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I Hunt Killers #3
Blood of My Blood
Jazz Dent has never been closer to catching his father.
Jazz has been shot and left to die in New York. His girlfriend, Connie, is in the clutches of Jazz's monstrous father, Billy--the world's most notorious serial killer. And his best friend, Howie, is bleeding to death on the floor of Jazz's new home.
Somehow, these three must rise above the horrors and find a way to come together in pursuit of Billy.
But then Jazz crosses a line he's never crossed before, and soon the entire country is wondering: "Like father, like son? Who is the true monster?"
From New York City to the small town of Lobo's Nod, the chase is on, and this time, Jazz is the hunted, not the hunter--while Billy Dent lurks in the shadows.
And beyond Billy? Something much, much worse. Prepare to meet...the Crow King.
From acclaimed author Barry Lyga comes the shocking conclusion to the bestselling I Hunt Killer trilogy.
Jazz has been shot and left to die in New York. His girlfriend, Connie, is in the clutches of Jazz's monstrous father, Billy--the world's most notorious serial killer. And his best friend, Howie, is bleeding to death on the floor of Jazz's new home.
Somehow, these three must rise above the horrors and find a way to come together in pursuit of Billy.
But then Jazz crosses a line he's never crossed before, and soon the entire country is wondering: "Like father, like son? Who is the true monster?"
From New York City to the small town of Lobo's Nod, the chase is on, and this time, Jazz is the hunted, not the hunter--while Billy Dent lurks in the shadows.
And beyond Billy? Something much, much worse. Prepare to meet...the Crow King.
From acclaimed author Barry Lyga comes the shocking conclusion to the bestselling I Hunt Killer trilogy.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2014
About the author
Barry Lyga
81 books2,070 followersBarry Lyga is a recovering comic book geek. According to Kirkus, he's also a "YA rebel-author." Somehow, the two just don't seem to go together to him.
When he was a kid, everyone told him that comic books were garbage and would rot his brain, but he had the last laugh. Raised on a steady diet of comics, he worked in the comic book industry for ten years, but now writes full-time because, well, wouldn't you?
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl is his first novel. Unsoul'd is his latest. There are a whole bunch in between, featuring everything from the aftermath of child abuse to pre-teens with superpowers to serial killers. He clearly does not know how to stick to one subject.
When he was a kid, everyone told him that comic books were garbage and would rot his brain, but he had the last laugh. Raised on a steady diet of comics, he worked in the comic book industry for ten years, but now writes full-time because, well, wouldn't you?
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl is his first novel. Unsoul'd is his latest. There are a whole bunch in between, featuring everything from the aftermath of child abuse to pre-teens with superpowers to serial killers. He clearly does not know how to stick to one subject.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,236 reviews
May 14, 2021
This was a freaking awesome trilogy!! I’m glad I finally read them all!! There were plenty of "oh shit" moments! 😳
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
September 22, 2014
“Playtime’s over. Are you ready to meet the Crow King?”
There's just one thing I need to get out of the way before I start the proper review: I totally saw that coming. Sadly.
Okay, so what does this book have?
• Jazz's dreams of cutting and disturbing sexual situations.
• Jazz wondering if there is a sociopath lurking inside him.
• Howie generally being horny and thinking about getting laid.
• Annoying and unbelievably stupid cops who need to be fired.
• Emphasis on Connie being a black girl and the fact that Billy Dent only murders white women.
• Sometimes gruesome descriptions of serial killer antics.
• Twists I saw coming a mile off.
And what does this book have that the other two books in the series didn't give us?
..............................................................................
Er. Hmm. That's where I start to draw a blank.
It's rarely a good thing when you get to the end of a trilogy and think "I'm actually glad that's over." Which might make you wonder how this book still got three stars (technically a positive rating). Well, there's nothing particularly bad about this book and I don't want to deter people from checking out this series, but this final installment brought - aside from the much-needed conclusion - more and more of the same.
For one thing, I don't think this series needed three books. A duology would have done just fine and maybe even one longish book would have sufficed. This third book has very little to add in terms of plot or psychology. It relies on one major twist to give it substance and I unfortunately saw that twist coming from early on (even started to edge towards it in the previous book).
One thing I wanted to scream at this book? We get it already!
We get that Jazz is battling with his inner demons and wondering if his lineage makes him a serial killer at heart. We get that part of his relationship with Connie is based around the fact that she is black because Billy only killed white girls (still not really sure what I think about that). We also get the exact breed of psychopath that is Billy Dent... we've been told so many times over the course of these three books.
Nothing new is added, that's the problem. Everyone is the same; relationships are the same; the psychological analysis is the same; the weird dreams are the same. I was one of the minority that preferred the second book to the first. Why? Because the second book reads more like a traditional whodunnit with a new killer and new deaths to solve and figure out. The first book (and this one) rely heavily on the psychological aspect.
Now, let me tell you something: normally, I love nothing more than a good psychological mystery/thriller. In fact, it's possible that the genre is my favourite. Give me Tana French. Give me Gillian Flynn. I get a kick out of reading about crazy, complex people. But the psychology in this series starts by barely scratching the surface and, instead of going deeper as it progresses, just becomes damn repetitive.
Also, the books get progressively darker, losing the touch of humour that made the first book so standout. This is another reason that it came to rely solely on the twisted psychology... the twisted psychology that just isn't that interesting after the tenth time you read the same thing.
This is still a series worth reading. I'm glad I stuck through to the end and I liked how things were wrapped up. Plus, Lyga has a nice writing style that moves along at an easily digestible pace. I'd just had way too much of Jasper Dent and his demons by the time it was over.
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June 22, 2015
Phew! I have never been more relieved to reach the conclusion of a series which is a rare exception because when a series is so good, I often don`t want it to end but no matter how good this finale is, I wouldn`t want to prolong my exposure to any more bloody, gruesome details.
The entire series but especially this finale has been emotionally exhausting and physically excruciating because both my feelings and my facial muscles constantly contorted in fear and disgust.
Throughout the book, my reaction alternates between
and
The second book ended with the goriest cliffhanger and thus the third book automatically starts with the same grisly beginning. There really isn`t time to breathe normally when you start reading the book. (or the series for that matter)
Billy`s game isn`t over. In fact, the real one has yet to start and in the real game, the ones most important to Jasper are those carefully chosen to be played with and what`s worse, Billy, the most notorious killer in the U.S. isn`t alone in his quests after all. Someone (a superior, aka the Crow King) is behind him. Ahh!
Naturally, Jasper wouldn`t just wait around and watch the people who matter to him get hurt. Thus, he once again puts on his imaginary cloak and plays Superman.^^
At some point I got really annoyed at Jasper for taking things into his hands too much and when he blames himself for the deaths of some characters, I was kind of seconding him.
I would actually back up Howie on his promise to Jasper that he would piss on his grave twice a year if Jasper dies. Lol. Howie cracks me up every time.
At some point, the plot to me has become a bit out of control and has become a bit too much like the movies.
Thankfully, the author managed to steer the plot back to the right direction and provided a very satisfying conclusion.
Before the conclusion, however, are attacks of really nasty and sick revelations and in the end, I just want to give Jasper a big hug for enduring the worst things a 17 year old boy could endure.
I just don`t think I would encourage really young readers to read this after all since there are several sensitive subject matters that aren`t very suitable for young readers just yet.
But if you`re looking for a really gripping, unforgettable, nightmarish psychological thriller in a series, this is a really good choice.^^
September 7, 2018
In this final novel in the ‘I Hunt Killers’ trilogy, Barry Lyga brings it all together with the ultimate reveal in a handful of key revelations that reverberate throughout the narrative. As Jasper Dent awakens in a locked storage container, he knows that he’s in trouble. Blood all around him and a few bodies scattered about, he must not only make sense of things, but also flee before he’s collared for the crimes he witnessed. Meanwhile, across town, Connie has been sleuthing around in New York City, only to be captured by Jasper’s father, serial killer Billy Dent. Locked away in a room, Connie comes across a fellow prisoner that she soon learns is none other than Jasper’s mother, long presumed dead. While Howie remains back in Lobo’s Nod, he is not free from the action, with a body of his own on the ground and the authorities trying to piece together what might have happened. These three may be dealing with their own crises, but nothing is as important as bringing Billy Dent to justice once and for all. As the lightning-quick narrative progresses, Connie is able to make her way back to Lobo’s Nod and discovers some family secrets buried in town, things that may force Jasper to rethink who he is and the path he’s lived. All this comes to the climatic meeting of Jasper and Billy Dent in a battle for ultimate supremacy, where Jasper learns more about the Crow King, a leader of a select group of serial killers. Will Jasper succumb to the King’s power and be eliminated or join the Crows with hopes of one day rising to the top? By the time the last of the blood is shed, there can be only one winner and no one is ready to stand aside. A brilliant end to the series that has been full of twists and momentous events. Lyga does a wonderful job and this trilogy comes highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a well-paced thriller with murderous undertones.
Lyga has developed a strong trilogy with several key plot lines that flow throughout the novels, all of which are complemented by a collection of wonderful short stories to hash out additional backstory. The action throughout this novel is non-stop, particularly as Lyga left readers hanging before, with plots and character development snaring the reader throughout. Jasper develops significantly throughout this book, as he has in the entire series, while trying to gather up the threads of his life and bind them into something with which he can live. There have been so many instances of horror and desperation that one can only hope Jasper finds solace in some of the happier things that he learns. However, Lyga offers more dark and twisted revelations, which can only jade the series protagonist more than help him become a young man who rises above. While Connie and Howie are still strong characters within this book, they serve as vessels to bring Jasper what he needs to know, rather than serve to develop themselves significantly. I found that Lyga intentionally used these two to support their friend and to help highlight some of the aforementioned revelations without adding much to their own character development. The other characters find themselves offering needed flavours to propel the narrative and keep the story strong, especially the appearance of Janice Dent as Jasper’s mother. Long thought dead, she has a story all her own that will leave Jasper wanting to know more when finally they come face to face. I found the plot to be quite strong, which is to be expected in a final novel, as Lyga seeks to push through as much action and information to tie off many of the topics. This series has captivated me, which might explain how I was able to steamroll through it in under a week. I was expecting something with a little less pizzazz and more catered to a YA audience, but was pleasantly surprised to see just how complex some of the storylines became and how much of a connection I had with the characters. Older teen and adults alike will enjoy this book, which explores not only coming of age, but the struggles of personal relationships and the role that one’s upbringing has on adult choices. I certainly was able to do some self-reflection and would hope others take the time to do the same, as they push through this series.
Kudos, Mr. Lyga, on another stellar piece. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and will surely keep an eye open for more of your work!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Lyga has developed a strong trilogy with several key plot lines that flow throughout the novels, all of which are complemented by a collection of wonderful short stories to hash out additional backstory. The action throughout this novel is non-stop, particularly as Lyga left readers hanging before, with plots and character development snaring the reader throughout. Jasper develops significantly throughout this book, as he has in the entire series, while trying to gather up the threads of his life and bind them into something with which he can live. There have been so many instances of horror and desperation that one can only hope Jasper finds solace in some of the happier things that he learns. However, Lyga offers more dark and twisted revelations, which can only jade the series protagonist more than help him become a young man who rises above. While Connie and Howie are still strong characters within this book, they serve as vessels to bring Jasper what he needs to know, rather than serve to develop themselves significantly. I found that Lyga intentionally used these two to support their friend and to help highlight some of the aforementioned revelations without adding much to their own character development. The other characters find themselves offering needed flavours to propel the narrative and keep the story strong, especially the appearance of Janice Dent as Jasper’s mother. Long thought dead, she has a story all her own that will leave Jasper wanting to know more when finally they come face to face. I found the plot to be quite strong, which is to be expected in a final novel, as Lyga seeks to push through as much action and information to tie off many of the topics. This series has captivated me, which might explain how I was able to steamroll through it in under a week. I was expecting something with a little less pizzazz and more catered to a YA audience, but was pleasantly surprised to see just how complex some of the storylines became and how much of a connection I had with the characters. Older teen and adults alike will enjoy this book, which explores not only coming of age, but the struggles of personal relationships and the role that one’s upbringing has on adult choices. I certainly was able to do some self-reflection and would hope others take the time to do the same, as they push through this series.
Kudos, Mr. Lyga, on another stellar piece. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and will surely keep an eye open for more of your work!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
September 14, 2014
"It will not hurt. If you'd be... if you'll be quiet. If you'll be quiet."- Jim Jones
Setting:New York City and Lobo's Nod; 2014
Coverly Love?:Yes; this is the creepiest cover of the bunch. And again, if you take off the dust jacket of the hardcover, you have gorgeous artwork underneath. It's worth the extra money to buy them all in hardcover.
Plot:Our three favorite crime solving friends have each found themselves in quite the pickle. Jazz has been left to bleed out in the inside of a storage facility, Connie is being held captive, and Howie is fighting for his life in the hospital after an unfortunate stint at looking after Grandma Dent. Even worse, Billy Dent is still on the run, and as bloodthirsty as ever. Now, it becomes Jazz's mission to not only save his friends, but take down the monster that created him as well, his infamous serial killer father. And than there's the little matter of Ugly J, who is quickly piling up the bodies for authorities. Will Jazz ever be able to stop the madness and live a normal life? Or will he follow in the bloody footsteps of Billy Dent and become his father's son?
This is such a hard book to review because the entire thing is basically a spoiler, unlike the first two books. Carefully tiptoeing around the spoiler landmine, I can tell you that this is a brilliant conclusion to an equally brilliant series. The suspense and thrills never fail to surprise the reader. Just when you think you have everything all figured out... you're back to square one. And so shell-shocked you have to set the book down, take a minute, pause, and comeb back to it when you have a cohesive train of thought. The last quarter of the book is just shock after shock; if you've made it this far, you've reached the point where calling a therapist is the best option. And finally, the ending ties up everything together neatly, and was a wonderful end that should leave everyone mostly satisfied. Barry Lyga's writing style really captures the sarcastic wit and darkly humorous tones of the characters, and he deftly switches between the serious and the lighthearted moments without feeling contrived.
Characters:This is the book where Jasper "Jazz" has the most significant transformation. You really start to wonder whether or not he really IS going to be just like his father. But just when you begin to doubt yourself, he gets back in touch with his humanity. Jazz becomes obsessed to the point of madness when trying to stop his father and find Ugly J. It's ironic, in a way; Jazz uses every trick his father taught him to try and stop the very man who taught them to him. I do think that at times Jazz got a bit TOO lucky when trying to solve the mysteries himself, but he is an intelligent young man. TO be honest, I just feel sorry for the poor kid. He never really had a normal childhood; pretty much every effed up thing that can happen to a kid happened to Jazz.
Connie and Howie are back as usual, but since Connie is pretty much incapacitated for the majority of the novel (same as Howie), they play a more limited role in this book than in the previous installment. Nevertheless, they still remind us (and Jazz), that he is human. He's not a sociopath, he's not a monster; he's just a kid who grew up awy too fast for his own good. They aren't afraid to risk their friendship with him to get Jazz to realize that, and no matter how outrageous Jazz's actions are, they stick by him. Connie and Howie's personalities are still somewhat intact, but after what they've been through, they are much more mellow and guarded afterwards.
Billy Dent is just plain terrifying. Barry Lyga is the master at creating a convincing, creepy villain. You can honestly feel yourself being manipulated by him, drawn into his twisted world, powerless to stop it. And let's not even get started with Ugly J. If I had to choose between facing Billy Dent or Ugly J, I'd choose Billy. Ideally, I'd choose neither and run for my life, but when facing two sociopaths who won't let you go, you kind of have no choice.
Pros:There's this author that some might have heard about; Gillian Flynn. She wrote this little known book called Gone Girl. Anyway, she is the master at writing effed characters so effect up, you don't even think they're human. If Gillian Flynn is the queen of writing effed up characters, Barry Lyga is the king. I could not even begin to wrap my head around the many horrific things his characters had to go through. Honestly, his characterization is top-notch. His execution of plot twists is caliber, and the overall book was just brilliant. This is THE BEST YS mystery-thriller series out there.
Cons:There were two tiny little cons that didn't particularly bother me, but might bother other people. We don't really get a solid ending for Jasper and Connie, so for those of you hard-core shipping them, you might be a little disappointed.
Another thing that usually bothers me when it comes to mystery novels is that I hate it when I can guess who the culprit is before the very end. In this case, I figure out who Ugly J was before I even started the thing. I was totally convinced I was wrong, but when I found out I was right, I pretty much fell out of my chair in a dead faint (see status updates).
Love Triangle?:Nope!
Instalove?:Nope!
A Little Romance?:Don't worry; Jazz and Connie are still a couple!! But when you're tracking down the most prolific serial killer in history, you ain't got time for much in the romance department. You can't deny that they love each other deeply though.
Conclusion:You can't find a better ending for a series. I thought the ending was extremely satisfying, and the overall novel was just brilliant. I can't sing the praises to this book enough.
If you haven't read the first two books in the series.... seriously, what the hell are you doing reading this review?!!!! You just spoiled yourself for the entire series!! Get off your butt and check out this series now. You won't regret it!!
Read This!:Lucky Day, Career Day, Neutral Mask, Blood Boy, I Hunt Killers, and Game all by Barry Lyga. Prepare to get sucked into a world of bat-shit crazy and mindfucks galore.
January 20, 2018
➸ Book 1 : I Hunt Killers ✬✬✬✬
➸ Book 2 : Game ✬✬✬✬✬
These days, we reviewers are often asked how we choose our ratings. For the sake of transparency, I'm going to let you enter my brain a few minutes. Don't be scared, as I already said, I don't
Creeped out yet? Good.
► Let's strike an average, shall we?
▣ You don't say! Thriller and surprise factor : ★★★ - Although I did guess some parts of the big scheme (ME! The thriller dumb!) I stayed blind on several things (What? You really thought I would see it coming like some other reviewers? Huh-ho, nope, I'm not that good). Above all that, it can seem strange for a thriller but in my opinion, in my experience as a reader flowing through this book, I just didn't care at all of what I could guess, because that wasn't the point. What interested me was seeing the characters - Jazz, Billy, Connie, Hughes, even - and following them to see how far they would go to succeed in their quests. Can we lose a piece of ourselves when we take a decision? Do our actions define what we are? Or is it more complicated than that? Tell me? Who gets to make that call? Who gets to choose where are the boundaries between bad and evil? Are we either good or bad? Really?
▣ Rollercoaster of emotions : ★★★★★ - Because my mood was shifting every second, either making it difficult to breath or warming my heart - Get in gear for the super-charged thrill.
▣ Humor me, because I like it : ★★ - Because there weren't as many funny strikes as the other twos. See below ↓
▣ Darker than dark : ★★★★★ - Because I have now at my disposal a whole bunch of serial killer tips. Of course that's creepy, what do you think?
▣ Let's ride through this action-packed hunt : ★★★★★ - Because no dull moment here. No boring passages. At all.
▣ Chelsea *Peril Please* scale™ : ★★★★★ - Because we come across some epic moments - how can we recognize them? Well, now, holding my breath and yelling in my living room was certainly an indication, I'm almost sure of it.
▣ There's no such thing as a good cop : ★★ - Because man, they're fucking stupid. Trust me on this. From the beginning of the series, that's the main flaw, I have to admit. Now, did it bother me? *whisper* Not at all, I must confess. Take it or leave it.
▣ I do love me some *Fangirling* about Jazz : ★★★★★ - Because. Just because. I'm so picturing myself sticking my tongue at you. Sorry about that.
▣ Overall rating : ★★★★★, duh, because I never knew how to calculate an average. Don't tell my pupils, though.
► And finally, 5 stars because let's face it, a book can be flawed as hell, yet if we're enjoying every. fucking. moment in it, how could we rate it lower than 5 stars?
Do you know how? Because I don't, and I won't.
PS : I chose to not include quotes, because in my opinion, every one of them can be spoilery. Yeah, I can be nice like that. You're welcome.
Arts
Crows : here and here
For more of my reviews, please visit:
February 5, 2017
This final book in the Jasper Dent series turned out to be the best book of the whole trilogy! This is just a fun YA thriller series. There is a good balance between the mystery, suspense, and the action.
The second book in the series ended on a whole bunch of cliffhangers which meant this one got off to a super exciting start. Howie and Connie played a role in this story but did not feature as prominently as they did in the second book. Which was a good thing as that meant most of the focus was on Jasper and his confrontation with his evil father.
What that meant is that we got the most exciting and intense book of the whole series so far. I felt every emotion with Jasper as he was pushed to his limits to try and deal with his father and keep his friends safe. Lyga also had a bunch of shocking twists that kept me glued to the story and added an extra dimension to the Jasper/Billy showdown!
The ending was a conclusive and satisfying one but did also leave a tiny bit of wiggle room for a sequel if Lyga ever wants to write one.
All in all this was a strong way to end a series that has been a lot of fun to read.
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: Charlie Thurston has done a fantastic job with all the books in this series.
The second book in the series ended on a whole bunch of cliffhangers which meant this one got off to a super exciting start. Howie and Connie played a role in this story but did not feature as prominently as they did in the second book. Which was a good thing as that meant most of the focus was on Jasper and his confrontation with his evil father.
What that meant is that we got the most exciting and intense book of the whole series so far. I felt every emotion with Jasper as he was pushed to his limits to try and deal with his father and keep his friends safe. Lyga also had a bunch of shocking twists that kept me glued to the story and added an extra dimension to the Jasper/Billy showdown!
The ending was a conclusive and satisfying one but did also leave a tiny bit of wiggle room for a sequel if Lyga ever wants to write one.
All in all this was a strong way to end a series that has been a lot of fun to read.
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: Charlie Thurston has done a fantastic job with all the books in this series.
January 18, 2016
He [Howie] held out his hands, arms outstretched, ready for the bro hug that would come.
Instead, Jazz laughed.
The laughter was quick, unexpected, and bright. Jazz dropped the pickax and shovel with an ill-considered clang and leaned against the car as he caught his breath.
Oh, holy hell. He's lost it. He's seriously lost it.
"You okay?" he asked as Jazz stooped to pick up the tools.
"I've never been okay," Jazz told him, and walked away.
Holyyy shit...that was a lot of epic in one book. I'm just....at a loss for words. The beginning started out with a bang, and that, I knew, was a certainty going in. But after all the cleaning up that had to be done after that shot in the chest that can only be described as a 'white-knuckle cliffy' at the end of the previous installment, I started to get nervous. After all the amazing-I repeat-AMAZING peril from book two, I didn't see how, even as dire as the circumstances were through the whole novel, this book could be near as good as the last book. But, oh...dear....sweet....Jesus this mother fuckin' book was everything I could ask for and more. HOLY SHIT I am just astounded by the awesomeness that was this story!!! What and how and why and who and blah blah blah how did he make up this story????? The epicness that jumps off of every page makes a ridiculous fangirl out of me, and for once I just don't care! I love this book so much it hurts.
What would come next wasn't a matter of intellect or reason or even mere emotion. It was as basic as biology. It was blood and sinew and brain matter. Raw.
I am so emotionally spent. This series reached deep into my heart, my mind, my soul and pulled out all the things that make up a perfect novel to me. There wasn't one moment I wasn't on the edge of my seat. Not one page passed where I didn't fret over the mental state of Jazz's mind. I still laughed and I still obsessed, but it was a different kind of obsession. In the previous works, I was fully invested in the crimes-who the killer was, what they were playing at, if Jazz would find the murderer(s) before it was too late, and, most of all, if they'd finally catch up to Jazz as he closed in on their string of killings. Jazz is, was, and forever will be my biggest concern. Always. So, naturally, wouldn't my obsession grow, expand, adapt when the nature of the story became about Jazz's sanity, mind, soul, his search for redemption and, most of all, to end Billy Dent's reign of terror? Of course it would! DUH.
What is like to go looking for your soul, only to learn you never had one to begin with?
Like I've said before, this series is character driven-if you don't connect or care for Jasper, then you likely won't find much to enjoy about this series. I mean, yeah, there's the idea that a killer is within grasp at any waking moment and there's also his palpable love for his girlfriend, Connie, and the strong, everlasting friendship with his best buddy, Howie. Who, by the way, became a favorite character of mine-his loyalty and devotion for his best friend who was slowly losing his mind in his quest to end Billy Dent broke my heart and made reading his POV something I actually looked forward to. But if you don't at least like Jazz a little, you're wasting your time. But how dare you, if that becomes the case-ugh, I can't even imagine a world where people don't love Jazz. Inconceivable.
Just sayin'.
"So, now what?"
"Can't tell you."
"You wound me."
"Well, you wound easily."
-Lmao, Howie and Jazz
Malice, death, truths, lies, betrayals, they go hand in hand with one another. Jasper is about to learn the true identity of the crow king. So many possibilities, so much speculation, but only one possible outcome that can rock you to your core and make both your eyes and stomach bleed. The truth will rip your heart to shreds and make you question, like the main detective in this book, what kind of world we live in. And, let me tell you, the truth isn't even the part that will make you choke on your own shock-no, what comes after? That's gut check time.
He dropped to his knees, gasping for breath. Was this shock? Was he going into shock? He couldn't breathe, and his vision had gone blurry.
This book explored not only a deeper side to Jazz, but also the cold, hard truth of what happens when you are done and your body has finally gone on auto-pilot. Shut down. Went into preservation mode. We watch as Howie and Connie do everything they can, which isn't much, as Jazz slowly descends into madness and let's his dark side he's always fought take over. He becomes detached, cold, driven in his desperation to end his father's life, because he believes it's his job-it's his duty and his duty alone-it's always been him. Father vs. Son. Mano y Mano. Wit, cunning, and all that crazy Billy has taught Jazz as he grew up. But what happens if he succeeds? If he finally lets all the lessons he learned take over when he's fought them so desperately his whole life? Will that be it? Will he be fulfilled, at peace, able to move on with his life like a normal human being? Or will he slowly become Billy Dent's successor, the next notorious serial killer....just like Dear old Dad wanted?
"I think I've had enough of your kind of love," Jazz said, surprising himself that he clenched his jaw tight, tears gathering. "You...you abused me," he spluttered. "You did horrible things to me. You made me-"
This story explored deep emotional levels I didn't know it possessed. I had no idea that I would think the last two (MURDEROUS) books would be tame, fluffy, funny, light-hearted compared to this one. But I clearly knew nothing. I will push and push and push people to read this series until I've annoyed them beyond comprehension. For that, I'm sorry. But, also, like Jazz, only a little sorry-this series is too good to go unnoticed by so many of my friends-but I'm about to shake everyone up. I will get people to read this. That's your only warning. Anna, you lovely lovely French vixen-THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS WONDERFULLY HORRIBLE AND ADDICTIVE AND PERILISTIC series. I wear this badge with honor. I will NEVER EVER EVER forget Jazz or this series. Holy book hangover hell, here I come.
Killers hunt me.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Instead, Jazz laughed.
The laughter was quick, unexpected, and bright. Jazz dropped the pickax and shovel with an ill-considered clang and leaned against the car as he caught his breath.
Oh, holy hell. He's lost it. He's seriously lost it.
"You okay?" he asked as Jazz stooped to pick up the tools.
"I've never been okay," Jazz told him, and walked away.
Holyyy shit...that was a lot of epic in one book. I'm just....at a loss for words. The beginning started out with a bang, and that, I knew, was a certainty going in. But after all the cleaning up that had to be done after that shot in the chest that can only be described as a 'white-knuckle cliffy' at the end of the previous installment, I started to get nervous. After all the amazing-I repeat-AMAZING peril from book two, I didn't see how, even as dire as the circumstances were through the whole novel, this book could be near as good as the last book. But, oh...dear....sweet....Jesus this mother fuckin' book was everything I could ask for and more. HOLY SHIT I am just astounded by the awesomeness that was this story!!! What and how and why and who and blah blah blah how did he make up this story????? The epicness that jumps off of every page makes a ridiculous fangirl out of me, and for once I just don't care! I love this book so much it hurts.
What would come next wasn't a matter of intellect or reason or even mere emotion. It was as basic as biology. It was blood and sinew and brain matter. Raw.
I am so emotionally spent. This series reached deep into my heart, my mind, my soul and pulled out all the things that make up a perfect novel to me. There wasn't one moment I wasn't on the edge of my seat. Not one page passed where I didn't fret over the mental state of Jazz's mind. I still laughed and I still obsessed, but it was a different kind of obsession. In the previous works, I was fully invested in the crimes-who the killer was, what they were playing at, if Jazz would find the murderer(s) before it was too late, and, most of all, if they'd finally catch up to Jazz as he closed in on their string of killings. Jazz is, was, and forever will be my biggest concern. Always. So, naturally, wouldn't my obsession grow, expand, adapt when the nature of the story became about Jazz's sanity, mind, soul, his search for redemption and, most of all, to end Billy Dent's reign of terror? Of course it would! DUH.
What is like to go looking for your soul, only to learn you never had one to begin with?
Like I've said before, this series is character driven-if you don't connect or care for Jasper, then you likely won't find much to enjoy about this series. I mean, yeah, there's the idea that a killer is within grasp at any waking moment and there's also his palpable love for his girlfriend, Connie, and the strong, everlasting friendship with his best buddy, Howie. Who, by the way, became a favorite character of mine-his loyalty and devotion for his best friend who was slowly losing his mind in his quest to end Billy Dent broke my heart and made reading his POV something I actually looked forward to. But if you don't at least like Jazz a little, you're wasting your time. But how dare you, if that becomes the case-ugh, I can't even imagine a world where people don't love Jazz. Inconceivable.
Just sayin'.
"So, now what?"
"Can't tell you."
"You wound me."
"Well, you wound easily."
-Lmao, Howie and Jazz
Malice, death, truths, lies, betrayals, they go hand in hand with one another. Jasper is about to learn the true identity of the crow king. So many possibilities, so much speculation, but only one possible outcome that can rock you to your core and make both your eyes and stomach bleed. The truth will rip your heart to shreds and make you question, like the main detective in this book, what kind of world we live in. And, let me tell you, the truth isn't even the part that will make you choke on your own shock-no, what comes after? That's gut check time.
He dropped to his knees, gasping for breath. Was this shock? Was he going into shock? He couldn't breathe, and his vision had gone blurry.
This book explored not only a deeper side to Jazz, but also the cold, hard truth of what happens when you are done and your body has finally gone on auto-pilot. Shut down. Went into preservation mode. We watch as Howie and Connie do everything they can, which isn't much, as Jazz slowly descends into madness and let's his dark side he's always fought take over. He becomes detached, cold, driven in his desperation to end his father's life, because he believes it's his job-it's his duty and his duty alone-it's always been him. Father vs. Son. Mano y Mano. Wit, cunning, and all that crazy Billy has taught Jazz as he grew up. But what happens if he succeeds? If he finally lets all the lessons he learned take over when he's fought them so desperately his whole life? Will that be it? Will he be fulfilled, at peace, able to move on with his life like a normal human being? Or will he slowly become Billy Dent's successor, the next notorious serial killer....just like Dear old Dad wanted?
"I think I've had enough of your kind of love," Jazz said, surprising himself that he clenched his jaw tight, tears gathering. "You...you abused me," he spluttered. "You did horrible things to me. You made me-"
This story explored deep emotional levels I didn't know it possessed. I had no idea that I would think the last two (MURDEROUS) books would be tame, fluffy, funny, light-hearted compared to this one. But I clearly knew nothing. I will push and push and push people to read this series until I've annoyed them beyond comprehension. For that, I'm sorry. But, also, like Jazz, only a little sorry-this series is too good to go unnoticed by so many of my friends-but I'm about to shake everyone up. I will get people to read this. That's your only warning. Anna, you lovely lovely French vixen-THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS WONDERFULLY HORRIBLE AND ADDICTIVE AND PERILISTIC series. I wear this badge with honor. I will NEVER EVER EVER forget Jazz or this series. Holy book hangover hell, here I come.
Killers hunt me.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
May 3, 2015
"Which one holds your fate, Jasper? Love for your family, for your kin? For the people who made you what you are? Or fear of yourself? Fear of the prospects and the world they want you to live in?"
This book is beautiful. No, it's incredible. It's mind-blowing. It's honest, it's painful, it's everything a book needs to be complete. To be amazingly good.
I was shocked.A lot of people guess the outcome of this book, of this series, way before the third book. But I was surprised, I was nervous, and no, I wasn't certain. We have Jazz and we see his struggles and problems, but I wasn't confident of what was going to happen. This book kept me on the edge and I couldn't put it down. I was terrified of this book, and I cried, and I hurt. But then, I smiled and breathed deep. I hoped and I rooted for things to be better. How can people believe so fiercely something's right when it isn't? How can we live in a world with thousands and thousands of people and being so different from each other?
Who is Jasper Dent? This book shows us something that made me connect with it so deeply: are we what our parents raised us to be? Or did we build our personalities based on friends, in teachers, in society? Can we hurt the people we love, sometimes thinking we're doing them good when it is the contrary? In this book, there's Jazz, Howie, Connie, Billy: Jazz's family and friends. So many things happen! This book doesn't stop and it messed with my head. It made me think and analyze and it squeezed my heart. I love Jazz, and when I care so deeply for a character I indulge all of my emotions on him. The good and the bad ones.
"You've got serial killers on the brain, Howie. You're seeing them everywhere."
Howie snorted
"That's because they are everywhere."
Indeed, this book starts where the last one ended and we've got a bunch of serial killers. And we have enigmas, doubts and clues that seem to go nowhere. Seriously, I kept racking my brain for solutions and I didn't find a thing. I even became quite desperate thinking Billy was inventing everything up.He is crazy, I wouldn't be surprised. You know when they say you have to be patient, though? I got my answers, each one of them. And this is easily the most brilliant series of books I've ever had the chance to read.
What else can I say without spoiling? The magic of this is that each book is focused on one thing: while this one is darker, the second one is more of a puzzlement and the first one shows us the beginning. Each has its qualities and things that stand up, you know? The characters are brilliant and there's an intelligence behind this that is mesmerizing. I loved every minute of it.
You know when you finish a book and you don't know what else can you do? What to read next, what will be as good as this? That's my feeling, now. I became so engrossed in this that nothing seems to compare. I'll try, though, and I think I've been stupid not to get out of my romance bubble and try other genres. There are amazing books out there, and I'm so happy I gave this a try. This is just amazing guys, truly good.
This book is beautiful. No, it's incredible. It's mind-blowing. It's honest, it's painful, it's everything a book needs to be complete. To be amazingly good.
I was shocked.A lot of people guess the outcome of this book, of this series, way before the third book. But I was surprised, I was nervous, and no, I wasn't certain. We have Jazz and we see his struggles and problems, but I wasn't confident of what was going to happen. This book kept me on the edge and I couldn't put it down. I was terrified of this book, and I cried, and I hurt. But then, I smiled and breathed deep. I hoped and I rooted for things to be better. How can people believe so fiercely something's right when it isn't? How can we live in a world with thousands and thousands of people and being so different from each other?
Who is Jasper Dent? This book shows us something that made me connect with it so deeply: are we what our parents raised us to be? Or did we build our personalities based on friends, in teachers, in society? Can we hurt the people we love, sometimes thinking we're doing them good when it is the contrary? In this book, there's Jazz, Howie, Connie, Billy: Jazz's family and friends. So many things happen! This book doesn't stop and it messed with my head. It made me think and analyze and it squeezed my heart. I love Jazz, and when I care so deeply for a character I indulge all of my emotions on him. The good and the bad ones.
"You've got serial killers on the brain, Howie. You're seeing them everywhere."
Howie snorted
"That's because they are everywhere."
Indeed, this book starts where the last one ended and we've got a bunch of serial killers. And we have enigmas, doubts and clues that seem to go nowhere. Seriously, I kept racking my brain for solutions and I didn't find a thing. I even became quite desperate thinking Billy was inventing everything up.
What else can I say without spoiling? The magic of this is that each book is focused on one thing: while this one is darker, the second one is more of a puzzlement and the first one shows us the beginning. Each has its qualities and things that stand up, you know? The characters are brilliant and there's an intelligence behind this that is mesmerizing. I loved every minute of it.
You know when you finish a book and you don't know what else can you do? What to read next, what will be as good as this? That's my feeling, now. I became so engrossed in this that nothing seems to compare. I'll try, though, and I think I've been stupid not to get out of my romance bubble and try other genres. There are amazing books out there, and I'm so happy I gave this a try. This is just amazing guys, truly good.
September 26, 2016
If I was only allowed one adjective to describe this series as a whole, it would have to be intense.
in·tense
inˈtens/
adjective
1.
of extreme force, degree, or strength.
"the job demands intense concentration"
synonyms:
extreme, great, acute, fierce, severe, high; More
2.
having or showing strong feelings or opinions; extremely earnest or serious.
"an intense young woman, passionate about her art"
Thankfully, I'm not limited to just one adjective because this book, this series, is so much more than that one word.
Riveting, thrilling, captivating, addicting, emotional, terrifying, well written. Truly there are a lot of adjectives that would fit what Lyga created in the I Hunt Killers series and in the final book, Blood of my Blood and all of them would be accurate. I know I've said this in past reviews for book one and two but this series is utterly unique in it's execution and delivery. You feel as if you are in the mind of not only a killer, but a killer's protege as well. Into the mind of a young man who wants to be anything but his father but nonetheless can't help thinking the thoughts, the images, the lessons that were planted and ingrained in his memories, in his very subconscious since he was small child.
And as horrifying as it is, it is also fascinating and yes, addicting to be inside both Jasper and Billy's head.
So many twists. So many secrets and all more horrifying than the next, this was a heart stopping, pulse pounding conclusion to the series and I lapped up very single word of it.
in·tense
inˈtens/
adjective
1.
of extreme force, degree, or strength.
"the job demands intense concentration"
synonyms:
extreme, great, acute, fierce, severe, high; More
2.
having or showing strong feelings or opinions; extremely earnest or serious.
"an intense young woman, passionate about her art"
Thankfully, I'm not limited to just one adjective because this book, this series, is so much more than that one word.
Riveting, thrilling, captivating, addicting, emotional, terrifying, well written. Truly there are a lot of adjectives that would fit what Lyga created in the I Hunt Killers series and in the final book, Blood of my Blood and all of them would be accurate. I know I've said this in past reviews for book one and two but this series is utterly unique in it's execution and delivery. You feel as if you are in the mind of not only a killer, but a killer's protege as well. Into the mind of a young man who wants to be anything but his father but nonetheless can't help thinking the thoughts, the images, the lessons that were planted and ingrained in his memories, in his very subconscious since he was small child.
And as horrifying as it is, it is also fascinating and yes, addicting to be inside both Jasper and Billy's head.
So many twists. So many secrets and all more horrifying than the next, this was a heart stopping, pulse pounding conclusion to the series and I lapped up very single word of it.
May 13, 2016
SO. FUCKED. UP.
Holy crow. I don't even know what I can say about this except that Barry Lyga is a total genius. This whole series was brilliantly plotted and written - no loose ends or deux ex machinas as far as I could see - and just... wow. Incredible trilogy. Check the audio if that's how you roll. I for one will be picking up the trilogy in hardback (bc those covers ok) and dying to reread this probably within the next six months. I can't even right now.
Holy crow. I don't even know what I can say about this except that Barry Lyga is a total genius. This whole series was brilliantly plotted and written - no loose ends or deux ex machinas as far as I could see - and just... wow. Incredible trilogy. Check the audio if that's how you roll. I for one will be picking up the trilogy in hardback (bc those covers ok) and dying to reread this probably within the next six months. I can't even right now.
November 1, 2014
"What is it like to go looking for your soul, only to learn you never had one to begin with?"
Wow, this is a great conclusion to a truly masterful series. I've enjoyed every last one of these books. I called the ending about mid-way through this book, but it shocked me and I didn't want to believe it for a long time.
Scary as it seems, Billy's ramblings actually started to really make sense to me. I wonder what Jasper would think of that! Ha!
Anyway, It's a wonderful conclusion. I loved every Part to the story.
Especially the epilogue, which left things EXACTLY how I wanted.
Wow, this is a great conclusion to a truly masterful series. I've enjoyed every last one of these books. I called the ending about mid-way through this book, but it shocked me and I didn't want to believe it for a long time.
Scary as it seems, Billy's ramblings actually started to really make sense to me. I wonder what Jasper would think of that! Ha!
Anyway, It's a wonderful conclusion. I loved every Part to the story.
Especially the epilogue, which left things EXACTLY how I wanted.
May 21, 2015
This my friends, is how you end a trilogy!
October 14, 2014
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life
5 Stars!
What a conclusion! I LOVED this book. I absolutely LOVED it. Since the previous book in the series left us with a giant cliffhanger, this book started out knee deep in action and the excitement did not stop for even a millisecond. I literally could not put this book down and ended up finishing it while sitting in the rain at a football game. This book wrapped up everything in the trilogy beautifully. As I finished this book, I realized that all of my questions had been answered and I was completely satisfied with the story.
This book picks up right where Game stopped. I was really not very happy with the cliffhanger ending of the second book of the trilogy, Game. I just don't think books should end with absolutely no resolution - it is just not nice. This book made up for it so all is forgiven at this point. This trilogy really needs to be read in order.
I liked so much about this book and this trilogy. I loved the characters - Jazz, Howie, Connie, G. William, and even Billy Dent. I loved how these characters grew during the course of the trilogy and stayed true to themselves. I loved the dialog between the characters. Barry Lyga takes a dark subject and injects just enough humor to add to the story without feeling forced. I loved the gore. When I started the first book, I Hunt Killers, I was a little nervous that many details would be glossed over since this is a Young Adult Novel. Boy was I wrong. This book is just as bloody as the many adult novels that I have read and to be honest probably more.
I am completely impressed by how deeply we get into the characters' minds in this trilogy. The first and third books in this trilogy are strong psychological thrillers. The second book reads more like a mystery novel but after reading this book I realize that it set the stage for the conclusion.
I highly recommend this trilogy and this book to both adults and older teens. The subject matter may be a little much for younger teens depending on the individual. I will definitely be reading more from Barry Lyga in the future.
5 Stars!
What a conclusion! I LOVED this book. I absolutely LOVED it. Since the previous book in the series left us with a giant cliffhanger, this book started out knee deep in action and the excitement did not stop for even a millisecond. I literally could not put this book down and ended up finishing it while sitting in the rain at a football game. This book wrapped up everything in the trilogy beautifully. As I finished this book, I realized that all of my questions had been answered and I was completely satisfied with the story.
This book picks up right where Game stopped. I was really not very happy with the cliffhanger ending of the second book of the trilogy, Game. I just don't think books should end with absolutely no resolution - it is just not nice. This book made up for it so all is forgiven at this point. This trilogy really needs to be read in order.
I liked so much about this book and this trilogy. I loved the characters - Jazz, Howie, Connie, G. William, and even Billy Dent. I loved how these characters grew during the course of the trilogy and stayed true to themselves. I loved the dialog between the characters. Barry Lyga takes a dark subject and injects just enough humor to add to the story without feeling forced. I loved the gore. When I started the first book, I Hunt Killers, I was a little nervous that many details would be glossed over since this is a Young Adult Novel. Boy was I wrong. This book is just as bloody as the many adult novels that I have read and to be honest probably more.
I am completely impressed by how deeply we get into the characters' minds in this trilogy. The first and third books in this trilogy are strong psychological thrillers. The second book reads more like a mystery novel but after reading this book I realize that it set the stage for the conclusion.
I highly recommend this trilogy and this book to both adults and older teens. The subject matter may be a little much for younger teens depending on the individual. I will definitely be reading more from Barry Lyga in the future.
September 19, 2014
This book kept me reading late into the night, which probably wasn't the best planning because, well, Billy Dent is one freaky scary evil serial killer. Every sound and creak in the house made me jumpy, but I just had to finish reading this book. I won't go into all the details, it is really best to read this book with a clear mind. So here's a spoiler free impression of this book:
Jasper (Jazz) Dent is the son of the most prolific serial killer Billy Dent. Jazz has a special understanding of what goes on in the mind of serial killers, after all, he was raised and groomed by Billy to become a killer. But Jazz does not want to become a killer and he struggles with his humanity - trying to keep a handle on the voice in his head. Luckily, Jazz has some great people around him - his girlfriend Connie - who believes in him, no matter what, and his goofy and hemophiliac best bud Howie. Sheriff G. William Tanner has also become a father figure to Jazz. Jazz does have a special talent - he thinks like a serial killer. He understands how they think. And his special talent is needed in New York City where a serial killer has been up to no good.
Think Dexter's son meets Criminal Minds and you have an idea of what to expect in this book. It's not for the squeamish and perhaps younger young adult readers may be disturbed by the content. If you can stand the blood and gore, this is one addictive series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for a review copy of this book.
This book is featured as a Should You Read This Series book on Badass Book Reviews. Check it out!
Jasper (Jazz) Dent is the son of the most prolific serial killer Billy Dent. Jazz has a special understanding of what goes on in the mind of serial killers, after all, he was raised and groomed by Billy to become a killer. But Jazz does not want to become a killer and he struggles with his humanity - trying to keep a handle on the voice in his head. Luckily, Jazz has some great people around him - his girlfriend Connie - who believes in him, no matter what, and his goofy and hemophiliac best bud Howie. Sheriff G. William Tanner has also become a father figure to Jazz. Jazz does have a special talent - he thinks like a serial killer. He understands how they think. And his special talent is needed in New York City where a serial killer has been up to no good.
Think Dexter's son meets Criminal Minds and you have an idea of what to expect in this book. It's not for the squeamish and perhaps younger young adult readers may be disturbed by the content. If you can stand the blood and gore, this is one addictive series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for a review copy of this book.
This book is featured as a Should You Read This Series book on Badass Book Reviews. Check it out!
November 28, 2014
HOLY CANNOLI! I freaking LOVED this! I had to force myself to read this book VERY SLOWLY because I was loathe to say goodbye to some of the most incredible characters I've come across in fiction, both good and evil. I have to send huge thank yous and hugs to my book soul sisters The Twinjas who got me reading this series. Again, I'm really not into serial killer-type stories, but this series just hit all my happy buttons.
Before I get to the crux of my review, I feel the need to wax a bit poetic as to why Connie, as a black heroine in YA (and in an interracial relationship with the hero) matters. Actually, she's why DIVERSITY MATTERS. She matters because it only takes a casual stroll through the YA section of any bookstore to see a serious absence of diversity. The covers alone tell the ugly tale--that despite changing demographics, the mainstream publishing industry still finds itself catering to a diminishing market. They know the country is becoming increasingly multiracial/multiethnic, but are hamstrung on how to reach that market (without alienating the dinosaurs, lol). They also see themselves bleeding money to smaller publishing companies and e-book publishers who ARE speaking to the changing readership, and yet they continue to see the world through a myopic racial lens.
Connie is a well-crafted, non-stereotyped, fully-actualized heroine of color, written by a White male who obviously has a diverse circle of friends (or was willing to educate himself. Some of us think he may have a Black significant other, lol). Contrary to some complaints, I never saw her as being "othered". That might hold some weight if she was the only character of color, but she wasn't. Lyga's New York actually sounds like the realistic and diverse New York too many authors (and television shows) seldom get right.
As a reader perhaps unfamiliar with Black hair styles and care, one discovered Connie slept in a hair bonnet to keep her braids from frizzing up. Little details like this helped, in my opinion, to create a realistic character who CANNOT ever be mistaken for a default white girl (which sadly happens quite a bit when authors are oblique in their descriptions--look at the brouhaha over Rue of The Hunger Games). Yes, we as readers know that Connie and Jazz are an interracial couple. For some it matters. For them it doesn't, but the outside world makes it matter. We also see Connie as young woman in peril who has to use her wits to escape (and I could craft an entire essay on that). In a media where the images of Black women are reduced to sexless mammy figures, baby mamas or sexually irresponsible video vixens, it's a breath of fresh air to revel in the positive complexity of Black womanhood. Connie, along with Howie (another character-type seldom seen in YA) is truly ride or die, but also able to exist without giving up on her dreams. She sees Jazz for who and what he is. I have to wonder if some of the discomfort with Connie has to do with her NOT falling into that media-fueled stereotype. That she's so much like many other intrepid Caucasian heroines. She's brave, intelligent, a bit rash (which was how she ended up in mortal danger). She's no one's sidekick, but on equal footing with both Jazz and Howie.
Speaking of Howie. Another character we seldom see in fiction. A hemophiliac treated as a typically overhormonal teenaged boy. Howie doesn't let the disease define him; he's got Jazz's back no matter what it costs. Howie has few filters on his thoughts, but I liked that about him. He's in danger and yet the snark rolls right off him without missing a beat. And yet, little details such as his incessant bruising are realistic reminders of who he is without detracting from his overall character.
Maybe someday, YA (and genre fiction in general) will actually start looking like the rest of the world. Until then, I'm going to celebrate ANY positive and thoughtful depiction of marginalized characters. Especially when they're done this well.
Okay, now to the review.
Some books I hate to see end, but know enough that they have to. I will miss Jazz, Connie and Howie. I won't be missing Billy Dent or the other crazy psycho killers in the series.
There's hints of past sexual abuse, so be warned.
By the way, I know it's terrible of me, but I just can't help smirking at the demise of that rat Doug Weathers. If there was one character who deserved to get his, it was this guy--the hack journalist who made Jazz's life hell.
This was a book I had to read in small doses. The intensity and the horror (though implied, not graphic) were still hard to handle at times. There were times I cheered Jazz's escapes; other times he scared me with how closely he was mirroring his father. That, I think, was the point. Just how much of who we are comes from our parents? Can we alter that makeup? The title Blood Of My Bloodis terrifyingly apt. Jazz is a likeable yet very tortured hero (not the faux-angsty type so beloved of most YA/NA). He has the capacity for goodness yet also knows it doesn't take much to ride that razor's edge of evil. He's aware in a way many young adults aren't forced to be. After all, his father's one of the most prolific serial killers to ever live.
Thankfully, Lyga didn't write some happily-ever-after type ending after all the horror. Jazz will obviously spend his life struggling to not become the product of a very twisted upbringing. Howie may eventually get laid, lol. And Connie will eventually get her own television series...okay, one can hope.
Before I get to the crux of my review, I feel the need to wax a bit poetic as to why Connie, as a black heroine in YA (and in an interracial relationship with the hero) matters. Actually, she's why DIVERSITY MATTERS. She matters because it only takes a casual stroll through the YA section of any bookstore to see a serious absence of diversity. The covers alone tell the ugly tale--that despite changing demographics, the mainstream publishing industry still finds itself catering to a diminishing market. They know the country is becoming increasingly multiracial/multiethnic, but are hamstrung on how to reach that market (without alienating the dinosaurs, lol). They also see themselves bleeding money to smaller publishing companies and e-book publishers who ARE speaking to the changing readership, and yet they continue to see the world through a myopic racial lens.
Connie is a well-crafted, non-stereotyped, fully-actualized heroine of color, written by a White male who obviously has a diverse circle of friends (or was willing to educate himself. Some of us think he may have a Black significant other, lol). Contrary to some complaints, I never saw her as being "othered". That might hold some weight if she was the only character of color, but she wasn't. Lyga's New York actually sounds like the realistic and diverse New York too many authors (and television shows) seldom get right.
As a reader perhaps unfamiliar with Black hair styles and care, one discovered Connie slept in a hair bonnet to keep her braids from frizzing up. Little details like this helped, in my opinion, to create a realistic character who CANNOT ever be mistaken for a default white girl (which sadly happens quite a bit when authors are oblique in their descriptions--look at the brouhaha over Rue of The Hunger Games). Yes, we as readers know that Connie and Jazz are an interracial couple. For some it matters. For them it doesn't, but the outside world makes it matter. We also see Connie as young woman in peril who has to use her wits to escape (and I could craft an entire essay on that). In a media where the images of Black women are reduced to sexless mammy figures, baby mamas or sexually irresponsible video vixens, it's a breath of fresh air to revel in the positive complexity of Black womanhood. Connie, along with Howie (another character-type seldom seen in YA) is truly ride or die, but also able to exist without giving up on her dreams. She sees Jazz for who and what he is. I have to wonder if some of the discomfort with Connie has to do with her NOT falling into that media-fueled stereotype. That she's so much like many other intrepid Caucasian heroines. She's brave, intelligent, a bit rash (which was how she ended up in mortal danger). She's no one's sidekick, but on equal footing with both Jazz and Howie.
Speaking of Howie. Another character we seldom see in fiction. A hemophiliac treated as a typically overhormonal teenaged boy. Howie doesn't let the disease define him; he's got Jazz's back no matter what it costs. Howie has few filters on his thoughts, but I liked that about him. He's in danger and yet the snark rolls right off him without missing a beat. And yet, little details such as his incessant bruising are realistic reminders of who he is without detracting from his overall character.
Maybe someday, YA (and genre fiction in general) will actually start looking like the rest of the world. Until then, I'm going to celebrate ANY positive and thoughtful depiction of marginalized characters. Especially when they're done this well.
Okay, now to the review.
Some books I hate to see end, but know enough that they have to. I will miss Jazz, Connie and Howie. I won't be missing Billy Dent or the other crazy psycho killers in the series.
There's hints of past sexual abuse, so be warned.
By the way, I know it's terrible of me, but I just can't help smirking at the demise of that rat Doug Weathers. If there was one character who deserved to get his, it was this guy--the hack journalist who made Jazz's life hell.
This was a book I had to read in small doses. The intensity and the horror (though implied, not graphic) were still hard to handle at times. There were times I cheered Jazz's escapes; other times he scared me with how closely he was mirroring his father. That, I think, was the point. Just how much of who we are comes from our parents? Can we alter that makeup? The title Blood Of My Bloodis terrifyingly apt. Jazz is a likeable yet very tortured hero (not the faux-angsty type so beloved of most YA/NA). He has the capacity for goodness yet also knows it doesn't take much to ride that razor's edge of evil. He's aware in a way many young adults aren't forced to be. After all, his father's one of the most prolific serial killers to ever live.
Thankfully, Lyga didn't write some happily-ever-after type ending after all the horror. Jazz will obviously spend his life struggling to not become the product of a very twisted upbringing. Howie may eventually get laid, lol. And Connie will eventually get her own television series...okay, one can hope.
December 18, 2014
AUGH WHY MUST YOU TAKE SO LONG WHY CAN'T YOU RELEASE THIS TOMORROW I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL SEPTEMBER SOME SORT OF WORLD WIDE DISASTER WILL HAPPEN AND I WILL NOT GET TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS TO ANYONE YOU ARE GOING TO KILL ME
NICE COVER TOO.
Finished reading it and all I can say is-
DAMN!!!!!
I must reread it.
Nearly done rereading. What I think the main theme of this story is you do not have to be like your abusive, screwed up parents. Most parents who screw up their kids do it unintentionally. Usually because they were raised by screwed up parents themselves and the abuse they endured becomes normal to them. Beatings and neglect can become a way of life to people.
Some people grow up, realize this sort of thing is screwed up and struggle NOT to pass it down to their kids. They struggle not to hit and strike their children, not to yell and belittle. They try to become better parents.
This is not the case with Jazz's parents. Most parents would see a baby and think, awww, a cute baby. Not, aw, a baby. Let's destroy him, ruin his life and turn him into a serial killer.
Huge spoiler, his DAD is the better of the two parents. The one we saw skin his child's dog alive and torment women everywhere. He's the one who said, aw, I have a son instead of, let's torture him, it will be fun.
And Jazz survives to be a good person despite this. He uses his dad's How to be a Serial Killer lessons to bring his father and others like him down. He chooses not to be what his parents shaped him into.
And he had his best friend by his side and eventually his girlfriend to help him be stable. They cared for him no matter what he did. They were people he could trust and depend on. He defied his kill the weak father who is rather racist to befriend a hemophiliac and date a strong, black woman.
So, this story is gory, but inspiring. It tells you that yes, you may come from abusive parents who tried to inflict their horrible values on you. Yes, your grandmother was racist and senile. And yes, you learned how to gut and cut a human being before even learning how to drive. You may not recover from this without a lot of therapy and love, but you can make the choice NOT to follow in your father's footsteps. You can make that choice to be a good person who is aware, who tries to have self control. (though he loses it, this poor good hearted lad who was just trying to save his mother does all kinds of things he never thought he would do.)
You could have gone through complete hell, but somehow, you'll survive. You'll love and be loved. And you won't become some ASSHOLY SERIAL KILLER!
12/17
So I read this book again and it's still good. It's a bit painful for Sam to get the blame when she didn't do anything wrong. Jazz defies laws to save someone he thought he was in danger, but who was part of this whole evil conspiracy.
Fact is, it takes a lot more effort NOT to kill people, which is going to sound a bit warped, but human beings can be so frustrating. A serial killer doesn't even have to have a reason to go around tormenting people. They're assholes! You're stronger for resisting the urge to hit people with your umbrella, or smack you racist, rude relative for pouring his hatred on everyone at family dinner during holidays that are supposed to be about love.
You're really more of a coward if you hit the defenseless because they annoy and frustrate you or just give in to warped, based instincts.
So this book is satisfying because Jazz thinks things out. He is patient with his cruel grandmother who hits him and threatens to shoot him because he is simply the stronger better person. It's satisfying when he learns this for himself. Learns that he's whole and human even though the people who caused him to exist are FUCKED UP HORRIBLE PEOPLE! How can you be so HORRIBLE?! UGH! And when it gets to this point in the book that is so squicky and terrible it just makes me want to curl up in the fetal position, grah! Barry Lyga did a great job creating such a sympathetic protagonist and such evil antagonists!
NICE COVER TOO.
Finished reading it and all I can say is-
DAMN!!!!!
I must reread it.
Nearly done rereading. What I think the main theme of this story is you do not have to be like your abusive, screwed up parents. Most parents who screw up their kids do it unintentionally. Usually because they were raised by screwed up parents themselves and the abuse they endured becomes normal to them. Beatings and neglect can become a way of life to people.
Some people grow up, realize this sort of thing is screwed up and struggle NOT to pass it down to their kids. They struggle not to hit and strike their children, not to yell and belittle. They try to become better parents.
This is not the case with Jazz's parents. Most parents would see a baby and think, awww, a cute baby. Not, aw, a baby. Let's destroy him, ruin his life and turn him into a serial killer.
Huge spoiler, his DAD is the better of the two parents. The one we saw skin his child's dog alive and torment women everywhere. He's the one who said, aw, I have a son instead of, let's torture him, it will be fun.
And Jazz survives to be a good person despite this. He uses his dad's How to be a Serial Killer lessons to bring his father and others like him down. He chooses not to be what his parents shaped him into.
And he had his best friend by his side and eventually his girlfriend to help him be stable. They cared for him no matter what he did. They were people he could trust and depend on. He defied his kill the weak father who is rather racist to befriend a hemophiliac and date a strong, black woman.
So, this story is gory, but inspiring. It tells you that yes, you may come from abusive parents who tried to inflict their horrible values on you. Yes, your grandmother was racist and senile. And yes, you learned how to gut and cut a human being before even learning how to drive. You may not recover from this without a lot of therapy and love, but you can make the choice NOT to follow in your father's footsteps. You can make that choice to be a good person who is aware, who tries to have self control. (though he loses it, this poor good hearted lad who was just trying to save his mother does all kinds of things he never thought he would do.)
You could have gone through complete hell, but somehow, you'll survive. You'll love and be loved. And you won't become some ASSHOLY SERIAL KILLER!
12/17
So I read this book again and it's still good. It's a bit painful for Sam to get the blame when she didn't do anything wrong. Jazz defies laws to save someone he thought he was in danger, but who was part of this whole evil conspiracy.
Fact is, it takes a lot more effort NOT to kill people, which is going to sound a bit warped, but human beings can be so frustrating. A serial killer doesn't even have to have a reason to go around tormenting people. They're assholes! You're stronger for resisting the urge to hit people with your umbrella, or smack you racist, rude relative for pouring his hatred on everyone at family dinner during holidays that are supposed to be about love.
You're really more of a coward if you hit the defenseless because they annoy and frustrate you or just give in to warped, based instincts.
So this book is satisfying because Jazz thinks things out. He is patient with his cruel grandmother who hits him and threatens to shoot him because he is simply the stronger better person. It's satisfying when he learns this for himself. Learns that he's whole and human even though the people who caused him to exist are FUCKED UP HORRIBLE PEOPLE! How can you be so HORRIBLE?! UGH! And when it gets to this point in the book that is so squicky and terrible it just makes me want to curl up in the fetal position, grah! Barry Lyga did a great job creating such a sympathetic protagonist and such evil antagonists!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2014
3.5 stars - Spoilers
I liked the first Jasper Dent book but I wasn't a fan of the second one, because of that I didn't have high expectations for this one. Thankfully, it turned out to be a decent read. I was hooked throughout even when characters were acting thick or when things started getting a tad predictable. The ending was the best part, it was tense and twisted, and had lots of action.
Random thoughts:
-Summary: Jazz's serial killer dad still on the run and playing games, Jazz and his friends hurt and in danger, Jazz wants to save the day and stop his nutty dad.
-Jazz improved somewhat as a character but he was still kind of a thicko, especially when he was running around trying to save the day all by himself. I know he had no trust in the police but it was daft of him to dismiss their help and it was definitely daft of him to attack them and go on the run when he was injured.
Jazz was irritating and unlikeable whenever he thought he knew best and ignored other people's wisdom and experience, it made him seem like a TSTL brat. Ironically it was only the times when he admitted he was just a dumb kid where he seemed the most grown up.
One thing I was glad of was that he finally stopped banging on about his awesome ability to read/manipulate people every five bloody seconds, he still mentioned it but nowhere near as much as before. I also liked that he stopped worrying so much about turning out like his serial killer dad, he finally realised he wasn't like him.
Once Jazz got back to Nod, I really started liking his character, he was easy to root for. His confrontations with his parents were the best scenes, they both deserved the ending they got. I wish Jazz's mum had suffered more though, she was a sick fuck.
-Connie was much better this time around. She was so stupid and insufferable in the last book, there were still a couple of times where she managed to annoy me though. She was most irritating when she was worrying about her looks and future acting career, she'd just escaped a mad serial killer and that was all she could think about. I seriously doubt anyone would be so focused on their looks so soon after narrowly escaping a madman - they'd be more concerned about their safety, their friends and family, and the emotional trauma of it all. Their looks wouldn't be important compared to all of that.
Apart from Connie's ridiculous concern about her looks, she was a pretty decent character.
-Detective Hughes was a huge prick, he was such a douche to Connie and Jazz, they'd been through hell and were victims and young teenagers but he acted like they were criminal scum. Ugh, I hated him for most of the book. He kind of redeemed himself in the end though when he helped Jazz out and made sure he wouldn't get in as much trouble from the police.
-It was obvious Jazz's mum would turn out to be the Crow King/Ugly J. I didn't guess it in the previous books but as soon as Connie met her in this one, it was clear she was a psycho.
-I actually really loved Billy Dent, he was so funny and entertaining in that crazy way of his especially in his interactions with Jazz. I was glad Jazz managed to ruin his life though, it was what he deserved.
I did wonder why Billy covered for Jazz at the end - was it because he thought Jazz would one day become a serial killer or because he genuinely cared about him or because he hated the police and didn't want to cooperate with them? I really wanted to know what Billy was thinking.
-I felt sorry for Sam, she lost so much and had such a rubbish life. I didn't blame her for running away and not getting back in contact with Jazz. It would be good if they reunited at some point down the line since they were the only family they had.
-I liked the parallels between Howie, Jazz, and Connie in the first third with them waking up and finding themselves in awful situations and later being rescued and recovering in hospital. It made their POV's easier to read and bought the story together.
-I loved the ending, it wasn't all happy and shiny and it wasn't all miserable and depressing either. It was just right. At first I was hoping the book would end with Jazz turning as evil as his dad but by the end I was glad that didn't happen, it would have ruined his character and the story.
All in all, a satisfying and mostly engrossing conclusion to the trilogy. I'll be keeping an eye out on any future releases by the author.
I liked the first Jasper Dent book but I wasn't a fan of the second one, because of that I didn't have high expectations for this one. Thankfully, it turned out to be a decent read. I was hooked throughout even when characters were acting thick or when things started getting a tad predictable. The ending was the best part, it was tense and twisted, and had lots of action.
Random thoughts:
-Summary: Jazz's serial killer dad still on the run and playing games, Jazz and his friends hurt and in danger, Jazz wants to save the day and stop his nutty dad.
-Jazz improved somewhat as a character but he was still kind of a thicko, especially when he was running around trying to save the day all by himself. I know he had no trust in the police but it was daft of him to dismiss their help and it was definitely daft of him to attack them and go on the run when he was injured.
Jazz was irritating and unlikeable whenever he thought he knew best and ignored other people's wisdom and experience, it made him seem like a TSTL brat. Ironically it was only the times when he admitted he was just a dumb kid where he seemed the most grown up.
One thing I was glad of was that he finally stopped banging on about his awesome ability to read/manipulate people every five bloody seconds, he still mentioned it but nowhere near as much as before. I also liked that he stopped worrying so much about turning out like his serial killer dad, he finally realised he wasn't like him.
Once Jazz got back to Nod, I really started liking his character, he was easy to root for. His confrontations with his parents were the best scenes, they both deserved the ending they got. I wish Jazz's mum had suffered more though, she was a sick fuck.
-Connie was much better this time around. She was so stupid and insufferable in the last book, there were still a couple of times where she managed to annoy me though. She was most irritating when she was worrying about her looks and future acting career, she'd just escaped a mad serial killer and that was all she could think about. I seriously doubt anyone would be so focused on their looks so soon after narrowly escaping a madman - they'd be more concerned about their safety, their friends and family, and the emotional trauma of it all. Their looks wouldn't be important compared to all of that.
Apart from Connie's ridiculous concern about her looks, she was a pretty decent character.
-Detective Hughes was a huge prick, he was such a douche to Connie and Jazz, they'd been through hell and were victims and young teenagers but he acted like they were criminal scum. Ugh, I hated him for most of the book. He kind of redeemed himself in the end though when he helped Jazz out and made sure he wouldn't get in as much trouble from the police.
-It was obvious Jazz's mum would turn out to be the Crow King/Ugly J. I didn't guess it in the previous books but as soon as Connie met her in this one, it was clear she was a psycho.
-I actually really loved Billy Dent, he was so funny and entertaining in that crazy way of his especially in his interactions with Jazz. I was glad Jazz managed to ruin his life though, it was what he deserved.
I did wonder why Billy covered for Jazz at the end - was it because he thought Jazz would one day become a serial killer or because he genuinely cared about him or because he hated the police and didn't want to cooperate with them? I really wanted to know what Billy was thinking.
-I felt sorry for Sam, she lost so much and had such a rubbish life. I didn't blame her for running away and not getting back in contact with Jazz. It would be good if they reunited at some point down the line since they were the only family they had.
-I liked the parallels between Howie, Jazz, and Connie in the first third with them waking up and finding themselves in awful situations and later being rescued and recovering in hospital. It made their POV's easier to read and bought the story together.
-I loved the ending, it wasn't all happy and shiny and it wasn't all miserable and depressing either. It was just right. At first I was hoping the book would end with Jazz turning as evil as his dad but by the end I was glad that didn't happen, it would have ruined his character and the story.
All in all, a satisfying and mostly engrossing conclusion to the trilogy. I'll be keeping an eye out on any future releases by the author.
January 4, 2016
This book, THIS SERIES, is phenomenal.
I'm speechless. There were twists and turns everywhere. It kept me guessing and continually going over information trying to figure out the truth. I could go on forever but I'll just say this; this book is INSANE!!!
I love Howie, I truly love him. He's so sweet and funny and loyal. Connie really progressed for me throughout the series and became a strong character I enjoyed rooting for. Jazz. Oh my dear sweet baby Jasper.
I can't say enough good things about this series. It's gory and horrific, suspenseful and intense, but also filled with lots of humor (mostly thanks to Howie). AND THE HARDCOVERS ARE BEAUTIFULLY GROTESQUE AND UNIQUE UNDER THEIR DUST JACKETS.
I'm speechless. There were twists and turns everywhere. It kept me guessing and continually going over information trying to figure out the truth. I could go on forever but I'll just say this; this book is INSANE!!!
I love Howie, I truly love him. He's so sweet and funny and loyal. Connie really progressed for me throughout the series and became a strong character I enjoyed rooting for. Jazz. Oh my dear sweet baby Jasper.
I can't say enough good things about this series. It's gory and horrific, suspenseful and intense, but also filled with lots of humor (mostly thanks to Howie). AND THE HARDCOVERS ARE BEAUTIFULLY GROTESQUE AND UNIQUE UNDER THEIR DUST JACKETS.
December 17, 2016
"You're next."
Okay, so I maybe kind of sort of saw that coming. Not the whole plot twist, of course; just an inkling of it. What do you bet Bad Blood by Jennifer Lynn Barnes has a similar plot twist? I haven't read the book yet, though, so this is just a theory, not an actual spoiler or anything, okay? (In addition, Mark Culpepper? Culpepper? What are the odds that I read two crime fiction seties in a row, and both of them have a character named Culpepper? It's a moderately common name, though, so I shouldn't be surprised, but seeing references to both The Naturals and Cormoran Strike kind of got to me, I guess.)
Good ending, though. It suited the series; probably the only ending that I would've liked.
P. S. To those who have read this: G. William or Hughes? (I'm Team Tanner, all the way.)
Okay, so I maybe kind of sort of saw that coming. Not the whole plot twist, of course; just an inkling of it. What do you bet Bad Blood by Jennifer Lynn Barnes has a similar plot twist? I haven't read the book yet, though, so this is just a theory, not an actual spoiler or anything, okay? (In addition, Mark Culpepper? Culpepper? What are the odds that I read two crime fiction seties in a row, and both of them have a character named Culpepper? It's a moderately common name, though, so I shouldn't be surprised, but seeing references to both The Naturals and Cormoran Strike kind of got to me, I guess.)
Good ending, though. It suited the series; probably the only ending that I would've liked.
P. S. To those who have read this: G. William or Hughes? (I'm Team Tanner, all the way.)
October 17, 2014
BLOOD OF MY BLOOD
By the time this book is released, Billy will rob me of my sanity.
Typing this at 2am in the morning is seriously not helping.
By the time this book is released, Billy will rob me of my sanity.
Typing this at 2am in the morning is seriously not helping.
February 17, 2021
Such a great series! I am so sad that I am finished with all the books!
"Jazz has been shot and left to die in New York. His girlfriend, Connie, is in the clutches of Jazz's monstrous father, Billy--the world's most notorious serial killer. And his best friend, Howie, is bleeding to death on the floor of Jazz's new home.
Somehow, these three must rise above the horrors and find a way to come together in pursuit of Billy.
But then Jazz crosses a line he's never crossed before, and soon the entire country is wondering: "Like father, like son? Who is the true monster?"
From New York City to the small town of Lobo's Nod, the chase is on, and this time, Jazz is the hunted, not the hunter--while Billy Dent lurks in the shadows.
And beyond Billy? Something much, much worse. Prepare to meet...the Crow King."
"Jazz has been shot and left to die in New York. His girlfriend, Connie, is in the clutches of Jazz's monstrous father, Billy--the world's most notorious serial killer. And his best friend, Howie, is bleeding to death on the floor of Jazz's new home.
Somehow, these three must rise above the horrors and find a way to come together in pursuit of Billy.
But then Jazz crosses a line he's never crossed before, and soon the entire country is wondering: "Like father, like son? Who is the true monster?"
From New York City to the small town of Lobo's Nod, the chase is on, and this time, Jazz is the hunted, not the hunter--while Billy Dent lurks in the shadows.
And beyond Billy? Something much, much worse. Prepare to meet...the Crow King."
January 1, 2015
I'm not even sure what to write for a review. I have to give this whole series 5 stars, because I just couldn't stop reading. The books were so compelling. I was completely horrified at the same time. I couldn't read these books before bed because they were so dark at times. I said on Twitter that I had to set my alarm to read them in the morning because I was too scared to read at night -- but I couldn't stop reading them. Definitely pick up this series if you want to read the darker side of YA.
June 20, 2016
"What's it like to go looking for your soul, only to learn you never had one to begin with?"
This is not your typical YA. Heck, I don't even know why this is considered YA! (Because the age of main characters maybe but the theme is disturbing) BUT if you know me, I like YA and the "disturbing" part, so yep, this is my typical book!
This is not your typical YA. Heck, I don't even know why this is considered YA! (Because the age of main characters maybe but the theme is disturbing) BUT if you know me, I like YA and the "disturbing" part, so yep, this is my typical book!
July 26, 2017
Awe that was a fun series... Or at least as fun as a series about serial killers could be!
February 26, 2015
This is like my happy time right now. I feel like I've been able to read really great books, one after the other! Not only are some of my favorite series coming out with new installments, guaranteed to be awesome, but the 2 picks I chose at random were also pretty spectacular! October is a great reading month!
I have been waiting for Blood of my Blood for what feels like forever! In a way, in only this way, it reminds me of the wait for MOBY (Diana Gabaldon) because the previous book had multiple cliffhangers. The cliffhangers were so cliffhangery that I would randomly think of it and fret because I just HAD to know what happened.
Well it's here, I read it, and it was a really great ending to a really great dark series. Absolutely nobody can complain that allllll the buildup led to an ending that was a let down. The final showdown was epic. Jasper Dent is badASS. And, also he's a little bit scary.
Sure, some of the twists at the end were predictable but I think that most people who were predicting it were also thinking that it wouldn't happen. It's a YA book, right? It won't go there.... Well, I can say that lines were crossed, bodies were mutilated, minds were shattered, and horrible shitty things happened to people you love.
Hats off to Barry Lyga for writing a story about serial killers with what felt like completely chilling accuracy. Billy, Ugly J, and even Jasper himself, were all scary. Every scene with Billy Dent or Ugly J made me shudder.
Brilliant series, and hey! It's Halloween time! Looking for a scary creepy thriller? Look no further then this fictional story about a notorious serial killer and his son. Read it!
She knew all about the cops and their trigger fingers and their predilection for dealing with those who would attack their brethren. Her father had drummed such stories into her from a young age; more so into Whiz, who bore the burden of being a black boy about to grow into a black teen. If the police even look at you funny, Dad had said, you hit the ground and put your hands over your head. Don't talk back. Don't try to run. Don't try to explain. They're just looking for an excuse to shoot you. Don't give it to them.
The same would apply to Jazz, she knew, despite his white skin. He'd assaulted cops; bad enough. But he was also suspiciously tied to the death of an FBI agent, and that made Jazz the functional equivalent of a black teenager in a hoodie in a white neighborhood.
I have been waiting for Blood of my Blood for what feels like forever! In a way, in only this way, it reminds me of the wait for MOBY (Diana Gabaldon) because the previous book had multiple cliffhangers. The cliffhangers were so cliffhangery that I would randomly think of it and fret because I just HAD to know what happened.
Well it's here, I read it, and it was a really great ending to a really great dark series. Absolutely nobody can complain that allllll the buildup led to an ending that was a let down. The final showdown was epic. Jasper Dent is badASS. And, also he's a little bit scary.
Sure, some of the twists at the end were predictable but I think that most people who were predicting it were also thinking that it wouldn't happen. It's a YA book, right? It won't go there.... Well, I can say that lines were crossed, bodies were mutilated, minds were shattered, and horrible shitty things happened to people you love.
Hats off to Barry Lyga for writing a story about serial killers with what felt like completely chilling accuracy. Billy, Ugly J, and even Jasper himself, were all scary. Every scene with Billy Dent or Ugly J made me shudder.
Brilliant series, and hey! It's Halloween time! Looking for a scary creepy thriller? Look no further then this fictional story about a notorious serial killer and his son. Read it!
November 12, 2015
I've had this on my review list for what seems like forever. I DNF'd the second book, so I'm not sure why I requested it, but I'm so glad I did. This was one hell of an ending.
I didn't really know what was going on for some of it because I don't remember some of the characters that were mentioned. The plot was fast paced from the beginning and there were so many twists, I couldn't ever settle into a rhythm. It was fantastic.
I did skim parts of it, but overall it was captivating. I'll definitely have to try binging the series at some point.
**Huge thanks to Little Brown and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
I didn't really know what was going on for some of it because I don't remember some of the characters that were mentioned. The plot was fast paced from the beginning and there were so many twists, I couldn't ever settle into a rhythm. It was fantastic.
I did skim parts of it, but overall it was captivating. I'll definitely have to try binging the series at some point.
**Huge thanks to Little Brown and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
September 23, 2016
Actual rating 4.5
This is only because it wasn't quite as good as the second book, but that second book was really a tough act to follow.....
If you are reading this book, you have already read the previous books, see you know how twisted, disturbing, and pretty gruesome these books are.... and I have to admit some of the twists in this book, I truly did not see coming, and somethings were more disturbing than ever.... Jasper, the fact that you are pretty much normal is a absolute miracle!
If you're a fan of a good psychological thriller, I strongly recommend this, I'm not sure I would even called his young adult, it is just the MC happens to be a teenager.....
This is only because it wasn't quite as good as the second book, but that second book was really a tough act to follow.....
If you are reading this book, you have already read the previous books, see you know how twisted, disturbing, and pretty gruesome these books are.... and I have to admit some of the twists in this book, I truly did not see coming, and somethings were more disturbing than ever.... Jasper, the fact that you are pretty much normal is a absolute miracle!
If you're a fan of a good psychological thriller, I strongly recommend this, I'm not sure I would even called his young adult, it is just the MC happens to be a teenager.....
September 12, 2014
You know you are in a Jasper Dent novel when:
You open the book, and your heart drops to your knees.
One of the characters is covered in blood. No, more than one of the characters is covered in blood.
Someone has a knife.
Jazz is in peril. Connie is in peril. Howie is in peril.
Howie is bleeding.
There is a coded message from a serial killer.
You are playing a game, but you don't know you are playing a game. The penalty for losing is death.
You were just slapped so hard with a plot twist that your jaw hurts and you can't breath.
Well played, Mr. Lyga. Well played.
You open the book, and your heart drops to your knees.
One of the characters is covered in blood. No, more than one of the characters is covered in blood.
Someone has a knife.
Jazz is in peril. Connie is in peril. Howie is in peril.
Howie is bleeding.
There is a coded message from a serial killer.
You are playing a game, but you don't know you are playing a game. The penalty for losing is death.
You were just slapped so hard with a plot twist that your jaw hurts and you can't breath.
Well played, Mr. Lyga. Well played.
October 7, 2022
This series was a wild ride from start to finish! I really don’t want to spoil anything but the unexpected twists and turns were so interesting and caught me off guard! I’m usually fairly good at predicting plot twists but I’ll admit that this one surprised me. I really enjoyed the series overall and I would definitely recommend especially as someone who is starting to get into the mystery/thriller genre.
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