Title: Bitten to Death
Author: Jennifer Rardin
First published August 12, 2008
320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780316022088 (ISBN10: 031602208X)
Rating: 4.05
Overview
Hey there! It’s Jaz Parks again. This time, I’m on a new mission that will take me to the heart of Istanbul, Turkey.
My task is to infiltrate a dangerous group of vampires who call themselves The Black Order. They’re notorious for their heinous acts of terror, and my only hope is to take them down before they can carry out their latest plan.
But I’m not alone in this mission. My boss, Vayl, is by my side, along with a team of skilled assassins who have my back.
Together, we’ll do whatever it takes to stop The Black Order, even if it means risking our own lives. This mission is going to be a tough one, but I’m ready for it.
About the Author
I’ve spent my entire life living in the Midwest, which has undoubtedly influenced my perspective on various topics, such as whether or not we have a distinct accent and the various uses of corn.
I was born on April 28, 1965, in Evansville, Indiana. According to my mom, the weather on my birthday was always terrible.
However, I prefer to think of it as the first day after the frost, which is important for planting, thanks to my background growing up around farmers.
As a child, I was fascinated by fairy tales, Nordic myths, and supernatural legends. However, I made the practical decision to attend college and major in English.
Ironically, I didn’t hold a well-paying job until I landed this gig. Consequently, my children enjoy singing the song “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?” from the musical “Avenue Q.”
I wrote Once Bitten, Twice Shy after discovering what to do with my degree. Nowadays, my laptop is my constant companion.
My family and I reside in an old farmhouse with no pets since our cat passed away last winter. However, the birds seem to enjoy his absence, and they come to feed while I write on the back porch in the cool of the morning.
It’s lovely.
Editoral Review
Bitten to Death by Jennifer Rardin is a thrilling addition to the urban fantasy genre. The book was first published on August 12, 2008, and has captivated readers since then.
Rardin is an American author who sadly passed away in 2010. She was known for writing fast-paced, action-packed stories with strong female protagonists.
Set in London, the book follows the protagonist Jaz Parks, a CIA agent who is also a vampire. Jaz and her team are tasked with assassinating a dangerous enemy, but things don’t go as planned, and they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone involved.
The plot is filled with twists and turns, and readers will be on the edge of their seats throughout the book. Despite the supernatural elements, Rardin’s writing is grounded in reality, and she expertly weaves together action scenes and character development.
The book is a perfect blend of humor, romance, and adventure, and fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Lara Croft will find plenty to love. One of the strengths of Bitten to Death is its diverse cast of characters.
Jaz is a complex and relatable protagonist, and her relationships with her team members are well-developed. Each character has their own personality, backstory, and motivations, which adds depth to the story.
Furthermore, Rardin explores themes of loyalty, trust, and betrayal in a nuanced way that elevates the story beyond just a simple action-thriller. However, the book does have some weaknesses.
Occasionally, the pacing can be a bit uneven, and some readers may find some of the plot points to be predictable. Additionally, the romance subplot may not be to everyone’s taste, as it sometimes feels a bit forced.
That being said, Bitten to Death is an entertaining read that is sure to please fans of the urban fantasy genre. The book has a lot to offer, from its compelling characters to its exciting action scenes.
Jennifer Rardin’s writing is engaging and skillful, and it’s a shame she passed away so young, as she had so much potential as an author. In conclusion, I highly recommend Bitten to Death to anyone who enjoys fast-paced urban fantasy.
It’s a book that will keep readers engaged and entertained from beginning to end. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
