Early Review & Giveaway: Shadow Rites by Faith Hunter

Posted March 21st, 2016 in Blog Tour, book review, Giveaway / 101 comments

Early Review & Giveaway: Shadow Rites by Faith Hunter

Early Review & Giveaway: Shadow Rites by Faith HunterShadow Rites by Faith Hunter
Series: Jane Yellowrock #10
Publisher: Roc on April 5, 2016
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Adult
Pages: 384
Format: ARC
Source: Blog Tour
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating: four-stars
Heat: one-half-flames

Slaying vampires is child’s play for skinwalker Jane Yellowrock. But handling the complicated politics of New Orleans’ supernatural players is another story...

Jane is keeping the peace between visiting groups of witches and vamps in the city, but then trouble comes knocking on her doorstep. When her house is magically attacked, the wild chase to find her assailants unearths a mystery that has literally been buried deep.

A missing master vampire, presumed long deceased, is found chained in a pit...undead, raving mad, and in the company of two human bodies. Now it’s up to Jane to find out who kept the vampire hidden for so long and why, because the incident could tip already high supernatural tensions to an all-out arcane war.

At A Glance

So much black magic and brink of death scenes. Loved!

The Good

How many ways can I say that I love the kits? Angie Baby and Little Evan are my favorite characters. So freaking creepy and cute at the same time. Angie Baby scares the crap out of me but how can you ever look at that angel face and not love her? Too much power for a little girl you say, bah!! So she makes you go to sleep with a simple thought. Who cares? So she can take out every witch, vampire, and supernatural creature around by snapping her fingers. That’s talent, not horrifying at all. The whole thing is so “It’s a good thing you did, Billy.” (If you loved the old The Twilight Zone show, you’ll understand). It seriously makes the book for me. Then Little Evan has become Angie’s mini me and it was just perfect

Jane has a rough go in Shadow Rites. I lost count on how many times Jane almost dies. Sure kept things interesting. But she definitely learns a lot about herself; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Shadow Rites is eye-opening for Jane in that she actually has a family now whether she likes it or not. And the clan grows quite a lot in this book. I am so excited for Jane. It makes my heart swell to see her finally getting a little bit of happiness, even if it’s a bit forced on her for her own good.

The bad guys and their evil plot was super complicated so I won’t even try to explain it but it was awesomely dramatic and action-packed. Lots of black magic that Jane finds difficult to fight against. I’m a little worried for Jane and the wonky things happening to her. Not a good position to be in as the European vampires arrival comes closer. But Jane and her clan will figure something out, they always do.

The Bad

The only thing that sucks was this was a filler book. Very little progression in the overall story arc. We are still waiting for the European vamps to visit and stir some shit up. Been waiting for that to happen for forever. I don’t like dragged out plotlines.

The Snuggly

We get some nice bow chicka wow wow from Bruiser and Jane but the scenes cut away pretty fast so no yummy detail.

Final Thoughts

Shadow Rites is more about Jane’s family growing and it worked for me overall. I love all the characters and their uniqueness. The story had enough action to keep things interesting as well. Highly recommended.

About Faith Hunter

New York Times and USAToday bestselling fantasy author Faith Hunter was born in Louisiana and raised all over the south. Altogether she has 40+ books in print under the names Gary Hunter, Gwen Hunter, and Faith Hunter. As Faith, she writes two contemporary Urban Fantasy series: the Jane Yellowrock series, featuring a Cherokee skinwalker who hunts rogue vampires, and the Soulwood series, featuring earth magic user Nell Ingram. Her Rogue Mage novels are a dark, post-apocalyptic, fantasy series featuring Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage. The role playing game based on the series, is ROGUE MAGE, RPG.

 

Giveaway

Enter to win 1 paperback copy of SHADOW RITES. US only, no PO Boxes please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Wide Giveaway

There is a tour-wide giveaway for 1 complete set of the Jane Yellowrock series (all 10 novels!), plus one $100 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card.

Blog Tour, book review, Giveaway

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101 Responses to “Early Review & Giveaway: Shadow Rites by Faith Hunter”

  1. Melanie Simmons @mlsimmons

    I really need to start this series. I keep hearing great things about it. I also heard that they are great on audio. I’m so behind on so many audio series. Maybe one day I’ll get caught up. Great review.

    • Chai

      I absolutely love this series. When I begin I didn’t think it would be this long, but the length of the series made me happy, because that meant more time with Jane and her companions. Long series can easily get boring, so far Faith Hunter has worked her magic and the series has not deflated.

      • Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)

        I do love how long it ended up being. I wish it would never end.

    • TammyM

      The audio version is amazing! Khristine Hvam brings the characters to life, and the individual voices continue from book to book. Her different voices, along with Faith’s awesome writing, makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters! You’ll love it!

      • TammyM

        Sorry Chai, that reply was meant for Melanie, but for some reason it posted on yours. But it’s ok cause I think everyone should check it out on audible. 🙂

    • Angela Hoagland

      Yes, Kristine Hvam really brings Jane Yellowrock to life!! She’s great at the other character voices, seems like many narrators, not just her, and they are uniform throughout the series. Definitely the best audio series I’ve heard.

    • Jo

      Definitely get the audio versions! I love using my kindle to go back & forth between written and audio. The woman that does the reading on the audio versions is amazing! It’s hard to believe it is only one person doing all that!!

    • Tealsong

      Get it……you will wind up devouring the books late at night and wanting more like the reast of us. Heehehehee one more month *drools*

    • Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)

      I never tried it in audio but you should really start it. soooo good.

  2. Chai

    I thought Shadow rites would be when the Europeans finally come. I’m a little disappointed since all of us readers have been waiting for them, which sort of makes me feel like I’m part of Jane’s crew. I’m anxious to see what the Europeans will do and say. I’m guessing they would start a lot of fights.

    • Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)

      I was a little disappointed with the no Europeans too but still an amazing read.

  3. TammyM

    I love the review, and can’t wait for the release of Shadow Rites! I’m glad to see Jane’s dealing with the witches before the Euro Vamps come to town. The fact that there not in this book is building the anticipation of what will happen when they do show up! I also love Angie Baby, and can’t wait to see what she does in this book!

  4. Kathy

    I can hardly wait for this book to arrive. Faith Hunter’s writing is always tight and packed with action and information. No fluff or fillers.

  5. Gwendolyn Houck

    I absolutely love this series. I have read it multiple times and listen to the audio books when I am unable to just sit and read.

  6. Penny F.

    What a great review! Just enough to make us whine…. err…WISH for April! I’m a huge fan of Faith’s writing, and Jane’s world. Can’t wait!!!!!

  7. Nina Pettis

    I was already on the edge of my seat, waiting, and now I’m pacing & whining!

  8. Joan Bennett

    Faith Hunter does not disappoint….always ready to read the new books!!

  9. Nora-Adrienne Deret

    I’ll take a new story however it appears. I love the series and have read all of the books so far in print (other then this one). I’d be thrilled to add a hard cover of this book to my home library.

    • Regenia

      Nora-Adrienne,

      Make sure you check out Faith’s blog. The first part of a free story is crazy good.

  10. Melodie Luckett

    LOVE Jane and Beast… And I am a HUGE Bruiser Fan…. Can’t wait for the next book….. This is a GREAT series and everyone should be reading it!!!

  11. Carla L

    I’m seriously looking forward to reading it. I love when a new book comes out, it gives me the opportunity to read the series from the beginning!!

  12. Karey

    I’m so excited about this book! I love Jane and how she’s grown and changed and become comfortable. And Faith Hunter is just the best!

  13. Suzanne

    I love the Jane Yellowrock series! It is so exciting that so many books in her world are coming out this year (four!) – it’s a great year for Faith Hunter fans! <3

  14. Amy

    LOVE LOVE Jane Yellowrock. This is a great series and I look forward to everything Faith puts out!

  15. Pauline E.

    JUST A NOTE: The twitter account name for Faith in the giveaway is incorrect and giving a suspended account message. Her Twitter account should be @HunterFaith to get the contestants to her twitter page. Thanks!

  16. Angela Hoagland

    JY is one of my all-time favorite series. I’ve listened to them all several times and still enjoy them. Can’t wait for Shadow Rites! Disappointed to learn the EVs still haven’t shown in this book. What’s taking those darn Fang-heads so long? LOL

  17. Kim M.

    I’m so excited about this book — I’m taking it to Europe with me. I can’t wait to dive in!

  18. Pauline E.

    Overall good review. Sharing it! I’m OK with plotlines that take a bit of time to roll out, especially if there is a lot of good “between” info in the books. Always lots to enjoy and look forward to in the Jane Yellowrock world and I figure the book with the Euro-vamps will be chock full of pulling these earlier book characters and plots together for a powerful climax in the storyline. Well. At least in my small opinion. 🙂

  19. Margot. D

    The Euro Vamp are a BIG deal ! I wonder if the issue with them will be resolved over several books ?
    Can’t wait !!

  20. Janet

    Hands down my favorite UF series. I love the attention to detail and the diversity she brings to the genre.

  21. Tealsong

    Ooooh……..I have nearly zero chances but I can still hope. I love reading, and Faith Hunter has so addicted me to Jane’s stories!

  22. Stacey

    Love this series! I was never a huge fan of Rick but I love all the other characters – especially Katie 🙂

  23. Lekeisha

    I’ll be starting this series one day soon. Just bought the first book last week.

  24. Stephanie F.

    This is one of my favorite series and while I’m with you on not being a fan of filler books I’m still excited to read, especially if I get more Jane and Bruiser.
    Loved the beginning of the short.
    Great review as always.

  25. Barbara Elness

    This is one of my favorite series, so I’m looking forward to reading Shadow Rites.

  26. Lori A Hill

    Love Jane and Beast! I have got to say that the first part of the short story shows Jane much more playful and comfortable within her own skin as a female than ever before. I admit to being behind by 2 books so I will have to get caught up. Something sure changed! I’m not sure how I feel about it yet either.

    (Muscle spasm hit enter before full address entered.)

  27. Jo Good

    LOVE this series! It’s amazing to go back to the beginning and see things you didn’t notice before, little clues that you didn’t realize were bringing in major plot lines.
    I’m excited about where Jane is going, and I’m glad she’s got a family with her!
    Thank you for the great review!

  28. Olivia Roach

    When it comes to the first book in a series often times they are mostly filler books. Which is annoying, but this one was a good filler from the sound of it so I bet book 2 will blow everyone away! I also really like the sound of all the magic and action and suspense!

  29. erinf1

    I love this series! very excited for this newest release 🙂 thanks for sharing!

  30. Diane N.

    Started reading with the Rogue Mage series. Moved on to Jane Yellowrock, haven’t missed one yet.

  31. Kristin

    “That’s talent, not horrifying at all. ” HaHAHaHA >.< Oh man. LoL With those handful of words, you got me. I have got to read this series now.

  32. Erica W

    I cant wait to read the newest book!!! If you havent read any from this series, what are you waiting for?! Pigs to fly?

  33. Jeanna Massman

    I’m new to this genre but the characters sound intriguing so I am preparing to be amazed.

  34. Sharyonda

    Reading this short story is refreshing and entertaining for a new reader of the series. Enjoyed your book review and can’t wait to enjoy the book.

  35. Nicole

    I can’t wait for Shadow Rites! I’ve been busy re-reading the books and short stories in chronological order leading up to the new book releasing!

  36. Larisa

    Excited! And scrambling since I’m 4 days behind on following the tour and I follow this blog…Oops!

  37. Janie McGaugh

    I’ve only read the first three books in the series, and I enjoyed them. I definitely need to catch up!

  38. Dawn Cavenee

    I haven’t caught up with this series, but am looking forward to this book! Thank you for the review which I found frank, funny and helpful!!?

  39. Michelle Willms (@willms_m)

    As always, you’ve written another wonderful review. I, too, hate waiting for action to begin, but I also enjoy these books as we watch the family grow (and anticipation, too). Faith Hunter’s writing is wonderful, keeping the action going, even in the slower-moving books. Each minute detail just might reappear later as something important, requiring the reader to pay attention. I love such authors.

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