Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #101770 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 432 pages

Synopsis
The first warning is unexpected, calculated. Malcolm, head of the vampire Church of Eternal Life, is no friend to Anita Blake. So when he asks for help, against creatures so feared that no vampire will willingly speak their name, Anita is surprised. But the Harlequin require different rules. The second warning is presented like a gift, with Anita' printed on the box. Inside, carefully wrapped in folds of pristine tissue paper, is a plain white mask. The fact that it's white is good news. White means they are only being watched. The power connecting Anita with Jean-Claude, vampire Master of the City and Richard, Ulfric of the werewolves, has been increasing exponentially - and this has attracted very unwelcome attention. Anita Blake has the authority to pass judgment on vampires. The Harlequin have the authority to pass judgment on her. It is forbidden to speak of the Harlequin unless you've been contacted. And to be contacted by The Harlequin is to be under sentence of death.

Customer Reviews

Better than Dance Macabre
I read this with much trepidation as I was not impressed at all by Dance Macabre. My initial impression of The Harlequin is that it is definitely better. Unfortunately, the first half of the book does tend to ramble aimlessly and there seems like a lot of unnecessary tangents. However, the second half of the book picks up the pace and things start to happen.

Anita Blake now finds herself at the centre of the power of so many of the "monsters" that at times it feels over-complicated. I know that a lot of the complaints about Ms Hamilton's last few books have been that they were full of sex. This book has a lot less sex it in, which, I feel, works to the benefit of the story. I really wish that we could have a bit more of her zombie-raising again, as this element of Anita's life seems to have disappeared almost completely.

I don't want to go into much detail about the specifics of the plot as I would hate to spoil anything for anyone. But, suffice to say, that Ms Hamilton's dealings with one or two of the more annoying characters was a lot more satisfying this time. And I'm so glad that Edward and Olaf make another appearance. Its not a particularly strong storyline, though, and the denouement felt rushed.

This book has intrigued me enough for me to want to now read Blood Noir and I'm pleased with that as after Danse Macabre I was unsure as to whether I wished to continue with the series.

the harlequin
Having just read the rest of the review's for this book I thought I would write my own. I personally like the sex in this book there is not as much as in previous books which is a good thing as you hear more about the plot, but the book wouldn't be Anita Blake without the sex.

I personally would like more of her origanal calling of raising zombie's, in this book there wasn't even one job that Anita did for her so called agency and I miss that.

But in one review they think Anita should call it a day I personally say hope there is another fifteen. I love this series one of the best I have ever read along with her Merry Gentry series.

So for all new peaple reading this book my advice to you is to start from the beginnig with book one. But if you are not the open minded type that doesn't like a bit of porn then dont read these books but it will be your loss.

On the up?
I discovered LKH's Anita Blake novels quite some time ago and have read them many times. However, I have found the more recent books less appealing, mainly due to the amount of sex over action and story.
Therefore, I was unsure what to expect from The Harlequin and almost didn't buy it. However, I am glad that I did. Although it isn't on a par with the earlier Anita novels I'm hoping that it's the beginning of a way back.
I was really glad to see Edward back as he is my favourite character from the series. It was also good that Wicked and Truth had more of a mention in this book - I'm just hoping that they will become more substantial character so that we can find out more about them and what they are capable of.
So although not the best Anita book it's definitely worth a read.