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What are readers saying about The Harlequin (Anita Blake Vampire Hunter)?
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-12 09:53:20.
(Language: English)
  
Pretty much hated it. I'm starting to go down the path that many of Hamilton's fans have already been down. Too much sex, not enough plot. I'll concede that in "The Harlequin" she makes a conscious effort to limit it, and while Hamilton made her reputation on the seamless blend of eroticism and the supernatural, here she did a really bad job of it. When Hamilton is on top of her game she's sky high (check out "A Kiss of Shadows" if you haven't already) but you've got to admit she hasn't been for the past several books. She's a mere shadow of the author she once was and the only reason her fans are even remotely happy with this book is because we're not bombarded by Anita's tedious sex scenes. One of the only sex scenes in this book was SO distasteful I almost slammed the book across the room. I feel like Hamilton's writing has taken a turn for the worse. The plot isn't any meatier, the bad guys aren't any "badder", and I'm sick to death of Anita griping all the time. Not to mention I'm sick of Hamilton's little catch phrases that she seems to think are the epitome of the eloquently dark. It was cool the first time you said it but now we're on book 15. IT'S TIME TO GIVE IT UP. What Hamilton needs is a 2 year long vacation, screw the publishing house, to come up with a new direction for Anita because right now the future of this series is looking abysmal. 
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-02-08 09:19:52.
(Language: English)
GAHHHH! Finally! She finally starts to explain why Anita's powers have been so crazy and seem to thrust her into orgy after orgy! I never lost faith in Anita, i knew there had to be a reason behind it all no matter what all those haters said! And now its in print! Anita also begins to accept her bonds to her men, yay! Ronnies appearance is unnexpected and an annoyance since Anita keeps letting their friendship cloud be judgment. As for Richard it looks like there might finally be some closer there. Although how thats possible when she has such close ties to his pack and the rest of the clans is gonna be interesting to read!
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-12 12:47:31.
(Language: English)
Through the past few additions to the series, I was somewhat disappointed, though I remained hopeful. With this book, Hamilton proved that my faith was not misplaced. Probably the best book in the series since Obsidian Butterfly, The Harlequin brings back the action, suspense, and darkness that originally drew me to the series. The sex plays a much smaller role in this book than in some of the previous ones, though it is still present. It is presented in such a way, however, as to be an actual part of the plot, rather than a diversion from it. Reading this book has not only made me excited for the next installment, but also has left me hopeful for an improvement in the Merry Gentry series when A Lick of Frost comes out in October.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-11-10 09:04:43.
(Language: English)
CONTAINS SPOILERS! In short, this book has renewed my faith in the series. It's a step back to the days of my favorite books like Killing Dance and Burnt Offerings. Exotic villains to fight, interesting character development, and the return of one of my old favorite characters, Edward. Also... there have been few books that have made me cheer out loud, but when Anita finally gave Richard the finger, I was positively gleeful.
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-11-08 03:29:30.
(Language: English)
No redeeming merits whatsoever, unless you count its affirmation that no one but Anne Rice can do this genre justice. It's also a good warning that one shouldn't jump into Book 15 of a series, but honestly, that's not the problem... The plot is poorly guided, and the author insists on dedicating pages to the least interesting bits of the narrative. I felt bad for any characters who appeared to have some potential, but they came off as actors in a long overdue sitcom who have to put in a few more seasons due to contractual obligations. I may eventually go back and read the beginning of the series, as several reviews claim this one started out strong...
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-05-25 11:12:19.
(Language: English)
A bit dry around the edges. The premise was good but the main idea was nearly lost to the maze of twists that wove around it. I did enjoy the idea of finally meeting the Harlequin that bring fear to all vampires around the globe but I'm afraid for me the imagery was fragmented at best and jumped from one broken fragment to the other. Not THE best Anita ever but quite essential to establish the evolving relationships.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-09-26 09:42:13.
(Language: English)
Readers of the previous Anita Blake novels know the drill by now: Just as Anita & Co. are coming to terms with their increasing supernatural abilities and increasingly complex relationships, a new, mysterious and dangerous threat arrives in St. Louis that they must deal with and ultimately defeat. Anita's internal dialogue has become more and more annoying, and her companions have an irritating tendency to comment aloud on what she is thinking - not because of any psychic abilities they have, but because the author has allowed her train of thought to intrude, making for sloppy and unrealistic conversation among the characters. The only reason I continue to torture myself with this series must be the eventual sense of completion I foolishly hope to attain. I suspect I'm also holding out for the series to redeem itself somehow.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-05-13 05:35:39.
(Language: English)
Its the best new Anita Blake novel since Obsidean Butterfly. It does not approach the genius in Circus of the Damned, but is still far better than any of the books subsequent in the series from Obsidian Butterfly, which were characterized by an over sexed lack of plot. This story at least has a plot, and a storyline, though it is not as well developed as it SHOULD have been. The story could have been much better with a stronger focus on the plot line, and a stronger look at the WHY the Harlequin chose to break their rules. Hopefully this book is a sign that the Anita Blake Series will recapture their earlier brilliance.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-30 12:39:05.
(Language: English)
I loved this book, i read it in a weekend then re-read it a bit slower! I am really glad we have more plot in this and less sex. Got to love Edward!! I am glad he is back and becoming more human/dangerous (if thats possible). Like others I am very happy Richard has finally been put in his place. He has been a pain for far too long! And its good to see that Nathaniel is becoming a much stronger character. I do worry though that there are too many characters in the story, leading to too many loose ends. Also my worry for Merry Gentry stories, though with a title like 'Lick of Frost', I cant wait to read it!!
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-07-13 04:50:40.
(Language: English)
Lacking in the action packed events and the suspense of tensions between characters and events, this installment was yet again, a disappointing addition of a great, kick-butt heroine turned into an ecstasy ridden nympho. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a little 'hot and heavy' with the supernatural, but when every other page has some erotic orgy going on ... and there 300 pages ... I'd rather rent an adult film. I miss the tough, yet feminine heroine of previous installments and the action and suspense of the throw-downs. This one lacked the kick dead-butt action and humorously cynical behavior of Anita, as the previous other books had. Again, it seems the author is more consumed with Anita's sex life than maintaining the original staple to this character's personality and life-style.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-09-07 08:27:39.
(Language: English)
SPOILER!!!!! I've been reading this book bits at a time because I refuse to actually buy it, but now I've finished it. So far, it seems like there is more plot in this book than the last couple of books. Good. Too bad it spends so much time on who gets to sleep with Anita, and not enough time on killing/hunting the monsters. Remember, it really does help to keep your pants on when there are monsters about. Also, the book still suffers from TMHG syndrome (Too Many Hot Guys). I hadn't realized how much this was bothering me until Olaf showed up again and I felt this huge wave of relief come through me. Finally, a character that Anita would most likely not sleep with. Ever. No matter what. At least, I really really hope so. A girl has to draw a line somewhere, and a sociopathic serial killer who likes torturing girls has got to be on the far side of that line. I don't care how many or who you're sleeping with. Olaf is ick. But apparently obsessed. Interesting future plotline. Good news though, it looks like the Richard/Anita neverending relationship of crappyness should be over in a permanent way. About time. I am so tired of the Richard/Anita dynamic, although the new Richard is into BDSM in a huge way is a new twist. On the good side, it doesn't totally feel like a whatthefark? when did this start? On the funny side, it's interesting to see the foreshadowing for alternative-style sex in the next book. First Nathaniel (ok. totally logical for that character) Then Richard (uhhh, sure. I can see it. If I squint) Now Asher. (huh? what? where? was there something in my tea???!??!?) Apparently Anita is going to get her ashes hauld spanky-style sometime soon.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-26 06:04:56.
(Language: English)
I would have to agree with everyone else in that this book was a major step in the right direction. I love all the books, but I was starting to wonder if we would ever get back to the plot. Not only that, but I was damned tired of Anita being so doubtful of herself, and her life. After several books, it was about time for her to either get used to, accept and enjoy her life as it was, or do something to change it. I know the most pivotal point of the book for me was seeing Anita and Jean Claude handle Richard the way they should have long ago. I am only wondering how long their attitude will last. Richard seems to always weasel back into the picture somehow. Dolph is really beginning to get on my nerves. Zerbrowski was awesome and refreshing. I missed the RPIT team. I loved Edward's father figure moments and I love it when LKH lets us get tiny glimpses into the heart of the killer. Edward is one of my favorite characters, because he was introduced as being cold with no emotional depth and slowly we are getting to see that there is much, much more to him than that. I'm interested to see how things will go with the wererats now...Rafael got more than he'd bargained for, I believe...and it's something that was left as a loose end. overall, needless to say, I was damned impressed and very happy to see the books gain back that amazing quality that got me into the series in the first place.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-06-24 03:41:20.
(Language: English)
I was so very ashamed to have bought this when I went up to the register. It was a total impulse because I swore to myself after Danse Macabre, which was an utter piece of shit, that I would never go back to reading the Anita Blake series, but luckily I was rewarded for my weak moment because Thank the Gods but this series seems to be finally getting back on track and being the things that originally drew me to it when I first started reading it. There was more plot than sex. The sex still made me cringe, not because I'm a prude. (I didn't care about the polyamorous stuff and thought 80% of the sex was rather hot before Anita got a magical pussy and started having so-called sexy encounters with anything that moved.) The cramps discussion. Really? *gag* TMI. I actually felt bad for Richard and I *hate* Richard. Then, I got sad and misty-eyed when she had sex with Raphael which is the oddest reaction ever to a sex scene, but Raphael's been there from Book 1 and I liked their friendship and they've never had that undertone between them (unlike Jason/Anita) so it just made me sad to see another decent character get swallowed up in the sexscapades blackhole. By the time, I got to Belle and the Swan King. I was just rolling my eyes and skimming. Still, there were more positives than negatives in this one. Edward was there. Love Edward. Otto was, as always, fucking scary in that very special way that crazy woman-hating human serial killers are. I know I shouldn't hold my breath for this (because I thought this in TKD and NiC), but I think it might be over with Richard. *crosses fingers* The Mommy Dearest plot seems to be going somewhere as does the Dolph is a racist mfer plot. I feel hope.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-20 08:07:39.
(Language: English)
So I waited and I waited and out comes the new Anita Blake's The Harlequin. I was excited and read it so fast that I feel I have to reread just to fully understand the nuances (400 pages in 61/2 hours can do that). So here the story goes… Anita is faced w/another threat to her triumitives power (Jean-Claude, Her, and Richard). Richard is being an ass again and of course the sex is good. Nathaniel is coming into his own and expressing needs that Anita isn't sure she can fulfill (BDSM), hmmmmmmmm and in step the Harlequins (mean sons of bitches that police the vampires). Belle Morte helps save the 3, and gives valuable info to the Queen of darkness (shiver). People die, Edward visits w/OTO (cold chills down your back). It's really bad when a human can scare you more that thousand year old vampires. I loved it (of course) It was over to soon (of course) and now I have to wait another year (sigh) BUT A Lick of Frost (Merry Gentry Book 6) is out in the fall, YIPPEE……..
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-03-12 06:44:18.
(Language: English)
This book definitely shows the series moving back to the plot. There is still the same amount of sexual content but it became more focused on solving crimes. LOVED how Anita and Jean-Claude handled Richard! About time too, I was getting really annoyed with him. Hopefully the next book in the series will continue to move towards the original quality the series once held.
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Sarah posted a review at 2009-04-25 12:37:31.
(Language: English)
The Harlequin was an awesome read. I gotta admit I wish there was more action like her earlier books but this book did just fine without. So many good characters turned up in this book, like Edward, Olaf, Donovan Reece and Haven. I love the bit with the werelions, in the last coupla books you hear about them but they aren't really intergrated into the story. I was really happy about the end of the book and can't wait to get started on Blood Noir. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys the peternatural/supernatural genre.
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Jennifer posted a review at 2009-11-10 07:37:07.
(Language: English)
THE HARLEQUIN, for me, redeems the Anita Blake series. Although there's still sex (which in itself has never been a problem for me), the ratio of sex to story has finally turned. There's an actual plot in THE HARLEQUIN, and it's a pretty dang good one. The Harlequin, what is akin to the vampire police, has come to town -- presumably just to observe. It soon becomes apparent, however, that at least some members of this elite and uber-scary group have harsher things on their mind. The usual characters are all here, as well as reapperances by Edward (aka Tod Forrester) and the serial killer, Olaf. Peter, the teen who was rescued several stories back, is also there. Some typical things happen -- Richard (once again) has serious problems with Anita and the ardeur. Some new plot lines develop -- the local lion king refuses to help in a moment of need, and the swan leader comes to the rescue. Overall, THE HARLEQUIN was a quick, satisfying read that I totally enjoyed. I have renewed faith in the Anita Blake series, and hope that the next book doesn't take away that feeling.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-24 12:30:10.
(Language: English)
this book was awesome!! wayyy better than danse macabre. the harlequin was soo good that i did not want to put it down, and all in all, it made up for the horror of danse macabre and the other books where the main focus was sex. the plot was awesome and i started to hate richard even more which is great! i wish somehow or the other he would just.... be gone... or something. why oh why does he mess up EVERY single thing? anyways, the Harlequin has restored my faith in LKH and the Anita Blake series, because i was seriously contemplating dropping the series. i can't wait for the next book to come out, and i hope it is just as great as this one was. i must say, i am glad that i bought this book, cause i walked into barns and nobles and was like... hummmm i dunno after danse macabre...but this was worth it!!!
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-06-20 08:45:53.
(Language: English)
This book was a definate meh. I was so hoping that this would return the series to its previous glory, but no such luck. For example: - it takes the first 25% of the book to deal with the intro relationship angst of the first night of the story. Way too involved, way too long to wait for things to get going. - Edward shows up, but basically does nothing. His step-son does more than he does - Dolph shows up for a very short time (and for apparently no reason), adding nothing to the story - The Harlequin, the big baddie of this book, didn't prevent the book from devolving into relationship angst, it actually triggered MORE agnst. (sigh) - The final showdown made no sense. Just lots of apprently urgent 'ooh, power!' stuff but the characters still have lots of time chat about what's going on and their relationship issues There were a couple of good lines, some details that were kinda cool, but in the end it was not worth the effort.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-10-14 05:46:33.
(Language: English)
I carry on reading LKH in the hopes her novels will get better, because I used to love the world and main cast of characters (apart from Richard, that whining git needs to be put out of his misery!), but I am just met with disappointment. The Harlequin is repetitive, with hardly no plot and too much badly written porn. I wouldn't mind so much if LKH wrote good porn, but she doesn't, it's like she's afraid to use 'rude' words and evades using the word 'penis' or 'vagina'. but of course, none of this is as bad as what I realised I was reading on the bus a few days ago. Swan porn. Not only swan porn...swan beastiality, am I the only one icked by Donavon Reece turning feathery half way through boinking Anita?
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-20 02:32:27.
(Language: English)
I must say to begin with that I am a die hard Laurell K Hamilton fan. I adore her worlds and the characters she has in them , they are all so wonderfully alive for me. That said I did really enjoy The Harlequin, however because there is so much happening in Anita's day to day life the issue of the bad guy seems to get little play in the novel. Anita needs to fix some of the issues in her life (simplify), so we can focus further on mysteries of the first novels. To be honest I think some characters need to understand their issues and deal with them, so we can all move on :) That said I'll be buying the next one, apparently it's based on Nathaniel :)
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-09 02:55:15.
(Language: English)
Simple: this book gives hope to the series that the previous two so mercilessly stole from me. (Well, Incubus Dreams did. I stopped reading it after it took 300 pages to get back to the real plot. I didn't even bother with Danse Macabre.) There are now far too many men in Anita's life, even if I do like Haven. I hope, this time, that Richard is gone for good (and maybe we could get rid of a few others...?). I hope the next one continues on this upward trend, but because of this I'll definitely buy it... After reading the first few chapters, of course. (And checking the length - the shorter the less sex.) <3 Worth the money.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-04 11:45:23.
(Language: English)
*hails* an increase in plot and decrease in sex, I'm almost beginning to have hope for anita again. ...wait, who am I kidding, she's fallen far too far already... still, this novel was far more enjoyable then I expected after Danse Macabre. Hamilton does tend to add more men/creatures then she knows what to do with. She needs to give a little more love to damien. and jean-claude has just settled into being there. and get rid of rich already. and werelions were so so not necessary. and some real zombie stuff would be appreciated. that being said I still gobbled it up in one sitting so actually she can probably get away with doing whatever she wants.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-09-25 03:41:34.
(Language: English)
Firstly, I have to agree with the too many hot guys. Hamilton focuses so much on gratuitous sex and not the actually story. I am REALLY hoping that there is a reason for everything, but I don't see how. What does having orgies reveal??? I miss when Anita used to help solve crimes. What happened to that? I miss that suspense that I haven't really seen since Bloody Bones, which was probably the best book (in my opinion) in this series. I DID like in this book that the ardeaur (or however it's spelled, I forget) can be fed on friendship. That was a nice twist. Maybe that means less random sex??? One can only hope. It just dawned on me that Hamilton's other major series, The Merry Gentry series, is the same way though. She starts out being a PI, but then she becomes so wrapped up in having sex with her bodyguards that she doesn't even solve any cases anymore. But, at least Merry has a valid point - trying to get pregnant. Then again, hasn't she ever heard of planning when you CAN??? Wouldn't it be SO much easier that way? I apologize for my digression. The point is simple - great idea for the stories, but too much sex.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-25 11:03:32.
(Language: English)
So I swore I wasn't going to read this book. Then it was sitting in the library and I decided to see exactly how bad it was. It was bad, but not as bad as the past few installments. Anita is somewhat back to her old self. Still not the old Anita, but better than what we've had thrown at us in the last few books. But a lot of the obnoxious LKH-isms continue... Once again, there is *way* too much angst. Nevermind the poorly written, mechanical and dry sex scenes (though the first one didn't appear for quite a few chapters...as always, skip the poorly written "mind-blowing" sex), the angst from all the major characters is enough to make me chuck LKH's books. Once again, like with her Fairy trash, she delivers a book that covers a relatively short period of time, with too many men, not enough action and no real conclusion. *Yawn* She continues to beat up Richard, hail the glories of Micah and Nathaniel, and avoid any major consequences. Anita was never a very loveable character, because she just isn't very nice, but now she's fallen to detestable. The first half of the book is a lot cleaner than the last half. LKH doesn't know her characters anymore (let alone English) and even her editors are missing important facts about characters. The "major" deaths aren't major, and the action and quips are still below the level of the earlier books. Most importantly she does a darn good job emasculating Edward and turning him into yet another one of Anita's yes-men. Blah to that. The real Edward would have killed at least half of the characters in St. Louis within a few hours of showing up, and then LKH could have maybe handled writing the book. She just can't deal with this many characters. Then again, if the real Edward was still around he would have killed Anita when he showed up. Anita is officially one of the monsters now. *Yawn* Unless you're a die-hard fan don't buy it. Borrow it, then you'll have someone to give it back to.
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