternatural boyfriends. The powerful ending helped draw together the novel, and especially with the reconnection between the three main characters. All in all, the book was extremely entertaining, and Anita is now going to have to face a maturity which she has not had previously.

_Killing Dance_ is the sixth book in the Anita Blake series. Someone has hired a hit on Anita, who's being "wooed" by the two men in her life: Richard, who happens to be a werewolf, and Jean-Claude, who is a vampire(Master Vampire of St. Louis, in fact). Both shapeshifters and vampires play a major part in this exciting, adventurous, thrilling book, and this is one of my favorites in the series. I would recommend that you read the other books first, starting with _Guilty Pleasures_.

Hi! I just finished reading the best series of books I've ever read. No, I'm not talking about the Chronicles of Nanya. I'm talking about the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series written by Lauell K. Hamilton. Some of you might not like all this vampire and lycanthrope mumbojumbo, but I do. For all you who like to read about romance, humor, gore, and fantasy plus, check out these books! There are 7 books in this series which must be read in this order: Guilty Pleasure, The Laughing Corpse,Circus of the Damned, The Lunatic Cafe, Bloody Bones, The Killing Dance, and her newest one, Burnt Offerings. I remember as if it were yesterday...My friend, Keri, found the book Guilty Pleasures on her desk in music one day. She told me about it and let me read some of it in class. I loved it so much I bought the book. It took me 3 months to get to the store, but once I started, I couldn't stop! These books are like an addiction. I really want you guys to read these books because they're thrilling, suspenseful, fast-paced, and Anita, one of the main characters, always has more than one problem on her hands. Hamilton gives a very vivid description of the characters. For example, when Anita met Jean-Claude for the first time, the way uses Hamilton uses words carefully, it makes you feel as if you're sitting in the room with them. If I had to rate this book using the same scale as movie director's, I would give it an "R" because of its graphic violence, adult language and content, and nudity! Do yourself a favor - read these books!

I am a huge fan of vampire/ werewolf and any books of that nature. I i have read all the recent popular series that have come out lately. Twilight, Sookie Srackhouse series... while I enjoyed both I felt some redundency in what they were exploring. Alot of books do overlap when it comes to the mythology behind the creatues, which is expected. The Anita Blake series does fall into that also, but the stories are always fresh and exciting.no matter how many times "Anita" explains that she is a Necromancer and dating a vampire and a werewolf it is always done with a different flare. Laurell it always exposing the reader to new "monsters" and new concepts... hey the series doesn't have 18 books for nothing. I highly recommend these books to anyone who enjoys a good vampire/ supernatural thriler. I do caution younger readers though. There is sexual content and alot of violence. These books are definatly for mature audiences... and hey they are starting to come out in graphic novel form for someone who wanrs a taste of the story but doesn't want to commit to a full novel.

Finally - I have been reading the series at the rate of 1 book a day, and am I glad I got to this book. This is my favorite so far (I am not happy with what Hamilton does to the charactars in Narcissus in Chains - ug, get rid of Micah what's his face). But I digress. Lets just say that if you start with Guilty Pleasures, by the time you get to the Killing Dance you are so ready for what happens in this book that you feel the afterglow. I hope the author comes back to this kind of storytelling.

OMG Jean-Claude finally told Anita that he only wanted her because she rejected him and then he got over that than he wanted her because he though her power would help him be more powerful and now her tells her he loves her, but she doesn't tell him she loves him just that she has feeling for him, but really loves Richard. I can't believe Richard's shifted above Anita how could he do that to her

I have thoroughly enjoyed each book of this series until now. I understand that characters must evolve over the course of a series, otherwise the stories become predictable and monotonous. However, it is sometimes a mistake to tamper with a hero(ine) too much. Such was the case with this book. The focus of this book, intended or not, was the triangle between Anita, Richard, and Jean-Claude. Throughout the prior books, Anita was very clear in her opinion that while Jean-Claude was very pretty and she fantasized about him, it could only ever be sex. It has also been made clear that Jean-Claude is an arrogant jerk whose pursuit of Anita has more to do with her rejection of him than any feelings of love (not to be confused with lust). Ms. Hamilton has made it clear, even in the current work, that winning Anita would soothe only Jean-Claude's pride, not his heart. Richard, on the other hand, is someone who Anita feels she could settle down with. It is her decision to choose Jean-Claude over Richard that causes me to give this book such a low mark (compared to 10s and 9s for the others). This decision was, I felt, completely inconsistent with everything we knew about Anita before. That Anita cannot handle Richard's beast but can raise zombies (involving blood sacrifice) and execute vampires (along with other ugly, violent actions) is completely inconsistent. One would think, from reading the series, that having one's boyfriend metamorph on top of one would be relatively mild and mundane. Anita succumbing to lust in the tub with pretty boy was also out of character. Was it a human reaction? Perhaps. Ms. Hamilton has always let us know that her protagonist was just as fallible as the rest of us. But having a strong, intelligent, feisty heroine who is usually wading in gore get upset over a boyfriend's physical transformation (a situation she knew existed, so it could not have possibly been such a huge shock to her; plus she'd seen it before with other people) give in to another man's embrace, a man she barely respected and tolerated, seems nothing more than a sellout of her fans. I am sure a lot of doe-eyed fans of Anne Rice were bugging Ms. Hamilton to "let the vampire win," but I think Ms. Hamilton is the better writer and should not have sold out Richard and her readers. I am also sure that some fans, in reading this review, will argue that if it were a male protagonist no one would bat an eye. Again, I say Ms. Hamilton is better than that. Her Anita is better than that; don't lower her to the level of a male protagonist. It was, in short, an insult. I hope that this sudden change in character is remedied in future books.

The Killing Dance held a true appeal in its romance and relationship issues for Anita. The plot of Sabin, Dumane and Cassandra however was wasted in an attempt to throw Anita and Jean-Claude's relationship into a more mature level. I feel that the older triumvirate could have been more developed as characters, in order to give more groundwork to the Richard, Jean-Claude and Anita triangle. Hamilton tends to let the deeper plot overtake the relationships sometimes, but in The Killing Dance, she put way too much focus on Anita finally choosing between her two preternatural boyfriends. The powerful ending helped draw together the novel, and especially with the reconnection between the three main characters. All in all, the book was extremely entertaining, and Anita is now going to have to face a maturity which she has not had previously.

_Killing Dance_ is the sixth book in the Anita Blake series. Someone has hired a hit on Anita, who's being "wooed" by the two men in her life: Richard, who happens to be a werewolf, and Jean-Claude, who is a vampire(Master Vampire of St. Louis, in fact). Both shapeshifters and vampires play a major part in this exciting, adventurous, thrilling book, and this is one of my favorites in the series. I would recommend that you read the other books first, starting with _Guilty Pleasures_.

Hi! I just finished reading the best series of books I've ever read. No, I'm not talking about the Chronicles of Nanya. I'm talking about the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series written by Lauell K. Hamilton. Some of you might not like all this vampire and lycanthrope mumbojumbo, but I do. For all you who like to read about romance, humor, gore, and fantasy plus, check out these books! There are 7 books in this series which must be read in this order: Guilty Pleasure, The Laughing Corpse,Circus of the Damned, The Lunatic Cafe, Bloody Bones, The Killing Dance, and her newest one, Burnt Offerings. I remember as if it were yesterday...My friend, Keri, found the book Guilty Pleasures on her desk in music one day. She told me about it and let me read some of it in class. I loved it so much I bought the book. It took me 3 months to get to the store, but once I started, I couldn't stop! These books are like an addiction. I really want you guys to read these books because they're thrilling, suspenseful, fast-paced, and Anita, one of the main characters, always has more than one problem on her hands. Hamilton gives a very vivid description of the characters. For example, when Anita met Jean-Claude for the first time, the way uses Hamilton uses words carefully, it makes you feel as if you're sitting in the room with them. If I had to rate this book using the same scale as movie director's, I would give it an "R" because of its graphic violence, adult language and content, and nudity! Do yourself a favor - read these books!

I am a huge fan of vampire/ werewolf and any books of that nature. I i have read all the recent popular series that have come out lately. Twilight, Sookie Srackhouse series... while I enjoyed both I felt some redundency in what they were exploring. Alot of books do overlap when it comes to the mythology behind the creatues, which is expected. The Anita Blake series does fall into that also, but the stories are always fresh and exciting.no matter how many times "Anita" explains that she is a Necromancer and dating a vampire and a werewolf it is always done with a different flare. Laurell it always exposing the reader to new "monsters" and new concepts... hey the series doesn't have 18 books for nothing. I highly recommend these books to anyone who enjoys a good vampire/ supernatural thriler. I do caution younger readers though. There is sexual content and alot of violence. These books are definatly for mature audiences... and hey they are starting to come out in graphic novel form for someone who wanrs a taste of the story but doesn't want to commit to a full novel.

Finally - I have been reading the series at the rate of 1 book a day, and am I glad I got to this book. This is my favorite so far (I am not happy with what Hamilton does to the charactars in Narcissus in Chains - ug, get rid of Micah what's his face). But I digress. Lets just say that if you start with Guilty Pleasures, by the time you get to the Killing Dance you are so ready for what happens in this book that you feel the afterglow. I hope the author comes back to this kind of storytelling.

I enjoyed the first five books in the series soooo much! What happened?! I guess I liked this book, but it wasn't that good. What's with the choice of Jean-Claude over Richard?! I mean, I like Jean-Claude and was hella crushed in "Circus of the Damned" when it seemed like Anita was losing interest in him, but...I guess I just don't like the commitment that Anita made. Personally, I would have choosen Richard because he has more morals. Anita is supposed to be a hard as nails vampire slayer but she couldn't even face the fact that Richard is a werewolf. I mean, some of the things that Jean-Claude has done in this more than 200 years of "life" are just as bad. And over the years, he's gotten every single woman he's ever wanted. And that's alot. What's to say that Anita isn't just another one of his "lusts" despite what he says? I was majorly disappointed in this book. After waiting for a whole year! It really destroyed my interest. I hope that the next one, Burt Offerings, won't be a repeat of this...

This is the first title I have read from the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. I am now in search for the first title. This novel was wonderful and I will definitely find the beginning and read them all in a string. The story has great momentum and builds and builds. I enjoyed the complexity of all the characters and can't wait to find out all the past history. 72+ reviewers can't be wrong! Read this book! You won't be sorry!

In this book Anita realises that Richard may be a wolf and an alpha, but he doesn't act like it.He refuses to kell the packs current Alpha even though he and his mate are forcing the other wolfs to participate in sick adult videos. So who comes to their defense instead, Anita of course and this leaves her in a strange position where the pack is concerned, a non wolf as an alpha female. At the same time another master vampire has asked for help, because he is rotting to death. Hamilton keeps the storyline fresh, freaky and alive, but sometimes the naughty overtakes the brilliant plot.

I have read this series from the beginning, and so far this book is the best. I would recommend that you read this series in order because each book builds on from the previous book. Good series so far. I would recommend it to people who like paranormal romance and who like vampires and shape shifters.

I'm a true Anita Blake fan, and I loved this book. This had so much heat, passion, and adventure and it turned out to be a great read. The love triangle between Anita, Jean-Claude, and Richard finally climaxes, and we can an interesting twist which I'm sure many readers would approve of. There is a lot of tension, the story is very well written, and you'll like it I'm sure, as long as you like paranormal stuff.

I have read the series up to "Cerulean Sins," and this has always been, by far, my favorite book. I have read it and re-read it. I would love to see this book turned into a movie. The story is stand alone enough that you wouldn't have to maneuver the plot around a whole lot so others not familiar with the story could understand it. If you need a great read, this is it. Even if you're not familiar with the rest of the series. This was actually the first one I read, fell in love with it, then went back and read the ones before it.

is it just me, or is anita blake the most irritating character in this series? i am a big fan of these books, but i have to say,i like every other character, (even the villians) better then her. why does she have to be such a "tough guy"? why does she have to be the toughest person in a room full of monsters? let's be serious, (in a fantasy kind of way) she has nothing on a master vamp, or an alpha wolf, but time and time again she's either rescuing them or kicking there respective butts...(that is, of course, when she's not too busy trying to decide if she likes the "monster" enough to save it, or hate the "human" enough to kill him) ...and as far as the whole jean-claude/richard saga,...i wish they both would have told her to kiss off. she deserves to be alone with her cherished browning. (maybe laurell will start a new series sans anita).

The series was excellent up to this book. I feel that Anita got sold out at the end of this book. With all that was given to us about Anita, her character would NEVER have taken to Jean Claude's bed, NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!!. And her getting all sqwimish over Richard's changing and eating Marcus, doesn't seem like the same character that was able to pick apart half eaten bodies and raise zombies. The writing was excellent, but the plot lost something in this book. I'm certainly hoping Ms. Hamilton comes to her senses and gives our heroin the "spunk, fire and passion" back that she had in the previous books and HOPEFULLY Anita will come to her senses and realizes she made a HUGE mistake going for Jean Claude

Ever since reading "Guilty Pleasures", the first book in the Anita Blake-Vampire Hunter series, I have been an avid fan of Ms. Hamilton and her gutsy, sexy and fun heroine, Anita Blake. After reading the first book in the series, I immediately went out and bought the rest and read them all in one fell swoop! "The Killing Dance" is the best one yet. Ms. Hamilton's writing skills have kept pace with Anita's growing powers as both a Necromancer and the Scourge of the Forces of Evil. Jean-Claude is the sexiest vampire who never drew breath, and Ms. Hamilton's treatment of the love triangle between Anita, Jean-Claude, and Richard the werewolf becomes more erotic with each story. I can't wait for more adventures of Anita, Jean-Claude, Richard, Edward, Larry, and the Spook Squad. These books have it all; chills, thrills, romance, and lots of fun!

I have read every book in both of Laurel's series, and I would highly recommend them. Personally, I love the Killing Dance because the attraction and avoidance between Jean Claude and Anita is beautifully written. I love how she runs to him towards the end when she is needing comfort. Needless to say, I started reading this series 11 years ago and waiting for the next book is like torture every time.

I understand some of you thinking that Anita has lost her morals or something in this book. But I don't think its that. I think that the reason she slept with Jean-Claude (besides her overwhelming lust and love for him) is because she wanted something solid to feel bad for. She couldn't handle Richard being a werewolf, especially a non-violent one, and she didn't think that was a good reason for feeling bad and not being intimate with him. So she did something really bad, so she could have something concrete to feel bad for. You get what I'm saying? She was also searching for comfort with sex. Not that I'm upset or anything. I love Jean-Claude. Richard's getting a bit annoying. I just wish Laurell Hamilton would've stretched out the sexual tension a bit longer , but oh well. I guess that's just because I've read all the books within a week, so that defeats the purpose. Oh well.

Hamilton's more recent books mainly reflect on this one, so if you're thinking of buying a newer one, at least start with this. By far the best out of them, and I am most definately awaiting the next in the series. (After Narcissus in Chains) She vividly paints mental pictures with words that are colorful and somewhat shocking. There were times when I laughed out loud in public libaries and the looks I received were less than friendly. Even if you don't like it keep reading to the semi-end. (You'll thank me)

This book is so amazing, it has alot of action, suspence, drama, and everything you could ask for..Oh, and sarcasm. I think this book will keep you at the edge of your seat and will leave you wanting for more. If you think Laurell K. Hamilton has already done a good job, wait until you read this book.

"The Killing Dance" felt a little slower when it came to action, but it made up for it with some thrilling new developments in Anita's personal life...developments that I have been impatiently waiting and waiting for..I was not disappointed!! Another definite must read from Laurell Hamilton...God I love Jean-Claude..... :o)

this series is basically my paranormal encyclopedia. . . it always seems like every book i read after is just a book but these are the "real way its supposed to be" hahahah. . . .definately the best vampire/paranormal series ever written i think

I think that Laurell has done, and has been doing, and excellent job. She is one of the best authors I have ever read books by, and the world she created is fascinating...except for the timie she mentioned Dragons and Gargoyles existing..I mean, I can live with a Gargoyle, but a dragon is a bit much. Oh well. I love Anita. SHe is so interesting, and seems to be evolving, into something evil, or something with morals, and a conscious person. Overall, I thought the book was great, and have just ordered "Burnt Offerings," which I can't wait to get. If anyone wants to talk about Anita and the gang, drop me an email, or, I have aol im, my SN is: X Aeros X

Every chain must have a weak link and this book was it. I love Horror books and was very pleased when I stumbled across the Anita Blake series, and I loved every book up 'till this one. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad book- it just was boring and I felt focused too much on the relations Anita is developing. I also felt that LKH took a step back from her characters, they don't feel as real as they did in the earlier installments of this series. Luckily, I just finish reading Obsidian Butterfly and can happily say LKH has got back into the writitng styles that she missed with this book.

I just love the Anita Blake series. I can't wait untill Hamilton's next book. But still something is still bugging me about Anita. She has gone way over her head. I mean she went from a killer of monsters to a lover of monsters. Not that I blame her for sleeping with JC and Richard was pretty hot too. Now in this story we see a whole different side of Anita. I really enjoyed her in the first books, how she refused JC and how he kept coming after her. Now it seems that she has broken all of her rules. I hope Hamilton will change Anita back to her old ways in her next book.

A rolicking romp (or should I say smoothly-gliding sojourn - seems to fit more with the general theme of the books). Many issues finally coming to a head (no pun intended - much!), and fast-paced actions with many (perhaps too many) snappy one-liners and petite-sized, but by no means diminished in effect, firepower.

A well wrought effort. Thoroughly enjoyable; and she just keeps building her just slightly canted world history in leaps and bounds.

Good stuff!!

Bex

After reading this book i was astonished by how well the book was written. The story felt so real as if i could taste or feel what anita was going through. It left me bursting out with laughter and at times left some tears. Out of all the anita blake series ive read so far this has absolutely been the best one. I couldnt put the book down, it was sequence after sequence of comedy, action and suspence. It will keep you wondering what happenes next. Alot of emotions flow through anita and also a surprising twist to who she choose at the end. It was so surprising and exciting i guarenty this book will be an unforgotten one.

I've been hot for Jean Claude since "Guilty Pleasures", and six books later, finally, sex! The anticipation was killer, but it was well worth the wait! I enjoyed Anita's metamophasis from monster-hating redneck into a more open-minded person. As an ex-policewoman, I appreciate the gritty, authentic details in weoponry and gore scenes, so many other books as rather vague in that area. The battle scenes come off as real to me also. I've re-read all six books several times, and I can't wait to find out what happens next...I have the feeling things are not over with Richard! Go girl! Go girl

This was the first of this genre that I read. Anita Blake's name kept coming up in reviews and I thought I would give this one a try. I loved Anita! But does the girl ever have a chance to relax? Thought the book was hot but not steamy. It was not a waste of time, but I probably won't read another one of its kind.

I love all of Laurell"s books.A friend gave me one as a gift & I'm forever in her debt.As fast as the books hit the store I buy...These are the books you keep in your library forever.Keep up the Great Writing Laurell.We love Anita Blake.

I must say I am so pleased with this book, it's so good. It is finally time that Jean-Claude got some attention for bieng himself, and that's his best way. Sorry Richard!! You had your chance. I cannot wait for the next book!!!!

Like the others, I'm a big fan of Anita Blake and her entourage of interesting characters. When I first started this series I started with Lunatic Cafe and got so into it, I had to go back and start from the beginning to see how her relationships with Jean Claude and Richard had evolved. Great page turners, wonderful characters, and interesting lore that she has crafted. Get the series and join the madness :)

After reading many of the reviews I can't believe how upset people are over the ending. I think the author led us down this road, thinking that we would believe Anita would choose Richard then at the very end going for JC. It was perfect. Makes me want to find out what her next move is. Richard may have too many morals for Anita's lifestyle. I can see her getting hurt or killed trying to deal with his view of life. I think the perfect person for her is Edward. That would be an interesting mix-up.

Great Book!!! Anita is becoming a rounded character complete with fears, insecurity, prejudice and a soft spot for a cute butt just like the rest of us. A very enjoyable read - can't wait until the next one

I suppose I'll make this short and not-so sweet. I read the book hoping for a solution with Anita and Richard, it looked promising, and then she ends up screwing the dead guy. I literally threw the book across the room with disgust. I'm just glad I wasn't using my ebook reader at the time or I'm sure I would have broken it. To hell with the rest of the series, I'm just glad I hadn't bought the later books yet.

Hamilton claimed in an interview that she listens to her characters and lets them decide what will happen. Well, she lies. The Anita in the first 5 books, and most of the 6th, wouldn't have had sex with that arrogant, obnoxious, worthless corpse. It was completely out of character.

I wash my hands of this mess, too many books by better authors are out there to enjoy.

I love all of Laurell"s books.A friend gave me one as a gift & I'm forever in her debt.As fast as the books hit the store I buy...These are the books you keep in your library forever.Keep up the Great Writing Laurell.We love Anita Blake.

I must say I am so pleased with this book, it's so good. It is finally time that Jean-Claude got some attention for bieng himself, and that's his best way. Sorry Richard!! You had your chance. I cannot wait for the next book!!!!

Like the others, I'm a big fan of Anita Blake and her entourage of interesting characters. When I first started this series I started with Lunatic Cafe and got so into it, I had to go back and start from the beginning to see how her relationships with Jean Claude and Richard had evolved. Great page turners, wonderful characters, and interesting lore that she has crafted. Get the series and join the madness :)

After reading many of the reviews I can't believe how upset people are over the ending. I think the author led us down this road, thinking that we would believe Anita would choose Richard then at the very end going for JC. It was perfect. Makes me want to find out what her next move is. Richard may have too many morals for Anita's lifestyle. I can see her getting hurt or killed trying to deal with his view of life. I think the perfect person for her is Edward. That would be an interesting mix-up.

Great Book!!! Anita is becoming a rounded character complete with fears, insecurity, prejudice and a soft spot for a cute butt just like the rest of us. A very enjoyable read - can't wait until the next one

I suppose I'll make this short and not-so sweet. I read the book hoping for a solution with Anita and Richard, it looked promising, and then she ends up screwing the dead guy. I literally threw the book across the room with disgust. I'm just glad I wasn't using my ebook reader at the time or I'm sure I would have broken it. To hell with the rest of the series, I'm just glad I hadn't bought the later books yet.

Hamilton claimed in an interview that she listens to her characters and lets them decide what will happen. Well, she lies. The Anita in the first 5 books, and most of the 6th, wouldn't have had sex with that arrogant, obnoxious, worthless corpse. It was completely out of character.

I wash my hands of this mess, too many books by better authors are out there to enjoy.

I have read the Anita Blake books in order and just finished The Killing Dance and I must say it is my favorite so far. Each of the Anita Blake books has kept me riveted, but this one I could not put down to save my life. Her books are like a drug. Once you get into it, you can't stop. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy books and probably even to those who don't because it is so great I don't know how anyone could not enjoy it!

Laurell K. Hamilton has done it again. By the time I reach the third book in a series, I'm generally done with the whole series, but not with Anita Blake. They just keep getting better and better. I don't want to give any of the story away, but it is good and definitely worth reading.

I read it until I thought my eyes would never shut again. Hamilton is a master, everyone has a purpose and she has found hers. This book is unbelieveable it just keeps the adrenaline pumping and keeps you guessing. Who will win Anita's heart and body??? How powerful a necromancer is she really???? After a close encounter with a lycanthrope will she finally become what she always dreaded???? Wouldn't you like to know??? Read the Book!!!

I own the entire series. It was so interesting I got a friend to start reading for the first time in her life. Each book gets slightly more twisted. I wouldn't recommend for younger readers due to swearing and adult situations.

Someone has put a contract out on Anita and who would she turn to but the two men in her life? In a powerful and yet, sometimes, disturbing look into the world of the preternatural, Laurell K. Hamilton pulls no punches. She makes you wonder just who the real monsters are and where has the line gone between the good guys and the bad guys. Be prepared for the long haul because this is one book you will *not* be able to put down until you've read the last word

Wow great book the excitement builds to a feverish pitch as it tries to consume you with its erotic passion and desire. The mind can barely contain all the excitement without turning the brain to mush.

I don't exactly share the same enthusiasm that everyone has for this book. I think this book has sacrificed the character of Anita. She's becoming unlivable. She dates both Richard and JC. Stringing them both along because she can't make a decision. Then after realizing she can't deal with Richard changing she sleeps with JC( a vampire who gasp drinks blood)It was a let down.

Im not sure if I can get through the next book.

Once again, Anita Blake's in the middle of a pack of werewolves, a kiss of vampires and an assortment of other monsters, two of which she's dating! Between Vampire Jean-Claude's advances and Werewolf Richard Zeeman, Anita has her love life full- complicatingly so! A true thriller chock full of Anita's loving sarcasm, witt, slaying and fun! Bon apitite!

This was by far the best Anita Blake novel that I have read! There was a lot of activity with Richard and Jean Claud. Of course it was nice to have Edward involved. The plot was well developed and the events were exciting to read. I loved this book.

This book is magnificent. This was the first Anita Blake Vampire Hunter book I read and now I've gotten the whole library. They are rich and soooo sexy, with action and romance enough for anyone. This gave me the right kind of shivers.

I loved this book so much so it went into detail with the sex it was nice to see all the lycanthropes again and meet new characters. The whole unexpected turn of Cassandra being a traitor unexpected for me anyway not a minute of boredom when reading for me each page as good as the first I just could not put it down!

Burnt Offerings was great! It has a lot of surprises and twists in it, but definately falls in line with the other books. After reading it, you will definately want more from Hamilton on this series!!!

In this installment anita has a death contract from a mystery person. Also laurel k. hamilton focuses on anitas problem with choosing between jean claude and richard and a suprise awaits you with that! I was disapointed that my favorite subcharachter,gabriel dies. :(

I'm pissed now that I already ordered the next two books in the series. I have been loving them, and I was waiting for Anita to get over herself and do it with Richard. Instead, she does it with Jean-Claude. What the wtf? She's a killer and doesn't feel anything about it, and so is Jean Claude. She has no moral high ground to stand on, but she is so freaked out by seeing Richard eat a mouthful of Marcus that she goes running home to have sex with a killer, murderous vampire? I was disgusted by the ending, and I'm not at all sure that I will read the next two books when they come.

The book was great up until the ending, but her sleeping with Jean Claude and dumping Richard ruins the entire series.

One of my fave books by LKH, I re-read it often. The plot was interesting and the charector devolpment is both entertaining and emotionaly gripping. Not to mention a great scene with the ever so wonderfull Jean-Claude!

Sex, eroticism, passion . . . with a corpse.

Despite Anita Blake's ealier revulsion with "sex with a corpse" she nevertheless spends about 30 pages engaged in such with Jean-Claude.

Honestly, this book has none of the charm and the supernatural thrills of the first books, but rather reflects a climax of Laurell K. Hamilton's slow and steady descent into eroticism from day one.

Don't expect to see new supernatural creatures like the Naga, Bloody Bones, or even Voodoo witches in this one, kids. In fact, it's one really long tale of Anita Blake's trials and tribulations deciding between Jean-Claude and Richard.

Honestly, I loved these books, and this was the one that made me stop reading the series.

Once again, Anita Blake's in the middle of a pack of werewolves, a kiss of vampires and an assortment of other monsters, two of which she's dating! Between Vampire Jean-Claude's advances and Werewolf Richard Zeeman, Anita has her love life full- complicatingly so! A true thriller chock full of Anita's loving sarcasm, witt, slaying and fun! Bon apitite!

LKH always delievers what you expect, I like the slight character evolution LKH does with our heroine that makes her even more normal and natural than she is (considering this is fiction after all :))

Someone has put a contract out on Anita and who would she turn to but the two men in her life? In a powerful and yet, sometimes, disturbing look into the world of the preternatural, Laurell K. Hamilton pulls no punches. She makes you wonder just who the real monsters are and where has the line gone between the good guys and the bad guys. Be prepared for the long haul because this is one book you will *not* be able to put down until you've read the last word

I have to admit, whenever I sit to read one of books about Anita Blake, I get really excited because I know it will be good, but this one wasn't. After five books of establishing Anita, Hamilton destroys her in the last half of this one. I hope that BURNT OFFERINGS brings back the real Anita Blake.

LKH always delievers what you expect, I like the slight character evolution LKH does with our heroine that makes her even more normal and natural than she is (considering this is fiction after all :))