Obsidian Butterfly (An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 9) by Laurell K. Hamilton

Title: Obsidian Butterfly
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: Paperback, 608 pages
Publisher: Jove (September 24, 2002)
ISBN-10: 9780515134506
ISBN-13: 978-0515134506
ASIN: 0515134503
Notes: Violence towards children in this book as well as rape.

Something not yet identified in the Santa Fe/Albuquerque area of New Mexico is attacking people. Edward is calling in the favor Anita owes him for taking out one of his back ups. We get to see Edward's other life and alternate ego Ted. The survivors that have been found have been skinned alive. The question is could someone truly survive in such a state or is there some form necromancy or magic at work? The Master vampire of the City, Itzpapalotl, owns a club called the Obsidian Butterfly. She is an old and powerful vampire and scary as hell. She believes herself to be an Aztec Goddess. Her animal to command is the jaguar. Whatever is causing mayhem in New Mexico has even Itzpapalotl scared. Whatever is out there is ancient and might just take Anita and Edward down.

This is probably one of the goriest books in the series by far (and for this series that is saying something). It should probably come with a warning label. If you have a queasy stomach this may not be the book for you. A lot of blood, guts, gore, and extremely creepy things. Also, there is violence towards children which will definitely not sit well with some people. 

Okay, now that I've dealt out the warnings, it's on to what is good in the book. In the beginning I really started to dislike Edward, but towards the end he redeemed himself in my eyes. I really enjoyed finally finding out about  the secretive Edward. I also liked the Aztec influence in this story. I always love hearing about the mythology of other cultures and even took a course about mythology in college. I had never heard of Itzpapalotl before and alway love learning something new. Yes, Hamilton takes some artistic license with the character to make it her own, but I love it when  an author mixes mythology with a story.

Fun facts I found in Wikipedia: 

"In Aztec mythology, Itzpaplotl was a fearsome skeletal warrior goddess, who ruled over the paradise world of Tamoanchan, the paradise of victims of infant mortality and place identified where humans were created." " Itzpapalotl's name can either mean "obsidian butterfly" or "clawed butterfly"." "She is sometimes depicted with bat wings. However, she can also appear with clear butterfly or eagle attributes. Her wings are obsidian or tecpatl (flint) knife tipped." "She could appear in the form of a beautiful, seductive woman or terrible goddess with a skeletal head and butterfly wings supplied with stone blades." For more information on Itzpaplotl check out this link to Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itzpapalotl

I don't know what it is about Hamilton's books that often times puts a song in my head, but once again a song infiltrated my mind. The song being 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy' as sung by Rod Stewart. Just reminded me of the scene with  Red Woman's Husband. The particular lyrics that danced through my head: ' If you want my body and you think I'm sexy Come on, sugar, let me know If you really need me just reach out and touch me....'  I must confess I never did find Rod all that attractive (sorry Rod).

I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses.