Nine Lives of an Urban Panther

Diaries of an Urban Panther #3

by Amanda Arista

Violet Jordan's Rule #3 of being a superhero: Family first, fur second.

Dear Diary,
With new supernatural creatures popping up at every turn (Ghouls? Really?), the city divided, and my long-lost cousin blazing into town, I've got a lot on my mind. Oh, not to mention I'm supposed to be planning a wedding. Chaz has got to be the best, most patient (and probably clinically insane) fiancÉ around.

But defeating my sworn enemy in a battle for the souls of Dallas is going to require more than just my full attention. It means learning to depend on everyone—especially Chaz—if any of us are going to make it out of this alive. Because if Plan A doesn't work, I'm going to need them for Plan B. And Plan C . . .

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Vampires, Werewolves

480 pages, ebook

First published August 21, 2012

About the author

Amanda was born in Illinois, raised in Corpus Christi, lives in Dallas but her heart lies in London. Good thing she loves to travel.

During the summer after second grade, she read every book in the young adult section of the library, much to the surprise of the local librarian. So she started making up her own stories and hasn’t stopped.

She has a husband who fights crime, one dog who thinks he’s a real boy, and another who might be a fruit bat in disguise. She recently added a tiny human to the mix who is following in her mother’s footsteps of storytelling.

Along with her BA in English & Psychology and her MA in Education, Amanda is a graduate of the SMU Creative Writing Program and now teaches other aspiring authors. She has delivered lectures at several writer conferences and loves discussing craft, character, and structure. Her current favorite: Stirring up Trouble with Romantic Subplots.

She is represented by Kimberly Brower, of Brower Literary & Management.

Reviews

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nine Lives of an Urban Panther was a great finale to one of my favorite (and in my opinion one of the most under appreciated) urban fantasy series I've had the pleasure of reading. If you've followed Violet on the journey and discovery of her huge destiny throughout the Diaries of an Urban Panther series, you're gonna love this one. If you haven't started the trilogy, why the frak not? It's made of awesome; full of snark and geeky goodness, creepy, evil villains, a fantastic heroine, and everything else that makes for great urban fantasy.

Full review can be found here: http://www.smashattackreads.com/2012/...

[Laura Carson]

Pre-ordered... So excited, EVERYONE should read this series! I will never understand why it's not more popular. Come on people!!!

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOTE: I am posting this same review for all three books since this is a trilogy and reading ANY of the books alone would be a confusing and dismal activity :) - dcm

Diaries of an Urban Panther Series
By
Amanda Arista

Diaries of an Urban Panther
Claws and Effect
Nine Lives of an Urban Panther

While NOT officially part of the trilogy, this story closes the loop on one of the characters after the events in the trilogy
“First Dates Are Hell” from Vampires Gone Wild

Summary:
Violet Jordan Rule #1 of being a superhero: No tights.
Violet Jordan Rule #2 of being a superhero: Find reliable sidekicks.
Violet Jordan‘s Rule #3 of being a superhero: Family first, fur second.

Dear Diary,
By now you know I'm hardly a normal girl. Last night I woke up naked in an alley after fighting off some werewolves. All in a day's work, I guess.

I thought I was dealing pretty well with the whole Werepanther thing: the training, the apocalyptic prophecies. And the hot guy following me around, protecting me at every turn is definitely a bonus. I'm even starting to become accustomed to the bloodshed and the violence—and that's what scares me. What will tomorrow bring…

I thought life was going to get better. After four assassination attempts, I'm thinking not so much. The pack needs a new leader, and I've just about run out of reasons why I'm not right for the job.

Besides, having loyal followers would definitely help me fight off whoever's out for my blood. Especially since my boyfriend is always busy playing White Hat to every wanderer except me. I'm glad he thinks I'm tough enough to handle my own business, but a little extra backup would be nice.

With new supernatural creatures popping up at every turn (Ghouls? Really?), the city divided, and my long-lost cousin blazing into town, I've got a lot on my mind. Oh, not to mention I'm supposed to be planning a wedding. Chaz has got to be the best, most patient (and probably clinically insane) boyfriend around.

But defeating my sworn enemy in a battle for the souls of Dallas is going to require more than just my full attention. It means learning to depend on everyone—especially Chaz—if any of us are going to make it out of this alive. Because if Plan A doesn't work, I'm going to need them for Plan B. And Plan C . . .

Review:
Violet is hardly normal, she has went from being a script-writer for horror movies to being a shapeshifter but there is something special about Violet, something that an old prophesy says will help all of the shapshifters in Dallas have a better life …. If she lives that long and overcomes more problems than you could list with Excel.

This series was a bit of a surprise since I had the first 2 books buried in my “to-be-read” stack of books for over a year and that is where they would still be if I had not been given a copy of Vampires Gone Wild to review and in that anthology the best story was one called “First Dates Are Hell” which was very good and it came from the Urban Panther series (actually in the timeline it was after the trilogy of books).

So after enjoying that story I grabbed the paperback books I had, put them up for sale and bought all 3 and started reading and was totally hooked into this story, I am not sure if the author was writing a trilogy when she wrote Diaries of an Urban Panther but these 3 books have to be read together to really get the full impact (who wants to read 1 book of the Lord of the Rings?) and while each book has an ending of sorts the real story that threads through all of them is the one that ends in the last book of this trilogy.

While I do not want to give away too much of the story, I can say it was one of the best reading experiences I have had in several months, but while I am extolling this series greatness I need to point out that if you are OCD about editing then book 2 may pose some problems since her editor must have jumped ship during the writing/publication of Claws and Effects (book #2) but I was still able to enjoy it and continue on but be forewarned.

The ending of the main story arc threading through all the books coming to an epic end in book 3 and one of the best endings I have seen in awhile to be honest. The characters were fleshed out very well, Violet was an awesome heroine and her humor was what made reading this series a much more pleasurable task.

Let me just say that as a full time reviewer as a hobby, I get dozens of free books every month and I went and BOUGHT all of these books after reading the story in Vampires Gone Wild and in spite of some bad editing and stumbles along the way, this story was so good I could care less.

I give it 5 Stars not because it is an awesome piece of writing but because it was the best story I have read in a long time AND I liked the way it made me feel when it ended. You don’t get many of those type stories.

My hope is that she may come back to this series since I loved it but the ending was good enough I can live with this being all these is, get these books and enjoy a great story and ignore any stumbles along the way to an awesome ending. The story in Vampires Gone Wild was just a bonus to close a loop on one of the characters and it was done exceptionally.

UPDATE: While I composed this review I got this update from the author, looks like we will see more of this world, but maybe not with Violet as the main story (as the one in Vampires Gone Wild)

"Dear Douglas,
Thank you for the compliments. Makes a girl glow with happiness.
As for right now, the Urban Panther series will remain a trilogy. But I love that universe and am working hard at expanding the Those Who Wander line. Valiance and Esme were just the beginning and I think we both know that Violet can't mind her own business to save her hide, so we will probably see her again in come incarnation.

Thank you again for your kind words and if you need anything in the future, let me know!

-Amanda Arista"

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet and Chaz are finally happily together. Since taking on the role of Prima, Violet’s pack has grown, she’s ‘inherited’ Haverty’s estate and is now in control of not just the pack but also his properties and other assets. That mostly means just a lot of organizing of assets, counselling pack members and decisions on who does what where. She even reconnects with her only cousin. Things are starting to look up but Spencer just won’t leave them in peace.

There was so much good stuff going on and more that I’d like to happen that I hate knowing this is the last book. I can see so many more stories coming out of this well-developed world, can’t Violet take over writing the stories?

Footnote: 1) Still a lot of word usage and other errors in this eBook version.

Fave scenes: Violet trying on wedding dresses, buying the coffee shop, breaking the marks and Violet & Jessa releasing & weaving the threads.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced storyline that captivates your attention with shifters and vampires. There are so many twists and turns. You have fighting, falling in love, close friendships, and planning a wedding all while putting up a great fight. I enjoyed this book

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was so excellent! It was such a great end to the series, and I enjoyed the happy endings these characters got, they deserved them!

[Marian Tustison O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best of the three.

[Connie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this series...But then it's over! Just a novella left..Wayyy too short of a series..lol

[Connie Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two thumbs up!

This is such an incredible story! I fell in love with all the heroes. The exciting adventures they went through were hair-raising and satisfying. Just amazing.

[Lori Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine Lives of an Urban Panther

Another wow Amanda Arista pulled off. Reading this story one continually wonders how this story will end! Dramatically of course!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this whole series. Good finale to a great trilogy.

[Alexis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm mostly just glad this didn't turn into a never ending series.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...


Violet’s back in a whole new adventure that is as thrilling a ride as the previous two books in the series. There is something for everyone; thrills, chills, chases, ghouls and giant beasties, not to mention more of Vi’s and Chaz’s turbulent romance as it weathers more bumps and bruises, bites and scratches, not all of them the bad kind.

Once again Ms. Arista takes us on a first person journey with the heroine, Violet, as she battles and juggles her new responsibilities as Prima of Dallas, her growing love for Chaz and her bittersweet, and eventually shocking, reunion with her cousin. My favorite parts about the heroine are when she cracks puns that make a reader giggle and snort. Even when things are dire, Violet manages to throw in a clever quip or observation that breaks up the tension just a bit. And there is a lot of tension and suspense sprinkled throughout this tale that made it very hard to stop reading, even when I should have. Every chapter revealed something of interest whether it was a reason to gasp, tear up, sigh in wonder or stare at the words in wide-eyed wonder. I did that ‘great googly moogly!’ thing quite a few times because the author managed to surprise me when I least expected it. I couldn’t have dreamed up the scenarios and peccadillos that she managed to throw Violet into. That bad guy kept her on her toes.

Spencer is the re-occurring bad seed. Just when I thought he was restricted by where he was, I found out something important. You are what you eat. Ms. Arista took that saying to new and depraved heights that only a villain could love. Spencer was a very convincing villain and when the actual showdown finally happened, it didn’t go according to anyone’s plan. Well, maybe the person who smelled like honeysuckle sort of had a clue. That scene had me thinking so hard, my brain hurt. The Jordan genetic line is much more than anyone realized and I had a wild time learning all about it. Well, as much as the author let us know during this story. It definitely had me wanting to learn more about Violet and her family.

Chaz is still sticking to Violet like a burr on a sock. I’m so happy to see that. In fact, the hero has to make some very life changing choices in this story and the process was painful. What makes his character so interesting and mysterious is the fact that I never get into his head. This truly is a first person point of view novel and I only learn about him as Violet does. So, when he does things like, disappear, or come back exhausted from who knows where from doing who knows what, it’s as frustrating for me as it is for Violet. And yet, she trusts him, loves him and makes mistakes with him – he’s a great asset to her character and the series. In fact, by the end of Nine Lives of an Urban Panther, Chaz has a whole new level of learning to do and ties into my previous comment about Ms. Arista’s ability to surprise a reader. Color me gleefully astounded.

The gang’s all here as far as Violet’s new pack is concerned. But there are some new ‘kids’ on the block that pose some interesting contributions to this book as well as possible future plots and conflicts. They certainly made an impact and I’m confident I’ll be seeing more of yummy Valiance and fascinating Willowbourne as well as the very interesting Wayne and Lexie. I enjoyed the camaraderie and feeling of family that the author is building. Future books will be less a couple of people after this go-round. I was saddened but I understood. The author’s descriptions of one of the characters lead me to believe that it was coming, but at no time did I expect it to happen as it did. It was all the more effective and was where I sniffled and grabbed a tissue. It was powerful writing.

Nine Lives of an Urban Panther is stunning in its scope, brilliant in delivery, grabs a reader’s emotions with heartfelt writing and doesn’t let go. I enjoyed how the author built up the suspense, orchestrating her characters to best effect, and, even though the hero and heroine fought darkness and evil, Ms. Arista still found time to make her characters laugh, joke and be like real people. This series is turning out to be like a necklace studded with jewels – each book is unique, special and has so many facets to explore, it’s not a wonder this one is going on my keeper shelf. I can’t wait to find out how long the earthquake derailed a certain something. I certainly hope it’s not for long, because I really want Jessa’s hard work and enthusiasm to find fruition. This is one cliffhanger I'm delighted to wait for. The next book in the series can’t come fast enough for me.

[BookMojo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, so I wasn’t even sure how to write this review but I think I got it now. This is a pretty good book but I was lost. See, what I didn’t know when I went into reading this book (acquired via Edelweiss) was that this book is part of a series. Knowing absolutely nothing of the author, the synopsis sounded like it was right up my alley so I dug in. Well, it IS part of a series and I was lost. I am running on the assumption that if you have read the rest of the series, the book would make much more sense. Read the synopsis. Check out Amazon. Even on Edelwiess. There’s no mention anywhere of the fact that it is part of a series. This is partly my own fault for not checking the authors website but USUALLY it’s mentioned SOMEWHERE that a book is part of a series. I am not sure I even have the name of the series right. Looking at all of the above mentioned places, I could see it being the Urban Panther series, the Violet Jordan series or the Diaries of an Urban Panther series. I am guessing it’s one of those. There isn’t even mention of it being part of a series on the cover.

With all that being said, I spent much of the time that I was reading this book completely and utterly lost. HOWEVER, it is still a good book. Certainly not a stand alone novel by any means but if the quality of this book is any indication of the prior installments’ (‘Diaries of an Urban Panther’ and ‘Claws and Effect’) quality, then I would definitely say pick up the whole series.
Once I got past the initial “Wait, what’s going on??” and just took all of my confused moments as “must be explained in the prior books”, it was a very entertaining read. The main character is a strong female lead who (from the impression I get) did not set out to become the leader of the pack but ends up with the responsibility anyway. She handles herself with grace in every tough situation and although she’s obviously a younger woman, she’s got the motherly vibe down pat.
The book has action and funny moments and of course, romance (the publisher is Avon Books).

I would absolutely recommend this book but I would say make sure you’ve read the priors first.
I am going to give Nine Lives of an Urban Panther a solid 3.5 stars. Good entertaining quicky read with a little guilty pleasure thrown in there.

[Jena Gregoire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, so I wasn’t even sure how to write this review but I think I got it now. This is a pretty good book but I was lost. See, what I didn’t know when I went into reading this book (acquired via Edelweiss) was that this book is part of a series. Knowing absolutely nothing of the author, the synopsis sounded like it was right up my alley so I dug in. Well, it IS part of a series and I was lost. I am running on the assumption that if you have read the rest of the series, the book would make much more sense. Read the synopsis. Check out Amazon. Even on Edelwiess. There’s no mention anywhere of the fact that it is part of a series. This is partly my own fault for not checking the authors website but USUALLY it’s mentioned SOMEWHERE that a book is part of a series. I am not sure I even have the name of the series right. Looking at all of the above mentioned places, I could see it being the Urban Panther series, the Violet Jordan series or the Diaries of an Urban Panther series. I am guessing it’s one of those. There isn’t even mention of it being part of a series on the cover.

With all that being said, I spent much of the time that I was reading this book completely and utterly lost. HOWEVER, it is still a good book. Certainly not a stand alone novel by any means but if the quality of this book is any indication of the prior installments’ (‘Diaries of an Urban Panther’ and ‘Claws and Effect’) quality, then I would definitely say pick up the whole series.
Once I got past the initial “Wait, what’s going on??” and just took all of my confused moments as “must be explained in the prior books”, it was a very entertaining read. The main character is a strong female lead who (from the impression I get) did not set out to become the leader of the pack but ends up with the responsibility anyway. She handles herself with grace in every tough situation and although she’s obviously a younger woman, she’s got the motherly vibe down pat.
The book has action and funny moments and of course, romance (the publisher is Avon Books).

I would absolutely recommend this book but I would say make sure you’ve read the priors first.
I am going to give Nine Lives of an Urban Panther a solid 3.5 stars. Good entertaining quicky read with a little guilty pleasure thrown in there.

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in return for a honest review. This book continues on as Violet Jordan is dealing with being the Prima of the Dallas pack. Violet has built a strong connection with all the shapeshifters however the vampire witches and elementals are all running a muck on their own. Violet is still having nightmares from Spencer from the other side of the veil. However this time he's going to come through and make his claim on the legacy that Violet has.

In this book the former mutts are starting to get their lives back on track, they are at the point where some of them are even dating but I feel bad for poor Shadow being stuck a dog forever, but maybe one day they will be able to break the curse. I like the romance and connection with the other characters of the book, and we really start to learn what Violet has planned for the pack and Dallas community.

This book like the other two sucked me in right away. I love Violet as a character she's not your skinny little blonde barbie but she's as she put it tall and chubby. I love her personality she wants to do right by the pack but she still believes that having their lives with families should be their first priority. The shapeshifter concept is unique because their are dogs, hawks, rabbits, horses, wolves, and of course the panther in the pack. It's not very often I've read a book with shapeshifters who are prey and I found that interesting. I also really like the chemistry between Violet and Chaz who doesn't love when the hero has a strong guy to protect her. The characters are so well written you feel like your their with them and I love reading a book that makes you feel like your in the story. I like that this book gave us a ending but with the potential for more, I'd hate to see it end but I feel like if it did I'm ok with it ending as it did.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nine Lives of an Urban Panther - Amanda Arista

3.5 Stars

If you have not read the first two books in this series ( trilogy?) I highly suggest that you do. Without the background, you will most likely be lost.

This particular book is full of action, fighting, scheming Ghouls and Zombies. But Violet, true to her cat nature seems to have 9 lives and will bounce back from whatever big bad everyone has planned for her.
In the last two book of this series we have had our heroine, Violet Jordan, become the new Prima of the pack in Dallas and she is kicking butt and taking names. Oddly enough, she is as enamored of coffee as a panther as she ever was as a full human. Violet is now engaged to the sexy Chaz.
Now in this installment, Violet is gathering her troops, finding out her long lost cousin is more than he originally appeared as a child, becoming a billionaire, is making alliances and is defending all and sundry from various enemies.
These are fun books to read but they can get SO action packed that you sometimes wish that the author would just have her characters take a short break so we could recuperate.
I will say that I am glad that this novel was dealt with differently than the last installment. In the last novel editing and grammar was lacking and the story line was walking the fine line of being childish. This novel proves that with better editing and care, the characters come into their own and reach a new maturity.

The only reason I gave it 3.5 stars instead of the full 4, is that I felt that the action over-rode the character development just a bit too much.

[Ami E. Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a few authors that came to mind as I was reading these books; Charlaine Harris, Julia Kenner and Patricia Briggs to name but a few. It had that sweet exciting thrill of a good chick lit paranormal read you just love to curl up on the sofa on a cold do-nothing day with.

The editing could have used a bit more fine-tuning and there were a few spots of missing logic that had me shaking my head, (nothing to do with the supernatural aspects of the tale, of course, just mundane things like chugging water to stop nausea and her best friend not knowing how she took her coffee, etc), but the main story and characters were very well-thought-out and kept me turning pages in anticipation.

I really enjoyed getting to know Violet No-Middle-Name Jordan and following her on her journey was both happily exhausting and exhilarating. At every turn I found myself laughing at her snarkiness, praying to the Gods and goddesses of literature for her and the other favorite characters' survival and rooting for their much-deserved happily ever after. Looking past the mistakes in editing; Amanda Arista's "Diaries of an Urban Panther" trilogy was a surprising joy to have had the pleasure of reading.

[Melindeeloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished up the Urban Panther Diaries trilogy (Nine Lives of an Urban Panther (Diaries of an Urban Panther)) and I really enjoyed this, the second book was a bit rough in the editing department but I liked the mouthy lead who is a horror movie writer by day panther shifter by night (well not only by night). I liked that she gets this huge amount of power but lives by the "family first, fur second" motto - so with her heart. The story ARC is complete, but there is room for more in this word, and I'd read more. A good pull from the TBR pile inspired by the short story in Vampires Gone Wild (and that leading man has a small part in the last book)

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good ending story -- much better editing

This book 3 of the Diaries of an Urban Panther has as much action as the first 2 did. I loved watching all the different characters grow even more. I am not positive that this is the very end of this series. The major issue is resolved, but the very end of the epilogue leaves room for another story! So I guess we will have to wait and see.

If you read Violet and Chaz's first 2 stories then you will want to read this. If you haven't, then read book 1 Diaries of an Urban Panther, followed by book 2 Claws and Effect before you read this one. See what you think!

[Jenni Ebba · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world building is phenomenal and I am happy I have stuck with this series. Violet and Charles truly have grown to compete with some of my other favorite characters. Not much can get better than a were-panther with her own pack and a fabled a hunky warrior guy with a divine mission. Maybe a little more hot together scenes? No, not even that can top this fight for romantic gestures stories.
All I have to say is she's has to continue the story now! The ending is a true cliff hanger- open ending.
3.5 Stars

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so sad that this series is over now. I WANT MORE!!!
No,seriously though,I loved it so much. Violet,my girl,I'm gonna miss you *sigh* I will also miss Chaz and Violet's pack (in the end I honestly loved EVERYONE,even the 'newbies' in book 3. Even characters who didn't get all that much pagetime(? is that the equivalent of screentime? *lol*). I will miss everything!
The third book was such a great end out. So action packed,amazing character moments...I couldn't have asked more more :)

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the last installment of the series I was disappointed to find out. I really enjoy Violet's story and quirky sense of humor.
Her cousin and niece are in town to help her fight the final battle with Spencer. All the wanderers from Dallas must join forces and help her.

The end felt incomplete, there were many loose ends, and believe it or not a cliff hanger!

There were deaths of beloved characters and betrayals. All in all I really enjoyed Violet's last adventure.

[Ang from OZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed all three books in this series.

I would love a spin off series that follows what happens with Jessa and Tucker.

Not sure what this author has on the horizon, hopefully another great series to come! I'll be keeping my eye out.

Great Urban Fantasy series for fans of Patricia Briggs and Jeaniene Frost.

[Katharina · Rating 4 out of 5]

contrary to the description, and as a happy surprise the (kindle) book seems to be full lengh!

A bit abrupt in some parts and in need of some more explanations for happenings/people of former books. But all in all a great read!

[M Chaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much, it had action, humor and romance. I especially liked that the heroine of the story isn't wishy washy and isn't in one of those endless love triangles. I hope to read more of Amanda Arista books in the future.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series!! I really hope there's a book 4.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome and epic. A fast pace, edge of your seat finale to an incredible series.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite book and I am hoping it isn't the last. I love Violet and so want more adventures with her and her gang of Mutts.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent trilogy!! Smart, sharp and entertaining - will be looking for more from this talented author. Great read.