So one can happily jump from the first book to this, leaving the relative mediocrity of the middle one for hardier fans.Īnd afterwards, of course, sample the opening pages of the fourth, flagged as forthcoming here. It is acceptably self-contained, as I think the references to the second book are suitably snappy and don’t leave anything crucial out.
Biting the bullet book series#
Therefore the series is back in the realm of the commendable – the whole genre-splitting attitude – the wise-cracking female narrator with all the mental asides the evil side of the world, giving a greater sense of threat to our heroes the first sequel also lacked and what is on whole standard if enjoyable thriller features – all combining in a very satisfactory way. The mystical elements may be too many for some, but while I have to skim over many bits of the life-line type of thing I found the population of monsters etc entertaining. The relocation to Iran seems to allow for a more diverse population of critters, and while they may seem a bit generic, or just plain made-up when surely that region has nasties of its own for Jennifer Rardin to appropriate and employ, they seemed to aid the tale and not dilute the proceedings. I felt the second book opened up too much, and some might say this volume goes too far, but I felt on safer ground here.
Similarly, the relationship side of things, while hitting some bum notes, is a lot improved – it’s not only the brother/sister elements that can rankle with Jaz and make her distracted. Here the thriller element is rather more successful – the mission is tempered with doubt and suspicion and other complexities all the way, for reasons I shouldn’t go into. Thankfully the second volume, which featured undercover work in a Chinese circus, a dragon-themed military weapon, and a downturn in the style, witticisms and enthusiasm had by both the writer and this reader, seems to have been just a blip. Cue more family problems for Jaz, as her pride and ego, and superior knowledge of what goes where when it comes to killing the undead, battle it out, her will-she-won’t-she relationship with the dishy vampire Vayl carries on being at a knifepoint, and the body count just builds and builds amidst some of the strongest action scenes in the series.
A trip to hell (or a dream resembling that) has brought suggestions from Mum that things aren’t going to be getting better, or easier, and tells of jobs unfinished.Īnd someone has decided to combine her CIA-arranged band of ghoul-dispatchers with her twin brother’s own Marines-style combatants. The uberbaddy prevalent throughout the series seems to have got a new dogsbody, The Wizard – one who is able to bring the reavers – soul-eating nasties – back to life as zombie versions that are even harder to kill.
Things aren’t getting better for Jaz Parks, and her gang of undead, near-dead and just plain odd hunter-killers. The nasties, plotting and whole spirit of the book lend themselves to a Bookbag recommendation – especially to fans of the vampire-influenced thriller series. Summary: A Middle Eastern setting does not distinguish this horror thriller as much as it might, but the series is back on track with a more successful third volume.
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