Hot Blooded
Author: Amanda Carlson
Series: Jessica McClain 2
Publisher: Orbit, April 23, 2013
Format: Trade Paperback and eBook, 336 pages
Price: $13.99 (print)
ISBN: 9780316205214 (print)
Review Copy: Provided by Publisher via NetGalley
It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain.
Her newly found mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge, and Jessica is positive she can save him.
But being the only female werewolf in town comes with its own set of rules and powers... if only she understood them.
Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.
The second novel in the Jessica McClain series is a full on action adventure featuring one angry Goddess and plenty of monsters, demons, and a few newly risen beasties...
My Thoughts:
Hot Blooded, the 2nd Jessica McClain novel, picks up immediately after the end of Full Blooded. Jessica has only been a werewolf for a few days. She is the only female werewolf in the world. Prophecies regarding what she is swirl around and endanger her as well as those close to her.
Hot Blooded is as much about Jessica starting to learn about her powers as it is about her desire/need to rescue her mate. As the story progresses we learn more and more about Jessica’s powers along with her. I suspect that we are very far from learning all about what she can do and who/what she is. At the moment she is running on adrenaline and gut instincts with more than a little help from her wolf. Her powers surprise her and those around her. One of the things I like most about Jessica is that, despite wielding what seems to be unimaginable powers, she continues to be compassionate. Becoming a wolf had not changed her essential human nature. It will be interesting to see if she struggles with this over future novels. This is not to say that she can’t make the tough decisions, she certainly does. She simply does not solve every problem by killing it.
Jessica does not go it alone in Hot Blooded. There is a lovely supporting cast of characters with her on this journey. It’s a pleasure reading about Jessica’s interactions with her friends/companions. Ms. Carlson does not skimp on the bad guys. They were awful, of course. There is also a touch of humor, which keeps the story from being grim at all the right times.
Hot Blooded is wonderfully fast paced. Unlike the prior novel there is no cliffhanger, but it does end with new issues for Jessica to face. I certainly hope that she brings along her friends in the next novel.
Ms. Carlson does not disappoint in the second Jessica McClain novel. Hot Blooded is full of action, monsters galore (some of which I’d never seen before) and a psychotic and vicious Goddess. I’m looking forward to Jessica’s next adventure. Jessica McClain remains one of my favorite Urban Fantasy heroines.
Note: While you don’t have to read Full Blooded to understand the events in Hot Blooded, I suggest you do because it’s a terrific read. You may read my review of Blooded (a prequel eNovella) here, of Full Blooded here and read an interview with Amanda here.
Prior books in the Jessica McClain series:
Full Blooded
Jessica McClain 1Orbit, September 11, 2012
Trade Paperback and eBook, 352 pages
After living in hiding for the last twenty-six years, Jessica wakes up to find she's become a full-blooded werewolf -- claws, fangs, fur, everything. It was never supposed to happen: female werewolves don't exist.
When a mercenary killer comes looking for her, her Pack finds themselves caught in the middle of a war. They must rise up to protect her, but no one knows if she's means the end of their race-or just a new beginning.
Blooded
Jessica McClain Novella
Orbit, April 11, 2012
eNovella, ~61 pages
Jessica McClain was born the only female in an all male race. The only problem is-she's no wolf. Called a curse, a witch and the Daughter of Evil by the superstitious wolves, Jessica decides to fight for her freedom, at age nineteen, the only way she can-in the ring.
When she's brutally attacked right after her fight, is it enough to finally earn her freedom off Compound, or will she be forced to endure the hatred even longer . . .
Upcoming in the Jessica McClain series:
Cold Blooded
Jessica McClain3Orbit, October 8, 2013
Trade Paperback and eBook, 320 pages
Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked.
On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.
Arriving on the Vampire Queen’s doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.
The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn’t realize is just how soon she’ll have to cash it in.
I loved the Hot Blooded as well! The people Jessica is gathering about her are great and loved the new relationships she develops with them! :-)
ReplyDeleteNew monsters? Fun!! Love the cover for book three!
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