Review: THE OTHER HALF OF THE GRAVE by Jeaniene Frost

It’s always so much fun when we get to see more of a favorite story, and see it through the eyes of characters we already love. Jeaniene Frost has given us this gift with a full retelling of the first book in the incredible Night Huntress series, HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE, in today’s new release from Bones’ perspective, THE OTHER HALF OF THE GRAVE.

Author: Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress, #9/#1(retelling)
Release Date: April 26, 2022
Pages: 408
Review Copy: NetGalley Audio*

Blurb:
There are two sides to every story-and the sizzling British alpha vampire, Bones, has a lot to say…

Ever wondered what Bones was thinking and feeling when he and half-vampire Cat Crawfield first met? Or how their story might differ if he were the one telling it? Now, relive the beginning of Cat and Bones’ bestselling love story through Bones’ point of view, which reveals a darker, sexier take on their early days, as well as a deeper dive into Bones’ past, the vampire world, and other things that Cat didn’t see when their story was told only through her eyes in Halfway to the Grave.

Cat had her say. Now, it’s Bones’ turn.

Initial Thoughts/Expectations:
Considering how much I love this series, and these characters, I was SO excited when I realized this was coming. I had no doubt I would love it. I reread HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE before starting this one, just so I could make comparisons. (And because it’s been entirely too long since the last time I read it!) That just made me MORE excited to see it all through Bones’ eyes, lol.

What I Loved:
I loved how much being in Bones’ head reinforced all the things I love about his character. To be honest, there wasn’t a lot of brand new info in this story. Bones was always pretty up front with Cat about his thoughts and his actions (even if it sometimes was delayed, lol). There weren’t a lot of surprises. But knowing… not just being told, but actually going through the emotional WTFery right along with him… as he got to know Cat, THAT was fun! His frustration, his amusement, his pride, and eventually his love for her. It was a wild ride, for sure.

I also loved getting to “remember” his past with him, the good and the bad, and see more how those parts of his life made him the exact person he needed to be in this story. I really just loved getting to fall in love with him all over again.

What I didn’t Love:
It wasn’t exactly a “didn’t love”, but since I got this as an audio for review, I got to hear Bones’ accent. It REALLY threw me for a bit at the beginning, because it was NOT the British accent I was expecting, lol! We know he didn’t come from “high brow society”, but that fact, and what that likely meant for the accent he’d have, never really occurred to me. It was like listening to a grown up Oliver Twist instead of a Bridgerton, lol! (Which, given his history, makes perfect sense, of course.) It took me a little while, but eventually the voice just became Bones, and it was fine.

Final Thoughts:
Loved. It. So. Much.
Again… if you’re hoping for a lot of brand new action or information, it’s just not here. Jeaniene did such a fantastic job of creating a couple that was open and honest (for the most part) with each other, right from the start. There really aren’t too many secrets to tell here at the start of things. But having said that, there is ABSOLUTELY value and joy in seeing it all unfold through Bones’ eyes. It’s the same story, but there’s a whole new layer of feeling and experience that just makes it more endearing. For Cat & Bones fans, it’s a must read.

Thank you, Jeaniene, for this gift.