Anita Blake Series Buddy Read

[Adele, Moderator]

Ok so we are all here for the reading of Anita Blake Books.
Feel free to jump in at any stage.
if you have read the lot and want to re read... this topic is for you.
if you are new to Anitas world... this is also for you.

there are quite a few books. and fair warning, you will have a love hate thing going with the characters and yes sometimes the writer. but I believe this is what makes Anita Blake such a good series to read.

Because this is a series we will be reading in sequence. But this series is one that really can have a book skipped and then returned to at a later stage. So it is your choice if you want to stay for the lot or just in sections.

Book Listing:
Book 0.5 (Novella)Strange Candy
Book 1 Guilty Pleasures February 2014 BOM Read
Book 2 The Laughing Corpse
Book 3 Circus of the Damned
Book 4 The Lunatic Cafe
Book 5 Bloody Bones
Book 6 The Killing Dance
Book 7 Burnt Offerings
Book 8 Blue Moon
Book 9 Obsidian Butterfly
Book 10 Narcissus in Chains
Book 11 Cerulean Sins
Book 12 Incubus Dreams
Book 12.5 Strange candy & Micah (Also sold individually)
Book 13 Micah
Book 14 Danse Macabre
Book 15 The Harlequin
Book 16 Blood Noir
Book 17 Skin Trade
Book 18 Flirt
Book 19 Bullet
Book 20 Hit List
Book 20.5 (Novella) Beauty
Book 21 Kiss the Dead
Book 21.5 (Novella) Dancing
Book 21.75 Shutdown
Book 22 Affliction
Book 23 Jason
Book 24 Dead Ice


Spoilers must be hidden with HTML. Ask if you don't know how

You may still nominate these books for BOM.

what we want to know:
* who your favourite character(per book and series) is and why
*favourite part of the book ( please use spoiler html for that one)
*link to your reviews...so we can like them!
* your most hated character (per book and series )

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

I got every book... so questions:

1) When do we start this? Now? March 1st? After a liqour store run (because this character makes me want to drink)?

2) Is there a deadline? Like I Know 2 weeks per book... and we are on book 2 but did you want to bang this out as book 2 is 02/28-03/14? Or if we finish can we go continue onward?

Just curious

[Amyiw, Challenges Moderator]

OK I'm in. Already have it on my shelves. It is one of those gathering dust so will definitely make the Spring Cleaning challenge too.

[Adele, Moderator]

norma I put time limits so we can roughly read it together.
but if you happen to read it quicker leave your comments about the book and then move on to the next.

it only takes me a couple of hours to read each book..... and yes I have read them all.

I suppose I will be everyone's guide . so if any questions are raised..I can answer them to the best of my knowledge.

[Adele, Moderator]

oh yeah I forgot to put in my order for your liquor store run.... lol
yes we start now. I have already started re read number 3. I have previously done a review let me find the link for you.

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

On it! Starting book 2!

[Amyiw, Challenges Moderator]

I'm reading Kiss of Midnight first but should get to it by the weekend. Both are "Books gathering dust on my shelf", so I'll put them into the challenge too.

[Adele, Moderator]

Finally Found my original Review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

hmmm looks like i need to update it.
What page is everyone on?
What is your opinion so far?

[Katy]

Adele wrote: "Finally Found my original Review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

hmmm looks like i need to update it.
What page is everyone on?
What is your opinion so far?"

Got my copy! Will get started.

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

I am on page like 102.... Better than book 2, with the murder mystery... it has me a little more than book 1, but it is not stop everything to read... LOL!

[Katy]

They're In the Basement.

Way creepy. If there's another basement scene, then I'm on the first one.

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

Katy wrote: "They're In the Basement.

Way creepy. If there's another basement scene, then I'm on the first one."

What is that?!

[Katy]

Norma wrote: "Katy wrote: "They're In the Basement.

Way creepy. If there's another basement scene, then I'm on the first one."

What is that?!"

When she meets the vadum priestess...

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

Katy wrote: "Norma wrote: "Katy wrote: "They're In the Basement.

Way creepy. If there's another basement scene, then I'm on the first one."

What is that?!"

When she meets the vadum priestess..."

Oh yeah... LOL! That woman needs to be kicked.. But I want to know what was in that closet! OMG!

[Katy]

Norma wrote: "Katy wrote: "Norma wrote: "Katy wrote: "They're In the Basement.

Way creepy. If there's another basement scene, then I'm on the first one."

What is that?!"

When she meets the vadum priestess...."

So maybe I should have said I'm about 1/3 of the way through book 2, the Laughing Corpse. I've ordered book 3.

I like this one better than the first one, so far. I like the world she's created, and that she put it in St. Louis. I don't recall many series set in St. Louis, but I grew up in Missouri, so it's nice to have a series set there.

So many books are set in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago or New Orleans. It's nice to have a fresh setting.

Most hated character so far? Dominga Salvador, the vadum priestess, at this point. But there are several to chose from.

[Adele, Moderator]

everything is kind of explained...well its more like linking things together.
Dominga is horrible, I didn't like Harold Gaynor either.
but I also really dont like bert... just because he is a greedy bastard! and the way he pushes anita I hate that too.

I love Jean Claude, he is dreamy.

im actually onto book 3 already... sorry I know I skipped ahead.

Book 2 is Zombies
Book 3 is back to the Vampires...no it isnt a trend.
I'll start discussing book 3 later so dont worry. I'll try to contain myself until its time for discussion.

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

I am just over halfway through... IT is starting to lose me again...

[Adele, Moderator]

what part are you up to? as I personally think the lead up to the ending is action packed.
just keep reminding yourself that she is a necromancer. she doesn't realise her own power.

[Amyiw, Challenges Moderator]

Ooo, I just started and just saw that I need to get this finished by the 15. I'll keep this the top one of my reading books.

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

Adele wrote: "what part are you up to? as I personally think the lead up to the ending is action packed.
just keep reminding yourself that she is a necromancer. she doesn't realise her own power."

I am at the part after she was attacked at home and is in a hotel... I could live without the update on coffee...

[Adele, Moderator]

the author does tend to add un needed detail. sometimes.
I think she tries to put there reader in the

[Adele, Moderator]

mindset of the character.
sorry about two messages my phone is playing up again

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

I am moving on.. Jean-Claude is back and he is the ONLY thing keeping me going. I want to know what his deal is.

[Kissie]

Adele wrote: "the author does tend to add un needed detail. sometimes.
I think she tries to put there reader in the"

I agree Adele, I love the story and the characters but sometimes, there is just too many un-needed details. the first book was very irritating with that. It does get better as the series goes on.

[Adele, Moderator]

oh believe me Norma...if it wasn't for jean Claude I would possibly left the series ages ago. he is divine, I have a bit of a crush on him and a few other characters in the series ( but I can't talk about them yet)

kissie have you read these before?
I think the author swaps from unneeded detail to descriptive detail( helping you picture things rather than telling you stuff that isn't necessary to the story.)
Anita grows in each book. by book 22 you get a very very different Anita from what we are reading now.
but let's just focus on this book.

[Kissie]

Adele wrote: "oh believe me Norma...if it wasn't for jean Claude I would possibly left the series ages ago. he is divine, I have a bit of a crush on him and a few other characters in the series ( but I can't tal..."

I actually have read several of them (out of order). I actually read The Harlequin first, then went back and starting as I found books (ebay and used book stores mostly). I LOVE Jean Claude too. And believe me the further you get into this series the sexier he gets LOL!
And yes, I think as the series grew the writing got better and better. The descriptive detail got a lot better. Book 22....I haven't gotten that far yet but she does seem to "evolve" more and more as the series continues.

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

And of course I left the book at home.... So I can't read now.... LOL! I am doomed

[Katy]

Adele wrote: "oh believe me Norma...if it wasn't for jean Claude I would possibly left the series ages ago. he is divine, I have a bit of a crush on him and a few other characters in the series ( but I can't tal..."

So I do love some of these details. Like the penguins, that were spattered with zombie goo! Oh-no! Poor penguins. Poor her! (view spoiler)[ Waking up in a room with two zombie assassins would not be good. (hide spoiler)]

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

Should be done today.. then I have to start the BOM.

[Katy]

Norma wrote: "Should be done today.. then I have to start the BOM."

Finished it today. Whew! This one was really intense. I'm looking forward to the next book.

(view spoiler)[ I was wondering why she was alone in that cemetery at the end. Then it turns out Jean-Claude was there, just watching. He was drawn like the others. I did like how she turned that around. And that creature Dominga put together? *shudder* I'm glad things turned out as well as they did for Wanda. (hide spoiler)]

[Adele, Moderator]

Katy,
one word. .. necromancer.
thats why jean claude was there.
necromancer means power over ALL dead things.
(view spoiler)[ Anita doesn't realise this at the time but her bond with Jean Claude and her being a Necromancer is what called him to the cemetery that night. Anita doesn't realise her true potential until about book 5. her powers are continually growing, I like to think of this book as the un capping of her power (hide spoiler)]

if you want to start the next book ladies feel free. I'll be fixing up the topic tomorrow. to officially signal the start of the next book.

I had time in between migraines and read up to book 5( I only have the books borrowed for a month so I have to make use of it).
Going back to the library tomorrow, apparently they have the audio books available. I'd like to try them.

[Adele, Moderator]

do we want to cut the reading time (to one week) or is two weeks fine for everyone?

[Katy]

Adele wrote: "do we want to cut the reading time (to one week) or is two weeks fine for everyone?"

I have several things going, and when I order the books, it takes a while to get them. Right now I have the next two, but then I'll have to order again. Two weeks is pushing things for me, with my other obligations. I can't do one/week. If you guys want to move to one/week, I'll just chime in as I go along.

[Adele, Moderator]

no, its fine we will keep it how it is. I was just afraid that it might be too much of a break between books.

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

FInally done! *slams book down and dances* Not enough Jean Claude! I LOVE Dolph! He is adorable!

[Katy]

Norma wrote: "FInally done! *slams book down and dances* Not enough Jean Claude! I LOVE Dolph! He is adorable!"

I'm with you! I like Jean Claude and Dolph.

I liked how she gave some variety to Dominga's bodyguards and how one broke. It's good to see complexity in the characters.

And, of course, Jean Claude's amusement at how she handled the would-be kidnappers (where she put her gun).

[Amyiw, Challenges Moderator]

Well I finish albeit a very little late, and so glad I did. It was so much better than the first one for me. It took me a little bit to get into it but 1/2 way in and I was addicted.

I've heard the complaints that the series goes off into a more sexual bent but I don't think I will be complaining. I like UF, I like PNR, right now the series is a UF, very pure.

@Adele: I have the opposite reaction to migraines and get no reading done. I might get to listen to a book on tape but my eyes just don't focus well up close. It is just too frustrating.

[Adele, Moderator]

my migraines are weird , sometimes I cant stand anything and have to have pain meds and sit in a dark room until I can handle things again. other times I can have a nap and they go away.
I had multiple migraines ( as in one would go and another would turn up.... even though it felt never ending for a few days there) it was in waves( its dulled down to headache then increased from there then died down again). I did my reading with glasses on( which I get headaches if I read without), and my reading was done when it was dulled down to a mere headache which made it easier.

[Adele, Moderator]

anyway back on topic. amy you are correct the series does get very sexual.
but I have no complaints about it.

im considering myself as a guide through the Anita blake series. so any questions or if you need things explained just ask and I'll put spoilers in for you. there are a few sections in some books I skip, due to gore content but I'll warn you all ahead of time to look out for it.

we are starting to read Circus of the Damned.
for the next two weeks we will be reading this.
the only reoccurring theme is Anitas Necromancy.
Here we start to understand what it really means in the vampire world.
oh we also get introduced to the were's.

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

I am gunna finish Kiss of Midnight.. then get into Circus..

[Katy]

Adele wrote: "anyway back on topic. amy you are correct the series does get very sexual.
but I have no complaints about it.

im considering myself as a guide through the Anita blake series. so any questions or ..."

Got started on Circus last night.

[Kissie]

Adele wrote: "anyway back on topic. amy you are correct the series does get very sexual.
but I have no complaints about it.

im considering myself as a guide through the Anita blake series. so any questions or ..."

This was one of my favorites. I love the WERE's! I swear this would make a great TV series. :)

[Katy]

Kissie wrote: "Adele wrote: "anyway back on topic. amy you are correct the series does get very sexual.
but I have no complaints about it.

im considering myself as a guide through the Anita blake series. so any..."

Wow! This book is action packed. (view spoiler)[ The scene with the snake was intense...and then it goes right on into that ill-fated trip into the morgue...But the action scenes were interspersed with the bit of pathos/dark humor in the graveyard. I liked that the zombie was given a bit of dignity. (hide spoiler)]

[Amyiw, Challenges Moderator]

I'm 2/3 through Circus and not liking it as much as the 2nd. Still it is better than the 1st. I think when there are too many mind games from the vampires, Anita seems powerless, which is annoying to me because she puts herself in these positions. Still I haven't come across a true TSTL (too stupid to live) situation so I'm still happy with it

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

Amyiw wrote: "I'm 2/3 through Circus and not liking it as much as the 2nd. Still it is better than the 1st. I think when there are too many mind games from the vampires, Anita seems powerless, which is annoying..."

Exactly! Why do you purposely put yourself in a situation like that.. if you know you can't do anything?! GAH!

[Amyiw, Challenges Moderator]

Time to start The Lunatic Cafe. I liked Circus but not quite as much as The Laughing Corpse. This series is definitely one that got better for me as I thought I wouldn't continue, glad I did.

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

Amyiw wrote: "Time to start The Lunatic Cafe. I liked Circus but not quite as much as The Laughing Corpse. This series is definitely one that got better for me as I thought I wouldn't continue, g..."

I have not read The Laughing Corpse yet. If BOM goes quickly enough I will jump on that. Is it ok to be a bit behind?

[Adele, Moderator]

yep norma I know you can catch up!

[Norma, BOM & Co Moderator]

Adele wrote: "yep norma I know you can catch up!"

Sweet. On it!

[Adele, Moderator]

Lunatic Cafe
Emphasis on the Luna!
Thats right this has a lot of shifters in this one.
It explores the relationship between Richard and Anita
Jean Claude is in it too...who really can forget him.
oh and Edward... I love this psycho! you know things get interesting when he is around.