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Anna Strong Chronicles #9
Blood Bond
As a vampire, Anna Strong has an immortal life…but now she’s running out of time.
Anna’s relationship with shape-shifter Daniel Frey has given her hope for a future with him and his son—especially when Frey proposes…
But just when Anna starts to think her life couldn’t be better, she must fly to France to be at the side of her dying mother. There she learns that not every vampire accepts her Chosen One status. And one such vamp is about to go rogue—by leading his followers in a fight to usurp humanity…
Anna’s relationship with shape-shifter Daniel Frey has given her hope for a future with him and his son—especially when Frey proposes…
But just when Anna starts to think her life couldn’t be better, she must fly to France to be at the side of her dying mother. There she learns that not every vampire accepts her Chosen One status. And one such vamp is about to go rogue—by leading his followers in a fight to usurp humanity…
279 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 27, 2013
15 people are currently reading
877 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 74 reviews
March 18, 2021
This was fantastic. It was like an extra treat because I thought the previous book was going to be the last. Followers of the series know the last book ended with Anna off to see Daniel Frye and his son John John with a pep in her step and and a smile on her face.
Thinking that was the last book, I was a little bummed we wouldn't get to see what Anna and Frye would be like as a real couple after all the adventures they've been on together. This book is exactly along the lines I was picturing at the end of the last book. I'm just sorry that there won't be any more. I've read this series many many times.
There's just something about Anna. Every since she was attacked on a bounty-hunter job by a vampire and inadvertently changed, I've been intrigued. I've been with Anna as she tried to grasp her new vampire nature and keep her human friends and family from finding out. As she discovered that she was the next Chosen One for vampire kind. She's not perfect, quick to anger and strike out, snarky, willful, stubborn...But she's also loyal, a good friend, protector of humanity, capable of love.
This series has also got some great supporting characters. Shot out to David, Culebra, Max, Williams, Gloria, Belinda Burke, Lance, Steven etc.
This was less a review and more of an ODE. Fair well Anna.
Thinking that was the last book, I was a little bummed we wouldn't get to see what Anna and Frye would be like as a real couple after all the adventures they've been on together. This book is exactly along the lines I was picturing at the end of the last book. I'm just sorry that there won't be any more. I've read this series many many times.
There's just something about Anna. Every since she was attacked on a bounty-hunter job by a vampire and inadvertently changed, I've been intrigued. I've been with Anna as she tried to grasp her new vampire nature and keep her human friends and family from finding out. As she discovered that she was the next Chosen One for vampire kind. She's not perfect, quick to anger and strike out, snarky, willful, stubborn...But she's also loyal, a good friend, protector of humanity, capable of love.
This series has also got some great supporting characters. Shot out to David, Culebra, Max, Williams, Gloria, Belinda Burke, Lance, Steven etc.
This was less a review and more of an ODE. Fair well Anna.
September 29, 2014
Quick review:
Cover: Fitting
Rating: NC-17
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: One of the best UF I’ve read
Characters: Well Written
Plot: Accepting and Becoming who you are destined to be
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: David, Max, Lance, Stephen, Daniel
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
What can I say, this is one of the best Urban Fantasy series I’ve read. Although, it’s not without flaws (*coughs – plot holes), it still is worthy of almost a perfect read.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2014/0...
Audio Review
Dina Pearlman does a really good job. Her voices inflections are limited to the point I’m not always sure whose speaking without dialogue tags at times. But she still manages to hit most of the major players with their own voice. (some of those voices are reused with other characters in other books in the series) but overall, I enjoyed the narration.
Cover: Fitting
Rating: NC-17
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: One of the best UF I’ve read
Characters: Well Written
Plot: Accepting and Becoming who you are destined to be
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: David, Max, Lance, Stephen, Daniel
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
What can I say, this is one of the best Urban Fantasy series I’ve read. Although, it’s not without flaws (*coughs – plot holes), it still is worthy of almost a perfect read.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2014/0...
Audio Review
Dina Pearlman does a really good job. Her voices inflections are limited to the point I’m not always sure whose speaking without dialogue tags at times. But she still manages to hit most of the major players with their own voice. (some of those voices are reused with other characters in other books in the series) but overall, I enjoyed the narration.
November 27, 2025
This just might be the happiest and saddest time in Anna Strong's life. The story focuses on her human side, her family, her friends and her dreams. While Anna finally realizes the happiness she has with Daniel, one of her family members is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Although most of the story is focused on the human side of things, when Anna is pulled to Europe she must interact with the European vampires. I loved the new possibilities and characters that have been brought into play.
This story showed incredible character development. Jeanne C. Stein could have ended the series with this story, and it would have wrapped it up nicely. Happily, this is not the end, and with all these fabulous possibilities, I will anxiously be waiting for the next installment in the Anna Strong Chronicles.
Although most of the story is focused on the human side of things, when Anna is pulled to Europe she must interact with the European vampires. I loved the new possibilities and characters that have been brought into play.
This story showed incredible character development. Jeanne C. Stein could have ended the series with this story, and it would have wrapped it up nicely. Happily, this is not the end, and with all these fabulous possibilities, I will anxiously be waiting for the next installment in the Anna Strong Chronicles.
Read
September 1, 2013DNF
last update: 'Ever waited a year for a book of a series you really like to be released, only to be completely lost when you start reading, about what it was you ever liked about the series?' (on page 65 of 279)
last update: 'Ever waited a year for a book of a series you really like to be released, only to be completely lost when you start reading, about what it was you ever liked about the series?' (on page 65 of 279)
December 15, 2019
It's taken me many years to read Haunted and Blood Bond. I'm not sure why. I have loved the Anne Strong series, but for some reason I gave up on it. Perhaps I got tired of the Vampire Genre for a bit, but I recently decided to give it go, when I found that Stein was writing another Anna book.
I was not expecting much, as it's been years, but I will say, I'm totally suprised by ease with which I picked right back up and delved right back in. Anna seems to be in a reflective state of mind and really looking at what it means to be human and Vampire. I think she is feeling the Mortality and Immortality of it all. I can relate. As a matter of fact this book and the last brought me to tears. I lost my father two weeks ago. So with the loss aspects explored in each book, it really became poignant and hit home. For some reason I had not really cried very much, so when I found myself really crrying at the end of Haunted, I thought, it felt good. A good book, makes you relate to what the characters are going through. Again in Blood Bond, with, her Mother's Cancer, same deal with me, my Dad kinda went thru something like Anna's mom. It was sudden, shocking and quick. So again I was relating to these characters and after reading a darn book feeling a bit of cartharsis. I can't wait to read the next installment. Thank you Jeanne C. Stein for two great books, and giving me a way to let a out a few tears.
I was not expecting much, as it's been years, but I will say, I'm totally suprised by ease with which I picked right back up and delved right back in. Anna seems to be in a reflective state of mind and really looking at what it means to be human and Vampire. I think she is feeling the Mortality and Immortality of it all. I can relate. As a matter of fact this book and the last brought me to tears. I lost my father two weeks ago. So with the loss aspects explored in each book, it really became poignant and hit home. For some reason I had not really cried very much, so when I found myself really crrying at the end of Haunted, I thought, it felt good. A good book, makes you relate to what the characters are going through. Again in Blood Bond, with, her Mother's Cancer, same deal with me, my Dad kinda went thru something like Anna's mom. It was sudden, shocking and quick. So again I was relating to these characters and after reading a darn book feeling a bit of cartharsis. I can't wait to read the next installment. Thank you Jeanne C. Stein for two great books, and giving me a way to let a out a few tears.
Read
May 11, 2020Audiobook...
I liked the narrator of these books, she kept me interested. I had read a few of these books before and loved them but this time Anna was just too rough and such a bitch most of the time. Until she was with her 'last' romance. Not giving that away..lol ... She got on my nerves this time, you could really tell that she loved her family and her friends, but even with her friends she was bitchy to put it mildly.
Not that I would want her to be a sunshine and roses but I would have liked her to be a little softer sometimes.
I liked the narrator of these books, she kept me interested. I had read a few of these books before and loved them but this time Anna was just too rough and such a bitch most of the time. Until she was with her 'last' romance. Not giving that away..lol ... She got on my nerves this time, you could really tell that she loved her family and her friends, but even with her friends she was bitchy to put it mildly.
Not that I would want her to be a sunshine and roses but I would have liked her to be a little softer sometimes.
January 31, 2019
This book was a pointless pile of fluff. Stefan is conjured and then snuffed out when he is supposed to be some big threat. Anna’s mom is sick but still ok by the end of the book. The biggest plot points to happen are meeting Vlad, and getting married (one of which you already knew was going to happen).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2024
The description here says it all. The writing is still great, lovers of Anna Strong will love this one as well as each one before. I love the love between Anna and Daniel and the 2 old vampires who come into her life when she needs them the most. Love the storyline with lots of drama, can't wait for the next one.
March 22, 2018
I loved this one!
Thank You very much Ms. Stein
Ken
Thank You very much Ms. Stein
Ken
April 21, 2019
So I saw this through, because I was vested in Anna, flaws and all. Oh well, all is well and all that jazz. I didn’t get my wish, but it’s okay. Bye Anna and Frey. Max I wish you well. Adieus...
January 4, 2023
HATED that the majority of this was about Anna's mom dying, her dying wish and still the ignorance of her family.
July 30, 2024
Can't get enough!
September 24, 2013
It's sad when a series comes to an end. I've been reading Jeanne C. Stein's Anna Strong Chronicles since the very beginning and I've loved every moment of it! Blood Bound concludes Anna's story in some ways, but it also leaves it open enough that should Jeanne choose to give Anna a few more "problems". And while I did enjoy the ending to Anna's story, I was a little upset about a few things here and there as well. Moving on...
We open up with a very quick reprisal of how Haunted ended--and truly broke my heart in some ways. Anna and Fray have decided to tie the knot. Frey proposes and Anna accepts, a time for joyous celebration, right? Not so much. First is the issue of Harris, a cop who is still looking into the death of Williams and the disappearance of his wife. Anna was in fact involved in both deaths, but Harris doesn't know that, but his constant prying is going to put a damper on things. Then to add to troubles, Anna gets a call from her father in Paris telling her that her mother is dying from cancer.
Anna and Fray, with John-John rush to Paris to be by her side. The cancer was untreatable, it was just too late to do anything, so Anna's mother is on borrowed time. Which suddenly makes the push to have the wedding as soon as possible, like in two weeks. But it's something Anna's mother would love to see before she passes and Anna and Fray agree.
In some ways, this book was about the human Anna moreso than the vampire Anna and I liked that in some ways, but I also missed the action. The danger and excitement that tends to follow Anna around. We get a little bit of that with the case of Steffan. He's a European vampire and the vampires of Europe are not apart of the council that Anna has come to know. Steffan seems himself as their ruler, but that's not exactly the case as Anna will learn. At Steffan's big ol' shindig, he invites Anna as a guest, this is where she meets another particular vampire who is probably more the rightful ruler of Europe than Steffan. A very famous vampire by the name of Vlad.
I was quite pleased with Jeanne's Vlad. We've seen many versions of him throughout Urban Fantasy and his character was definitely intriguing and a little bit of fun too! He wasn't a critical player in this game, but he was a bit above par in the grand scheme of things.
However, the matter of Steffan gets settled and done with pretty quickly. Only lasting really a sizable amount of pages. Then it's back to the wedding planning and the wedding itself. That's probably what caused my dis-enjoyment of the story. But as I said, reflecting back on the story now while writing this review, this final novel can really be about the human Anna rather than the vampire Anna. Anna has to come to grips with the fact that she is vampire and will outlive all her family and friends. But in the meantime she needs to make the memories now so that she may reflect back on happy times in the years to come.
It was quite moving at some times with Anna and her family. Knowing that even Fray will someday die and she will live on is saddening, and yet, she still marries him and intends to have as happy as a life that she can have with the time given. That makes Anna the strongest heroine ever. Instead of pushing everyone away in order not to get too close for when the time comes and she loses them forever, she holds them as close as possible and form memories to last.
Who knows, maybe this won't be the last time we see Anna--Jeanne told me herself earlier this year at RT! But for now, this is the end. And it was a very nice way to go! Kudos, Jeanne!
Overall Rating 4/5 stars
We open up with a very quick reprisal of how Haunted ended--and truly broke my heart in some ways. Anna and Fray have decided to tie the knot. Frey proposes and Anna accepts, a time for joyous celebration, right? Not so much. First is the issue of Harris, a cop who is still looking into the death of Williams and the disappearance of his wife. Anna was in fact involved in both deaths, but Harris doesn't know that, but his constant prying is going to put a damper on things. Then to add to troubles, Anna gets a call from her father in Paris telling her that her mother is dying from cancer.
Anna and Fray, with John-John rush to Paris to be by her side. The cancer was untreatable, it was just too late to do anything, so Anna's mother is on borrowed time. Which suddenly makes the push to have the wedding as soon as possible, like in two weeks. But it's something Anna's mother would love to see before she passes and Anna and Fray agree.
In some ways, this book was about the human Anna moreso than the vampire Anna and I liked that in some ways, but I also missed the action. The danger and excitement that tends to follow Anna around. We get a little bit of that with the case of Steffan. He's a European vampire and the vampires of Europe are not apart of the council that Anna has come to know. Steffan seems himself as their ruler, but that's not exactly the case as Anna will learn. At Steffan's big ol' shindig, he invites Anna as a guest, this is where she meets another particular vampire who is probably more the rightful ruler of Europe than Steffan. A very famous vampire by the name of Vlad.
I was quite pleased with Jeanne's Vlad. We've seen many versions of him throughout Urban Fantasy and his character was definitely intriguing and a little bit of fun too! He wasn't a critical player in this game, but he was a bit above par in the grand scheme of things.
However, the matter of Steffan gets settled and done with pretty quickly. Only lasting really a sizable amount of pages. Then it's back to the wedding planning and the wedding itself. That's probably what caused my dis-enjoyment of the story. But as I said, reflecting back on the story now while writing this review, this final novel can really be about the human Anna rather than the vampire Anna. Anna has to come to grips with the fact that she is vampire and will outlive all her family and friends. But in the meantime she needs to make the memories now so that she may reflect back on happy times in the years to come.
It was quite moving at some times with Anna and her family. Knowing that even Fray will someday die and she will live on is saddening, and yet, she still marries him and intends to have as happy as a life that she can have with the time given. That makes Anna the strongest heroine ever. Instead of pushing everyone away in order not to get too close for when the time comes and she loses them forever, she holds them as close as possible and form memories to last.
Who knows, maybe this won't be the last time we see Anna--Jeanne told me herself earlier this year at RT! But for now, this is the end. And it was a very nice way to go! Kudos, Jeanne!
Overall Rating 4/5 stars
October 31, 2013
Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..
Life is finally starting to look up for Anna Strong. She's defeated the competition and stopped the vamp council from going against her choice as the chosen one to preserve humanity. Now she's carving out a somewhat normal life for herself with Frey and his son. But that happiness comes to an abrupt halt when she learns of her mother's ailing health and a split faction of vampires in Europe. Once again she's torn between her old life and her role as the chosen one. As she learns to balance both lives, Anna comes to find what really matters in life and love.
BLOOD BOND had a very different feel to it than the rest of the series, in that it read more like a very long epilogue than an actual action packed installment. Sure there was some bits of conflict and action, but only in small doses that were largely eclipsed by the emotional aspects. But, even though it caught me off guard, and I kept waiting for the action to really start, I realize that this book was everything it needed to be. Over the previous eight books, Anna struggled with her loss of humanity and life as a vampire. This would have been difficult enough for a normal transition, but when you add in her chosen one status, she really had a lot on her plate. So, that is why I felt the emotional aspects of this book, and the way it more focused on her human side were both very important. After such a long running series it was very enjoyable to get to spend a good bit of time seeing the ending results rather than the typical short last chapter of resolution.
Along those lines of longer happiness and resolution, I have to admit that when I read the blurb for this book I wanted to let out an excited squeal. From the very start of this series, I had wanted Anna and Frey to be together. There is just something about the two of them that you knew they eventually had to circle back to one another despite all the many roadblocks in their path. There are some romances that are hot and steamy, and then there are some that are very sweet and soul reaching, and I have to say that I think these two fall in the latter. Don't get me wrong they were pretty hot together, but I just got the impression of forever when I thought of them. They just fit so well and complemented one another perfectly, the kind of happiness that everyone searches for, and Jeanne portrayed it very well.
It's always hard to say goodbye to a much loved series, which is why I go into reading these books with a bit of trepidation. There always is that worry that things won't end up like you had hoped or that there will be loose ends left untied. I'm happy to say that isn't the case here, as BLOOD BOND ended things in a way that left me completely contented. Sure, there is room for more in the future, but if not, I still would be happy with the end result. Fans of the series will be more than pleased with this conclusion. It, and the rest of the previous installments have earned a solid place on my keeper shelf.
Life is finally starting to look up for Anna Strong. She's defeated the competition and stopped the vamp council from going against her choice as the chosen one to preserve humanity. Now she's carving out a somewhat normal life for herself with Frey and his son. But that happiness comes to an abrupt halt when she learns of her mother's ailing health and a split faction of vampires in Europe. Once again she's torn between her old life and her role as the chosen one. As she learns to balance both lives, Anna comes to find what really matters in life and love.
BLOOD BOND had a very different feel to it than the rest of the series, in that it read more like a very long epilogue than an actual action packed installment. Sure there was some bits of conflict and action, but only in small doses that were largely eclipsed by the emotional aspects. But, even though it caught me off guard, and I kept waiting for the action to really start, I realize that this book was everything it needed to be. Over the previous eight books, Anna struggled with her loss of humanity and life as a vampire. This would have been difficult enough for a normal transition, but when you add in her chosen one status, she really had a lot on her plate. So, that is why I felt the emotional aspects of this book, and the way it more focused on her human side were both very important. After such a long running series it was very enjoyable to get to spend a good bit of time seeing the ending results rather than the typical short last chapter of resolution.
Along those lines of longer happiness and resolution, I have to admit that when I read the blurb for this book I wanted to let out an excited squeal. From the very start of this series, I had wanted Anna and Frey to be together. There is just something about the two of them that you knew they eventually had to circle back to one another despite all the many roadblocks in their path. There are some romances that are hot and steamy, and then there are some that are very sweet and soul reaching, and I have to say that I think these two fall in the latter. Don't get me wrong they were pretty hot together, but I just got the impression of forever when I thought of them. They just fit so well and complemented one another perfectly, the kind of happiness that everyone searches for, and Jeanne portrayed it very well.
It's always hard to say goodbye to a much loved series, which is why I go into reading these books with a bit of trepidation. There always is that worry that things won't end up like you had hoped or that there will be loose ends left untied. I'm happy to say that isn't the case here, as BLOOD BOND ended things in a way that left me completely contented. Sure, there is room for more in the future, but if not, I still would be happy with the end result. Fans of the series will be more than pleased with this conclusion. It, and the rest of the previous installments have earned a solid place on my keeper shelf.
January 16, 2014
Having finally realised that Frey is the one for her, Anna and Frey begin to dream of a life together. For the first time, Anna is not only deliriously in love but happy. Unfortunately, this doesn't last for long and Anna is informed her mother is dying. Now she must make the decision whether or not to reveal her true nature in order to save her mother or watch helplessly as she dies.
In order to make her mother happy, Anna and Frey decide to move up their wedding day. It promises to be the happiest day in Anna's life. Once again however vampire politics intrude and Anna finds herself meeting Vlad the Impaler and dealing with the European Council who not only do not recognize her position but have a completely different plan for how to deal with the humans.
Blood Bond is very different from every single novel in this series. Rather than dealing with vampire politics, it is largely focused on Anna's human life. Being immortal sounds great, especially when you factor in the things one will be witness to until the reality of the fact that at some point everyone you love is going to die and leave you behind sinks in. Anna has love and happiness but the reality is that even though she and Frey promise each other forever, it can only really be temporary. It gives the book a tinge of sadness, even as it allows Anna to experience the most growth she ever has.
Blood Bond is the last in the Anna Strong Chronicles and it is all very fitting. For the first time, we see Anna really begin to accept what has happened to her and what it really means. I found myself embracing this series in a way that I never have. The Anna Strong Chronicles essentially falls into the ass kicking protagonist trope were strength and spunky agency are meant to suffice for the purposes of character development and personality. If one is a fan of copious fight scenes, I suppose this is a plus; however, it's not something that never really worked for me.
The Anna Strong Chronicles had many problems from the beginning chief among them Anna's relationship with women. Anna is not able to get along with women who are not related to her. I thought that we were going to get a reprieve when Tracey entered the story but all they ever did was talk about the men in their lives. This series does not even come close to passing the bechdel test. A book is not simply pro woman because it has a female protagonist who defies gender stereotypes and is written by a woman. The female characters need to be developed, engaged and not constantly snarking at each other.
Read More
In order to make her mother happy, Anna and Frey decide to move up their wedding day. It promises to be the happiest day in Anna's life. Once again however vampire politics intrude and Anna finds herself meeting Vlad the Impaler and dealing with the European Council who not only do not recognize her position but have a completely different plan for how to deal with the humans.
Blood Bond is very different from every single novel in this series. Rather than dealing with vampire politics, it is largely focused on Anna's human life. Being immortal sounds great, especially when you factor in the things one will be witness to until the reality of the fact that at some point everyone you love is going to die and leave you behind sinks in. Anna has love and happiness but the reality is that even though she and Frey promise each other forever, it can only really be temporary. It gives the book a tinge of sadness, even as it allows Anna to experience the most growth she ever has.
Blood Bond is the last in the Anna Strong Chronicles and it is all very fitting. For the first time, we see Anna really begin to accept what has happened to her and what it really means. I found myself embracing this series in a way that I never have. The Anna Strong Chronicles essentially falls into the ass kicking protagonist trope were strength and spunky agency are meant to suffice for the purposes of character development and personality. If one is a fan of copious fight scenes, I suppose this is a plus; however, it's not something that never really worked for me.
The Anna Strong Chronicles had many problems from the beginning chief among them Anna's relationship with women. Anna is not able to get along with women who are not related to her. I thought that we were going to get a reprieve when Tracey entered the story but all they ever did was talk about the men in their lives. This series does not even come close to passing the bechdel test. A book is not simply pro woman because it has a female protagonist who defies gender stereotypes and is written by a woman. The female characters need to be developed, engaged and not constantly snarking at each other.
Read More
September 5, 2013
This is not at all what I expected from the last installment in the Anna Strong series. For that matter, it's not what I expected from any Anna Strong book. Although, in retrospect, it makes sense that this would focus on the human side of Anna's life -- her love life, her family, her friends.
Yes, there's a supernatural storyline -- almost perfunctory, and even when it takes center stage in the novel, it does so under the shadow of the personal storylines. If this wasn't the last in the series, it would seem that Stein was introducing a large, shadowy group that Anna and her allies would wrangle with for awhile. But, that doesn't appear to be the case. There's a new vampire character introduced that Anna becomes awfully chummy with far too quickly for someone in her position (vague, yeah, but trying to stay spoiler-free) Again, if there were more books to come -- I'd fully expect this new pal to reveal himself to be just cozying up to her to find her Achilles' Heel. Regardless, it was a quick and painless story that really only served to keep this book in the Urban Fantasy camp.
Stein's focus was on the human/emotional stories, giving each major character some sort of resolution as the curtain comes down (although Culebra was given pretty short-shrift) -- and in each scene apart from the Vampire story, it feels like Stein is trying to channel the spirit of the mid-80s long distance telephone company commercials and make you reach for the kleenex box every chapter. Big emotional moments and conversations, a lotta lovey-dovey faces, and tears being jerked.
Which sounds like a complaint, but it's not -- somehow Stein pulls it off. It'd be easy for this to be overly-sentimental and sappy -- and she gets right up to that line, but she doesn't cross it. Granted, it's not the kind of book that I'd want to read all the time, but it worked this time. It let her leave Anna in a good place -- or at least a place she could find a measure of peace and happiness for a time. But we all know Anna well-enough at this point to know that can't last, she'll find trouble/it will find her soon enough. We just won't get to see it.
Yes, there's a supernatural storyline -- almost perfunctory, and even when it takes center stage in the novel, it does so under the shadow of the personal storylines. If this wasn't the last in the series, it would seem that Stein was introducing a large, shadowy group that Anna and her allies would wrangle with for awhile. But, that doesn't appear to be the case. There's a new vampire character introduced that Anna becomes awfully chummy with far too quickly for someone in her position (vague, yeah, but trying to stay spoiler-free) Again, if there were more books to come -- I'd fully expect this new pal to reveal himself to be just cozying up to her to find her Achilles' Heel. Regardless, it was a quick and painless story that really only served to keep this book in the Urban Fantasy camp.
Stein's focus was on the human/emotional stories, giving each major character some sort of resolution as the curtain comes down (although Culebra was given pretty short-shrift) -- and in each scene apart from the Vampire story, it feels like Stein is trying to channel the spirit of the mid-80s long distance telephone company commercials and make you reach for the kleenex box every chapter. Big emotional moments and conversations, a lotta lovey-dovey faces, and tears being jerked.
Which sounds like a complaint, but it's not -- somehow Stein pulls it off. It'd be easy for this to be overly-sentimental and sappy -- and she gets right up to that line, but she doesn't cross it. Granted, it's not the kind of book that I'd want to read all the time, but it worked this time. It let her leave Anna in a good place -- or at least a place she could find a measure of peace and happiness for a time. But we all know Anna well-enough at this point to know that can't last, she'll find trouble/it will find her soon enough. We just won't get to see it.
December 4, 2015
I was very disappointed in this final book. It was a huge let down for me. I know others have praised it with flying colors, but I simply cannot. I was expecting an explosive thrilling conclusion, including loose ends tied up and Anna finally having this realization that will leave her in the 'history' of not just vampires, but all of the supernatural world. I had some build up and the story was going pretty well but as the book got thinner, I started to think, how is she going to pull off the epic ending with the book winding down... Simple. There was no epic ending. I think the worst part is that I was so amp about this book. I have been waiting for it since the last book and then this is what I get. I am very sad by it.
So Anna and Frey are FINALLY together. A added bonus, Anna also gets a loving son in the form of Frey's 5 year old son, John-John. Of course, I love them all. Just as Anna and Frey finally come together and she is blissfully happy, she gets some grave news about her mother. Thus, the three of them are off to Europe to visit her mother. One of her mother's last wishes is to have the full out awesome wedding her daughter. But as things are going along(and Anna and her mother's relationship gets better) she meets up with another vampire. Finds out there is a vampire in Europe who has his own plans of where (all) vampires should be heading(not good..)
So Anna meets a new vampire and they 'team' up with Frey help. I think, this is it, the epic battle is about to go DOWN. It happens, if you want call it that, in a blink of an eye. Then the book comes to an ending.
We don't find out how she(and her family) react to her mother's death. We don't know who David ends up with(and does it last??) Plus, Anna said a few times, she doesn't know how she could live without Frey, well guess what he isn't mortal. So, how do they cope with him growing old and she doesn't.
So Anna and Frey are FINALLY together. A added bonus, Anna also gets a loving son in the form of Frey's 5 year old son, John-John. Of course, I love them all. Just as Anna and Frey finally come together and she is blissfully happy, she gets some grave news about her mother. Thus, the three of them are off to Europe to visit her mother. One of her mother's last wishes is to have the full out awesome wedding her daughter. But as things are going along(and Anna and her mother's relationship gets better) she meets up with another vampire. Finds out there is a vampire in Europe who has his own plans of where (all) vampires should be heading(not good..)
So Anna meets a new vampire and they 'team' up with Frey help. I think, this is it, the epic battle is about to go DOWN. It happens, if you want call it that, in a blink of an eye. Then the book comes to an ending.
We don't find out how she(and her family) react to her mother's death. We don't know who David ends up with(and does it last??) Plus, Anna said a few times, she doesn't know how she could live without Frey, well guess what he isn't mortal. So, how do they cope with him growing old and she doesn't.
February 21, 2017
Interesting book and it has some sad parts but this doesn't have the same draw as the other ones. I am missing do,etching from this book that seemed to be in the other ones
April 22, 2014
I have read this series since the beginning and Anna has done nothing but get stronger and better. Every story is engaging and gives more insight into the characters, who they are, what they want, and where they are going. I flew through this book because I was so anxious to see what was in store for Anna this time around and it was well worth it. What can you say when everything is just so perfect that you are at a loss for words as to what to say. I simple love all the characters, all the plot lines, and that it speaks to me in a way that is genuine.
Anna has finally found some happiness in her life as vampire, and it was right in front of her the whole time, Frey. After the shoot-out in Mexico which resulted in the death of her ex Max things appear to have settled down for a while and she has not been called on in her capacity as the Chosen One for some time. But as life is never really fair just as she is trying to decide when to tell her family the good news she receives a call that changes everything, her mother has cancer. So off to France they all go to spend some time.
While Anna is there for her mother, vampire politics can't help but push its way in. There is another plot being hatched to make slaves of humankind and as the Chosen it is Anna's job to step in and make sure it does not succeed.
There is only a bit of action in this book but I think that is alright because we get to see more of who Anna is and how she still feels for her human family. There is more about the dynamic that existed with Anna and her mother and how it has changed. This is a softer Anna, the woman in love and not just the kick-ass bounty hunter we have gotten used to. A nice change of pace and I hope not the last we hear from her, since I keep hearing this is the last book in the series. I say, end with an even number and give the fans a send off to remember. Enjoy this!
Anna has finally found some happiness in her life as vampire, and it was right in front of her the whole time, Frey. After the shoot-out in Mexico which resulted in the death of her ex Max things appear to have settled down for a while and she has not been called on in her capacity as the Chosen One for some time. But as life is never really fair just as she is trying to decide when to tell her family the good news she receives a call that changes everything, her mother has cancer. So off to France they all go to spend some time.
While Anna is there for her mother, vampire politics can't help but push its way in. There is another plot being hatched to make slaves of humankind and as the Chosen it is Anna's job to step in and make sure it does not succeed.
There is only a bit of action in this book but I think that is alright because we get to see more of who Anna is and how she still feels for her human family. There is more about the dynamic that existed with Anna and her mother and how it has changed. This is a softer Anna, the woman in love and not just the kick-ass bounty hunter we have gotten used to. A nice change of pace and I hope not the last we hear from her, since I keep hearing this is the last book in the series. I say, end with an even number and give the fans a send off to remember. Enjoy this!
October 8, 2013
meh. i was kind of disappointed in this final installment of the anna strong universe. as another reviewer stated elsewhere, i would have been just as happy to see it end with the last one (haunted) with anna driving off into the sunset to live happily ever after with frey. but no, we had to have one last hurrah, which was really more of a simper than a hurrah.
***spoilers***
so basically the book was one big long "oooo, ahhh, i'm so in love with frey i'm so lucky la di da" with one big fight thrown in (which had no bearing whatsoever on the overall story line) to make it seem more interesting. oh and i can't forget to mention the obligatory "famous vampire" cameo: vlad. who served no purpose other than to say "hey, see, there are actually famous vampires, ZOMG he's really real!"
instead of the awesome kicking ass and taking names vampire that anna has grown into, she spends the entire book alternately waxing poetical about how much she loves frey (side note: they have entirely too much sex; i mean seriously, there is more sex in this book than in the entire rest of the series. don't get me wrong, i like a good sex scene, but there were way too many of them and they weren't all that great) and being depressed about how her mother's dying. i get it, anna's coming to the realization that she's immortal and will outlive every person she has ever known. but we didn't need an entire book to hammer that fact home. i felt like i was being hit over the head with it every time i turned around.
i got the sense that this book was forced on the author. like the publisher said "no, you have to write one more" and author was like "but the story's over, what the hell am i supposed to write about?"
yes, overall disapointed. if you're a long time anna fan, sure read it, but you're really not missing much if you skip it.
***spoilers***
so basically the book was one big long "oooo, ahhh, i'm so in love with frey i'm so lucky la di da" with one big fight thrown in (which had no bearing whatsoever on the overall story line) to make it seem more interesting. oh and i can't forget to mention the obligatory "famous vampire" cameo: vlad. who served no purpose other than to say "hey, see, there are actually famous vampires, ZOMG he's really real!"
instead of the awesome kicking ass and taking names vampire that anna has grown into, she spends the entire book alternately waxing poetical about how much she loves frey (side note: they have entirely too much sex; i mean seriously, there is more sex in this book than in the entire rest of the series. don't get me wrong, i like a good sex scene, but there were way too many of them and they weren't all that great) and being depressed about how her mother's dying. i get it, anna's coming to the realization that she's immortal and will outlive every person she has ever known. but we didn't need an entire book to hammer that fact home. i felt like i was being hit over the head with it every time i turned around.
i got the sense that this book was forced on the author. like the publisher said "no, you have to write one more" and author was like "but the story's over, what the hell am i supposed to write about?"
yes, overall disapointed. if you're a long time anna fan, sure read it, but you're really not missing much if you skip it.
September 10, 2016
I was really surprised when I heard that the Anna Strong series was over. I had no idea that there was only one book left. I had to know how it all ended, so I picked this up from the library as soon as I could. Now the book blurb is really misleading. I went into this thinking that this was going to be a non-stop action ride like the rest of the Anna books and that she was going to be involved in some kind of European fight to the death.
Ultimately, this book was very light on the actual urban fantasy. It read very much like a contemporary romance with a little vampire and shifter stuff thrown in for good measure. There is a lot of sex in this book and a lot of reflecting on Anna’s life and immortality. None of that bothered me at all. Sure, this isn’t really what I was expecting for the final book, but I really liked the way the series was wrapped up. I also liked the appearance of the world’s most famous vampire. And while I really like Daniel Frey…he won’t live forever…Anna and Vlad will.
If you’ve read the rest of the Anna Strong series, you should definitely read this one, but don’t be surprised when the book doesn’t match the description. There isn’t a ton of vampire intrigue or scheming involved in this book. And the little bit that is there was over before it really started it seemed. Now that this series is over, I look forward to seeing what comes next from Jeanne C. Stein.
Ultimately, this book was very light on the actual urban fantasy. It read very much like a contemporary romance with a little vampire and shifter stuff thrown in for good measure. There is a lot of sex in this book and a lot of reflecting on Anna’s life and immortality. None of that bothered me at all. Sure, this isn’t really what I was expecting for the final book, but I really liked the way the series was wrapped up. I also liked the appearance of the world’s most famous vampire. And while I really like Daniel Frey…he won’t live forever…Anna and Vlad will.
If you’ve read the rest of the Anna Strong series, you should definitely read this one, but don’t be surprised when the book doesn’t match the description. There isn’t a ton of vampire intrigue or scheming involved in this book. And the little bit that is there was over before it really started it seemed. Now that this series is over, I look forward to seeing what comes next from Jeanne C. Stein.
February 16, 2015
I find myself somewhat at a loss for words, which is a very unusual place for me. Maybe it's because the words that come to mind are not words I ever expected to use referring to a book in this series. I was expecting the most bang for my buck yet, since this was to be the final book in the series. Instead I feel that Jeanne Stein let her readers down, and, in turn, let Anna down. If the previous books in the series were the finest prime rib, then this was treacle.
After the two previous volumes, 7 & 8, which were so fast paced and action packed, "Blood Bond" reads like something a wide-eyed romantic newbie would write. I almost put it down several times, but I kept reading with the hope that JS would suddenly take us into an explosive, edge of your seat situation, but it was not to be.
To be fair, I'm glad that Anna found or chose to make a family with Daniel Frey and his son. She deserves that. But that could have been accomplished at the end of a tale more in keeping with the previous volumes. JS says that Anna will "be around" in the coming times. I hope so, since she has been one of the best ass-kicking protagonists in the genre. I hope to see her back soon.
After the two previous volumes, 7 & 8, which were so fast paced and action packed, "Blood Bond" reads like something a wide-eyed romantic newbie would write. I almost put it down several times, but I kept reading with the hope that JS would suddenly take us into an explosive, edge of your seat situation, but it was not to be.
To be fair, I'm glad that Anna found or chose to make a family with Daniel Frey and his son. She deserves that. But that could have been accomplished at the end of a tale more in keeping with the previous volumes. JS says that Anna will "be around" in the coming times. I hope so, since she has been one of the best ass-kicking protagonists in the genre. I hope to see her back soon.
September 20, 2013
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Associate Reviewer - Kathy M:
--Actual rating 4.5 Skulls
Jeanne C. Stein is a top notch writer of fast paced Urban Fantasy and her creation of the Anna Strong series has been one of my favorites.
The first eight books in this series are what you would expect from a well written Urban Fantasy - a kick ass heroine, fights to the death with evil doers,betrayal, and unexpected twists and turns. Blood Bond is different. And different isn't always a bad thing. Blood Bond slightly steps off the normal Urban Fantasy path and gives the reader a more emotion driven road.
Relationships, both romantic and familial, are front and center in this
final installment. Will Anna finally open up her heart and let Frey in? How will she cope with the impending death of her mother? Etc.
Blood Bond takes us on Anna's emotional journey and when I closed the book after reading the final page, I realized that this was the perfect way to say goodbye to Anna.
Recommended for all ANNA STRONG fans.
--Actual rating 4.5 Skulls
Jeanne C. Stein is a top notch writer of fast paced Urban Fantasy and her creation of the Anna Strong series has been one of my favorites.
The first eight books in this series are what you would expect from a well written Urban Fantasy - a kick ass heroine, fights to the death with evil doers,betrayal, and unexpected twists and turns. Blood Bond is different. And different isn't always a bad thing. Blood Bond slightly steps off the normal Urban Fantasy path and gives the reader a more emotion driven road.
Relationships, both romantic and familial, are front and center in this
final installment. Will Anna finally open up her heart and let Frey in? How will she cope with the impending death of her mother? Etc.
Blood Bond takes us on Anna's emotional journey and when I closed the book after reading the final page, I realized that this was the perfect way to say goodbye to Anna.
Recommended for all ANNA STRONG fans.
March 3, 2015
I expected so much more of this final installment. I wanted it to go out with such a bang I'd remember it for months...Unfortunately it fizzled for me. Not to say it was bad...it wasn't. This series was one of my favorites and it will keep its place in my heart for sure but...I am disappointed. I expected better after thousands of words designed to amaze me, to make me soar, to make me abandon my reality and embrace Anna's. This book was just sad. Not sad because Anna's mom was dying, not sad because it was the last but because it didn't deliver that "out of body experience" you get if a book is good enough. Everything felt rushed. Anna seemed not even herself and the plot was so wrapped around the romance/wedding I don't even know what was the point of Vlad, Chael and Steffan. Such big bad boys...limited to hiring stylists and giving terrible speeches.
I do not approve.
A more action focused novel would've given me more pleasure than all the lovey-dovey stuff.
I do not approve.
A more action focused novel would've given me more pleasure than all the lovey-dovey stuff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2019
Blood Bond was another excellent Anna Strong novel.
I really enjoyed seeing Anna happy. A lot of her prior adventures had her life or that of loved ones in constant peril. This story carved out some time for Anna to have some Joy in her life even under some trying circumstances. It wouldn't be an Anna Strong without some kind of chosen one/vampire conflict but for once the heart of the story was Anna's personal life rather than horrendous danger. I found it to be a satisfying change of pace.
If you are a comic book fan there is one very brief sour note. I know Anna lives in a different universe than ours but having the kids go see the new "Justice League" movie and then later have them talk about who would win in a fight between The Hulk and Iron Man was a bit jarring.
But I nitpick. It was a great read.
I really enjoyed seeing Anna happy. A lot of her prior adventures had her life or that of loved ones in constant peril. This story carved out some time for Anna to have some Joy in her life even under some trying circumstances. It wouldn't be an Anna Strong without some kind of chosen one/vampire conflict but for once the heart of the story was Anna's personal life rather than horrendous danger. I found it to be a satisfying change of pace.
If you are a comic book fan there is one very brief sour note. I know Anna lives in a different universe than ours but having the kids go see the new "Justice League" movie and then later have them talk about who would win in a fight between The Hulk and Iron Man was a bit jarring.
But I nitpick. It was a great read.
September 10, 2013
I was a tad bit surprised to see BLOOD BOND because I thought that HAUNTED was the last book of the series but I am not complaining.
There was not a huge conflict, big fight scene or close call with death in BLOOD BOND. The total feel of the book was about emotion, bonding and finding peace. Although BLOOD BOND had a different feel than the past books I still ended up really enjoying it. We got to see a softer side of Anna as she navigated her mothers sickness and her relationship with Daniel. There was a bit of vampire politics going on but it was not in the forefront of the story.
Now the question is, will BLOOD BOND be the last book for the Anna Strong series? I would not be disappointed if it was not as I enjoy reading about Anna but I feel Anna has reached happiness.
There was not a huge conflict, big fight scene or close call with death in BLOOD BOND. The total feel of the book was about emotion, bonding and finding peace. Although BLOOD BOND had a different feel than the past books I still ended up really enjoying it. We got to see a softer side of Anna as she navigated her mothers sickness and her relationship with Daniel. There was a bit of vampire politics going on but it was not in the forefront of the story.
Now the question is, will BLOOD BOND be the last book for the Anna Strong series? I would not be disappointed if it was not as I enjoy reading about Anna but I feel Anna has reached happiness.
November 9, 2013
This book is part of a series, Anna Strong series, and needs to be read in order. The first is The Becoming.
I wonder if this is the last book. It had that feel, and I know she is working on a new series. But one could write more if wanted.
Though this installment had a lot less action, then some of the others in this series, it was still a good, entertaining read. The story focuses more on peronal growth and changes in characters lives. Anna and Frey get engaged. Anna's mother is dying. A potentional threat surfaces from the European Vampires, and a myth is proven to be reality.
If this is the end of Anna, it was worth the ride, and her story was beautifully, naturally, tied up in a way, that leaves the reader contented.
I wonder if this is the last book. It had that feel, and I know she is working on a new series. But one could write more if wanted.
Though this installment had a lot less action, then some of the others in this series, it was still a good, entertaining read. The story focuses more on peronal growth and changes in characters lives. Anna and Frey get engaged. Anna's mother is dying. A potentional threat surfaces from the European Vampires, and a myth is proven to be reality.
If this is the end of Anna, it was worth the ride, and her story was beautifully, naturally, tied up in a way, that leaves the reader contented.
January 19, 2015
I just don't know what to say...I feel disappointed and a bit let down. I feel like the romance came out of nowhere...it was nothing like Kate Daniels and Curran which was slow burn but the relationship built over the series, this was just meh...I didn't care either way if they stayed together, I bave literally zero emotional investment in this series and that makes me sad.
I like Daniel Frey, I see him as a beta male, and he had soooooooo much potential and could have been epic if he'd just been a bit more alpha and we'd seen his Panther side come out more often. I felt like, through out the whole series, that I was waiting for something to happen, waiting for that spark that'd have me finally saying ahhhh I get it now...but no sigh another waste
I like Daniel Frey, I see him as a beta male, and he had soooooooo much potential and could have been epic if he'd just been a bit more alpha and we'd seen his Panther side come out more often. I felt like, through out the whole series, that I was waiting for something to happen, waiting for that spark that'd have me finally saying ahhhh I get it now...but no sigh another waste
October 11, 2015
3.5 stars!!
I liked this book! An amazing romance story! But there are a few things that stopped me giving it a solid 5 star review.
Firstly, there wasn't much action here as I have come to expect from this series. And whatever action there was, Vlad was the dominant there. ( I wish there was a bonus story where Vlad found himself his soul mate after 600 years [sighs] )
Secondly, I found it unbelievable that Daniel, who Anna proclaims is strong enough to hold his own with an old vampire like Chael, got so injured by just a swipe from the bear's paw that he had to drink Vlad's blood to survive.
Other than this, I loved John-John and the references to the previous books as I had read those quite a while back, so it helped refresh my memory. :-)
I liked this book! An amazing romance story! But there are a few things that stopped me giving it a solid 5 star review.
Firstly, there wasn't much action here as I have come to expect from this series. And whatever action there was, Vlad was the dominant there. ( I wish there was a bonus story where Vlad found himself his soul mate after 600 years [sighs] )
Secondly, I found it unbelievable that Daniel, who Anna proclaims is strong enough to hold his own with an old vampire like Chael, got so injured by just a swipe from the bear's paw that he had to drink Vlad's blood to survive.
Other than this, I loved John-John and the references to the previous books as I had read those quite a while back, so it helped refresh my memory. :-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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