Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost Review

"Her deadly dreams leave her in grave danger

Since half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her undead lover Bones met six years ago, they've fought against the rogue undead, battled a vengeful Master vampire, and pledged their devotion with a blood bond. Now it's time for a vacation. But their hopes for a perfect Paris holiday are dashed when Cat awakes one night in terror. She's having visions of a vampire named Gregor who's more powerful than Bones and has ties to her past that even Cat herself didn't know about.

Gregor believes Cat is his and he won't stop until he has her. As the battle begins between the vamp who haunts her nightmares and the one who holds her heart, only Cat can break Gregor's hold over her. She'll need all the power she can summon in order to bring down the baddest bloodsucker she's ever faced . . . even if getting that power will result in an early grave."

Destined For An Early Grave is another book in the Night Huntress series. It continues the adventures of Cat and Bones. As usual, they get into a mess of things. This time, Cat's past comes back to haunt her and bite her in the butt. Unfortunately, she doesn't remember what exactly happened in the past. Except that a mysterious figure has come back to take her away from Bones. 

His name is Gregor. 

Now, this villain is different from the previous villain. He is not out for revenge. He is not out to kill Cat. He is not out because he is jealous of Cat's relationship with Bones (okay, maybe a little bit). He is out for... Well, the reveal is quite interesting, and I'll refrain from saying why he wants Cat right by his side. 

Bones really shines in Destined For An Early Grave. His intelligence and quick-thinking definitely saves him, but he does turn more serious as the book moves forward. (Farewell, jerk Bones with a sense of perverted humor and jokes. Hello, husband-material Bones with a streak of jealousy. Well, he is always jealous, so...) 

Cat's character is highlighted and marked thoroughly in this book. Her strong character traits come out, and she handles her relationship with Bones rather... interestingly. Yes, she loves him. Yes, she must finds out her mysterious past. But she also has a streak of independence and a sense of self-reliance. It is great when she is alone, but she isn't alone anymore. She has Bones and a whole bunch of other friends (or sort-of friends). 

The plot is paced better than the previous book. It goes by quickly, and I find myself resisting the urge to read the next book. (To find out what is going on, I mean. I really, really want to know.) 

The building of Cat's new powers is weird. Suddenly, she can do this. Then she can do that... Okay, I don't know what to think of it, but I do want some answers about it. Seriously. Why is she a weird vampire? Just because she is a half-human. I want an explanation! 

In conclusion, Destined For An Early Grave is a vast improvement over the previous book. I can't wait to read the next book. Bones and Cat's characterization is better, and their relationship comes out stronger. The book is expanding into weird magical/vampire areas, though. 

Rating: Four out of Five