After the events of the last book, Jane is really due a vacation. Unfortunately, there's no rest for the wicked as Master of the City, Leo, has been petitioned by the Vampires of Ashville, NC to consider allowing their leader, Lincoln Shaddock to form his own clan. Their argument is their line is throwing sane vampires out two years after the change not the usual ten. If the vamps of Ashville have figured out a way to dramatically shorten this transition period, they have a solid argument as to why they should be allowed to form their own clan, and basically all the other clans are going to want to know how they do it.Jane is put in charge of handling the security for Leo's top envoy, Gregoire, a powerfully alluring, not to mention gorgeous old vampire with the face of a 15 year old boy. (And an ego to match.) As is usual with these vampires, nothing goes according to plan. Let's just say that the maternal instinct is a force to be reckoned with, especially when there are demons involved. Demons who, by the way, seem to know all sorts of interesting things about Jane's past...There are werewolves who are out to get revenge for the happenings of the last book. Jane's former lover, Ricky Bo is along for the ride because he doesn't know if he is going to change at the full moon, so she has parked him with Kenebi, the grieving mate of the female jaguar who was killed in the last book. While Kenobi is Jane's beta, his real goal is to off lover-boy as soon as he shifts, which brings out Beast's greedy protecive side.While I didn't think this book was as good as the last one, I'm still hooked on this series. I guess my main problem with this one, is that I find Leo and his right-hand meal so much more interesting than our cheating pretty-boy, Ricky Bo. Oh, well, at least he'll need to tread carefully when it comes to new mates from now on. BTW: grindylows are really interesting. The way they act as both adorable "pets" and ruthless killers all rolled into one is a fascinaing concept. I almost wish I had a baby grindy of my own;-)As for vampires; Gregoire didn't quite make up for the absence of Leo, but he was an interesting character nevertheless. He's temptation incarnate, alright. Gotta love those seductive vamps, I hope we will see more of him in future books.While parts of the story lagged, I still think it's a 4 star read - barely. This was probably my least favorite book in the series. It starts off really slow and doesn't pick up until Jane starts to go after Evie. I don't know if I bought the premise that no one knew that Evie was doing black magic. How did no one notice? She was the coven leader and yet no one ever visited her house??I also don't like that Jane is the scapegoat for this coven of witches. She has saved them multiple times (the book mentions that is how she met Molly and she saved Carmen from vamps) and yet Big Evan acts like she is evil and everything is her fault. Jane even assumes responsibility and feels like everything is her fault. Even when we find out it is really Evie's fault that werewolves are involved and trying to turn humans into mates, no one in this coven reaches out to Jane at the end of the book. Evie is dead and Jane struck the killing blow. Apparently, instead of feeling grateful that Jane has rescued them yet again(!), they are grieving for their psychotic sister and don't care about Jane. I really hope that Jane is able to make some new friends. Ones that don't make her feel bad or allow her to put herself at risk and never say thank you. Molly may have started out as a good friend, but I think Jane needs a best friend who will accept her with no conditions.
What do You think about Raven Cursed (2012)?
I actually started this book sept 26 but forgot to add it! Loved it!!
—Jennifer
I adore this series. This one did not disappoint.
—Phuclam
