Saturday, April 14, 2012

Kiss The Dead-Laurell K. Hamilton

Kiss The Dead


Laurell K. Hamilton

Berkley, Jun 5 2012, $27.95

ISBN: 9780425247549



An old world Master Vampire Benjamin commits heresy when he changes people into fledglings but fails to tie the newbies to him through a blood oath. His actions are a major breach in acceptable vampiric culture.



Preternatural Unit U.S. Marshal Vampire Executioner Anita Blake interrogates and breaks Barney the liberated vampire over the abduction of a fifteen years old human female who requested transformation. Anita and her team go to the address he provides expecting a trap. They enter the abode to find the teen, but to their dismay they find vampire changed children, soccer moms and grannies. Anita uses psychological torture to learn where the other unfettered rookie vamps live.



While Anita works the unpledged vampire investigation, she also has doubts about a relationship with eighteen years old Sin while dealing with the jealousy of ancient Asher. Anita, accompanied by her live-in lovers, were-leopards Nathanial and Micah, enter the Circus Nightclub to spend time with her vampire master lover Jean-Claude. Raging Asher gets into a fight with his male lover in which he injures Anita. Fuming Jean-Claude warns him to leave the St. Louis immediately. At the same a vampire plots to kill Anita, her friends and lovers.



The latest Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter urban fantasy (see Bullet) is an excellent entry as there is a much better balance between her law enforcement work and her personal life. The nightmarish fledgling issue is a strong counterpoint to her sensual lovemaking; Anita empathizes for these victims but knows what she must do while her trysts reflect an inner serenity that showcases she has come a long way baby as she mentally hugs her need for multiple paranormal partners. Laurell K. Hamilton is the reigning queen of the urban fantasy world.



Harriet Klausner

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