Stalking The Others by Jess Haines
Book Stats:
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Reading level: Adult
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Kensington
Release date: July 3, 2012
Series: H&W Investigations
Source: ARC sent by Kensington
Reviewed by: Tynga
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository
Vampires, werewolves, mages–the Others are very real, and wreaking havoc in Shiarra Waynest’s life. But now, she’s returning the favor…
Once, she was one of the good guys–or as close as a New York P.I. can get. Then Shiarra Waynest was drawn into the world of the Others. Every faction has its own loyalties and agenda. And Shia’s recent betrayal by her ex-boyfriend means that she may be on the verge of becoming a rogue werewolf at the next full moon.
Of course, with all the threats against her, Shia’s not sure she’ll live long enough to find out. The enigmatic vampire Royce wants her back in his clutches, as do two powerful werewolf packs, along with the police. Instead of going into hiding, Shia is enlisting the aid of her enchanted hunter’s belt and every dirty P.I. trick she knows. If she’s going down, she’ll take out as many of her enemies as she can–and hope that in the process, she keeps whatever humanity she has left…
Shia is now facing her worst nightmare after being possibly contaminated by a werewolf. She has until the next full moon to discover if she’ll turn furry and she won’t waste a minute. Uniting with the questionable White Hats, she will hunt down Chaz and his pack, looking for revenge.
Before I get on with my review, I just want to disclose that I am a cameo character in this novel, Cindy Bacon, a werewolf. It doesn’t influence my opinion as I have been a fan of the series since the first book, but I thought it only fair to mention it.
Now let’s get down to business! Stalking The Others was as entertaining and as action-packed as the previous books of the H&W Investigations novels, but I found that Shia was really lonely. The White Hats are backing her on her quest, but I felt like she was all on her own, with only Isaac (her magic belt) to keep her company. It wasn’t an issue really, but I missed Arnold and Royce. On the other hand, her loneliness allowed her some growth, which is always appreciated.
The novel takes place within a one month’s period of time but it really felt like time flew by. Between Shia’s worries, insecurities, violent episodes and her different quests, she kept really busy and we didn’t have time to get bored.
The crescendo leading to the end was simply amazing. It was highly dramatic yet hilarious in a way. It’s like madness right before the inevitable and I truly enjoyed it. Shia’s final encounter with Royce was extremely surprising and oh-so-satisfying!
We get to know in this novel if Shia turns or not, but I have this tingly feeling that things aren’t as simple as they seem. I’m sure Jess Haines still has a trick or two up her sleeve and I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole thing hit us like a brick wall in the next instalment.
On a side note, I wasn’t a fan of the first covers in this series (I actually disliked them), but I like Stalking The Others’ and I can’t wait to see the next one.
Forsaken by the Others is due next year I think, and I can’t wait to read it!
sounds like a great series
ReplyDeleteglad your feelings have improved with this one, I really liked it as well.
ReplyDeleteI have to get in hold of this book:)
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