Rafael

By: Laurell K. Hamilton

Narrated by: Kimberly Alexis

Rafael, king of the wererats, must fight to the death to defend his crown. He wants Anita Blake, one of his closest allies, with him as he faces an opponent unlike any he’s faced before. He will ask Anita to risk everything to be at his side....

But some of the wererats fear that Rafael depends too much on Anita and her ties to the vampires. They believe that there is only room in America for one supernatural king, and Rafael will turn them into nothing more than food for the bloodsuckers.

Among his enemies, a new challenger has arisen who is younger, hungrier, and has dark secrets that could destroy both the wererats and the vampires. Rafael will go into the magical heart of his people to find the power and violence that he needs to save them all, or die trying.

Well, spoilers.

I love Laurell K Hamilton's Anita Blake universe. I've read all the books more than once and listened to them as well. This one I was very excited about, because one of my favorite characters is Rafael the Rat King. I was so desiring a deep dive into Rafael, who he is, how he got that way, what is happening in his kingdom of were-rats.

Surprisingly I'm a good way into the book and it is all about sex, discussion and discourse about problems, problems. In essence it is once more about Anita and sex and power. Not really about Rafael, well...a little bit about Rafael. There is so much detailed description, and at the same time too much euphemism rather than direct talk. The plot doesn't advance much through the first hours. I am hoping something will actually happen, aside from sex and arguing about sex. What a complicated love life.

As the story at last gets going, it feels more like an interlude than a full tale. The way LKH writes deserves a huge long book. It is not uncommon for the recent books to be 15-20 hours, sometimes more. This is a tiny glimpse. What isn't truncated is the knowledge that despite rules and restrictions Anita must once more save the day.

A fight to the death it seems is going to take place. The king of all the rats, versus the young challenger...who turns out to be ridden (possessed) by an evil vampiric force we are familiar with. There are partially developed glimpses at the rich culture of the Rodere. Too many rules, ones that get bent of course. The Rodere is one of the few intact Were cultures for thousands of years, ripe with magic and customs. We don't have the time necessary to see it all. All this comes together to surround the bloody fight.

So. I did listen to the full book and am about to go back and re-listen to be sure I missed nothing. LKH is a wonderful writer, I always devour her work. I would like to see her return to the full investigative and hunting of rogues, evil doers. As I wait for that I have this smaller treat. A little look at political maneuvering and Therianthropic cultures. It feels incomplete.

Over too quick.

Great story, always left wanting more. I'm okay with the shorter form factor though and the more focus on just a few characters. Are the hyenas next?

great story and narrator as always

loved it all the new players and old ones. Finally some closure on one front!

another great book

couldn't stop listening! laurall k hamilton is my favorite author! can't wait for the next book!

Blood, Power, Sex...and Rats

I have always loved Rapael's character since he was first introduced. All the Were-Rats have played such a large part in Anita's, Jean-Claude and all those connected to them. It only seemed right that Rafael and his people were finally given their own story, so we could get a peek inside their world. Can't wait for the next chapter in this awesome series!