In a direct follow up to Skinwalker, Faith Hunter brings back Jane Yellowrock in Blood Cross, still in New Orleans and still dealing with the consequences of her actions in the first book. Jane now has the Master Vampire of New Orleans blaming her for the death of his son and heir, as well as a new contract to discover the vampire behind the rash of rogue vampires who are terrorizing the city. As if this would not keep her busy, she is also hosting her best friend Molly, the witch, and her two children, one of whom is a very young and powerful witch.
This book is just as fast-paced as the first, though with even more emphasis on learning a bit of Jane’s Cherokee background and her relationship with Beast. Her romantic relationships are also evolving, as she has to consider which of the two men she is interested in will be better for her in the long run. I like the fact that Jane, although the hero, knows her limitations and looks for help when needed. I was also pleased that the romantic elements were not overwhelming or overdone. The mystery of Jane’s past and how she became a skinwalker is also very intriguing and adds an element of mystery that will keep readers interested over and above her adventures.
Discovering that there is some connection between the local witches and the rogue vampire-maker, Jane has a lot of detecting to do and not much time in which to do it. With the Master Vampire on her back and her responsibility of protecting Molly and her children, Jane works at a fast pace to get some answers. While she is doing so she is also looking into discovering more about Beast and her Cherokee heritage. While all of this tends to be very dangerous, and Jane nearly dies several times in this story, she shows her connection to the yellow rock she is named for. Gold is durable, malleable, and can take damage and bounce right back.
With lots of action, a little romance, some fascinating revelations about Jane’s history as well as that of the vampires and witches, this book was a fun and interesting read, and I was hard put to set it down when real life interrupted. I would definitely recommend the Jane Yellowrock series to anyone who enjoys Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series or Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series.
