Title: Death’s Rival
Author: Faith Hunter
First published October 2, 2012
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.3
Overview
Jane Yellowrock is back, and this time the stakes are higher than ever. As a shapeshifting skinwalker, she has faced her fair share of challenges, but when a new threat emerges in the city of New Orleans, even she might not be able to handle it alone.
Leo Pellisier, her boss and Master Vampire of the city, is being targeted by a powerful and vicious rival who will stop at nothing to take his place. But when a deadly plague begins to infect vampires and their masters, Jane realizes that the stakes are even higher than she thought.
With the help of Leo and her own unique abilities, Jane must uncover the identity of the rival vampire and find the cause of the plague before it’s too late. Will she be able to save the city and everyone in it, or will she be forced to go to war against an enemy unlike any she’s faced before?
Faith Hunter’s Death’s Rival is a thrilling and action-packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Looking for a new series to dive into? Check out Faith Hunter’s books! She’s the author of multiple dark urban fantasy series, each with their own unique twist on the supernatural.
In the Jane Yellowrock series, Jane is a Cherokee skinwalker who hunts rogue vampires in a world full of weres, witches, and other supernatural beings. Meanwhile, the Soulwood series follows Nell Nicholson Ingram, an earth magic user who works for a paranormal police unit.
Fans of post-apocalyptic fiction will love the Rogue Mage novels, which feature Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage trying to survive in a world devastated by war.
But Faith’s interests go far beyond just writing. She’s an avid jewelry maker, orchid collector, bone and skull enthusiast, and Japanese maple lover.
She and her husband also love to travel and go whitewater kayaking.
With over 40 books in print and multiple awards under her belt, Faith has proven herself to be a talented and versatile writer. If you’re interested in learning more about her and her work, check out her websites and fan pages on Facebook.
Editoral Review
Faith Hunter’s Death’s Rival is a thrilling addition to the urban fantasy genre. Hunter is a New York Times bestselling author known for her popular Jane Yellowrock series.
In Death’s Rival, Hunter once again delivers an action-packed adventure featuring her tough and fierce heroine. The book takes place in a world where humans and paranormal creatures coexist.
The main character, Jane Yellowrock, is a shape-shifting skinwalker hired by the Vampire Master of New Orleans to investigate a gruesome murder. With the help of her friends and allies, Jane must navigate the dangerous and complex world of vampires, witches, and werewolves to solve the mystery and prevent a war between supernatural factions.
Hunter’s writing style is fast-paced and engaging, with vivid descriptions of the city of New Orleans and its supernatural inhabitants. Her characters are well-developed and relatable, with distinct personalities and motivations.
Jane Yellowrock is a fierce and competent protagonist, who is both vulnerable and strong. Her relationships with the other characters are complex and dynamic, adding depth and nuance to the plot.
One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of themes such as power, loyalty, and identity. Hunter examines the different ways in which characters wield their power and how it affects those around them.
She also explores the concept of loyalty, both in terms of alliances between supernatural groups and the relationships between individual characters. The theme of identity is also prominent, as characters struggle with their true selves and how they fit into the larger world.
Despite its strengths, the book has some weaknesses. The plot can be convoluted and confusing at times, with multiple subplots and characters to keep track of.
Additionally, some of the secondary characters are underdeveloped, and their motivations and actions can be unclear. Overall, Death’s Rival is an exciting and well-crafted addition to the urban fantasy genre.
Hunter’s writing is strong and engaging, with complex characters and themes. While the plot may be overwhelming at times, the book is a great read for fans of supernatural thrillers and mythological creatures.
I highly recommend Death’s Rival to fans of urban fantasy looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking adventure. The book is suitable for adult readers and would appeal to those who enjoy the work of other authors in the genre, such as Patricia Briggs and Kim Harrison.
I would give Death’s Rival a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on its compelling characters, well-crafted themes, and engaging writing style.
