by Lorie Lewis Ham

Details on how to enter to win an e-book copy of Black Water at the end of this review, along with a link to purchase the book where a portion goes to help support KRL.

This anthology has three stories from Faith Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock series, and it is available only as an e-book. I have to admit that this was my introduction to Jane Yellowrock, but even though two of the stories take place during the series I was still able to enjoy them and didn’t feel that lost. The other story is a prequel of sorts and introduces us to a young Jane which was a perfect introduction for me to the character. Jane is a skinwalker and vampire hunter.

First we have the story of the title, “Black Water.” This story takes place (in the JY timeline) after Blood Trade but before Black Arts–in case unlike me you are reading things in order. Black Water takes place over two days in late February before Mardi Gras and does contain spoilers. In this story Jane has to deal with an escaped prisoner who has a grudge against her and has taken hostages. She calls on the help of a possibly insane werewolf because he knows the area. This story was previously released by Audible Books.

Next we have “Snafu”, which as I mentioned is a prequel where we get to meet a young Jane as she becomes an intern with a securities firm. Before she even gets in the door she is accosted by two tough street punks and is forced to draw on her new-found Beast magic to defend herself. This is a really fun introduction to this character.

In “Off the Grid”, Jane goes on what looks like a simple mission for the Knoxville blood-master–rescuing a missing vampire. This story involves a very scary cult. Jane’s search leads her to a young woman named Nell who has escaped the cult, and who possesses an unusual power. Nell may hold the key to saving the missing vampire, assuming Jane can convince her to help. I’m not sure where in the chronology of the stories this fits, but I was still able to enjoy the story and characters without any problem. In the notes at the front of the book Faith states that Nell will be showing up again in Jane’s life and will even have a series of her own next year.

This book also includes an exclusive preview of the new Jane Yellowrock novel coming out in October, Broken Soul (watch for our review her soon).

These stories were a lot of fun, Jane is an interesting, complex and tough character that I can’t wait to get to know better. Faith is an excellent storyteller and there was plenty of edge of your seat action. I felt that even though two of the stories leave me a little lost not having read the books, they were still very enjoyable and held up well on their own. So whether you have ever read the books or not, I highly recommend these stories–and if you read them I bet like me you will seek out the books. And if you are already a Jane Yellowrock fan you won’t want to miss these additions to the Jane Yellowrock world.

To enter to win an e-book copy of Black Water, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Black Water,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen October 4, 2014. U.S. residents only.

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Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.