Publisher Description
Vampire hunter Anita Blake is no stranger to killing monsters. It’s part of her job as a Preternatural U.S. Marshal, after all. But even her experience isn’t enough to stop something that is bent on destroying everything—and everyone—she loves.
Anita Blake is engaged to Jean-Claude, the new vampire king of America. Humans think she’s gone over to the side of the monsters. The vampires fear that their new king has fallen under the spell of the most powerful necromancer in a thousand years.
In the midst of wedding preparations—including getting Edward, aka U.S. Marshal Ted Forrester, fitted as best man—Anita gets a call that the local police need her expertise at a brutal murder scene linked to a nationwide slaughter of vampires and humans, dubbed the Sunshine Murders.
But there is more than just a murderer to catch: an ancient evil has arrived in St. Louis to challenge Jean-Claude for his crown, his life, Anita, and all they hold dear. Even with Jean-Claude’s new powers as king and Anita’s necromancy, it isn’t enough; they must embrace their triumvirate or allow primeval darkness to spread across the country, possessing first the vampires and then the humans. Evil will triumph unless Jean-Claude and Anita can prove that love conquers all.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Hamilton keeps her signature blend of supernatural action and erotically charged soap opera drama on simmer in the 29th installment of her Anita Blake series (after Rafael). Necromancer Anita continues to plan her long-awaited wedding to vampire king Jean-Claude while simultaneously attempting to maintain a delicate balance between her myriad lovers and the feuding supernatural factions of her world. An ancient evil has come to St. Louis hoping to exploit Jean-Claude's mystic connection to every vampire in America to seize power. The only way to repel this insidious attack is for Anita, Jean-Claude, and werewolf leader Richard to work together as a true triumvirate, but Richard's uncertain role within Anita's greater polyamorous relationship makes this a tricky proposition. There's only incremental progression to the series plot, with baby steps toward Anita's wedding, the introduction of a new antagonist, and a heavy focus on the evolving nature of her romantic and sexual relationships. A bloated cast, clunky language, and a glacial story line combine to make this feel like self-indulgent fan service suited only for Hamilton's most devoted readers.
