Heat Stroke by Rachel Caine

Accused of murder, Weather Warden Joanne Bladwin was chased across the country - and killed - by a team charged with hunting down rogue Wardens. Five days later, Joanne had a lovely funeral and was posthumously cleared of all charges. Her human life was over, but she had been reborn into Djinnhood. Now, until she masters her enhanced powers, Joanne must avoid being claimed by a human. But when a hazard that only a Djinn could sense infiltrates Earths atmosphere, Joanne must somehow convince someone to do something about it - or the forecast will be deadly. So who said being all-powerful was going to be easy?

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Heat Stroke

Being dead has its advantages, like wiping the slate clean of all criminal charges. But now that Joanne has been brought back as a Djinn, she must learn how to control her power. Not to mention avoid being claimed by the wardens she once worked among. Let's not forget that she's also supposed to be dead to the human world. And now something is brewing in the etheric, evoking natural disasters of epic proportions. The wardens can barely hold it together and their Djinn can't help. Joanne won't sit idly by and watch innocents die.

Joanne is such a powerful figure in the weather warden series. And not just in her magical abilities, but her resolve and dedication. Despite the treatment, she's endured from the wardens, she will still stay in the fight to prevent disasters from overcoming the Earth. This time around she is severely limited in her ability to help, but she still finds ways to work around her situation to do what is right. Though she may not always make the correct choice, she thinks on her feet and is a reactive character. Joanne can be both crisp and biting, yet sultry and demure depending on the situation.

And while Joanne is a brilliant character to follow, the antagonist of the story, Yvette Prentiss, was brutally written. Rachel Caine painted a manipulative and oily villain in Yvette, slowly working her wickedness into the plotline. Bit by bit it was revealed how disgusting of a person she was and it made Joanne's resolve to bring her down all the more satisfying. Readers will feel strong emotions towards the situations Yvette puts characters in and be cheering Joanne on to bring her down.

Heat Stroke is one of those urban fantasy series with non-stop action. Whether it's manipulating the elements, dodging Djinn, or fighting back against Yvette, there is never a dull moment. Events are set in motion from page one and will bring the reader into a world like no other I've read before. Not to mention the chemistry between David and Joanne hikes up a notch in this second novel which will entice those who enjoy steamier bits. The amount of story and potential in this series is enough to make me forgive the heavier romance elements. Urban fantasy and supernatural romance readers will both enjoy Heat Stroke.

After being accused of murder, then killed by the good guys, Joanne is getting ready for her funeral. Even though she is now a Djinn, David thinks it's a very bad idea. She is supposed to be focusing on Djinn-like behavior. She has a lot to learn. But, certain people have other plans for her. While I liked the story, my problem is Joanne. She is just not that likeable. I love characters like Chess from Downside, Meg from the Others, Alex Craft, Charley Davidson just to name a few. I really don't care for Joanne much. It sucks, because the story is good, and I do like Lewis, David, and Paul. Not sure if I will continue the series or not.