Cold Reign By Jane Yellowrock
Series: Jane Yellowrock, #11
Urban Fantasy
May 2, 2017
ACE
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: ME? CRAZY? I Should Get Down Off This Unicorn And Slap You.
Jane Yellowrock is back and badder than even in the eleventh installment of Faith Hunter’s bestselling urban fantasy series-Jane Yellowrock. Already a force most won’t reckon with, she has increased her power and prestige as the Enforcer for the MoC of New Orleans-Leo Pellister-and the unintentional creation of her own clan. When New Orleans falls victim to a wave of revenants and an unnatural storm, Jane discovers the European Vampires Delegates have chosen a deadly way to announce their arrival. Allies and enemies come out of the woodwork as Jane and her crew attempt to keep the residents and their loved ones safe but centuries of secrets, lies, and betrayal may spell death for them all.
Jane Yellowrock, a Cherokee female dual nature skinwalker, has been slowly and steadily settling into her new life. She and Beast have found common ground and become an almost unbeatable team. Jane has begun to rely more on her Indian heritage to cleanse her soul of the black magic it’s collected due to her guilt over things she has done. Her love life is flourishing and she has a strong show of strength at her back through Clan Yellowrock which consists of Younger Brothers, her new primo-Edmond, the Truehearts, her lover-Bruiser, and Brute. For the first time in a long time, Jane is content.
“I love you more than bacon. Unless I’m hungry.”
As always, Hunter gives readers a nonstop action packed, kick arse, magically enhanced story with a continuous flow of controlled chaos and humor as Jane once again finds herself cleaning up behind one of Leo’s political long games. Hunter continues to increase her character base, introducing new players while expanding on the older more established ones as she guides readers through Jane’s latest and convoluted adventure.
They wanted to own the world.
Readers will be pleased to see the arc surrounding the European Mithran Vampire delegate (EVs) has finally reached fruition. And what a fruition it is. Hunter has dropped plenty of clues throughout the series concerning the Europeans and their ties to Leo and his people. It’s only in here do you realize just how long and deep those ties run. Centuries. The sheer magnitude and duplicity Hunter reveals in here is staggering and I applaud Hunter for her skill. She makes wonderful use of history and I admit I was fascinated by the liberty Hunter takes as she bends and twists it to her will. Jane and the crew certainly have their work cut out for them as they are pulled multiple directions as the EVs launch their agenda on various levels with all roads leading to back to Leo Pellister.
Leo needed a good lesson in manners, but I had to survive this situation first.
I would remiss if I didn’t mention that after the initial out of the gate one two PUNCH the storyline slows down considerably as Jane deals with some personal issues concerning her family while investigating what the EVs are up too. It’s really around the 30-40% mark that the story resets its focus, picks up the speed, and races towards the end.
“You ever try to crown me again, I’ll cut you head off and shove it up your arse.”
Hunter finally addresses the Rick LaFleur situation and seemingly lays it to rest but if you’re not reading her Soulwood series, some of the information here might be confusing and/or a spoil-y. Let’s just say Ricky Bo is back and Jane makes it perfectly clear who holds the key to her heart. And it ain’t Ricky Bo. It was nice to see Rick finally apologize for his actions. Not only for when he humiliated Jane in front of everyone but from the very beginning.
“I’m sorry I hurt you, Jane. I’m sorry I shamed you. I’m sorry I was such a lousy human being that every single person who matters to me in New Orleans wants to punish or kill me. Including my mom.”
As always, Hunter ends the story a climactic note as she wraps up the main storyline with cheers, jeers, and more than one jaw-dropping moment. Though the EVs are on the run, the long game is still in play with some interesting clues towards the future. Jane is not done in her evolution but she may wish she was when it’s all said and done. Hunter writes another winner and I’m more than ready for book twelve, title and release date to be announced.
Grade: B
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All Things Urban FantasyPublishers Weekly
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I read the first few books in this series and then got distracted. I need to start again as I continue to hear good things. Thanks for the reminder!