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Death's Rival (Jane Yellowrock #5)

by Faith Hunter (Goodreads Author)

4.3 of 5 stars 4.30 · rating details · 2,382 ratings · 266 reviews

Jane Yellowrock is a shapeshifting skinwalker you don’t want to cross—especially if you’re one of the undead…

For a vampire killer like Jane, having Leo Pellisier as a boss took some getting used to. But now, someone is out to take his place as Master Vampire of the city of New Orleans, and is not afraid to go through Jane to do it. After an attack that’s tantamount to a wa...more

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Published October 2nd 2012 by Roc

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Oct 09, 2012 BamaGal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr-uf, favorites

5 Glowing Stars. Oh, wow; was this book ever a fast-paced, engrossing, fantastic read. This is probably the single best UF book I've ever read...ever... and it has firmly moved this series up to the #1 spot of my favorite series. Yes, it was that good. It is not, however; a story best read standalone. The actual plot of the story is standalone and resolved at the end; but the overarching world of Jane, Beast, and the world she/they inhabit(s) comes to a head in this one. If you don't know the p...more 5 Glowing Stars. Oh, wow; was this book ever a fast-paced, engrossing, fantastic read. This is probably the single best UF book I've ever read...ever... and it has firmly moved this series up to the #1 spot of my favorite series. Yes, it was that good. It is not, however; a story best read standalone. The actual plot of the story is standalone and resolved at the end; but the overarching world of Jane, Beast, and the world she/they inhabit(s) comes to a head in this one. If you don't know the past stories of the series, you will not be able to fully grasp or truly enjoy the changes that are happening in Jane's life, or in her world; and these changes take up a goodly portion of the book. Jane's world, as she and the reader know it, is about to blow wide open and change forever.

In the story this time around, Jane has been sent by Leo to investigate the mysterious illnesses of the Vampire Master of the cities of Seattle and Sedona, Arizona. An unknown vampire entity has somehow managed to infect these Master Vampires with a crippling illness, and then take over their cities; subjugating them and their vamp clans. The other storyline coming into play is that of the murder charge being placed on Jane by the Master Vampire whose enforcer she killed in Raven Cursed; the enforcer who came to her hotel room in Asheville and tried to take her out. Eventually these two story threads work their way together and lead Jane to a Master Vampire who not only wants to take over most of the American vampire clans; but has a sinister and deadly connection to Jane and her skinwalker ancestors. She has also found herself beholden to her off-and-on employer Leo, the MOC of New Orleans. She has publicly claimed to be his enforcer, but does not have the blood bond with him that the vamp world requires to make that a fact. Leo takes care of this issue in a scene that left me reeling; and seriously altered my perception of both him and Bruiser. An ex-Special Forces man enters her life, Eli; along with his teenage, extremely computer savvy brother. The intention is to give her some personal security, and to perhaps have some backup in her enforcer business.

******** Spoilers ahead ********

(view spoiler)

Great book, great series. This is how a UF series is supposed to read. Highly, highly recommended this series. UF just doesn't get any better than this...next up is Blood Trade in April, 2013...(less)

14 likes · like · see review

Nov 07, 2012 Carol rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, urban-fantasy, female-lead, my-library, multi-culti

So I've had a nasty migraine lurking all day, getting breathers for an hour or two after i take some drugs. It's my sister's birthday and she kind of insisted on having lasagna, and by 'insisted,' i mean that she threatened to have a temper-tantrum. So I had to run to the grocery store with a pounding headache because she was only in town for ten days. Drugs kick in again and I'm feeling almost human, so I drop off the groceries with my mom, so she could do the truly dirty work of putting the la...more So I've had a nasty migraine lurking all day, getting breathers for an hour or two after i take some drugs. It's my sister's birthday and she kind of insisted on having lasagna, and by 'insisted,' i mean that she threatened to have a temper-tantrum. So I had to run to the grocery store with a pounding headache because she was only in town for ten days. Drugs kick in again and I'm feeling almost human, so I drop off the groceries with my mom, so she could do the truly dirty work of putting the lasagna together while I tried to recover from the headache. I pretended I was laying down to take a nap but instead read Death's Rival.

Yes, it was that good.

A disease is spreading through the vampires, the first time anyone had heard of vamps getting sick. The illness seems to come with a challenge; accept a new master of the city or die. Jane heads off to Arizona to collect blood samples from the infected and check in on one of Leo's former lovers who is sick. She's attacked. She meets up with the Arizona vamps. She's attacked again. She completes the mission by checking in on Seattle vamps and getting a blood sample from an infected. Then it starts getting convoluted.

Jane starts to realize she's overly dependent on her current network of backup, consisting of Derek and the gang, and her hacker, Reach. Someone's been leaking information to the enemy. She works on developing her business and disentangling herself from reliance on the vampires. A smart move that is more in keeping with Jane's initial character development, so I appreciate a return to her core values. It also provided opportunities for entertaining interactions between her and a pair of brothers, one ex-military and one hacker (a little convenient, but I'm okay with it). Events also spark memories for Jane, so she makes several trips to the sweat lodge. Once again, sections with Aggie One Feather shine as Jane continues her journey of understanding her past and accepting her dual nature. Sections with Beast, her cat-soul, were enjoyable. Hunter achieves an unique voice, but has stepped up Beast's thought process and sophistication as she and Jane continue to actively learn from each other.

Romance readers beware--there isn't much here but hints and flirts. Since I'm not a romance/paranormal romance reader, I enjoyed the fact that there was very little focus on Jane's romantic relationship(s). A section with Rick that made me felt like I was missing an in-between story, although I've bought all her paper books, as there were underlying issues that I don't remember from the last book.

One detraction for me is (view spoiler)

Overall, a good read and a nice step forward in character development. Anything that can grab me despite a headache is something worth reading.(less)

7 likes · like · see review

Nov 25, 2012 Shelley aka Gizmo's Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-releases, borrowed-library

October 2nd 2012 by Roc

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 09, 2012 mrsj rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: must-get-list

Not a bad read, more likely a 3.7 rating for me but Jane has to really decide who the hell she wants??

Everyone is good mate...
Everyone wants a piece of Jane...

Leo... Bruiser... Rick... Eli....

Damn vampire politics.
Damn the crazy vamps.

What I really hope not to read again?
What type of gear she is wearing.. what weapons she has on.
Just go out and kill someone.

And really.. the romance.
Fix it, if not sleep with everyone and move on!

11 likes · like · see review

Mar 25, 2013 Kara-karina rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was another absolutely fabulous addition to Jane Yellowrock urban fantasy series. Even better than the previous couple of books. You know why?

There was an edge of desperation to Jane, and like with all the predators it only made her so much more lethal. I loved this book in all its savage wonders!

Great thing about Death's Rival, - it digs into Jane's childhood, forces her to uncover more of her memories and face her oldest trauma and fears.

She also has to face her current greatest fear and...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 17, 2012 Lexi ♥♥Kitty Noir♥♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of UF, Kick Ass Heroines, Action Lovers, Kate Daniels Fans,

Shelves: favorite-series, urban-fantasy, vampires, bad-ass-and-big-guns, hot-guys, reviewed-by-me

"I was, for the first time in my adult life, essentially homeless, friendless, empty, and alone. "

Damn. Hard times for Jane.

4.5 stars

A few thoughts:

After the events of the Raven Cursed, Jane is alone. The people she was closet to and trusted the most are no longer in her life and she is grieving those loses. Once again Jane has found herself in the middle of vamp drama/politics and is flying by the seat of her pants. She is also trying to hold to her secrets, and she coming closer to being outed...more

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Apr 27, 2013 Marcia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hunter-faith

It's 4:00am here in central Florida. I just finished reading Death's Rival and am totally unable to sleep. A combination of too many kick-butt pneumonia- fighting drugs, or an overdose of kick-butt vampire-killing Jane Yellowrock in action? I can't really decide which. But I figure if I'm wide awake, I may as well use the time for something productive, like reviewing this outstanding addition to Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series. Dang, this book was good! Hands down, the best in a pretty goo...more It's 4:00am here in central Florida. I just finished reading Death's Rival and am totally unable to sleep. A combination of too many kick-butt pneumonia- fighting drugs, or an overdose of kick-butt vampire-killing Jane Yellowrock in action? I can't really decide which. But I figure if I'm wide awake, I may as well use the time for something productive, like reviewing this outstanding addition to Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series. Dang, this book was good! Hands down, the best in a pretty good series, in my opinion.

Jane Yellowrock is a Cherokee skinwalker, who shares her body with Beast, a large mountain lion. Her methods of shifting forms are not like any other I've ever read about, and her past history is quite unusual. The books have grown in complexity over the series (this is #5) and Jane has become more and more fascinating, bimbo-factor cover art notwithstanding.

VERY SLIGHT SPOILER COMMENTS: I was left less than satisfied with the ending of Book #4, Raven Cursed, since I've been a big Rick LeFleur fan from the start of the books, and that relationship was taking a real nose-dive. I had thought what happened to Rick in the previous book, Mercy Blade, would bring the two of them closer, but instead it drove a wedge between them. Of course, there was always Bruiser, the Uber-sexy, but oh-so-bound-to-big-bad-vampire, and thus a blood servant (eewww) that Jane has always been attracted to. Bruiser showed up in this book as even Uber-er Sexy, with new added talents, and all the potential for taking Jane's mind off of Rick. But then along came Eli! Ricky-Bo, and Bruiser, and Eli, oh my! One thing Jane does not lack for in her life is attention from sexy men. Why settle for one love interest, when three could be thrice the fun, eh?

For those more interested in vampire politics, rapid-paced action, and intriguing mysteries, than in the romantic entanglements, there's plenty of that and some to spare, spread out over New Orleans and even into a bayou or two. It was a riveting plot, and I was loving every minute of it...right up to the end. Suddenly, disaster struck. Things happened. People were hurt, including Jane. And then...once again...Jane managed to blow it. GAH. Just when I thought she had it all worked out, and was finally going to get it right, too. Again? *Sigh* Now I HAVE to read Book #6. (I guess there is a method to Faith Hunter's madness, after all.)

Bottom line, if you like well written Urban Fantasy with a focus on interesting Cherokee customs and lore, plenty of action, lots of sexy men lusting for your heroine, and the usual assortment of things that go bump in the night PLUS a few not so usual ones, I recommend this series. If you've been reading it all along, this latest book should really get your attention. Of course, the ending might be a bit disappointing to you, if you prefer your romances to run a bit more smoothly. But then, when you have three men (so far) to choose from, maybe losing one isn't quite such a big deal. Made ME sad, though. Check it out for yourself, and see what YOU think.

Bookin' It (less)

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Apr 23, 2013 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: shifty, urban-fantasy, i-ll-admit-it-i-love-vampires

It's true i just really like these books.

Jane is at it again, this time with her very own team. Eli an ex-ranger and his brother Alex Aka the Kid aka Stinky a juvenile delinquent hacker with skills that rival Reach's, have moved into Jane's NOLA house. They come with the skills to pay the bills plus Eli cooks a mean steak.

Jane's claim of being Leo's Enforcer is really coming back to haunt her, not only has she potentially started the largest vamp war in human memory but she has opened herself...more

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Mar 26, 2013 Barbara rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love Faith Hunter's books because each one raises the stakes (pun intended) a little higher. Death’s Rival is the fifth book in this series, and I'm eagerly waiting for book six, Blood Trade, released on April 2, 2013. I recommend this entire series, and, although, you can pick up any Jane Yellowrock book to start, I urge you to go out and buy all five existing books and buy Blood Trade on April 2. If you're tired of vampire stories that romanticize the vampires, then Faith Hunter's series is...more I love Faith Hunter's books because each one raises the stakes (pun intended) a little higher. Death’s Rival is the fifth book in this series, and I'm eagerly waiting for book six, Blood Trade, released on April 2, 2013. I recommend this entire series, and, although, you can pick up any Jane Yellowrock book to start, I urge you to go out and buy all five existing books and buy Blood Trade on April 2. If you're tired of vampire stories that romanticize the vampires, then Faith Hunter's series is for you.

"I'm Jane Yellowrock, and I used to kill vamps for a living. Until I started working for them. It wasn't easy money, and I'd dumped the contract with Leo Pellissier, the chief fanghead of the Southeastern U.S., when the retainer ran out."
p. 1, Death's Rival

At the age of twelve, Jane Yellowrock wandered out of the woods naked, unable to communicate, and without any memories of her former life. In her adult life, she knows she's a Skinwalker, the Cherokee version of a shapeshifter designated to protect the people, and she harbors the life of a mountain lion within her. The mountain lion, Beast, has her own thoughts and ideas, and Jane's pretty sure no other Skinwalker shared their body with another animal. Few people know she's a Skinwalker, and no one knows about Beast.

The combo of Jane and Beast makes an incredible fighting duo, but to say things aren't going well for Jane is an understatement. A plague-like disease has spread through the vampire community and the MOCs in the cities stricken with this disease have yielded their authority to an unknown vampire without following the rules of the Vampira Carta. Jane's guilt over losing several vampires and people on her watch plunges her back into the MOC's employ in order to find out who this mysterious master might be and where the disease came from.

And it gets worse. She has blood on her hands and the man she killed during her last contract is the key to all of Leo Pellisier's problems. Forget the fact that it was in self-defense. If Jane can't fix this, all of the vamps under the MOC of New Orleans' protection will die or become slaves to this unknown vampire. What that will do to the world, she shudders to think.

As Jane follows a trail to Sedona, Seattle, and back, she discovers dark secrets about her past and learns about the man who tried to annihilate her kind, the Skinwalkers.(less)

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Feb 09, 2013 Terry rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jane Yellowfeather has always walked alone, with few real friends, no family and a past she only remembers in snatches. She is a tough, blunt skinwalker, able to take the shape of any animal from whom she has a bit of DNA, and she makes a living hunting down rogue vampires. And in a world where vampires don't sparkle in the sun and like their meals fresh from the source, a "rogue" vampire is not a Disney character. While I love the urban fantasy aspects of these novels (and especially adore Beas...more

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Dec 31, 2012 drey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads

I’ve loved Jane Yellowrock – and Beast – since I picked up Skinwalker, and every installment in this series fleshes her out just that much more. Death’s Rival is no different, and has Jane confronting some very hard facts about her background. Facts that leave her aware of her own weaknesses and failures. But also facts that strengthen her resolve to be the best person she can be.

And that would not be someone who would walk away from Leo Pellisier, especially when he’s facing a threat – one that...more

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Dec 07, 2012 Kathy Davie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, urban

Fifth in the Jane Yellowrock urban fantasy series based in New Orleans and revolving around a skinwalker who works security for a kiss of vampires.

My Take
Arghhhh!!! I do NOT want to have to wait until April 2 for Blood Trade . No…don't make me!! Faith Hunter, you are so unfair leaving us as you did in Death's Rival!

This was so excellent! Resolves that Rick/Jane question that's been floating around GR! Even as it opens some new ones. We learn about a very formative episode in Jane's childhood and...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Kat Klein rated it 4 of 5 stars

Vampires are getting sick. And they want to know why. Once again, Jane is off working for the Vamps, this time to figure out what plague is killing them off.

An unknown enemy has targeted Leo for takeover, using the killing in Ashville as his excuse. And Jane takes the blame. Fortunately Aggie doesn't let her wallow in guilt this time. Go Aggie! So a much less angst ridden Jane has to stop a vampire plague and a takeover, as well as figure out who the mole is in their midst.

This one was one of m...more Vampires are getting sick. And they want to know why. Once again, Jane is off working for the Vamps, this time to figure out what plague is killing them off.

An unknown enemy has targeted Leo for takeover, using the killing in Ashville as his excuse. And Jane takes the blame. Fortunately Aggie doesn't let her wallow in guilt this time. Go Aggie! So a much less angst ridden Jane has to stop a vampire plague and a takeover, as well as figure out who the mole is in their midst.

This one was one of my favorites to date. Although I have to disagree strongly with Beast on this one. I've gained some respect for Bruiser, but lost any respect I had for Leo. Blood Rape and a forced binding is still rape. And Leo raped Jane. Whether or not he meant to the second time, he also bound Beast.

This book definitely falls into the Urban Fantasy category rather than the Paranormal Romance, which is good. Even so, and even knowing big cats don't mate for life, Jane has got to take a look at her romantic entanglements. Leo? Seriously? If Jane wants to be first in someones life it sure isn't him. He has his duties as MOC meaning he has to protect his people which could be lived with. But the forced Blood Binding? He has no respect for Jane whatever other feelings he may thing he has for her. Bruiser? Yeah, he cares for Jane, but his first loyalty will always be to Leo. Even if he'd rather it was otherwise. Rick? Yeah, I think Ricky Bo really does love Jane, but what with the were taint and his job? Bad prospect all around. Besides - even if he didn't actually sleep with the Werecat? He was playing her... what would have happened if his job required him to do so? I think he'd have done it. Beast needs to take a closer look at her prospective mates. She'd be even less happy with sharing than Jane would.

Personally? I'm hoping she takes another look at Eli. Granted he's "only human" but it'd be kind of nice to see the humans as something other than cattle or second class in an Urban Fantasy setting. and this prospective partnership they're talking about. I think it could be a great thing for Jane and for the series.

All in all, as I said, this one was one of my favorites. I'm really going to go crazy waiting for the next.(less)

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Oct 14, 2012 Sheyla rated it 3 of 5 stars

Jane, our little Vampire Hunter is still working for Leo. She is now sent to two different states to retrieve blood samples from sick vampires.
A new master is getting vampires under his wing, if they don't plegde to him, they get infected with a disease that can kill them.
During these two trips, Jane is attacked. Again, Beast comes to the rescue.
As Leo's Enforcer she is to have a blood Bond with Leo. She is trying to avoid this.
Jane decides to hire two guys to form her own team. The older broth...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Kristin (MyBookishWays Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars

You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2012/10/...

Jane is working for Leo Pellesier again and he’s got her hunting down the cause of a vampire plague that’s being spread by a mysterious alpha vamp. He’s making MOCs (Master of the City) and their minions sick, and forcing them to recognize him as their master before offering them the cure. There might be a traitor in their midst too. Jane is soon thrown into a maelstrom of murder and carnage, and it’s not helping that she’...more You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2012/10/...

Jane is working for Leo Pellesier again and he’s got her hunting down the cause of a vampire plague that’s being spread by a mysterious alpha vamp. He’s making MOCs (Master of the City) and their minions sick, and forcing them to recognize him as their master before offering them the cure. There might be a traitor in their midst too. Jane is soon thrown into a maelstrom of murder and carnage, and it’s not helping that she’s not exactly in the best place, emotionally. She’s lost two of the most important people in the world to her in one fell swoop, and feels more alone than ever. With a new bodyguard, Eli, and his hacker brother at her back, Jane prepares for war, because war has been declared, and it will be epic.

Just when I think this series can’t get better, along comes the next book. Death’s Rival is the most personal of the bunch as Jane gets to the bottom of the tragedy that happened to her as a child, and subsequently shaped her entire future. Faith Hunter packs a lot into these books and has created a rich, fully realized world for Jane and her crew. Jane’s dual nature is fascinating, and Jane may still be the star, but Beast is starting to give her a run for her money.

You won’t find light and fluffy in these books. You’ll find a very complex, strong, wounded heroine who constantly questions her own violent nature, while longing to share herself with someone that understands her. I’ll be honest, I love Ricky-Bo, but Bruiser is my number one pick for Jane, but she’s constantly at odds with his undeniable connection to Leo, but is unable to ignore the smolder between her and Bruiser. How Faith Hunter manages to make a scene that has no sex in it whatsoever so darn hot, I have no idea, but she does it, to delicious effect. Death’s Rival is full of revelations and startling discoveries, and is a game changer for Jane, and for this series. Faith Hunter just took things to a whole different level with Death’s Rival, and you can bet I’ll be there for the next book. If you haven’t discovered this superb series yet, what are you waiting for?(less)

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Sep 20, 2012 Fangs for the Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Vampire Masters of the City across the US are being afflicted by a plague. Which should be impossible – vampires are immune to disease. Yet Sedona and Seattle have both been afflicted – and when in their weakened state, they were threatened with take over. Both cities now look to a new, unknown master. And to make it even more worrying, some of Leo’s own vampires are being afflicted with the disease.

Time for Jane Yellowrock to do some investigating, using her new team to track down how the disea...more Vampire Masters of the City across the US are being afflicted by a plague. Which should be impossible – vampires are immune to disease. Yet Sedona and Seattle have both been afflicted – and when in their weakened state, they were threatened with take over. Both cities now look to a new, unknown master. And to make it even more worrying, some of Leo’s own vampires are being afflicted with the disease.

Time for Jane Yellowrock to do some investigating, using her new team to track down how the disease came about, where it is from, how it is being transmitted – and, ultimately, who is behind it. But the mystery vampire has far more than the disease at his command and Jane quickly finds herself under attack – and Leo facing a fullscale war; all complicated by there being a spy in the ranks.

Through all this, Jane’s secret Skinwalker identity is yet further frayed, even as more of her forgotten past emerges and she has a painful reminder of how difficult and dangerous it is to get involved with vampires – even vampires she thought she could trust.

I loved this book, it seemed to get just about everything right with the balance.

The story is an excellent mix of action and investigation. The unknown enemy spreading disease isn’t a force they can just take down nor is it something they can just hunker down and defend against. It’s not a mystery since there are no clues we’re expected to follow, but nor is it a series of loosely connected fight scenes. There’s a plot to follow, a nice, tense tracking down of the clues while trying to protect themselves all of which has the added complication of there being a leak in Leo’s organisation. The pacing was excellent, there was no down time even when Jane was exhausted, the plot didn’t get distracted or deviated and at no point did it start to drag – which can be a problem with mysteries as the questions build up and there’s no concrete actions to take or answers given. Instead we had solutions and answers, appropriate red herrings and show down moments, clever plans, interesting plots and a chance to truly see the new characters introduced.

I also liked how much the emotional impact of what was happening wasn’t downplayed. Jane has been through several losses of friends and that still haunts her. Trauma leaves her shocked and stunned – even in shock. Killing people, torturing people bothers her and preys on her mind. They’re not just downplayed events that just happen and they move on, but nor do they require chapters of self-pitying angst as well. It’s a nice balance and really well executed.

I liked the character development and interaction- Jane realising how she sees things differently since working with the vampires, in particularly how money has affected her. Going from having to count the pennies to being able to casually lay out large sums of money – to Reach, for plane tickets, to fund her 2 new employees. In turn that reflects on her willingness to keep working for the vampires even when she has strong reason not to – because can anyone underestimate the value of such financial confidence?

The way the supernatural touches Jane has also developed – I love the way her secret being revealed is being handled. She is trying to hodl what secrets she can and not having a big reveal moment, but nor is she trying to pretend to be fully human when it’s blatantly obvious to everyone that she isn’t. She isn’t happy with her skinwalker status being more known, but she’s not whimpering and trying to put it back in the bag – she’s living with it and making it work for her.

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Sep 06, 2012 Mud rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Review: Death’s Rival

The latest installment of Jane Yellowrock’s story, Death’s Rival could also be called Jane’s Revenge.

Jane walked out of the forest as a young child, without memory of who she was and not speaking. As an adult she becomes a vampire hunter, killing rogue vampires for a living. I guess it’s as good a profession as any.

In Skinwalker we discover Jane’s dark world, a universe filled with vampires and Jane, the last (?) Cherokee Skinwalker. Skinwalkers are able to shift into variou...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Melindeeloo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, vampires, shapeshifters

Vampire masters are being hit by a plague from which even their legendary healing powers can't save them and then, when they are at their sickest, they are being forced to submit to a new mysterious master in order to get the cure and if that threat is not bad enough, as Leo's self proclaimed 'Enforcer', Jane's past actions trigger a call for bloody old school vengeance against Leo's clan.

Death's Rival was really hard for me to rate because the setup was really good and the ending was epic with...more

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Mar 12, 2013 Jaymie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I first discovered Jane Yellowrock in a few short stories that were published in compilations with other authors in the genre, but it was the crossover novella "Easy Pickings" done with C.E. Murphy's Joanne Walker character that got me hooked. I was online purchasing the first Jane book, "Skinwalker", before I was even halfway through the story!

This series uses New Orleans as the backdrop, which is beautifully and lovingly detailed, providing a rich and vibrant fabric in which the stories unfold...more I first discovered Jane Yellowrock in a few short stories that were published in compilations with other authors in the genre, but it was the crossover novella "Easy Pickings" done with C.E. Murphy's Joanne Walker character that got me hooked. I was online purchasing the first Jane book, "Skinwalker", before I was even halfway through the story!

This series uses New Orleans as the backdrop, which is beautifully and lovingly detailed, providing a rich and vibrant fabric in which the stories unfold. And I do mean unfold, for the characters are just as complex as the setting and new layers are always being explored. Jane Yellowrock is a Harley riding Cherokee by descent, a rouge vamp hunter/sercurity expert by trade, and a tough chick by necessity. She also just happens to be one of the last skinwalkers, sharing her body with the soul of Beast, a cougar with an attitude. But I also like the that she has a soft inner core that has remained intact (if a bit battered) despite rough handling and bitter betrayal by her ex. Jane still finds herself in the untenable position of having to work for the very vamps that she would normally be hunting, serving as Enforcer for the grand poohbah vamp in the New Oreleans territory.

In this, the fifth installment in the series, Jane (while still on the job for the vamps) comes into her own a bit more by assembling her own tactical ops team and leaving the NO area to solve a mystery. Vamps are sickening and dying, an unheard of event...until now. A natural phenomena or a hostile vamp takeover plot? Hmmm... Although Jane is still coming to terms from some disturbing events in her past, she is supported by an increasingly interesting cast of secondary characters, some human and some not.

This is a fast paced, action packed read that you will find hard to put down. It can surely be read as an action/mystery stand alone novel, but is much better if you have an understanding of the rich character development that is occuring. Read this and get hooked, and then go back and start with Skinwalker. You won't be sorry!

I've already preordered and am anxiously awaiting Blood Trade, the next book in the series due out in April 2013. (less)

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Nov 02, 2012 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

The plot is well summarized by others, so I'll skip to my impressions. Overall, Death's Rival is fantastic. The action is great, if gruesome at times. The main story is interesting, and the resolution of it is great!

As always, Jane doesn't hesitate to do what must be done, despite the internal angst it causes her; she's still got the (sometimes frustrating) overactive guilt complex, but overall seems to be letting some of that go. Loved her growing acceptance of what she is, and getting to see m

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Oct 04, 2012 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampire, vampires, shapeshifters, skin-walker, paranormal-romance, paranormal

Someone has created a plague that is infecting the vampires. Although vampires are supposed to be immune to all disease, they are becoming increasingly ill. It seems that there is an unknown vampire secretly taking over each area that becomes infected with this plague. Leo Pelliser, Master Vamp of New Orleans has requested Jane Yellowrock’s help in finding the source of this new threat. Jane becomes the focus of this new unknown vampire and a blood feud is imminent.

Faith Hunter is a beautiful s...more

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Dec 20, 2012 Mindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jane is in big trouble again. Repercussions from her claiming to be Leo's Enforcer are coming to fruition. Rick has joined Psy-led investigations, Bruiser almost dies and comes back "almost" a vampire, Leo and his seconds force Jane to be blood bound and the vamp war may be all her fault. Beast is still upset from her run in with the guardian angel and isn't very helpful to Jane. The Vampire that is challenging Leo is a known to have killed all the skinwalkers that he could and will recognize Ja...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, read-in-2012, urban-fantasy, favorite-series

The 5th Jane Yellowrock book delivers as much action and fun as the last four. Things are heating up in the Vampire community when a mysterious vamp begins challenging other masters and taking them down with a deadly plague that can render them true-dead. Jane, as Leo's enforcer, has to help stop the mystery vamp only to discover her own actions in Asheville are being used as a thinly veiled excuse for this all-out vamp war.

The book was action-packed and fast paced with strong writing, strong c...more

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Oct 17, 2012 Jackie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was a little uncertain at the start of this book, it seemed a little slower than previous ones, but it all came good in the end.

Each book, while being a complete adventure on its own, also is slowly and surely showing us more and more of Jane Yellowrock, who she is, what she is, what she is capable of. Of course, this also involves her relationships with those around her, and the many complications. Her 'inner self' has her own thoughts, which can confuse things!

The book finished on a high, I...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Alicia Maybach rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hero-to-die-for, southern-indulgence, the-very-best, urban-fantasy, vamps

One of the very best in the Jane Yellowrock series. Death's Rival practically blew my head out of the water! I could not put the book down, and then when it was finished I felt like sobbing for more.

The action in this installment is intense. Starting almost from page one, and it just keeps going.

Our trusty heroine, Jane is hunting this time for a cause to a mysterious aliment infecting vampires and their blood servants. The case takes her to multiple locals, and of course her current residence o...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have to say, I didn't love the last Jane Yellowrock book, but this one came back for me with a vengeance. I was absolutely enthralled in the story from the beginning to the unexpected ending --which left me gaping like a fish.

This latest installment follows Jane as she investigates a mysterious illness that is infecting some of the vampires. It seems an unnamed vamp is making a power-play, using the illness to force other vampires to swear fealty to him. Leo thinks it's the same person who att...more I have to say, I didn't love the last Jane Yellowrock book, but this one came back for me with a vengeance. I was absolutely enthralled in the story from the beginning to the unexpected ending --which left me gaping like a fish.

This latest installment follows Jane as she investigates a mysterious illness that is infecting some of the vampires. It seems an unnamed vamp is making a power-play, using the illness to force other vampires to swear fealty to him. Leo thinks it's the same person who attacked his people and he wants the threat identified and neutralized. Even though Jane was planning to stop working for him, the money was too good to pass up one last job.

There's a lot going on here. One of my big complaints in the last book was how Jane's personal life felt ignored for much of the book. Not here. Jane is mourning the loss of Rick (though to be honest, I hadn't realized they had broken up.) She is still crazy-hot for Bruiser. And there is even a new guy in the mix (I'll get to that in a minute.) The Rick issue didn't bother me -- I have never been a big fan of his and after the whole cheating thing, I was ready for him to get lost. Bruiser, on the other hand... Well, I've always had a soft spot for Bruiser. But every time I feel the slightest bit validated in these feelings, Faith Hunter pees in my Cheerios and reminds me that he will never put Jane first. And while the near-sexual encounters are hot, they're getting old. Do it, don't do it, or move on.

Then, all of a sudden there is Eli. At this point, I started having Anita Blake flashbacks. No, wait, hear me out. The writing here is much, much better here. There is no comparison on that front. And Jane is not having dirty monkey sex with 15 guys. But... every time I open one of these books, I am hoping that we'll narrow down her pool of potential love interests. And instead, it keeps growing. Add to that, the very premise that Jane is a former vampire hunter who now uses her bad-ass killing skill to work for her one-time enemy. Add to that, she is beginning to sympathize with the monsters. She becomes part of their clan. And she's got all kinds of really conflicted personal morality she is trying to work out. It is very reminiscent of pre-porn Anita in those ways. (Though again, with much better writing.)

I don't understand Jane's choices, especially in the second half. Something Very Disturbing happens to her and it utterly baffles me why she does not cut her losses and get the hell out of dodge Why she would want to do anything for Person-X after what happens makes no sense to me. She should hate that person! And then, in the end, she's really screwed. (*sigh*)

Though I didn't love everything that happened, I most assuredly did not want to put this book down. And I am ~~scared~~ eager to see what happens next.

Rating: B+

*ARC Provided by Roc(less)

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Oct 14, 2012 Traci (Mad Hatter Reads) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow! Death's Rival starts off strong and doesn't let up. Jane faces betrayals, demons from her own forgotten past, and is thrust into the heart of war between two master vampires.

Jane is once again working for Leo Pellisier (Master of the City of New Orleans and the Southeast US) and as a plague spreads through the vampire world, Leo sends his self-proclaimed Enforcer out to find answers. As Jane investigates, threads tie back to events that occurred in Ashville in book 4, Raven Cursed, and eve...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Michelle Leah Olson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: literal-addiction-books, reviewed

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Guest Reviewer - Kathy M:

Faith Hunter’s latest installment in her Jane Yellowrock series, Death’s Rival is one of the best books that I have read all year.

I’m a big fan of this series, so I was expecting to enjoy the book, but Death’s Rival blew me out of the water.

Jane is still adjusting to working for Leo, the Master of the City of New Orleans. And while the pay is great and the work is never boring, she still questions the wisdom of working for the vampire...more

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Mar 26, 2013 Ian rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of Patricia Briggs

Shelves: c-vampires-werewolves-witches

After killing an old vampire's enforcer in book 4, Raven Cursed, Jane once again finds herself at the centre of trouble. The old vampire has decided to exact his revenge on Jane and Leo and he's got the perfect weapon to do it with. A disease that leaves even the most powerful vampires weak and bleeding.

Death's Rival is great urban fantasy and I wouldn't have had a single complaint if it ended at the natural conclusion to the story. I get a little annoyed when authors hit you with something in...more

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Sep 30, 2012 Annie (Under the Covers Book Blog) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, author-faith-hunter, series-jane-yellowrock, books-i-own, read-in-2012, review-requests, shifters, genre-urban-fantasy, vampires

Posted on Under the Covers

The impossible has occurred. Vampires are now victims in a plague that is stretching across Seattle and Sedona. More and more vampires are being taken down due to this outbreak. This shouldn’t happen. Vampires should be immune to disease, and yet Jane Yellowrock gains further proof that curse is spreading as she sees the deterioration in people who should be eternally resilient. Sent in to investigate, Jane Yellowrock is placed right in the center of it all. Added to th...more Posted on Under the Covers

The impossible has occurred. Vampires are now victims in a plague that is stretching across Seattle and Sedona. More and more vampires are being taken down due to this outbreak. This shouldn’t happen. Vampires should be immune to disease, and yet Jane Yellowrock gains further proof that curse is spreading as she sees the deterioration in people who should be eternally resilient. Sent in to investigate, Jane Yellowrock is placed right in the center of it all. Added to that is the fact that now she finds herself working for Leo Pelliser, the Vampire Master of New Orleans. In a sudden and very high threat, Jane is placed right in the center of the action when someone looks to take over Leo’s land. War is coming and Jane knows what she will be doing – she will fight to the bitter end.

DEATH’S RIVAL is book five in the Jane Yellowrock series. Expert storytelling makes this book a very easy read. So tightly-written and perfectly-paced, Hunter gives readers no excuse to gobble this right up.

Readers get a more in-depth look into Jane’s personal history. Her skinwalker identity makes her unique. With a Beast inside her, Jane has another weapon in her arsenal. But this weapon is also her weakness. Her memories are frayed and putting the pieces together is much more difficult than she anticipated. I loved reading about this side of her. It makes Jane feel more down-to-earth, more vulnerable, more real.

Hunter showcases her talent as a storyteller as she expertly weaves a story that is action-packed and smoothly written. There is plenty to action to keep readers satisfied yet, Hunter knows when to slow down and give readers a chance to breathe and take in events. There were no slow moments in this book, nothing that could be taken out because it was frivolous. Everything inside this book needed to be there and that’s a true testament to Hunter’s writing. This book is compacted with suspense, secrets and shocking events!

Fans who enjoy Patricia Briggs’ novels will surely find Jane Yellowrock and her world enjoyable. With her Cheerokee heritage, her Beast prowling just beneath the surface and the action that Hunter brings forth, readers will find a new heroine to wish they were friends with!

*ARC provided by publisher(less)

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About Faith Hunter

Faith Hunter's Skinwalker series is dark urban fantasy, featuring Jane Yellowrock, a full blooded Cherokee and hunter of rogue-vampires. Skinwalker, Blood Cross, Mercy Blade, Raven Cursed, Death's Rival, & Blood Trade. Jane Yellowrock is a shape changer (shapeshifter) in a world of weres, witches, vampires, and other supernats.

Her Rogue Mage novels—Bloodring, Seraphs, and Host—feature Thorn St...more

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“Hey, uh, you know. Um. If you’re alive, uh, call me." I looked at the screen and said, "It's Jane." I closed the phone, thinking, Lame. I am so lame.” — 12 people liked it

“Walk softly and carry a big stick. Or stomp loudly and carry enough firepower to start a small war. Whatever worked” — 11 people liked it

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Death's Rival (Jane Yellowrock #5)

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