Crossroads

by Jeanne C. Stein

Published by: Ace

My Rating: 

Blurb From Goodreads: 

As a bounty hunter, Anna Strong knew how to find trouble. But now that she’s a vampire, trouble seems to have a knack for finding her… 
The death of Anna’s old vampire mentor is causing ripples in the mortal world. His forensic report has brought up some anomalies and people are asking questions-questions that no vampire wants to answer. Anna needs to lie low, but the sudden discovery of a slew of drained bodies near the Mexican border brings an old flame back into her life and with him, a new challenge. Then, some stunning news from an unexpected source sends Anna and her friend Daniel Frey on a journey that may change both their lives-forever.

My Review:

I have to hand it to Jeanne C Stein, she writes pretty awesome Urban Fantasy. I love the Anna Strong series, Anna was a reluctant vampire and an even more reluctant “Chosen,” but she is fiercely loyal, she is a talented investigator, and she is a powerful kick-butt heroine. Anna is tough in that she is a bounty hunter and a deadly vampire, but she is not so tough that she looses touch with her emotions.

In Crossroads, Anna continues to grow as a character as she faces Max and spends time with Daniel Frey. Anna is facing repercussions from her rise to the Chosen position. Questions are raised about Williams’ death, Max needs Anna’s help solving a murder, and then Anna and Daniel go to the Navajo nation to seek out a shaman. When tragedy strikes in the Navajo nation, Anna determines to find answers, to support her friend through a difficult time, and contemplates a life-altering decision.

The Anna Strong series has developed into such a good series and Crossroads is one of the best books yet. There is quite a lot going on in the story. Anna has to face her past and make decisions for her future in this book. Through it all, Anna shows major growth. She is maturing into a better friend and good leader, and I’m happy to see it. There is a lot of emphasis placed on Frey and Anna’s friendship. In Chosen, there were some moments that hinted towards Daniel and Anna heating their relationship up, but not in Crossroads. I have to admit, I have a soft spot for Frey and was hoping that Anna and Daniel would become more than friends. It’s unclear what will happen for them in the future, Crossroads will have repercussions for the next book.

I really liked the setting for the majority of this book, the Navajo Nation. The native american mythology and beliefs were part of the story and provided interesting, refreshing new elements to the series. Crossroads was very well written, and I was engaged in the story through the whole book. I am excited that Anna is maturing so much. She has come a long way since book 1, and she has done it in her own way. It seems that as this series continues, it gets better and better. I can’t wait for book 8, Hunted and the final book of the series (there will be 9). Jeanne C Stein has said that Anna will get a happily ever after, and I am eagerly looking forward to finding out how that unfolds.

Urban Fantasy and paranormal readers, I highly recommend reading the Anna Strong series. If you like vampires, shifters, & kick-butt heroines you can’t miss this series, which has it all.

*Note about the audio version*  I listened to the Audible audiobook edition of Crossroads.  I have listened to most of the books in this series on audiobook, I love how Dina Pearlman narrates.  She does an excellent job with different voices for the characters, and her timing is well done as well.  It is easy for me to follow along with the audio and I recommend this series for you audiobook fans.