Smolder Audiobook – Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 29

There’s something thrilling about walking through my Portland neighborhood on a misty morning, earbuds in, swept into Laurell K. Hamilton’s shadowy world of vampires and necromancers. That was how I experienced “Smolder,” the 29th Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novel—a perfect companion for an atmospheric stroll where every rustle in the bushes could be something otherworldly. As someone who has followed Anita’s journey over decades, this audiobook felt like both a reunion with old friends and a tense new beginning.

“Smolder” immediately immerses you in chaos: Anita is caught between arranging her wedding to Jean-Claude (now America’s vampire king) and investigating gruesome murders linked to the chilling “Sunshine Murders.” The lines blur—are monsters really just on one side? Humans distrust her allegiances; vampires fear Jean-Claude’s heart belongs more to Anita than his throne. What struck me deeply was how real these tensions felt: I’ve never hunted supernatural evildoers, but trying to balance love and professional duty? Navigating shifting alliances among friends and family? That is painfully relatable.

What kept me engaged—and sometimes on edge—was Hamilton’s gift for ratcheting up suspense while weaving emotional depth throughout. When ancient evil arrives in St. Louis to challenge everything Anita and Jean-Claude hold dear, there are genuine moments when their love feels fragile against cosmic forces bent on destruction. These high stakes made me reflect on my own relationships—the way external pressures can threaten what we treasure most, making the choice to trust or unite feel revolutionary.

As always with Hamilton’s writing, “Smolder” offers more than just action or horror; it explores prejudice (human vs. supernatural), responsibility that comes from power, and even messy found-family dynamics that echo my own experiences building community far from home. The familiar faces—like Edward/Ted Forrester as best man—remind longtime fans of the richness built over so many books; newcomers might feel adrift at first but will catch up quickly if they embrace the ride.

Because I listened rather than read “Smolder,” narration matters—and here lies my biggest caveat: unfortunately, information about this installment’s narrator wasn’t provided anywhere I looked (a surprising omission given audiobooks’ importance!). This left me unable to comment directly on voice performance or interpretation—a notable absence compared with previous installments whose narrators brought distinctive personalities alive.

That said, based purely on content: expect signature banter mixed with horror and tenderness—a blend that makes Hamilton unique among urban fantasy authors. My only quibble as a loyal reader/listener is that some long-awaited events (the much-anticipated wedding!) remain unresolved by book’s end—Hamilton clearly saves those fireworks for another sequel (“Slay”). But perhaps that’s part of why this series remains compelling after all these years: she knows exactly how much to give us…and what delicious mysteries to hold back until next time.

In short: whether you’re pacing city streets at dawn or curled up late-night under lamplight (or moonlight!), “Smolder” delivers intrigue, intimacy, and chills in equal measure—a testament both to its creator’s enduring vision and its heroine’s indomitable spirit.