Burnt Offerings by Laurell K. Hamilton
Paperback, 400 Pages
2002, Jove
ISBN: 0515134473
Series: Book 7 of Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter
Synopsis
"You can't trust anyone who sleeps with monsters.”
That's what Anita Blake had always believed. But now she was sharing a bed with the Master Vampire of the city. So when an arsonist began to target vampire victims, the creatures of the night turned to their former enemy. For now only "The Executioner" could save them from the inferno...
It's often hard to tell the good from the evil. Just ask Anita Blake. She seems to be developing a soft spot in her heart for vampires-one in particular. So, when an arsonist's fires begin licking at St. Louis's undead, it's up to Anita to save the very monsters she's sworn to destroy.
Review
Burnt Offerings introduces Anita Blake fans to the vampire council. Mr. Olliver's death in Circus of the Damned caused an opening on the council Jean-Claude is expected to fill. And no one disappoints the council, except for Anita, of course.
I love the way the vampire council is portrayed in Burnt Offerings. We aren't shown the entire thing, but just a taste in the form of two visiting members along with various lackeys. We meet The Traveller and Master of Beasts, two very powerful vampires who have abilities that go well beyond what we've become accustomed to seeing in this series.
While the council visits, Anita is wrapped up in a preternatural arson case. She, along with law enforcement, must rescue vampires trapped in burnt out, caving in buildings. With the hostility law enforcement feels towards the vampire community, fireworks are inevitable.
Anita continues to collect preternatural creatures she must protect, which brings her head to head with Richard. While Anita and Jean-Claude's relationship hurts and enrages him, he begins to see the need to work together for the benefit of his wolves. The three continue to test their metaphysical bond, to many interesting ends.
Burnt Offerings ties Anita's hands in many instances. While working with the police, she is unable to threaten to kill or even wound. While dealing with the council, she must do the same and play their power games in order for her and her people to survive. Seeing Anita in situations where she can't just shoot first and deal with the aftermath later allows us to see the range of what Anita can and can't handle.
Burnt Offerings is a spectacular addition to the Anita Blake series, expanding the world of the vampires while continuing the deal with the results of the angsty love triangle situation. One of the very best so far.
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