Oops, I did it again! I'm jumping into a series I have never read before, have no knowledge of and am hoping it works out. Normally it is only a few books in, but with the Jane Yellowrock series, it is the eleventh book in. Eleventh! That's insane! How I expected to even begin to follow along with Cold Reign is beyond me. However, looking at the reviews for the previous books as well as the blurb for this book, I just couldn't resist. Annnnd....

I freaking loved it! Cold Reign had everything I look for in a book. Top notch characters to connect with. Jane, Bruiser, Eli, her whole 'family'. There's a story to them I can't want to learn more about. An unpredictable story line. What are the Mithrans (nevermind who they are) really up to. Action, suspense, humor, that 'Holy Cow!' ending!!! - honestly, I could go on and on it was that spot on for me. So how did I enjoy this book so much yet feel so lost?

The lost part is easy enough to figure out. There's quite a bit of world-building I am clueless since, as I said before, I'm reading this series for the first time. Revs? MOC? Paranormal politicking? So much to learn here. Jane herself is the biggest mystery for me. Skinwalker? I thought I had that figured out but nope. I had to turn the portion of my brain off that is usually reserved for backstory retention and just take everything as it came up. Once I did, I found myself being sucked in, losing sleep and loving every minute of it.

It's not often I am taken that much with a series this quickly. Reading one book well into an established series and I am hooked. I've already started looking into reading the whole series from the beginning. Label it what you want - urban fantasy, paranormal - really I don't care. What author Faith Hunter has got here is a masterpiece and if the previous books are as good as this one, then I may have a new go-to series to lose myself in.

reviewed by Jac

I got this book through NetGalley to review.  This is the 11th book in the Jane Yellowrock series.  I haven't enjoyed the last couple books in this series as much as the previous ones.  The books are long and when I read them, instead of whipping through them, they feel long to me.

I think there’s been too much focus on all the political issues going on with the European vampires, I haven’t been enjoying this plot thread a ton.  Additionally tons of new characters are thrown at the reader each book because of all the new players arriving in New Orleans as part of this story.  It’s hard to read and hard to keep track of everyone.

There ends up being so much packed into the story that it feels frantic and a bit disorganized at time.  Jane just runs frantically from one place to the next and very little time is spent on further developing her character.  We also don’t get as much time watching her interact with those around her in a non-frantic setting and I miss that.

I still do continue to enjoy a lot of the characters in this book.  The progress in understanding Jane’s skinwalker abilities and unraveling the magics within her was interesting.  I also did enjoy some of the revelations about Bruiser and his developing powers.  

I think the story may just be getting a bit too drawn out and complex.  It feels like the book could have used better editing.  I don't know...I've just been struggling to stay interested for the whole story; these are pretty long books and they are starting to feel very long to me.   Don't get me wrong they are still well written and full of fabulous action scenes and characters; they just feel...long, and not in a good way.

Overall not my favorite book in the Jane Yellowrock series.  The last few books have just felt very long to me and overly disorganized and complex.  We are getting too many new characters thrown at us and the book pace comes off as almost frantic.  I’ll read the next book in the series but if that one is similar to the last couple, I think I am done with the series.  I would still recommend the series to urban fantasy fans; most of it has been amazing...it’s just these last couple books that have been disappointing for me.

The action just doesn't STOP!

Jane and her ever-increasing circle of family must circumvent the centuries-in-the-planning coup being attempted by the EVs in order to save her loved ones and keep their way of life. During the process Jane's inherent magics and her acquired ones cause her many issues... and may just be what save the day.

Things to love about this installment of Jane's story:
- the puns: Starting with the title...
- the action: It's fast, almost constant, and bloody.
- the verbiage: Faith's writing is descriptive, imaginative, and engaging... and STILL manages to use "big words"! ;)
- the characters: They are well-developed, charismatic, and intriguing. Sometimes Faith even makes you route for the bad guys... but not often.

Things to hate about this book:
- ummmmmm... that I finished it? lol

This series is definitely not for underage or immature audiences, but for those of us who enjoy strong female protagonists who become more complex as the series progresses and use sarcasm like a dollop of whipped cream (on top of her tea), Jane RAWKS!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley Publishing as part of a book blog tour in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts/comments are my own.**

Cold Reign begins in a storm. And it storms the whole way through the book. The storms are not natural, and are one big stumbling block to all that Jane and Clan Yellowrock are trying to prevent. I think I got just as sick of the rain and storms as everyone else.

The European Vamps are making moves towards New Orleans and it is a huge puzzle as to what their plans are. The hits start coming to NOLA and the Master of the City fast and furious. Starting out with some weird revenants with dog shaped teeth. The storm and the chaos all seem to roil together and keep everyone running a mile a minute. Every time we think that we are going to get a break to catch our breath, another attack of some sort happens that has Jane and the others suiting back up.

The appearance of Rick LaFleur brings an interesting side problem for Jane. She was done with him, and has moved on. But now he’s back. I felt kind of bad for Rick, but I am jumping into this series pretty late so I don’t know all of the back story between them.

Cold Reign brings together a lot of back story. The EV’s have been plotting this for a very long time, so it’s no surprise that a lot of back story comes up. Using the bits of that back story, Jane can determine who is working with or against them. Even then we still get some surprises.

There was so much action in Cold Reign. It was non-stop which made it hard to find stopping points. This was my first Jane Yellowrock novel so it was quite difficult for me to get into the groove of the characters and the writing. Despite the downside of my lack of familiarity with Jane & Beast’s abilities, the action and pacing kept me glued to the story.

I’m a sucker for romance, and Bruiser and Jane’s relationship had me breaking out in smiles. They make a really cute couple going through all the stuff new couples go through. I’m glad that Ms. Hunter was able to squeeze in these little gems to brighten the blood and death going on around them all.

The ending was pretty shady. I don’t know Leo well enough to foretell what he is up to, but he is definitely trying to make some new moves on the chessboard. He obviously has plans for Jane, but he’s pretty sneaky about what he is up to. Bruiser must have had an idea and tried to prevent it, but I think it will be in upcoming books where we will get to see just what Leo thought he was doing and if it worked.

Even though I didn’t have any back story going into this book, I still enjoyed the action, mystery and little nuggets of romance. I need to grab the first books and get caught up in this world so I will be prepared for Dark Queen!

Favorite Quote: ME? CRAZY? I Should Get Down Off This Unicorn And Slap You.

Jane Yellowrock is back and badder than even in the eleventh installment of Faith Hunter’s bestselling urban fantasy series-Jane Yellowrock. Already a force most won’t reckon with, she has increased her power and prestige as the Enforcer for the MoC of New Orleans-Leo Pellister-and the unintentional creation of her own clan. When New Orleans falls victim to a wave of revenants and an unnatural storm, Jane discovers the European Vampires Delegates have chosen a deadly way to announce their arrival. Allies and enemies come out of the woodwork as Jane and her crew attempt to keep the residents and their loved ones safe but centuries of secrets, lies, and betrayal may spell death for them all.

Jane Yellowrock, a Cherokee female dual nature skinwalker, has been slowly and steadily settling into her new life. She and Beast have found common ground and become an almost unbeatable team. Jane has begun to rely more on her Indian heritage to cleanse her soul of the black magic it’s collected due to her guilt over things she has done. Her love life is flourishing and she has a strong show of strength at her back through Clan Yellowrock which consists of Younger Brothers, her new primo-Edmond, the Truehearts, her lover-Bruiser, and Brute. For the first time in a long time, Jane is content.

“I love you more than bacon. Unless I’m hungry.”

As always, Hunter gives readers a nonstop action packed, kick arse, magically enhanced story with a continuous flow of controlled chaos and humor as Jane once again finds herself cleaning up behind one of Leo’s political long games. Hunter continues to increase her character base, introducing new players while expanding on the older more established ones as she guides readers through Jane’s latest and convoluted adventure.

They wanted to own the world.

Readers will be pleased to see the arc surrounding the European Mithran Vampire delegate (EVs) has finally reached fruition. And what a fruition it is. Hunter has dropped plenty of clues throughout the series concerning the Europeans and their ties to Leo and his people. It’s only in here do you realize just how long and deep those ties run. Centuries. The sheer magnitude and duplicity Hunter reveals in here is staggering and I applaud Hunter for her skill. She makes wonderful use of history and I admit I was fascinated by the liberty Hunter takes as she bends and twists it to her will. Jane and the crew certainly have their work cut out for them as they are pulled multiple directions as the EVs launch their agenda on various levels with all roads leading to back to Leo Pellister.

Leo needed a good lesson in manners, but I had to survive this situation first.

I would remiss if I didn’t mention that after the initial out of the gate one two PUNCH  the storyline slows down considerably as Jane deals with some personal issues concerning her family while investigating what the EVs are up too. It’s really around the 30-40% mark that the story resets its focus, picks up the speed, and races towards the end.

“You ever try to crown me again, I’ll cut you head off and shove it up your arse.”

Hunter finally addresses the Rick LaFleur situation and seemingly lays it to rest but if you’re not reading her Soulwood series, some of the information here might be confusing and/or a spoil-y. Let’s just say Ricky Bo is back and Jane makes it perfectly clear who holds the key to her heart. And it ain’t Ricky Bo. It was nice to see Rick finally apologize for his actions. Not only for when he humiliated Jane in front of everyone but from the very beginning.

“I’m sorry I hurt you, Jane. I’m sorry I shamed you. I’m sorry I was such a lousy human being that every single person who matters to me in New Orleans wants to punish or kill me. Including my mom.”

As always, Hunter ends the story a climactic note as she wraps up the main storyline with cheers, jeers, and more than one jaw-dropping moment. Though the EVs are on the run, the long game is still in play with some interesting clues towards the future. Jane is not done in her evolution but she may wish she was when it’s all said and done. Hunter writes another winner and I’m more than ready for book twelve, title and release date to be announced.

Grade: B

It's finally time for the European vampires to arrive, but with any Jane Yellowrock novel, event's didn't exactly unfold like I thought they would. 

COLD REIGN is chock-full of action, a TON takes place, and it felt like the stakes were higher than they had ever been before. It seems like Jane has been getting her butt kicked in the last few books and COLD REIGN was no different. If she wasn't the main character, I would have thought she was a goner at quite a few points in book 11.

Jane has a lot of 'family' already and it seems like more members are added to her household with each installment of the series. She hasn't always been OK with that, but it seems like she is finally starting to accept that everyone is there to stay. Jane's relationship with Bruiser continues to grow in strength and I really love the scenes with them being lovey, but I was a little concerned when Rick showed up. There were a lot of ways his showing up could have gone and I don't want to spoil anything for you by saying more, so I won't.

I was shocked with some of the revelations that came out in COLD REIGN. I don't want to say I didn't see them coming, because I think there was always a niggling in the back of my mind, but I was still really shocked with all that came out and the way in which they were revealed. I don't think there is much more I can say about COLD REIGN without giving away spoilers. I very much enjoyed watching Jane and her allies fight their newest conflicts and I look forward to seeing what will come next now that the storm that was the European vampires came through.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I've been a big fan of Faith's work for quite some time so I've really been looking forward to Janes next outing to see how she would be tested by not only the author but the characters she was faced against.

What happens within the pages is a bloody battle for New Orleans and the New World as players from the Old one seek to take over with not only outright conflict but enough subtle nuances and chess like moves to make it not only difficult to see what they're up to but the overall goals.  

Its well written, the principle characters work well together and when you throw into the mix the bonds of all concerned you care about each of them in the conflicts that occur within, so much so that you're heart is in your mouth as to whether they'll survive or not.  Add to this top notch prose and of course villains worthy of our heroine and all round I was a more than happy reader.

My only real qualm about the while book was the sheer amount of clothing they went through, surely no one has the budget or the wardrobe space for so many to get ruined?  Other than that though a pure joy.

(Review goes live on the 6th May 2017 on Falcata Times at 0830 Uk Time)

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
Forever ago, I primarily read Urban Fantasy and little else. Now I read mostly everything, but I was pleased to have found this series about a year ago, with so many books in the backlist to binge-read.

Jane Yellowrock is one of the most consistent Urban Fantasy series I’ve read to-date. I immerse myself in the novel, finding it a comfort while reading, and it never fails to re-spark my love of the genre.

As a fan, why am I giving four instead of five stars? Cold Reign had a bit of a slow start for me. There was a comfort in seeing the same characters with little changing, like visiting an old friend, but it felt as if it took forever to get to the meat of the storyline. After which, while it was thrilling and exciting, it had a bit of a wash-repeat feel to the storyline. Jane would encounter baddies, get filthy in the pouring rain, run home to change (or not), fight more baddies, go to HQ, run home to save Alex, wash repeat, all in the same limo, in what felt like a never-ending day.

While I enjoyed the story, some deviation would have been appreciated. Then there are always the baddies from past books popping up because they weren’t eradicated when they should have been.

Other than the redundancy, I struggled with all the European vamps and their histories. While I don’t doubt that it all tied together, was well researched, and the author did a good job, it all sort of just went directly over my head, and it was recently that I’ve read the latter books in the series. A case of too much, too soon, in a complicated info-dump I just skimmed because it was making my head hurt. I still got heads and tails, but I didn’t feel like I needed a history lesson to keep up.

Jane and Beast, her business partners (Eli and Alex), Bruiser (her boyfriend), Edmund (her primo), Brute (the werewolf stuck in wolf-form), the vampire gang and their entourage, and last but never least, Leo (MotC) all make an impressive showing on the pages. Even Ricky-Bo makes a rare appearance.

The wash-repeat of the storyline didn’t erase my overall enjoyment. I adore Jane’s interactions with her posse, especially Beast’s commentary never failing to tear laughter out of me. I read Cold Reign with a happy grin on my face, even while frustrated.

As Leo’s enforcer, Jane and company are trying to rid New Orleans of a little reverent problem. Long-dead vampires are rising in cemeteries across the city, a never-ending storm is plaguing the landscape, Jane is struggling with her magic as lightning keeps opening up the gray between, and the European vampires are sneaking into New Orleans long before they were due to arrive. Everything is falling apart, and only Jane Yellowrock can save the day.

Even with it being slightly redundant, I loved reading Jane’s adventures. Rick popping back up into her life, and every page featuring Bruiser, was angsty deliciousness. The werewolf messing up Alex’s bed had me hooting in laughter. Then there were the heartwarming moments as Jane tried to draw her clan together into a real family.

Overall, I loved Cold Reign, and I can’t wait to see what adventures Jane and Beast are up to next. Faith Hunter is a writer who has mastered the Urban Fantasy genre, with intriguing, intricate world-building, relatable characters, and raw emotion.

Recommended to Urban Fantasy fans. However, this absolutely cannot be read as a standalone. It’s best to read the series from the beginning, to truly experience the evolution of the characters, the politics, and their magical abilities.

Cold Reign starts off with Jane and her team taking on revenant vampires appearing in New Orleans causing havoc and harm. Though these revenants are a lot harder to take down than the ones Jane has faced before. However, are these revenant vampires and other strange occurrences coincidence or are they connected? Could they have to do with the European Vampires visit? Makes you wonder if its some other threat or if some European Vampires decided to arrive earlier than expected in order to cause some trouble before the visit to ensure the repossession of the American lands. Either way, its up to Jane as the official Enforcer for Leo Pelissier, the Master of the City of New Orleans, to get rid of the problem.

Overall, Cold Reign is definitely an installment you have to read of you’ve been following the Jane Yellowrock series. It was great to learn more about European Vampires. I could name a couple we might see again in future installments as potential villains. Oh, also be prepared because Rick Lafleur appears in Cold Reign. Glad Faith Hunter did not wait a couple books to reunite Jane and Rick after the events in Cursed on The Land. I think many fans will enjoy the reunion of these two as much as I did. I should feel bad for Rick after the confrontation with Jane but I can’t because it was too much fun. The only thing that has me down is now we have to wait once again for the next installment of Jane Yellowrock series but I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait.


*I received Cold Reign from Berkley Publishing Group via Netgalley in return for an honest review.*

Well here we are on book 11, took us awhile to get here but this is not a series stumbling along on past glories, it is still vibrant, full of surprises, and secondary characters that have not only become part of Jane's "family" but have become integral parts of the enjoyment of this series.

Missing from this installment is the overdone introspection of some of the recent books, we have some but it does play a part and the mystical part of Jane's nature is part of why we read this series since Jane Yellowrock is one of a very few totally original characters in urban fantasy.

The plots and subplots are so many and so involved it made my head hurt to try to keep up with things but Faith Hunter weaved them all together by the end (and gave us a couple more to ponder for the next book). Make no mistake, the long awaited arrival of the European vampires is here and it is not a friendly visit.

Clan Yellowrock is gaining members, there are some surprises and some long sought after justice. The whole book is a plot we never saw coming (or at least I never did) and leaves you in a good place (another thing I love, no cliffhangers) but after 11 books I still cannot figure Leo out and what motivates his actions.

Bottom Line: A GREAT book, full of action, full of surprises, characters that grow a little in each book (as opposed to series I have read where the characters never seem to get any smarter or mature). Overall I think this may be one of the better books out of the last 4-5 because of the balance of action, multiple characters involvement, just a small bit of introspection and the sign of a really good book, you hated to see it end. this is NOT the same Jane Yellowrock we discovered 11 books ago, this is a improved version who is not only stronger, she is also becoming a power in her own right in this world. 5 Stars and can't wait to see more.

I've been following this series for a long time and one of my favorite things has always been the setting and Jane's heritage. Those are still elements I love but the one part of this book that I really really really didn't like was a character returning that should've been forgotten a long time ago. The fact that this character came back and played a big part in the book annoyed me very much. It was like this person was brought back just for drama but without any legitimate reasons other than just that one fact. That doesn't fly with me. If this person is going to continue being a part of the series then I might consider not continuing, that's how much I'm not liking this. That's also the main factor for the three stars. That and me getting tired of the same old same old back and forth between Jane and Leo. Can't really say much more without spoiling it but I have a feeling many people aren't going to like this new development.

Posted April 30, 2017

In the Eleventh installment of author Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series, Cold Reign, Jane and her Clan Yellowrock family have their hands full right out of the gate. Revenants walk New Orleans, and as the official Enforcer for Leo Pelissier, the Master of the City of New Orleans, it is her job to put these rogues down. But, as the European Mithrans are making noises on their way to a parley with Leo, it becomes very clear that something even more dangerous is at play. After all, Mithrans love to play the long game, and if Jane and her allies aren't ready, it might mean the end to everything that Jane holds dear. 

So, let's get to the nitty gritty quickly. As readers of this series, we've known for a while now that Hunter has been working up a confrontation between Leo, Jane, and the European suckheads. In Cold Reign, the first shots of that confrontation take place in a huge way. A way that has Jane scrambling to put the pieces together before the EV's can gain a foothold in her city. New Orleans has now become a battlefield where Revenants connected to Leo's family rise up, which they should be able to, and a contingent of EV's come after Leo in a sneak attack that puts Jane right into the middle of stopping the EV's from getting to Leo.

For those who hate Rick LaFleur, here is your one and only warning. He makes an appearance in this book. Now that Jane is officially hooked to Bruiser in every way possible, this becomes perhaps a way for Jane to finally cut ties with the man who betrayed her and left her. Moving on! Ok, so, as Jane, Eli, Alex, Bruiser, and Edmund put the pieces together as to what is actually happening, you get a sense that things are going to get a whole lot more exciting & dangerous. 

Jane, as always, is a badass who is trying to understand her past, and how her connection to Beast has grown and been made her more powerful with a certain Angel's interference. Her connection to Alex and Eli is strong as ever. Alex grows up as a character and proves that he isn't just Eli's younger brother. See what I did there? I do love that Jane and Bruiser are in a very good place. I love to see the romance between the two, and was happy that Hunter cut the cord between RickyBo, and Jane in a way that leaves no doubt with readers who Jane really truly belongs with. And, no, I don't mean Leo!

Cold Reign is a story that is filled with action, suspense, romance, backstabbing, betrayal, and a whole lot of suckhead politics. Jane isn't a character who can look the other way, or stay away from danger. She is fully engaged in every way possible in what happens in this book. Readers will find some humor among the darkness. Especially where it concerns a certain were named Brute. Terrific story, and I definitely can't wait to see where Hunter goes from here.

After delivering two fantastic books in her new series, Soulwood, Faith Hunter is back with a dynamic offering in the long-standing Jane Yellowrock series. I was a late-comer to this series, discovering it after I read the Soulwood books, but Jane and Beast quickly became one of my favorite heroine/duos in urban fantasy. This is a series that you must read in order as its a continuing storyline, but I also recommend that you read it in publication order in conjunction w/ the Soulwood series, as there is some character crossover.

Cold Reign picks up not long after the end of Shadow Rites, and we are getting our first look at those pesky European Vamps who believe La Nouvelle Orleans is their rightful territory as that no-good Napoleon had no right to sell it to the American government! But we knew the Euro-Vamps weren't going to come easy. No, they are bringing big problems to New Orleans in the form of revenants* and wonky weather. As usual, it will be left up to Jane and the Yellowrock clan to solve the city's problems, and this time they got a lot more bloody and battered while trying to do so. I like that Jane has surrounded herself with a family of her own making, and they are becoming a more cohesive unit, even with the new additions.

Beast didn't get to come out to play very often, and I'm missing her. I love Beast's personality and cattiness. But Jane seems to becoming more magical with every story, and we are seeing her and Beast become more symbiotic as the series progresses.

This series has an abundance of secondary characters, and I love them all. Even the seemingly ineffectual master of the city, Leo Pelissier. I can't tell if Leo is really that bad at underestimating a situation, or if its all part of his game plan to use Jane to solve his problems. Rick Lafleur shows back up in this installment, which is why I suggested you read the Soulwood books before this one - so you will know what happened with old Ricky-Bo while he has been missing from Jane's life. I can't say I felt bad for him, I'm on Team Bruiser all the way.

The action was good, and the history of the Euro-Vamps was interesting to me. They definitely offer some villains that everyone will love to hate, particularly Gregoire's sire, Le Bâtard, an illegitimate son of François d'Angoulême. I think we can expect to see this story arc over another book or two, and I am looking forward to it.

So this is actually the first book of the series that I have "read" - as I did the earlier books in an audio binge earlier in the month. I have to say that I missed the audio! The narrator, Khristine Hvam, does a fabulous job if you are inclined to listen to audiobooks. I missed her affectation of Beast's character and found myself trying to copy the voice/mannerisms in my head. This one may be worth a re-read in audio format on my next road trip!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Ace.

*Okay so one thing bothered me about the revenants. <spoiler>It was mentioned that they were "in the ground" in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. But as everyone in New Orleans knows, especially for that most famous cemetery of Marie Laveau, no one is put in the ground there. If you are entombed in St. Louis No. 1, you are either in a vault or a mausoleum that is designed to cook a dead body in one year's time. Seriously - it gets like 500 degrees in those things. So how in the world was there anything left of those revenants to rise? They should have been nothing but bones, man.</spoiler>

Vampires have long memories. So it’s entirely possible that some undead former kings of France are holding a grudge over the Louisiana Purchase. That’s what Jane Yellowrock and her team have to figure out as they finalize details for the arrival (finally) of the European vampire delegation. Jane finally realizes how the events in earlier books, as far back as Skinwalker, tie in to “the long game” the vampires are playing. But first she’ll have to deal with a series of revenant vampires rising from the grave and the return of a certain wereleopard ex-boyfriend.

Cold Reign felt longer to me than some of the other books in the series. It features a lot of intelligence gathering, time bubbling and magic using, and relatively little action. But I was happy to finally understand the motives behind so many of the vampire machinations we’ve seen throughout the series. Jane started to connect the dots in the previous book, but I was still a little confused. And notice that I said “relatively little action” because Jane and crew still get to use their guns, knives and swords more than once. 

But we also get some long-awaited personal details about some of the guys, like Eli’s time in the military and bits of Edmond’s history. (Have I mentioned how much I love the men in this series?) Despite the new information, Edmond is still an enigma and I have some questions about his relationship with Leo. Especially after the bombshells Leo drops at the end of the book.

Jane and Bruiser have some ooey-gooey moments as well. She’s finally starting to feel comfortable in their relationship. So of course that’s when Ricky-Bo returns to NOLA, ostensibly to work on the revenant case, but the rest of his Psy-LED team is noticeably absent. I’m happy to see Jane get some closure, but Rick just makes me sad. He’s still just as lost as he was in Curse on the Land. I’m hoping that the in next Soulwood book he starts to move on, and that I get a better sense of the timeline.

Even though Cold Reign answers some questions about the vampire politics throughout the series, it leaves just as many threads hanging. I’m excited to see how those events play out in future books.

Cold Reign (Jane Yellowrock) is an example of Faith Hunter’s writing at her best. While Jane and the rest of her crew are getting everything ready for the European Delegation to show up, When someone starts raising revenants, but these are not your ordinary revenants. They are harder to kill. So who is raising them and why? Jane will be kept very busy in solving these questions and more. I love this series and the complexity of the characters. They are always evolving.My favorite character is Beast. You will not be disappointed with this book. I urge you to get it and the rest of the series if you have not read any of them. I give COLD REIGN 5/5 STARS.

I am completely floored by progress and plotting of the Jane Yellowrock series!
 
What I liked: This is one of my favorite series of all time. I recommend it continually to any reader looking for an Urban Fantasy book. Why, you ask. Let’s see, it’s got a kick butt heroine, lots of man candy, humor, non-stop action and I could go on and on.
 
I’ve re-read this series countless times and I think Cold Reign is one of my favorite books starring Jane Yellowrock. Ms Hunter ups the ante (I still can’t figure out how she continually improves on the overall plot line with each installment) again with Jane and her crew not only fighting “revenant” vampires and putting out fires concerning the safety of the MOC, Master of the City, and his family of vampires. Centuries old European vampires are playing all sorts of complicated games and Jane doesn’t know all the rules. If that isn’t enough to deal with, the weird weather in New Orleans is being manipulated, traitors within Leo’s House are making their presence known, her magics are changing, and Beast is keeping secrets. The only great thing happening is her relationship with Bruiser, sigh, but….even that gets a hit when Ricky Bo (I despise him, yep, I do) makes an appearance.
 
Jane has known all along Leo isn’t telling her everything about the upcoming EV (European Vampire) visit. As a matter of fact, Jane feels more like a chess piece than The Enforcer she is purported to be.  Too many undercurrents abound as Jane and her crew slash family, Eli and Alex Younger and now including her Primo Edward, along with Bruiser try to figure out the diabolical plans of the EV and Leo’s counter plays. I could go on and on about the core story of Cold Reign but to me, it’s the plotting Ms Hunter has done to get to this point that just makes me shake my head in awe.
 
This is book 11 in the Jane Yellowrock series but everything and I mean everything ties back to the very first full length book, Skinwalker. I don’t know how many times my jaw dropped with all the different tie ins from earlier books. This series is not only well plotted but the flow is unreal. I know when I read a book, short story, novella, whatever, in this series, I should just take a deep breath and forget about sleep until I finish. Well, I do sleep but the first thing I do after getting ready for my day is dive right back into the story.
 
The research is another highlight of this series. I don’t even pretend to understand how Ms Hunter does her research but I feel like I AM in New Orleans and I’ve never been there. I’ve fact checked a few things but could never find a flaw in the setting. Then there are the characters and their interactions. WOW. They could be confrontational, funny or just a shared moment, you, as the reader, won’t forget. For example, Eli is always so self-contained but Jane knows he has a traumatic episode in his past service as an Army Ranger but when Ms Hunter finally reveals the episode, you won’t forget it. Since neither Jane nor Eli are touchy feely people, to see Jane reach out to Eli to console him is newsworthy and funny. Quote. “…I looked at him quickly. His face was closed and distant, and I suddenly didn’t want to know what he might have done to stay alive. Instead I reached and gave him a hug. Both arms around him. Both hands, on his back. At the same time. And then I didn’t know what to do. …How many Mississippi’s did I hug for?...Unexpectedly, Eli was still laughing, face pulled up in unfamiliar lines. Showing teeth and everything. ‘That felt really weird,’ he said. ‘Think I’ll ever do that again?’ I asked, uncomfortable, and so glad he had let me step away. ‘God, I hope not,’ he said. It’s so girly.’” And don’t even get me started on the interactions between Jane and Beast.
 
Jane can be snarky, dismissive, focused, business-like, funny and deadly. She is finally learning the politics involved not only in being Leo’s Enforcer but in getting people to do what she wants, when she wants it. I love every scene where Leo and Jane face off. I sincerely don’t know who is going to win but Leo seems to always have a plan to pull Jane deeper into all his Family drama and use her to get what he wants. Sometimes it’s to Jane’s advantage and more recently she’s able to spoil his plans to use her. The ending scene between them is unforgettable.
 
What I didn’t like: Absolutely nada. To me, even the $7.99 e-book pricing is reasonable considering the quality of the book.

This review is based on an ARC I received from NetGalley for an honest review.
 
Yes, I could go on and on and on. I really love the series. Readers should definitely start with the first in the series, Skinwalker but looking back I think the reader is going to have to be patient. The first book is important but like most first books, does not flow as smoothly as the more recent ones. You can see and read the progression of Ms Hunter as an author and fantastic storyteller.
 
Highest Recommendation!!

In COLD REIGN, Jane Yellowrock #11, Jane finally takes on the much anticipated, dreaded European Vampires while dealing with her own changing magical nature. This book will get your heart racing and mind whirling in so many good ways. We have your sneaky Eurovamps coming to town before the official meeting under cover of a magically fueled storm that just will not let up. They are hiding in several places looking to divide and conquer, while doing all they can to kidnap, maim, and torture Leo, Gregoire, and their prime people, vamps and otherwise. Jane, with her associates and Bruiser, spends much of her time running back and forth between Vamp central attacks, strange human riots, and violence around the city while torrential rains and supernatural lighting nearly immobilizes NOLA. Revenant vampires are causing havoc and harm; they are much harder to put down than the usual ones so all of Jane’s fighting and supernatural skills are needed. There is so much amped up magic around that seems to be driving these revenants as well as the relentless tempest.

Jane has been having “issues” with her magic so she goes back to her Cherokee elders for help after getting advice from Angie baby’s angel. So much has changed with the way she deals with the supernatural domain and as usual, Jane is scrambling to figure out what the heck is going with that world and in her own body. The mystical state of her grey-in-between plays a big role here as well as Jane’s learning to control and use it.

On a personal front, Jane and Bruiser’s relationship seems to be going in a particular direction that is deeper and a bit scary for the loner that she is. Jane would rather fight off zombie vampires than deal with emotions especially her own. And who should show up but Jane’s old lying, cheating, heartbreaker ex-boyfriend, Ricky Bo. He is leading an investigation for PSYLED which is one of the many government agencies trying to deal with the chaos both on the human and supernatural front. Ricky Bo has more than a professional interest in Jane along with some unfinished business. People have strong feelings about Rick LaFleur so prepare to be riled up at their interactions

Followers of the Jane Yellowrock series will be pleased to finally see some action between the dreaded Eurovamps and Leo, who as usual has so many plots and strategic moves going on, some dating back centuries, which are so complicated, it makes Jane’s head spin. As usual, Leo seems to delight in making Jane as uncomfortable as possible with his physical presence and sensuous innuendos while trying to trick her into doing his nefarious bidding. This book hits the ground running with such a thrill ride pace that you may feel breathless at the end, but well satisfied with the journey.

Cold Reign by Faith Hunter is the 11th book in her fantastic Jane Yellowrock series.  I love this series, and Jane Yellowrock is another one of my favorite kick-ass heroines.   Cold Reign picks up a short time after the previous book ended, as Jane, her team and the Master of the City’s team prepares for the upcoming arrival of the European Vampires.

Being Leo’s Enforcer, Jane once again is in the neck of things trying to stop the current attacks by revenant vampires, as well as the horrible violent storms that are happening.  In a short time, Jane will realize that these revenant vampires are different, and seem to be dead ones coming back to life.  Suspicion becomes apparent that the European vampires have been working behind the scenes to cause havoc and destruction against Leo.  The unnatural storm is also the works of witches, and magic.  

What follows is an exciting, wild, intense adventure that has Jane, Eli, Alex, Edmund and Bruiser running all over New Orleans to stop the killings.  We have little time to breath, as one after another finds Jane in the middle of death defying situations.  It also becomes clear that the long thought dead European vampire leaders have planned this for a long time, and along the way, Jane will discover that there are traitors in the midst. Will Jane be able to stop the ultra powerful enemies?  Will Leo survive or will the European vampires succeed in their takeover attempt?

In between all of this non-stop action packed story, we get to spend time with Jane’s ever growing team, some of whom we have come to love.  Eli has become so great, as Jane’s second;  Alex. Eli’s brother and techie, has begun to mature more; Edmund, a ancient powerful vampire, is Jane’s Primo and is slowly becoming another favorite; I also like Brute.  Jane has evolved so much since the first book, Skinwalker.  She is much stronger, confident, and caring, and totally in sync with Beast.  I love Beast, and now they are fully one; stronger, better, smarter, and unbeatable.    It was great to see Jane open her heart and look at Eli and Alex as family, and also care about Brute, and Edmund.   I loved how her romance with Bruiser just keeps getting better and sexier; watching them both falling in love.   Just love them together.  I happily note: who needs Rick LaFleur. 
Most importantly, Jane has become so much more powerful, with her own magic, and strength, as well as her stronger abilities with Beast, such as shifting much faster; her understanding and use of the gray between.  Cold Reign was another fantastic edition to the Jane Yellowrock series.  Bravo to Faith Hunter for another sensational story.

Faith Hunter writes one of the best urban fantasy series out there.  We always buy for our library.