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Jaz Parks #8
The Deadliest Bite
I have two choices. Carve Brude's name into Hell's bile-encrusted gates. Or lose my soul.
After an assassination attempt on Vayl, I find myself pulled into a tangled web that takes the gang to Romania. So how will I save a ghost, rescue a demon, and cheat the Great Taker out of a soul he's slavering for while defeating my nastiest foe yet so that Vayl can, at last, cherish a few precious years with his sons? With careful planning, major violence, and one (hopefully) final trip to Hell.
After an assassination attempt on Vayl, I find myself pulled into a tangled web that takes the gang to Romania. So how will I save a ghost, rescue a demon, and cheat the Great Taker out of a soul he's slavering for while defeating my nastiest foe yet so that Vayl can, at last, cherish a few precious years with his sons? With careful planning, major violence, and one (hopefully) final trip to Hell.
309 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2011
About the author
Jennifer Rardin
18 books897 followersI’ve spent all my life in the Midwest, which has certainly shaped my perspective on all kinds of issues, from the question of whether or not we really have an accent, to the many and varied uses of corn.
I was born in Evansville, Indiana on April 28, 1965. Mom tells me almost every year what crappy weather it was that day. However I like to think of my birthday as the first frost-free date for my planting area. See what happens when you grow up around farmers? Scary, huh?
After a youth spent up to my eyeballs in fairy tales, nordic myths and supernatural legends I made the solid and practical decision to go to college and major in English. After which I never really held a well paying job until this gig came along! Which is why my kids love to sing that song to me from the musical “Avenue Q.” The one that begins with the line, “What do you do with a B.A. in English?”
Once I figured out the answer to that question, I wrote Once Bitten, Twice Shy. Now my laptop is my constant companion. We reside in an old farmhouse along with my husband and our two teenagers. No pets since the cat died last winter, but the birds seem to appreciate his absence. They come to feast at the feeders while I write on the back porch in the cool of the morning. Lovely.
I was born in Evansville, Indiana on April 28, 1965. Mom tells me almost every year what crappy weather it was that day. However I like to think of my birthday as the first frost-free date for my planting area. See what happens when you grow up around farmers? Scary, huh?
After a youth spent up to my eyeballs in fairy tales, nordic myths and supernatural legends I made the solid and practical decision to go to college and major in English. After which I never really held a well paying job until this gig came along! Which is why my kids love to sing that song to me from the musical “Avenue Q.” The one that begins with the line, “What do you do with a B.A. in English?”
Once I figured out the answer to that question, I wrote Once Bitten, Twice Shy. Now my laptop is my constant companion. We reside in an old farmhouse along with my husband and our two teenagers. No pets since the cat died last winter, but the birds seem to appreciate his absence. They come to feast at the feeders while I write on the back porch in the cool of the morning. Lovely.
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May 20, 2011
The Deadliest Bite is book 8 (the final installment) in Jennifer Rardin’s urban fantasy series. This series has followed Jaz Parks, a supernatural CIA assassin, and her partner, a centuries old vampire named Vayl, through thrilling adventures, dangers, and countries. This installment is quite special, it is do or die (literally) for Jaz in this adventure. Jaz must discover how to unlock an ancient artifact and survive a trip to hell in order to live, and she only has days to accomplish this.
For starters, I love how in this installment, we get to really see Jaz and Vayl as a couple. They have a chemistry between them that has been building since book 1, and finally, we get to truly see them together, and I loved it. Jaz puts her past relationship and loss behind her, and even Vayl gets his priorities straight for once. He quits antagonizing over his missing son’s souls, and focuses on what he has. As for Vayls missing sons, that story line is addressed here, and it’s surprising and perfectly fitting to the series.
The Deadliest Bite is not what I was expecting. I was expecting the gang to take an immediate trip to hell. However, I was surprised to find that the group had to deal with other issues first. Cole has issues with his demon-touched self, Cassandra and Dave have plenty of surprises to share, and Bergman has lady troubles. All together, the series ends on a high note, with story lines tied up, and others begun, and all of it fitting to the series.
**As to the series, when asked how I would describe the Jaz Parks series, I say think of the show Alias pumped up with supernaturals, vampires, shifters, demons, and others. This series is high energy, and Jaz is full of snarky humor, terrible language, and she makes the best silly and inane comments at the worst times. This series is a must for urban fantasy fans, I very highly recommend this series. There is not much romance, but there is a bit of sexual tension and chemistry, just to make things even more interesting. To sum it up, don’t miss this series!
*read this review and more at my blog: http://booksavvybabe.com
For starters, I love how in this installment, we get to really see Jaz and Vayl as a couple. They have a chemistry between them that has been building since book 1, and finally, we get to truly see them together, and I loved it. Jaz puts her past relationship and loss behind her, and even Vayl gets his priorities straight for once. He quits antagonizing over his missing son’s souls, and focuses on what he has. As for Vayls missing sons, that story line is addressed here, and it’s surprising and perfectly fitting to the series.
The Deadliest Bite is not what I was expecting. I was expecting the gang to take an immediate trip to hell. However, I was surprised to find that the group had to deal with other issues first. Cole has issues with his demon-touched self, Cassandra and Dave have plenty of surprises to share, and Bergman has lady troubles. All together, the series ends on a high note, with story lines tied up, and others begun, and all of it fitting to the series.
**As to the series, when asked how I would describe the Jaz Parks series, I say think of the show Alias pumped up with supernaturals, vampires, shifters, demons, and others. This series is high energy, and Jaz is full of snarky humor, terrible language, and she makes the best silly and inane comments at the worst times. This series is a must for urban fantasy fans, I very highly recommend this series. There is not much romance, but there is a bit of sexual tension and chemistry, just to make things even more interesting. To sum it up, don’t miss this series!
*read this review and more at my blog: http://booksavvybabe.com
October 8, 2020
ARC received from Netgalley
The Deadliest Bite by Jennifer Rardin is a fabulous ending to a remarkable series. It is the 8th and final installment of the Jazz Parks series and what an ending it is. All the previous books have been leading up to this point in one way or another. This is the one that wraps everything up and gives us the answers and conclusions we have been waiting for. Will Jazz rid herself of Brude and find her happily every after with Vayl? Will she come away with her soul intact? Will Cole survive or be turned into some type of demon? Will Vayl find the sons he’s been searching centuries for? The answers are all there in a story that is entertaining, exciting, romantic and oh so action packed.
There is humor mixed throughout which will have you laughing out loud. It’s part of what makes this such a joy to read. Jennifer Rardin has penned an Urban Fantasy world that is completely engrossing and wholly entertaining. It’s written in such a way that the fantasy elements feel believable no matter how fantastical they get. It takes a lot of talent to make the unbelievable feel believable and Ms. Rardin accomplished it with style in this series.
Jazz is a great character who always gives her all and Vayl is the perfect match for her. The secondary characters are such a highlight in this series and that is true in this book as well. They manage to endear themselves to us time and time again. The relationship between Jazz and Vayl is showcased in this one and you get plenty of moments with them together that will warm your heart.
It’s sad see these characters end and know that they will never be featured in another story but at the same it’s thrilling to know the series is complete and can be read in its entirety time and time again. They are forever immortalized via the written word.
The Deadliest Bite and the entire Jazz Park series is highly recommended for fans of Urban Fantasy.
Note: The Jazz Park series is one that should be read in order so if you haven’t read it yet, start with the first book, Once Bitten, Twice Shy, and read in order from there.
The Deadliest Bite by Jennifer Rardin is a fabulous ending to a remarkable series. It is the 8th and final installment of the Jazz Parks series and what an ending it is. All the previous books have been leading up to this point in one way or another. This is the one that wraps everything up and gives us the answers and conclusions we have been waiting for. Will Jazz rid herself of Brude and find her happily every after with Vayl? Will she come away with her soul intact? Will Cole survive or be turned into some type of demon? Will Vayl find the sons he’s been searching centuries for? The answers are all there in a story that is entertaining, exciting, romantic and oh so action packed.
There is humor mixed throughout which will have you laughing out loud. It’s part of what makes this such a joy to read. Jennifer Rardin has penned an Urban Fantasy world that is completely engrossing and wholly entertaining. It’s written in such a way that the fantasy elements feel believable no matter how fantastical they get. It takes a lot of talent to make the unbelievable feel believable and Ms. Rardin accomplished it with style in this series.
Jazz is a great character who always gives her all and Vayl is the perfect match for her. The secondary characters are such a highlight in this series and that is true in this book as well. They manage to endear themselves to us time and time again. The relationship between Jazz and Vayl is showcased in this one and you get plenty of moments with them together that will warm your heart.
It’s sad see these characters end and know that they will never be featured in another story but at the same it’s thrilling to know the series is complete and can be read in its entirety time and time again. They are forever immortalized via the written word.
The Deadliest Bite and the entire Jazz Park series is highly recommended for fans of Urban Fantasy.
Note: The Jazz Park series is one that should be read in order so if you haven’t read it yet, start with the first book, Once Bitten, Twice Shy, and read in order from there.
June 26, 2011
In this last book, post-humously published after Jennifer's sudden death, we manage to get some closure for our gang. Vayl and Jaz, accompanied by their support group, are off to Hell (yes, THE Hell) to try to free Jaz from the demon who has taken up residence in her psyche. Along the way they find other things to occupy themselves with--finding Vayl's 2 long dead sons (or at least the bodies that currently hold their souls) has a couple of VERY interesting complications. Raoul has much more of an appearance in this one than in the past books, hanging with them for almost the entire adventure. And yeah, I DO have a thing for Raoul, but who could possibly resist him? Well, except for Jaz--and Cassandra--and ok, Evie, but I don't think that Evie ever actually meets him. :oP Still, a good note for the series to end on, even if we don't get to see what actually happens next.
June 9, 2011
The time has come. Jaz must make the trip into Hell and carve Brude's name into its gates, removing him from her mind, or she will not only lose her life but her very soul. Along for the journey are her closest friends and her vampire boyfriend Vayl. Using all their skills, and a lot of luck, the gang will face demons and dangerous obstacles in order to free Jaz and make it out of hell alive.
When we first meet back up with Vayl and Jaz they are taking time off after the close call of their last mission but are interrupted when someone tries to kill Vayl. The only thing stopping Jaz from painfully dismantling the would be assassin is that he may just be the reincarnation of one of Vayl's sons. The sons Vayl has been trying to find for centuries. Vayl also learns that his other son has been reborn but is at risk of death at the hands of demons. To make things more challenging, Jaz's time has begun to run out. Brude, the want to be ruler of Hell, has been trapped inside her mind for some time now and if he isn't removed soon, Jaz will die. The count down has begun for Jaz and her team to rescue a ghost, save Vayl's son and carve Brude's name into the gates of Hell.
What an end to a great Urban Fantasy series. Even with all that's stacked against her, Jaz manages to hold on to the humor and spunk that makes her a fun and memorable heroine. At her side is Vayl, the powerful vampire who breaks away from his normally well composed self to have some fun with his lover Jaz. Can you say naughty hide-and-seek? Also along for the adventure is the go to techie Bergman, who really surprised me in this one with a very brave act that helped find Vayl's son. Of course my favorite, Cole, is ready to kick some demon butt and do it while telling a joke. I've been with this group of characters since book one and I felt they were at their very best this final installment.
The Deadliest Bite is everything I'd hope the conclusion of the Jaz Parks series would be. The question if Vayl will find his sons is answered, the trip into Hell to save Jaz is finally taken and even Cole's lingering feelings for Jaz is addressed. I think any fan of the series will be pleased with how it ended, which is in true Jaz style. Even though I'm happy with the ending, I'm still saddened by the death of Jennifer Rardin and will miss the wonderfully developed, and lovable characters she created. If you haven't already had a chance to pick up this series please do so but start from the beginning. A lot will be unclear if you jumped straight to the last book.
-Stephanie
When we first meet back up with Vayl and Jaz they are taking time off after the close call of their last mission but are interrupted when someone tries to kill Vayl. The only thing stopping Jaz from painfully dismantling the would be assassin is that he may just be the reincarnation of one of Vayl's sons. The sons Vayl has been trying to find for centuries. Vayl also learns that his other son has been reborn but is at risk of death at the hands of demons. To make things more challenging, Jaz's time has begun to run out. Brude, the want to be ruler of Hell, has been trapped inside her mind for some time now and if he isn't removed soon, Jaz will die. The count down has begun for Jaz and her team to rescue a ghost, save Vayl's son and carve Brude's name into the gates of Hell.
What an end to a great Urban Fantasy series. Even with all that's stacked against her, Jaz manages to hold on to the humor and spunk that makes her a fun and memorable heroine. At her side is Vayl, the powerful vampire who breaks away from his normally well composed self to have some fun with his lover Jaz. Can you say naughty hide-and-seek? Also along for the adventure is the go to techie Bergman, who really surprised me in this one with a very brave act that helped find Vayl's son. Of course my favorite, Cole, is ready to kick some demon butt and do it while telling a joke. I've been with this group of characters since book one and I felt they were at their very best this final installment.
The Deadliest Bite is everything I'd hope the conclusion of the Jaz Parks series would be. The question if Vayl will find his sons is answered, the trip into Hell to save Jaz is finally taken and even Cole's lingering feelings for Jaz is addressed. I think any fan of the series will be pleased with how it ended, which is in true Jaz style. Even though I'm happy with the ending, I'm still saddened by the death of Jennifer Rardin and will miss the wonderfully developed, and lovable characters she created. If you haven't already had a chance to pick up this series please do so but start from the beginning. A lot will be unclear if you jumped straight to the last book.
-Stephanie
February 29, 2016
So to the final book of the series. I have to admit that overall I'm pleased that it has come to an end as it was very hit and miss in places. This book was much better than the previous book which was a major relief. There is nothing worse than sticking with a series to the end and it going out like a damp squib!
Vayl and Jaz are trying to have a fun filled vacation which of course is ruined by the attempted assassination of Vayl by a young assassin. Cassandra thinks that Aaron is the reincarnated soul of one of Vayl's sons and thinks that they need to identify the other quickly in case that is another assassin. When they discover that Vayl's other son is about to be killed in a bike stunt gone wrong, they need to intervene and stop him being sent to hell. Only then can they concentrate on saving Jaz who only has days left before she is doomed.
I'm pretty sick by now of the saga of Vayl's bloody sons. It has contributed nothing to the overall plot of the series and proves to be a distraction from more interesting plots. Thankfully, I was able to put up with it here knowing that there will be a resolution to it in some way. Cole is still suffering the after effects of his demon possession but is cheered to know that his soulmate will be the niece of Jaz. OK that seemed a bit Twilight book 4 plot alert to me and I'm not greatly convinced by the idea. Mind you at least he is no longer obsessing about Jaz. Took long enough for it to sink in.
The star of this book is Bergman! He gets to show real bravery in the face of evil and it was so great to see him get that moment of glory. He is the only smart enough to notice, like me, that Cassandra is pregnant. Everyone else must be pretty dumb not to have spotted it because it was so obvious! Jack is totally brilliant as usual and should get his own spin off series! I also quite liked Helena's story which had a group wrap up.
It is a complex plot which has everyone getting ready for a trip to hell so that Jaz can carve Brude's name into Hell's gate to escape a grim fate and lose her soul. It was an interesting plot with plenty of action and tension as they have several things to overcome. It was a decent end to the series and everything was solved in a pretty satisfactory manner. I did enjoy a lot of the series but at times I just wanted more from it. At least it was finished well which was the main thing.
Vayl and Jaz are trying to have a fun filled vacation which of course is ruined by the attempted assassination of Vayl by a young assassin. Cassandra thinks that Aaron is the reincarnated soul of one of Vayl's sons and thinks that they need to identify the other quickly in case that is another assassin. When they discover that Vayl's other son is about to be killed in a bike stunt gone wrong, they need to intervene and stop him being sent to hell. Only then can they concentrate on saving Jaz who only has days left before she is doomed.
I'm pretty sick by now of the saga of Vayl's bloody sons. It has contributed nothing to the overall plot of the series and proves to be a distraction from more interesting plots. Thankfully, I was able to put up with it here knowing that there will be a resolution to it in some way. Cole is still suffering the after effects of his demon possession but is cheered to know that his soulmate will be the niece of Jaz. OK that seemed a bit Twilight book 4 plot alert to me and I'm not greatly convinced by the idea. Mind you at least he is no longer obsessing about Jaz. Took long enough for it to sink in.
The star of this book is Bergman! He gets to show real bravery in the face of evil and it was so great to see him get that moment of glory. He is the only smart enough to notice, like me, that Cassandra is pregnant. Everyone else must be pretty dumb not to have spotted it because it was so obvious! Jack is totally brilliant as usual and should get his own spin off series! I also quite liked Helena's story which had a group wrap up.
It is a complex plot which has everyone getting ready for a trip to hell so that Jaz can carve Brude's name into Hell's gate to escape a grim fate and lose her soul. It was an interesting plot with plenty of action and tension as they have several things to overcome. It was a decent end to the series and everything was solved in a pretty satisfactory manner. I did enjoy a lot of the series but at times I just wanted more from it. At least it was finished well which was the main thing.
May 25, 2011
The Deadliest Bite is the eighth and final book in the Jaz Parks series. I’ve come to love Jaz and Vayl and the eccentric and oftentimes hilarious cast of characters. I would recommend that anyone new to this series start with the first book Once Bitten, Twice Shy.
This book marks a maturation of Jaz’s character. She seems more confident, more at ease. Jaz and Vayl have a nice playfulness about them, especially at the start of the book. It’s nice to see them so relaxed and so comfortable with each other’s company.
Jaz’s inner voices seem more under control. Jaz’s many internal personalities help her work out her problems and help keep her sane. The only problem – she must get Brude out of her head by carving his name on the gates of Hell.
The imagination and creativity that went into this book and the entire series is wonderful. The author’s depiction of hell was amazing, assaulting all the senses through the colors, the smells, the fear, and the sounds of despair. The descriptions of the monsters and creatures of hell were well done. The out of body experience with Jaz’s spirit guide Raoul was simply out of this world. I loved how everyone associated with Jaz was connected to her with a golden cord. Beautiful.
One of my favorite things about these books are Bergman’s gadgets and inventions. Of these, Astral the robo-kitty is probably the funniest addition due to its constant malfunctions. Astral is capable of launching a grenade from its butt, turning into a pool of goo, and choosing some pretty appropriate songs to provide an interesting soundtrack to the book.
This book seemed tighter and more polished than the earlier books in the series. There are some great lines and I was giggling throughout the book. There were also some great action sequences as well. My only criticism is that there was a little part where the action lagged and I felt that there were a few too many story lines. I liked how all the loose ends were tied up.
I am sad that this series had to end and I will miss the imagination of Jennifer Rardin.
*ARC provided free of charge from Netgalley
May 29, 2011
Rating: 4.0
Genre: Urban Fantasy
The Deadliest Bite, by the late Jennifer Rardin, is the eighth and final book in the Jaz Parks series. There are a lot of questions that were left unanswered before we got to this point. Will Vayl find his two sons? Will Jaz get rid of Brude before he completely takes over her psyche and kills her? Will Jaz have to continue taking missions from the Eldhayr and the CIA, or will she be allowed to retire? Will Vayl change his mind and transform Jas so that they can live forever together? Will Cole every find his HEA?
As the book opens, Jaz and Val are on a much needed vacation when Vayl is suddenly facing an assassination attempt by an unknown assailant. With the quick responses by Jaz, Raoul and Cassandra, they discover the assassin’s true identity and it comes as a shock to everyone. It is Cassandra who saw what was going to happen, as well as the truth behind who he really is. The assassin had been sent after Vayl by his nemesis Roldan, who holds the assassin’s father in situ, and wants Vayl dead in the worse way and to stop Jasmine from succeeding in killing Brude.
Jaz still must find a way to unlock the Rocenz so that she can carve Brude’s name into the gates of hell and save herself from permanent death. In order to do that, she must unlock several pieces of the puzzle, including finding a cowboy named Zell Culver. Jasmine's snarky attitude and take no prisoners actions, is why I enjoyed this series so much.
Another underlying story is the silent marriage of David to Cassandra who is pregnant. That announcement really stuns everyone. David is a commander of a special operations group that goes after terrorists around the world while Cassandra is a 750 seer who lost most of her powers, but still finds way to see things before they happen.
This book is loaded with off the cut humor from everyone from Jas to Cole. It is a wonder anything actually gets done with these two around. There is also a surprise when Vayl realizes that his son Hanzi’s soul has taken up residence in Lotus, a female stunt driver who is heading for a bad ending if he/she doesn’t change course and quickly.
Rardin ties up the series loose ends rather nicely by having each sub character appear and helping not only in finding Vayl son, but in saving Jasmine as well. She has the characters travel from Ohio, where Vayl’s trust is, to Romania where his son’s graves are located, to Hell and the final battle between Brude and Roldan and another surprise revelation that links Vayl's adopted daughter Helena to Jasmine's family.
After the past few books, I was keeping my fingers crossed for a really amazing finale. I got my wish.
Character summary in a nutshell:
Jasmine “Jaz” Parks is an assassin who works for the CIA’s Antiterrorism Division which has been put on hold by the Oversight Committee until answers about Pete Huttin and Ethan Mrecks murders are answered. She and her partner/mentor/lover Vayl are the best at what they do and have been trying to find a way to keep Jasmine from dying at the hands of Brude who has taken up residency in her psyche. Jaz has already died twice, and been brought back to life by her Spirit Guide and Eldhayr Raoul. If she dies again, she won’t be coming back. Jasmine has inner girls, as she calls them, who she continually has running conversations with: Granny May, Teen Me, and Inner Bimbo, along with Book Chic. Jasmine is 26 years old and is now hesitant in calling herself human after what she’s experienced since meeting Vayl, including having him drink blood from her. She is also a sensitive. (Sensitivity) Jaz has the ability to start fires after donating blood to a dying were named Trayton.
Vasil Nicu Brancoveanu aka Vayl, was born 1713 in Romania and became a vampire in 1751. Vayl suggested that turn Jaz, but changed later his mind after it became apparent that sharing blood with Vayl has made them more powerful than normal vampires. He is worried that the Wence will come down on them both if they get more powerful than they already are. Vayl is also a Wraith which means he can freeze a person inside out; a very rare talent among vampires. Vayl has been working for the federal government for 80 years. Vayl had two sons, both of whom were killed while he was still human. He has made it his quest to find their souls.
Raoul is an Eldhayr as well as Jasmine’s spirit guide. Raoul has become an important fixture in this storyline, including showing Cole is true destiny and who he is supposed to be with. In another life he was a former ranger. He has warned Jas that is she dies this time, she won't be coming back.
Astral the robokitty was created by Bergman. Astral is a hoot! She was created in order to have instant access to secrets that have been contained by the Sisters of Sight. She has built in weaponry, and has a song for each and every occasion. She even shoots a grenade out of her butt.
Miles Bergman is the ultra-amazing gadget wizard, and creator Jasmine’s Walther PPK that turns into a vampire killing Crossbow. At the end of last book, he was in a relationship with Monique who is older than he is and is now questioning the suitability of that relationship. Bergman really comes out of his shell in this book when he takes on the Rider, a vampire like being who stands in the way of finding Vayl’s older son Hanzi.
Cole Belmont nearly became a demon in Marrakech at the hands of Kyphas in the last story. He took a long vacation, and suffered for it because he was away from everyone that could help me. Cole is the sniper of the group, and also the social butterfly with his constant charms, jokes and silliness. Raoul shows Cole his future, and let’s just say that I am not spoiling it! Cole finally puts the final nail in Kyphas fate at the end of the book.
Cassandra is the seer who has been around for 750 years. She once made a deal with a demon that she found a way to break. She sees Vayl get shot and staked by a young man who happens to be at their front door, who later turns out to be Vayl’s youngest son. She also secretly marries David, and is pregnant with child.
Dave Parks is a commander of a Special Operations group and of course, Jasmine’s brother. Dave lost his fiancée when Jaz killed her after she was turned into a vampire in the events prior to the first book of this series. He was later turned into a zombie, and now has the ability to search out graves.
I see that there are short stories being released that center around this series, but, I still will miss this group of characters. Each has made a contribution in one way or the other, and in the end, they become family. I was happy to see that Vayl finally found his sons, even though one is now a female, and that Vayl and Jas will finally get their HEA they have been craving for.
*ARC provided free of charge from Netgalley
Genre: Urban Fantasy
The Deadliest Bite, by the late Jennifer Rardin, is the eighth and final book in the Jaz Parks series. There are a lot of questions that were left unanswered before we got to this point. Will Vayl find his two sons? Will Jaz get rid of Brude before he completely takes over her psyche and kills her? Will Jaz have to continue taking missions from the Eldhayr and the CIA, or will she be allowed to retire? Will Vayl change his mind and transform Jas so that they can live forever together? Will Cole every find his HEA?
As the book opens, Jaz and Val are on a much needed vacation when Vayl is suddenly facing an assassination attempt by an unknown assailant. With the quick responses by Jaz, Raoul and Cassandra, they discover the assassin’s true identity and it comes as a shock to everyone. It is Cassandra who saw what was going to happen, as well as the truth behind who he really is. The assassin had been sent after Vayl by his nemesis Roldan, who holds the assassin’s father in situ, and wants Vayl dead in the worse way and to stop Jasmine from succeeding in killing Brude.
Jaz still must find a way to unlock the Rocenz so that she can carve Brude’s name into the gates of hell and save herself from permanent death. In order to do that, she must unlock several pieces of the puzzle, including finding a cowboy named Zell Culver. Jasmine's snarky attitude and take no prisoners actions, is why I enjoyed this series so much.
Another underlying story is the silent marriage of David to Cassandra who is pregnant. That announcement really stuns everyone. David is a commander of a special operations group that goes after terrorists around the world while Cassandra is a 750 seer who lost most of her powers, but still finds way to see things before they happen.
This book is loaded with off the cut humor from everyone from Jas to Cole. It is a wonder anything actually gets done with these two around. There is also a surprise when Vayl realizes that his son Hanzi’s soul has taken up residence in Lotus, a female stunt driver who is heading for a bad ending if he/she doesn’t change course and quickly.
Rardin ties up the series loose ends rather nicely by having each sub character appear and helping not only in finding Vayl son, but in saving Jasmine as well. She has the characters travel from Ohio, where Vayl’s trust is, to Romania where his son’s graves are located, to Hell and the final battle between Brude and Roldan and another surprise revelation that links Vayl's adopted daughter Helena to Jasmine's family.
After the past few books, I was keeping my fingers crossed for a really amazing finale. I got my wish.
Character summary in a nutshell:
Jasmine “Jaz” Parks is an assassin who works for the CIA’s Antiterrorism Division which has been put on hold by the Oversight Committee until answers about Pete Huttin and Ethan Mrecks murders are answered. She and her partner/mentor/lover Vayl are the best at what they do and have been trying to find a way to keep Jasmine from dying at the hands of Brude who has taken up residency in her psyche. Jaz has already died twice, and been brought back to life by her Spirit Guide and Eldhayr Raoul. If she dies again, she won’t be coming back. Jasmine has inner girls, as she calls them, who she continually has running conversations with: Granny May, Teen Me, and Inner Bimbo, along with Book Chic. Jasmine is 26 years old and is now hesitant in calling herself human after what she’s experienced since meeting Vayl, including having him drink blood from her. She is also a sensitive. (Sensitivity) Jaz has the ability to start fires after donating blood to a dying were named Trayton.
Vasil Nicu Brancoveanu aka Vayl, was born 1713 in Romania and became a vampire in 1751. Vayl suggested that turn Jaz, but changed later his mind after it became apparent that sharing blood with Vayl has made them more powerful than normal vampires. He is worried that the Wence will come down on them both if they get more powerful than they already are. Vayl is also a Wraith which means he can freeze a person inside out; a very rare talent among vampires. Vayl has been working for the federal government for 80 years. Vayl had two sons, both of whom were killed while he was still human. He has made it his quest to find their souls.
Raoul is an Eldhayr as well as Jasmine’s spirit guide. Raoul has become an important fixture in this storyline, including showing Cole is true destiny and who he is supposed to be with. In another life he was a former ranger. He has warned Jas that is she dies this time, she won't be coming back.
Astral the robokitty was created by Bergman. Astral is a hoot! She was created in order to have instant access to secrets that have been contained by the Sisters of Sight. She has built in weaponry, and has a song for each and every occasion. She even shoots a grenade out of her butt.
Miles Bergman is the ultra-amazing gadget wizard, and creator Jasmine’s Walther PPK that turns into a vampire killing Crossbow. At the end of last book, he was in a relationship with Monique who is older than he is and is now questioning the suitability of that relationship. Bergman really comes out of his shell in this book when he takes on the Rider, a vampire like being who stands in the way of finding Vayl’s older son Hanzi.
Cole Belmont nearly became a demon in Marrakech at the hands of Kyphas in the last story. He took a long vacation, and suffered for it because he was away from everyone that could help me. Cole is the sniper of the group, and also the social butterfly with his constant charms, jokes and silliness. Raoul shows Cole his future, and let’s just say that I am not spoiling it! Cole finally puts the final nail in Kyphas fate at the end of the book.
Cassandra is the seer who has been around for 750 years. She once made a deal with a demon that she found a way to break. She sees Vayl get shot and staked by a young man who happens to be at their front door, who later turns out to be Vayl’s youngest son. She also secretly marries David, and is pregnant with child.
Dave Parks is a commander of a Special Operations group and of course, Jasmine’s brother. Dave lost his fiancée when Jaz killed her after she was turned into a vampire in the events prior to the first book of this series. He was later turned into a zombie, and now has the ability to search out graves.
I see that there are short stories being released that center around this series, but, I still will miss this group of characters. Each has made a contribution in one way or the other, and in the end, they become family. I was happy to see that Vayl finally found his sons, even though one is now a female, and that Vayl and Jas will finally get their HEA they have been craving for.
*ARC provided free of charge from Netgalley
September 22, 2023
Really don’t know what to make of this series. Somehow ive read the whole thing but never fully enjoyed it. The concept is a lot of fun but often its much too detailed and other times details are missing so you feel lost, how did we end up here, whose this person? Frustrating since it makes it unnecessary hard to read.
Besides this, the plot isnt worked out great most of the time. Some enemy will for no reason explain the motive and reasoning of whatever bad stuff they did.
So yeah, pretty frustrating to read at times but very fun concept.
Besides this, the plot isnt worked out great most of the time. Some enemy will for no reason explain the motive and reasoning of whatever bad stuff they did.
So yeah, pretty frustrating to read at times but very fun concept.
May 27, 2011
The eighth and last installment in the Jaz Parks series, The Deadliest Bite is bittersweet to say the least.
*May contain series spoilers. You should read the rest of the series before this one, or you will miss major plot elements tied to each novel. Not to mention an awesome urban fantasy series!
The series follows CIA assassin Jaz Parks and her vampire partner, Vayl, across the world fighting diabolical creatures of the Otherworld and deadly terrorists that threaten our country. All her adventures have lead to this thrilling climax where it is do or die time for this fantastical agent. Jaz must travel to Hell and carve the evil Brude’s name on Hell’s wall with an ancient tool, or loose her soul. It’s never a solo journey when it comes to her loyal team though and each character is put to the test in the depths of Hell. But will Jaz have to make a decision between her life and the life of her lover’s children?
In this last book, The Deadliest Bite, we finally get to see the outcome of the relationship that books 1-7 have built between Jaz and Vayl; the chemistry, the passion, the trust and the love. The novel starts off with them enjoying some down time in Vayl’s home and playing a fun game of strip hide ‘n’ seek. They both have moved on from their pasts and have developed a lasting connection, they stop dwelling on what they’ve lost and look to what they have, with each other. But the past has a way of sneaking up on you and when a would-be-murdered turns out to be one of Vayl’s long lost sons things start to get interesting! Jaz tells the story from her POV, sometimes making statements like "Cole would later tell me that…” The world Rardin has built is wonderfully descriptive without over doing it. With strong characters all around, each well developed with their own little quirks. The Jaz Parks series is fun, snarky, humorous and adventurous, and The Deadliest Bite is no exception. It’s well paced with just the right amount of action and suspense with a fun little twist concerning Vayl’s sons. Jaz is her normal feisty self, true to the character we first met in Once Bitten, Twice Shy. Light romance and exciting sexual tension adds to the entertainment of it all. A fantastic UF series to add to your list and a must read for sure!
This was the last novel that Jennifer Rardin penned before passing away, and I’m not sure if it was meant to be the last in the series or not, but it really wrapped up everything nicely giving all the characters a bright and happy future. Rardin will definitely live on in my mind as one of my all time favorite authors.
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
*May contain series spoilers. You should read the rest of the series before this one, or you will miss major plot elements tied to each novel. Not to mention an awesome urban fantasy series!
The series follows CIA assassin Jaz Parks and her vampire partner, Vayl, across the world fighting diabolical creatures of the Otherworld and deadly terrorists that threaten our country. All her adventures have lead to this thrilling climax where it is do or die time for this fantastical agent. Jaz must travel to Hell and carve the evil Brude’s name on Hell’s wall with an ancient tool, or loose her soul. It’s never a solo journey when it comes to her loyal team though and each character is put to the test in the depths of Hell. But will Jaz have to make a decision between her life and the life of her lover’s children?
In this last book, The Deadliest Bite, we finally get to see the outcome of the relationship that books 1-7 have built between Jaz and Vayl; the chemistry, the passion, the trust and the love. The novel starts off with them enjoying some down time in Vayl’s home and playing a fun game of strip hide ‘n’ seek. They both have moved on from their pasts and have developed a lasting connection, they stop dwelling on what they’ve lost and look to what they have, with each other. But the past has a way of sneaking up on you and when a would-be-murdered turns out to be one of Vayl’s long lost sons things start to get interesting! Jaz tells the story from her POV, sometimes making statements like "Cole would later tell me that…” The world Rardin has built is wonderfully descriptive without over doing it. With strong characters all around, each well developed with their own little quirks. The Jaz Parks series is fun, snarky, humorous and adventurous, and The Deadliest Bite is no exception. It’s well paced with just the right amount of action and suspense with a fun little twist concerning Vayl’s sons. Jaz is her normal feisty self, true to the character we first met in Once Bitten, Twice Shy. Light romance and exciting sexual tension adds to the entertainment of it all. A fantastic UF series to add to your list and a must read for sure!
This was the last novel that Jennifer Rardin penned before passing away, and I’m not sure if it was meant to be the last in the series or not, but it really wrapped up everything nicely giving all the characters a bright and happy future. Rardin will definitely live on in my mind as one of my all time favorite authors.
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
August 12, 2011
This review was posted at Under The Covers
This is the last book in the Jaz Sparks series. Did it really take me 8 books to realize that yes, Jaz is crazy? LOL The woman not only hears voices in her head, but actually they play whole scenes for her and interact! But in this book, it worked for me. And they worked for her. Teen Me, Inner Bimbo and Granny May were all very much present, very funny and actually helpful!
On top of her own voices, she has Brude still trapped inside her head, literally, and now the time has come for her to banish him forever.
All the lose end stories come up in this book, and still manage to keep the storyline interesting, action packed and totally hysterical. Vayl has finally found his sons, even if not exactly in the way he had planned. He has to fight to not get killed by them and to save them. All the previous bad guys make an appearance in this book so we can finish them off. It was great!
As always I enjoy the humor that's always mixed in with this series. Bergman grows a pair so on top of being the smartest, most creative and funniest guy around, he actually helps save the day! So proud of him. Cole and his usual humor at the most inappropriate times. And I love the pets (mascots?) robokitty (Astral) and Jack!
This was a very good ending to the story, it cements the relationship between Vayl and Jaz as strong and everlasting, it answers all the questions you could've had and it gives you some unexpected surprises in the end.
This is the last book in the Jaz Sparks series. Did it really take me 8 books to realize that yes, Jaz is crazy? LOL The woman not only hears voices in her head, but actually they play whole scenes for her and interact! But in this book, it worked for me. And they worked for her. Teen Me, Inner Bimbo and Granny May were all very much present, very funny and actually helpful!
On top of her own voices, she has Brude still trapped inside her head, literally, and now the time has come for her to banish him forever.
All the lose end stories come up in this book, and still manage to keep the storyline interesting, action packed and totally hysterical. Vayl has finally found his sons, even if not exactly in the way he had planned. He has to fight to not get killed by them and to save them. All the previous bad guys make an appearance in this book so we can finish them off. It was great!
As always I enjoy the humor that's always mixed in with this series. Bergman grows a pair so on top of being the smartest, most creative and funniest guy around, he actually helps save the day! So proud of him. Cole and his usual humor at the most inappropriate times. And I love the pets (mascots?) robokitty (Astral) and Jack!
This was a very good ending to the story, it cements the relationship between Vayl and Jaz as strong and everlasting, it answers all the questions you could've had and it gives you some unexpected surprises in the end.
October 26, 2011
I have always liked the Jaz series! In this last book we find Jaz up to her usual heroics and craziness. The cast of characters are wonderfully written. All of them are unique in their own ways from Astral(the robo kitty) to Jaz herself. Each one is faced with extrodinary challenges, and I was pulled in from the start. Jaz has to go to hell(literally) one last time to free herself from Brude. brude is a demon who has attacked Jaz and now resides locked behind a door in her head. Teen Jaz(also in her head) and real jaz locked him there to keep him from taking her over. All sounds a bit weird doesnt it? Well..thats not all..she has a boyfriend who is a vampire..friends who she just recently found out got married(without her knowledge) a robot cat who farts grenades and a friend who made it out of hell only to find out that in a while he will be dating Jaz's neice(who is still a baby!)
I am saddened that this is the last book in the Jaz series.
If you want a kick-butt, hilarious, mouthy heroine this is definately the book for you!
*go check out the rest of the series too..you won't be disappointed!
I am saddened that this is the last book in the Jaz series.
If you want a kick-butt, hilarious, mouthy heroine this is definately the book for you!
*go check out the rest of the series too..you won't be disappointed!
May 17, 2011
This is a heart stomping ending to an adventurous series. We travel into Hell and traverse the darkness and dangers with Jaz and her team for the last time. Everyone has to face a horrible challenge, some may not live through them.
Every character, every single one has hardships to face.. Jaz possessed by Brude and he is getting harder to live with, nose bleeds and headaches are her constant companions. Vahl searches for his children and tries to save the love of his life. Cole struggles with his demon side and finds some information that may help him through his year ahead. Bergman puts it all out there, giving everything for his friends. Rhoul struggles with the regulations he is confined with. Jack and Asrial, well they each have some scary moments. (Both animals steal every scene they are in) All travel into the darkest place known and suffer there. The ending was fantastic, a wonderful way to finish their stories.
Every character, every single one has hardships to face.. Jaz possessed by Brude and he is getting harder to live with, nose bleeds and headaches are her constant companions. Vahl searches for his children and tries to save the love of his life. Cole struggles with his demon side and finds some information that may help him through his year ahead. Bergman puts it all out there, giving everything for his friends. Rhoul struggles with the regulations he is confined with. Jack and Asrial, well they each have some scary moments. (Both animals steal every scene they are in) All travel into the darkest place known and suffer there. The ending was fantastic, a wonderful way to finish their stories.
June 30, 2014
I have to admit feeling a bit sad writing this review. Sad, because this will be the last Jaz Parks book that I review due to the untimely death of Jennifer Rardin. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and this last installment was a fine farewell. While writing about this unlikely group of deadly, yet funny, government assassins Rardin managed to be witty and touching all at the same time. It's been a fun romp with Jaz,Vayl and the gang. If you haven't tried this series, I highly recommend it, but don't start here. It's worth starting at the beginning with book one, Once Bitten, Twice Shy. RIP Ms. Rardin.
July 9, 2015
Über diese Reihe kann man vieles sagen - sie ist detailreich, rasant, verworren - nur eines war sie nie: langweilig. Ausgerechnet im letzten Band der Reihe schleicht sich diese aber ein. Die Charaktere hatten bis hierher so viele Hürden zu überwinden und plötzlich wird alles ganz einfach. Kämpfe werden scheinbar mühelos entschieden, Informationen fliegen einem regelrecht zu und Jahrhunderte alte Geheimnisse und offene Fragen werden quasi mit einem Fingerschnippen gelöst. Ja, die Enttäuschung ist tatsächlich groß bei mir :(
May 23, 2011
WOW...what can I say another excellent book by Jennifer Rardin and I am so sad that there will not be anymore books in this series. This is the final adventure for Jaz, Val and the gang and the action sucks you in from begining to end..I got so wrapped up in the story that the end came as a bit of a shock....I wanted there to be more....I don't want to give anything away so trust me, just read and enjoy.
July 1, 2011
So amazing. So sad its over. I wish there was someway there could be more books... this is by far the best series i ever read <3
September 10, 2020
The Deadliest Bite is the eighth and final book in the Jaz Parks series written by Jennifer Rardin. It centers on CIA operative Jasmine "Jaz" Parks, who is regularly partnered with her boss, the enigmatic vampire Vayl. They are tasked with stopping paranormal or mythological beings who've taken criminal roles in human society, or humans engaged in related activities.
Jaz Park and Vayle are enjoying a few days of relaxation as they try to figure out how to unlock the Rocenz and evict Brude when they are rudely interrupted by an attempt on Vayle's life. There is no time to consider the implications though as her headaches and nosebleeds are getting worse and unless she can carve Brude's name on the Gates of Hell she will lose everything. With Jack and Astral in tow, the entire gang, plus a few surprising extras collected along the way, head to Romania for a final vicious showdown in the pits of Hell.
The Deadliest Bite is written rather well. Published posthumously, Rardin neatly ties up the ongoing story arcs but manages to maintain the tension throughout and throw in a few unexpected twists. The narrative is a fast paced, action packed final installment that leads to a definitive and satisfying culmination for the series.
Overall, the Jaz Park series is rather evenly written. It stars Jaz Parks an agent for the CIA who is tasked with stopping paranormal or mythical beings who has taken to the criminal life. Her mission takes her all over the world like Australia, China, Greece, Morocco, Romania, Scotland, and the United States. The narrative is action packed with many twists and turns and with a great deal of interpersonal relationships and humor.
All in all, The Deadliest Bite is written rather well and is a wonderful conclusion to an equally wonderful series.
Jaz Park and Vayle are enjoying a few days of relaxation as they try to figure out how to unlock the Rocenz and evict Brude when they are rudely interrupted by an attempt on Vayle's life. There is no time to consider the implications though as her headaches and nosebleeds are getting worse and unless she can carve Brude's name on the Gates of Hell she will lose everything. With Jack and Astral in tow, the entire gang, plus a few surprising extras collected along the way, head to Romania for a final vicious showdown in the pits of Hell.
The Deadliest Bite is written rather well. Published posthumously, Rardin neatly ties up the ongoing story arcs but manages to maintain the tension throughout and throw in a few unexpected twists. The narrative is a fast paced, action packed final installment that leads to a definitive and satisfying culmination for the series.
Overall, the Jaz Park series is rather evenly written. It stars Jaz Parks an agent for the CIA who is tasked with stopping paranormal or mythical beings who has taken to the criminal life. Her mission takes her all over the world like Australia, China, Greece, Morocco, Romania, Scotland, and the United States. The narrative is action packed with many twists and turns and with a great deal of interpersonal relationships and humor.
All in all, The Deadliest Bite is written rather well and is a wonderful conclusion to an equally wonderful series.
June 23, 2020
The final instalment in the Jaz Parks series where she has to return hopefully one last time to hell. Two new characters arrive in this book and slot in well, I don't wish to give anything away so ill leave it at that.
With this being the last book in the series all the loose threads are pulled together and closure given. This has been a great series and I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a vampire spy adventures.
With this being the last book in the series all the loose threads are pulled together and closure given. This has been a great series and I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a vampire spy adventures.
July 6, 2021
I read the entire series back to back so one review for all. Great characters, lots of action and a decent overall storyline. I suspect Rardin had more planned but she passed away in 2010. Fortunately, the last book gave a solid ending.
November 6, 2017
A perfect end to a great series, especially if you like vampire mythology and action.
January 27, 2018
I hated to see this series end. But I loved the way it ended. So happy for Cole.
March 15, 2018
This series has been an amazing ride and I am deeply saddened to know that we will never get to enjoy more of Ms. Rardin's work.
August 24, 2018
I finished this awhile ago. Very good final book. Wrapped everything up nicely. It also moved through the story quickly.
March 19, 2019
Good but it felt a little rushed
May 14, 2011
Jennifer Rardin
The Deadliest Bite
Product Description
About the Author
Jennifer Rardin began writing at the age of 12. This was her eighth Jaz Parks novel. She passed away in September 2010.
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Orbit (June 2, 2011)
Language: English
Kindle Edition: File Size: 5 KB
Sold by: Hachette Book Group
Read 5/10 - 5/11
E-book provided by publisher through NetGalley.com. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions and statements are my own.
Extra's on Ms. Rardin's website "her secret file" and a Glossary.
Favorite Line—
Sadly, this is Jennifer's last novel and felt like the conclusion of a series in any event. She had many followers and was a beloved favorite. The story in this book had a lot of unspoken back story and I read this wishing I had read the previous seven entries in the series. The cover art of the book drew me in although I do not recall our main character, Jaz, or Jasmine, using the cross bow depicted. But, looking at the cover art it was certainly branded to the series.
The book was fun, again it would have been more fun if I read the preceding volumes, and it was sexy without any actual descriptive sex. The world she created was fluid and felt like a graphic novel. Jaz, whose POV we follow, is very visual and verbal in her description. The story and the style reminded me of both Mary Janice Davidson and Terry Prachett (the little I have read) with a soupcon of Kim Harrison's world building. The world is Dali and Bosch, modern and mythos, heaven and hell, or maybe just hell and earth.
The characters are fairly comprehensively developed, although probably more so in the context of the series. The writing has a particular cadence that took me a while to understand. But once I did get it I became engrossed.
I think if you like Mary Janice Davidson's kooky humor and Kim Harrison's world building, or if you like strong, brave female characters with hot, devoted mates, this book is for you!
The Deadliest Bite
Product Description
I have two choices. Carve Brude's name into Hell's bile-encrusted gates. Or lose my soul.
After an assassination attempt on Vayl, I find myself pulled into a tangled web that takes the gang to Romania. So how will I save a ghost, rescue a demon, and cheat the Great Taker out of a soul he's slavering for while defeating my nastiest foe yet so that Vayl can, at last, cherish a few precious years with his sons? With careful planning, major violence, and one (hopefully) final trip to Hell. (Amazon.com)
Jaz is no longer in a hurry. Working as a consultant has its perks, and one of them is the option to say, “No I don’t feel like killing anybody for you this week. Call me at the end of June.” If I’m still alive. Because by then she’d be finished with her trip to Hell, where she would’ve carved Brude’s name into its bile-encrusted gates. Or lost her soul.
For now she and Vayl are content to wait for Raoul’s signal that the time is ripe, while playing hide-and-seek in Vayl’s massive Victorian manor. That is, until their doorbell rings, just as Cassandra calls to warn Jaz that Vayl is about to be staked by his long lost son. Jaz quickly stops this from happening, but finds herself pulled into a tangled web that takes the gang to Romania.
So how will Jaz save a ghost, rescue a demon, and cheat the Great Taker out of a soul he’s slavering for while defeating her nastiest foe yet so that Vayl can, at last, cherish a few precious years with his sons? With careful planning, major violence, and one (hopefully) final trip to Hell. http://www.orbitbooks.net/orbit-us-sp...
About the Author
Jennifer Rardin began writing at the age of 12. This was her eighth Jaz Parks novel. She passed away in September 2010.
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Orbit (June 2, 2011)
Language: English
Kindle Edition: File Size: 5 KB
Sold by: Hachette Book Group
Read 5/10 - 5/11
E-book provided by publisher through NetGalley.com. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions and statements are my own.
Extra's on Ms. Rardin's website "her secret file" and a Glossary.
Favorite Line—
And the rooms looked like they'd been decorated by depressed nuns.(This had me laughing so hard tears ran down my face.)
Sadly, this is Jennifer's last novel and felt like the conclusion of a series in any event. She had many followers and was a beloved favorite. The story in this book had a lot of unspoken back story and I read this wishing I had read the previous seven entries in the series. The cover art of the book drew me in although I do not recall our main character, Jaz, or Jasmine, using the cross bow depicted. But, looking at the cover art it was certainly branded to the series.
The book was fun, again it would have been more fun if I read the preceding volumes, and it was sexy without any actual descriptive sex. The world she created was fluid and felt like a graphic novel. Jaz, whose POV we follow, is very visual and verbal in her description. The story and the style reminded me of both Mary Janice Davidson and Terry Prachett (the little I have read) with a soupcon of Kim Harrison's world building. The world is Dali and Bosch, modern and mythos, heaven and hell, or maybe just hell and earth.
The characters are fairly comprehensively developed, although probably more so in the context of the series. The writing has a particular cadence that took me a while to understand. But once I did get it I became engrossed.
I think if you like Mary Janice Davidson's kooky humor and Kim Harrison's world building, or if you like strong, brave female characters with hot, devoted mates, this book is for you!
May 26, 2011
Jaz is determined to get Brude out of her head once and for all. She has very little time left as he is slowly killing her from the inside. If he can't have then no one will. She has the means and the tool she needs, but not the location to use it yet. Things are further complicated when an almost successful assassination attempt is made against Vayl. Even worse yet is that Jaz isn't even allowed to hurt, let alone kill the culprit. Everything has been leading up to this point, and Jaz's final showdown, for this is her last hope at a happy life.
So many questions have been building over the course of the series. Will Jaz and Vayl get their happily ever after, or at least as happy as it can get for two assassins? Will they take Bergman up on his offer, and will Vayl finally find his sons? What about Cole, will he be able to overcome what happened to him in the last book? All these questions and many more will be answered in The Deadliest Bite. It has been a very long time since I have read a last book in a series and felt such as sense of completion as I did with this one. Many other ending books still seem to leave so much unanswered, and make you desperately want more. Of course I would have loved to have been able to have read more Jaz book, but due to Ms Rardin's passing, that just wouldn't be possible. So with that in mind, I just have to say that I am so glad that this book left me with a sense of fulfillment.
One of my favorite things about this series is that while the danger is very real, and downright palpable at times, the books also have more than their share of hilarious moments. I've read countless books, and very few, if any have been such a perfect blend. Several times while reading The Deadliest Bite I burst out laughing. At one point I was laughing so hard I was crying and of course my hubby looked at me like I was a nutter. Between Jaz arguing with the women in her head, and of course the constant quips she makes both to herself and others, Jaz is one funny gal. Add in the hilarity that is Cole, and it's a wonder they can ever get anything done for all the laughing they do. Of course, the stakes are high enough that the comedy simply provides the levity that is needed to go on.
The Deadliest Bite is a fast paced book full of high stakes and incredible danger. This final installment in the Jaz Park series really doesn't hold any punches. However, I really wouldn't have expected any less. Everything has been leading to this point, and we finally get to see the resolution Jaz and Vayl deserve. Of course the other characters get their own resolutions as well. This book is sure to please fans of the series, and if you haven't read the rest of the books yet, make sure you check them out first, as this definitely is not the place to start. All in all an excellent book, with a very satisfying ending that will make it a little easier to say goodbye to these fantastic characters.
So many questions have been building over the course of the series. Will Jaz and Vayl get their happily ever after, or at least as happy as it can get for two assassins? Will they take Bergman up on his offer, and will Vayl finally find his sons? What about Cole, will he be able to overcome what happened to him in the last book? All these questions and many more will be answered in The Deadliest Bite. It has been a very long time since I have read a last book in a series and felt such as sense of completion as I did with this one. Many other ending books still seem to leave so much unanswered, and make you desperately want more. Of course I would have loved to have been able to have read more Jaz book, but due to Ms Rardin's passing, that just wouldn't be possible. So with that in mind, I just have to say that I am so glad that this book left me with a sense of fulfillment.
One of my favorite things about this series is that while the danger is very real, and downright palpable at times, the books also have more than their share of hilarious moments. I've read countless books, and very few, if any have been such a perfect blend. Several times while reading The Deadliest Bite I burst out laughing. At one point I was laughing so hard I was crying and of course my hubby looked at me like I was a nutter. Between Jaz arguing with the women in her head, and of course the constant quips she makes both to herself and others, Jaz is one funny gal. Add in the hilarity that is Cole, and it's a wonder they can ever get anything done for all the laughing they do. Of course, the stakes are high enough that the comedy simply provides the levity that is needed to go on.
The Deadliest Bite is a fast paced book full of high stakes and incredible danger. This final installment in the Jaz Park series really doesn't hold any punches. However, I really wouldn't have expected any less. Everything has been leading to this point, and we finally get to see the resolution Jaz and Vayl deserve. Of course the other characters get their own resolutions as well. This book is sure to please fans of the series, and if you haven't read the rest of the books yet, make sure you check them out first, as this definitely is not the place to start. All in all an excellent book, with a very satisfying ending that will make it a little easier to say goodbye to these fantastic characters.
August 8, 2011
Jaz is determined to get Brude out of her head once and for all. She has very little time left as he is slowly killing her from the inside. If he can't have then no one will. She has the means and the tool she needs, but not the location to use it yet. Things are further complicated when an almost successful assassination attempt is made against Vayl. Even worse yet is that Jaz isn't even allowed to hurt, let alone kill the culprit. Everything has been leading up to this point, and Jaz's final showdown, for this is her last hope at a happy life.
So many questions have been building over the course of the series. Will Jaz and Vayl get their happily ever after, or at least as happy as it can get for two assassins? Will they take Bergman up on his offer, and will Vayl finally find his sons? What about Cole, will he be able to overcome what happened to him in the last book? All these questions and many more will be answered in The Deadliest Bite. It has been a very long time since I have read a last book in a series and felt such as sense of completion as I did with this one. Many other ending books still seem to leave so much unanswered, and make you desperately want more. Of course I would have loved to have been able to have read more Jaz book, but due to Ms Rardin's passing, that just wouldn't be possible. So with that in mind, I just have to say that I am so glad that this book left me with a sense of fulfillment.
One of my favorite things about this series is that while the danger is very real, and downright palpable at times, the books also have more than their share of hilarious moments. I've read countless books, and very few, if any have been such a perfect blend. Several times while reading The Deadliest Bite I burst out laughing. At one point I was laughing so hard I was crying and of course my hubby looked at me like I was a nutter. Between Jaz arguing with the women in her head, and of course the constant quips she makes both to herself and others, Jaz is one funny gal. Add in the hilarity that is Cole, and it's a wonder they can ever get anything done for all the laughing they do. Of course, the stakes are high enough that the comedy simply provides the levity that is needed to go on.
The Deadliest Bite is a fast paced book full of high stakes and incredible danger. This final installment in the Jaz Park series really doesn't hold any punches. However, I really wouldn't have expected any less. Everything has been leading to this point, and we finally get to see the resolution Jaz and Vayl deserve. Of course the other characters get their own resolutions as well. This book is sure to please fans of the series, and if you haven't read the rest of the books yet, make sure you check them out first, as this definitely is not the place to start. All in all an excellent book, with a very satisfying ending that will make it a little easier to say goodbye to these fantastic characters.
So many questions have been building over the course of the series. Will Jaz and Vayl get their happily ever after, or at least as happy as it can get for two assassins? Will they take Bergman up on his offer, and will Vayl finally find his sons? What about Cole, will he be able to overcome what happened to him in the last book? All these questions and many more will be answered in The Deadliest Bite. It has been a very long time since I have read a last book in a series and felt such as sense of completion as I did with this one. Many other ending books still seem to leave so much unanswered, and make you desperately want more. Of course I would have loved to have been able to have read more Jaz book, but due to Ms Rardin's passing, that just wouldn't be possible. So with that in mind, I just have to say that I am so glad that this book left me with a sense of fulfillment.
One of my favorite things about this series is that while the danger is very real, and downright palpable at times, the books also have more than their share of hilarious moments. I've read countless books, and very few, if any have been such a perfect blend. Several times while reading The Deadliest Bite I burst out laughing. At one point I was laughing so hard I was crying and of course my hubby looked at me like I was a nutter. Between Jaz arguing with the women in her head, and of course the constant quips she makes both to herself and others, Jaz is one funny gal. Add in the hilarity that is Cole, and it's a wonder they can ever get anything done for all the laughing they do. Of course, the stakes are high enough that the comedy simply provides the levity that is needed to go on.
The Deadliest Bite is a fast paced book full of high stakes and incredible danger. This final installment in the Jaz Park series really doesn't hold any punches. However, I really wouldn't have expected any less. Everything has been leading to this point, and we finally get to see the resolution Jaz and Vayl deserve. Of course the other characters get their own resolutions as well. This book is sure to please fans of the series, and if you haven't read the rest of the books yet, make sure you check them out first, as this definitely is not the place to start. All in all an excellent book, with a very satisfying ending that will make it a little easier to say goodbye to these fantastic characters.
April 11, 2019
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96 points, 5 STARS!
There is but one task left: Carve Brude's name into Hell's gates or else Jaz loses her soul. Other problems keep cropping up, though. A son has returned, another has been found. A newly partially-demon Cole is experiencing issues. And it is getting harder and harder for Jaz to fight off Brude.
Ah, The Deadliest Bite. This is the end of the lovely Jaz Parks series. It is really too bad, because I really loved this series. And the end is so good, too. It wrapped everything up well. It felt a bit smooshed together, but I can't really think of any way else to do it than to drag the series on longer than it needed to be. This may have been able to have been solved by accomplishing more in the previous book, but oh well.
It is really too bad that I will never get another book from Jennifer Rardin. Throughout the course of the series, Rardin proved that she thought in unique ways and could add a lot to the both the subgenre of urban fantasy and to the world of books as a whole. Unfortunately for the genre and the world, Jennifer Rardin passed away shortly before the release of this book. We'll never get another adventure, and that is just sad.
I love Vayl and Jaz when they're together so, so much. They're so happy together. I'm happy when they're happy. It is an amazing loop of happy that goes on. Even when they're fighting against the entire world, they're perfect together. And they're especially happy when they're surrounded by their friends and loved ones, like they are in The Deadliest Bite. Everyone is happy because they've figured out their shit. Now they just have to save Jaz.
Well, almost everyone is happy. Cole had the world dropped on top of his head in Bite Marks. He isn't adjusting well to his changes. This story makes me so, so sad. He is one of the best people. He has always made everyone happy because he is always happy. When everyone thinks about their best memory of Cole, they all started laughing. Unfortunately, he isn't happy right now. He isn't coping well. It makes me sad.
In The Deadliest Bite, we're going to hell one last time, and this time we're going to save Jaz. We've run out of time. The entire hell sequence is super badass and fun. Before now, we only kind of peeked in to see the landscape of hell. This time, we actually fight there, and it is so cool. And creepy. And terrifying. It is just so much fun.
I just really like this series, okay?
96 points, 5 STARS!
There is but one task left: Carve Brude's name into Hell's gates or else Jaz loses her soul. Other problems keep cropping up, though. A son has returned, another has been found. A newly partially-demon Cole is experiencing issues. And it is getting harder and harder for Jaz to fight off Brude.
Ah, The Deadliest Bite. This is the end of the lovely Jaz Parks series. It is really too bad, because I really loved this series. And the end is so good, too. It wrapped everything up well. It felt a bit smooshed together, but I can't really think of any way else to do it than to drag the series on longer than it needed to be. This may have been able to have been solved by accomplishing more in the previous book, but oh well.
It is really too bad that I will never get another book from Jennifer Rardin. Throughout the course of the series, Rardin proved that she thought in unique ways and could add a lot to the both the subgenre of urban fantasy and to the world of books as a whole. Unfortunately for the genre and the world, Jennifer Rardin passed away shortly before the release of this book. We'll never get another adventure, and that is just sad.
I love Vayl and Jaz when they're together so, so much. They're so happy together. I'm happy when they're happy. It is an amazing loop of happy that goes on. Even when they're fighting against the entire world, they're perfect together. And they're especially happy when they're surrounded by their friends and loved ones, like they are in The Deadliest Bite. Everyone is happy because they've figured out their shit. Now they just have to save Jaz.
Well, almost everyone is happy. Cole had the world dropped on top of his head in Bite Marks. He isn't adjusting well to his changes. This story makes me so, so sad. He is one of the best people. He has always made everyone happy because he is always happy. When everyone thinks about their best memory of Cole, they all started laughing. Unfortunately, he isn't happy right now. He isn't coping well. It makes me sad.
In The Deadliest Bite, we're going to hell one last time, and this time we're going to save Jaz. We've run out of time. The entire hell sequence is super badass and fun. Before now, we only kind of peeked in to see the landscape of hell. This time, we actually fight there, and it is so cool. And creepy. And terrifying. It is just so much fun.
I just really like this series, okay?
July 1, 2011
This review is also published at http://thebookaholiccat.com
The Deadliest Bite is book eight and last book in the series Jaz Parks by Jennifer Rardin.
The blurb describes pretty well what goes on in this book. So I won’t add more to it.
The Deadliest Bite was my first book by Jennifer Rardin and I really regret no having read the previous books of this series first. The Deadliest Bite is not a stand-alone book, it should be read in order as part of this series.
The only problems I had with The Deadliest Bite were that there was a lot of back history between the characters and a lot of references to previous situations the characters lived in preceding books. This made me missed out a lot of the reading experience because I didn’t know a lot of times what they were talking about or referring to.
Jaz is a great and weird heroine; she is strong, witty and resolute. She works for the CIA. She is a killer but is tired of that life and all the violence that involves. She has reached a point in which she just wants to retired, at least temporally and enjoy some calm times with Vayl and her family, but before she is going to be able to do that she needs to solve some very serious issues first. I don’t know if she has multiple personalities, or some kind of spirits inside of her, maybe is something from previous books (again with the missing experience), but she hears (has) voices in her head, sometimes they cheer her up or give her advice, it was kind of creepy in a funny way, like complementing characters for her.
Vayl is yummylicious and a kickass. He is also a super assassin and works for the government too. He can be a very mean and deadly vampire but with Jaz he is sweet as a candy.
I loved their relationship, is obvious that is a mature relationship that has developed with time and different experiences over the time (books).
The story is told from Jaz point of view, but thanks to recollections from others characters and use of technology we can also see what happens to other characters when Jaz is not present., This makes the read a more richer and interesting one.
My final thought: The Deadliest Bite is a non-stop action book, with a very descriptive, creative and dark world. The characters are funny and unique, with tight ties, almost like a family, including the pets, Jack (dog) and Astral the robo-cat.
I liked and enjoy The Deadliest Bite so much that I’m planning to read the previous books of the series.
The Deadliest Bite is book eight and last book in the series Jaz Parks by Jennifer Rardin.
The blurb describes pretty well what goes on in this book. So I won’t add more to it.
The Deadliest Bite was my first book by Jennifer Rardin and I really regret no having read the previous books of this series first. The Deadliest Bite is not a stand-alone book, it should be read in order as part of this series.
The only problems I had with The Deadliest Bite were that there was a lot of back history between the characters and a lot of references to previous situations the characters lived in preceding books. This made me missed out a lot of the reading experience because I didn’t know a lot of times what they were talking about or referring to.
Jaz is a great and weird heroine; she is strong, witty and resolute. She works for the CIA. She is a killer but is tired of that life and all the violence that involves. She has reached a point in which she just wants to retired, at least temporally and enjoy some calm times with Vayl and her family, but before she is going to be able to do that she needs to solve some very serious issues first. I don’t know if she has multiple personalities, or some kind of spirits inside of her, maybe is something from previous books (again with the missing experience), but she hears (has) voices in her head, sometimes they cheer her up or give her advice, it was kind of creepy in a funny way, like complementing characters for her.
Vayl is yummylicious and a kickass. He is also a super assassin and works for the government too. He can be a very mean and deadly vampire but with Jaz he is sweet as a candy.
I loved their relationship, is obvious that is a mature relationship that has developed with time and different experiences over the time (books).
The story is told from Jaz point of view, but thanks to recollections from others characters and use of technology we can also see what happens to other characters when Jaz is not present., This makes the read a more richer and interesting one.
My final thought: The Deadliest Bite is a non-stop action book, with a very descriptive, creative and dark world. The characters are funny and unique, with tight ties, almost like a family, including the pets, Jack (dog) and Astral the robo-cat.
I liked and enjoy The Deadliest Bite so much that I’m planning to read the previous books of the series.
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