Halfway to the Grave: A Night Huntress Novel Review

By Jeaniene Frost

From the Back

Flirting With The Grave…

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

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

Themes

• Identity and Self-Acceptance: Cat is torn between her two sides, thinking she's a monster at first and trying to rid herself of her human side by hunting vampires.

• Forced Proximity and Romance: The main relationship starts as an uneasy partnership but eventually blossoms into trust and love, a classic theme in paranormal romance.

• Prejudice vs. Nuance: Cat has to challenge her simplistic view of vampires as evil, realizing through Bones that being good or bad isn't about what species you are.

• Power Dynamics and Partnership: The story highlights creating a balanced partnership between two strong-willed characters.

Review

"Halfway to the Grave" launches the Night Huntress series, featuring incredible characters and a fast-paced, highly addictive plot. The author expertly blends action, paranormal elements, fantasy, and romance to craft an outstanding story. Cat, the protagonist, is a witty, sassy, and sharp woman who's also quite lethal. Bones perfectly combines the traits of a mischievous bad boy with a gentle side, which he reveals to only a select few. I've never encountered two characters with a stronger bond than Cat and Bones! The novel also introduces intriguing and vibrant side characters that add a touch of mystery. I particularly enjoyed Cat's encounter with a "friendly" ghost and her brief interaction with a ghoul named Rodney. I've read this book multiple times because I love it so much, and I’m definitely going to continue with the series, eager to be amazed by Cat and Bones once again!