2008-04-23 Better than Dance Macabre

I read this with much trepidation as I was not impressed at all by Dance Macabre. My initial impression of The Harlequin is that it is definitely better. Unfortunately, the first half of the book does tend to ramble aimlessly and there seems like a lot of unnecessary tangents. However, the second half of the book picks up the pace and things start to happen.

Anita Blake now finds herself at the centre of the power of so many of the "monsters" that at times it feels over-complicated. I know that a lot of the complaints about Ms Hamilton's last few books have been that they were full of sex. This book has a lot less sex it in, which, I feel, works to the benefit of the story. I really wish that we could have a bit more of her zombie-raising again, as this element of Anita's life seems to have disappeared almost completely.

I don't want to go into much detail about the specifics of the plot as I would hate to spoil anything for anyone. But, suffice to say, that Ms Hamilton's dealings with one or two of the more annoying characters was a lot more satisfying this time. And I'm so glad that Edward and Olaf make another appearance. Its not a particularly strong storyline, though, and the denouement felt rushed.

This book has intrigued me enough for me to want to now read Blood Noir and I'm pleased with that as after Danse Macabre I was unsure as to whether I wished to continue with the series.