Chosen (Anna Strong #6) by Jeanne C. Stein
Urban Fantasy
August 31, 2010
Paperback, 304 Pages
Ace

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote:  A part of me is devastated by what I am capable of. At what I’ve done. A part of me knows my true nature. I can’t fight it. I’m not sure I want to anymore.

It’s been a year since bounty hunter Anna Strong became a vampire, but she is about to discover that her greatest powers have yet to be unleashed.

Though Anna has become use to the idea of being a vampire, she is finding her urges are becoming stronger and harder to handle. When she is attacked and narrowly escapes with her life, Anna can only think of one person who wants her dead-Warren Williams. But Anna is to valuable to be kill for soon she will hold the fate of the world in her hands and there is one who will do anything to possess her.

Chosen, number six in the Anna Strong series, continues Jeanne C. Stein’s dynamic action packed life of Anna Strong-bounty hunter turned vampire. Anna has been a vampire for a year and coming to terms with it even though she retains much of her humanity. Life has settled down for Anna and she appreciates the downtime with her sweetie Lance. But something continues to stalk and push Anna towards her destiny as the Chosen. When Anna’s lover is hurt she makes a deal with her mortal enemy to save his life but soon plans change and a new player ups the stakes. A single act of betrayal causes Anna to finally merge her two sides and soon everyone finds out why she is the Chosen.

Anna is what every Urban Fantasy heroine should be. A tough, gutsy, complex character who delivers what’s promised. She has a strong presence but doesn’t overwhelm. Stein’s conversational writing style is even flowing and fleshes out even the most minute details to provide a rich story telling experience. Once I started reading I was engrossed in Anna’s story. The world Stein has created is a perfect blending of supernatural wonder and magic with modern times. I like that Anna is beginning to learn from her mistakes which allows for growth not only in her character but in this series.

There are many different characters in this story that all play a important part in Anna’s life. Each one is multi layered and carries an air of mystery and subterfuge. They blend so well into the story and Anna’s personality that it’s as much their story as it is hers. We see more of  Frey and David in this installment and each are taken down roads that will leave you wondering about their futures. I liked the fact that even with multiple subplots, the main story line stays focused and reads fast and furious. Betrayal is a recurring factor that presents itself on many different levels and explains a lot about Anna’s untrusting and often quick to jump attitude. I was disappointed that some characters acted in such a predictable manner so early on. In that aspect it was easy to see where it was all going and dismissed the over all storyline’s spontaneity that I have come to enjoy.

Many readers will be pleased to see that Chosen ties up some loose ends and opens new doors for Anna. All is all this series appeals to me in it’s plot driven storyline. Mystery and suspense play a huge part while romance often takes a backseat. It’s a continuing arc so I do not recommend it as a stand alone. Past scenes and relationships are referenced that will not make sense if you are not familiar with the players.

I enjoyed this newest read into Anna’s life and was pleased by the direction Ms. Stein seems to be taking her.

Rating: 3.5/5

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This series includes:
The Becoming
Blood Drive
The Watcher
Legacy
Retribution
Chosen

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