Rachel B. (montbriac) - reviewed Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Bk 20) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
Ive followed this series for years and loved most of it, but my opinion of this book is not good at all.
There are three real issues with this book, the first is one that other reviewers have remarked on and that is in the construction of the story itself. Here we have a story that is ostensibly a return to Anitas roots as a US Marshall involved in a manhunt but very little time is given to that in this book. Instead we have chapters of banter between Anita and the boys and the manhunt is reduced to a few chapters of largely incoherent action at the end almost as if the author realized she had a deadline to meet and decided to just wrap it up.
The second problem I had with this book is how terribly myopic and narcissistic the character of Anita Blake has become the perfect example of this issue is Anitas response to the return of Otto/Olaf. Instead of being disgusted by the fact that one of the vilest serial killers she has ever met is still alive and on the loose, all she can think about is what it means to her personally and how she can use him to her own ends. Earlier incarnations of Anita Blake would have happily put a bullet through his brain on general principal alone but this version of Anita isnt at all concerned about justice or protection for his victims rather, all she cares about is whether or not Otto/Olaf is going to make a play to get her into bed.
Whether this change in Anitas character is a deliberate design of the author to show just how far from the path of righteous savior Anita has strayed, remains to be seen. Id like to think that there will be a moral reckoning for Anita in respect to the violence and indifference to the brutalization of the lives of people she is not in love with however, the only moral considerations Ive seen Anita make recently have been about sex and really, what does a little nookie matter in comparison to lives?
The third issue I had with this book is the way in which all of the other women were portrayed as inferior. A particularly offensive scene was in the hospital when all of the female staff were gushing over Anitas bodyguards and the US Marshalls like a bunch of teenagers at a Justin Bieber event. These are all educated and accomplished women, yet theyre reduced to quivering, slobbering hormones at the sight of attractive men. The author needs to find a different way to elevate Anita without denigrating other women in the story its base, its objectification and its just plain old fashioned offensive.
I believe there has been some comparison between Hit List with Obsidian Butterfly and thats a shame because Obsidian Butterfly is a well-balanced installment in the series that skillfully mixed suspense, horror, magic and a manhunt into a page-turner whereas Hit List is a book that would probably never have found a publisher if it was penned by a first time author.
There are three real issues with this book, the first is one that other reviewers have remarked on and that is in the construction of the story itself. Here we have a story that is ostensibly a return to Anitas roots as a US Marshall involved in a manhunt but very little time is given to that in this book. Instead we have chapters of banter between Anita and the boys and the manhunt is reduced to a few chapters of largely incoherent action at the end almost as if the author realized she had a deadline to meet and decided to just wrap it up.
The second problem I had with this book is how terribly myopic and narcissistic the character of Anita Blake has become the perfect example of this issue is Anitas response to the return of Otto/Olaf. Instead of being disgusted by the fact that one of the vilest serial killers she has ever met is still alive and on the loose, all she can think about is what it means to her personally and how she can use him to her own ends. Earlier incarnations of Anita Blake would have happily put a bullet through his brain on general principal alone but this version of Anita isnt at all concerned about justice or protection for his victims rather, all she cares about is whether or not Otto/Olaf is going to make a play to get her into bed.
Whether this change in Anitas character is a deliberate design of the author to show just how far from the path of righteous savior Anita has strayed, remains to be seen. Id like to think that there will be a moral reckoning for Anita in respect to the violence and indifference to the brutalization of the lives of people she is not in love with however, the only moral considerations Ive seen Anita make recently have been about sex and really, what does a little nookie matter in comparison to lives?
The third issue I had with this book is the way in which all of the other women were portrayed as inferior. A particularly offensive scene was in the hospital when all of the female staff were gushing over Anitas bodyguards and the US Marshalls like a bunch of teenagers at a Justin Bieber event. These are all educated and accomplished women, yet theyre reduced to quivering, slobbering hormones at the sight of attractive men. The author needs to find a different way to elevate Anita without denigrating other women in the story its base, its objectification and its just plain old fashioned offensive.
I believe there has been some comparison between Hit List with Obsidian Butterfly and thats a shame because Obsidian Butterfly is a well-balanced installment in the series that skillfully mixed suspense, horror, magic and a manhunt into a page-turner whereas Hit List is a book that would probably never have found a publisher if it was penned by a first time author.
Diana J. (eqfan80) -
Helpful Score: 6
It was nice visiting with Anita again but I must say I missed her guys, specifically Jean-Claude, Nathaniel and Micah. They didn't have a cameo in this one. So sad. Otherwise, this book ended a lingering menace in Anita's life, and created a new one for her, which I must say I am looking forward to seeing what happens with that. The sex was minimal, which I also appreciated, and Anita still ended up bringing a new guy home. This book seemed more like a something to carry the storyline to the next step, rather than a major contributor to the storyline. I would still recommend it, if you are a fan.
Heather D. (daylily77) reviewed Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Bk 20) on + 236 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Absolutely love this series. I'm excited to see the repercussions of this book! Super fantastic! Drives me nuts to have to wait so long between books.
This book goes back to the older Anita days. Less sexy time, more hunting.
This book leaves so many avenues to explore, all very interesting!
If you've recently lost faith in the Anita series, I think this book will bring you back!
This book goes back to the older Anita days. Less sexy time, more hunting.
This book leaves so many avenues to explore, all very interesting!
If you've recently lost faith in the Anita series, I think this book will bring you back!
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of the rare books in this series that doesn't revolve around Anita's need to have sex with multiple partners. She, Edward, Bernardo and Olaf get to play marshal in Tacoma Washington where a brutal serial killer (actually the Harlequin) is taking out lone weretigers. The Harlquin take orders from the Mother of All Darkness and she wants to possess Anita forever. This is an exciting story of Those Who Cannot Be Named (The Harlequin) apparently to name them results in your death and the death of anyone you told. They are freakish human beings with incredible powers who come and go like smoke and kick some major ass while doing it. Anita certainly has her hands full with this bunch and because that is just not enough stress, Olaf (the creepy serial killer who has Anita in his sights) is up to his old tricks again. IMHO this is one dude who needs killing. It doesn't matter how good a marshal he is if he cannot be trusted to be around Anita without backup. This is one element of the story that I really can't understand. Edward is always protecting her but he does nothing with the whole Olaf thing. Strange.
Anyway, I enjoyed this diversion from Anita's usual life and hope we see more of this new behavior in future books. Don't get me wrong, I like all her men, I just don't like reading page after page of her sexcapades.
Anyway, I enjoyed this diversion from Anita's usual life and hope we see more of this new behavior in future books. Don't get me wrong, I like all her men, I just don't like reading page after page of her sexcapades.
Meghan S. (meghan1964) -
Helpful Score: 2
I was hoping this would get Anita back on track. I was wrong. I like Edwards character, but want the dynamics between Jean Claude and Richard. All we got in the last book was an agreed group sex and no resolution to the feeling they have for each other. In this one we continue with the posturing, no one answering a question directly, everything is a challenge, male law enforcement only commenting about who she has sex with. I had to stop about half way through, skip to the end and find the resolution - 40 pages of a shoot out where nothing happens is just boring. I don't know if I'll pick up the next one if the guys aren't in it. I don't even care about Micah, Nathaniel and that lot. We need some action with or closure with JC and Richard. 20 books of dragging this along is enough.
Diana L. (zzonielady) reviewed Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Bk 20) on + 90 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I love Anita Blake series. In this book there is less sex and more like a building of the next couple of books. Really how long can Olaf live now that he is more than human, he is a sick, sick, sick, sick serial killer. There is also a new edge to Anita's friend Edward/Ted Forrester which is escallating in each new installment. I can forgive the rush at the end because the entire books seems to me to be building block to new adventures of a very deadly nature. It also gave Anita only two lovers that cover all of her tigers, much easier to handle when there are so many tigers for her to deal with internally. I also really like Ethan and there is interesting connection developing between one of her other lovers and Olaf. Just briefly mentioned but I can see it playing a huge role in killing Olaf and we all know he must die. Not the most action packed, not my favorite but you will want to read this book if you are a fan of Anita Blake series. PS Don't look to closely at the morality and portrayal of individual charactors in these books (sometimes it is all about Anita and not peripheral characters). . . I read a few reviews that have taken some offense . . . This if fiction and we are all adults enough to realize that . . . I hope.
Christine H. (solarawynn) reviewed Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Bk 20) on + 724 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Was ok,dead bodies,angry cops and a little sex. Anita makes a new "friend".Richard and Jean-Claude are barely mentioned.
Katherine M. (TheSmartKat34) reviewed Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Bk 20) on + 68 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I must say like all of Anita fan's, I'M GLAD THE SEX WAS BRIEF.
Ok that being said...
Does anyone else have the feeling like there is no way in any universe possible that she could keep that many men from killing each other, especially those who are shapeshifters who's animals are monogamous.....Let alone be able to bring a new one in that wouldn't eventually get jealous of her time spent with others? Not all of her men like to be around other men. Plus what woman out there would be OK with letting there husband or boyfriend go and play in the pile of flesh every week?
And sleeping with "SIN"ric is just creepy because "she has to" so not cool. There are teachers that go to jail for less interaction/contact then that.
There are just way to many people/men to make the books even partly interesting anymore. Her "collection" is just too much to take now. I was more hopeing that by this book she had cut down her guys since she was getting better control of the ardure and her beast's. Instead she added to them.
People are right when they say the book goes on for a while and then just hurries up and ends within like two chapters. It's more then rushed, it's throw an ending to it like who cares...the end leaves you feeling like "WTH", "WHY", "OH PLEASE THERE IS NO WAY"...
I will say that I am actually hopeing this is the last one since I really don't want to have to read her "reunion" with all her "sweeties"
I liked the books when they were really all about the hunt of the band guys in the begining. I was hopeing it would get there again, but it didn't...
Ok that being said...
Does anyone else have the feeling like there is no way in any universe possible that she could keep that many men from killing each other, especially those who are shapeshifters who's animals are monogamous.....Let alone be able to bring a new one in that wouldn't eventually get jealous of her time spent with others? Not all of her men like to be around other men. Plus what woman out there would be OK with letting there husband or boyfriend go and play in the pile of flesh every week?
And sleeping with "SIN"ric is just creepy because "she has to" so not cool. There are teachers that go to jail for less interaction/contact then that.
There are just way to many people/men to make the books even partly interesting anymore. Her "collection" is just too much to take now. I was more hopeing that by this book she had cut down her guys since she was getting better control of the ardure and her beast's. Instead she added to them.
People are right when they say the book goes on for a while and then just hurries up and ends within like two chapters. It's more then rushed, it's throw an ending to it like who cares...the end leaves you feeling like "WTH", "WHY", "OH PLEASE THERE IS NO WAY"...
I will say that I am actually hopeing this is the last one since I really don't want to have to read her "reunion" with all her "sweeties"
I liked the books when they were really all about the hunt of the band guys in the begining. I was hopeing it would get there again, but it didn't...
Helpful Score: 1
Anita Blake and Edward have been called in to investigate a slew of killings that have the mark of a serial killer. This draws Anita away from the protection of Jean-Claude and out into the open for the Mother of All Darkness and her henchmen The Harlequin. I smell a trap for sure!
Anita has always progressed in her character from one book to another in this series. Still deep down we feel how much she is still that small town girl who is unsure of what she is doing. We see a lot of resentment from men towards Anita. As she puts it, they think she is sleeping with everyone so they hate her because she is slut or she just hasnt slept with them. Very hard to work when you have those feelings directed towards you. Anita, of course, perseveres with her quick wit and straight forward in your face attitude.
I miss the comfort of Anita with her group of merry men (as I call them). Having the story take place away from all the other characters and only inject a few familiar characters made Hit List fall short for me. We end up being introduced to more minor characters that play an intricate part in the ending. Olaf is also brought back and might just have a more starring role in books to come. Not entirely sold on this installment but hopefully Hamilton gets back on track with her next one.
Anita has always progressed in her character from one book to another in this series. Still deep down we feel how much she is still that small town girl who is unsure of what she is doing. We see a lot of resentment from men towards Anita. As she puts it, they think she is sleeping with everyone so they hate her because she is slut or she just hasnt slept with them. Very hard to work when you have those feelings directed towards you. Anita, of course, perseveres with her quick wit and straight forward in your face attitude.
I miss the comfort of Anita with her group of merry men (as I call them). Having the story take place away from all the other characters and only inject a few familiar characters made Hit List fall short for me. We end up being introduced to more minor characters that play an intricate part in the ending. Olaf is also brought back and might just have a more starring role in books to come. Not entirely sold on this installment but hopefully Hamilton gets back on track with her next one.
Kelly J. (KellitaJ) reviewed Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Bk 20) on + 550 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Hopefully this is the final Anita Blake book. Flirt was awful, and this one follows that stupid what is the point of this story I don't care trend. Hamilton doesn't seem interested in her own story until about chapter 34, and then it's over by chapter 41. why didn't her publisher help her and remove all that crud about Olaf, one of the most disagreeable characters of her stories? Yuck. The way the story ends, I think she's done with Anita, and thank-goodness because she totally lost interest in her characters.
This book was a waste of money.
This book was a waste of money.
Helpful Score: 1
Very bad - series has gone way downhill. Bad pacing of story. Repetitive. Important parts are glossed over - she is cranking these out for money now - series should get a stake in it heart.
Helpful Score: 1
SO SO SO SO Much better than the last few books! I felt like the old Anita we had loved in the beginning was starting to peek her head out a little in this new book.
I received this book yesterday in the mail and just couldn't wait to read it so two other books got put on hold so I could have time to speed through it. I've already finished it though and I'm dying for more.
This book brought Anita back in the field doing her work the fact that it also happened to revolve around the Harlequin as being the serial killers she was after was a plus. Though I did feel a little cheated because The Harlequin were suppose to be the big bad or the vampire world and it just seemed that she defeated them too quick and with not quite enough explanation. There could have been another 50- 75 pages in the quick explanation of the last chapter but oh well I still loved the ending.
Some of the book bordered on redundant and seemed to be fillers. However with the ending she left us with and Anita going back to work I think I was happy to read a little filler. The 5 million dollar question will be "Can Miss Hamilton Keep It Up And Make Anita Back Into The Woman We All Loved To Read." I think we all know what the back drop for the next story will be and who she will be hunting so can she keep her hands to herself and love the men she's accumulated or will she continue her slutty ways?
I received this book yesterday in the mail and just couldn't wait to read it so two other books got put on hold so I could have time to speed through it. I've already finished it though and I'm dying for more.
This book brought Anita back in the field doing her work the fact that it also happened to revolve around the Harlequin as being the serial killers she was after was a plus. Though I did feel a little cheated because The Harlequin were suppose to be the big bad or the vampire world and it just seemed that she defeated them too quick and with not quite enough explanation. There could have been another 50- 75 pages in the quick explanation of the last chapter but oh well I still loved the ending.
Some of the book bordered on redundant and seemed to be fillers. However with the ending she left us with and Anita going back to work I think I was happy to read a little filler. The 5 million dollar question will be "Can Miss Hamilton Keep It Up And Make Anita Back Into The Woman We All Loved To Read." I think we all know what the back drop for the next story will be and who she will be hunting so can she keep her hands to herself and love the men she's accumulated or will she continue her slutty ways?
Nancy B. (momof2furkids) reviewed Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Bk 20) on + 57 more book reviews
Finally, Anita Blake is back to fighting monsters and doing something besides sex. Don't get me wrong, Hamilton writes great sex scenes, but it's nice to have a little bit of plot to read this time too. More like the original volumes. It still was lacking the drive and pace of her earlier books, but it was an improvement. I'm a huge fan of this series but I was beginning to think it was not going to find its way back. Hope Book 21 is even better!
Kate T. (katiebratt) reviewed Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Bk 20) on + 105 more book reviews
The bad just keeps getting worse. Anita is annoying, narcissistic, and just plain boring.
I couldn't finish it, I couldn't even skim it.
Glad I didn't buy it.
I couldn't finish it, I couldn't even skim it.
Glad I didn't buy it.
