Red Blooded

Continuation of an Exciting Paranormal Series

I would like to thank NetGalley & Orbit for granting me a copy of this e-ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. Though I received this e-book for free that in no way impacts my review.

WARNING: if you haven't read the previous books in this series, stop here. This review will reveal spoilers for the earlier books. In addition, this book will have some gaps you could drive a truck through if you try to read it as a stand-alone.

Goodreads Blurb:
"After Jessica's brother is kidnapped and taken to the Underworld, she will stop at nothing to get him back. But before her grueling training is finished, Jessica's power mixes unexpectedly with the circle and she's dropped into the Underworld without protection or her escorts."

Like the other books in the series that come before, this book provides one heck of a ride. As always Jessica is smack dab in the middle of some kind of crisis, and with each book the crises continue to increase in magnitude. Whereas before the problems were essentially only Jessica's, the number of players involved climbs with each new addition to the series. By the time Ms. Carlson finishes this series it wouldn't surprise me if everyone on the planet was somehow actively involved in the finale.

Jessica continues to mature at a steady pace, which is pleasantly surprising. It could be argued that she doesn't need to mature so quickly since she isn't being given much time to process anything, yet that is part of what makes her growth so impressive. And her relationship with Rourke is sizzling hot, which adds another dynamic to her story.

The plot is chock full of twists and turns, which the characters race through at breakneck speed. It's kind of like watching an episode of "Top Gear" in which they drive a variety of super fast cars through the Italian Alps - except traveling with Jessica is much more exciting. (No commercials for one thing [just kidding], plus no chatting with the audience, or swapping cars for that matter.) Many characters from previous books are along for the ride, or at stop in for cameos. In addition to Tyler, who Jess has traveled to Hell to rescue, Rourke, Ray, Danny, Naomi, Tally, are just a few old friends who make an appearance. Of course the Prince of Hell is involved, and some new characters that are all over the map in relation to their status as friend or foe. A status that can change in the blink of an eye, and often remains fluid, leaving Jessica and team feeling as if they can't really trust anyone.

Just when you think you've got things figured out, some new information will pop up and change everything you were sure you'd figured out. Be prepared for this to happen more than once. In fact, based upon my experience, I suggest just rolling with the characters and not bothering to attempt to figure anything out, because it will almost certainly change a few more times before the cliffhanger ending of the book. Once again, as soon as I finished reading this ARC I was already aching to get my hands on the next installment in the series!