Smolder

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 29

By: Laurell K. Hamilton

Narrated by: Kimberly Alexis

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.

©2023 Laurell K. Hamilton (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Hamilton has written another great story in this series. Fans that have been invested in this series will not be disappointed."—Red Carpet Crash

Therapy Intro to part 2?

I love the series, but this is not a complete book. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels cheated. I see that another title is being released in November of 2023, and I would have been willing to wait for the complete story. There are glimpses into a plot or two. However, this seems like a long repetitive nagging tangent about the same issues as the last few books. Was the entire book just one day in the series? I miss the mysteries, crime fighting, vampire hunting, action ,adventure, and bad-assness. I will get the next title in hopes that there is an actual storyline, but if it's more of this emotional word vomit, then it'll be the last book I get from this author.

So Many Happy Feelings

I absolutely loved Smoulder. Another great book from my favorite author. I was so happy that some things I've wanted to happen for a while finally came to be.

Not bad but not quite good either

I’ve been a long time lover of these novels, and every other novel written by Hamilton. I was very surprised to be nearing the end and left feeling like nothing quite took off the ground. It was definitely disappointing but I think of it as a filler, better things are coming.

LHK has don't it again!!! 👏

If you are into the detective, action heavy Anita books this probably will not be your fav. BUT what it does is help to sort through and tie up some of the emotional relationship bits...both with others and herself. I LOVE that you really get to see the growth of Anita's character in this book. have have only one complaint... well 2 of I am honest but LKH has already addressed the Angel mix up. lol It wasn't long enough... I wanted MORE and the end seemed a bit rushed. I am giving a little more grace as there is another book comming SOOO soon. BUT this seemed..... unfinished. with that being said, it still left me turning back to the comfort Anita's universe. I keep waiting ( dreading is more like) for the next book to disappoint but they never do! for as many things I could pick at about this novel I can list just and many things I loved.

Loved it can’t wait for the next one!!

Loved it but I can see why several reviews said it is unfinished or where is the rest of the story? One of the major issues has now been dealt with and a few of the smaller ones either resolved or are in process but the big bad has been left for the next book. And she did ramble a bit and got sidetracked more than maybe she should have.

Spoiler alert ****
The triumvirate has been strengthened with the fourth mark and Jean-Claude has chosen a second animal to call. But will the triumvirate be strong enough to defeat the big bad????
Also can’t wait to hear about how Edward looks in his wedding get-up.

Great Book!

I struggled to put it down. Loved the emotional progression of all the characters. I can't wait for the next one. 😍

Personal side

finally get a piece of a personal side of the main character also love the narrator never change her

Half A Book

I'm convinced that LKH is going to die before the wedding in this series actually happens. And WTH is the deal with this being half a book? It's not even a novella; novellas are short but have resolution. This book sets up the baddie and stops. I think Kimberly Alexis forgot how she voiced some characters - a few sound different from previous books. Some long-standing arcs do get some treatment here, but this book just made me frustrated that I'll likely have to wait 2 years for the other half of this book.

Missed the author and narrator

Great continued story and narrator….been to long. Please bring use more, been too long!

Loved the Story

I love this book series along with all the characters. This book was what I needed from the series. I felt like it was very balanced. I can't wait for the next book.