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Black Arts (Jane Yellowrock #7) by Faith Hunter - Start Date January 8th
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So I started this one today, didn't realize (or forgot) that it wasn't slated until tomorrow, but I don't have a lot of time to listen today, so will keep going.********* Spoilers Chapters 1 - 3
Big Evan sure made a grand entrance! He always seems so docile that is is interesting to see him flaunt his magic. It was a little sad how he deflated when he realized Molly wasn't there. I'm glad that he was able to tell Jane that Molly forgave her and even went to the trial. Molly is some of the only family that Jane has and I hate it when they fight. I love how Eli and The Kid have fold Evan and the kids into their odd house.
I have a bad feeling that Katie's missing girls and Molly being missing are going to be connected.
I loved Eli pretending to work for the governor to get the security footage at the restaurant. I'm just a little surprised that Jane didn't blow the cover with her shock.
Thoughts on Chapters 1 - 3Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
"Okay. I busted down a wall in my rental unit. I did shed a few tears digging the splinters out of my knuckles." - They were manly tears and that makes all the difference.
Love the argument over the use of swear language. Jane would get along very will with my mother on that subject.
"Since I rose again, for a second time, this new world is no longer a fearful place." - Nothing like dying to cure your fear of technology.
I still don't think Katie's entirely sane.
I wonder what exactly the mental acuity entails - heightened intelligence or actual mental abilities?
"When you're twenty-one and you're off parole, and your record has been wiped clean, you can break any law you want and buy any hooker you want and get any disease they have, and go to jail for your good time. Till then, I'll break your legs if you try." - True brotherly love.
I laughed at Troll's response when Evan explained that he thought Molly was at Jane's house: "Jane don't swing that way."
I wonder what's causing Molly's magic to go haywire? Are her other sisters having the same problem - it obviously doesn't affect Evan.
Sara wrote: "Thoughts on Chapters 1 - 3Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
I still don't think Katie's entirely sane."
That would be a big yes! lol
Sara wrote: "I laughed at Troll's response when Evan explained that he thought Molly was at Jane's house: "Jane don't swing that way."
Me too!
******* Spoilers Chapters 4 - 7I hate seeing Jane in a hard spot with being bound to Leo. I hope that this gets resolved soon, because it seems to be tying her hands way too much.
I'm a little stunned that Molly was actually in town and didn't come talk to Jane. I do think that Jane is on the right track that with her note Molly was doing what she could to protect her family by sending them to Jane. Things seem sketchy that Molly left with an out of town vamp that Leo doesn't know about. Of course it doesn't help that Jane's enemy is at the head of one of the clans.
I wish that Derek would get over himself with supernaturals. I like him, but his attitude towards Jane is starting to annoy me.
I loved the quip about Jane handing out nicknames. I wonder if those that realize she does this and don't have one are offended?
I have a feeling that Katie's missing girls are with Jane's enemy, not a good thing!
Thoughts on Chapter 4Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
"What is imperative, is that I make this right. I forced a feeding. I hurt you." - That was quite the lengthy apology from Leo.
"George and my servant whom you call Wrassler..." - Have we ever heard Wrassler's real name? I can't remember - if we did it was probably in the first book.
I hope we have more of Leo and Bruiser in this book - along with Beast they are my favorite characters in the series.
The various plot threads so far:
1) Missing Molly/Molly's magic going haywire
2) Katie's missing call girls
3) Sick blood-slaves
4) The mysterious death of a newly risen vampire
5) Leo's gather
6) The upcoming European Council visit
7) The leftover mess from De Allyon's shenanigans
8) The exchange program with Shaddock
It should be interesting to see how all the threads come together.
Sara wrote: "Thoughts on Chapter 4Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
"What is imperative, is that I make this right. I forced a feeding. I hurt you." - That was quite the lengthy apology from Leo.
"George and my ..."
I was stunned that Leo apologized, it seems like that only happens when hell freezes over.
I do remember Wrassler, but I don't remember when he first showed up.
Thoughts on Chapters 5 - 12Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
I forgot two plot threads in my previous post - Katie's questionable sanity/transformation and the boon Leo owes Jane.
I'm guessing Adriana will be true dead by the end of the book. I can't see Leo giving her another chance.
Leo is a complete manipulative bastard but I still love him. I'm not happy with Adelaide being the new primo because I don't want anything to split up Leo and Bruiser. I wonder what Bruiser's duties as Onorio are?
Thoughts on Chapters 13 - 14Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
Rick's back. This series is unusual for me as it is the only series where I'm rooting for the vampires over shifters. On the other hand, I'll happily cheer on a Jane-Rick pairing if it means Bruiser ends up staying with Leo. Leo and Bruiser are my one true pair of the series.
I hope Pea makes an appearance - and Wolfe too - his interactions with Beast always make me laugh.
Wrassler and Jodi could make a cute couple.
"Out-of-town guests, his heir missing employees, a missing witch in his town, and open rebellion in his ranks, the European Council on the warpath, and his second most powerful clan in the hands of Adriana, a psycho Celt with fangs. Yeah, Leo's not happy." - Jane forgot to mention losing his century-long Primo, having an Enforcer he can't bind, blood slave sickness, missing call girls, pirate vampires, cases of spontaneous vampire combustion, and an heir with questionable sanity. And we can't forget the arrival of the African weres and we all know how Leo feels about shifters.
I hope Gregoire and his twins make an actual appearance. That trio is always fun.
Vamp party time!
********** Spoilers Chapters 8 - 14I hate to see how despondent Big Evan and now even Angie are getting. I hope that there are leads on Molly soon! I know I shouldn't have laughed, but I did when Angie took down the wards. Whew, that girl is going to be one powerful witch!
I was stunned when Leo had the sparing session. I wondered what was up with it. Good thing that Jane knew something was up with it.
I love how Jane has the unusual girly reactions at times, like with her gift of boots and the fingernail polish.
Sara wrote: "Thoughts on Chapters 13 - 14Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
Rick's back. This series is unusual for me as it is the only series where I'm rooting for the vampires over shifters. On the other hand, I'll happily cheer on a Jane-Rick pairing if it means Bruiser ends up staying with Leo. Leo and Bruiser are my one true pair of the series."
I feel a little different from you. After all this time I don't want to see Jane with Rick, I would rather have her with Bruiser. I liked that Bruiser isn't tied so tightly to Leo so it opens up the way for Jane.
Thoughts on Chapter 15 - Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
We almost had a showdown at the party. Shoffru is a pirate witch-vampire and Adriana is his honey bunny. Gregoire better make it back asap because the current head of the clan isn't able to handle these shenanigans.
Is Paka the cure to Rick's inability to fully transform? It was sweet of Wrassler and the Angels to cover for Jane's freak-out. Ooh-ra! Jane should console herself with Bruiser. I'm sure he's feeling lonely and rejected too.
Beast is in quite the killing mood in this book.
******** Spoilers Chapters 15 - 21You knew that they party wouldn't go off without a hitch. I wasn't surprised with what happened there, but was with what happened with Rick. I hated that his actions broke Jane's heart.
I was stunned with what happened with Bruiser and Jane and the spirit snake. I sort of liked where the whole ordeal took Jane. I like the Elder's that Jane visits, every time she goes there she ends up learning so much about herself. This time, I think that it is the first time that she has admitted how old she is and that she killed a man. I liked the woman's response and loved learning more about a Warrior Woman, it is Jane to a T!
I'm glad that we have finally learned what is up with Molly and why she ran. Family is everything to Molly and with her sister dead, there is a second chance with the lost niece.
Like Evan, I'm having a hard time believing that Leo didn't know about Shiloh, it seems a little too easy.
I'm glad that Molly is in touch with Jane. I know that Jane will be able to save her, but worry about Molly's mental health and having to live with what she inadvertently caused.
I was a little stunned that Jane told Evan about her past and why she can relate to Molly. I hope he doesn't hold it against her, as he is a very judgmental bastard.
Thoughts on Chapters 16 - EndWarning, Spoilers Ahead...
"Only Bruiser would have thought to find it for me. Only Bruiser would have cared enough to find it. But Bruiser wasn't who I wanted." - Really not getting Jane's desire to stay with Rick. Bruiser or Rick - how is that even a contest?
That was a rather subdued vamp party - not one death!
"I am so sorry, my Jane. I did not know. I truly did not know. Even I would not have done such a thing to you." - Even magnificent manipulative bastards have standards. Leo also continues his trend of apologies - but where's the apology for my poor Bruiser's beating?
Leo must have a lot of trust in Jane to have fallen asleep next to her.
I can't believe Leo kicked Bruiser out! Ungrateful bastard! How dare Jane be yearning for Rick when she's the caused the breakup of my true pair! Unappreciative woman!
"Holy crap on cheese crackers" - That's strong language right there!
Reach is so dead when Jane gets a hold of him.
"I always did wanna save a Ranger."
"Ah. So you could rub his nose in it."
"Forever. Ooh-ra." - The Army-Marines rivalry will never die.
"I would be mortified to be assigned such mundane tasks. I will simply kill anyone who tries to escape. Except your human." - Gee is a Mercy Blade - he has standards!
"You wish me to discuss the garbage industry with him?" - Poor Leo - it's hard for the elderly to keep up with the current slang.
"Bruiser said, putting a hand on his master's arm. His former master. Weird. Weird-er. Maybe not weirdest." - No, no, Leo and Bruiser's separation is both weird and unnatural.
I wonder if Bruiser is actually on the outs with Leo or is this is another of his schemes. Despite having "difficulties" with Leo, Bruiser was able to 1) call Leo for backup - and Leo arrived as said backup, 2) call the priestesses of the clan to heal Eli, and 3)too care of Leo in the aftermath of the fight.
I think Leo is going to recall Bruiser soon. I like Adelaide but I don't think she's going to be able to handle the insanity of Leo's territory. She also doesn't have Bruiser' connections - supernatural or otherwise.
Katie is still crazy. The romantic entanglements are way beyond a triangle. We have a Paka-Rick-Jane-Bruiser-Leo-Katie-angle. Did I miss anyone?
What are the duties of an Onorio?
****** Chapters 22 - endI was a little worried about Eli at the end of the battle. With how hurt he was I was worried that they only way to save Eli would be to turn him, something that Eli would hate!
I loved that Jane came into Molly and Big Evan's fight and diffused things. I was a little surprised about what the kitten did. I thought it was a bit weird that the lady kept pushing the kitten on Jane, but now it makes sense.
I thought that this one ended about as well as it could. There are enough things left up in the air for future books.
Sara wrote: "Thoughts on Chapters 16 - EndWarning, Spoilers Ahead...
"I would be mortified to be assigned such mundane tasks. I will simply kill anyone who tries to escape. Except your human." - Gee is a Mercy Blade - he has standards!
"You wish me to discuss the garbage industry with him?" - Poor Leo - it's hard for the elderly to keep up with the current slang."
I laughed about those. I just wished that we could have heard Bruiser explain trash talking.
Sara wrote: "I wonder if Bruiser is actually on the outs with Leo or is this is another of his schemes. Despite having "difficulties" with Leo, Bruiser was able to 1) call Leo for backup - and Leo arrived as said backup, 2) call the priestesses of the clan to heal Eli, and 3)too care of Leo in the aftermath of the fight."
I don't think so I have a feeling it is more of the changes with Bruiser being Onorio, which hopefully we will learn more about in future books.
Yes, I want to know more about Onorios. I also want to know why Bruiser can't be Primo - Gregoire's twins are Onorios and are still Primos. Bruiser must regain his position. Leo needs a strong person who can reign him in. I still suspect shenanigans but I always suspect that where Leo's concerned.
Sara wrote: "I still suspect shenanigans but I always suspect that where Leo's concerned."That is a given!!
What did you think about Katie warning Jane off of Leo. For some reason that made me laugh. Here they are, super old vamps, yet that was a classic junior high move. lol
Totally junior high! I've always said that when Leo makes a point to say "my George" when he talks to Jane he sounds like a high school girlfriend. Maybe it's a trait of vampires in Jane's world?As for Katie - I think her transformation is affecting the way she thinks. If she warned anyone I would have thought it would be Adelaide as she's the new girl in town and she was promoted to Primo. Other more logical targets for Katie's jealousy would be George (the century-long primo/current Onorio) or Gregoire (the second heir). Threatening Jane was out of left field - of the four she is the least likely to sleep with Leo/has never slept with Leo. To be honest, if Katie's threatening Leo's partners/potential partners, she's going to be occupied for the next decade. Leo's been established as a "anything that moves" type.
If you think about it, Katie & Leo spend half the series alternating between crazy, territorial, jealous, and manipulative. It's what makes the duo so much fun!
Hi, I'm not sure where to post this…. I just finished BLACK ARTS. I enjoyed the book. I have a quick question for anyone else who has read the book:(not much of a spoiler here)
Is it ever revealed what website the Kid is looking at? Jane says she sees him looking at a website with black and gold that is familiar, but I can't remember if Jane ever figures out what it is. Did I miss it?
Small detail, but it's bothering me.
TIA.
Shelly wrote: "Hi, I'm not sure where to post this…. I just finished BLACK ARTS. I enjoyed the book. I have a quick question for anyone else who has read the book:(not much of a spoiler here)
Is it ever reveal..."
Hi Shelly. Yes, this would be where you make comments about the latest book. Unfortunately I haven't started the series yet but have the first book. Wish I could help answer your question. I'm sure Sara would chime in if she'd seen it.
This rings a bell for me. Let me think about it and I'll let you know.
It's not stated but I would guess that based on the events in the chapter that Alex is investigating either a business or personal site that belongs to the vampires that kidnapped Molly/turned Shiloh.
Thank you so much Sara.
Shelly wrote: "Hi, I'm not sure where to post this…. I just finished BLACK ARTS. I enjoyed the book. I have a quick question for anyone else who has read the book:(not much of a spoiler here)
Is it ever reveal..."
I think its the same site Rick was on when he took Jane to lunch.
really!?! That's interesting. I wonder if this will be important to the next book. I really really hope she doesn't have to save Rick again.
I would rather her be with Rick than Bruiser.
Kyra wrote: "I would rather her be with Rick than Bruiser."That is funny you think that. After this book, Rick is out of the picture for me.
Neither one of them is a perfect match in my mind, but I wouldn't mind Jane describing their attributes a bit more. ;)
I'm pro-Bruiser all the way as long as it doesn't break up the Leo-Bruiser partnership (that's my true OTP of the series).As for Rick - Boo! If he comes crawling back - again - and Jane doesn't kick him to the curb so fast it causes whiplash I will be sorely disappointed. Rick is rapidly becoming the Nick Sparagmos of the series for me - the bad penny that keeps turning up with yet another "I messed up - please save me" situation.
Sara wrote: "As for Rick - Boo! If he comes crawling back - again - and Jane doesn't kick him to the curb so fast it causes whiplash I will be sorely disappointed. Rick is rapidly becoming the Nick Sparagmos of the series for me - the bad penny that keeps turning up with yet another "I messed up - please save me" situation."That is very funny, but sadly true. lol
I frankly don't like any of the guys in Jane's life for the long term. Rick is a Lothario who always ends up using people when he wants something. And as much as some of the readers love the Bruiser / Leo relationship, Jane should never get involved with someone when she is not going to be that person's unequivocal first thought. She deserves at least that much.Hunter needs to bring us a new man. One who is going to give Jane what she'll give him. Unquestioned and unwavering devotion and loyalty.
Sue wrote: "I frankly don't like any of the guys in Jane's life for the long term. Rick is a Lothario who always ends up using people when he wants something. And as much as some of the readers love the Brui..."I actually agree with you. I like Bruiser, but not as a forever type of thing, but I do like them flirting.
I had high hopes for Eli, when he first showed up, but now he is with that Sheriff, so that won't work.
Bruiser is taking steps to gain independence from Leo - in the book before Black Arts he told Jane he was willing to leave Leo for her. However, my true pair is Leo-Bruiser so I'm not thrilled with that and Rick is a big "no" for me. Evan is with Molly, Eli has the sheriff, and Alex is too young. Gregorie and the twins have the same dilemma as Bruiser and Leo. Have we met any other eligible males?
Hello. I'm kind of new here. I just started the series 2 weeks ago and just finished this books today. I now you haven't talked about this book since march but I have a feeling and if you would like to say what you think about it, I would be very happy. So, for 7 books Jane keeps changing men and every time I read about her and Rick it just doesn't feel right, like she isn't really into him (except when she looses him, which is weird). And with Bruiser it looks like she gave him to many chances, but he made the bad choices and it can't reversed.
My feeling is that Jane will end up with Leo. This books, the last one, showed another image of Leo and changed their relationship; plus, the description the the 8th books is about "Jane and Leo" targeted by someone. And Katie's remark should not be passed without thought, in my opinion. All the small things are used by Faith Hunter as clues and the fact that she used this element is important. I know he has so many issues, but so did Trent from Rachel Morgan series and look where they are now.
I'm a Rick girl all the way. I don't know why, but like Jane, I just can't resist him. That being said, I was also a Donovan Caine lover (Elemental Assassin) and a Bill fanatic (SVM/Sookie) until book three and book four respectively. Rick has definitely been in the game longer, but only chronologically, not physically. Really how much time have they really spent together? More than Donovan and Gin, granted, but that leaves a huge window of time open. But if not Rick, then I need a new guy to get behind! The idea of Leo just makes me scream "EEWWWWWWW!!!!!!" in my head, since for whatever reason my brain thinks of him as old man looking, Bruiser will always hold Leo as his number one so he's out, Eli and the Kid are like brothers to Jane, the twins have the same issue as Bruiser, and I just don't think Gregoire tickles Jane's fancy too much. Truthfully, after the way she's been torn to pieces by Rick, unless a were-puma or another skin walker comes along, I don't know that she'll hook up with anyone else, unless it's a rebound, "I'll show him" type, one night stand. As for the website mentioned way back above, I agree that it reminded me of the secure website that Rick uses. And who knows, maybe Rick gave the info to the Kid at some point!
Angie-Baby! Someone said she's going to be a powerful witch one day, and I kinda disagree with that, that little chica already IS a very powerful witch!! She could kick anyone's butt she wants to, as long as she knows what she wants to do. With her being so young, sometimes it's hard for her to understand what's going on and what needs to be done. With any luck, she'll get her own spin off once Jane's story is told.
Angelik, I completely agree with you! What if Leo does actually end up with Jane. Leo isn't Evil, just needs more time. Katie would not threaten Jane about Leo if there was not something she saw between the two of them.
He did manipulate her until now because she did not know a lot about vampire politics and about the latest changes in the area and the manipulation can be a turnoff, but he doesn't have many things left. She started to know better how to react and read him and the pressure of the European vampires will show some of his soft side to her, in my opinion, and this might make them close.
Angelik I'm happy to find someone who is willing to give Leo a chance.
Just finished this book - I'm late to the party but I also just binge read the entire series back to back and am in withdrawal until October. NBD. The website The Kid is one is almost definitely PsyLed. Jane goes out of her way to mention the logo's description when she's having lunch with Rick:
"Rick had his phone out and was pulling info on the names from a database I didn't recognize. It had a US Government seal with vibrant black and gold lettering and graphics that I didn't have time to read before he clicked his password in. I figured it was a PsyLED thing and Rick would share if he got something good. Turned out I was right." (Chapter 13, p.190)
That means that Alex is hacking into government databases again - either that or he's getting side work and is playing both sides of the fence for Rick (which I don't put entirely past Rick or Soul to suggest at this point).
The scene with Leo when Jane breaks down and cries was very powerful. I really don't think Jane was crying for Rick - I think she was crying because Rick was the first guy we know of who FIRST knew all her secrets and isn't repulsed by them. Also he doesn't just know, he's the most similar thing to Jane in existence at the moment. Somewhere in her head she felt not so alone. To see him leave with Paka was more a realization he was nothing like her, never would be. Who better to understand everything and everyone from an old life being gone than Leo - a vampire over 500 years old. Also, remember, he has no idea he and Beast are bound so he could subconsciously be feeling more protective and empathetic towards Jane in that moment than he normally would - but I read it as a sign of great respect between warriors to have a truce of sorts to mourn a loss.
Katie voicing jealousy is telling - Adelaide isn't a blip on her radar because she's just another primo. Jane isn't "just another..." ANYTHING. She's an anomaly within an anomaly. I think Leo cares about her more than he's letting on and since he and Katie share blood regularly, she's getting all the information (information Jane would have no clue about) first hand. Her jealousy is definitely not entirely baseless, that's for sure, especially now that she stated hers and Jane's blood are "valued the same."
I REALLY REALLY REALLY hope this was Faith Hunter's way of telling us we were done with Rick. I REALLY can't stand Rick. I saw someone in this thread mention how he's another Nick S (Kim Harrison) and I COULDNT AGREE MORE!!! I know this guy. I hate this guy. I get WHY she likes him, but the more Jane learns about herself and the stronger she gets, the weaker Rick becomes. I wanted him to get in the way of a bullet in the last book for how petty and possessive he was being.
Lastly, I loved when Jane cuts off Evan in this book by saying "would you be quiet, you idiot." THANK YOU. I hate Evan. He's a hot headed jerk who treats his wife like she's a moron and is your classic insecure tough guy around Jane putting all the blame on her. What an ass.
Lastly - was I the only person who got misty eyed when Beast explains that she wants to live?
CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK.
The PSYLED website! Thank you so much for commenting on that. I wonder what The Kid is up to. I can't wait for the next book to find out.
I wonder if The Kid figured out Reach was a traitor and was working behind the scenes to block as much of his tracing as was possible. He definitely had hero worship of Reach 2 books ago when Jane mentions they work with him & it's probably his dream to match him and beat him. (And Jane's dream is probably to just find him and beat him in a different way entirely).
I know it's bizarre, but I really feel like there is a Leo/Jane relationship and frankly, it's the one that I am rooting for!
There's a relationship but I think it would really go off the rails for Hunter to make it romantic. Jane is a "prude" as she calls herself, although realistically she's committed & not into casual/sharing interactions. Vampires represent everything about the relationship aspects she so despises. Also, she's said many times Leo disgusts her. When she wakes up after the "meltdown" scene (which was a fantastic scene, btw) she doesn't even think he's handsome. She flat out says he's too pale, he's not breathing, he's dead. Not turn on'ish thoughts & that's when no one was looking. That said - I love Leo/Jane because they are the perfect dual alpha predators. They bring out all the bite in each other if you will and leave the bark at the door (which Leo is used to from all the grand-standing vamps do). They have a huge building of mutual respect, but more of the sort two grown lions might have that finally agree not to poach on each other's territory, haha. I think they're brilliant "frenemies" if I'm allowed to use that word.
Dorothy I am so there with you. I feel the Leo/Jane vibe too.
This topic is open for discussion of Black Arts by Faith Hunter. Be prepared for SPOILERS.
Synopsis:
Jane Yellowrock is a shape-shifting skinwalker who always takes care of her own—no matter the cost...
When Evan Trueblood blows into town looking for his wife, Molly, he’s convinced that she came to see her best friend, Jane. But it seems like the witch made it to New Orleans and then disappeared without a trace.
Jane is ready to do whatever it takes to find her friend. Her desperate search leads her deep into a web of black magic and betrayal and into the dark history between vampires and witches. But the closer she draws to Molly, the closer she draws to a new enemy—one who is stranger and more powerful than any she has ever faced.