Warning: spoilers ahead. Do not read if you object to being spoiled. Repeat, do not read if you dislike spoilers.
Old Anita is back! At least, this is the closest to Old Anita Blake I have seen, well, I can’t remember since when. LOL
I cannot tell you how happy I am. This whole book, there is only one sex scene. Count it, just one sex scene with one guy. Okay, yeah, he’s a new guy, but I am too happy to look this gift horse in the mouth. It’s such a relief!
She’s away on Marshall business; the Harlequin are killing people. They (Anita and Edward) can’t tell anyone who the killers are, but it’s their job, so they need to do something. Lots of action ensues: firefights, chases. As always, Edward packs a tremendous amount of firepower. I always enjoy seeing what new weapons he will bring out.
I think Edward is one of the reasons why Hit List is so good. She is out-of-town. Her usual sweeties are not there and she’s better at controlling the ardeur (explains the lack of sex) . Plus, there is Olaf to mix things up. The bodyguards actually guard Anita instead of doing other stuff.
I really like Edward. He and Anita have both changed since the first book and this book makes clear their relationship has changed, too.
The ending sort of uses the ardeur, but also the power from the insane vampire from the last Edward book (OB). It wasn’t a huge fight scene, but not that bad. Think it lacked firepower. Also, the way she was kidnapped was a little disappointing.
The biggest surprise: Olaf becomes a weretigter. The usual end-of-book summary says this and that he’s kidnapped an Anita Blake lookalike. The next book might put an end to the Olaf situation once and for all.
But Anita can call tigers to her . . . what odds do you give Olaf will be able to resist Anita’s siren call?
Grade: B
Related articles
- Review: Obsidian Butterfly (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #9) by Laurell K. Hamilton (fullmoonbites.wordpress.com)
- Guest Review: Hit List by by Laurell K Hamilton (fictionvixen.com)
Story Treasury 
Oh wow, great review! And holy cow, only one sex scene…that’s almost unbelievable considering the last 10 books in the series! I love that Edward is in this one, he’s such a great character. That’s crazy about Olaf and I can’t wait to see how that all plays out, since tigers are one Anita’s animals to call. I was already psyched to read this book but now that I’ve read your review I’m even more excited!
Jamie @ Bookerella
I know, right? Only 1! Yeah, I want to see too.
OMG only one sex scene THANK GOD!!! its about time the books get back to Anita and not just be “porn on paper” I have been a serious Anita fan for years but the last few books have been all sex no STORY!! Thank you Thank you! for a great review , now I actually WANT to read this!!
BTW I am a new follower from the book club at Urban Fantasy reads