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Anna Strong Chronicles #5
Retribution
With her partner out of town, her family abroad, and her mentor estranged, newly-turned vampire Anna Strong is keeping a low profile.
But now young vampires are turning up dead, completely drained of their life force. And though Anna wants to say no when Williams, her former teacher and now leader of a supernatural enforcement squad, asks for her help, she can't. But soon, she'll wish she did.
But now young vampires are turning up dead, completely drained of their life force. And though Anna wants to say no when Williams, her former teacher and now leader of a supernatural enforcement squad, asks for her help, she can't. But soon, she'll wish she did.
296 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 7, 2009
17 people are currently reading
1111 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 94 reviews
October 11, 2009
I would give this 2.5 stars.. not 3, but that's not an option lol.
I liked the story.. Anna needs to figure out why all of these new vamps are dying and she needs to help save two of her friends.
But the reason I didn't give more stars is because of Anna. What annoys me is that Anna never seems to change. Each book she does the same stupid mistakes over and over, and tends to think only about herself. In this one, because of her own delay at learning her abilities someone gets hurt and she "has no idea why!" Well.. stop pretending to be human, listen to other people's advice and maybe you could have saved the innocent person that shouldn't have died. Again.
I don't like reading books where the main character never changes. I'm not sure if I'll even bother with any more in this series. I don't want to constantly read the same story over and over with no change in the main character.
I liked the story.. Anna needs to figure out why all of these new vamps are dying and she needs to help save two of her friends.
But the reason I didn't give more stars is because of Anna. What annoys me is that Anna never seems to change. Each book she does the same stupid mistakes over and over, and tends to think only about herself. In this one, because of her own delay at learning her abilities someone gets hurt and she "has no idea why!" Well.. stop pretending to be human, listen to other people's advice and maybe you could have saved the innocent person that shouldn't have died. Again.
I don't like reading books where the main character never changes. I'm not sure if I'll even bother with any more in this series. I don't want to constantly read the same story over and over with no change in the main character.
August 31, 2009
the majority of this book was spent watching Anna chase her tail and arguing with Williams. i think if this entire book was shortened to novella length it would have been ok. we didn't really make any progress with the major story arcs like being "the one". she is still pretty insistent on living her life as if nothing at all has changed. at this point i don't see why anyone bothers to try to tell her differently. with no major arc advancements and the story being pretty sparse this was rather disappointing.
September 3, 2009
My rating: 3-1/2 stars
I've been an Anna Strong fan ever since I started reading these books earlier this year, so when Retribution, the fifth book in this series released, I dropped what I was reading to read it instead.
In Retribution, Anna Strong is still dealing with her two sided nature, her vampire and human sides and trying to accept her new life as a vampire, which I think she starting to come around to, evident in her new-found relationship with another vampire who is also a super hot underwear model, Lance. Warren Williams, San Diego's ex police chief and her ex-mentor now the leader of the local supernaturals, is pressing Anna to help find the person responsible for draining newly turned vampires of their blood. Anna is resistant at first because she still feels a boat load of resentment towards Williams for having a part in her family move to a winery in France, even though it's the safest place for them to be, away from the dangers surrounding Anna's supernatural world.
As a bounty hunter, Anna has to be cunning and part sleuth in finding criminals on the run. These skills as a bounty hunter come in handy while she tries to track down Belinda Burke, a very powerful black witch who has put a death spell on one of her close shape shifting friends, Culebra. Culebra owns Beso de la Muerte (Kiss of Death), a bar in the deserts of Mexico that caters to the supernatural and when he shows up at his own bar near death with Belinda Burke's name the last words he speaks, the clock starts ticking for Anna to find Belinda.
Anna has always been a cocky, hard-edged gal with a strong stubborn streak, who has always been quick to speak her mind and never takes any bull from anyone but she's always had a soft heart inside the tough exterior she shows world.
Anna speaking to a bail jumper:
"Save your breath, sweetie," I whisper in her ear. "The last glimpse I had of Hank, he was hopping in the back of a pickup. He's long gone."
I reach down and haul her to her feet. I use one hand as if she weighs twenty-five pounds instead of two-fifty. "Looks like it's just you and me."
Hilda is looking at me bleary-eyed with confusion and alcohol. "How did you —? What did you—? Where did you—?"
I pat her head and push her toward my own car. "Don't try to figure it out, Hilda. You'll hurt yourself."
I've enjoyed reading about the situations she always seems to get herself into but this time there was a spot in the story line that really bothered me and I didn't like Anna's reaction, which I can't say anything about without giving out spoilers. I felt her behavior wasn't inline with her character. It was the only low spot in the book for me.
I love the characteristics of the witches in this book and their ability to conjure magic with just a wave of a hand. The witches here can be very powerful beings and they have a whole world of possibilities and dimensions. One of the witches in Retribution has a short story in the anthology Many Bloody Returns, the story gives a insightful look into the world of witches that live in Anna's world. It's not necessary to read it before Retribution but it would give you a better understanding of the witches here and it's a good quick read.
I really enjoy Jeanne Stein's writing style, her words easily flow off the page bringing you into her world of paranormals. The paranormal world she has created around Anna Strong is unique one with many surprises, that has intrigued and entertained me throughout reading the Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles. Ms. Stein always adds an occurrence with an element of harsh realism in her books, they always leave me with deep thoughts on these matters. I like it when an author is not afraid to add an element that could shock and make me think long after I have finished reading a book.
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery and the fast pace set in Retribution. The main plot line gets tied up real nice with subtle hints into Anna's role in the supernatural world as the chosen, the one. I liked this book with the exception I noted and I'll be looking forward to the next book, which I hope will shed some light on Anna's role as the one. I think fans of the Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles will happy with this latest installment, aptly named Retribution. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories based in an urban, supernatural world with an air of mystery.
I've been an Anna Strong fan ever since I started reading these books earlier this year, so when Retribution, the fifth book in this series released, I dropped what I was reading to read it instead.
In Retribution, Anna Strong is still dealing with her two sided nature, her vampire and human sides and trying to accept her new life as a vampire, which I think she starting to come around to, evident in her new-found relationship with another vampire who is also a super hot underwear model, Lance. Warren Williams, San Diego's ex police chief and her ex-mentor now the leader of the local supernaturals, is pressing Anna to help find the person responsible for draining newly turned vampires of their blood. Anna is resistant at first because she still feels a boat load of resentment towards Williams for having a part in her family move to a winery in France, even though it's the safest place for them to be, away from the dangers surrounding Anna's supernatural world.
As a bounty hunter, Anna has to be cunning and part sleuth in finding criminals on the run. These skills as a bounty hunter come in handy while she tries to track down Belinda Burke, a very powerful black witch who has put a death spell on one of her close shape shifting friends, Culebra. Culebra owns Beso de la Muerte (Kiss of Death), a bar in the deserts of Mexico that caters to the supernatural and when he shows up at his own bar near death with Belinda Burke's name the last words he speaks, the clock starts ticking for Anna to find Belinda.
Anna has always been a cocky, hard-edged gal with a strong stubborn streak, who has always been quick to speak her mind and never takes any bull from anyone but she's always had a soft heart inside the tough exterior she shows world.
Anna speaking to a bail jumper:
"Save your breath, sweetie," I whisper in her ear. "The last glimpse I had of Hank, he was hopping in the back of a pickup. He's long gone."
I reach down and haul her to her feet. I use one hand as if she weighs twenty-five pounds instead of two-fifty. "Looks like it's just you and me."
Hilda is looking at me bleary-eyed with confusion and alcohol. "How did you —? What did you—? Where did you—?"
I pat her head and push her toward my own car. "Don't try to figure it out, Hilda. You'll hurt yourself."
I've enjoyed reading about the situations she always seems to get herself into but this time there was a spot in the story line that really bothered me and I didn't like Anna's reaction, which I can't say anything about without giving out spoilers. I felt her behavior wasn't inline with her character. It was the only low spot in the book for me.
I love the characteristics of the witches in this book and their ability to conjure magic with just a wave of a hand. The witches here can be very powerful beings and they have a whole world of possibilities and dimensions. One of the witches in Retribution has a short story in the anthology Many Bloody Returns, the story gives a insightful look into the world of witches that live in Anna's world. It's not necessary to read it before Retribution but it would give you a better understanding of the witches here and it's a good quick read.
I really enjoy Jeanne Stein's writing style, her words easily flow off the page bringing you into her world of paranormals. The paranormal world she has created around Anna Strong is unique one with many surprises, that has intrigued and entertained me throughout reading the Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles. Ms. Stein always adds an occurrence with an element of harsh realism in her books, they always leave me with deep thoughts on these matters. I like it when an author is not afraid to add an element that could shock and make me think long after I have finished reading a book.
Overall, I enjoyed the mystery and the fast pace set in Retribution. The main plot line gets tied up real nice with subtle hints into Anna's role in the supernatural world as the chosen, the one. I liked this book with the exception I noted and I'll be looking forward to the next book, which I hope will shed some light on Anna's role as the one. I think fans of the Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles will happy with this latest installment, aptly named Retribution. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories based in an urban, supernatural world with an air of mystery.
July 4, 2010
Anna is still a spoiled brat and this time her ignorance does cost someone their life. She still has no clue what she really is and neither does the ready. Come on, 5 books into the series and we still don't have a clue what her destiny is - - Oh, wait, the author must be following the Laurel Hamilton formula. At least Anna doesn't hop into bed with everyone and feel guilty about doing it. True to form though, she makes an enemy of the person who should be mentoring her. She continues to have poor taste in friends. I can't believe I'm requesting the next book from the library.
March 3, 2015
She's getting better at writing, but the character is still really irritatingly pig headed and the repetition of everything that came in the previous books is tedious!
October 11, 2009
I normally really like this series, this book just didn't seem as good as the others. To me it felt like Anna was spinning her wheels. She has given up her family and just hasn't found a new place for herself in the new world she has been dropped in.
Most of the book we spent watching Anna run around trying to figure out what was wrong and who exactly needed to help her. I am also getting tired of the whole antonistic relationshipe between her and Williams. I know he wants to have her embrace her new life more, but she isn't ready to. If he would realize that he could probably get her to do more.
I liked how Anna was ready to do whatever it took to save Frey and Culebra, as these people are becoming her new family. I also think it is great that she can still be surprised, the situation at Ortiz's house cracked me up. Who would have guessed that Anna has a side to her where she is a prude.
I also liked Anna, Sophie, and Deveraux's interaction. I would think that it would get difficult trying to follow what was going on there.
There is the hint that Anna is destined for something more. We were allowed small glimses that there will be big things to come. I am looking forward to seeing what that will be.
Most of the book we spent watching Anna run around trying to figure out what was wrong and who exactly needed to help her. I am also getting tired of the whole antonistic relationshipe between her and Williams. I know he wants to have her embrace her new life more, but she isn't ready to. If he would realize that he could probably get her to do more.
I liked how Anna was ready to do whatever it took to save Frey and Culebra, as these people are becoming her new family. I also think it is great that she can still be surprised, the situation at Ortiz's house cracked me up. Who would have guessed that Anna has a side to her where she is a prude.
I also liked Anna, Sophie, and Deveraux's interaction. I would think that it would get difficult trying to follow what was going on there.
There is the hint that Anna is destined for something more. We were allowed small glimses that there will be big things to come. I am looking forward to seeing what that will be.
January 28, 2010
I like this series. Well, I must or I wouldn't keep reading them.
Why not four or five stars?
Perhaps it's my brain like a sieve, but the talk about Anna being the one and not to resist her destiny made me try to remember how much this issue had been discussed before. Perhaps it's because I'm also reading the Vicki Petterson Zodiac series, but the idea of the 'one' seemed a mite old hat. More development in Book 6, perhaps?
Also, there's a sex scene that isn't Laurell K. Hamilton-gratuitous, but it made me wonder if that thread has been dropped for good, or if it will return later. Otherwise, it is gratuitous and I'm not thrilled at all.
And Williams? C'mon. The guy does have a brain, I know he does. :)
Why not four or five stars?
Perhaps it's my brain like a sieve, but the talk about Anna being the one and not to resist her destiny made me try to remember how much this issue had been discussed before. Perhaps it's because I'm also reading the Vicki Petterson Zodiac series, but the idea of the 'one' seemed a mite old hat. More development in Book 6, perhaps?
Also, there's a sex scene that isn't Laurell K. Hamilton-gratuitous, but it made me wonder if that thread has been dropped for good, or if it will return later. Otherwise, it is gratuitous and I'm not thrilled at all.
And Williams? C'mon. The guy does have a brain, I know he does. :)
April 18, 2015
Anna Strong has only been a vamp for 8 or 9 mths yet she seems to be the go-to girl if anything weird pops up. Could be because she's a Bounty Hunter or it could be because some vamps are calling her "the chosen one". Either way she just wants to live a normal life, she really doesn't want to BE a vampire.
This is book #5 and it seems that nothing really happened on the destiny front, plenty happened in the extreme fighting evil way, but ultimately Anna didn't have any growth and just spun her wheels, doing things the same old stupid way.
She doesn't even know what "the chosen one" is. And neither do we, of course.
Looking forward to the next book and hoping for some clarity about what is going on.
This is book #5 and it seems that nothing really happened on the destiny front, plenty happened in the extreme fighting evil way, but ultimately Anna didn't have any growth and just spun her wheels, doing things the same old stupid way.
She doesn't even know what "the chosen one" is. And neither do we, of course.
Looking forward to the next book and hoping for some clarity about what is going on.
November 24, 2009
Book 5 is like a plane holding pattern. I keep waiting for something to take off. I love the Anna Strong series, but this story falls flat. I miss Avery, he was evil, but he was devilishly exciting.
This book is about Anna still not dealing well as a vampire and still being stupid, making idiotic mistakes. When is this woman going to grow up! She gets involved in a case where newly vampire girls are getting their blood drained. Burke is killing Culebra. Anna with Williams help, is on the hunt to find that evil witch.
Glossing over the spelling errors, it was a good enough read. I am hoping book 6 will be much more exciting.
This book is about Anna still not dealing well as a vampire and still being stupid, making idiotic mistakes. When is this woman going to grow up! She gets involved in a case where newly vampire girls are getting their blood drained. Burke is killing Culebra. Anna with Williams help, is on the hunt to find that evil witch.
Glossing over the spelling errors, it was a good enough read. I am hoping book 6 will be much more exciting.
October 23, 2024
Probably 2.5*. I came back to this book because I’m on vacation and it is small and easily portable. Anna’s anger issues, and refusing to listen to what other people have to say, is just really really annoying. Otherwise, the plot is okay and I decently enjoy the storyline. But disliking the main character/heroine is ruining the series. I’ll probably still continue to read, because I want to know the whole story. Since book one it’s been alluding to Anna being “the one” and she’s too stubborn to find out what that means. But this book ended with a warning she only has a few months left to decide to embrace what must be…?
September 20, 2009
I'm a bit disappointed with this book. Anna is a very strong character, but she did some pretty stupid things. The plot was decent though. I liked reading more of how the witches interact in this world. The main thing that annoyed me was the animosity between her and Williams. It got on my nerves and I couldn't decide who I wanted to slap more. Anna resists fully embracing her supernatural side and Williams is very resentful of that. I can't say I enjoyed the ending. I don't like where the story seems to be heading.
June 19, 2013
I like that these books are short and action packed. Ms. Stein knows her material well and doesn't try to make this series something it's not. It's a fun series without melodrama or deep meaning, and sometimes it's nice to have a quick read handy.
However, Anna continues to be arrogant, cocky, and hotheaded, and she's starting to annoy me. I guess I'm not really attached to any of the characters. These books are okay, but there are other books and series that I like more. I guess I can't justify spending the time on these when I can return to a series that I really love.
However, Anna continues to be arrogant, cocky, and hotheaded, and she's starting to annoy me. I guess I'm not really attached to any of the characters. These books are okay, but there are other books and series that I like more. I guess I can't justify spending the time on these when I can return to a series that I really love.
August 15, 2010
More like 3.5 stars...this is book five and we still don't know what "the chosen one" means...it's getting a little old. This one was just okay for me. I will be purchasing the next book in the series at the end of August but I hope it's better and provides more explanations than this one did; especially because I will not continue to purchase future books if the next one doesn't keep my interest.
September 4, 2009
3.5 - 4 stars
I was a little disappointed with this one. I've loved Anna and this series from the beginning and was so anxious to get book 5. I guess I was expecting too much ... I'm not sure. It was good, but, in my opinion, not quite as good as the previous 4.
I am looking forward to book 6 and hope to finally learn what makes Anna "the one".
I was a little disappointed with this one. I've loved Anna and this series from the beginning and was so anxious to get book 5. I guess I was expecting too much ... I'm not sure. It was good, but, in my opinion, not quite as good as the previous 4.
I am looking forward to book 6 and hope to finally learn what makes Anna "the one".
February 17, 2011
I am done with this series. Anna is more pig-headed and dangerous Anita Blake...and we know how that is turning out! I enjoy most of the secondary characters but they are not allowed to be anything but angry or dead because it's Anna's way or no way. Sorry to rant but I really am disappointed.
August 13, 2012
Meh, I read it because it was there, I've read a lot of this series and it's better than reading something you know you won't like. I'm not crazy about this series but it is better than some. I was out of things to read at the time. I wasn't impressed or displeased.
November 15, 2012
I dont know why I keep reading this series.. I hate the main character. She is so childish and stupid and possibly the worlds worst vampire. I am over it! Aggghhh!!!
July 10, 2024
The vampires have managed to send her family out of town. It’s not a bad thing. They are safer there, but Anna misses them. Her partner is out of town & the supernatural enforcement squad is asking for help. Trouble with ex- police chief Williams, a powerful witch with no conscience a friend in peril. Things are getting interesting.
The 5th installment of the Anna Strong Chronicles and another great read.
The 5th installment of the Anna Strong Chronicles and another great read.
March 18, 2018
Keeping Strong!
Thank You Ms. Stein
Ken
Thank You Ms. Stein
Ken
April 11, 2018
Anna is starting to get annoying. Why constantly angry? Doing stupid stuff as a result.
January 20, 2019
This was an ok read. There was finally a little progress with the chosen one thing. I liked Sophie, I hope she is a recurring character
May 8, 2020
Audiobook
October 6, 2022
I forgot how good the mystery part of these books are….why did it take me so long to pick the next one up?
October 18, 2012
Things have settled into a level of calm for Anna. Her family is living in France on a winery they believe that they have inherited. Her partner David is on vacation and has finally separated from Gloria, the woman she hates and her vampire boyfriend is a model. As much as Anna misses her family she is relaxed and rebuilding a life for herself.
Anna gets a call from Culebra the shapshifter and is told to stay away from Beso de la Muerte because Sandra is going to be there and she has not gotten over the fact that Anna killed her lover. True to form, Anna goes straight there. Anna is nothing but predictable and this is why Culebra told her to stay away, in order to ensure that she would meet Williams there. Though Williams is no longer the police chief he still has connections and he wants Anna to investigate the death of young vampires. He is worried that these deaths will bring attention the community does not need. Anna however is not drawn into the investigation until Culebra ends up in a psychic coma cased by an old foe - Belinda Burke. In the process of tying to help him Fray gets drawn in and his life is also in danger. With the clock ticking down, Anna has to find a way to stop Burke for good.
As with all of the other books in this series, there is little GLBT inclusion. Anna does end up having sex with a woman in a blood exchange but it is something she is embarrassed and ashamed of. It reads more like the magic of the exchange made her do it. It is something that is certainly sexually one sided and done simply as payment for human blood. Sandra, the lesbian werewolf we met in Legacy, is briefly in the novel, but is of course now grieving since her lover was killed in the last book. Heaven forbid there be sex between people of the same gender without shame and a functioning same sex couple where neither partner dies.
The only two characters of colour are Ortiz and Culebra who spends most of the book in a coma. Ortiz who has done little but play the role of servant for Williams ends up dead and this brings his hatred of Anna to a new level because despite what she says, Williams believes that Anna could have saved him if she only believed that she is the chosen one. For the first time ever, we actually learn a little bit about Ortiz and this rounds out his character a little bit but it pales in comparison to how much we have learned about the other characters. His death is little more than a plot device to elevate the tension between Williams and Anna and in this way, he becomes the ultimate servant. To seal the deal we end up with Culebra pledging to give Anna anything she wants because she saved his life. What bound them before this was an interesting friendship and what remains is now nothing more than a master/slave relationship.
Anna has been told repeatedly that there is something special about her and yet she never deigns to ask what that means. She would rather bury her head in the sand and pretend that she is human than deal with the realities of her existence. Anna takes being an ostrich to a brand new level and it is beyond annoying. Considering that this is book five already, I think Stein should have revealed what the deal is with Anna. There is building up anticipation in a reader and then there is a long winded tale - Stein falls into the latter. At least let Anna find out what is and then make the decision to run screaming if she has to. The idea that because she doesn't trust Williams that she doesn't need to know is ridiculous.
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Anna gets a call from Culebra the shapshifter and is told to stay away from Beso de la Muerte because Sandra is going to be there and she has not gotten over the fact that Anna killed her lover. True to form, Anna goes straight there. Anna is nothing but predictable and this is why Culebra told her to stay away, in order to ensure that she would meet Williams there. Though Williams is no longer the police chief he still has connections and he wants Anna to investigate the death of young vampires. He is worried that these deaths will bring attention the community does not need. Anna however is not drawn into the investigation until Culebra ends up in a psychic coma cased by an old foe - Belinda Burke. In the process of tying to help him Fray gets drawn in and his life is also in danger. With the clock ticking down, Anna has to find a way to stop Burke for good.
As with all of the other books in this series, there is little GLBT inclusion. Anna does end up having sex with a woman in a blood exchange but it is something she is embarrassed and ashamed of. It reads more like the magic of the exchange made her do it. It is something that is certainly sexually one sided and done simply as payment for human blood. Sandra, the lesbian werewolf we met in Legacy, is briefly in the novel, but is of course now grieving since her lover was killed in the last book. Heaven forbid there be sex between people of the same gender without shame and a functioning same sex couple where neither partner dies.
The only two characters of colour are Ortiz and Culebra who spends most of the book in a coma. Ortiz who has done little but play the role of servant for Williams ends up dead and this brings his hatred of Anna to a new level because despite what she says, Williams believes that Anna could have saved him if she only believed that she is the chosen one. For the first time ever, we actually learn a little bit about Ortiz and this rounds out his character a little bit but it pales in comparison to how much we have learned about the other characters. His death is little more than a plot device to elevate the tension between Williams and Anna and in this way, he becomes the ultimate servant. To seal the deal we end up with Culebra pledging to give Anna anything she wants because she saved his life. What bound them before this was an interesting friendship and what remains is now nothing more than a master/slave relationship.
Anna has been told repeatedly that there is something special about her and yet she never deigns to ask what that means. She would rather bury her head in the sand and pretend that she is human than deal with the realities of her existence. Anna takes being an ostrich to a brand new level and it is beyond annoying. Considering that this is book five already, I think Stein should have revealed what the deal is with Anna. There is building up anticipation in a reader and then there is a long winded tale - Stein falls into the latter. At least let Anna find out what is and then make the decision to run screaming if she has to. The idea that because she doesn't trust Williams that she doesn't need to know is ridiculous.
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March 10, 2011
Die Kopfgeldjägerin Anna Strong ist nun bereits seit 9 Monaten Vampir und viel ist in dieser Zeit passiert. Vier Monate zurückliegende Ereignisse aus Band 3 (The Watcher/ Dunkle Küsse: Ein Vampirthriller) holen Anna ein. Chief Williams bittet Anna um ihre Hilfe. In San Diego tauchen ausgeblutete noch sehr junge Vampire auf und er befürchtet Anna könnte das nächste Opfer sein. Menschen entwickeln plötzlich Blutdurst und Gloria (die Ex-Freunding von Annas Partner David) wirbt für eine anti aging Creme die wirklich unglaublichen Ergebnisse erzielt, aber deren Anwenderinnen plötzlich zu sterben beginnen. Das alles jedoch ist für Anna nur zweitrangig denn Belinda Burke hat ihren Freund Culebra mit einem Fluch belegt und er liegt im Sterben. Der Gestaltwandler Frey versucht alles, um das zu verhindern, aber auch er wird durch den Fluch immer mehr geschwächt. Anne kann es nicht ertragen zwei ihrer wenigen verbliebenen Freunde zu verlieren, doch schon bald erkennt sie, dass alle Fälle zu Belinda Burkeführen, die auf Rache sinnt, weil Anna ihr schon einmal ihre Pläne durchkreuzt hat.
Dieser Fall führt Anna Strong tief in die magische Gesellschaft. Chief Williams spielt immer noch Spielchen mit Anna und es deutet immer mehr darauf hin, dass er sie und ihre speziellen Kräfte für sich nutzen will und sie daher im dunkeln darüber lässt, wer sie wirklich ist oder sein könnten. In einem Moment in dem er sich nicht mehr unter Kontrolle hat entschlüpfen ihm Hinweise auf Annas Schicksal und dass sie schon bald eine Entscheidung treffen muss. Anna weiß immer weniger wem sie in der übernatürlichen Gesellschaft trauen kann und macht sich in diesem Teil viele neue Feinde.
Ich fand es schön endlich wieder einen übernatürlichen Kriminalfall von Anna Strong zu lesen, nachdem Legacy ein eher konventioneller Krimi war. Anna entwirckelt sich weiter und lernt mehr über Magie und ihre Rolle in der Gesellschaft der magisch Begabten. Neue Allianzen werden geschmiedet und alte Feindschaften gepflegt. Sie beginnt langsam zu akzeptieren wer sie ist und dass sie kein Mensch bleiben kann. Sie weiß auch, dass sie zögern wird ihre Menschlichkeit zu opfern, aber es tun wird, wenn es notwendig sein sollte.
Obwohl dieser Buch der mittlerweile fünfte Band der Anna Strong Reihe ist, kann das Buch durchaus auch außerhalb der Reihe gelesen werden, wenn man damit leben kann einige kleinere Lücken in den Verhältnissen der Personen zu ignorieren. Wichtige Informationen werden erklärt und der Fall an sich ist in sich abgeschlossen.
Die Anna Strong Reihe:
1. Jeanne C. Stein - Verführung der Nacht: Ein Vampirthriller - The Becoming (Anna Strong)
2. Jeanne C. Stein - Lockruf des Blutes: Ein Vampirthriller - Blood Drive (Anna Strong)
3. Jeanne C. Stein - Dunkle Küsse: Ein Vampirthriller - The Watcher
4. Jeanne C. Stein - Legacy: An Anna Strong, Vampire Novel
Dieser Fall führt Anna Strong tief in die magische Gesellschaft. Chief Williams spielt immer noch Spielchen mit Anna und es deutet immer mehr darauf hin, dass er sie und ihre speziellen Kräfte für sich nutzen will und sie daher im dunkeln darüber lässt, wer sie wirklich ist oder sein könnten. In einem Moment in dem er sich nicht mehr unter Kontrolle hat entschlüpfen ihm Hinweise auf Annas Schicksal und dass sie schon bald eine Entscheidung treffen muss. Anna weiß immer weniger wem sie in der übernatürlichen Gesellschaft trauen kann und macht sich in diesem Teil viele neue Feinde.
Ich fand es schön endlich wieder einen übernatürlichen Kriminalfall von Anna Strong zu lesen, nachdem Legacy ein eher konventioneller Krimi war. Anna entwirckelt sich weiter und lernt mehr über Magie und ihre Rolle in der Gesellschaft der magisch Begabten. Neue Allianzen werden geschmiedet und alte Feindschaften gepflegt. Sie beginnt langsam zu akzeptieren wer sie ist und dass sie kein Mensch bleiben kann. Sie weiß auch, dass sie zögern wird ihre Menschlichkeit zu opfern, aber es tun wird, wenn es notwendig sein sollte.
Obwohl dieser Buch der mittlerweile fünfte Band der Anna Strong Reihe ist, kann das Buch durchaus auch außerhalb der Reihe gelesen werden, wenn man damit leben kann einige kleinere Lücken in den Verhältnissen der Personen zu ignorieren. Wichtige Informationen werden erklärt und der Fall an sich ist in sich abgeschlossen.
Die Anna Strong Reihe:
1. Jeanne C. Stein - Verführung der Nacht: Ein Vampirthriller - The Becoming (Anna Strong)
2. Jeanne C. Stein - Lockruf des Blutes: Ein Vampirthriller - Blood Drive (Anna Strong)
3. Jeanne C. Stein - Dunkle Küsse: Ein Vampirthriller - The Watcher
4. Jeanne C. Stein - Legacy: An Anna Strong, Vampire Novel
June 14, 2015
Retribution is the 5th novel in the Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Stein's work, as I was, Anna Strong is a bounty hunter who was attacked by a vampire and as a result became a vampire herself.
Anna Strong is everything you expect a female character in an Urban Fantasy novel to be: kick-arse, gutsy, a fighter with a complex personality that draws you in to every aspect of her life. Her mission: to find the witch who has put a spell on her friend who is now dying and to discover why vampires are turning up dead, completely drained of blood. So, along with the vampires, witches and werewolves, there is also a little mystery thrown in and Anna becomes part detective. It works well. I did happen to figure the story out quite early on but I still enjoyed the ride.
There is also the fact that Anna is 'The One'. She doesn't really understand it yet and doesn't seem to know her full strength or what she is capable of, even though she is told that she can walk through fire, the sure way to kill a vampire. Nothing about 'The One' is revealed in this novel, but it hints at the possibility of lots to come.
Although I did enjoy the book, I can't really say it works as a stand alone because it doesn't. There are too many underlying story-lines that are referred to, and as I have no knowledge of these I felt a little bit disconnected from the story and its characters. It's for this reason that I don't usually read a series half way through, but as this was sent for review I didn't have time to read all four novels preceding this one.
However, the character of Anna Strong and her relationships with others are complex and I really would like to know more about them. Why is the relationship with her mentor, Williams, so strained? What happened between them that they now want to kill each other? Who's Avery? Why is Sandra so distant? And although I was told in Retribution that Culebra is her friend, I didn't feel it. I need to live it to really get immersed in the life of Anna Strong and so I will just have to go back to the beginning...
Verdict:
Retribution is a great urban fantasy read. It gives you everything you expect from this genre: kick-arse chick, fast-paced plot, action and a dash of romance. I would recommend this book, but maybe read the series from the beginning as I think you would get more out of this book if you did.
I actually gave this book 7/10 on my blog but Goodreads doesn't offer half stars.
Anna Strong is everything you expect a female character in an Urban Fantasy novel to be: kick-arse, gutsy, a fighter with a complex personality that draws you in to every aspect of her life. Her mission: to find the witch who has put a spell on her friend who is now dying and to discover why vampires are turning up dead, completely drained of blood. So, along with the vampires, witches and werewolves, there is also a little mystery thrown in and Anna becomes part detective. It works well. I did happen to figure the story out quite early on but I still enjoyed the ride.
There is also the fact that Anna is 'The One'. She doesn't really understand it yet and doesn't seem to know her full strength or what she is capable of, even though she is told that she can walk through fire, the sure way to kill a vampire. Nothing about 'The One' is revealed in this novel, but it hints at the possibility of lots to come.
Although I did enjoy the book, I can't really say it works as a stand alone because it doesn't. There are too many underlying story-lines that are referred to, and as I have no knowledge of these I felt a little bit disconnected from the story and its characters. It's for this reason that I don't usually read a series half way through, but as this was sent for review I didn't have time to read all four novels preceding this one.
However, the character of Anna Strong and her relationships with others are complex and I really would like to know more about them. Why is the relationship with her mentor, Williams, so strained? What happened between them that they now want to kill each other? Who's Avery? Why is Sandra so distant? And although I was told in Retribution that Culebra is her friend, I didn't feel it. I need to live it to really get immersed in the life of Anna Strong and so I will just have to go back to the beginning...
Verdict:
Retribution is a great urban fantasy read. It gives you everything you expect from this genre: kick-arse chick, fast-paced plot, action and a dash of romance. I would recommend this book, but maybe read the series from the beginning as I think you would get more out of this book if you did.
I actually gave this book 7/10 on my blog but Goodreads doesn't offer half stars.
June 28, 2010
Here we are book five in the Anna Strong Chronicles. Strong is the kick ass heroine that always seems to find herself in a world of a mess. I like this character, and find her story to be one that never becomes tiresome. Although, this is not the only extraordinary character in these chronicles; this is a story of various amazing characters that will demand the readers attention.
Regretfully, I must admit that the past two books in this series seemed to be running out of steam. Honestly I had became concerned that this series might not have the power to continue its momentum. Retribution has restored my faith. Anna's story picked back up, and promises the next book to have a awesome storyline. A highlight to this novel what appears to be wrapping up the mystery of Strong's destiny. The past books have mentioned Strong's destiny, but I felt this book did a much better job and I look for the next book to layout Strong's future.
Stein is an very enjoyable writer that knows just what her readers like. The only complaint that I find consistently with her books is moments of inactivity that I find myself struggling for a few pages. This usually occurs immediately after a confrontation or situation that is being wrapped up; it seems there will be a page or two that is mildly annoying to get through before the next thing begins. Impressively, I find this is easy to overlook with an author that has such incredible stories, so I will just chalk it up to a minor flaw.
On an ending note, let's talk about the cover art. All of the Anna Strong Chronicles are covers are a theme of the a female portraying the main character with added props that will leave the readers guessing. All of the covers are attractive and a great addition to one's bookshelf, but they are far from my favorites.
Regretfully, I must admit that the past two books in this series seemed to be running out of steam. Honestly I had became concerned that this series might not have the power to continue its momentum. Retribution has restored my faith. Anna's story picked back up, and promises the next book to have a awesome storyline. A highlight to this novel what appears to be wrapping up the mystery of Strong's destiny. The past books have mentioned Strong's destiny, but I felt this book did a much better job and I look for the next book to layout Strong's future.
Stein is an very enjoyable writer that knows just what her readers like. The only complaint that I find consistently with her books is moments of inactivity that I find myself struggling for a few pages. This usually occurs immediately after a confrontation or situation that is being wrapped up; it seems there will be a page or two that is mildly annoying to get through before the next thing begins. Impressively, I find this is easy to overlook with an author that has such incredible stories, so I will just chalk it up to a minor flaw.
On an ending note, let's talk about the cover art. All of the Anna Strong Chronicles are covers are a theme of the a female portraying the main character with added props that will leave the readers guessing. All of the covers are attractive and a great addition to one's bookshelf, but they are far from my favorites.
March 10, 2011
**Review** Anna Strong is still dealing with her two sided nature; her vampire and human sides. This includes now includes her new relationship with another vampire and underwear model Lance.
She also has to deal with the fact that her business partner has decided to go on vacation for awhile, leaving the business in Anna's hands alone.
Warren Williams, San Diego's ex police chief and her ex-mentor now the leader of the local supernaturals, is pressing Anna to help find the person responsible for draining newly turned vampires of their blood. Anna is resistant at first because she still feels a boat load of resentment towards Williams for having a part in her family move to a winery in France, even though she knows that it's the safest place for them to be while Anna deals with her own problems.
Belinda Burke, a very powerful black witch is back, and has put a death spell on one of her close shape shifting friends, Culebra. Thanks to a little help from her friends, Anna saves Culebra and Daniel Frey from Burke.
Anna's continued mistakes and attitude sometimes gets under my skin. It's like nails on the chalk board effect. I want to like her, but I find myself hoping for a modern miracle.
Anna's role in the supernatural world as the chosen one, will finally be answered in the next installment called The Chosen. Thank you!
She also has to deal with the fact that her business partner has decided to go on vacation for awhile, leaving the business in Anna's hands alone.
Warren Williams, San Diego's ex police chief and her ex-mentor now the leader of the local supernaturals, is pressing Anna to help find the person responsible for draining newly turned vampires of their blood. Anna is resistant at first because she still feels a boat load of resentment towards Williams for having a part in her family move to a winery in France, even though she knows that it's the safest place for them to be while Anna deals with her own problems.
Belinda Burke, a very powerful black witch is back, and has put a death spell on one of her close shape shifting friends, Culebra. Thanks to a little help from her friends, Anna saves Culebra and Daniel Frey from Burke.
Anna's continued mistakes and attitude sometimes gets under my skin. It's like nails on the chalk board effect. I want to like her, but I find myself hoping for a modern miracle.
Anna's role in the supernatural world as the chosen one, will finally be answered in the next installment called The Chosen. Thank you!
December 9, 2011
I really like Jeanne C. Stein's writing. It is fast paced and has enough plot twists to make you pay attention, but not so many that you need a score card. I do have one little problem with her main character, Anna Strong -- the woman has no curiosity. When she was first turned in "The Becoming" she reacted to the news that she was a vampire with about as much shock and curiosity as if she had been told she was descended from a Mayflower Pilgrim.
In the "Blood Drive" and "The Watcher" Williams had dropped so many hints that she was somehow special that it looked like WWII carpet bombing. Now, in "Legacy" she is told outright that she is the "chosen one", but does she even ask what that means? NO. Maybe it's my background academic background, but I know that I would want to know what it meant if someone told me that I was the "chosen one." Chosen for what, by whom, and do I have any say in it?
Anna was a teacher and is a bounty hunter, she is intelligent, educated, and in a job that requires finding things -- she should have more curiosity about her own nature.
Perhaps this is a deliberate character flaw of the character Anna that will come back to bite (pun intended) her, but right now it just has me thinking that there is a dimension missing from the main character. Even Sookie Stackhouse wanted to know what she really was, even if it was as lame as being a fairy.
In the "Blood Drive" and "The Watcher" Williams had dropped so many hints that she was somehow special that it looked like WWII carpet bombing. Now, in "Legacy" she is told outright that she is the "chosen one", but does she even ask what that means? NO. Maybe it's my background academic background, but I know that I would want to know what it meant if someone told me that I was the "chosen one." Chosen for what, by whom, and do I have any say in it?
Anna was a teacher and is a bounty hunter, she is intelligent, educated, and in a job that requires finding things -- she should have more curiosity about her own nature.
Perhaps this is a deliberate character flaw of the character Anna that will come back to bite (pun intended) her, but right now it just has me thinking that there is a dimension missing from the main character. Even Sookie Stackhouse wanted to know what she really was, even if it was as lame as being a fairy.
November 17, 2012
Setelah sempat stuck, ahirnya slese juga...
Kali ini Anna berhadapan lagi sama Burke. Culebra kena guna2 Burke, dan bisa sembuh klo Burke mati. Pas lagi nyari Burke, Anna ngeliat ada krim antiaging baru yg lagi booming, namanya Eternal Youth, en ternyata yg punya itu Burke. Setelah diteliti oleh Williams, ternyata krim itu mengandung darah vampir. Selain itu muncul vampir spesies baru yg gak bisa kluar siang hari en lgsung meledak klo kena sinar matahari. Vampir jenis baru ini juga cuman ngerasa bloodthirsty doang, tp gak punya superspeed and superstrength, en Burke 'memeras' vampir itu pake kalung besi di lehernya yg ada tusukannya gitu, jadi darahnya lgsung dialirin ke kantong gt. Semua yg diambil darahnya vampir cewek yg masih muda2. Kemudian, karena ketahuan sama Anna, pabrik kosmetik Burke ini tutup en Burke menghilang, en ahirnya Anna nemuin adiknya Burke, namanya Sophie yg kliatan masih kayak ABG 15 tahun pdhal uda 80 tahun. Ahirnya dengan bantuan Sophie ini, Burke berhasil ditemukan.
Bagian2 akhir seru. Williams ahirnya declaring war ke Anna. Williams ini kyknya uda dendam sedendam2nya sama Anna. Trus Sophie yg punya alter ego vampir Deveraux yg tinggal di dalam tubuhnya juga tahu klo Anna ini The Chosen One, tp Anna malah gak tau apa-apa...
Awalnya gak kebayang gimana Anna bisa ngalahin Burke yg witch, tp ternyata di luar dugaan...
Kali ini Anna berhadapan lagi sama Burke. Culebra kena guna2 Burke, dan bisa sembuh klo Burke mati. Pas lagi nyari Burke, Anna ngeliat ada krim antiaging baru yg lagi booming, namanya Eternal Youth, en ternyata yg punya itu Burke. Setelah diteliti oleh Williams, ternyata krim itu mengandung darah vampir. Selain itu muncul vampir spesies baru yg gak bisa kluar siang hari en lgsung meledak klo kena sinar matahari. Vampir jenis baru ini juga cuman ngerasa bloodthirsty doang, tp gak punya superspeed and superstrength, en Burke 'memeras' vampir itu pake kalung besi di lehernya yg ada tusukannya gitu, jadi darahnya lgsung dialirin ke kantong gt. Semua yg diambil darahnya vampir cewek yg masih muda2. Kemudian, karena ketahuan sama Anna, pabrik kosmetik Burke ini tutup en Burke menghilang, en ahirnya Anna nemuin adiknya Burke, namanya Sophie yg kliatan masih kayak ABG 15 tahun pdhal uda 80 tahun. Ahirnya dengan bantuan Sophie ini, Burke berhasil ditemukan.
Bagian2 akhir seru. Williams ahirnya declaring war ke Anna. Williams ini kyknya uda dendam sedendam2nya sama Anna. Trus Sophie yg punya alter ego vampir Deveraux yg tinggal di dalam tubuhnya juga tahu klo Anna ini The Chosen One, tp Anna malah gak tau apa-apa...
Awalnya gak kebayang gimana Anna bisa ngalahin Burke yg witch, tp ternyata di luar dugaan...
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