Book 43 - Sister of the Dead

Title: Sister of the Dead
Author: Barb and J. C. Hendee
Pages: 405
Grade: A-/B+

Summary: (From Booklist)
Magiere and her half-elf friend, Leesil, have finally given in to their feelings for each other and started a relationship. But they don't have much time to revel in their newfound bliss. They've decided to undertake a journey to find out the truth about Magiere's parentage and to try to find Leesil's mother. Accompanied by elfin scholar Wynn and her dog, Chap, who is actually a fay in a dog's body, Magiere and Leesil set out, unaware that they are being tracked by Welsteil, Magiere's would-be mentor, who betrayed her, and Chane, a vampire who harbors a passion for Wynn. Upon arriving in the village where she was raised, Magiere encounters hostility from some of the locals, but she presses on to the castle where her mother was taken by a corrupt nobleman, his son, and an otherworldly creature who possesses the answers Magiere is seeking.

My thoughts: This one I actually thought would be my least favorite in the series thus far. It might still in some way be. But I do have to give it credit. The last 100 pages pretty much managed to redeem well characters. But let's start at the beginning. Magiere and Leesil are about the only thing that made the book enjoyable at all for the first 300 pages. I don't much like Westiel and I detest Chane and Wynn. But when they finally gave me Magiere's backstory... it was well done. It answered everything I really cared about and it didn't take over 600 pages to do. Yes, JK I'm talking to you. It even made me genuinely respect in some manner Westiel's actions when prior to this I had merely not cared for him. I now know there is a bit more depth there and I am satisfied. I am even a tiny bit more satisied with Chane. Largely because I really am beginning to feel that he actually cares enough for Wynn...that maybe just maybe...he could do something awesome. However Wynn is just a whiny bitch. I can't stand her. Wah Wah Woe is her! Oh and Chap....totally awesome! If only because telling off the others of your kind and then basically forcing them to still do what you want....always perfection. I'd love to get a little more on that. Really a whole prologue to the series dealing solely with Chap would be amazing!

Up Next: I actually have no clue whatsoever! This should be fun!