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Fans of Jane Yellowrock are in for a true treat with Death's Rival, the fifth book in this series about the tough vampire hunter. This story not only has a complex plot that Faith Hunter fans have come to expect, but it also delves into Jane's past, giving insight into who she is and why she makes many of the choices she makes. Hunter also tackles more of Beast's character and her relationship to Jane. Her deft plotting and smooth prose are even more appreciated in this novel with so many threads to twist without letting any drop. As always, the pacing is perfect, keeping the reader's attention while dropping small clues.

While many of our past friends are present including Leo, Bruiser and Derek Lee and his gang, there are obvious absences including her former best friend, Molly. But we also have new characters to meet: a brother/brother duo of brawn and security expertise in Eli and Alex (Stinky -- you'll have to read to see why) who I hope we'll see again.

It all started when Jane shot the man in Asheville in Raven Cursed who turns out to have been the enforcer of an unknown vampire with plans to take over the whole USA. Masters of cities (Sedona and Seattle) have fallen from an unknown disease. But vampires don't get sick you say? Well, not normally. Jane's task is to find out who's behind the disease, what it is and to take out the leader before Leo can be taken down as well, and this powerful vampire has Leo and Jane in his sights.

But there's more history and plot twists here than I could possibly hope to explain, nor would I want to, in one little review. Suffice it to say, that Hunter has done it again, delivering a thrilling combination of mystery and romance that will delight her fans. If you're not familiar with Jane Yellowrock, I suggest you start at the beginning of the series with Skinwalker. While you could read this book on its own, much of the nuance and character development would be missed. And, now that I've finished it, I'm left to stew until Blood Trade comes out in early April.

Katherine Petersen started reading as a young child and hasn't stopped. She still thinks she can read all the books she wants, but might, at some point, realize the impossibility of this mission. While she enjoys other genres, she thrives on fantasy, science fiction and mysteries.