19) Crossed by J.F. Lewis

The Blurb -

In spite of his continuing hot-blooded affair with his soon-to-be sister-in-law Rachel, Eric’s plan is simple: Give his vampire girlfriend Tabitha the fancy wedding she’s always wanted, then head off to Paris for their honeymoon in the hopes of tracking down his sire, the Empress vampire Lisette.

The City of Love proves anything but romantic when the True Immortal rulers of Europe try to block Eric from entering the Continent—and subject Tabitha to a series of challenges to prove her vampire worth. Back home in Void City, Eric’s volatile daughter Greta is getting lonely and bored—and that’s not good news for anyone. And when, like a bat out of hell, Lisette descends upon Void City to wipe Eric and his brood off the face of the earth—forever—this much is clear: the honeymoon is over.

My Review -

I loved Staked and I adored ReVamped. So there was no question about me buying this third part in the Void City series as soon as it came out. Actually I pre-ordered it as soon as I could. This series is an unforgettable experience and I have enjoyed being along for the wacky and fun ride that is Eric's afterlife so far. Crossed, like the previous two books, never has a dull moment. Eric, his friends and his family are not only busy at home this time around but also in Paris. So it is no surprise that in this new installment I was again shocked, amazed and satisfied with the contents.

One reason I really like this series is the change in perspective throughout the book. J.F. Lewis manages to give more than a few characters the chance to tell their side of the story and without looking at the name at the beginning of the chapter, you can instantly recognise who has the reins. Another reason this series is a must buy for me is the male writer. We don't have enough male writers in the genre and definitely not enough who manage to catch the female perspective so well. Yay to girl power but I have to admit I like a bit of guy around here sometimes...and not just the half naked kind on the cover.

Some of the best bits this time around? Definitely the trip to Paris. Getting things out of the Void and adding a bit of Eric's wartime past to the mix was indeed interesting. The shenanigans was also brilliant in her own right but Greta will be the one who gets best paranormal award in Crossed. She was always just the daughter and now she is the scary kick-ass daughter. I love her!

This is a book that needs time. This isn't a cheap wine you can guzzle down but an expensive vintage that you must sip and savour to enjoy. This is Paranormal Urban Fantasy on a new level and you won't find anything like this very often. The style is as unique as the concept and I can't think of another that is anything like this series. J.F. Lewis has a different and unique style which may come across as erratic and confusing but if you take the time to read this without rushing then you will be rewarded with a well thought out if not zany story that will have you itching for more.


*** Want to win a copy of Crossed? J.F. Lewis is one of my author guests this week. Read the interview and enter the contest! ***