REVIEW: Undead and Unstable by Mary Janice Davidson

Series: Undead 11
Format: Hardback
Release Date: June 5, 2012

My Copy: Borrowed from the Library
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Betsy Taylor is determined to change the future for herself and her loved ones, but her actions could have life-shattering repercussions. That’s to be expected when a friend returns from the dead, when your dear sister just happens to be the Antichrist, and when your mother is the devil.

The previous three before this (Unwelcome, Unfinished, Undermined) was dark and disturbing and I found Betsy truly annoying. I felt her nuttiness morose, her potty mouth overdone and her derogatory remarks very insulting. I was afraid that MJD was selling out and Betsy's story was getting old and uninspired. Undermined really left me shell shocked and I was half expecting that the story will cease to be a fun chick lit and shift to Urban Fantasy territory. Betsy going to the future and Ancient Elizabeth (her future self) revealing sordid details that Betsy is yet to commit is both depressing and nail biting. The ending left most of the series' fans in a conundrum which begged the question What now, MJD?

And when you think you're cornered, or wrong, you lash out and say mean things - Mark to Betsy

When I started UNDEAD AND UNSTABLE I was a little nervous because I'm scared of what MJD will do this time! I mean these characters went through a lot already and that small glimpse of the future she showed us wasn't good, in fact it was terrifying! I don't want THAT Betsy and I was afraid that maybe the evil transition will start in book 11. So I was glad that it's back to being fun though there are still a lot of things that Betsy needs to do and take care of to bring it back to how things were but it's still a good start.

In UNDEAD AND UNSTABLE, I'm glad that we have the old sweet but abrasive Betsy back, her comebacks still burns but you can once again feel the "care" behind them. Here MJD tries to set things right after shuffling it around with Ancient Elizabeth and the future. I don't want to reveal too much but Ancient Elizabeth went back in Infant Betsy's timeline hoping she can reshape the future by manipulating Infant Betsy's choices a little bit, just a little nudge in the right way. Not only that someone is back from the dead, a couple are leaving and another one bit the dust. I'm still trying to wrap my head around  the last part but I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of this person yet.

This is on you, it all comes back to you. It always comes back to you. - Dickie/Nickie

Now I am missing a couple of things: (1) Betsy and Jessica's friendship; (2) Alpha Sinclair and his trusted sidekick Tina back in the forefornt; (3) Betsy's relationship with the devout Christian Antichrist, Laura and their sibling scuffles and silly bonding. I loved the old juxtapositions and ironies that MJD put together for us but on the other hand I also like how the story is developing, albeit scary, it's needed to give the plot depth. Betsy and Laura have serious responsibilities riding on their backs and the significance of their roles are HUGE, Queen of the Undead and THE Antichrist, so those points have to be driven at one point.

And MJD is nailing that perfectly. So even with great trepidation, I am anxiously anticipating book 12.

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