Halfway to the Grave [Dramatized Edition]

Night Huntress [Dramatized Adaptation] #1

by Jeaniene Frost, Danny Gavigan (Narrator), Holly Adams (Narrator)

Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father--the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner--are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side ... and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

Performed by Danny Gavigan, Holly Adams, Christopher Graybill, David Cui Cui, Christopher Walker, Alex Hill-Knight, Yasmin Tuazon, Alysia Beltran, Andrew James Spooner, Bianca Bryan, Chris Davenport, Chris Stinson, Earl Fisher, Ian Putnam, James J. Johnson, Jeri Marshall, Jonathan Lee Taylor, Keith Richards, Matthew Pauli, Mike Carnes, Michael John Casey, Mort Shelby, Nazia Chaudhry, Nanette Savard, Rose Elizabeth Supan, Ryan Carlo Dalusung, Ryan Haugen, Stephanie Németh-Parker, Torian Brackett, and Tyler Hyrchuk.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Audiobook, Paranormal, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Romance

MP3 CD

Published November 1, 2022

About the author

Jeaniene Frost is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author. Works include the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, the Broken Destiny series, the Night Rebel series, and the Beautiful and Beastly series. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty-three different countries. Jeaniene lives in Maryland 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.

For information on Jeaniene's books, please visit: www.jeanienefrost.com

Reviews

[Teru]

Welp, looks like I didn't manage to finish it because it was available on Audible only till yesterday 🙈 I'm not bummed about it too much, so that says enough.

A fun urban fantasy with a typical badass-but-vulnerable-with-trust-issues FMC that I would absolutely adore in 2010, it seems like I have different itches that need scratching nowadays (ehmGAYYehm), no shade on the book itself! 🤭

Still, the full-cast narration with sound effects was an incredible reading/listening experience! Full stars just for that.

On the other hand, I'm finding out I'm not retaining anything when I simply listen to a book. HELP my brain seems to be faulty 😩 Back to regular books so I can actually enjoy and remember a story, I guess...

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun! this was my first GRAPHIC AUDIOBOOK. as someone who has listen to audiobooks for over 30 years I've loved to see the evolution. The tagline for these graphic audiobooks is: it's like listening to a movie in your head, and I'd have to agree. I thought the added sound effects would be distracting, but I think it really added to the experience. I also think these paranormal books are a perfect vehicle for these graphic audiobooks. I am curious to see the evolution of this newer edition to the audiobook genre. I had not read this book in forever And I truly remembered absolutely nothing about it. this was really a super fun way to revisit this series.

Bones, was the complete package Hot, smart, funny, and loyal. Wow! Finally a vampire that has it all going on.!Kat , Is pretty likable as well, she is definitely sassy and won't take no for an answer. I definitely enjoyed the story and liked the description of being a Vampire. Which varies from book to book. Can't wait to read the next book in the series, and see what happens to these two amazing characters.

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NO

[❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really curious about this audio format!! Great reviews on Audible….


11/29/22
This audio format is a GAME.CHANGER!!! Wow. Just wow.



I absolutely love this series. No matter how many times I read it, I can still pick it up and enjoy it as much as the first time! I’ve listened to my audiobooks in this series MANY times over but, I have to say this new format is definitely a whole new experience!! I’m having a hard time trying to come up with a comparison. I loved it, I certainly hope they do the rest of the series in this format I would happily use my Audible credits on them!!

[Read with Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 10/10
🔥 3/5
💧 0/5

Currently working on my review

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have heard nothing but great things about the Night Huntress series.  Although I love the genre I never got around to dabbling my feet into this world.  Now after reading several rave reviews from fellow bloggers on 🎧︎Halfway to the Grave, I felt it was time to give this series a trial run. Final Verdict, awesome! Not sure why I waited so long to visit this world, but now I am glad I did. 

🎧︎Halfway to the Grave is the first book in the Night Huntress series. The story features Cat, a twenty -two year old half-vampire, half-human female. In in her spare time, Cat, hunts and kills vampires.  She does this with the hope of finding her father, the vampire who raped her mother. Also at the behest of her mother. Her plan, kill him in the hopes it will end her mother's pain.  Cat is brave, spunky and determined.  


On one of her many hunts, she encounters Bones, a centuries old British vampire. Bones is on a mission to locate the master vampire responsible for several young girls gone missing.  Unaware of Cat's intentions, Bones thought she worked with the enemy. However, when he discovered her secret after an intense interrogation, he struck a deal with her to have her work with him. 


Now I am not going into much details as I don't believe there is anymore I can say that has not been covered by other readers/bloggers.  However,  I will say this, I enjoyed Halfway to the Grave from start to finish. Its intense, fast paced, action packed and sexy plot kept me on the edge of my seat. There was never a dull moment with this one. 


Now if you love audiobooks and never read 🎧︎Halfway to the Grave before (and even if read it already) do yourself a huge favour and listen to the dramatized version. Graphic Audio delivered  a full cast narration performed by Chris Davenport, Christopher Graybill, Christopher Walker, Danny Gavigan, Holly Adams, Yasmin Tuazon, Bianca Bryan, Alysia Beltran, David Cui Cui, Alex Hill-Knight, Andrew James Spooner.


There were lots of sound effects. It was like listening to a movie without watching. I had a blast with it. Its my belief that the full cast narration coupled with the sound effects enhanced the beauty of the story and made listening a pleasure.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Tiffany Macklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good!! So much fun with the graphic audio!! I’m excited to continue the series!! The love story was good while also having a good suspense plot line.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the graphics audio edition.

I was always a bit weary of those, thinking that the added sound effect would take me out of the story, and will they sometime were a bit to prevalent, they absolutely did not take me out of it.

It was also a great change to have a different voice for each characters so much better than having a woman voice a men of vice versa!!

As for the book itself, this has been my confort read for over 10 years, so yeah it’s good. It’s fun, it’s quick, there is tension, romance and action… and of course vampire!

[Elaine Howlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first time I read this book I hated it. I thought it was so cringe and such a rip-off of Buffy.
The second time I read it I actually enjoyed it and really liked Bones.
I have no memory of the third time I read it, but apparently, it happened in 2019.
The fourth time I read it I listened to the Graphic Audio recording and we're back to cringe. The narration and sound effects made all of the moments I found ick before sooooo much worse.

So, I have very mixed feelings about this book.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first graphic audiobook and I loved it! Highly recommend if you enjoy audiobooks, the full cast and sound effects were really cool. The book was a re-read for me because I need a refresh before I finally finish this series. I loved it just as much as the first time I read it. Cannot recommend this series enough.

[Tiffany Tabiai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great urban fantasy series with Ilona Andrews vibes! The character development was strong, the vampire lore was well done, and the plot kept me hooked. I’m excited to read the rest of the series!

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going with four stars, but to tell the truth this story is not for me. I listened to the graphicaudio and the narrators did a great job. But the story doesn't klick with me. I tried the next book in this series and felt the same way. So I just give up on this series. I might return to it later.

[Charlie Kosanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. I love dramatized audio books.
Cat and Bones are on point!

[♥️ Audiofiend ♥️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was on the fence at first but it grew on me

It was also funny how the bad guy was very relevant in this day and age 👀

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread. Loving this on the dramatized adaptation.

[Cuppiesaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! 🩷 This dramatization is really enjoyable!
The story is not perfect, but it truly deserves a 5 star for how much fun I had!

[Lady W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A re visit of one of my favorite series. 💜

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is a series! So much action and drama! The plot twisted like a snake and I loved it! For once, I did not see the end coming! Thank you, Jeaniene Frost for writing such a fun and exciting story!

[S. Ann Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

RE-READ

Just as epically amazing as the first time I read it years ago.
This dramatized version made it come alive and ten times better.

[Ada]

***16 april 2024 t/m 19 april 2024***
DNF @5%

I am already not a fan of vampires. There is something about them that I inherently find boring. Which is a bit stupid to say because I do love me some vampire tv series (True Blood* and What We Do in the Shadows for example). But this one.. Nope.

Listen, I am an Old Skool Fan of Urban Fantasy. I think my love for the subgenre started since I was 16-ish? I know I have read this book before. The authors name is utterly familiar. So I thought this would be some good old fun. I was prepared for the casual misogyny and 'not like other girls' attitude all Urban Fantasy books seemed to have back then. I was prepared for some Alpha A-hole who would seduce the main lead with his beer nipples magical penis. Every awful thing he had said or done to the main lead would be forgotten. I thought I was prepared for some woman who would kick ass but would also put herself in some dumb situations because Reasons™.

Spoiler alert; I wasn't.

She hunts vampires but is very much no Buffy. And that is all I can say because I was Cringing in public while listening to the audiobook. I was making faces in public! ON THE BUS. I try not to use the word 'cringe' too often because I think it's been overused. But allemachtig, for a second there I thought my face would be like that for forever.


So I had to quit. I was thinking about powering through to get to at least 25% but I don't actually hate myself. Plus I want to read stuff that brings me joy, not make me break out in hives.

* Sometimes I wonder just how I couldn't know I was queer? Because when I think about Tara (Rutina Wesley) from True Blood this image immediately comes to mind:

Gurl. You don't just 'admire' her muscles in that corset.

[Núria Azanza · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐
De una violación de un vampiro a una humana nace Cat, la protagonista de este libro. Cat a sus 16 años cuando su madre por fin le confiesa quien o que es su pare, se dedicará por las noches a cazar vampiros, a ver si con suerte alguno es su padre.
Estamos en un mundo donde vampiros y humanos coexisten, y en este mundo Cat acaba en manos de Bones, un vampiro cazarecompensas mucho más fuerte que ella. Para liberarse, Cat accederá a ayudar a Bones a atrapar a alguien, y de paso va a ser entrenada por él mismo.

Me ha gustado bastante el libro, me ha entretendio y me gusta ese slowburn que hay entre Cat y Bones. Además hay bastante acción y una buena trama.

Sobre la dramatización, destacar el maravilloso papel de danny Gavigan como Bones. Su acento británico es lo más, me ha encantado.

Cat, the main character of this series, is born from the rape of a human by a vampire.
Cat at 16 years old when her mother finally confesses who or what is her father, will devote herself at night to hunt vampires, to see if hopefully one is her father.
We are in a world where vampires and humans coexist, and in this world Cat ends up in the hands of Bones, a vampire bounty hunter much stronger than her. To free herself, Cat will agree to help Bones catch someone, and in the process she will be trained by him.

I liked the book, I was entertained and I like the slowburn between Cat and Bones. There is also a lot of action and a good plot.

About the dramatization, I would like to highlight the wonderful role of Danny Gavigan as Bones. His British accent is the best, I loved it.

[Megan Riverina Romantics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
Narrator Performance: 🎧🎧🎧🎧.5

This was my first Dramatized Adaptation listen. Before this I’d only listened to previews of these types of audios. They never captured my attention. The sounds and music seemed overwhelming to me. However when I saw that this was included in the Audible+ plan I figured I’d give it a try. I’ve read this book many times over the years - print, digital and audio as well as Bones’ POV - so I was super familiar with the story. I figured that since I knew it so well that if the sounds bothered me I would still know all the important plot points. It definitely worked. Knowing the story so well helped me incorporate the sounds into my reading. This was the perfect book for me to acquaint myself with this new edition of audiobooks. The publisher of the DE, Graphic Audio’s tag line is “A movie in your mind.” I think that that’s a rather apt description. It was such a fantastic listening experience.

Unfortunately I have a feeling that DAs are not going to wind up being listened to by me frequently. At this time I strongly believe that my enjoyment of this edition is completely tied with my familiarity of the love story that is Cat & Bones. If I was encountering a story the first time around I’m not sure that I would receive it as favorably. Also, most DAs are two audiobooks. If I’m spending two credits I’m going to want two different books. I consider them a frivolous cost when the regular audiobook edition is perfectly sufficient.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic Plot: Half-Vampire Cat hunts vampires until she's caught by Bones the vampire, who trains her to catch bigger prey.

This book was a lot of fun, despite being yet another vampire book. The generally trite trope of one-of-a-kind bad-ass heroine mentored by powerful, sexy vamp guy is written well enough for its being used in yet another series more forgivable.

Cat's snark was well-written and played pretty well for the GA version, and she actually showed some development through the course of the book. Not just in bad-assery, that is, she actually did a little growing up. Only a little, mind you. I really continue to wish we could see more of Bones' perspective here. The plot takes precedence over the romance and centers around a human trafficking ring run by vamps, which is an interesting concept. There were perhaps more characters than were absolutely necessary.

Overall, it was fun and reasonably short. Graphic Audio always kicks butt. Cat and Bones's banter was very well done. Honestly, the guy playing Bones was perfect. Every character was well cast, really. The Cat actress grated a bit at first, but honestly, the script was more to blame than the actor. See, the Graphic Audio really heightens both the highs and lows of the book. Good stuff gets better, annoying stuff gets more annoying. So take all my comments from the original book review and ×2 them.

[Shereen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wanted a book that grabs you by the throat and whispers sweet nothings in your ear, this one does both—sometimes in the same chapter.

Cat, our half-vamp firecracker, is on a mission to take out every undead jerk she can get her hands on, hoping one of them is the father who wrecked her mom’s life. But then she gets nabbed by Bones—vampire bounty hunter, menace to society, and apparently the only creature on earth capable of turning training montages into slow-burn foreplay.

Their “partnership” (and yes, we’re using that word loosely) starts off with claws out and teeth bared. But as Cat learns to fight, stalk, and sass with the best of them, she starts to notice that maybe not all vampires belong on her hit list. Some of them… might actually be worth keeping around. Especially the unbearably tempting, maddeningly charming, “how dare you be this attractive while undead” kind.

But just when things are heating up, a crew of killers puts Cat in their crosshairs. And suddenly she’s faced with the ultimate choice: cling to the life she thought she wanted… or trust the vampire who’s becoming dangerously hard to resist.

Fast, funny, action-packed, and deliciously flirty—this book sunk its fangs in and didn’t let go.

[Lauren Deane · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAT AND BONES??? NEW GOD TIER COUPLE?! I’m seated 🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️

I listened to the Graphic Audio edition and oh my GOD I loved every second. I bought the whole box set before knowing much about it—just because I’d heard great things—and I have zero regrets! TAKE MORE OF MY MONEY GRAPHIC AUDIO!!!

This came right after reading Bride, which left me a little let down, but Halfway to the Grave delivered on every urban fantasy and paranormal vibe I’d been craving and then some.

As a lifelong Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, I totally get why people compare Cat and Bones to Buffy and Spike. They’ve got that same delicious tension, but with way less toxicity. The chemistry??? Off the charts!

Like, I literally found myself staring at a blank wall while listening—giggling, kicking my feet, hands on my face, smiling like an idiot. The banter was hilarious, the writing was sharp, and the romance had me fully feral.

And that last 30%??? I did NOT see it coming. I’m completely obsessed now and so excited there are so many books left in the series! Consider me fully in my vampire era 🧛‍♀️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

[ROMEOISNOTFUNNY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our FMC is 22 and dealing with a lot... a lot being her mum was date raped by a vampire, which resulted in her birth 4 months later. she's half human and half vampire, and her mum hates and fears vampires, leading to her going out and killing vampires.

She meets Bones during one of these nights, and it's instant banter and chemistry. She comes into herself by being accepted by the monster she's supposed to hate. And we get to ride along as their relationship develops, trust forms, and acceptance happens. All while they work together to hunt and kill the vamps and people behind a trafficking ring.

The world and character building is great, I instantly fell into the book. There is heat when they finally come together... I would give it a 3/5 for steamy smut. The plot is full of banter, action, emotions, twists, and turns.

For me, it still doesn't top some of my favourite FMCs like Secret McQueen or Kate Daniels...but its a good easy book with a well-built world and characters

4.2 stars

[Unapologetic_Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have never listened to a dramatized version of an audio book. Do it! Do it NOW! *smiles* This absolutely brought to life one of my favorite PNR series. I loved the voice acting (VA). This was just the reread I needed after more than ten years since the last read. I have my original review when I read this book. My impression this time is the music, background noises and actors really bringing the story to life. I was always iffy about listening to romance books because I thought it would be corny but the romance was well performed. Cat and Bones are just a unique couple. With Cat's background and prejudices, you would think, 'Oh this is never going to happen.' But it does and it is HOT! I always liked the romance, the main story and the side story. It all blended together wonderfully. I am looking forward the next dramatized audio book!

[Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, the years were not kind to this series. I like Cat well enough, I like Bones better (after I got over that first scene) but... it lacks that... spark. That thing that distinguishes good from Great. And seeing as I am currently listening to the second book, I am not a happy camper. Because what the heck is that sloppy jump in the timeline and circumstances between them?! Are you being lazy? Was this supposed to be some kind of origin story and the rest of the series is the real deal?

Yes, yes, one might say the fact I am on the second book says something. And really, it's not like I am saying this was a bad book. But let's say I have a dramatized version of the first two books. And I would not be so sure I will go beyond that.

[Franjessca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Review posted at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog

GraphicAudio Review: I listened to the Dramatization Adaptation by GraphicAudio of this book and definitely enjoyed every second of it. The narrators did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life in my ears while I did chores around the house. The sound effects and music were amazing and I felt like I was there in the story with the characters. I highly recommend listening to the GraphicAudio version of this book/series.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A decent start to the series but I feel that Kat moved from being a loner without friends or social graces to the aggressive killer with a sexy vampire lover a little too fast. I liked the romance between Kat and Bones and appreciated how the author ended the book because it made me go and find the next book to see what happens next. I hope Kat has more friends in the next book and she and Bones find each other again. The dramatized edition is fantastic and I love the person who narrates for Bones, his voice is very sexy.