Title: Dead Ice
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
First published June 9, 2015
566 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780755389063 (ISBN10: 0755389069)
Rating: 3.94
Overview
Laurell K. Hamilton’s Dead Ice is a thrilling addition to the Anita Blake series that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Anita, the U.S. Marshal with a high vampire kill count, is struggling to maintain her reputation as a tough-as-nails executioner while being known only as the fiancée of master vampire Jean-Claude. But when the FBI uncovers a sinister plot involving voodoo and zombie porn, Anita is called in as the expert.
The victims are not just mindless corpses – their souls are trapped, and Anita must navigate the darkest corners of her world to stop the evil behind it all. Brace yourself for a haunting adventure that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
About the Author
Paranormal fiction fans know Laurell K. Hamilton as a top writer in the genre.
Her Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series and Meredith Gentry series have both hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list, and her bestselling comic book series, based on Anita Blake novels, is published by Marvel Comics. Hamilton is a dedicated writer who lives with her family in the St. Louis suburbs.
Editoral Review
In “Dead Ice,” Laurell K. Hamilton delivers another thrilling and action-packed chapter in her popular Anita Blake series.
Published in 2015, this novel continues the saga of Anita, a tough and complex female protagonist who is part vampire, part werewolf, and all-around badass. For those unfamiliar with Hamilton’s work, the Anita Blake series falls within the urban fantasy/paranormal romance genre.
These books blend elements of supernatural creatures, magic, and eroticism with a healthy dose of mystery and suspense. While some may dismiss this genre as mere escapism, Hamilton’s writing is much more than that.
She delves into themes of power, consent, identity, and the struggle to balance one’s personal desires with societal expectations. Without giving away too much of the plot, “Dead Ice” finds Anita once again caught up in a dangerous and complicated situation.
She’s trying to solve a case involving zombie porn (yes, you read that right) while also dealing with personal and political dramas within the vampire and were communities. Along the way, she must navigate tricky romantic entanglements and confront her own inner demons.
As always, Hamilton’s world-building is impeccable. She creates a vivid and detailed version of St. Louis, Missouri, where the story takes place, complete with its own elaborate history and mythology.
The characters, too, are diverse and multi-dimensional, with their own fears, flaws, and motivations. Anita, in particular, is a fascinating protagonist because she’s not always likable or easy to understand, but she always feels authentic.
That said, “Dead Ice” is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the plot confusing or convoluted, especially if they’re not familiar with the earlier books in the series.
There’s also a lot of graphic violence and sexual content, which won’t be to everyone’s taste. Overall, though, “Dead Ice” is a satisfying continuation of the Anita Blake saga.
Hamilton’s writing is as sharp and witty as ever, and her ability to balance multiple plot threads and character arcs is impressive. If you’re a fan of urban fantasy or paranormal romance, or just looking for a fast-paced and entertaining read, this book is definitely worth checking out.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. While there are some minor flaws, “Dead Ice” is a well-crafted and engrossing novel that will please fans of the Anita Blake series and newcomers alike.
