Jessica has survived the Underworld and now that she is back, it's off to save her father who has been battling Made wolves. From the moment Jessica's plane takes to the air, she quickly realises that while she might be back on an earthly plane, she is in no less danger. Having pissed off a Hag, by killing her sister, Jessica's fate is in great flux. Thankfully, Jessica has a strong team around her but is Jessica strong enough to fight off the creator of the werewolves now that he Hags have set them up on a collision course.

It's book five and at this point, it very much feels like Carlson is sick of her own story. Nothing happened in Pure Blooded, absolutely nothing. If that were not enough, it ended on such an odd note that I had to flip backward through the book to ensure that I hadn't missed anything. Character development seems to about having Jessica pull a fancy new magical power out of her ass whenever she feels threatened and having her entourage swear loyalty to her.

At this point It would be fair to say that Jessica is a typical Mary Sue. Everyone around her loves her without question and is absolutely devoted to her. We are told repeatedly how special Jessica is and that if she dies, the supernatural world will simply fall to pieces. At this point I would rather see Carlson's world fall apart than to read anymore of this story. Pure Blooded made me want to scream, "I get it, Jessica's the super special werewolf." Beyond her ability to pull magical abilities out of her ass, I'm not even sure why everyone is so damn devoted to her.

For the first part of Pure Blooded Jessica had to do battle with a bokor who was being ridden by loa. As it turns out, the creator of the werewolves wanted the power that she invested into Jessica's wolf. After some running and dodging along with advise from a wise person of colour, Jessica emerged victorious. Jessica's next challenge was a necromancer who she defeated by simply following her heart. Apparently, brains and logic can't keep one safe but the mystical gut is all knowing. Yes, I'm snarking. To me it just sounds like an excuse for the fact that Jessica does not read as intelligent. Jessica is impatient and rushes in headlong with her team barely holding on. In Pure Blooded, she is even spoon fed information and then gripes about it not being detailed enough. Sure, Jessica is a young immortal and that works as an excuse for awhile but I'm simply tired of her ignorance and the fact that she never sits down long enough to learn about the world she is supposed to change so drastically. In fact, when Jessica is informed about counsel protocol is supposed to work, she casually brushes it aside.

Jessica's neighbour Juanita makes an appearance in Pure Blooded as a Hag who has decided to spend her life protecting the super special Jessica. We see Juanita only briefly in person and for the rest of the novel she communicates in cryptic texts to guide Jessica or warn her about approaching trouble. Juanita is the absolute essence of the magical person of colour; she exists like every character in this book to champion Jessica and alternately hand out timely advice. Juanita is the only character of colour to make a semi regular appearance in this series and so far, and her characterisation is decidedly lacking.

Read More ( )

I was VERY hesitant to read PURE BLOODED because RED BLOODED really threw me off the Jessica McClain train.

I can not begin to tell you how happy I am that PURE BLOODED took place outside of the Underworld. I truly never want to have to read about that place again. I loved the twists and turns involving Jessica's neighbor. Who would have thought? I am glad she has another powerful person in her corner. There was a great deal of action in PURE BLOODED, but I don't feel that any of the Jessica McClain series books ever lacked that. There wasn't a whole lot of romance between Jessica and Rourke going on, but he is right along with her for most of the book. I was happy that the whole group was back together as well, it's weird when they are all separated.

Although I am not totally back on the Jessica McClain train, I need another good read in the series to put me back there, I am more excited to read book 6 than I was to read PURE BLOODED so that's a positive check in the series corner.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Jessica returns from the underworld and goes to help her father against the war against the Made wolves.

I have respected Jessica since book one. She is a worthy heroine who is honorable. She has a really great support system of friends and family. They are a bit unconventional, but that is what makes them special.

Marcy has grown so much since book one. She has always been an upright friend to Jessica. She has matured to be a powerful witch.

Naomi is great. She is extremely loyal to Jessica despite being a vampire. I enjoy her relationship with Danny.

Ray and Jessica’s relationship has changed drastically since he was introduced. He is a key character that is also dedicated to Jessica’s cause.

Amanda Carlson has created amazing characters that are well-developed and likeable; except the bad guys of course, they are easy to hate.

The plot is loaded with surprises and action. The story is thought-provoking and full of details. There is a never a dull moment in Jessica’s life. Poor Rourke and Jessica barely ever get any time to themselves. I look forward to the next adventure in book 6.

Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )