Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, #5)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

more photos (1)

This Side of the Grave

(Night Huntress #5)

Jeaniene Frost (Goodreads Author)

4.26 · Rating details · 59,432 ratings · 2,441 reviews

Danger waits on both sides of the grave.

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species ...more

Get A Copy

Mass Market Paperback, 357 pages

Published February 22nd 2011 by Avon (first published February 1st 2011)

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about This Side of the Grave, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Can't Wait Books For 2011

1,217 books — 6,813 voters

This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Most Anticipated Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Books - Early 2011

182 books — 1,491 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.26 ·

Rating details

· 59,432 ratings · 2,441 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, #5)

Jul 13, 2010 Quinn rated it liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, paranormal-romance, library-book, series

Pardon me while I have a little rant. If you’re going to do a spin-off series, then it should be able to be read independently of the original series. Otherwise, it’s not really a spin-off series now, is it? It’s just all part of the one same series. You should NOT be able to spoil either series by not reading the spin-off series in between books of the original series, and vice versa.

Although Frost’s Night Huntress World series is supposed to be a spin-off, it really isn’t. It doesn’t just comp ...more

flag 148 likes · Like · see review

Feb 23, 2014 Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession rated it it was amazing

Shelves: hero-melted-my-panties-and-heart, paranormal-romance, read-in-2015, my-favorites, reread-worthy, favorite-couple, own-on-kindle, girl-crush-heroine, never-gets-old, read-in-2019

5 World's Freakiest Bloodsucker Stars

*Spoilers*

First read 2/27/2014 reread 11/26/2015 Re reread 11/24/2019

"Kitten, you've been a vampire for less than a year. During that time, you've blown the head off a Master vampire through pyrokinesis and frozen dozens of vampires into a stupor through telekinesis. Your abilities, plus your occasional heartbeat, are bound to frighten some people."-Bones

photo tumblr_mysw6fhCdH1tox74co1_500_zpszs6yi9jh.gif

"You know, in addition to your mind-reading abilities, I may have absorbed some sluttiness from your b ...more

flag 120 likes · Like · see review

Sep 30, 2011 Ronda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2011-favourites

Another fantastic installment from Jeaniene Frost with This Side of the Grave.

Cat struggles with many things during this story, some of which grabbed my heart and pulled on my tears... I think a few of us could relate to some of her circumstances here. Again though, there are so many things to curl those lips up and laugh with and with the addition of our friends from prior books, it makes it a wholesome party to enjoy.

Jeaniene has definately become one of my favourite authors with her witty lin ...more

flag 76 likes · Like · see review

Sep 17, 2011 Alkyoni rated it it was ok

Shelves: say-anything, urban-fantasy, from-dusk-till-dawn, nobody-puts-baby-in-the-corner

Do.Not.Shoot.

I can expl…

I’m not saying that Cat isn’t the epitome of awesomeness.

I’m not saying that Bones isn’t one of the sexiest things out there.

I’m not saying that the side characters aren’t intriguing and fun to hang around with.

But look at the plot people:

Bad guy is after Cat for some ridiculous reason.
Cat goes after the bad guy.
Tones of random stuff happening.
Cat fights the bad guy.
Cat kills the bad guy.
The end.

Sounds familiar, right? You’ve read something like that before and still e ...more

flag 71 likes · Like · see review

Feb 13, 2013 Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy-all, own, paperback-own

🖤🐶🐺🐾

flag 70 likes · Like · see review

Feb 22, 2018 Sophia Triad rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 1paranormal-lovestories, ghosts, vampires, ghouls

"Be still my non-beating heart"

Let's see...
Cat and Bones are in love
Cat and Bones have earth shattering sex (chapter 21 everybody!)
Cat and Bones fight against a deadly enemy (Bad bad ghouls!)

So, not many things happen in this book that move forward the main story. Just Cat feels more comfortable being a full vampire (flying is really awesome).
Mencheres and Kira (Eternal Kiss of Darkness) as well as Denise and Spade (First Drop of Crimson) make an appearance.
And Timmie, Cat's neighbour seven ...more

flag 63 likes · Like · see review

Apr 26, 2013 MischaS_ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: e-book, favorites, best-men-ever, english, pb

It was quite good. Vlad rocks. :D
And I would appreciate more of Ian. He was there like for five minutes and the author almost just mentioned him! Like all interesting characters are being pushed out of the pages to promote other characters that are just simply annoying.

flag 50 likes · Like · see review

Aug 10, 2017 Jilly rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires, urban-fantasy

Have you ever done that thing where you say something and realize it came out very very wrong, and then tried to talk your way out of it, only to continue making it worse? I have... and I'll fill you in later... it counts as the most embarrassing moment of my life. So, I felt much better when Cat has this same problem twice in this book.

I'm hungry enough that both of you are starting to looking really, really good."
Vlad's lips curled. "Is this the part where I'm supposed to remind you that th ...more

flag 48 likes · Like · see review

Jul 05, 2017 Helen 2.0 rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-17, own, pnr, vamps

Guys, I'm meeting Jeaniene Frost in Orlando at the end of July!!! afaadjfhsohfosndfjzhgljg

...more

flag 46 likes · Like · see review

Jun 26, 2010 Dia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

OMG!! yeahhh... that rocks!! I totally thougt that the 4th book was the last... and now she brings out a 5th book!!!?? Jeanine Frost?! I love u!
haha... my fav *kick-ass heroine* vampire book series!! <3

PS.: I think I'll go crazy until it comes out! ...can't wait ^^ ...more

flag 40 likes · Like · see review

Apr 27, 2013 Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: paranomal-general, urban-fantasy, adult, fantasy, read-in-2013, 3-stars, read-in-2018, reviewed, pn-faeries, pn-romance

⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Umm what is going on with me?*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

Re-read: 08.11.2018
The fifth book in the series starts several months after book four (seven years from book one). It still centers around now turned vampire Catherine ‘Cat’ ‘Cathy’ ‘Kitten’ ‘Commander’ ‘The Red Reaper’ Kathleen Crawfield (27? 28?) and her vampire husband Crispin Phillip Arthur Russell III (Crispin was his human name) ‘Bones’ (247? 249?). Cat's been a vampire for less than a year, but that doesn't stop her from being special sti ...more

flag 33 likes · Like · see review

Feb 11, 2011 Kt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: hardcopy, received-for-review

Cat and Bones have had a very rough time of it lately and while they have come out on top in the last few battles, there still were loved ones lost and irreparable consequences. In this latest installment, Cat is still coming to terms with her new, mostly pulse-less status. She was unique as a half vampire, so it makes sense she wouldn't be a normal full one either. However, this spells trouble as a nasty Ghoul is using the threat of the "Red Reaper" to incite a war between the Vampires and Ghou Cat and Bones have had a very rough time of it lately and while they have come out on top in the last few battles, there still were loved ones lost and irreparable consequences. In this latest installment, Cat is still coming to terms with her new, mostly pulse-less status. She was unique as a half vampire, so it makes sense she wouldn't be a normal full one either. However, this spells trouble as a nasty Ghoul is using the threat of the "Red Reaper" to incite a war between the Vampires and Ghouls. They must scramble to round up their allies as well as try and find away to stop the war that could destroy them all. They seek out the help of Majestic, the Queen of New Orleans. The biggest question is not whether or not they will get her support, but if they will survive her "help" if she gives it, because one never knows just what the VooDoo Queen may have up her sleeve.

Cat has really had just about all she can take of dangers and threats to herself and her loved ones. So when her "borrowed" powers start causing her problems she scrambles to find a way to tone them down. She tells Bones that she isn't meant to handle them since she isn't a master vampire. This may be true, but when push comes to shove, she will do whatever it takes when her loved ones are at risk, even if it means using powers that wreak havoc and completely overwhelm her. However, I think most of her problems with the powers is that when she tries to use them, she over thinks it, as well as refuses to accept them as her own. Granted, they are only borrowed, but until they wear off, they belong to her, and I think if she could learn to accept them, she just might surprise herself.

I was so thrilled to see Cat and Bones fully together in this book. Their separation in the previous book was very hard to bear and they are by far my favorite fictional couple. In this book it seems they are closer than ever, and Cat is really trying to not repeat the mistakes of her past. Every time she has the inclination to run off on her own to try and save the day, she stops and takes a moment to talk herself out of it. She finally has come to terms with the fact that where she goes, Bones will, and no matter how much she may want to protect him, he will always be there at her side whenever danger strikes. Bones has even made some major strides in accepting that she will always have to be hip deep in the action and that he can't keep her on the sidelines either. I'm sure there will always be some tension between them as they are both extremely strong willed, but in the end they could not be more perfect for one another.

Since this is my favorite series, there always is the fear that the latest book will not live up to my admittedly high expectations. However, after reading this book I realized my fear was completely unnecessary, as this book was every bit as good as its predecessors. Be prepared for plenty of high stakes, heart pounding action, and plenty of steaminess. The book was jammed packed with emotions, and the ending will leave a smile on your face. Fans of the series will not be disappointed. If you haven't checked out this series yet, you don't know what you are missing. ...more

flag 30 likes · Like · see review

Nov 07, 2015 Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* rated it it was amazing

Shelves: a-own-book-form, book-boyfriend, sad, got-in-2015, urban-fantasy, vampires, cover-love, ghosts, mad-scientists, monsters

“Ask me if I sparkle and I’ll kill you where you stand.”

My favorite of the series - 'The Side of the Grave' holds the best qualities of the Night Huntress books while mainly leaving the small annoyances behind.

Cat has grown on me more since she's shed some of the annoying, in the face, immature attitude. Bones is still yummy and protective. Their relationship is in no way in the new stages anymore but they still keep it fresh. They work together as a tough team that - while some natural disagree
“Ask me if I sparkle and I’ll kill you where you stand.”

My favorite of the series - 'The Side of the Grave' holds the best qualities of the Night Huntress books while mainly leaving the small annoyances behind.

Cat has grown on me more since she's shed some of the annoying, in the face, immature attitude. Bones is still yummy and protective. Their relationship is in no way in the new stages anymore but they still keep it fresh. They work together as a tough team that - while some natural disagreements come up - have each others backs. There's some sex scenes but nothing too overbearing to where it ruins the plot. Most of the magic of that was lost on me after the first few books, but thankfully Frost mainly concentrates on story over steam.

Vlad is hilarious and steals any page he walks on - he's definitely my favorite character, will have to try his side book although I have a feeling that through his viewpoint he may lose some of the mysterious charm he has now. He has a tough side that works with the series but he also brings in needed humor. Bones and Cat have some humor as well but it works even better with ol' Drac around.

Marie as the voodoo queen is creepy and brings a dark grittiness to the series that it needed. Sure, it was dark before, but this brings in a different element when the actual dead become so heavily involved. It almost reminds me of old school Anita Blake black noir feel when that series was actually good.

Mancheres and his new lady love bring in the charm too as more sides of the ancient are seen when sparks fly. Cat adopts some new powers that make her stand out compared to other UF series characters, and I'm glad the author embraced the vulnerable feel with these powers instead of letting it go to the main character's head. The villain was interesting to fit with the story's flow, although not a particularly strong opponent in the end.

There's a truly sad occurrence with a family member, but there's a small cliffhanger on the last pages that holds a punch of humor and made me smile and feel better about that plot turn.

Cat will never be a favorite of mine, but she's more endurable - and when paired when some creative side characters who make it impossible to turn my eyes away, the story shines. Now officially a fan of the series. ...more

flag 29 likes · Like · see review

Jun 23, 2010 Rane rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-pnr-supernatural

I give credit to the Night Huntress series and my GR friends who told me about the greatness of this series from the Bones Train in getting me back into the PNR genre again. Revisiting Cat and Bones is always a fun experience, this time around though I wasn’t engaged like I was in the earlier novels.

Not that I didn’t enjoy this installment of the Night Huntress series, but found it more of a short story/filler in the overall of the series. Much of what happen in this novel was like a repeat on I give credit to the Night Huntress series and my GR friends who told me about the greatness of this series from the Bones Train in getting me back into the PNR genre again. Revisiting Cat and Bones is always a fun experience, this time around though I wasn’t engaged like I was in the earlier novels.

Not that I didn’t enjoy this installment of the Night Huntress series, but found it more of a short story/filler in the overall of the series. Much of what happen in this novel was like a repeat on what happen many times before. Cat learns something new about her vampire power, someone wants Cat dead, Cat get into a big dramatic fight and Cat kills the evil guy. Much of what happen in the novel was very anti-climatic something I’m not use to seeing in the Night Huntress series, am used/spoiled on JF always having me at the edge of my seat page turning to see what happens next. This felt like I already knew what was going to happen before it did.

Of course just because the story didn’t shine, it didn’t mean it didn’t make leaps and bounds in other parts, mostly the strong relationship between Cat and Bones the backbone of the Night Huntress series. Cat and Bones have had their troubles, with Cat running into trouble with Bones getting her out of trouble, then the misunderstandings. We get none of that THANK YOU! Nope, we have a mature Cat whose stop running and started thinking. You see a true balanced “adult” relationship between two “sometimes”-stubborn people who just make it work. You see how they do anything for each other and have each other’s back through thick and thin. The best thing was that the final true wall that had stood around Cat’s heart was finally taken down and the final true acceptance between Bones and Cat that made it all that so much sweeter….

And spicy! Because a NH book without at least one steamy hot, blushing bright red yummy scene is not a true NH books, and although the now infamous Chapter 32 may have a running mate with this books Chapter 21, with Cat taking the driver seat and making candle wax not only hot but smokin’ hot.

With the new mature relationship between Cat and Bones one of the bright spots of the book the other was Vlad! That boy is such a scene-stealer, and here being myself a Spade fangirl, now can say call myself a Vlad fangirl. I adore love him and just can’t wait, can’t wait for his own series. The readers get see a little more behind Vlad and this made me wanting and waiting for his own book, I just hope his leading lady is just as cool ;]

This installment was good like a visit from an old friend and hearing everything is going good for them, and ending up being a good comfortable revisit and chat.
...more

flag 26 likes · Like · see review

Sep 10, 2015 Alex ☣ Deranged KittyCat ☣ rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires, adult, ghosts, paranormal-uf, kick-ass-ladies

So... umm... what just happened? Ok, I liked Vlad and... that's just about it. Maybe Cat and Bones should retire or something because I don't feel them anymore. I like the mature Cat, and yet she's boring at the same time.

And Mencheres... I still have a problem with him having sex. I see him as this pharaoh mysterious figure. Him being a lovestruck horny guy, it doesn't work for me.

As for Apollyon, he's so unimportant, I don't know why he's in the book in the first place. Just so Cat has an anta ...more

flag 26 likes · Like · see review

Jun 13, 2010 AH rated it liked it

Shelves: ghosts, zzread-feb2011, urban-fantasy, vampires

Ho hum. Meh. A little slow.

I never would have thought that these would be words to describe a Cat and Bones book. I’ve always loved Cat and Bones and was looking forward to an enjoyable read. I found this book was slower paced and a little bit dull. Don’t get me wrong – there are some great and exciting scenes in the book, but for the most part, it was a dull read for me.

Cat and Bones were a little bland for me this time. Bones is subdued, very calm. Yes, he is still as sexy as only Bones can be Ho hum. Meh. A little slow.

I never would have thought that these would be words to describe a Cat and Bones book. I’ve always loved Cat and Bones and was looking forward to an enjoyable read. I found this book was slower paced and a little bit dull. Don’t get me wrong – there are some great and exciting scenes in the book, but for the most part, it was a dull read for me.

Cat and Bones were a little bland for me this time. Bones is subdued, very calm. Yes, he is still as sexy as only Bones can be, but he doesn’t seem to have the Bones charm that he had in the earlier books. Married life, perhaps? Cat seems to have matured a little more and she seems to think before she speaks and acts. Mencheres, with all of his power, still felt like a flat character to me. I felt that his only concern was Kira and having sex with Kira. Nothing else really stands out about him.

I was pleasantly surprised by several characters. I have grown to love Marie the ghoul queen. She is probably one of the most interesting characters in the book, if not the series. What a calculating, devious lady. Marie is certainly a scene stealer. I am looking forward to more of her in the next books. The story picked up when Vlad entered the picture. I love Vlad. To me, he seems like the real vampire. He also had a great line:

”What the hell was that?” I gasped.
“Premature inflamulation,” he replied. “Happens sometimes. Very embarrassing, I don’t like to talk about it.”

Cat’s mother, Justina always seems to surprise me. In the latter books of the series she seems to take a “if life gives you lemons, make lemonade” attitude. She is becoming a favorite of mine.

A Night Huntress book does not seem complete without the steaminess and sexiness of our lead duo, Cat and Bones. Chapter 21 delivers on the hotness factor. A very interesting use of candles, Cat. I did think that the chapter was kind of thrown in, like it didn’t belong so soon in the book, but I’ll take it.

I also loved the scenes where Bones is teaching Cat how to fly. Cat’s fears and frustrations at her lack of flying ability and Bone’s confidence guiding her were very well done.

On to the villain, Apollyon. As a villain, he wasn’t particularly evil, wicked, scary, or strong. I kind of saw him as an obstacle for Cat to overcome. The battle scenes were well done, but in the end we all knew what would be his outcome.

For the OCD readers out there – if you are reading this series in order – a good way to read would be to read Night Huntress books 1 to 4, then go to Night Huntress World First Drop of Crimson and Eternal Kiss of Darkness before reading this book.
...more

flag 25 likes · Like · see review

Sep 07, 2017 Deborah Obida rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, adult, romance

The quality of this series reduced so much in this, Basically nothing happened it was just repetitions of old stuffs and just a little new stuffs. I was bored half way through and the rest part that was new was really fun.

The writing is still great and I adore the character development, the plot not so much.

“As long as you’re with me, I can handle it,” I said, reaching up to touch his face. “I can handle anything with you.”

“I’ll always be with you, Kitten. Always,” Bones rasped before his lip ...more

flag 25 likes · Like · see review

Feb 07, 2014 Catarina rated it really liked it

Shelves: awesome-heroine, paranornal-stuff, perfect-book-boyfriend

4 Awesome Stars.

In this fifth book we have Cat and Bones in the middle of an extreme war.
Ghouls and vampires are starting a war between them and when previous allies suddenly take different sides nothing good can come from that.
Since Cat is under threat she and Bones have to seek help with the most unexpected resources and once again, fight a dangerous war against their lives and this time, against their own species.
But well, Cat is Cat and Bones is Bones and they together are pure awesomene ...more

flag 22 likes · Like · see review

Jul 02, 2013 Robin (Bridge Four) rated it liked it

Shelves: fantastic-fantasy, sexy

Downgrade from 3.5 to 3 stars after the second read. #1 reason for that is the Ghoul movement against vampires makes no sense. Ghouls need vampire blood to be made, if there are no vampires how will they make more ghouls. Seriously the logic seemed a little flawed, but I liked Cat, Bones and Marie Laveau so it still gets 3 stars.

Cat and Bones are back stronger than ever together. What I love about this book is that there is no more miscommunication and stupid fighting between them. There is stil Downgrade from 3.5 to 3 stars after the second read. #1 reason for that is the Ghoul movement against vampires makes no sense. Ghouls need vampire blood to be made, if there are no vampires how will they make more ghouls. Seriously the logic seemed a little flawed, but I liked Cat, Bones and Marie Laveau so it still gets 3 stars.

Cat and Bones are back stronger than ever together. What I love about this book is that there is no more miscommunication and stupid fighting between them. There is still great banter and fun just no huge rift between them like in the prior books. They have overcome some of their issues and even if there is still the struggle that they want to protect one another it seems like they have learned some lessons from the past.

The ghouls are still riled up about Cat and the unusual powers she has presented in a few battles. Apollyon won’t stop until there is a war between the ghouls and vampires. The voodoo Queen plays a roll by meeting with Cat and giving her an unexpected gift. I will say the Jeaniene Frost has a cameo from almost every character in this book. Some seemed possibly unnecessary but hey I like seeing previous characters so I’ll just roll with it. Timmy (neighbor from book 1) has a couple fun moments.

“Before we go, I gotta know: If mind-reading abilities are real, there's something else I wondered if fiction got right about vampires-"
"Ask me if I sparkle and I'll kill you where you stand," Bones cut him off with utmost seriousness.”

Vlad is always one of my favorites and he is really the break out character in this book. That could be because Frost is planning a series for him. But he really was fun in this book and I enjoyed all the scenes with him in it. Ultimately he stole the scenes he was in.

“Much slower, I turned around to see Vlad examining his fingernails, as if his hands weren't still ablaze in the flames that had blasted the ghoul's head off moments before.
'what the hell was that?' I gasped.
'Premature inflammation,' He replied. 'Happens sometimes. Very embarrassing, I don't like to talk about it.' ”

Yes I’ve seen this plot before from Frost but honestly I don’t care it is still presented in a fun way. There are a couple tearful moments in a scene that I was unexpected and was done very well. I still really enjoy this series and although it has fallen off a little from how strong it was in the beginning few books it is still better than most of the other new PNR out there. These are definitely a guilty pleasure of mine and there is still a lot of heat between our couple. If you have been a fan of the other Night Huntess series then this will have many of the things you like. If you are looking for something strongly different from what you have already seen then you may be disappointed. ...more

flag 20 likes · Like · see review

Jan 10, 2011 Maja (The Nocturnal Library) rated it liked it

Shelves: huge-disappointment, glistening-fangs, urban-fantasy, so-many-vampires, paranormal-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book was such a disappointment. It's sad, really. Admittedly, the last one wasn't much, either, but I didn't expect two crappy ones in a row.
I finished it this morning, and I don't even remember what it was about. Absolutely nothing interesting happened. Cat and Bones are running around trying to prevent a war, Mencheres is having loud sex (yuck), Vlad doesn't even have a girlfriend (I'm guessing that will be fixed in the next Night Huntress World book, that seems to be Frost's modus opera ...more

flag 20 likes · Like · see review

Aug 21, 2020 Woman Reading rated it liked it

Shelves: 3-stars-mildly-interesting, fantasy-urban-fantasy, read-women-2020-challenge

3☆

Species tensions erupt in the supernatural world as extremist ghouls stoke hatred against vampires, their undead siblings. In this installment, ghosts on steroids (view spoiler) controlled by another paranormal figure of renown - voodoo Queen Marie Laveau - explode onto the scene. Will the powerful Marie be a friend or an enemy as she consolidates her power in New Orleans during the rising conflict?

Luckily for the vampires, Cat's friendship with Vlad (Dracula) bolster ...more

flag 18 likes · Like · see review

Oct 11, 2016 Lonna | FLYLēF rated it really liked it

While this fifth installment mainly follows Cat’s mysterious evolution and exploration of her intriguing, mystical powers, it continues to fuel to my desire for more of this lovely couple and their myriad adventures.

flag 18 likes · Like · see review

Apr 12, 2010 Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-urban-fantasy, va-va-voom-vampires, hero-hot-male-in-my-harem, faves-kings-of-the-harem, author-jeaniene-frost, action-adventure, heroines-i-love, magic, genre-romance, lover-the-cover

Will Cat and Bones ever get any peace? The answer to that question seems to be a big resounding NO! Thank goodness! Without their ability to piss off everyone in a 100 mile radius I wouldn't be able to obsess over everything about this series! This book continues the vampire vs ghoul war that seems to brewing because of Cat's unusual abilities now that she has been turned in to a vampire. But she not only has the paranormal war to worry about, but her mothers recently forced vampirism and her Un ...more

flag 16 likes · Like · see review

Sep 29, 2010 Francesca the Fierce (Under the Covers Book Blog) rated it liked it

Shelves: books-read-2011, genre-urban-fantasy, read-audio-books, books-read-2020, vampires

3.5 Stars

I was so excited to get this book, and start reading it as soon as it came out! I've been on Cat & Bones withdrawals because the 4th book in the series was a bit mehh, and then we got 2 books in the Night Huntress World spin-off, and I was not so happy with Spade's, and I did liked Mencheres.

But here we are back with Cat & Bones.... Ahhhh... Opening scene... LOVED IT! I wouldn't mind having him shackled to a cave wall! After that though it started going really slow for me.

The story was 3.5 Stars

I was so excited to get this book, and start reading it as soon as it came out! I've been on Cat & Bones withdrawals because the 4th book in the series was a bit mehh, and then we got 2 books in the Night Huntress World spin-off, and I was not so happy with Spade's, and I did liked Mencheres.

But here we are back with Cat & Bones.... Ahhhh... Opening scene... LOVED IT! I wouldn't mind having him shackled to a cave wall! After that though it started going really slow for me.

The story was ok enough, but it wasn't GREAT. I had really high expectations for this book, and didn't feel like it met them 100%, even though it was a good book (I did rate it 4 stars!) I mainly feel like Cat lost some of her spark and spunk from the beginning of the series, and she didn't feel like she was as confident. And although she was funny at times, sometimes she got a little on my nerves. And that's not good since we're getting the story from her POV.

Bones was amazing in this book however! OMG! I'm in love with him, he can do no wrong! His connection to Cat felt rekindled in this book where it was a bit lacking in the last NH book. And yeah, of course, that brings up the elephant in the room... Chapter 21!!!! I knew before hand from comments on GR to watch out for that chapter, so I paid extra attention, I might've read it twice ;) It was HOT, YOWZA, INTENSE and did I mention REALLY HOT? It has been compared to Chapter 32 of One Foot in the Grave, and I'll agree it gives it a run for the money. It all depends on your preferences. I actually went back and re-read Chapter 32 after finishing this book to be able to compare with a fresh image. There's a lot of biting involved in both, except OFITG was Bones doing the biting, in TSOTG was Cat. But biting aside, I think this book gives us a little bit more intense view of what else they were doing aside from all the biting ;) And I loved seeing Bones lose control! Enough said!

One of my favorite lines in the book is from Bones, when he tells Timmy to ask what he wants about vampires but then he says "If you ask me if I sparkle I'll kill you" LMAO!

Vlad... where do I start... He's the best! He had the best lines in the book ("Premature inflammation! Very embarrassing, I don't like to talk about it!" Come on! I was ROTFLMAO) There was plenty of him in this book and I still want more!

Mencheres... 2 things.... 1 - Him having sex with Kira while Bones and Cat where waiting to see and could hear him... LOL 2 - The shorts and t-shirt at the airport?!?!? That I would have to see!

Ian... Not enough of him in this one. I would love to see his character developed a bit more, I know he has to mature before he can get his own book but he has the potential. And I couldn't believe his comment about Veritas... I always picture her as a kid! Even though she's old as dirt.

The twist at the end.... I could've used at least one more page after the last word!!!! WHAT?!?!?!?!? I'm dying to read the next book and see what the hell happened there!!!!! ...more

flag 15 likes · Like · see review

Apr 26, 2011 Emily May rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2011, pnr, paranormal-uf

If I'm honest, this book would have got 4 stars had I not read the other 4 installments in the Night Huntress series. The story, in my opinion, was quite weak and I can't find much to interest me in Marie's character. It's surprising actually because she's another quirky and unique member of Frost's creations, and I so adore all the others. Frost's true gift lies in creating wonderful and memorable characters, with no repetitions amongst them; by that I simply mean all of them are very different If I'm honest, this book would have got 4 stars had I not read the other 4 installments in the Night Huntress series. The story, in my opinion, was quite weak and I can't find much to interest me in Marie's character. It's surprising actually because she's another quirky and unique member of Frost's creations, and I so adore all the others. Frost's true gift lies in creating wonderful and memorable characters, with no repetitions amongst them; by that I simply mean all of them are very different, unlike Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld, where I find that all of the Lords are different looking versions of the same character.

For one, Cat is a heroine that I can relate to in so many ways (even now she has become a vampire). She's awesomely quirky and sarcastic, ruthless when she needs to be but compassionate as well. But then all the characters have distinctive traits, complete with their own sense of humour and extremely quotable lines (that I completely abuse on my blog). Even in this book, which didn't quite grab me as much as the previous ones, I cared all the way through what would happen to each and every one of them. It had so many varied elements that make a novel an instant favourite: humour, sadness, mystery, smut...

I find it much more difficult writing reviews like this when I really enjoyed nearly every aspect of the book. I'm out of my comfort zone when I don't have whiny, so-called heroines to tear apart, or equally annoying brainless men who are used to try and sell a novel by repeatedly emphasising their looks and obvious lack of personality. Bones, on the other hand, is the most perfect and sexy kind of hero to have. I would start going on about his and Cat's awesome sex scenes again but people who read my reviews will start thinking that's all I talk about (hehe).

However, Ms Frost, that cliffhanger was hardly necessary, was it? I was always going to read book number 6 when it comes out in August(!) without you being cruel and giving me something to tear my hair out about until then. It reminds me of Karen Marie Moning's ending to Dreamfever, which was an even worse cliffhanger than this one. I nearly went crazy with the not knowing what the hell was happening until bloody Shadowfever was released. Some authors are sadists. ...more

flag 15 likes · Like · see review

Nov 18, 2012 Carole (Carole's Random Life in Books) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019, reviewed, paranormal, audio-book, series, own-digital-audiobook

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I had fun with this re-read. It appears that I did like this one a little more the second time around since I only gave the book 3 stars when I read it in 2012. This isn't the best book in the series but I still found it enjoyable. I hadn't planned to listen to this book when I did but none of the audiobooks I started were working for me but everything seemed to work when I gave this one a try. I ended up listening to the entire audi This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.

I had fun with this re-read. It appears that I did like this one a little more the second time around since I only gave the book 3 stars when I read it in 2012. This isn't the best book in the series but I still found it enjoyable. I hadn't planned to listen to this book when I did but none of the audiobooks I started were working for me but everything seemed to work when I gave this one a try. I ended up listening to the entire audiobook in just a couple of days and enjoyed my time back in the Night Huntress World.

The last two books in the Night Huntress Universe focused on other couples so I was glad to see Cat and Bones back in the lead for this installment. Cat and Bones find themselves in the middle of a conflict between ghouls and vampires. They have to play their cards very carefully in order to get the outcome they hope to see. I really enjoyed seeing a little more in regards to Cat's developing powers and some of the more interesting side effects she encounters in this book. There are some other developments in this story that aren't easy for Cat to deal with.

I love the characters in this series. Cat and Bones are always awesome and together they are amazing. I love the way Bones has no problem telling Cat what he feels and doesn't hesitate to do so. I also have a lot of love for the larger group. I loved getting to see Spade, Denise, Mencheres, and Kira play a part in this installment. Vlad was amazing in this book. I love his scenes with Cat even if he tends to steal a lot of her spotlight. I cannot wait to get to his books as I re-read this series.

Tavia Gilbert does such a fantastic job with this series. I love all of the voices that she uses for the different characters but I think she might deserve some kind of award for the voice she uses for Bones. It is absolutely perfect. I think that one of the reasons that I enjoyed this book more than I did the first time I read it is her narration. She was able to bring this story to life in the most amazing way.

I would recommend this series to others. While I don't think that this is the strongest book in the series, I had a good time with it and can't wait to read more books in this wonderfully crafted universe.

Initial Thoughts
I gave this book 3 stars back in 2012 and I am going to bump it up to 4 with this reading. This is not one of the stronger books in the series though. It felt like filler in some ways. I did think that learning more about Cat's abilities was pretty interesting and it was great to see this group of characters again. Vlad really seems to take the spotlight in any scenes that he is involved in and I just am loving his character more and more. Tava Gilbert did an amazing job with the narration once again.

Book source: Audible purchase ...more

flag 14 likes · Like · see review

Dec 13, 2009 Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker Queen of the Undead rated it it was amazing

Ok, so this is going to be short and sweet since this is a later-in-the-series book.

I LOVED IT! Now, onto the inside flap cover...

I do have a question, inside flap, isn't Bones missing a nipple? I was looking (ok I was looking really hard) at the picture of Bones and realized his nipple (I think it was his left nipple since I don't have the book in front of me) or at least a portion of his nipple should be showing just on the edge of his leather vest. Ok, I didn't take calculations or anything b ...more

flag 13 likes · Like · see review

Apr 06, 2017 Lala_Loopsie [fire breathing B!tch Queen] rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, vampires, favorites, funny-sexy, warrior

5 stars because...

Ghosts are the weirdest thing here. And they go around unexplained much... Just very strange, in my opinion.

And even thought Cat and Bones are still made for each other... I love Vlad, and i ship him with Cat (Vlat)

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

Jan 03, 2011 Laura rated it really liked it

I love how in this installment of the Night Huntress series, we have Bones and Cat happy.

It may sound cheesy, but there it is. In the last book Destined for an Early Grave, they were so far apart it hurt me to read it. While I love the tension of them at odds with each other, I hate how hard it is to read about what we know is a perfect-for-each-other-couple fighting.

In this book, they aren't fighting with each other. Bones' past isn't thrown in our faces, and they have a sweet and tender moment ...more

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

Dec 08, 2010 Lora rated it liked it

Recommends it for: devoted fans of the series

Shelves: pr-uf-crossbreed

This truly saddens me. Each of the first four books in this series were astonishingly entertaining, and I had begun to wonder if Frost would ever deliver a book without it being wrapped in perfect packaging and tied with a gorgeous bow.
Unfortunately, that time has come. While I figured Frost would have to hit a plateau eventually, I had hopes that that time would never come. Looks like This Side of the Grave is it. After being so pleased by the first four installments in this series, it is clear This truly saddens me. Each of the first four books in this series were astonishingly entertaining, and I had begun to wonder if Frost would ever deliver a book without it being wrapped in perfect packaging and tied with a gorgeous bow.
Unfortunately, that time has come. While I figured Frost would have to hit a plateau eventually, I had hopes that that time would never come. Looks like This Side of the Grave is it. After being so pleased by the first four installments in this series, it is clear why I'd have high expectations when starting the fifth installment. And while I did enjoy it, I don't think Frost came even close to her potential with this one.

The plot is an obvious direction that most fans of this series have probably thought of before. With two equally powerful species coexisting for millennia, they're bound to clash at some point, right? Cat's abnormalities just happen to be the catalyst that sets it off, making hers and Bones's attempt at some peace and quiet be shoved to the back burner once again.
This idea of a species war could've been explosive and entertaining, but instead it mostly felt forced and anticlimactic.
Something about the plot (specifically, its execution) just felt off to me. THANKFULLY, Cat and Bones's chemistry is still there, and there are plenty of erotic and emotional moments between them that help to revive the story.

Two words: Chapter. Twenty-One. If you're a fan of chapter thirty-two in One Foot in the Grave, you'll most likely enjoy chapter twenty-one in this. Think chapter thirty-two, only reversed, and with an extra splash of kink.

I enjoyed getting to see the couples from the spin-off series (Mencheres and Kira, Spade and Denise) in their wedded bliss.
There is, as with all of Frost's novels, comedic relief. Bones wouldn't be Bones if he didn't make you crack up at least a few times. Although I did feel that there was far less of that in this installment than in the previous books.

(view spoiler)

Honestly, I feel like crap for having said anything even remotely cross about this book. I feel like I'm kicking a favorite pet here. But I have to give credit where credit is due, and I don't feel that Frost deserves as much credit with this one as she did with her previous novels.

I'm crossing my fingers that One Grave at a Time will bring back the magic of the first four books in this series. ...more

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Reading recommendations	5	3	Feb 28, 2021 11:56AM
Vampires, Weres a...: Night Huntress #5	11	19	Jul 06, 2018 06:49PM
Turning Pages At ...: This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress #5) by Jeaniene Frost	42	18	Dec 04, 2015 01:00PM
Sinopsis en Español // Synopsis in Spanish	1	4	Aug 06, 2015 07:34AM
Shut Up & Read: This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost	90	41	Feb 27, 2013 09:38PM
So Now what book?	36	278	Oct 05, 2012 11:01PM

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Paranormal > Vampires

1,259 users

Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

1,153 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

1,151 users

Romance > Paranormal Romance

924 users

Romance

754 users

Fantasy

628 users

Adult

268 users

Paranormal > Ghosts

161 users

Fantasy > Supernatural

150 users

Fiction

137 users

See top shelves…

About Jeaniene Frost

Jeaniene Frost

24,605 followers

Jeaniene Frost is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, the Broken Destiny series, and the new Night Rebel series. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty different countries. Jeaniene lives in Florida with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on ...more

Other books in the series

Night Huntress (7 books)

Books by Jeaniene Frost

Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, #1)

One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress, #2)

Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress, #4)

More…

Q&A: Jeaniene Frost

"Vlad would set me on fire out of sheer boredom within half an hour," Jeaniene Frost says about the hero of her Night Prince series. The author...

Trivia About This Side of the ...

1 trivia question

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from This Side of the ...

“Ask me if I sparkle and I’ll kill you where you stand.” (Bones)” — 1494 likes

“What the hell was that?” I gasped. “Premature inflammation,” he replied. “Happens sometimes. Very embarrassing. I don’t like to talk about it.” — 500 likes

More quotes…