I adore this series. What has really resonated with me is the way that Jeaniene Frost has really bucked PNR conventions by focusing on the relationship between Cat and Bones instead of the courtship.

If I have one criticism of the series overall, it’s that I think Bones is a borderline Gary-Stu. A Gray-Stu is the male version of a Mary-Sue – which is an overly idealized character who primarily functions as a wish-fulfillment for the readers’ fantasies. Is anyone besides me just a little put off at just how unbelievably cool, tough and smart Bones is? He’s perfect at everything he does, with sex appeal that is off the charts he’s also managed to tap into Mencheres’ power and it turns out that Bones is a benevolent leader among his people. Maybe it’s me, but I find him just a little over the top in his perfection, charisma and benevolence – but I forgive him because he’s so rakishly charming.  Kat on the otherhand, doesn’t really register on my Mary-Sue radar, namely because she is flawed and is aware of her short comings.

Perhaps my Garu-Stu reluctance to give my all to Bones is one of the reasons I am really looking forward to the spin-off books with Spade and Mencheres. I know I’m supposed to only have eyes for Bones, but his associates are actually more interesting to me – particularly Ian and Vlad.

One more small, petty bone to pick is about Mencheres appearance. Ancient Egyptians shaved and/or waxed their entire bodies – they also weren’t Caucasian yet the physical description of Mencheres always has him with long hair

Mencheres was also handsome in an exotic way, with a regal bearing, Egyptian features, and long black hair blowing in the breeze.

Does this tweak anyone besides me?

You know it never really bothered, but I never really put much thought into him either. I really like his character and he was very interesting, but between Bones, Vlad, Ian, and Spade...Mencheres was always the last person on my mind LOL.

Krystal, what are you commenting too?  I see nothing on Rachel's post.  I do agree with your comment Mencheres is the least person I want to think about.  I really really want a book about Vlad

It was this part here I was commenting about LOL sorry. Forgot to put it first to show.

One more small, petty bone to pick is about Mencheres appearance. Ancient Egyptians shaved and/or waxed their entire bodies – they also weren’t Caucasian yet the physical description of Mencheres always has him with long hair

Mencheres was also handsome in an exotic way, with a regal bearing, Egyptian features, and long black hair blowing in the breeze.

Does this tweak anyone besides me?

Thanks, that makes more sense to me now!

You know Mencheres's looks didnt bother me probably because I didnt feel pulled toward him.  Maybe if the book was dedicated to him I would feel different b/c then I would be constantly visualizing him in his book.  Since I dont it doesnt bother me.

I actually do like Mencheres -- a lot to be quite honest. In my mind, he seems to epitomize the addage heavy is the head that wears the crown.

There is a short story titled Devil to Pay in the anthology Four Dukes and a Devil in which Mencheres plays a big role and I find him one of the more interesting characters because he is surprisingly empathetic to the people under him and also seems to be the only one who involves himself with mortals. The storyline with Patra was just sad and it gave me another clue that there is more going on with Mencheres on an emotional plane than Kat has picked up on.  Mencheres does have his own book coming out in September (according to Jeaniene Frost's website). I like him.

For me, Mencheres sealed the deal as one of my favorites with this passage....

“Then you remember the dream,” Mencheres stated. “That bodes ill.”

The fear of that made my reply snappy. “Hey, Walks Like An Egyptian, how about for once you drop the formal stuff and talk like you live in the twenty‐first century?”

“The shit’s gonna splatter, start buggin’, yo,” Mencheres responded instantly.  

Also, consider that Bones owes almost all of his new power and even his relationship with Kat to Mencheres. Mencheres did this in response to his vision but as with any soothsaying, the future is unwritten and it is unknown whether the events you see are going to occur because of what actions you take or if they are the result of actions you don't take. It creates quite a conundrum for the oracle and he's also got to lead all of his minions too -- just because he and Kat haven't really bonded hasn't stopped me from taking a shine to him.

It just tweaks me that his appearance isn't consistent with ancient Epyptian customs.

I do understaand what you are saying and I agree with your quote, that is one of my fav's too.  I guess I just didn't give him much thought even though you are right we would not have the current time with Kat with out his visions of the future.  However, I do think that most of what he did was out of self preservation and how do we not know that Kat would have been happier with out Bones.  Lord knows her Mom would have been happier not ending up as a vamp.  Just a therory.  I do like the direction these books take so I am glad he meddled but it did make me wonder what it would have been like had he never freed her from Hubby #1.

On a different subject, now that Hubby #1 is dead, is Hubby #2 valid?  Since her original ceremony with Bones was trumped by her previous one, makes me think she is unattached again. I hope so b.c I think those two have issues to work out along wiht communication skills.  Plus, now that she is a vamp and has those special new powers, that may or may not dwindle...I think she and Vlad are going to need to stay in contact reg. in order to keep her powerful.

Another note, I really like Tate.  I hope he gets his own book.  I think him and Annette are going to end up together.  Don't know that i have any source material to support that just the feeling i had from the very beg when those two interacted for the 1st time.  Although they are "siblings" i dont know if one can do that then.

  I do like the direction these books take so I am glad he meddled but it did make me wonder what it would have been like had he never freed her from Hubby #1.

  That relationship would not have ended well at all IMO. Gregor seemed to be very abusive to Kat. Everything would be fine when she was doing everything he told her to, but when it came to the point when she was to sleep with him and she was getting nervous about it he treated her like complete shit. So yeah I'm really glad Mencheres took her away from there and she ended up with Bones.

“The shit’s gonna splatter, start buggin’, yo,” Mencheres responded instantly. 

Loved this part also...I laughed so hard over this. It was just so unexpected LOL.

While I agree Gregor was a total and utter ass and a deplorable person/vamp maybe she would have come into her "red Reaper" self naturally with him being her first vamp to slay.  That could have brought on a whole new aspect to it i think

Oh yeah Ashley that would have been awesome!! I had never really thought of it like that, but it would have been interesting.

IMO I think that it would have just given some more validity to her cause just not her mothers anger, if that makes sense.  Maybe people wouldnt hate her as much (vamps that is).  I also think it may have allowed her to bond with Bones (or anyone else) easier b/c she would be exposed to vamps in a diff way and maybe helped her in some other endevors.

k, I have some burning questions I would like to discuss.

What do you think Vlad's attraction to Cat is? Both say it's not a physical lust thing. I'm wondering if Cat is really has pyrokinetic powers and it's a coincidence that she drank from Vlad earlier. I mean she drank from Bones and she doesn't read people's minds. Maybe Mencheres is confused on what her power actually is.

OR I know this might sound far fetched, but, what is she is some kind of reincarnation of his wife? Kinda like the movie Bram Stoker's Dracula w/ Wynona Ryder/Gary Oldman.

About Mencheres and the Egyptian thing. I hear ya on the historically correct thing. But, he could've been hairless in Ancient Egypt and lets his hair grow out now. She doesn't really explain him as looking caucasian, at least that's not how I read it.

What do you think is wrong w/ Uncle Don? Cancer maybe??? I wonder if he was making some kind of deal w/ Vlad when Cat walked in to his office in DFAEG and thought they were talking about her.

Opinions? Suggestions?

What do you think Vlad's attraction to Cat is?

Great questions. Well my memory is a little dodgy but I remember thinking that I felt Vlad felt some sort of kinship with Cat. Like....I felt like Vlad is kind of a loner & maybe even an outcast to a degree. It seems he has a lot of haters.

I think he empathizes with Cat - her being the way she is, her struggle. I also felt that he genuinely liked her. As a friend. Like...he is the type of person who is very selective about who he lets into his life & there seemed to have been a natural ease/comfort. She 'got' him & I think he really appreciated that.

I think...that Vlad is misunderstood due to his book persona but also, b'c of his success in that area, he is doubly misunderstood b'c his peers seem to kind of think he is a sell out of sorts & full of shit.

IMO, Cat didn't think one way or another - she just treated him as she would anyone else really. I remember thinking it had probably been a while since he was given a shot like that. Esp. that she didn't buy into Bone's preconceptions must have raised her up a notch.

Vlad is also very much his own person & I think he sees the same trait in Cat. I think he sees a lot of himself in Cat. At least - that was the ultimate vibe I got when I was done with the books.

Maybe there is something more to that then Krysta, like you are wondering. Maybe there is something about their similar trait/ability.

OR I know this might sound far fetched, but, what is she is some kind of reincarnation of his wife? Kinda like the movie Bram Stoker's Dracula w/ Wynona Ryder/Gary Oldman.

I see what you're saying but the only reason I don't think this is it is b'c it seems to similar to the Gregor storyline. Yes..no?

What do you think is wrong w/ Uncle Don? Cancer maybe??? I wonder if he was making some kind of deal w/ Vlad when Cat walked in to his office in DFAEG and thought they were talking about her.

Ahhh. Great thought.  I am thinking that there is a hella lot more UD knows about Cat than he has even admitted thus far. Yes - I was thinking he has cancer.

Is anyone besides me just a little put off at just how unbelievably cool, tough and smart Bones is? He’s perfect at everything he does, with sex appeal that is off the charts he’s also managed to tap into Mencheres’ power and it turns out that Bones is a benevolent leader among his people. Maybe it’s me, but I find him just a little over the top in his perfection, charisma and benevolence – but I forgive him because he’s so rakishly charming.

LOL. Not for me but that is probably b'c he reminds me so much of Spike in many ways.  Plus - I think he actually does come off as an asshole a lot of times. He is super cool in my book but he was also impossible for me at times.

He was very smooth, tough & smart but I gave him a break b'c I felt that he was a character who actually learned a lot from his past & looked to rectify a lot of it in his current life. I kind of really appreciated that from Frost b'c it wasn't this OTT character looking for redemption..it was far more subtle, IMO & he has humility as a result of where he came from in his life.

Yes he can be jealous, possessive, high handed, controlling & thinks he knows best but I felt it was pretty clear that he doesn't b'c if he did - then he & Cat wouldn't be in the many relationship messes they're in. I thought he was a douche when he kept Cat in the dark & locked her in that room without telling her what was really going on. Considering he trained her & they are/were partners, not to mention are married - he should especially trust her to tell her!! He should have also known that she would have tried to help.

So I guess in the end - I don't see him as Gary-Stu b'c I felt he had a ton of issues actually (now listing them out!) & far from perfect but I love him anyway & the of the charts sex appeal...I guess I like that in him b'c  to see it as a juxtapose to his sincerity & commitment to Cat...well, it told me I can trust the character. Which I felt was the author's intent. She was pairing up Cat with this former whore..kind of a hard pill for anyone's self-esteem to swallow. She wanted the reader to trust in Bones & more importantly, root for them & go along with the journey b'c she was pairing them up from the beginning (which as we know is rare for an author to do b'c they all feel you have to drag it out to keep the reader interested). Also, though - she wanted us to go on Cat's journey especially & so by having Cat learn to trust him she really needed the reader to as well. So I felt it was very purposeful.

But I also feel that is kind of real. I know a few people that seem to have that quality. It never fails for them. It's amazing.

Phew! That was a mouthful!

I understand what you're saying about Bones. If I hadn't read the fourth book, I'd make a case for Bones as Gary-Stu but that fourth book really changed a lot of things for me and one of them was how I looked at Bones, or more accuratelt, how Bones let us see how he views himself.

That fourth book changed the entire tone of the series and a lot of the characters.

I find it interesting that as a group, we're all pretty much in agreement that Vlad is one of the more compelling characters we've met in the series. For me, it's the intimacy of his relationship with Kat that isn't sexual but rather is more of a true soul-mate relationship than her connection with any other character. We don't see this sort of connection explored in the genre without sex so it's a bit of a twist to see that level of intimacy exist purly because they are truly kindred spirits. I don't see me ever being fully able to predict what will happen between Kat and Vlad and I like that.

I also find Tate interesting -- he doesn't intrigue me as much as some others because he fits a certain archtype but there's a reason why that archtype was established and so I'm not complaining. I'd just rather see some of the other supporting cast get more screen time first -- like Spade or Ian. I think Ian is misunderstood and underappreciated (particularly for his inappropriate but snappy one liners) but I suspect that will change as the series progresses.

I like the fact that none of our heros are perfect -- but that they all have big time potential.

I also love the way the books are written -- really, Jeaniene Frost knows how to write a real page turner. I think she might be good enough that she could give the phone book an added does of urgency to it.

Is anyone besides me just a little put off at just how unbelievably cool, tough and smart Bones is? He’s perfect at everything he does, with sex appeal that is off the charts he’s also managed to tap into Mencheres’ power and it turns out that Bones is a benevolent leader among his people. Maybe it’s me, but I find him just a little over the top in his perfection, charisma and benevolence – but I forgive him because he’s so rakishly charming.

 Not to get all defensive..but I love Bones. So far he's very close to Eric and Lestat on my all time favorite vamp male list.

I do think he is smart and tough. I don't know if I'd use the world cool. More like fiery. I definately don't get the impression that he's portrayed as perfect. He screws up all the time, as does Cat. They are both hardheaded and think they know what is best for everyone else, often times for the detriment of each other. He's a scorpio and I can definately see stereotypical scorpio behavior in the character b/c I am one too.(Cat's a taurus)

Now the sex scenes do seem perfect IMO, but he's had a hell of a lot of practice in that area, so he damn well should be close to perfect.

The toughness, he's had quite a hard life so that would make him tough. To survive as long as he has he would have to be smart along with tough. You can't be an orphaned, prostitute turned vampire hitman and be a dumb softee.

Back to Vlad, I like his character a lot, and I agree w/ what you're saying about the connection he feels toward Cat. But I thought it was kinda wierd he asked as feeding off her a payment for staying at his place. What was that about? Another thing is the sometimes little comments he makes to her, it makes me feel like he knows more than he's letting on, and was maybe trying to confirm something by tasting her blood? Or was he just trying to get in a jab at Bones? It has to be more than hunger b/c I'm sure w/ all his peeps at his castle he has humans on tap.

I do think the phone/bed thing was intentional, not only to piss off Bones, but to make Cat's value to Bones go up. Vlad knows Bones is very jealous and possessive. Even if Bones wanted to stay away a little longer once he heard that she was at Vlad's, Vlad KNEW Bones would come a running and that's what Cat wanted(even though she wouldn't admit it).I think Vlad played Bones on that one, and did another favor for Cat.

I just started bk2 so far I love this series not many books give me the chill goosebumpy mushy factor these so far are wonderful.

This series gets better with each new addition.

In my mind, what separates Night Huntress from other series in PNR is the way that the author focuses on the characters' growth as a couple -- very few authors really get into the nitty-gritty of a relationship and Jeaniene Frost is going to take you on an amazing ride with Kat and Bones.

As other list members have pointed out -- the chemistry between them only gets hotter too. It's really refreshing to a couple's relationship explored in this way.

All we get from most books is the initial meeting and courtship, and that's the least of it in this series.

You're going to be sucked in like the rest of this -- this is a really well written series.

I totally agree.

OMG bk3 ... I will not cry I will not cry I will not cry.... waaahhh

I still want Vlad and Kat to get together...I really am not a bones fan

Why not?  (just curious)  He's sort of James Bondish to me... I agree with the Gary-Stu a bit (which I find so funny my married name starts with Stu and that's a nickname my husband goes by Stu...LOL)  anyway...    I like Vlad too though.

On to bk 4 now

I love Bones and Cat together. I like Vlad too, and I think Cat could be happy w/him, as a second choice, comfy friend/lover relationship. Bones/Cat are HAWT! They are made for each other. Both are stubborn, and fiery. They have uncontrollable magnatism and I could go on and on....

I guess I love Cat so much b/c I used to be tomboyish and tough like her, and would rather stab myself in the leg, than show 1 ounce of weakness/pain.  Of course I grew up and learned communication is good. She needs Bones who's just as hardheaded as she is so she can learn she doesn't have to be in control all the time. Sometimes it's ok to just be Cat, not Cat superhero.

krysta I couldn't have said it better myself I grew up the same way.

I haven't read the whole thread yet b/c I'm trying to avoid spoilers I'm almost finished though 2 chapters.  I have an unanswered question but I'll wait to see if it's answered b4 I get into it.

I suppose I have answered my own question I was confused about the Cat's Mom kidnapping thing I suppose Gregor biting her and being Cat's husband trumps her being a part of Bone's line.  I'm loving the pyro-ness connections.  Not sure where Vlad fits with that but it's very interesting and it would be interesting to know what happened b/w him and Bones previously.  He obviously still trusts him with Cat though. who knows...

I think he might trust Vlad somewhat like he trusts Tate. He knows that both of them wouldn't hurt Cat, and would protect her if need be. W/ the way Bones and Vlad are, it's probably some old argument over a woman. I hope not, but probably. Vlad must have shown up bones over a woman then it turned into a long vendetta type thing. That's my guess. Or when Bones was younger Vlad kicked his ass and made a show over winning.

I could see both of those happening LOL.

While I understand the bones/cat thing is hot, I just get a better feeling from Vlad, I just cannot say why.  I just have this feeling as I read the series that she would just be happier elsewhere.

I really like Tate too, I really hope that he gets a lover

I think you have a point though.  I could see him becoming the HEA later.

I read an interview with JF confirming that Cat & Bones were going to stay together throughout the series. That their road wasn't going to be easy but yes, they were going to last.

I think her intent is to show the ups & downs of a relationship & who to stick it out etc...

Yea! I like Vlad and Tate, but I'm glad she stays w/ Bones. I wouldn't mind Tate and Vlad to have their own books, and see them end up w/ someone. Esp. Tate, I really feel for him. Unrequited love sucks and I wouldn't want him to suffer that and I hate to see him so bitter.

Even though Cat/Bones might seem unhealthy, it's not really. They are both intense and need that edge in their relationship to be content. Cat won't be happy with someone she thinks is weaker than she is, either mentally, emotionally or physically. She needs someone to push her, fight her, and be just as stubborn as she is. Bones needs a woman as tough as he is, he can't respect a pushover.Neither one will grow emotionally unless it's almost by force. Both need that friction to feel like they are equal w/ their lover. It's the spark that keep their attraction going.

Now, if they would just communicate more, and learn that it's ok to trust each other w/ their feelings they would be happier together, and other things would fall into place. Trust is a long and difficult road. Maybe I'm projecting, but that's how I see them.

Yeah, I think their relationship is actually pretty on point too, all things considered.

Vlad & Tate should be getting their own books (although not confirmed) as JF is doing those one off books about characters from the series.

Anyone read Happily Never After (just finished it)

ok, I...am...a...MORON! I just started reading Night Huntress, and started with the last book! Ugh!!!! Got all the way thru Book 4 and was trying to figure out which was next...DOH!!!! Oh well. On to Book 1. Can't believe I did that.

I just thought I'd share. I got an email response from Jeanine Frost. I tried to enter her email competition for a signed book ages ago. My computer got hung up & it never went so I thought I deleted it. I think it just went out but anyway - she wrote me back a response & it was very nice!

Thank you for sharing. I think it's good for fans to know that authors really do try to connect with their fans. Glad to hear that Ms. Frost is one of the good ones, but then again that doesn't surprise me.

I agree, I'm sort of ambivalent towards Mencheres.  I think Frost said that Vlad is going to be a bit in this book as well.  Going by 60's movies w/ egyptians, don't they usually have the sides shaved and the top long?  Though, I may I have my movies mixed up.

No, no, no you're 100% correct. Anicent Egyptians of both genders removed all of their body hair and wore wigs -- it's been a pet peeve of mine that Mencheres has long hair because it's not historically accurate. Even under Roman rule, the Egyptians continued the custom of full body depletion.

I know it's silly but I've been really annoyed that Mencheres has long hair.

okay i know i am coming late into the conversation but i just started and finished the first four books of the series this week. I just want to say as much as i dont like mencheres he is really good at getting people to do as he wishes. I know everytime he speaks they are round about answers or straight out lies so i dont truly believe him EVER. you would think the other characters would see this by now, I was really surprised that Bones didnt kill Mencheres, well more happy about it, i know that would cause more harm than good. although keeping him around might not be all its worth. He is a very old vampire but still he has his weaknesses especially when it came to his wife obviously.

I actually cried throughout this series because i felt alot for cat, being hated by her mom, rejected by others in her life and when someone who loved her stood by her side even herself rejected herself. she didnt believe that she deserved to be happy or in love at all from how her whole life before Bones had been, and that was truly sad. I can't believe Gregor, I wanted to kill him myself. I just didnt understand by Cat didn't kill him herself I mean she could have just pushed the knife more when she had the chance and just left as soon as vlad got there to rescue her.

OMG the piano scene when she got back!  i was balling beyond belief i thought bones was breaking up with me. I was so mad and upset that he just walked out that easily after EVERYTHING they have already been through? Seriously ! but in the end all that matters is that they are together for now

also, I want to know why the hell cat still has a heart beat, why she has a need to feed on vampire blood instead of human blood. and why didnt she die fully?

i have a thought to why she perfers the vamp blood over human but im not sure if its correct until the next book comes out obviously but i will say it. I think she likes it because when she still was half vamp half human she really liked the exchange of blood during sex with bones, so maybe her being half vamp made her like that taste more since that was the first blood she tasted and not humans. I think that if she is still partially alive because of her heart beat that this feeds to her hunger for the vamp blood. also i think its wicked cool that she can just taste another vampire and get their strenght and special ability from them.

oh and when she was a half human half vamp i thought it was strange that some how all of a sudden she could fly sort of, i mean she resuced bones from the attackers of the ghouls/ gregor by flying to the roof tops or shoud i say jumping as she put it. I thought it was odd that even then she was stealing i guess you could say bones powers, even before she changed.

LQTM. I feel confusion over 'world building rules' all the time. One author has it this way. another that way.  I think that's why I like reading series b'c I have more than 300 pages to accept and comprehend the rules.

Hopefully Eternal Kiss of Darkness will give us a better understanding of Mencheres.

yeah hopefully it will cant wait to read it when it comes out

Interesting about Mencheres Krysta. I don't think I felt that way but I don't think I felt any particular way. I know I liked him in parts & felt bad for him in parts but he is on my lower register b'c I prefer other characters. Like Vlad. I think JF likes him though & is not making him a baddie b'c she is giving him his romantic due in the next book. We'll see, when I re-read eventually - I will pay more attention now.

I actually cried throughout this series because i felt alot for cat,

I felt a lot for Cat too. For all the reasons you said & then some.

I didn't blame her for escaping when she saw what was on the monitors. Bones's tact really pissed me off & I honestly bought his little ruse. Well....half heartedly b'c there was a part of me who didn't want to believe he would so easily betray her but I couldn't figure out what was going on so I was kind of in it. You know?

I also feel for Tate even though he has gone extreme & annoying but I wonder why he chooses to be so delusional & put himself there. I mean - he & Cat never even hooked up to warrant him an inkling of him hope! And then he turns vamps thinking he may have a shot? That's some disturbed stuff?

I also feel for Vlad. Love him.

Oh god I forgot the piano scene! I cried too.

Just so you know - Bones & Cat are going to defo staying together through the series. I also got an email from JF & she confirmed it. She said that she thinks monogamy is very cool & enjoys exploring it. I'll get the quote.

I think she didn't fully die b'c she was already a freak hybrid & so that would crossover in some way shape or form. So maybe it was just the simple fact that her hybrid -ness made her special. So retaining some human elements still allows that. IDK - I think I'm prolly talking shit actually.

As far as her having vamp blood instead of human? My impression was that it was answered in Spade's book. You read it right? I dont' want to say until I know you have.

I like your thoughts about it though. I think it's cool she can drink from Bones & get nourished. I wonder if she will suck the Mojo out of him? Kind of like a Succubus.

Herm, I don't remember the jumping. There is that memory thing again.

 I just want to say as much as i dont like mencheres he is really good at getting people to do as he wishes. I know everytime he speaks they are round about answers or straight out lies so i dont truly believe him EVER. you would think the other characters would see this by now, I was really surprised that Bones didnt kill Mencheres, well more happy about it, i know that would cause more harm than good. although keeping him around might not be all its worth. He is a very old vampire but still he has his weaknesses especially when it came to his wife obviously.

It's an interesting observation of Mencheres as manipulator -- but so too are Bones, Liam/Ian, Spade and Vlad. I think that manipulation is part of the vampire's natural existence.

I do not think that Mencheres is a malevolent force. To understand a little more about Mencheres, at least from a third-person perspective, I'd reccomend the short-story Devil To Pay, Mencheres plays a supporting role in this story but it gives the reader a better insight into what sort of leader he really is. Remember, the Night Huntress series is told from Cat's perspective and just because Cat and Mencheres aren't cozy bosom-buddies doesn't mean that he's malevolent.

Cat's not really an intellectual, she's more a woman of action than thought. By comparison, Mencheres never acts without considerable forethought and perhaps part of the disconnect between the two is the very difference of their natures.

That Mencheres doesn't answer questions with everything spelled out for Cat's impatient mind doesn't mean that he's hiding things either. The fact is that he doesn't know everything and he doesn't know what all of his visions mean. By phrasing his answers in a way that is open to interpretation means that he's looking for someone else to pony-up with an idea every once in a while. There are very few cold, hard answers to the situations they've faced and each decision sets off another series of events -- some good, some perilous, that's a huge responsbility. I think that the fact that Mencheres measures his words shows that he recognizes his limitations, recoginzes that there are prices to be paid for actions taken and that he values the safety of his people and their right to have a say in their lives. Is it better to order them all to battle because he can or is it better to state the risks against the odds and let people make their own conclusions?

My problem with Mencheres is the hair. Really, what self-respecting ancient Egpytian had long hair? None. What's the deal with the follicles?

My favorite Mencheres exchange is from the fourth book...

“Then you remember the dream,” Mencheres stated. “That bodes ill.”

The fear of that made my reply snappy. “Hey, Walks Like An Egyptian, how about for once you drop the formal stuff and talk like you live in the twenty‐first century?”

“The shit’s gonna splatter, start buggin’, yo,” Mencheres responded instantly.

When I read that part I literally Laughed out loud and had to re-read it again to make sure I really read what he said. It was quite funny

Hi Frost fans!
A little late in joining the conversation. I enjoyed reading through everyone's perspectives and thought I would offer a few thoughts. Regarding Mencheres and his long hair, In Devil to Pay, Elise remembers Mencheres admonishing her that vampires must embrace the changing world. Maybe this is an element he felt needed to be updated? He is more than 4000 years old and I cannot imagine how many fashions he has seen come and go. Also, in a recent post on her site, Jeaniene said that vampires have the ability to control where their blood flows and with that comes the ability to control where hair grows. I too do not feel that Mencheres is a malevolent character, but he is a vampire! I love the comment where someone said, "Remember, the Night Huntress series is told from Cat's perspective and just because Cat and Mencheres aren't cozy bosom-buddies doesn't mean that he's malevolent." Such a good point! Also, did you know that Jeaniene has released some snippets from Eternal Kiss of Darkness on her site? Here is a link: http://www.frostfans.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=41 So hawt, hawt, hawt!

Glad I found this forum along with other Cat & Bones fans.

I just reread the 4 books and FDOC. I just love this series much more than I love SVM. Although Eric is still my number one vamp, Vlad and Bones are close seconds. I think what JF does keeping the couple together is very original and refreshing. I'm kinda sick of the whole will they, won't they routine. I think it's just overly done by most authors and they drag it on and on. Or they write book series in which each book has a different couple, so we just get the "and they lived happily ever after" crap. It's not realistic and quite boring. I think it's wonderful to have a series with a couple dealing with their issues and knwoing that they will stay together. I don't know why most authors don't do that, it's much more interesting imo.

Anyway, I love love LOVE Vlad. I'm madly in love with him. I adore his relationship with Cat and I'm really sorry he is so lonely. I would love to help him with that.

I have no idea why JF decided to begin her spin off series with Spade and then Mencheres. I find Spade the most boring of the vamps and although Mencheres is quite interesting, Vlad is such a wonderful and rich character that I would think he would be her first choice.

It's funny, because I love Bones and I'm all for him being wth Cat forever, but the first time I read book 4 and Cat went to stay with Vlad I really thought they were going to get it on, lol, and it didn't bug me at all, such is my love for Vlad. I was quite glad they didn't, because I think it makes their relationship and friendship stronger and more genuine, also it's much more original as well. Not many authors put attractive male and female characters just as friends, which is such bullshit. I have MANY male close friends that I never had sex with. I think JF is one of the most realistic authors out there, especially in the paranormal romance genre. She is fantastic and that's why I love the NH series much more than the Sookie series. Really that only thing CH has going for her at this point is Eric, if it weren't for him I would have written CH off a long time ago.  I still might depending on how DITF goes.

Interesting about Mencheres Krysta

That wasn't moi. I honestly don't mind Mencheres one bit. I'm not thrilled w/ reading a whole book about him, I'd much rather read about Vlad.

Are there 2 Krystas? I know there's Krystal

vampangel: I think maybe Frost might be waiting a while before she writes about Vlad because she knows everyone wants to hear more about him a la "saving the best for last"! HA! And I have heard that Frost loves CH's Eric, too! I wonder if she is afraid of the similarity in some way, maybe afraid people are going to accuse her of copying Eric's personality or somehow being influenced by Eric's character in her portrayal of Vlad - I'm just fishing, but who knows how the inside works, right? Also, I heard CH say she'd like to marry Bones.

It's an interesting theory -- speaking for myself, I do not see any specific parallels between Vlad and Eric Northman -- if anything, I think Eric fits the genre archtypical romantic lead pretty closely and it's well established that Vlad is not Cat's romantic lead so I'd really be interested in hearing more about the parallels between Vlad and Eric because I don't really see them.

If and when Vlad does take on the role of romantic lead I cannot imagine that it will go smoothly or fit the genre template -- he's a much more layered character than Eric Northman who doesn't have a sentimental bone in his body -- Vlad, on the otherhand is an unlikely marraige of past loyalties, present pragmatism and unyeilding passion. Eric is many things, but emotionally passionate is not one of them -- Vlad is, and has a wicked temper and Eric is much, much more controlled and strategic in his emotions.

If anything, Eric is more like an immitation of Jean-Claude than Vlad is of either Eric of Jean-Claude. From Eric's vocation as nightclub owner, to his relentless and calculated pursuit of Sookie he is much more in the mold of Jean-Claude than Vlad is to either. Vlad is a Prince, neither Eric nor Jean-Claude is nobility. Vlad is pyrotechnic, neither Eric nor Jean-Claude has that power -- all three can fly but so too can Edward Cullen so that's a wash. Eric and Jean-Claude both have well established histories of using werewolves in their poltics, Vlad has no such track record in the Night Huntress world. Eric and Jean-Claude have always been interested in the female lead sexually, Vlad is not interested in Cat in that way -- his interest is more that of a soulmate than a bedmate.

My point, if I have one, is that I don't think there are any strong similiarties between Eric and Vlad so I don't think that would be a factor in when his book was written.

My pet theory is that she likely had Spade and Mencheres books written for some time, they are coming out very closely together and I think it's also likely that there are perpheriry events in both these books that are going to feed back into the arc of Cat and Bones.

I am not familiar with Jean-Claude so i cannot comment. I think both Vlad and Eric have that same cheeky, flirtatious manner - it draws readers to the characters. There's an authenticity to the interaction between sookie and eric; vlad and cat, that comes across. I would love to read a story about Vlad; I hope Frost writes one. i will read the Mencheres one while I wait for the next cat and bones:)

Is there any word on when the next Cat and Bones will come out?

It's interesting that you interpreted Vlad as flirtatious because while I also read a lot of snide humor into his character, I really didn't see him as a flirt so much as the quintessential Machiavellian Prince who also happens to be sincere in his feelings for Cat. I've never had the impression that Vlad was ever really sexually interested in Cat, I interpreted their connection more as a meeting of similar souls than anything else.

By comparison, I've always found Sookie and Eric to share a level of sexual chemistry that is undeniable -- even their sparing early in the series was laced with sexual tension and innuendo and I just didn't get that sort of tension from Cat and Vlad, to me, it was more about two kindred spirits connecting.

I don't know how well I am articulating this but I think you get the gist.

I agree that there is an authenticity to the interactions of these characters, I just never interpreted any sexual tension between Cat and Vlad -- sort of like Cat thought she should be responding to him in a way but he never really seemed all that interested and she certainily wasn't -- like when they slept together for both of them it was about comfort and intimacy, not sex. Does this make any sense?

Ian on the otherhand, well, I can see him more in the mold of Eric Northman. Ianis very sexual, very calculated and has many of the best lines. I'd love a book all about Ian!

Yes, a book about Ian would be fun. He's such a rogue, a ruffian.

And yes, I understand the distinction you are making between the sexual tension relationship and the intimate one referenced above. Thank you for articulating it better than I ever could.

The release date for the next Cat & Bones is February 22, 2011, or so I have read.

Thanks for the head's-up on the release date for the new Cat & Bones.... looks like I'll be doing some preordering!