Sophia Rose is here with The Other Half of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost. Go back to the beginning in the Other Side of the Grave world. Come see why you’ll love this trip down memory lane…
by Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress #1.1
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating:
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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Night Huntress series comes a thrilling new look at the iconic origin story of Cat and Bones, as experienced by Bones…from the other half of the grave.
There are two sides to every story–and the sizzling British alpha vampire, Bones, has a lot to say…
Ever wondered what Bones was thinking and feeling when he and half-vampire Cat Crawfield first met? Or how their story might differ if he were the one telling it? Now, relive the beginning of Cat and Bones' bestselling love story through Bones' point of view, which reveals a darker, sexier take on their early days, as well as a deeper dive into Bones' past, the vampire world, and other things that Cat didn't see when their story was told only through her eyes in Halfway to the Grave.
Cat had her say. Now, it's Bones' turn.
Sophia Rose’s Review
Jeaniene Frost brought readers back to the beginning and told how it happened from her vampire hero’s perspective, but also from his background and his world.
The Other Side of the Grave is written so that newbies and veterans to the series alike can pick it up and enjoy it. Told parallel to Halfway to the Grave and a little of One Foot in the Grave, Bones’ tale fits in well to read before, after, or hey, during the reading of those books from Cat’s perspective.
Bones is an old master vampire and he’s tracking down a vampire who can give him the intel he needs to solve a big vampire-related problem. But, just as he tracks down the guy, a human woman vampire hunter cuts off his access to information. However, in a stunning twist, he learns from the woman that she is in fact a rare half-breed who has no idea about his world and only a hard on to kill all vampires in a sad quest to get her messed up mom’s love.
Ordinarily, Bones would make a quick end of a human killing his kind willy nilly, but he falls for the foul-mouthed brassy female from the beginning so decides to turn all that hate to his own advantage. He can’t infiltrate some of the vampires he needs to question without sending them scurrying or unwilling to cough up the information he needs to finish his mission, but this gorgeous human-seeming female could waltz right in and simply look like luscious food.
So, the training begins and this mismatched pair reluctantly and provokingly come together as a partnership on more than one level.
The Other Side of the Grave was a fun waltz down memory lane. It has been years since I read the Night Huntress series particularly the Cat and Bones books. I found reading this freshened my memories, but gave fuller details than I remember the first time through. Cat had to learn about the vampire world that was half her heritage over the course of the series while Bones was already an older master vampire. Cat had to learn what was going on that Bones was investigating while the reader gets to see the case from the perspective of Bone’s knowledge. And, it was absolutely the most exciting and fun thing to see their building relationship and romance through Bones’ eyes.
Confession time, I loved the Night Huntress series while sometime barely tolerating Cat herself. I admired her gutsy nature that held strong and got up when she was beaten down, but not the stupid, unnecessary choices or big mouth behavior and stubbornness at the wrong moments. Switching perspectives makes a difference. This one felt darker and broodier because Bones isn’t a young smart-mouthed hotshot, but I think it tempered the experience to just the right tone.
But, oh how sultry and sexy. This carried over in both books. Definitely the big money reason to have it from Bones’ perspective. The vampire got me all hot and bothered right alongside Cat. Please say there is more coming…
All in all, it was just what I was hoping for and makes me want to pick up and re-read large portions of the early books. Urban Fantasy fans really should tick the Night Huntress series off their lists and already fans should not miss this parallel book that reflects’ Bones’ perspective.
The Other Half of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost checked all the boxes. #bookreview #SophiaRose #UrbanFantasy #NightHuntress Share on XAbout Jeaniene Frost
Jeaniene Frost is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series and the Broken Destiny series. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty different countries. Jeaniene lives in North Carolina with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Aside from writing, Jeaniene enjoys reading, poetry, watching movies with her husband, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling – by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I read the first few books so many years ago and I tried to re-read by audio, but I wasn’t a fan of the narrator. I’d love to get Bones’ perspective, though. It sounds like a fun way to revisit the world. Wonderful review, Sophia!
Sophia Rose
Oh you really must, Rachel! I loved getting Bones’ side of things.
Mary Kirkland
I really need to get caught up with this author. I love some of her books so much.
Sophia Rose
Oh yes, this series stays strong through the latest books. I”m sure you’d love it, Mary. 🙂
Jen
It’s been so long since I listened to the original, but I definitely want to give this a try. I get what you mean about Cat – especially in the early books. Thanks for the insight.
Sophia Rose
Oh yes, this is well worth getting his perspective and, I think there are a few things revealed that didn’t come out in the Cat POV (or maybe my memory is wonky).
Ailyn Koay
Bones sounds like he has a lot of will power not to snap Cat’s neck by the way you describe her. Glad he didn’t though they sound so fun
Sophia Rose
Haha, yeah, I think she took him by surprise. She has to be read to be believed. 🙂
Lorna
I loved this from Bones point of view and couldn’t wait to read it. So glad Frost decided to do it. I’m like you, I want more!
Sophia Rose
This was such a wonderful surprise when she put it out there to the fans. 🙂
Anne - Books of My Heart
Terrific review Sophia! This was awesome to get Bones POV and see how much he treasured Cat. It also showed us much more of the vampire world than Cat knew 4 books later. There will be another book from Bones POV according to Jeaniene.
Sophia Rose
I’m so glad to know that she confirmed another book. I agree. The world was laid out all at once rather than bits at a time as Cat found them out. Getting his side of the romance was so fabulous.
Wendy
I like that this is hearing from the other side of the story. It sounds like fun. Wonderful review, Sophia
Sophia Rose
It was fun seeing almost a new story by getting a different POV. 🙂
Jessica @ a GREAT read
Oh nice!! I STILL need to read this one! I am so excited for Bones’ pov though as it sounds amazing!!! Glad to hear it was exactly that!
I did hear Jeaniene is writing at least one more book from his pov, likely the second Cat & Bones book is my guess! Lol. There were quite a few things that happened in that book that I would’ve loved to know what he was thinking!
Again, great review!
Sophia Rose
Oh Jessica, you are in for such a treat. Bones’ thoughts are served up on a silver platter and I got a kick out of seeing it all from his side. I thought she did a fab job of showing a very different voice and believable that it was Bones.
Nadene
I have yet to read this series. I do have a copy of The Other Half of the Grave so its just just a matter of when.
Sophia Rose
Woohoo! Now, I’ll be waiting to see what you think. 🙂
Lover of Romance
I am really happy that you loved this one, and I know many readers have been excited to get more background on Bones. I struggle with these type of books when its long after the fact, as I prefer to read them side by side. If I ever re read their story, I might read this along with Cat’s POV.
Glad it was such a hit for you. I can tell you really loved it.
Sophia Rose
It would totally work as a side by side read, I think. I’m the opposite. I think it worked better for me because it has been years since I read the first book.
I sure did, Renee, thanks!
Debbie Haupt
OOh it makes me want to dip my toes back into this series. I think Cat’s attitude(s) is part of why I stopped reading maybe I’ll take another look and start here. Thanks Sophia Rose
Sophia Rose
It really does change things to get a different perspective, Debbie. It was also fun to see what he was thinking in their early moments. 🙂
Maureen @ Maureen's Books
I loooove the sound of this book. I recently bought the first few books in this series at a second hand shop. I can’t wait to read it myself.
Great review!
Sophia Rose
Now, that I envy you getting to read them for the first time, Maureen. 🙂
Melliane
It’s been so long since I haven’t read one of her books!
Sophia Rose
Yes, it has been years for me before this book. Great walk down Memory Lane. 🙂