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Reviews of books in a series, with a focus on urban fantasy.
Other genres include mystery, paranormal romance, and crime thrillers.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Back from the Undead (The Bloodhound Files, Book 5) by DD Barant

 
It's taken me a while to get around to reading Back from the Undead, and I wish I'd gotten to it sooner. Of course, it ends in a cliffhanger, so perhaps it's a good thing there's only around three months until Undead to the World comes out. Here's the blurb for Back from the Undead:

Another work day, another case for the Bloodhound Files. But this time, Jace is truly stumped: How is she, a mere human, supposed to penetrate the dark heart of a child-trafficking ring of pire orphans—one that turns out to be part of a blood-farm operation, in the crime-ridden border city of Vancouver, British Columbia? Jace is in over her head. But with the help of her former lover, Tanaka—whose family is one of the last samurai clans left in Japan—she stands a chance at seeking justice for the condemned children… Until the Yakuza tries to put an end to Jace’s investigation. Jace risks more than death—this time, it’s the fate of her very soul that’s in danger . . .

I both enjoyed and didn't enjoy Back from the Undead. It was another wild ride, but there were some pacing issues this time that had me pushing forward, hoping things got better. Also, I expected some things to be answered from the previous book, and those things were put on hold, so we'll have to wait for another book (or longer, perhaps never) to get those answers. As for the writing elements:
  • The plot was once again original and thought provoking.
  • Pacing had some serious issues in a few places, but was fine for the most of the book.
  • Prose and dialogue were very well done. Love the humor in this series, as well as the off-the-wall descriptions. Well done.
  • Character development continues to be well done.
  • World-building continues to be exceptional.
I'm back and forth on giving this one an 8 or a 9, but because of the cliffhanger, I'm settling at an 8. I'll leave the series at a 9 of 10, though.
  • Book Rating: Back from the Undead: 8 of 10
  • Series Rating: 9 of 10
The books in this series are:
  1. Dying Bites
  2. Death Blows
  3. Killing Rocks
  4. Better Off Undead
  5. Back from the Undead
  6. Undead to the World  (Nov 27, 2012)
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