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Anna Strong Chronicles #7
Crossroads
As a bounty hunter, Anna Strong knew how to find trouble. But now that she's a vampire, trouble seems to have a knack for finding her... The death of Anna's old vampire mentor is causing ripples in the mortal world. His forensic report has brought up some anomalies and people are asking questions-questions that no vampire wants to answer. Anna needs to lie low, but the sudden discovery of a slew of drained bodies near the Mexican border brings an old flame back into her life and with him, a new challenge. Then, some stunning news from an unexpected source sends Anna and her friend Daniel Frey on a journey that may change both their lives-forever.
296 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 30, 2011
22 people are currently reading
1049 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne C. Stein
49 books549 followersJeanne C. Stein is an American Urban Fantasy author living in Colorado. She now lives in Colorado, but was raised and educated in San Diego, which is the setting for her contemporary vampire fantasy.
Jeanne is active in the writing community, belonging to Sisters in Crime both nationally and in San Diego and Los Angeles. She also belongs to Horror Writers of America, RWA and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. She was named RMFW’s Writer of the Year for 2008 an honor given to a writer who has contributed to the organization as well as achieved success in publication.
She writes the blog "Biting Edge" with Mario Acevedo at :
http://www.biting-edge.blogspot.com/
Jeanne is active in the writing community, belonging to Sisters in Crime both nationally and in San Diego and Los Angeles. She also belongs to Horror Writers of America, RWA and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. She was named RMFW’s Writer of the Year for 2008 an honor given to a writer who has contributed to the organization as well as achieved success in publication.
She writes the blog "Biting Edge" with Mario Acevedo at :
http://www.biting-edge.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
December 8, 2011
This review first appeared at So I Read This Book... and can be found at: http://www.soireadthisbook.com/2011/12/review-crossroads-by-jeanne-c-stein.html#more
The Anna Strong series is one that I have always thought of as promising. I'd enjoyed every book to some extent - they're diverting if not compelling - and I felt like this was a series that was on the verge of being really good. So what do you do when you realize that you are already up to book 7 and still waiting?
The main story has Anna and her shapeshifter buddy, Daniel, trekking out to a Navajo reservation where they must deal with not only Daniel's young son but spooky goings on. Because most of the characters, as well as the locale, are new to the series, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, pretty good for a book 7. However it is an unexciting entry in a series that already needed some adrenaline or a power bar or something. There isn't much suspense here. There's a problem with a supernatural killer in the desert and then... Anna takes care of things. Anticlimactic and kind of blah.
Oh, there are potential problems coming down the line; Max has re-entered Anna's life and you know there is unfinished business and a Samsonite set of baggage there. Plus, Anna has a new man. He's a news anchor and a human. Yeah. That's gonna work. Thankfully, he's barely in the book 'cause I can't get invested in that. Meanwhile, Detective Harris has questions about William's murder and he has made it clear he'll only let Anna put him off for so long. So a storm's a brewing. Just not in this book.
Instead, Anna and Daniel are involved in a murder mystery in Monument Valley. Despite the body count, it feels a little Scooby Doo. A skin walker is killing folks and it is up to Anna to put a stop to it. Honestly, the whole skin walker thing seemed unnecessary. The bad guy could have easily have been just a regular joe and it would not have made a difference to the plot.
And I gotta say, I didn't like how the Navajo portion of the story was handled. The writing was clunky. It felt like the author did a lot of research on the Navajo culture and then shoveled the details out in a ham-handed fashion. I did think the author worked very hard to be respectful to a group that has continuously been misrepresented and maligned but it came at the cost of the story.
And Chael is back and the reason for Anna and Daniel's visit to the reservation. Supposedly, there is a shaman who can restore Anna's humanity. She would no longer be The Chosen but she'd get to be human again. Should she do it? Can she turn her back on the supernatural world so that she can rejoin her family? The answer is obvious, of course and so the angsty waffling is hard to take seriously. Considering this is book 7, I think it's well past time for Anna to have accepted who she is and start concentrating on who she wants to be. The whole shaman thing just seems like a lost cause.
All this may make it sound like I hated this book. I didn't. It's not terrible, merely ok. There was no forward movement for the series and the mystery was unexciting. I think Crossroads could have worked better if it was a novella or a short story. There wasn't enough here to sustain a full length novel.
The Anna Strong series is one that I have always thought of as promising. I'd enjoyed every book to some extent - they're diverting if not compelling - and I felt like this was a series that was on the verge of being really good. So what do you do when you realize that you are already up to book 7 and still waiting?
The main story has Anna and her shapeshifter buddy, Daniel, trekking out to a Navajo reservation where they must deal with not only Daniel's young son but spooky goings on. Because most of the characters, as well as the locale, are new to the series, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, pretty good for a book 7. However it is an unexciting entry in a series that already needed some adrenaline or a power bar or something. There isn't much suspense here. There's a problem with a supernatural killer in the desert and then... Anna takes care of things. Anticlimactic and kind of blah.
Oh, there are potential problems coming down the line; Max has re-entered Anna's life and you know there is unfinished business and a Samsonite set of baggage there. Plus, Anna has a new man. He's a news anchor and a human. Yeah. That's gonna work. Thankfully, he's barely in the book 'cause I can't get invested in that. Meanwhile, Detective Harris has questions about William's murder and he has made it clear he'll only let Anna put him off for so long. So a storm's a brewing. Just not in this book.
Instead, Anna and Daniel are involved in a murder mystery in Monument Valley. Despite the body count, it feels a little Scooby Doo. A skin walker is killing folks and it is up to Anna to put a stop to it. Honestly, the whole skin walker thing seemed unnecessary. The bad guy could have easily have been just a regular joe and it would not have made a difference to the plot.
And I gotta say, I didn't like how the Navajo portion of the story was handled. The writing was clunky. It felt like the author did a lot of research on the Navajo culture and then shoveled the details out in a ham-handed fashion. I did think the author worked very hard to be respectful to a group that has continuously been misrepresented and maligned but it came at the cost of the story.
And Chael is back and the reason for Anna and Daniel's visit to the reservation. Supposedly, there is a shaman who can restore Anna's humanity. She would no longer be The Chosen but she'd get to be human again. Should she do it? Can she turn her back on the supernatural world so that she can rejoin her family? The answer is obvious, of course and so the angsty waffling is hard to take seriously. Considering this is book 7, I think it's well past time for Anna to have accepted who she is and start concentrating on who she wants to be. The whole shaman thing just seems like a lost cause.
All this may make it sound like I hated this book. I didn't. It's not terrible, merely ok. There was no forward movement for the series and the mystery was unexciting. I think Crossroads could have worked better if it was a novella or a short story. There wasn't enough here to sustain a full length novel.
August 31, 2011
The description of this book is a little misleading as it pertains to events that happen in the very beginning of the book. Crossroads is an very accurate title for the real story, as it is a journey with a major choice at the end. We're talking life altering. Anna has a big decision to make after a huge carrot is dangled in front of her, the chance to become human again. As she travels to find the cure with the help of Frey, she finds trouble in the most unlikely places. If she isn't careful her next step might just be the last one she ever makes.
Anna has always been a very brash character, constantly making hasty decisions on the fly. So, I was glad to see her take a step back to really consider the consequences of such a major decision. Something like that would be bound to have a steep price, both personally and due to her position as Chosen, potentially to all of humankind. Anna may think she isn't worthy of being in such a position, but I have to disagree. The entire time she is weighing her choice, the personal cost wasn't the roadblock, but the cost to others. Another worry of Anna's is that she can now kill too easily without remorse, making her no better than a monster. I'll have to disagree with that as well. She needs that ability due to her position, and since she never uses it on anyone who isn't evil or intent on hurting others, I don't think her conscience should worry so much.
I really love the dynamic between Frey and Anna. I'm kind of rooting for them as a couple in the long run despite their respective significant others. They just seem to be kindred spirits who understand one another completely. It's kinda funny that they have such a close bond when you consider their inability to read one another's minds due to Anna's long ago mistake. Perhaps it is because of this broken psychic connections that they are able to be so close by being able to let their guards down rather than constantly having to shield from one another constantly. Either way, something about them just seems to work and I can help hoping for more. Of course only time will tell and the twists in this book will make things more difficult than before, but I still think they have a solid chance. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.
I think Crossroads may just be my favorite Anna Strong novel yet. It had a completely different feel to it than the previous books. Some of that is due to the change in location, but mostly it is due to Anna's growth and acceptance into who she is. The Anna we knew from the first book would have jumped through any hoops she could to become mortal again despite the consequences, yet this Anna completely weighed her options to make her choice in the end. According to Jeanne Stein's website, there are only two more books left in the series. Things have been set in motion now and I cannot wait to see where everything ends up in the end. Hopefully Anna will get a least a little slice of happiness in the end. She sure has earned it.
Anna has always been a very brash character, constantly making hasty decisions on the fly. So, I was glad to see her take a step back to really consider the consequences of such a major decision. Something like that would be bound to have a steep price, both personally and due to her position as Chosen, potentially to all of humankind. Anna may think she isn't worthy of being in such a position, but I have to disagree. The entire time she is weighing her choice, the personal cost wasn't the roadblock, but the cost to others. Another worry of Anna's is that she can now kill too easily without remorse, making her no better than a monster. I'll have to disagree with that as well. She needs that ability due to her position, and since she never uses it on anyone who isn't evil or intent on hurting others, I don't think her conscience should worry so much.
I really love the dynamic between Frey and Anna. I'm kind of rooting for them as a couple in the long run despite their respective significant others. They just seem to be kindred spirits who understand one another completely. It's kinda funny that they have such a close bond when you consider their inability to read one another's minds due to Anna's long ago mistake. Perhaps it is because of this broken psychic connections that they are able to be so close by being able to let their guards down rather than constantly having to shield from one another constantly. Either way, something about them just seems to work and I can help hoping for more. Of course only time will tell and the twists in this book will make things more difficult than before, but I still think they have a solid chance. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.
I think Crossroads may just be my favorite Anna Strong novel yet. It had a completely different feel to it than the previous books. Some of that is due to the change in location, but mostly it is due to Anna's growth and acceptance into who she is. The Anna we knew from the first book would have jumped through any hoops she could to become mortal again despite the consequences, yet this Anna completely weighed her options to make her choice in the end. According to Jeanne Stein's website, there are only two more books left in the series. Things have been set in motion now and I cannot wait to see where everything ends up in the end. Hopefully Anna will get a least a little slice of happiness in the end. She sure has earned it.
August 1, 2012
I have to hand it to Jeanne C Stein, she writes pretty awesome Urban Fantasy. I love the Anna Strong series, Anna was a reluctant vampire, even more reluctant "Chosen," but she is fiercely loyal, she is a talented investigator, and she is a powerful kick-butt heroine. Anna is tough in that she is a bounty hunter and a deadly vampire, but she is not so tough that she looses touch with her emotions.
In Crossroads, Anna continues to grow as a character as she faces Max and spends time with Daniel Frey. Anna is facing repercussions from her rise to the Chosen position. Questions are raised about Williams' death, Max needs Anna's help solving a murder, and then Anna and Daniel go to the Navajo nation to seek out a shaman. When tragedy strikes in the Navajo nation, Anna determines to find answers, to support her friend through a difficult time, and contemplates a life-altering decision.
The Anna Strong series has developed into such a good series and Crossroads is one of the best books yet. There is quite a lot going on in the story. Anna has to face her past and make decisions for her future in this book. Through it all, Anna shows major growth. She is maturing into a better friend and good leader, and I'm happy to see it. There is a lot of emphasis placed on Frey and Anna's friendship. In Chosen, there were some moments that hinted towards Daniel and Anna heating their relationship up, but not in Crossroads. I have to admit, I have a soft spot for Frey and was hoping that Anna and Daniel would become more than friends. It's unclear what will happen for them in the future, Crossroads will have repercussions for the next book.
I really liked the setting for the majority of this book, the Navajo Nation. The native american mythology and beliefs were part of the story and provided interesting, refreshing new elements to the series. Crossroads was very well written, and I was engaged in the story through the whole book. I am excited that Anna is maturing so much. She has come a long way since book 1, and she has done it in her own way. It seems that as this series continues, it gets better and better. I can't wait for book 8, Hunted and the final book of the series (there will be 9). Jeanne C Stein has said that Anna will get a happily ever after, and I am eagerly looking forward to finding out how that unfolds.
Urban Fantasy and paranormal readers, I highly recommend reading the Anna Strong series. If you like vampires, shifters, & kick-butt heroines you can't miss this series, which has it all.
In Crossroads, Anna continues to grow as a character as she faces Max and spends time with Daniel Frey. Anna is facing repercussions from her rise to the Chosen position. Questions are raised about Williams' death, Max needs Anna's help solving a murder, and then Anna and Daniel go to the Navajo nation to seek out a shaman. When tragedy strikes in the Navajo nation, Anna determines to find answers, to support her friend through a difficult time, and contemplates a life-altering decision.
The Anna Strong series has developed into such a good series and Crossroads is one of the best books yet. There is quite a lot going on in the story. Anna has to face her past and make decisions for her future in this book. Through it all, Anna shows major growth. She is maturing into a better friend and good leader, and I'm happy to see it. There is a lot of emphasis placed on Frey and Anna's friendship. In Chosen, there were some moments that hinted towards Daniel and Anna heating their relationship up, but not in Crossroads. I have to admit, I have a soft spot for Frey and was hoping that Anna and Daniel would become more than friends. It's unclear what will happen for them in the future, Crossroads will have repercussions for the next book.
I really liked the setting for the majority of this book, the Navajo Nation. The native american mythology and beliefs were part of the story and provided interesting, refreshing new elements to the series. Crossroads was very well written, and I was engaged in the story through the whole book. I am excited that Anna is maturing so much. She has come a long way since book 1, and she has done it in her own way. It seems that as this series continues, it gets better and better. I can't wait for book 8, Hunted and the final book of the series (there will be 9). Jeanne C Stein has said that Anna will get a happily ever after, and I am eagerly looking forward to finding out how that unfolds.
Urban Fantasy and paranormal readers, I highly recommend reading the Anna Strong series. If you like vampires, shifters, & kick-butt heroines you can't miss this series, which has it all.
September 16, 2011
Jeanne Stein's latest in her Anna Strong Vampire novels, Crossroads, takes Anna on a journey with her shifter friend Frey far across the states.
The story opens up with Max needing a favor from Anna, he needs to track a possible vampire that is helping Mexicans cross the border, yet kills them before they reach American soil. This part of the story sounded really really familiar to me. I haven't read Chosen since last year, but for some reason I swear that this part of the story came from it, it just sounded so familiar, yet I couldn't find it in the the other book. But regardless, that's not the important part of the story. It actually takes place before Anna even sets out on the life changing journey and is solved and closed up. But still, I might have to dig deeper into the other books to find it. It just kept bugging me while I read.
Moving on! Anna and Frey are headed out towards a reservation where Chael claims there is a shaman that can restore Anna's humanity. She would no longer be a vampire or The Chosen One, but regain her humanity, something she's wanted since becoming a vampire. Yet something doesn't feel right.
Still Anna and Frey make the journey and there are some surprises awaiting Anna. Like the fact that Frey has a child there who lives with his mother (the child's, not Frey's). But it soon becomes apparent that something sinister is going on on the reservation when tragedy strikes. And who else but Chael happens to be there at the time, Judith.
Basically a murder mystery starts, and I love a good mystery--reminds me of my days of watching Scooby-Doo! Anyways I had some of the mystery right, but not all of it. In the end things are wrapped up nicely as they always are. And there's a big decision Anna has to make, which it sorta becomes obvious what it is and what she will choose.
Overall it was a pretty good story. Besides the part that felt like I've read before, and the rest it made a good story. There wasn't a whole lot of romance or romantic tension which was kind of sad. I was hoping for some sparks, but oh well. Still look forward to seeing more of this series and finding out how it all ends!
Overall rating 3.5/5 stars
The story opens up with Max needing a favor from Anna, he needs to track a possible vampire that is helping Mexicans cross the border, yet kills them before they reach American soil. This part of the story sounded really really familiar to me. I haven't read Chosen since last year, but for some reason I swear that this part of the story came from it, it just sounded so familiar, yet I couldn't find it in the the other book. But regardless, that's not the important part of the story. It actually takes place before Anna even sets out on the life changing journey and is solved and closed up. But still, I might have to dig deeper into the other books to find it. It just kept bugging me while I read.
Moving on! Anna and Frey are headed out towards a reservation where Chael claims there is a shaman that can restore Anna's humanity. She would no longer be a vampire or The Chosen One, but regain her humanity, something she's wanted since becoming a vampire. Yet something doesn't feel right.
Still Anna and Frey make the journey and there are some surprises awaiting Anna. Like the fact that Frey has a child there who lives with his mother (the child's, not Frey's). But it soon becomes apparent that something sinister is going on on the reservation when tragedy strikes. And who else but Chael happens to be there at the time, Judith.
Basically a murder mystery starts, and I love a good mystery--reminds me of my days of watching Scooby-Doo! Anyways I had some of the mystery right, but not all of it. In the end things are wrapped up nicely as they always are. And there's a big decision Anna has to make, which it sorta becomes obvious what it is and what she will choose.
Overall it was a pretty good story. Besides the part that felt like I've read before, and the rest it made a good story. There wasn't a whole lot of romance or romantic tension which was kind of sad. I was hoping for some sparks, but oh well. Still look forward to seeing more of this series and finding out how it all ends!
Overall rating 3.5/5 stars
November 15, 2011
It was well written and a good book overall. However I am sad for Anna, she deserves love and all her friends seem to be going in different directions and leaving her all by herself. She is a vampire and has hung onto her humanity by being with the people she loves and protecting them but what about her? She needs someone to love her too, someone who will stay by her side for an eternity. Although she is with Stephen now, he is human and won't be around for long. I'd love to see Max change and both of them accept each other. There is a bond there, even though Max was too weak in the other books, he has changed now, grew with courage and strength. I'm hoping Anna get's with someone she can better relate to and love openly.
April 21, 2019
I read this because I thought Anna and Max are getting back together, but nope, he just made an appearance. To me he is the best for her. So Anna is running around saving the world with yet another man interest. How many she will have before the end of the book is a conundrum. I didn’t enjoy this series no more, but I just want to know where it ends. Some of the scenes are looking like I’ve read them before too.
January 25, 2019
Definitely not as good as most of the other books in this series. Similar to when Trish was a major character Anna almost never interacts directly with John John, which is thoroughly frustrating. This book feels like the author made a last minute decision to have Stephen be Anna’s romantic interest instead of Frey so she wrote this shitty book to explain why Frey just disappears.
March 20, 2018
This was, so far, the best book in this series!
Thank You very much Ms. Stein
Ken
Thank You very much Ms. Stein
Ken
April 28, 2018
Anna is less annoying and this was enjoyable.
May 8, 2020
Audiobook
January 4, 2023
3.5 stars. My fav of the series so far.
April 22, 2021
Main character’s (Anna Strong’s) self-flagellation is to the point of annoyance. Most of the book is her just going backwards & forwards to different locations & gaining little. Any revelations or clues are stumbled upon accidentally. Unrealistic portrayals of characters esp the 4 year old child, who is PERFECT, no temper, no grumpiness, it’s ridiculous. I don’t think I’ll read any more of this series.
November 15, 2011
Sixth in the Anna Strong urban fantasy series set in San Diego and revolving around the Chosen, the head of the thirteen vampire tribes although this particular story takes place on a Navajo reservation.
My Take
It's a question of embracing one's humanity and a short, but normal life versus accepting the responsibility of integrity and protecting humanity. A journey of cause and effect in which Anna puzzles out the choice she must make. How the decisions and choices she has made to-date affect others.
A lovely exploration of Navajo culture with some of the Dine language, its ceremonies surrounding death, hogan architecture, and food that creates a bond with the reader. Stein also provides Anna with lots of opportunities for self-reflection. Some of which made me a bit nuts. I don't remember Anna being such a nitwit!
The Story
A few brief bits of action starts Crossroads off but the real purpose of the story begins with Chael's visit with Anna in her home when he dangles the carrot of Anna regaining her mortality while threatening the existence of Daniel Frey's son. A son whom no one should know exists. A reversal that should not be possible.
Both are located on the Navajo reservation and Frey and Anna journey there to protect and inquire. But tragedy strikes and John-John loses the most important person in his young life. The question becomes was it an accident or was it intentional and there are too many possibilities as to who it could have been.
Someone has been manufacturing fake artifacts of Navajo culture. Members of the tribe want nothing to do with vampires. Is Sarah's lover threatened by Daniel? Has Chael bribed someone to destroy the lives of people whom Anna loves?
Anna must choose whether she will succumb to the violence of the vampire within or can she hang onto her own humanity?
The Characters
Anna Strong may be a vampire, but she's also a bounty hunter in partnership with David, an ex-pro football player and a Boy Scout by temperament, and now, Tracey. For whom, Anna runs backup when the two descend upon her sister's, Miriam's, ex-husband with the restraining order.
Max was Anna's boyfriend when she was turned. When he found out what she was, he took off. Although. He did keep coming around Culebra's bar to donate blood and fuck vampires; guess it was just Anna that turned him off. Doesn't seem to stop him from calling for favors from her. Jerk. Culebra runs a blood bar across the border where vampires can purchase a live one. He also provides intel to Max and Anna. Detective Harris has his own suspicions about Anna as she always seems to be at the center of problems. Suspicions that are ramped up when the lab indicates that the bone from Chief Williams' burnt-out shell of a car is over 200-years-old.
Daniel Frey is a shapeshifter, a panther, an English teacher, and Anna's friend. It's his son, John-John, who is threatened. Sarah is the mother of his child and they live on the Navajo reservation, eager to prevent Daniel's interaction with his son. Mary Yellow Bird is Sarah's sister with quite a bit to hide. George Long Whiskers and his wife have quite a bit to hide as well as lose. Officer Tony Kayani is with the Navajo Nation Police and Sarah's lover. Sani is the shaman with whom Anna must meet; an impossible task since he "doesn't exist".
Chael is head of the Middle Eastern Vampire Tribe, Anna's greatest enemy, and eager to replace her as the Chosen and implement his own plans for humanity's destruction. Judith Williams is a vampire and Chief Williams' widow. She's also hooked up with Chael and hates Anna.
The Cover
The cover has a jean- and tank-top clad Anna ready to pull the trigger on a modern crossbow as she stands prepared to fight on a sketchy landscape, a green-tinted full moon lighting the scene.
The title reflects a decision she must make. Tempting in one direction, irresponsible in another, a Crossroads in Anna's life.
My Take
It's a question of embracing one's humanity and a short, but normal life versus accepting the responsibility of integrity and protecting humanity. A journey of cause and effect in which Anna puzzles out the choice she must make. How the decisions and choices she has made to-date affect others.
A lovely exploration of Navajo culture with some of the Dine language, its ceremonies surrounding death, hogan architecture, and food that creates a bond with the reader. Stein also provides Anna with lots of opportunities for self-reflection. Some of which made me a bit nuts. I don't remember Anna being such a nitwit!
The Story
A few brief bits of action starts Crossroads off but the real purpose of the story begins with Chael's visit with Anna in her home when he dangles the carrot of Anna regaining her mortality while threatening the existence of Daniel Frey's son. A son whom no one should know exists. A reversal that should not be possible.
Both are located on the Navajo reservation and Frey and Anna journey there to protect and inquire. But tragedy strikes and John-John loses the most important person in his young life. The question becomes was it an accident or was it intentional and there are too many possibilities as to who it could have been.
Someone has been manufacturing fake artifacts of Navajo culture. Members of the tribe want nothing to do with vampires. Is Sarah's lover threatened by Daniel? Has Chael bribed someone to destroy the lives of people whom Anna loves?
Anna must choose whether she will succumb to the violence of the vampire within or can she hang onto her own humanity?
The Characters
Anna Strong may be a vampire, but she's also a bounty hunter in partnership with David, an ex-pro football player and a Boy Scout by temperament, and now, Tracey. For whom, Anna runs backup when the two descend upon her sister's, Miriam's, ex-husband with the restraining order.
Max was Anna's boyfriend when she was turned. When he found out what she was, he took off. Although. He did keep coming around Culebra's bar to donate blood and fuck vampires; guess it was just Anna that turned him off. Doesn't seem to stop him from calling for favors from her. Jerk. Culebra runs a blood bar across the border where vampires can purchase a live one. He also provides intel to Max and Anna. Detective Harris has his own suspicions about Anna as she always seems to be at the center of problems. Suspicions that are ramped up when the lab indicates that the bone from Chief Williams' burnt-out shell of a car is over 200-years-old.
Daniel Frey is a shapeshifter, a panther, an English teacher, and Anna's friend. It's his son, John-John, who is threatened. Sarah is the mother of his child and they live on the Navajo reservation, eager to prevent Daniel's interaction with his son. Mary Yellow Bird is Sarah's sister with quite a bit to hide. George Long Whiskers and his wife have quite a bit to hide as well as lose. Officer Tony Kayani is with the Navajo Nation Police and Sarah's lover. Sani is the shaman with whom Anna must meet; an impossible task since he "doesn't exist".
Chael is head of the Middle Eastern Vampire Tribe, Anna's greatest enemy, and eager to replace her as the Chosen and implement his own plans for humanity's destruction. Judith Williams is a vampire and Chief Williams' widow. She's also hooked up with Chael and hates Anna.
The Cover
The cover has a jean- and tank-top clad Anna ready to pull the trigger on a modern crossbow as she stands prepared to fight on a sketchy landscape, a green-tinted full moon lighting the scene.
The title reflects a decision she must make. Tempting in one direction, irresponsible in another, a Crossroads in Anna's life.
March 16, 2013
Though Anna is the Chosen One, things have actually settled down in her life. Anna has been able to work a steady schedule, start dating a new man and basically live the life of her choosing. For the first time in a year since she has become a vampire, everything is normal. Unfortunately for Anna, this is not destined to last. Anna returns home to fine Chael, the representative of Middle Eastern vampires sitting on her couch. Her instinct is to kill him because he represents a threat to her, until he dangles a carrot that she cannot cast away out of hand - the chance to regain her humanity. When Chael brings up Frey's son John John, Anna knows that she must investigate, if not for herself, then to ensure that John John is safe. What Anna does not realise, is that trip to the Navajo reservation, is going to change her life forever. Once there, she must confront her White privilege and decide whether or not she can accept the vampire she has become.
Crossroads is easily the best book in this series since The Becoming. Anna has been very busy running around and kicking ass for most of the past year but while doing so, she has become completely self involved. While Anna has been concerned about the loss of her mortal life, she has done little to sustain the relationships she has developed. I loved that Frey pointed out that she would have known about him breaking up with his girlfriend had he bothered to call. Anna is forced to accept that she only turns to her supposed friends when she needs them and has not been there for them otherwise.
For the majority of this series Stein has seen fit to erase people of colour, and in Crossroads, she seeks to rectify this by setting the book on a Navajo reservation. This is a nice change of pace. Anna continues to be filled with privilege, racism and ignorance, and it is up to Frey to attempt to reign her in. Anna views the Navajo people initially as ridiculously superstitious for their instant distrust of her vampire nature and refuses to acknowledge that vampires do indeed present a legitimate threat to humanity, despite knowing that members of the vampire council seek to enslave humanity. For much of the novel, Anna exotifies the people of colour she interacts with but by the end of book she develops a sort of reverence, which to me, really still reads as false. Part of the problem is that she is on the reservation to seek out the council of an elder. It reads too much like wise person of colour directing the clueless White lady.
I am further concerned by the re-introduction of Chael as a character. Though he was described as a power hungry coward, I fear that he is going to be set up as the antagonist. This would make Anna, The Chosen One, battling against a male of colour for supremacy. When placed into context of the current political divide, it's hard not to see this as demonizing Middle Eastern people. Anna is described as the progressive one because she believes in protecting humanity whereas; Chael would have humanity reduced to little more than cattle. It reads as though Whiteness and of course a Western identity, represents not only morality but civilization and once again casts Middle Eastern people as sadistic, hopelessly backward and animalistic.
Read More
Crossroads is easily the best book in this series since The Becoming. Anna has been very busy running around and kicking ass for most of the past year but while doing so, she has become completely self involved. While Anna has been concerned about the loss of her mortal life, she has done little to sustain the relationships she has developed. I loved that Frey pointed out that she would have known about him breaking up with his girlfriend had he bothered to call. Anna is forced to accept that she only turns to her supposed friends when she needs them and has not been there for them otherwise.
For the majority of this series Stein has seen fit to erase people of colour, and in Crossroads, she seeks to rectify this by setting the book on a Navajo reservation. This is a nice change of pace. Anna continues to be filled with privilege, racism and ignorance, and it is up to Frey to attempt to reign her in. Anna views the Navajo people initially as ridiculously superstitious for their instant distrust of her vampire nature and refuses to acknowledge that vampires do indeed present a legitimate threat to humanity, despite knowing that members of the vampire council seek to enslave humanity. For much of the novel, Anna exotifies the people of colour she interacts with but by the end of book she develops a sort of reverence, which to me, really still reads as false. Part of the problem is that she is on the reservation to seek out the council of an elder. It reads too much like wise person of colour directing the clueless White lady.
I am further concerned by the re-introduction of Chael as a character. Though he was described as a power hungry coward, I fear that he is going to be set up as the antagonist. This would make Anna, The Chosen One, battling against a male of colour for supremacy. When placed into context of the current political divide, it's hard not to see this as demonizing Middle Eastern people. Anna is described as the progressive one because she believes in protecting humanity whereas; Chael would have humanity reduced to little more than cattle. It reads as though Whiteness and of course a Western identity, represents not only morality but civilization and once again casts Middle Eastern people as sadistic, hopelessly backward and animalistic.
Read More
September 23, 2011
*Rating* 3.5
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Review*
Crossroads is the seventh installment in the Anna Strong Chronicles by Jeanne C. Stein. For Anna, it has been two months since she was named the Chosen one, or the leader of the 13 vampire tribes as well as the person destined to resist the dark forces in the vampire community that seeks to dominate mankind and make them food sources only.
Anna has to face several new challenges including the arrival of Detective Harris of the San Diego PD who is looking into Police Chief Warren Williams’s death. He goes on to tell Anna that they have found some startling new information that just doesn’t make any sense. Of course, Anna, being the last person to see Williams alive, and knows what really happened, is a prime candidate for Detective Harris’s investigation.
The second challenge comes after Anna is approached by her former lover Max, a DEA agent who she hasn’t seen in 8 months. Max asks for her assistance in what he believes is a vampire killing illegal aliens crossing into the US. Anna, while weary and still angry at Max for dismissing her so easily after discovering she was a vampire, agrees to help. It seems however, that the ploy was set in motion by Anna’s direct challenger Chael who has some interesting information for Anna.
That, of course, is the third challenge since Chael has thrown out an interesting concept in that he can lead Anna to her heart’s desire; to revert back to being human once again, and living life away from the supernatural community and thus putting her family and friends out of danger. Chael claims that there is a Native American shaman who has the capability of bringing the dead back to life.
Of course, anyone including Anna, knows that Chael only wants the moniker of Chosen one and doesn’t care who he has to hurt in order to gain his goals. Chael is one of those vampires who wish to relegate humans to nothing more than fodder, and an expendable food source doing their masters, the vampires, bidding.
The last challenge is Anna’s reunion with Daniel Frey, the panther shape shifter who is also the Keeper of the Secrets for the supernatural community and their travels to the Navajo Indian lands in Arizona where we learn a little more about Frey's background. Frey, who has been with Anna from the beginning of her change into a vampire, was a welcome addition back to the story that has seen Anna suffer so much since becoming a vampire.
Crossroads is an interesting name for this book since Anna has to make more difficult choices that can either lead her back to her mortality, or continue on as the protector and soldier for goodness within the vampire community. The ending itself, was as expected with Anna going one way, and her only real friend in the world going another. I'm not sure in what direction this series is heading, but I will definitely look forward to seeing where Anna goes from here.
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Review*
Crossroads is the seventh installment in the Anna Strong Chronicles by Jeanne C. Stein. For Anna, it has been two months since she was named the Chosen one, or the leader of the 13 vampire tribes as well as the person destined to resist the dark forces in the vampire community that seeks to dominate mankind and make them food sources only.
Anna has to face several new challenges including the arrival of Detective Harris of the San Diego PD who is looking into Police Chief Warren Williams’s death. He goes on to tell Anna that they have found some startling new information that just doesn’t make any sense. Of course, Anna, being the last person to see Williams alive, and knows what really happened, is a prime candidate for Detective Harris’s investigation.
The second challenge comes after Anna is approached by her former lover Max, a DEA agent who she hasn’t seen in 8 months. Max asks for her assistance in what he believes is a vampire killing illegal aliens crossing into the US. Anna, while weary and still angry at Max for dismissing her so easily after discovering she was a vampire, agrees to help. It seems however, that the ploy was set in motion by Anna’s direct challenger Chael who has some interesting information for Anna.
That, of course, is the third challenge since Chael has thrown out an interesting concept in that he can lead Anna to her heart’s desire; to revert back to being human once again, and living life away from the supernatural community and thus putting her family and friends out of danger. Chael claims that there is a Native American shaman who has the capability of bringing the dead back to life.
Of course, anyone including Anna, knows that Chael only wants the moniker of Chosen one and doesn’t care who he has to hurt in order to gain his goals. Chael is one of those vampires who wish to relegate humans to nothing more than fodder, and an expendable food source doing their masters, the vampires, bidding.
The last challenge is Anna’s reunion with Daniel Frey, the panther shape shifter who is also the Keeper of the Secrets for the supernatural community and their travels to the Navajo Indian lands in Arizona where we learn a little more about Frey's background. Frey, who has been with Anna from the beginning of her change into a vampire, was a welcome addition back to the story that has seen Anna suffer so much since becoming a vampire.
Crossroads is an interesting name for this book since Anna has to make more difficult choices that can either lead her back to her mortality, or continue on as the protector and soldier for goodness within the vampire community. The ending itself, was as expected with Anna going one way, and her only real friend in the world going another. I'm not sure in what direction this series is heading, but I will definitely look forward to seeing where Anna goes from here.
September 9, 2011
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/09/rev...
Crossroads (Anna Strong Chronicles #7) by Jeanne C. Stein
Urban Fantasy
Paperback
August 30, 2011
Ace
Reviewed by Tori
After Anna kills her old mentor and assumes the mantle of the Chosen, there are those who do not feel she is worthy of the title or the role. She herself feels that she is may not be the best one for this job and finds herself torn between her humanity and her vampire nature. When she receives a call from her old boyfriend Max about a rogue vampire, she travels to the Mexican border and finds herself tangled up once again with Chael, head of the Middle Eastern Vampire Council. Chael claims to hold the secret for reclaiming Anna’s humanity but it will require her to involve Daniel Frey and his son.
When Anna and Daniel arrive at his ex wife’s home, Anna finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery when Daniel’s ex wife is killed and Anna is attacked. When Anna realizes that Chael has sent her into a trap, she allows her vampire side to emerge and goes from hunted to hunter.
This was a hard book for me to review. On one hand I enjoyed the main storyline but it was rather lackluster over all in terms of action and tension. It felt like a filler. Which was disappointing because Ms. Stein released a short story before this in the anthology Hexed that blew me away. I also felt that too many storylines were introduced that abruptly end with no further explanation. We meet Samuel, Anna’s new boyfriend but he has to leave on assignment so we don’t see anything more of him or their new relationship. Detective Harris has been investigating Anna’s mentor’s death and comes to her with some shocking lab results, but beyond calling her one more time on the phone, which she ignores, we hear nothing else from him either. Even the scene with Max and the rogue vampire is contained in about one page. Very anti climatic. Everything comes to easy for Anna in here. Minimal fighting and she wins every situation and battle. I expected some adversity.
Seeing Daniel again and learning more about his son and his life before meeting Anna was interesting. His son’s mother did not appreciate Daniel not telling her he was shape shifter until after she got pregnant so she left him and has restricted his visitation rights. We see a different side of Daniel in here. The inclusion of Navajo background and various customs works well in the storyline and is used to help Anna make a very important choice.
The main conflict wraps it all up tight, effectively answering the who, when, why, why, and how. All in all not the strongest installment in this series. I hope Anna doesn’t continue to become more and more complacent or an undefeatable heroine since becoming the Chosen One.
Rating: C-
Crossroads (Anna Strong Chronicles #7) by Jeanne C. Stein
Urban Fantasy
Paperback
August 30, 2011
Ace
Reviewed by Tori
After Anna kills her old mentor and assumes the mantle of the Chosen, there are those who do not feel she is worthy of the title or the role. She herself feels that she is may not be the best one for this job and finds herself torn between her humanity and her vampire nature. When she receives a call from her old boyfriend Max about a rogue vampire, she travels to the Mexican border and finds herself tangled up once again with Chael, head of the Middle Eastern Vampire Council. Chael claims to hold the secret for reclaiming Anna’s humanity but it will require her to involve Daniel Frey and his son.
When Anna and Daniel arrive at his ex wife’s home, Anna finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery when Daniel’s ex wife is killed and Anna is attacked. When Anna realizes that Chael has sent her into a trap, she allows her vampire side to emerge and goes from hunted to hunter.
This was a hard book for me to review. On one hand I enjoyed the main storyline but it was rather lackluster over all in terms of action and tension. It felt like a filler. Which was disappointing because Ms. Stein released a short story before this in the anthology Hexed that blew me away. I also felt that too many storylines were introduced that abruptly end with no further explanation. We meet Samuel, Anna’s new boyfriend but he has to leave on assignment so we don’t see anything more of him or their new relationship. Detective Harris has been investigating Anna’s mentor’s death and comes to her with some shocking lab results, but beyond calling her one more time on the phone, which she ignores, we hear nothing else from him either. Even the scene with Max and the rogue vampire is contained in about one page. Very anti climatic. Everything comes to easy for Anna in here. Minimal fighting and she wins every situation and battle. I expected some adversity.
Seeing Daniel again and learning more about his son and his life before meeting Anna was interesting. His son’s mother did not appreciate Daniel not telling her he was shape shifter until after she got pregnant so she left him and has restricted his visitation rights. We see a different side of Daniel in here. The inclusion of Navajo background and various customs works well in the storyline and is used to help Anna make a very important choice.
The main conflict wraps it all up tight, effectively answering the who, when, why, why, and how. All in all not the strongest installment in this series. I hope Anna doesn’t continue to become more and more complacent or an undefeatable heroine since becoming the Chosen One.
Rating: C-
August 17, 2011
CrossRoads is the seventh book in the Anna Strong series by Jeanne C Stein and an ACE Fantasy.
Book Blurb:
As a bounty hunter, Anna Strong knew how to find trouble. But now that she’s vampire, trouble seems to have a knack for finding her...
The death of Anna’s old vampire mentor is causing ripples in the mortal world. His forensic report has brought up some anomalies, and people are asking questions - questions that no vampire wants to answer.
Anna needs to lie low, but with the sudden discovery of a slew of drained bodies near the Mexican border, and some stunning news from an unexpected source, she soon finds herself on a journey that may threaten her existence - and that of all vampires.
My thoughts:
Anna Strong is now the Chosen One, leader of the Vampire race - no one knows who is responsible for choosing the Chosen One - nor do they know how one becomes a candidate for the Chosen. And a few vampires are unhappy that Anna was Chosen.
But nothing can be done about that - the choice can not be unmade...or can it?
Anna receives an unexpected visit from Chael, the Head of the Middle Eastern Vampire Tribe. The two tolerate one another - but Anna would easily kill him under the right provocation.
Chael would like nothing better than being the Chosen and he has planted a thought in Anna’s head. What if she could regain her mortality? What if she could walk away from the vampires and vampire politics - become human again.
Would she?
Anna heads to the Navajo nation searching for a shaman called Sani in the hopes of regaining her humanity. But there she comes to a crossroads and must make the hardest decision of her life.
CrossRoads is another great addition to the Anna Strong series.
I give CrossRoads 4 out of 5 stars.
Product Details
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Ace (August 30, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0441020771
ISBN-13: 978-0441020775
Book Blurb:
As a bounty hunter, Anna Strong knew how to find trouble. But now that she’s vampire, trouble seems to have a knack for finding her...
The death of Anna’s old vampire mentor is causing ripples in the mortal world. His forensic report has brought up some anomalies, and people are asking questions - questions that no vampire wants to answer.
Anna needs to lie low, but with the sudden discovery of a slew of drained bodies near the Mexican border, and some stunning news from an unexpected source, she soon finds herself on a journey that may threaten her existence - and that of all vampires.
My thoughts:
Anna Strong is now the Chosen One, leader of the Vampire race - no one knows who is responsible for choosing the Chosen One - nor do they know how one becomes a candidate for the Chosen. And a few vampires are unhappy that Anna was Chosen.
But nothing can be done about that - the choice can not be unmade...or can it?
Anna receives an unexpected visit from Chael, the Head of the Middle Eastern Vampire Tribe. The two tolerate one another - but Anna would easily kill him under the right provocation.
Chael would like nothing better than being the Chosen and he has planted a thought in Anna’s head. What if she could regain her mortality? What if she could walk away from the vampires and vampire politics - become human again.
Would she?
Anna heads to the Navajo nation searching for a shaman called Sani in the hopes of regaining her humanity. But there she comes to a crossroads and must make the hardest decision of her life.
CrossRoads is another great addition to the Anna Strong series.
I give CrossRoads 4 out of 5 stars.
Product Details
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Ace (August 30, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0441020771
ISBN-13: 978-0441020775
August 25, 2011
Previously Published on my blog: Welcome to Larissa's Bookish Life
*Contain MINOR SPOILERS if you haven’t read the previous books in this series.
The Anna Strong series is still one of my favorite series ever! It was one of the first series I read when my UF and PNR obsession started and I will stop whatever I am doing whenever I get a chance to read the newest installment and this was not an exception.
After Chosen and Retribution, I was really looking forward to see where Jeanne was taking Anna and co. I have to say that I was not disappointed! Anna has a new man in her life and though I had other hopes for her when it comes to love, I really liked Stephen, though I wished he had had more stage time.
On the other hand, I was extremely happy that we get to see a LOT of Anna and Frey interaction and not only that, but we get to learn so much about his past and life. I love Frey and I just hope we get more of him the next novels as well.
It wouldn’t be an Anna Strong novel without adversities, action and people trying to kill her left and right, and I can guarantee all fans that we get all that and more! I loved the native American angle we get in Crossroads, something I can’t always say about this theme in novels.
All in all, Crossroads is another amazing installment in this incredible series. Jeanne has done it again and delivered a novel full of heart, character development and action, perfect for any Urban Fantasy lover out there.
*Contain MINOR SPOILERS if you haven’t read the previous books in this series.
The Anna Strong series is still one of my favorite series ever! It was one of the first series I read when my UF and PNR obsession started and I will stop whatever I am doing whenever I get a chance to read the newest installment and this was not an exception.
After Chosen and Retribution, I was really looking forward to see where Jeanne was taking Anna and co. I have to say that I was not disappointed! Anna has a new man in her life and though I had other hopes for her when it comes to love, I really liked Stephen, though I wished he had had more stage time.
On the other hand, I was extremely happy that we get to see a LOT of Anna and Frey interaction and not only that, but we get to learn so much about his past and life. I love Frey and I just hope we get more of him the next novels as well.
It wouldn’t be an Anna Strong novel without adversities, action and people trying to kill her left and right, and I can guarantee all fans that we get all that and more! I loved the native American angle we get in Crossroads, something I can’t always say about this theme in novels.
All in all, Crossroads is another amazing installment in this incredible series. Jeanne has done it again and delivered a novel full of heart, character development and action, perfect for any Urban Fantasy lover out there.
September 8, 2011
Di bandingin 6 buku sebelumnya, ini adalah termasuk yg paling ringan cuma ada 1 kasus/masalah yg di tangani Anna tapi ini justru membuatku lebih menyukai ini dari keseluruhan cerita di series ini. Di lihat dari endingnya siy ini buku terakhir, walopun ga terlalu yakin.
Awal cerita di mulai dengan Max (mantan pacarnya Anna) minta bantuan ke Anna untuk menangani kasus pembunuhan2 yg melibatkan Vampir Nakal. dengan berat hati Anna pun menolong Max, yg ternyata vampir tersebut adalah suruhan Chael (salah satu anggota 13) untuk menyampaikan pesan ke Anna. Namun Anna sudah membunuh nya sebelum vampir itu bicara.
Chael akhirnya memberitahu sendiri ke Anna klo ada seorang Sani (dukun) suku Navajo yg bisa menghidupkan kematian. Dan Anna pun tertarik untuk menjadi manusia lagi. Dengan bantuan Daniel Frey, Anna pun pergi mencari Sani tersebut, yg ternyata tempat tinggal anaknya Frey.
Untuk menemui Sani itu harus minta persetujuan Dewan di sana dulu, dan mantan nya Frey ketika perjalanan pulang dari bicara dengan Dewan mengalami kecelakaan dan meninggal.
Anna yg ngerasa bersalah dengan kejadian tersebut, dan yakin klo Sarah (nama Ex Frey) bukan sekedar kecelakaan..
Frey dan Anna melacak siapa di balik kecelakaan itu..
Di sini yg bikin seruuu.. kagum dengan karakter Anna..
Kuat, percaya sama Naluri, selalu melakukan apa yg 'harus' di lakukan tidak peduli perasaan nya sendiri, mampu mengorbankan cinta demi kepentingan orang banyak.. dan masih ada yg lainnya yg bikin kagum....
Awal cerita di mulai dengan Max (mantan pacarnya Anna) minta bantuan ke Anna untuk menangani kasus pembunuhan2 yg melibatkan Vampir Nakal. dengan berat hati Anna pun menolong Max, yg ternyata vampir tersebut adalah suruhan Chael (salah satu anggota 13) untuk menyampaikan pesan ke Anna. Namun Anna sudah membunuh nya sebelum vampir itu bicara.
Chael akhirnya memberitahu sendiri ke Anna klo ada seorang Sani (dukun) suku Navajo yg bisa menghidupkan kematian. Dan Anna pun tertarik untuk menjadi manusia lagi. Dengan bantuan Daniel Frey, Anna pun pergi mencari Sani tersebut, yg ternyata tempat tinggal anaknya Frey.
Untuk menemui Sani itu harus minta persetujuan Dewan di sana dulu, dan mantan nya Frey ketika perjalanan pulang dari bicara dengan Dewan mengalami kecelakaan dan meninggal.
Anna yg ngerasa bersalah dengan kejadian tersebut, dan yakin klo Sarah (nama Ex Frey) bukan sekedar kecelakaan..
Frey dan Anna melacak siapa di balik kecelakaan itu..
Di sini yg bikin seruuu.. kagum dengan karakter Anna..
Kuat, percaya sama Naluri, selalu melakukan apa yg 'harus' di lakukan tidak peduli perasaan nya sendiri, mampu mengorbankan cinta demi kepentingan orang banyak.. dan masih ada yg lainnya yg bikin kagum....
June 11, 2012
In the seventh Anna Strong book, Crossroads, Jeanne C. Stein begins to poke at her heroine with loose threads from previous books. Everything seems to bring Anna circling back to the choices she has made since the vicious attack that made her a vampire; and she had no say in that.
This book is very much about choices. Anna has time to think about the decisions she has made and contemplates her internal war between her vampire self and human self. Surrounding this internal struggle is the backdrop Navajo west. Stein has created layers and layers of contrasts in this novel. The modern world against the Navajo traditions. The comforts of technology against the harshness of the western land. There is no preaching in this book about what is right and what is wrong; which so often happens when authors bring in strong traditional cultures. Stein rather focuses on the story and allows the reader to feel the pull of both sides of every argument–much like her characters would.
This is just a Crossroads in Anna Strong’s story. Stein is building up to something good. Readers will feel it coming like Anna feels the drums banging through the mountain at one point in this story. You can’t quite hear it yet . . . you don’t know what the words will be . . . but you feel the beat there and it will be powerful and awesome when it comes. Keep reading Stein and Anna Strong and you’ll be rewarded.
This book is very much about choices. Anna has time to think about the decisions she has made and contemplates her internal war between her vampire self and human self. Surrounding this internal struggle is the backdrop Navajo west. Stein has created layers and layers of contrasts in this novel. The modern world against the Navajo traditions. The comforts of technology against the harshness of the western land. There is no preaching in this book about what is right and what is wrong; which so often happens when authors bring in strong traditional cultures. Stein rather focuses on the story and allows the reader to feel the pull of both sides of every argument–much like her characters would.
This is just a Crossroads in Anna Strong’s story. Stein is building up to something good. Readers will feel it coming like Anna feels the drums banging through the mountain at one point in this story. You can’t quite hear it yet . . . you don’t know what the words will be . . . but you feel the beat there and it will be powerful and awesome when it comes. Keep reading Stein and Anna Strong and you’ll be rewarded.
September 15, 2011
This is easily a stand-alone book in the increasingly fascinating Anna Strong vampire series. You don't need to know anything about Anna to read this book, although of course it's great to read the series from the start. But if you're thinking of dabbling, give Crossroads a try. Anna spends a great deal of time in the Southwest desert country and Jeanne C. Stein makes the whole landscape come alive; the sights, the smells, the entire vast desert vistas and storms.
Best of all, this novel takes us into a supernatural creature's world and it isn't all moping and pathos. There's a fierce joy in Anna's strength and her abilities as a vampire. The description of Anna running at vampire speed in the desert night was so beautiful and evocative that it made me feel like I was running right along with her. The characters are all deeply realized and distinct and as always, the plot ticks along like a perfectly constructed watch, delivering chills and twists. Jeanne C. Stein just keeps getting better and better.
Best of all, this novel takes us into a supernatural creature's world and it isn't all moping and pathos. There's a fierce joy in Anna's strength and her abilities as a vampire. The description of Anna running at vampire speed in the desert night was so beautiful and evocative that it made me feel like I was running right along with her. The characters are all deeply realized and distinct and as always, the plot ticks along like a perfectly constructed watch, delivering chills and twists. Jeanne C. Stein just keeps getting better and better.
October 14, 2011
This book is aptly titled as Anna is at a point in her life where she really has to accept what being a vampire entails. This seems to make her a little introspective, she contemplates her past the good and the bad, her friends whether she is a good one, and her family who she wishes she could be closer to. With each step Anna stays true to who she is and what she stands for.
I love that a lot of the story took place at a Navaho reservation. It really added to the story and gave a great way for Anna to discover what she knew already. I was also glad to see Frey was in this book a lot. He is one of my favorite characters and this book allowed me to see him in a whole different way. At the end of the book he made the only choice he could, but that doesn't mean that I have to be happy about it.
I look forward to the next book to see Anna embrace her choice.
I love that a lot of the story took place at a Navaho reservation. It really added to the story and gave a great way for Anna to discover what she knew already. I was also glad to see Frey was in this book a lot. He is one of my favorite characters and this book allowed me to see him in a whole different way. At the end of the book he made the only choice he could, but that doesn't mean that I have to be happy about it.
I look forward to the next book to see Anna embrace her choice.
October 7, 2011
I love Anna Strong books. JEANNE STEIN stories are so good i finshed this book on my kindle in 3 days. Anna is once again on a mission but this time it is her own mission to determine if she can be turned back to human. Is this what she wants or is it because she thinks she wants it. Anna calls out to her friend Daniel Frey to help. She seeks a shaman to answer this question but it is a shaman on a reservation daniel is familar with only because his little boy lives there. After a deadly accident happens on the rez. Anna is forced to find answers for herself as well as the lil boy of her friend frey whom anna has made a place in her heart for him. Anna quest to find out the truth is one she may have wanted to be answered but at whos cost. I always enjoy reading a anna strong story due to how strong she is on the outside as well as inside and fierece to protect her own.
November 16, 2011
I literally can say thank goodness I did not follow my quirky moods this time. About 3/4 through the book I thought this book is not moving forward. I don't like how this is going. I'm done. I picked it up again and read another 2 pages and realized I was very wrong. I was saddened by one of the changes in it. But, I was happy that the change was different than how most authors handle a huge change that kind of shakes things up. I'm in a quirky mood where I cannot pick anything of the literally thousands of books in my library, not to mention the hundreds on my Kindle and/or Nook. I'm extremely picky right now so a book has about 15 pages before I drop it even if it is going well. If my mood doesn't fit I put it down. I'm so happy I did not do this with Crossroads. I am sorry to know that there are only 2 left but, I'm betting they will be wonderful.
September 7, 2011
Listened audio version. This was a really good Anna Strong book. Learned a little more about her panther friend and his son. Spent most of the book on the indian reservation. Anna is finally seeing how selfish she can be and wants to reconnect with friends and family.
September 26, 2011
Another fabulous Anna Strong novel by JS. :-) There isn't really a lot that happens in this book but someone finally gets taken out (SEE-YA!) and she has to make a monumental decision about her future. She makes the right one in the end but I'm very said Daniel is staying on the reserve. :-( She seems to be loosing friends with each book...I hope her and Stephen at least stay together for a while! Love this series...looking forward to the next one. I have a feeling things are about to take a turn with the other vampires wanting to assert themselves with the human race and she is supposed to be the one to basically stop it from happening.
September 7, 2011
I like most Anna Strong books because she is such a strong character. The last book really had me looking forward to what this book would bring as far as Anna's future is concerned. I think far too much time was spent on the same emotional problems that she's had since book one. Please - if Ms. Stein could just kill off David already! The new partner in the business is at least interesting. If you've never read any book in the series, I would go back to book one, which is one of the author's best in the series. As for this book, it was okay, but if you choose to wait for it to get discounted you won't be missing much.
April 6, 2012
So disappointed. I usually really enjoy the books in this series, but this one seems to have taken the left turn over the right. At times it felt like it could have been several different stories. One could have involved the vampire and the Mexico murders. One could have been about Detective Harris and keeping vampires a secret. A third could have been about Frey and his son, and the artifacts. Felt like Stein was struggling to put the tale together. A story doesn't have to be action packed to be good, but this lacked even a good character drama in it. Felt like it was holey. Had potential but fell way short of being the usual Anna Strong adventure.
October 10, 2012
The story was good and, for the most part, I enjoyed it, as I watch Anna Strong growing into her role as The Chosen One. However, Jeanne Stein is among the ever increasing number of writers who seem to think that replacing the objective pronoun "me" with the subjective pronoun "I" is grammatically acceptable. For me, constantly reading sentences that have such blatant errors in them distract from an otherwise interesting story line. I want to continue to read about Anna's progress but knowing I will be assaulted by more grammatical errors will make me think twice about continuing with this series.
February 16, 2015
What begins as a typical Anna Strong book slowly becomes what any book of this genre can become - spiritually transcendent. It's one thing to solve the mystery, kill the bad guys and then wait for the next book.
What begins as an undertone to this book becomes its purpose and meaning by the end. Rarely does an author in this genre take you so deep into the meaning of one's life, chosen life or not. In this book, as the denouement approaches, Anna realizes what and who she is and.... nope, no spoilers, sorry. Let's just say a decision is made and I still can't find a book 8 to pre-order...
What begins as an undertone to this book becomes its purpose and meaning by the end. Rarely does an author in this genre take you so deep into the meaning of one's life, chosen life or not. In this book, as the denouement approaches, Anna realizes what and who she is and.... nope, no spoilers, sorry. Let's just say a decision is made and I still can't find a book 8 to pre-order...
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