Jane Yellowrock World Companion

Jane Yellowrock World Companion (2013) Faith Hunter

I have conflicted feelings about this.

The co-author put a lot of work into the time-line and weapons list and such. And it’s a great reference if you’re not familiar with Jane’s world. But it’s not something to sit down and read. There are three stories: two short stories from Bruiser’s point of view, and a novella. The problem I had is that the format is wonky. The two Bruiser stories are in a different section from the novella, so unless you read the table of contents carefully, you might have trouble finding them unless you’re planning on reading everything.

The three stories are:
First Sight
Dance Master
Beneath a Bloody Moon

The other section you don’t want to miss is Beast Advice, which is, well, it’s Beast’s advice column. It’s pretty wonderful.

I work in an office with four people . Two of us work our tails off, while the other two are very lazy. I have no authority over them, so any advice on how to deal with them?? Thank you, Liesa

Leisa: You must kill and eat lazy humans. Or chase them out of den. (Growls.) Writer is trying to push Beast away. Says not to kill lazy humans. Writer is stupid.

“First Sight” isn’t a short story as much as a a scene written from Briuser’s point-of-view. Since that scene is the first time Bruiser met Jane, it’s pretty interesting. There are also some glimpses into the vampire and blood slave relationship that aren’t seen in the stories.

“Dance Master” is another bit from Bruiser’s point of view, set in the time period between Mercy Blade and Raven Cursed. It’s amusing.

The novella, “Beneath a Bloody Moon” is why you’ll want to buy the companion. It’s set after Blood Trade and before Black Arts. Jane and the Younger brothers go to southern New Orleans to hunt werewolves who are killing and eating humans. Except, there isn’t yet proof they are werewolves and not just wild dogs, which makes the situation complicated (from a legal point of view).

We see a bit more about Jane’s relationship with Rick (still not a fan of Rick, sorry) as well as her developing friendship (family love, really) with the two Younger brothers.

It’s also interesting to see her place herself in Eli’s command, when the situation warrants. I thought that was a very nice touch.

Well, that and Beast’s commentary.

Helicopter, Jane thought.

Stupid bird. Too loud to catch prey. More like a buzzing bee, but with no stinger. And vomits out live people.

Well, civilian helicopters don’t have stingers anyway.

If you’re a fan, you’ll want this companion for the novella, and to keep the various books and short stories in chronological order.

One last note: this is a FABULOUS and GORGEOUS cover. Marvelous.
Rating: 7/10

Published by ROC

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