Rating: 
Summary: Three Cheers for the Latest in the Anita Blake Series!
Review: This was such a great book, and a nicely different view from the last few. Don't get me wrong, I love the guys, too, but it has been a while since we got to center more on Anita than on all the stuff surrounding her. Of course, all the "stuff" has been shaping her into the person she is now, and it has been fun and fascinating to watch her evolve. I am particularly impressed by Mrs. Hamilton's ability to have MS. Blake's character change so much, yet keep the naivete and the core of goodness that makes Anita, well, Anita. She's still as tough as all get-out, but somehow she retains that core of her old self that makes me keep cheering her on. I am curious as to how far her conscious will degenerate before she finally recaptures that lost part of herself, or loses that part of herself that makes her care forever. Of course, that is one reason I particularly loved this book...No, I won't explain what I mean by that, and ruin a potentially crucial part of the story for those of you who haven't read it yet. Let me just say that Mrs. Hamilton surprised me by how she worked some hope for Anita into this story.Learning so much more about Edward was also a lot of fun. It was a nice switch to have him so much more involved than he normally is, and I liked that a lot of the intrigue about him was only increased. I also appreciated all the background work that went into this story. It was such a different view of the vampires, and I was intrigued by the vast cultural differences between the preternatural people. This book was a blast, and I am already anxious to read the next one. Whoever said that Ms. Hamilton's effort here wasn't quite up to par, I have to seriously suggest you read it again. It was just as good as the others, at least, and offered a very interesting story lead-in for the next story. I can't wait until then!
Rating: 
Summary: sometimes I worry
Review: I worry about how very much I enjoy the Anita Blake stories. They contain so much violence and horror and bleakness. What Hamilton does though, is give us a character who is strong enough, determined enough, to face and fight great evil. She runs to rather than from it. Anita's transformation as a character has been absolutely fascinating. What happens to a person who is morally bound (beyond concern for soul or safety) to fight evil even at the cost of joining forces with the lesser of multiple evils? What happens to Hero? Anita-as-archetype, tempered by her decisions and relationships, is what keeps me coming back again and again. As for Hamilton's choices about who Edward is, I was certainly surprised and dismayed at times. Good. If I wanted predictable, I would read... some other author. While I agree with the detractors who call for better editing, I didn't mourn the absence of JC and Richard at all. They will be back soon enough. For me, it's all about Anita. P.S.: If you have a taste for this type of Hero, check out J.D. Robb (start at the beginning).
Rating:
Summary: Something Wonderful
Review: For one thing, I love Edward. So I love this book. Hamilton has combined Aztec legend with modern myth. Oh, I just love it! I also hoep to see further progress on Donna and Edward's relationship.
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: This book was wonderful, we met Ted Forrestor properly for the first time, and got to realise that he is in fact a person, not just a killing machine. I found after reading this one, I had to reread the whole series. Can't wait until the next one, keep it coming!
Rating:
Summary: An interesting diversion for Anita
Review: Though I myself enjoy Anita's struggles with "the boys," I enjoyed the first story in a while that allowed her to be a separate person. Admittedly there were some lulls in the story, but overall I think this was a necessary book for the development of Anita and Edward's characters. Hamilton's classic wry writing style as always kept me turning the pages. I might recommend waiting for this to come out in paperback, but it is a good story for fans of Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but why bother?
Review: Good reading, typical Anita Blake stuff, but if Jean-Claude isnt' in it, why bother? And now that I'm not afraid of Edward anymore (who I used to love to fear), I'm afraid the author's going to make Jean-Claude into some type of touchy-feely wimp like Richard. There's not much better than Jean-Claude at his autocratic, domineering best and it seems as if she's getting away from that. Definitely going to have to read plenty of reviews on the next one before I buy it to see if she ruins any more of the characters.
Rating: 
Summary: Shattered hopes.
Review: Tho I liked Edward's story, I was deeply disappointed by the book alltogether. Kept reading in the hope that eventually somewhere Jean Claude will appear. Going through the whole thing, without him was painful.If this is the last book in the series. I feel let down. I feel like a kid on Xmas day finding an empty box under the tree. As much pleasure I got from all the books before this, I expected the same. It is Jean Claude that keeps me enchanted, I'm not as fond of Richard. But even Richard's presence would have made this book worth reading. I know that readers have no right to demand that the author provide us with what we want to read. But still.I'm sure we all want Jean Claude in the story not just for half a page. The unforgettable scenes from the previous books when he was so beautifully present, so detailed that I could almost touch him. And now a whole entire book without him, waaaaah!
Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: I've been a fan of Laurell K. Hamilton's books for years, ever since Nightseer, and I haven't been disappointed yet. The Anita Blake series is fast-paced and sexy! Obsidian Butterfly is such a new look into Edward and their relationship. I don't want to give away any surprises, but Anita apologizes! I know, I never thought that would happen! I got this book as soon as I heard about it and even though it was in hardcover, it was worth the price!
Rating:
Summary: Edward has feelings! -shocked & amazed
Review: I very much enjoyed reading the long awaited ninth book in the Anita Blake series. I'm sure Edward fans like the fact that we explored the "inner Edward" in this book, however, as I'm only interested in Edward in the abstract, I really felt that the absence of "the boys" was a serious let down...they did make one short "appearance"..kind of. But I was still left wanting. I know that the next book will have all of the boys we can handle and I look forward to it anxiously. I have mixed feelings over Itzpapolotl(?) I think that there were many holes in her character and place in the story, but it was still a very enjoyable addition to the series. ;-)
Rating:
Summary: Not Up To Par...
Review: I'm a huge Laurell K. Hamilton fan and avid reader, so I was waiting eagerly for this latest installment of Anita Blake's strange strange life. I must say this is the first book of hers that has really left me disappointed. There are revelations to the characters that I can chew on later and think "Wow..that's a neat turn!" but it wasn't the writing that I'm used to. The book seemed hurriedly done, with very sloppy editing and lots of typos that detracted from the readability. OB listlessly slithered onwards for 3/4 of the book at a pace that made it seem drawn out and dull. Anita has always made comments about her moral dilemnas, but in this latest installment, nearly the entire book is her repeated insights into her own moral standing. If I had to hear "I felt nothing, and that scared me." at the end of one more paragraph I was going to give Anita Blake up as dead and gone, burn the book and leave. I wonder what was different with this book...perhaps Ms Hamilton is tired, or perhaps the strain and deadlines of her first hardcover took its toll. I hope to see Anita Blake go back on track, with the quality of writing I'm used to, the characters I love, and the latest details and insights that could be salvaged from OB. I'm a big Edward fan, and for that aspect, the book offered plenty of him. More than I've heard him say the entire series. Overall the book *was* an Anita Blake, which is an endorsement. The violence was over-the-top, the characters bountiful. Some of the history of Edward and Anita, his feelings towards her, their friendship was built on and revealed this book, which was neat to see. Unfortunately, the packaging for that story seemed stilted and awkward in its writing. Definately a shame..can't wait for the next one.
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