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This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, #5)
by Jeaniene Frost (Goodreads Author)
by Jeaniene Frost (Goodreads Author)
Quinn's review
bookshelves: paranormal-romance, library-book, urban-fantasy
Apr 09, 11
bookshelves: paranormal-romance, library-book, urban-fantasy
Read from April 05 to 06, 2011
Pardon me while I have a little rant. If you’re going to do a spin-off series, then it should be able to be read independently of the original series. Otherwise, it’s not really a spin-off series now, is it? It’s just all part of the one same series. You should NOT be able to spoil either series by not reading the spin-off series in between books of the original series, and vice versa.
Although Frost’s Night Huntress World series is supposed to be a spin-off, it really isn’t. It doesn’t just compliment the original series, it’s actually just the SAME FREAKING SERIES. So if you don’t read them strictly in order (and by that, I mean the spin-off books MUST be read in between specific Night Huntress books), then the Night Huntress World books will be completely spoiled, and the Night Huntress books wont make any sense.
It’s pretty damn rude of a writer to force readers to start and continue a second series just so they know what the hell is going on in the first one. VERY BAD FORM, no matter how enjoyable the books. Because readers don’t deserve to have MAJOR spoilers just because they don’t anticipate or expect that it is critical for the two series to be read in a very specific order, here it is (so far):
Halfway to the Grave
One Foot in the Grave
At Grave's End
Destined for an Early Grave
First Drop of Crimson
Eternal Kiss of Darkness
This Side of the Grave
In other words, don’t read this one until you have read the first two of the Night Huntress World “spin-off” series. OK…. So that ended up being a bigger rant than I had anticipated, but it really p*sses me off. So much so, that I have very little energy left for an actual review, but let me just say this:
I enjoyed This Side of the Grave, but it was very episodic. By that, I mean that it was exclusively plot driven with no character or relationship development to speak of, and the plot itself didn’t have a lot of relevance or impact outside of this particular book.
That said, I enjoyed Frost’s writing again, and it was nice to see Cat and Bones’ relationship back on track and Cat continuing to mature. Oh, and for what it’s worth, I didn’t at all find chapter 21 to be the new chapter 32 – not even close – so temper your expectations there.
It’s great to hear that Vlad will be the star of the next “spin-off” *cough* book, because he outshone Bones in this one.
3.5 stars
Although Frost’s Night Huntress World series is supposed to be a spin-off, it really isn’t. It doesn’t just compliment the original series, it’s actually just the SAME FREAKING SERIES. So if you don’t read them strictly in order (and by that, I mean the spin-off books MUST be read in between specific Night Huntress books), then the Night Huntress World books will be completely spoiled, and the Night Huntress books wont make any sense.
It’s pretty damn rude of a writer to force readers to start and continue a second series just so they know what the hell is going on in the first one. VERY BAD FORM, no matter how enjoyable the books. Because readers don’t deserve to have MAJOR spoilers just because they don’t anticipate or expect that it is critical for the two series to be read in a very specific order, here it is (so far):
Halfway to the Grave
One Foot in the Grave
At Grave's End
Destined for an Early Grave
First Drop of Crimson
Eternal Kiss of Darkness
This Side of the Grave
In other words, don’t read this one until you have read the first two of the Night Huntress World “spin-off” series. OK…. So that ended up being a bigger rant than I had anticipated, but it really p*sses me off. So much so, that I have very little energy left for an actual review, but let me just say this:
I enjoyed This Side of the Grave, but it was very episodic. By that, I mean that it was exclusively plot driven with no character or relationship development to speak of, and the plot itself didn’t have a lot of relevance or impact outside of this particular book.
That said, I enjoyed Frost’s writing again, and it was nice to see Cat and Bones’ relationship back on track and Cat continuing to mature. Oh, and for what it’s worth, I didn’t at all find chapter 21 to be the new chapter 32 – not even close – so temper your expectations there.
It’s great to hear that Vlad will be the star of the next “spin-off” *cough* book, because he outshone Bones in this one.
3.5 stars
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Reading Progress
| 04/06/2011 | page 82 |
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23.0% |
""Before we go, I gotta know: If mind-reading abilities are real, there's something else I wondered if fiction got right about vampires--" "Ask me if I sparkle and I'll kill you where you stand," Bones cut him off with utmost seriousness. " 2 comments |
| 04/06/2011 | page 134 |
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38.0% |
""What the hell was that?" I gasped. "Premature inflamulation," he replied. "Happens sometimes. Very embarrassing, I don't like to talk about it." " 7 comments |
| 04/08/2011 | page 357 |
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100.0% | 1 comment |
Comments (showing 1-50 of 50) (50 new)
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Catherine
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Apr 09, 2011 10:23pm
I'm glad to hear that Vlad is getting a book, but I completely agree with you. It's not a separate series if you have to read them both to follow the storyline.
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I'm so peeved about that (if you couldn't already tell). It's enough for me to want to walk away in disgust, but I'm enjoying the series too much!
I think Vlad outshone Bones in the last one too. I am glad he's getting a series. That said, I haven't read the Mencheres book (because I found him blah in the regular series), and I don't really want to. For a ton of other reasons, I don't know that I will ever read this book either, but if I do, will I be lost without reading the Mencheres book?
I haven't read the Mencheres book either, Katyana, because I didn't know you had to read it before this one. The only obvious problem I can see is that you will wonder who the hell his girlfriend is and where she came from. Other than that, you should be fine (although I don't know what I don't know). You probably should read First Drop of Crimson first, though (Spade's book).
Cool, I did read Spade's book (it was okay). I honestly can't decide whether to read this one. I liked the series until the last book, at which point I pretty much hated both Cat and Bones - they treated each other so horribly that I don't even want to see them together any more. I think Vlad was the only character I still liked, at the end of that one.
That's what happened to me as well, Katyana. I just said screw it and moved on. I'll read Vlad's book when it comes out though. ;)
I feel the exact same way. If you're going to do the spin off, great, but don't make it 'requirement read' for the initial series. I LOVE the Night Huntress series but I have to say, that teed me off. The Night Huntress World, IMHO was supposed to just be about some of our favorite character's lives and not interfere but to enhance the Night Huntress series. I haven't had time to start This Side of the Grave yet but after hearing about this I feel like not reading it at all. I'm in a crappy mood, LOL, taking it out on Cat & Bones!
I'll read it soon, I've got a stack to get through and reviews to write but I will get to it eventually :o)
Nice review, Quinn! It was really thorough and well put together!
Katyana wrote: "Cool, I did read Spade's book (it was okay). I honestly can't decide whether to read this one. I liked the series until the last book, at which point I pretty much hated both Cat and Bones - th..."
FWIW, Cat and Bones are definitely back on track in this one. That said, while I enjoyed it, it's not one of the best books in the series.
Kristi wrote: "I feel the exact same way. If you're going to do the spin off, great, but don't make it 'requirement read' for the initial series. I LOVE the Night Huntress series but I have to say, that teed me o..."Thanks, Kristi! It really teed me off, too. I am enjoying the books in both series, but it really riles me that they are so dependant on each other. I should be able to choose whether or not to read the spin-off books, dammit!
Awesome rantview, Quinn! ITA! I'm reading TSOTG right now & even though I've read these series in order, I'm still confused about some of the things Cat & Bones mention. Frost should definitely get real & be upfront about her fans being fucked if they read TSOTG without reading the "spin off" series first. Spade's story was good by Menchy's sucked a big one. Emo-osity is an art form & the only guy I know who can pull it off flawlessly is Sam from Shiver/Linger.
Was Mencheres super-emo? That's what I expected, from his "Oh noes, my ex-wife is trying to kill me, but I can't man up and take the bitch out" in the regular series. Quinn, that's sort of good to hear (that they are back on track), but I just... feel like they crossed a line in the last book that made them unworkable for me. I can't root for them to be together, because they treat each other horribly, and bring out the absolute worst in each other. The last book, I felt like I was spying on an abusive relationship. It was mildly sickening.
Katyana wrote: "The last book, I felt like I was spying on an abusive relationship. It was mildly sickening. "+1
Oh yeah, he was super-emo. And bland. No personality whatsoever.The last book, I felt like I was spying on an abusive relationship. It was mildly sickening.
I'm not saying that Cat & Bones relationship in the last book was amazing. It was a tad disturbing. But how is their relationship any different from Mac & Barrons relationship in Moning's "Fever" series? It's abusive as hell, yet fans jump on it like crack. At least with C & B, I know they love each despite the things they say & do to each other. Their relationship isn't perfect but who the hells relationship is?
I actually haven't read the Fever series, so I can't say. *shrug*For me, I am down with an imperfect relationship - god knows I fight like a tiger at times. As long as I feel like they are: a) still in love with each other, beneath the fighting, and b) are not destructive for each other... then I can still root for the relationship. But C & B crossed that line for me. I know they didn't for everyone else, but for me, I feel like there is nothing there to root for. I feel like, in the last book, they are frankly better off - and even happier, ffs - apart.
LethalLovely~Trust in Me & Fall As Well wrote: "Awesome rantview, Quinn! ITA! I'm reading TSOTG right now & even though I've read these series in order, I'm still confused about some of the things Cat & Bones mention. Frost should definitely get..."Thanks, Lethal! That's a shame to hear that Menchy's book is a dud. I know that some readers love him, but he has always been a little bland to me, so I was hoping his book would turn my opinion around. I guess not.
I didn't have the same reaction to Cat & Bones fighting in DFAEG as you, Katyana and Catherine. Maybe it was because that was all I'd heard about the book so I was expecting it? *shrugs*I'm thinking you wont like Barrons from the Fever series, Katyana! Lethal, I am one of his crack fans!
LOL! I too have been strucked by the occasional desire to bone Barrons. Then I bleach my brain & promise myself it will never happen again. *shudder*@ Katyana: Like Quinn, I didn't have quite the same reaction you did. While the situation was super horrible, I felt it was needed. I applauded Bones for finally calling Cat out on her shit. I don't think their relationship is all that abusive. Would you mind explaining what exactly crossed the line for you?
Thank you so much for this review, Quinn! You have saved me (and others who haven't read/not up-to-date with this series)a world of grief, about being spoiled by not reading the "spin-off" books, in between the Night Huntress books. The "spin-off" is called Night Huntress WORLD, right? Hmm...I wonder if the author actually said on her website that they are side stories that should still be read in the order of the series, or not?You have me intrigued about Vlad!
Thanks, Jayne. I hate spoilers and I know there must be others out there like me. I did check JF's website after I read this one, and there was nothing (that I could find) to indicate these series could spoil each other. In fact, she says "Both Spade and Mencheres’s books will be stand-alone novels, not the start of a new series. They will be set in current times, with their story lines running parallel to the Night Huntress series." Not so. They DO run parallel, and that is why each spoils the other with some pretty major developments. :(
Oh, and Vlad is a brilliant character! I can't wait for you to meet him. He had some of the best lines in this one, LOL.
Oh, I agree with you! The book made sense for the most part, but there some things there that left me thinking 'huh?', which were obviously from the other two side bookes. SO irritating.Charlaine Harris did that for a bit, with plot points from short stories referenced, then ended up saying she wasn't going to do it anymore given the feedback she had, I think.
I'm glad it's not just me, Sazbah! Hmmm. Maybe I should provide JF with my feedback! It's funny, I didn't notice that at all with Charlaine Harris. Was it the Sookie series? I haven't read any of her others.
Yep. There was specifically something about the cousin (Hadley?) dying, and Sophie-Anne coming out to tell Sookie personally, but it happened in a side-story. Wasn't as crucial as this. Was so annoying, but I sill ADORE the books. TY for your review!
LOL! Thanks, Sazbah. I had a pretty big gap between those books and my memory fails me at the best of times, so I probably just figured I had forgotten about it.It's lucky I like JF's books so much, or I would have stopped reading them in (silent and futile) protest. Don't want to be cutting off my nose, though!
i read your review for this book and i was wondering if thats why im confused about something....on page 103 Cat talks bout Denise having demonically altered blood and being a shapeshifter and also talks have a relationship with Spade and i was wondering if thats from Denise's book??? and should i be looking for anything else that wouldnt have been explained in the Night Huntress series??
Sorry for taking so long to reply, Heather - you've probably worked it all out by now! Yes, you need to have read First Drop of Crimson to understand what's going on with Denise (and Spade). You will also find a character called Kira suddenly appears with Mencheres - their story was in Eternal Kiss of Darkness.
I'm so glad I found this review before I read this book! Because of it I went back and read both Spade's and Mencheres' books. Loved Spade's, but I adore him. Mencheres' was ok, it gave me a lot more insite into his drab personality. I haven't read TSOTG yet, but I'm sure glad I won't have to wonder WTH?!
thanks for the warning. I was reading the first couple chapters of this book and was scratching my head at some of the comments. So I"m going back to skim through the Night Worth books. :)
No worries, Lychee. This one will make much more sense once you've skimmed the Night World series. :)
Good thing I checked release dates before I went out and bought this book. Had to check out the "other" series and starting with it now. You're right, much as I love Frost, she or her people should have made things clear.
I didn't really think the stories from Cat and Bones' books will be affected by the books from the other series since spin-offs aren't supposed to do that. Just did the release date thingy just to be sure, but I'm glad I did after reading your rant. :)
Thank you for writing the book order here- I am an OCD must-read-books-in-order person so I would've been really annoyed
My pleasure, Juliet. I totally share your OCD! (Apologies for the late reply, I've had no internet for over a week. Man, that's tough!)
It is tough, isn't it?- my Iphone was off for a couple days and I couldn't make it through the day without stopping at Starbucks for the free Wifi.I usually check Goodreads for the #'s in book series, and I was surprised that this "spinoff" series wasn't #'ed correctly. I don't understand when authors don't put it right on the cover. Especially when it's obvious when you read them that they aren't stand-alone books. I even like reading historical romance series in order. Some series like Julia Quinn's can be read out of order, but I think Lisa Kleypas' are much better read in order.
i agree with the spin-off issue. i read over 100 pages of this book before putting it down and deciding that i can't continue until i read "the first drop of crimson," and eternal kiss of darkness. i was upset and confused about a few things until i found out about the "spin-off" series and the fact that i already know a few things that will happen in those books because of trying to read this one. shame on the author for doing it this way. it spoils the fun of the other books by doing this if you don't realize you have to read them before this one.
Juliet wrote: "It is tough, isn't it?- my Iphone was off for a couple days and I couldn't make it through the day without stopping at Starbucks for the free Wifi.I usually check Goodreads for the #'s in book ser..."
Juliet, I can't make myself read a book that is a 'series' out of order even when they're not closely connected! Love Lisa Kleypas, and Julia Quinn's Bridertons - sounds like me have similar taste (and issues!).
Traci wrote: "i agree with the spin-off issue. i read over 100 pages of this book before putting it down and deciding that i can't continue until i read "the first drop of crimson," and eternal kiss of darkness...."Exactly the way I felt, Traci. You did the right thing by putting it aside, but what a shame that you had to get spoiled first. :(
Quinn wrote: "Juliet wrote: "It is tough, isn't it?- my Iphone was off for a couple days and I couldn't make it through the day without stopping at Starbucks for the free Wifi.I usually check Goodreads for the ..."
I just finished This Side of the Grave, and I thought it was the best of this series so far. The spinoffs are totally necessary to the entire timeline. Someone should re-number the books here in Goodreads, if that's possible.
After I finish this series I'm going to read Elizabeth Hoyt's Prince trilogy, but then I got nothing. :( A bunch of sequels I want to read are coming out, but not until late summer: Thief of Shadows (also Elizabeth Hoyt), and Shadow of Night -Deborah Harkness. I hate waiting for sequels because I lose momentum. I might try reading Patricia Briggs :/
Glad you enjoyed this one, Juliet. Although you liked this one better than me, it seems like we've got similar taste. You're in for a treat with Hoyt's Prince trilogy. I actually haven't read Briggs' Mercy Thompson series, but am completely loving her Alpha and Omega series. What genre are you in the mood for?
Quinn wrote: "Glad you enjoyed this one, Juliet. Although you liked this one better than me, it seems like we've got similar taste. You're in for a treat with Hoyt's Prince trilogy. I actually haven't read Br..."Yeah, I think we do- I just checked out your shelves and I'm already getting suggestions from them, hope you don't mind ;). I am in the mood for either HR or PNR. I thought Briggs/Mercy Thompson looked like a good choice because I'm a little vampired out.
I don't mind at all! Hope you don't mind if I do the same :). I'd love to hear what you think of the Mercy Thompson series. I was intending to read that one, but then I read a short from Alpha & Omega and got hooked!Have you tried Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series? I'm loving that one for PNR/UF. The first book didn't wow me (and, sharing my OCD, you'd have to read it), but the rest certainly have.
For HR, Joanna Bourne's Spymaster series is fabulous, and a little different from the usual fare. For more traditional but definitely superior HR, you could also give Anne Mallory's Secrets series a try.
Hope you find something you enjoy.
Quinn wrote: "I don't mind at all! Hope you don't mind if I do the same :). I'd love to hear what you think of the Mercy Thompson series. I was intending to read that one, but then I read a short from Alpha &..."Cool, thanks :)
I will definitely read those. You seem to have read a lot more than me, but I can recommend Molly Harper's Jane Jameson series- Have you read them? Not great literature by any means, but they are really hysterical. Vampires. Her werewolf books are just ok, not as good.
I'm so glad I read your review as I'm just finishing Destined for an Early Grave. Weird how the author, who I think is awesome, spins another series within another. Hmmmm. Maybe she had no intention of writing another book about Cat and Bones and she got so many requests to continue their series that she wrote the This Side of the Grave. Cat and Bones are my fav couple series!
