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Laurell K. Hamilton Boxed Set
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1256 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2000
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About the author
Laurell K. Hamilton
423 books25.8k followersLaurell K. Hamilton is one of the leading writers of paranormal fiction. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Hamilton writes the popular Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novels and the Meredith Gentry series. She is also the creator of a bestselling comic book series based on her Anita Blake novels and published by Marvel Comics. Hamilton is a full-time writer and lives in the suburbs of St. Louis with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 7, 2012
I have completed this series.
I did not find Anita Blake to be immediately likable. It took several books before I could say anything positive aside from the fact that she was tough. However, once into the 3rd or 4th, she grew on me. I would recommend this, only if you plan to invest the time to read 20+ books, it really does get better, which isn't an easy task for such a long winded series.
I did not find Anita Blake to be immediately likable. It took several books before I could say anything positive aside from the fact that she was tough. However, once into the 3rd or 4th, she grew on me. I would recommend this, only if you plan to invest the time to read 20+ books, it really does get better, which isn't an easy task for such a long winded series.
July 14, 2016
Twists, Turns, Intriguing, Dark, Action Packed, Engrossing, Intense, Addictive & Fascinating! An Awesome Series! I Loved It!
March 28, 2011
I really liked the first few of this vampire series...the later novels are pretty bad...yet I keep reading them anyway (lol)
July 25, 2012
I sincerely dislike this series. I don't particularly like Anita, the amount of time she spends obsessing over guns and weapons tires me, she seems like a person I would not like if I met her. I don't like being in her head, I don't like the way she frequently treats people, I don't like the way she speaks to them, none of it. There is nothing appealing to me about Anita.
The were and vampire subculture is full of exploitation and torment and pain and I don't enjoy that. Much of the pain is sexual, and I REALLY don't enjoy that. Doesn't help that I don't find a single damn thing about Jean-Claude attractive. When he's described, all I get is uncomfortable. He sways his hips when he walks so Anita will look at his ass, he unbuttons his shirts down to his navel so his nipples peek out, and his face is constantly being framed by his hair - these are just not elements that I find attractive, so every time they're lustfully described I have another moment of total disassociation. And "ma petite"? Maybe that's regional, but he uses it all the time and the italics are getting to me. He strikes me as a cheap Anne Rice knockoff, dressed up like he's about to do theme porn.
So between a protagonist who seems to actually repulse me, a love/sex interest who is about as alluring to me as Fabio, and scenes that make me want to peel off my own skin, this is not my series. It's like the dark side of the Sookie Stackhouse coin - those I'll read often, but Anita Blake I tried for the first 10 and then finally had to throw up my hands and accept it was only getting worse and I should stop being so stubborn.
When I arrange my Darkover bonfire, this series is also going right into the flames.
The were and vampire subculture is full of exploitation and torment and pain and I don't enjoy that. Much of the pain is sexual, and I REALLY don't enjoy that. Doesn't help that I don't find a single damn thing about Jean-Claude attractive. When he's described, all I get is uncomfortable. He sways his hips when he walks so Anita will look at his ass, he unbuttons his shirts down to his navel so his nipples peek out, and his face is constantly being framed by his hair - these are just not elements that I find attractive, so every time they're lustfully described I have another moment of total disassociation. And "ma petite"? Maybe that's regional, but he uses it all the time and the italics are getting to me. He strikes me as a cheap Anne Rice knockoff, dressed up like he's about to do theme porn.
So between a protagonist who seems to actually repulse me, a love/sex interest who is about as alluring to me as Fabio, and scenes that make me want to peel off my own skin, this is not my series. It's like the dark side of the Sookie Stackhouse coin - those I'll read often, but Anita Blake I tried for the first 10 and then finally had to throw up my hands and accept it was only getting worse and I should stop being so stubborn.
When I arrange my Darkover bonfire, this series is also going right into the flames.
December 18, 2010
I'm a long time fan of LKH. All her books are sure to be a hit, filled with horror, romance, suspense and lusty scenes. Yes, she does change her style of writing after book 7/8, adding much more sex then needed, but it's still filled with an interesting, horror plot, which I love. If your starting out, then buy this box set. Your be hooked, at least up until book 7! This is worth it!
February 12, 2018
The Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series finds itself in the strange place of being somewhere between Twilight and 50 Shades of Grey. The titular character, Anita, is a feisty vampire hunter and necromancer who works with the local police department tackling all sorts of supernatural crime. After about 7 or 8 books like this the author, Laurell K Hamilton, evidently gets bored of the hardboiled detective fiction style and decides to try her hand at erotica instead, so Anita ends up spending a bit less time killing vampires and werewolves and a bit more time having sex with them instead.
I think I made it through about 10 or 11 of these before I gave up. I have to say I found the writing to be pretty weak and didn't really like any of the characters, but the very fact that I made it through quite a few of them is a testament to Hamilton's ability as a storyteller. If nothing else, they're easy-to-read page-turners with an exciting plot. With the right demographic (I'm guessing late teens and young adults, mostly female) I can imagine that lots of people would really enjoy these. I just wasn't one of them. 4/10
I think I made it through about 10 or 11 of these before I gave up. I have to say I found the writing to be pretty weak and didn't really like any of the characters, but the very fact that I made it through quite a few of them is a testament to Hamilton's ability as a storyteller. If nothing else, they're easy-to-read page-turners with an exciting plot. With the right demographic (I'm guessing late teens and young adults, mostly female) I can imagine that lots of people would really enjoy these. I just wasn't one of them. 4/10
January 15, 2020
The start of this series was pretty good but the writing was lacking. I loved the idea of the characters but the plot needed more.
Tarot CArd: Page of Cups- A passion for understanding one's true self with the addition of lessons taught by the unforeseen. Quote: "There is no instinct like that of the heart." by Lord Byron ( George Gordon) Deck: Art of Life by Charlene Livingstone
Tarot CArd: Page of Cups- A passion for understanding one's true self with the addition of lessons taught by the unforeseen. Quote: "There is no instinct like that of the heart." by Lord Byron ( George Gordon) Deck: Art of Life by Charlene Livingstone
January 24, 2022
Very dark but incredibly interesting detective stories with all the paranormal complications to twist them around. I definitely identify with Anita's conflicts between her real life and her upraising as a Catholic.
November 17, 2018
Can't live without!!!!!!!!! <3
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June 22, 2021Love her books they are amazing!
September 26, 2021
I'm currently at book n. 13 Micah, so far, an amazing serie.
October 21, 2022
Addictive in the best way, amazing storyline and characters that come to life.
I highly recommend this book and this series.
I highly recommend this book and this series.
August 3, 2023
1.5 first book
March 3, 2016
"Guilty Pleasures"
As often as I have read this series, I always forget how Anita and Jean Claude meet and how their relationship begins. She has a volatile life and dangerous job. Not only as an animator, but as "The Executioner", and as a consultant with RPIT. The one thing missing in Anita's life is love. Can she find it? Peace? Happiness? Time will tell.
"The Laughing Corpse"
Seriously, is there any peace for Anita? The chick is constantly getting jacked and hurry in ways only The Executioner can. If nothing else, the woman gets the job done; and she gets it done right. Now her next issue, besides the next crime on the horizon, or the next zombie to raise, is her issue with dating the master of the city. Jean Claude is trying to set his power base, and Anita is making it painfully obvious he lacks control when it comes to her.
"Circus of the Damned"
I love the direction of Jean Claude, Richard, and Anita. Anita gets into some pretty serious situations and she battles some of the nastiest bad guys.... {wink, wink} "monsters". I'm still very curious what will become of Anita's love life.
"The Lunatic Cafe"
Anita is like a paranormal Sherlock Holmes. She is genius, petite, powerful, and a master in her own right. She constantly deals with the law in the most magnanimous of ways. She gets the crappy paranormal murder cases, and deals with RPIT. As a civvie she is limited, but she always manages to save the day. I love where Jean Claude, Anita, and Richard's power levels are going. This series is by far and away my favorite of all time. Things only get better from here.
As often as I have read this series, I always forget how Anita and Jean Claude meet and how their relationship begins. She has a volatile life and dangerous job. Not only as an animator, but as "The Executioner", and as a consultant with RPIT. The one thing missing in Anita's life is love. Can she find it? Peace? Happiness? Time will tell.
"The Laughing Corpse"
Seriously, is there any peace for Anita? The chick is constantly getting jacked and hurry in ways only The Executioner can. If nothing else, the woman gets the job done; and she gets it done right. Now her next issue, besides the next crime on the horizon, or the next zombie to raise, is her issue with dating the master of the city. Jean Claude is trying to set his power base, and Anita is making it painfully obvious he lacks control when it comes to her.
"Circus of the Damned"
I love the direction of Jean Claude, Richard, and Anita. Anita gets into some pretty serious situations and she battles some of the nastiest bad guys.... {wink, wink} "monsters". I'm still very curious what will become of Anita's love life.
"The Lunatic Cafe"
Anita is like a paranormal Sherlock Holmes. She is genius, petite, powerful, and a master in her own right. She constantly deals with the law in the most magnanimous of ways. She gets the crappy paranormal murder cases, and deals with RPIT. As a civvie she is limited, but she always manages to save the day. I love where Jean Claude, Anita, and Richard's power levels are going. This series is by far and away my favorite of all time. Things only get better from here.
July 12, 2011
I've just begun on the 3rd book in this series,Circus of the Damned and,like the first 2 (Guilty Pleasures and The Laughing Corpse,respectively),i've barely been able to put it down! That's how good it is! Anita Blake,vampire hunter,animator & the main character is one tough cookie but you can't help but like her too.Not to mention,Jean-Claude,the master vampire of the (vampire ...coven?!) city,sounds incredibly sexy & although Anita is still working as a vampire slayer,there is an undeniable attraction between the 2 of them but of course,Anita tries to ignore the way she feels,though she has to work with him closely on several of her cases,which only complicates things further and the cases she ends up with are highly dangerous and literally life-threatening(for Anita).The storyline is very well-written,fast-paced and highly entertaining.For any who are fans of paranormal fiction,I definitely recommend this series!
April 1, 2013
These books are true gems in a world that needed a strong female lead In the gore-rom genre. At first being set in the 80's kinda threw me off I felt really thrown in a time warp. Although the deeper into the series you get you can actually forget those minute flaws. The Characters are all well built and harbor human flaws that many people can relate to. I love that it is a first person point of view I simply wish deeply for a television show of this Anita Blake Series ( updated of course lol ).
September 19, 2007
I read the first four books in the series at warp speed. Anita was definitely my home girl. Loved her. As the series progressed I was less into it and my interest faded. But the first four or five are definitely worth reading.
March 17, 2008
This is an excellent series. It becomes predictable but is still enjoyable. It's a good mix of fantasy, and sci-fi with a main character as sarcastic as I am. You know I'd get hooked on that..lol.
June 21, 2009
This has probably been my favorite series so far. I like the vampires, wereanimals and other creatures. It is definitely more dark than my other reads and way more erotic! I have trouble putting them down and am going through the series WAY too fast :-)
August 29, 2012
Great read for those who love a strong female lead and the paranormal! Laurell's writing style is amazing and makes you feel as if you are inside Anita's head. This series is like True Blood meets CSI, plus zombies. I love it!
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August 9, 2014 I love her books. There everything you need it. Action, Romance, suspense, fantasy, and police work also. I really enjoy her books. It keeps you on your or your head in the book from the beginning to the end
August 27, 2015
This series is amazing. Keeps the reader wanting more of her. I love the fact that the guns she is obsessed with are real... I am impressed that lots of research is done concerning Anita's weapons. Glad she is always in a love triangle of turmoil.
April 24, 2009
Laurell K. Hamiltons books are the reason that I decided to try to write....I am so glad I found her books!!
August 5, 2009
I got up to Book 7 before the plot was lost, but they were fun up until then!
December 15, 2009
Entertaining. The Vampires are not very scary, but it's a fun read!
August 1, 2010
all four great books in there own way. Lunatic Cafe was my favorite the four. I started loving Jean-Claud from the start from the books.
February 1, 2011
Guts and gore mixed with sex and honor. A fun read.
June 25, 2011
I think I've read every single book in the Anita Blake Series...Loved them all in their own dark way.
August 4, 2011
I've read all 4 of these and I love the Anita Blake series!
November 11, 2014
I love this series. The characters, settings, powers, everything. Except later in the series when it's pretty much all sex. Sigh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews