I had no idea before reading SLAY, that the author had written so many books in this series, but now I’m excited to go to her backlist.

The story has action and all the family drama, and it made for an enjoyable read to escape with.

*many thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review.

Laurell K. Hamilton has been one of my favorite authors for over 20 years. The latest, Slay, does NOT disappoint! Highly recommend and will purchase several physical and digital copies for library collections.

I’m getting sick of LKH’s lazy writing. First she became sex obsessed. Her editors corrected this issue. Now her plot is dragging out excessively. It doesn’t take four books to have a wedding. I started reading this series as a teenager. I’m now older than Anita. The pace is tooooooo slow. If you, as an author, are out of ideas, do your fans a favor and end the series. You’ve got two others that are still not completed. It’s lime watch a very slow moving accident. At some point you’re just boring the audience and wasting everyone’s time.

Not a lot to say about these books at this point. Very little happens, outside of extended and unrealistic conversations. Little to no action or mystery.

This series! This series is one of my favorites and so many books in it simply does not disappoint!
Thank you #berkley and #NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

The action, danger, and intrigue are vividly described and practically jump out of the pages as you read.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

Complete review: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=84525

I recently finished "Slay" by Laurell K. Hamilton, and while it had its moments, I can't help but feel a bit underwhelmed. The novel is part of a long-running series, and although I appreciated the author's ability to create a rich and complex supernatural world, there were aspects that left me wanting more.

Firstly, the pacing of the story was a bit uneven. At times, it felt like the plot was dragging, with unnecessary details slowing down the narrative. On the other hand, there were moments when the action escalated too quickly, leaving me struggling to keep up with the sudden shifts in intensity.

Additionally, the characters, while interesting, lacked the depth I was hoping for. The protagonist, despite being a strong and empowered figure, seemed to fall into predictable patterns, and I found it challenging to connect with her on a deeper level. The supporting characters, though diverse, also felt somewhat one-dimensional, and their development was overshadowed by the main storyline.

On a positive note, Hamilton's writing style is engaging, and she has a talent for creating vivid and atmospheric scenes. The world-building is intricate, and I appreciated the effort put into crafting a unique universe filled with supernatural elements. However, these strengths were not enough to fully compensate for the shortcomings in character development and pacing.

In conclusion, "Slay" is a decent addition to the series, but it may not fully satisfy readers looking for a more immersive and well-rounded experience. If you're a fan of Laurell K. Hamilton's previous works, you may find some enjoyment in this novel, but newcomers to the series might want to start elsewhere for a more compelling introduction to the author's storytelling.

Slay By Laurell K Hamilton

I stand by my original review: this book was the second half of a novel that should not have been split.
There was potential here to explore more Blake family dynamics, and that part was ALMOST good, but it was cut short to deliver the rising action of this book and Smolder. Forget that we are #OverRichard (stop trying to make Richard happen, Richard is never going to happen, Richard doesn’t even go here, ugh) but the plot is flimsy, without even some gratuitous sex to turn it into a smut novel. Maybe it is supposed to show that Anita isn’t this overpowered amalgamation that can’t possibly exist - but oh wait, guess who gets new were-animal anyway?- and demonstrate mortal fallibility, but I just didn’t buy it. I wish there was more time exploring the family dynamic and less time with the altogether flat antagonist. And that’s even with him being a dragon. Ok, there was a page or two describing the researching of the dragon body, and that read like the older books and was great. But that’s it. About the only thing I liked was the cover art. I know Hamilton says there is more story to be told, but even as a longtime fan, if book 31 is anything like this one, this might be the end of the series for me.

Laurell K. Hamilton always does a great job in writing a great story. I always enjoy what I read and that this was a great thirteenth book. The characters felt like they were suppose to in this universe. I always enjoy Anita Blake as a main character and this has a great fantasy element to it.

Does Anita get married in this book? The title should be loud and clear - there is no wedding. At least not yet. Oh my goodness this book is filled with childhood trauma. I remember when I first picked up a book in this series. It was Obsidian Butterfly which is still my favourite book in this series. I was so confused about Anita's life and went back and bought (in triplicate) all the previous books to see what exactly happened in Anita's childhood. Nothing was shared. Back then, I wished that there was a little more context of what happened to make Anita to be what she is today. Well, I guess I should be careful of what I wish for. This book gives a much deeper look into her horrific childhood. I never understand how horribly cruel family members can be to the ones they are supposed to love and protect.

For those hoping that there are not therapy sessions in this book . . . I am going to crush your hope. There are no visits to any therapist but this is a tale chock full of therapy scenes. It does get old after a bit, but it still provides good insight.

For those hoping for sex scenes. YAY! There are mmmm sex scenes! The new Big Bad is here and what do they want? Yes sirree, they want Anita and sex is on the table. The amount of non-con sex and others demanded in this tale is impressive. Anita does what she always does . . . sex and slaying. It was glorious. Many of our favourite characters show up in this book. As per the usual, there is betrayal, more betrayal, and terrible betrayal. On the flip side, the redeeming undying loyalty comes paired up to the betrayals.

I ripped through this book in a night and enjoyed it from cover to cover. With all that is going on leading up to Anita's wedding, I'm on pins and needles. Will it even be possible for this wedding to ever take place? I am tuned in and anticipate at least another 2 books before we arrive at the wedding. Recommended to Jean-Claude lovers and die hard series fans.

Congrats to the author on the 30th book in this wickedly hot series.
Anita really has her hands full when her family shows up, and they bring along a nightmare from her past... Her grandmother.
On top of that mess, she still has to deal with who or what is killing vampires.
We know Anita has power, and with her power, she relies on the power of those in her inner circle Jean Claude tops that list. But what happens when you can't access it? This story takes us on a heck of a twisted nightmare, many beloved characters are on death's door it seems. I honestly could not put this book down, and I want the next one so so bad. Will our main couple ever make it down the aisle?
Kudos for keeping these books thrilling each and every one of them. And I was raised to respect my elders... But I sure hope Anita gives Granny what she deserves and I am saying no more on that.

I’ve struggled with Anita Blake books since her love life got complicated but this book felt like a return to the series I originally loved. There was real peril and if felt like the mystery and the plot didn’t take second stage to relationship discussions and sex scenes. I really enjoyed this latest book in the series and look forward to more. I’m glad that I’ve stuck with the series and seen these characters grow and become a cohesive group that can face emotional and physical challenges.

I received an advance copy thru NetGalley.

After reading the last book, Smolder, I was hoping that this book would give us a little more insight into the big bad that we met in that book and fortunately we find out who it is and what they want. The big bad being Deimos is behind the attacks on Anita and her people. Anita's family is set to come to town to meet Jean-Claude, be fitted for her wedding and to see if her father will give her away at her wedding since he and the rest of the family are very religious and don't like the fact that she's marrying a vampire. Her father and grandmother were really awful but her father at least seemed to chill out a little by the end of the book. Her grandmother on the other hand was just plain terrible and I can't say one good thing about the woman. Although we did learn a secret about her that was not explored at at. Like, why bring up this big secret if we aren't going to find out more about it? That made no sense.

By the end of this book we were really no closer to the wedding which I was hoping would happen or at least try to happen. But we do find out about the plan that Deimos has hatched and it's a very well thought out one that includes some of Anita and Jean-Claude's people actually betraying them which I found to be exciting when it was revealed who it was. Plus the fact that Deimos is not just a vampire, no he has other abilities which made him a very strong adversary. It was nice to see a big bad be able to over power Anita and some of her people for once because usually she and Jean-Claude are very powerful and they quickly overcome whatever is thrown at them, but not this time and that made this book exciting.

There was a lot of action, danger, and family drama in this book so I was always engaged and excited to see what would happen next. I've been a long time fan of this series and enjoyed this book but am really looking forward to finally seeing Anita and Jean-Claude get married.

Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

In the thirtieth book in the Anita Blake series, “Slay” by Laurell K. Hamilton, the author, manages a truly difficult feat, maintaining a dynamic conflict after so many novels. “Slay” balances both the conflict between Anita’s family, which truly intimidates her but while she’s dealing with her family, dark forces enter the fray. I love the way Laurell K. Hamilton balances both the family conflict and the enemies that Anita must fight. The pacing and conflict are dynamic and engaging throughout the novel. 

I also love the various relationships. The intriguing aspect of the newer books in the series is how much polyamory is embraced and treated in a positive light. I love that Anita has a found family that loves her as much as she does them and how much she fights to keep her family. There is also a lot of explanation of safety and dealing with trauma in healthy ways, including therapy. 

I love the conflict between Anita and her family, including a different point of view of her stepmother and her father. The threat to her and Jean Claude’s bond is emotional and intense. I love the way the magic works and I like how the story ends with a resolution that shows healthy boundaries and an end to one enemy. 

If you love the other novels in the Anita Blake series, you will want to read this one as well. Hopefully, those who haven’t read the series will give it a chance. I can tell you that this book, like the others, is full of dynamic action and complex relationships. I love the dynamic conflict and the engaging story. If you haven’t given the series a try, I suggest you do.

Slay is the thirtieth book in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. And I have to admit although a great story, it could have been added to the “Smoulder” book, it felt like a continuation…..

Preternatural U.S. Marshal and vampire hunter Anita Blake is preparing for her wedding to the vampire king of America Jean-Claude…..

But it’s not been an easy journey, the humans don’t like Jean-Claude they think he’s got her under some kind of spell and will turn on the humans given half a chance!
And Jean-Claude’s pack, in fact all the vampires think Anita has their king under her spell, so she’s not exactly their choice for their king!

And just when you think it can’t get any worse…. Her family roll up!! Grandma who is vile at best (abused the young Anita) turns up with her dad, who thinks Jean-Claude is evil incarnate! Family dramas aside, we also have a new evil entity wanting to destroy the king of the vampires!

I will admit, I’ve not read all the Anita Blake stories, I came in late to the series. But it’s an easy enough to pick up and drop a book series, without losing too much. Anita has had many lovers/partners throughout the series. She’s also had many issues with family. And I like that she doesn’t shy away from any of it.

So while Anita is trying to plan the wedding and keep her family from killing her fiancé and extended lovers/family, there is an evil killing vampires in St. Louis. Is it the evil from the last book returning to take the crown from the new vampire king?

Apparently her earlier Anita books were just smut and no story! Well I can tell you that had changed… we do get smut, but there is more story and substance now.
A fast paced action book with evil/power/anger/grief and so much more!

There are also attacks on her extended family that have Anita worried for their lives, she needs to keep her blood family away from them!

There are also traitors within Jean-Claude's ranks, and they are conspiring with the ancient evil, which makes it an even bigger problem.

The ending is eventful and had me on the edge of my seat, I nearly threw my kindle twice as I jumped.

A highly recommended read that will keep you up till your done 😉

🦋

There was a point where this was one of my favorite series to read. I have re-read the first half of the series countless times and the paperback copies are falling apart on my shelves. Over the years I have fallen out of love with them unfortunately. I miss the action and mystery the early books had. I was excited to see this one was about a dragon, and it was, but it still was more interpersonal drama than it was monster hunt and I was pretty disappointed. While this book was more family drama than the pure sex fests the last few books have been I didn’t see it as much of an improvement. I did like seeing Anita more comfortable in her relationships and her feelings and setting clear boundaries with her bigoted family, but I still hope the books get back to the glory I know they could be. A small note, it seems this book and the book before Smolder were originally one story? I think Smolder is the one book in the series I haven’t read and I may have missed something that could have helped my entertainment but I seriously doubt it.

It's hard to believe this is the thirtieth adventure with Anita Blake I've gotten to go on. No matter what challenges or new bad guys cross Anita's path, I've always loved this series and I can't help but feel like we're getting close to crossing a new turning point with Anita, Jean-Claude, and their chosen family.

Picking up immediately after the previous book, Anita and her closest friends and loves all know there's still a new enemy on the horizon, the kind that even Jean-Claude hasn't dealt with in all his years. But there's still a wedding to plan, and the biggest threat to Anita's impending vows might just be her own family. Longtime Anita Blake fans will know that the loss of her mother and the subsequent remarriage of her father to someone who looked nothing like Anita's mother (and was the opposite of Anita in pretty much every way) has always been a key moment in Anita's formative years. But Slay gave us our first taste of all of her family, together and on the page, for better or for worse. While the newest threat is coming for Anita, the biggest threat to her happiness is coming from within her own home and I loved the statement this made. Anita was such a good example of remaining steadfast in siding with her chosen family over her genetic family, and I hope to see more of this unapologetic-ness in future stories, especially as society continues to shun anyone who is considered "other" as well as the people who love them.

We got a taste of what the big, bad guy could do in Smolder, but readers will get glimpses of old school Anita when she finally comes face to face with him in Slay. With the safety of everyone she loves on the line, Anita is forced to return to her roots and her vulnerability in this story was everything. Anita found herself relying on her own power, rather than her connections to others, and it was a great reminder that I fell in love with the Anita stories 20+ years ago because of Anita's own strength and ability, rather than her ties to others.

Slay was, ultimately, a nice combination of early Anita Blake and her more recent books. I got caught up in the action, I enjoyed getting to see so many of her chosen family, and I loved the message sent with regards to her biological family.

This is another amazing Anita Blake book!!
I absolutely love how you can pick up any of her books and fall in love reading them.

Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton is a relationship intense urban fantasy blended with paranormal romance and supernatural suspense. It’s the thirtieth book in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. Preternatural U.S. Marshal and vampire hunter Anita Blake is preparing for her wedding to the vampire king of America Jean-Claude. Humans think she is siding with the monsters and the vampires fear he has fallen under the spell of the most powerful necromancer in several millennia. It’s time for her family to meet Jean-Claude. Frederick, her father, thinks Jean-Claude is evil, but unbeknownst to Anita, prejudiced and far more vitriolic Grandma who abused Anita when she was young comes too. On top of this family drama, there is another powerful and evil force intent on destroying Jean-Claude.

This book focuses on relationships for a large part of the book, but there is also more suspense and action that there was in the last novel. Whether it is Anita’s relationships with the many men and women in her life or with the various members of her family, there is a lot of domestic drama.
The author does a great job on characterization. The story is well written with a unique situation that resulted in a showdown set-up with a powerful evil creature. There are some mildly steamy scenes as well, but not like many previous novels. Themes woven into the novel include romance, relationships of all types, bias, violence, evil, power, anger, grief, jealousy, and much more.

Overall, this was an engrossing and entertaining novel with great characterization, plenty of action, and lots of family drama. I recommend reading this series in order. The background and gradual addition of characters will make the experience more enjoyable.

Berkley Publishing Group and Laurell K. Hamilton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 7, 2023.

This was an excellent entry into the long-running Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. Anita has gotten to the part of planning her wedding which she is least looking forward to: introducing her family to Jean-Claude and the rest of her poly group. Her family is ultra-religious and, if the pope says vampires are evil, they are right there with him.

The visit gets off to a horrible start since the grandmother who abused her until she grew up enough to hit back has come as part of the family visit despite Anita asking her father to leave his mother at home. The grandmother begins the belittling right away and her father isn't much better. Both say that their main concern is for the condemnation of Anita's soul to hell. But nothing can satisfy them about Anita.

And, while the family visit is causing personal stress, the city of St. Louis seems to be facing a growing number of seemingly random attacks on vampires. Maybe the ancient evil sent running in the last book didn't go too far before regrouping for another try to take over St. Louis and Jean-Claude's role as the new king of the American vampires.

An attack when Anita storms out of a family dinner with her family causes Wicked and Truth to be burned with holy water. And, while Anita should be able to use the ardeur to heal them, something is blocking her access to it and her access to Jean-Claude through their marks.

Traitors within Jean-Claude's ranks conspire with the ancient evil which makes it even worse and the fact that the evil vampire can turn into a 50-foot-tall fire-breathing dragon means that Anita and her allies including Edward and other preternatural marshals have their hands full.

There was lots of excitement and action and, thankfully, less of the gratuitous sex scenes that filled earlier volumes of this series. This one spends more time talking about love and the nature of family - birth versus found. It was a very satisfying story with an ending signaling big changes.