I’ve liked the Jane Yellowrock books from the get-go, but it was this book that propelled it to the top of my reading list- Mercy Blade is an excellent book, the best one yet.For the time being, Jane has settled down in New Orleans so she can fulfill her contract with the vamps and be closer to her boyfriend, Rick, an NOPD undercover cop. But she's barely had time to settle down when trouble comes in the form of furry shapeshifters who've decided to come out of the closet. A black Were-leopard shifts on national television, giving Jane some possible clues to her own background.Unfortunately, the Werewolves and the Vampires in New Orleans have a longtime dispute. Although they have stayed out of the city, the Werewolves take up a long run grudge against Leo, the MOC, and crash the Vamp/Were meeting. I don't really understand why Jane's working for the dangerous vamps, especially after Leo tried to kill her earlier. (But speaking as a reader, I can’t complain, of course.) The now-out-in-the-world werecats are coming to New Orleans and, in a political maneuver, the vamps are having a party for them. With press human coverage. Security for this potential fiasco falls to Jane. Leo also asks Jane to meet up with someone for him, but doesn't tell her anything else. Unfortunately for her, some very ticked off werewolves attack her and do their best to try and kill Leo's messenger. While she's fighting, unexpected assistance comes in the form of Girrard (Gee) - who used to be Leo's 'Mercy Blade'. Being a Mercy Blade is a very special position - they are the ones who kill those vampires who have gone insane, but Gee has not been welcome in Leo's house for a very long time. So why is he here now?...Then, at the most inopportune moment, Rick goes missing. He doesn't answer any of Jane's texts or voicemails, which gives Jane fits. To make matters worse, Beast, Jane's big cat self, insists cats are not meant to be monogamous. Beast wants Jane to get herself some of Bruiser, Leo's head of security and fastfood meal. The sexual tension between Jane and Bruiser, their mutual attraction made me wan to fan myself. I love the interactions between them. And I simply adore how pushy Beast gets when Jane and Bruiser are alone together. It just... perfect. But I’m hoping for so much more;-) Guess I’m like Beast, wanting a harem of strong and virile mates;-) Meeeoooow!Speaking of Beast, once again, I was not disappointed with our furry friend. I felt the comfortable bond the two share now, and their co-existence and conversations have evolved to hilarious levels.There's so much going on in this story: vamp politics and power plays; murder and kidnapping; and new characters that I found really intriguing. Most of all; Gee, the vamps' ex-Mercy Blade who seems to know more about Jane’s kind than she does. And who addresses her in a most peculiar fashion. Yup, interesting guy. But also the grindylow, whose relationship with the Weres is a mixed blessing… Not to mention Molly's (scheming?) witchy sister who's staying with Jane…Mercy Blade is filled with twists and turns, sexual tension, and revelations amidst a pile of action. And as usual, more clues are scattered as to Jane's past. Great installment. 4.5 stars. I should've been reading Any Which way But Dead, Magic Gifts & Days of Gods and Monsters but just could tear my way from this character and her world. I have a choice to make, now. Go on to the next Yellowrock book or really get involved in Gods & Monsters. I like that Jane has characters that recognize she isn't completely human but don't push her to say what she is. I LOVE that she's able to hold her own in this book, w/ Weres, killing 7 out of 20 or so b4 someone comes to her aid. And even when someone does come to her aid she's glad, but has resigned herself to the fact that she's gonna die & doesn't bitch about it. She's gonna remain fightin till her last breath. Somethin that did bother me about this book was, they really didn't know Weres existed? Really? C'mon on now.
What do You think about La Lame De Miséricorde (2011)?
I can't get enough of this whole series - I love kick-ass women!
—jim
