Haunt of Jackals

Last year's book one, Field of Blood of the Jerusalem Undead Series, was ground-breaking and a defining move in author Eric Wilson's career. Now, with Haunt of Jackals, Wilson tightens his craft and returns us to a world that lives on the edge. Jackals drops us off immediately after where Blood left and the pace doesn't lighten up. Gina's on the run while Cal and Dov run into trouble with Erota and other collectors. The story carries on revealing secrets, but also mixing in new mysteries and histories to keep us on the edge of our seat. More so, Gina, Cal, and Dov's characters become so rich and vibrant revealing the growth they have seen and the trials they have overcome. This second installment has greatly increased Wilson's style and enormous gift for storytelling. The vocabulary and language are on a level that most writers dream about. This is not mention Wilson's robust historic descriptions of foreign places and world travel.Haunt of Jackals fixes most of Field of Blood's problems, but looking back I don't see them as problems any longer. The series thus far has grown into its own and I believe that is what Wilson had longed to do since the beginning. Here he has upped the action, suspense, and drama. The relationships between characters, especially Gina and Jed, having been worked with such care and love; you can understand how beloved these creations have become with the author. I have a great love for continuing stories and in my opinion the second ones have always been the most entertaining. For example look at Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, Jason Bourne Series, etc. Yes, the first is most memorable, but the sequel leaves the characters on a cliffhanger, readying fans for the next part in their story. Lastly, Wilson incorporates storylines and events from his first published work Dark to Mortal Eyes. Although I have not read that book (neither does a new reader need in order to enjoy this series) I feel attracted to it more so now having learned its secret involvement. Fans of The Jerusalem Undead Trilogy will suck up this second book and eagerly await Wilson's next Valley of Bones...pun intended.

These days, even originality's becoming a cliche. From vampires falling in love and fighting temptation with a mortal to new types of vampire culture. But never have I come across a book that does an entire revision on the origin of vampires, which was the book preceding this one, Field of Blood. This book does more, and not just with vampires, but Holy people as well, and, as strange and double taking as this will sound, it's main source is from the bible itself as well as actual events. But what is all that without some type of humor as well? Not just normal on the spur humor, but referrential humor, the type of humor that refers to something else in an author's other book? The main thing I loved about this book is its symbolism and emotional value, which kept me in grips throughout. I love finding out very unique things in cultures completely foreign to my mind, and this book hits a home run for me, especially when you see things of a character's familiarity through their eyes and you have to adjust your paradigm, that, to me, is worth reading it more than once.

With bated breath and pounding heart, I cracked open Eric Wilson's latest supernatural thriller, Haunt of Jackals. I eagerly devoured the pages over breaks and lunch hours, absorbing every nuance and intent as I was transported to a wondrous land of vast imagination and, simultaneously, one of rich Biblical history. Our story opens in July 1944. The Great War. The vile, undead Collectors working alongside fallen humanity in its quest for self-extermination. Feeding off the blood and horror of humanity, these ageless wretches oppose Those Who Resist aka the Nistarim aka the Concealed Ones. These are the 36 souls who collectively (pun intended) bear the burden of the sins of the world, following in the footsteps of Jesus the Nazarene. Through all this, we are re-introduced to protagonist Gina Lazarescu (literal translation of her name, "Queen of the Raised"). Without giving away too much of the plot, she becomes a "mother" again, and we discover the true identity of the person writing the journal entries interspersed throughout the text. The twist will blow your mind (only a couple of possibilities exist for this mystery person, as you already know if you've followed the series). So skip the metrosexual nonsense of Stephanie Myers's hackish offerings and expand your mind with this series. You will learn much about Romanian history, Biblical archaeology, the legend of DB Cooper, and even more than you'll ever want to know about the Slavic psychopath Rasputin. EW's humor, sprinkled to and fro throughout, will make reading HOJ an even more enjoyable experience. Here's to April 2010, when the finale to this series is introduced, which Mr. Wilson has titled "Valley of Bones"! Can't wait!!

When I finished Field of Blood last year, I took a couple of weeks off from reading. It was a book to savor, not one to read and quickly move on to the next one. It was my favorite novel from 2008 and deserved the praise it received. Since finishing Field of Blood, I've looked forward to the next part of Gina's story. When we last left her, she was bleeding profusely and separated from her allies. Though able to eliminate Ariston, she was still pursed. Escaping was first on her agenda and finding her friends was second. Haunt of Jackals picked up where Field of Blood ended. Hunted by the collector, Shalom, Gina begins her trek to Bukarest. Unsure who to trust, she turns to her childhood friend Teo. Meanwhile, Cal and Dov are pursued by another collector, Erota. Risking their lives, they decide to turn the tables on Erota and try to banish her to the dessert. With fast paced action, deep suspense, and mystery, the next part of Gina's story unfolds. A review for Haunt of Jackals is pretty tough. It's not a simple book by any means. If it was just a vampire story, it'd be easy to talk about. If it was a typical supernatural suspense, there might not be a lot to say. However, Haunt of Jackals is anything but typical and it's certainly a far cry from simple. It's deep, complex, thought provoking, and difficult to capture in a short review. I'll in no way be able to do this book the justice it deserves, but here's my best attempt. It's always fun to read an author when it seems like the words and ideas are just pouring onto the page. There are parts of Haunt of Jackals that are some of the best I've read. Words that grab and leave an impact. Thoughts shared that keep you wanting more. I have loved Wilson's prior books, but the first 180 pages of Haunt of Jackals are the best he's ever written. They're not only riveting on a purely entertaining level, they're full of meaning and symbolism. The whole book is excellent, but those pages are masterful. The characters thus far have been superb, but Wilson did an exceptional job of molding Gina into a more likable, loving individual. No longer is she the abrasive, sarcastic, self-pitying, somewhat selfish child. After her battle at the cave, she's a humble, seeking young woman, aware of her thorns and attempting to counter them. There are some awesome scenes involving Gina and her struggles to cope with her past as well as some spectacular dialogue between her and Cal. Anyone who's fought psychological battles, inner turmoil and grief can easily identify with her journey. Wilson did a particularly good job of working Gina's feelings toward Jed into the story. At the end of Field of Blood, she seemed so consumed by her own grief, her love for Jed seemed to be lost. It was nice to see the tenderness in her towards him. Cal was probably my favorite character in Field of Blood. The overall mystery surrounding him really pulled me to his character. He was obviously hurt/hurtin

Gina Lazarescu is running for her life from the evil Collectors who have caused her so much pain. These undead minions have wreaked havoc on the weak by feasting on their blood and stirring dissension among the human race. She needs to find the mysterious Cal Nichols, who holds the answers to who she truly is and what is happening around her. As she fights for her life in the Romanian mountains, Gina can't stop thinking about what Cal has already told her. The answer dies within. Last year Eric Wilson unveiled his much anticipated Jerusalem's Undead trilogy with the captivating first installment, Field of Blood. We were introduced to the evil spirits called Collectors that inhabit bodies that were buried beneath the very spot where Judas Iscariot took his life. When the spirits inhabited those bodies stained with the blood of Judas, the undead rose from the grave with an insatiable appetite for human blood. They long to rid the world of Those Who Resist and the thirty-six Nistarim who serve the Nazarene. Haunt of Jackals picks up where Field of Blood left off and Wilson gives us no time to catch our breath. The intense action sequences meld perfectly with the mystery and intrigue surrounding Gina and Cal. Their relationship especially is what carries this story as we are drawn into their epic battle against evil. Eric Wilson pulls out all of the stops with great plot twists and some exciting reveals that will only heighten the anticipation for the series finale, Valley of Bones. Haunt of Jackals brings us some of the best writing in Eric Wilson's short, yet illustrious career. Strong character development, methodical pacing, and spectacular imagery all combine to ensure you won't be going anywhere once you begin. Even the undead themselves are taken to a whole new level of darkness and depravity that only serves to amplify the terror in this stirring account of good vs. evil. This series is being marketed as a vampire series, but that doesn't begin to describe the depth and originality of what Wilson brings to the table. Once again we are treated to some great historical tie-ins, including the infamous disappearance of hijacker D.B. Cooper in 1971. Wilson does a wondrous job of bridging connections to some of his earlier novels while never leaving new readers wandering around in the dark. Haunt of Jackals raises the bar on every level in this top notch series that deserves much more recognition that it has seen. Nowhere will you find a better blend of supernatural suspense, historical fiction, and vampire lore. If you give these stories a chance you too might come to realize that the answer truly dies within.