By: Stephen M. DeBock
ISBN: 9781936564279
Expected Publication: October 14, 2011
Available Format: Hardcover, Paperback, ebook
My Rating: ★★★★☆
In the throes of passion, Claire doesn’t take her lover seriously when he confesses he is a werewolf and asks if he can change her. When she awakes, it isn’t such a joke to her any longer. Claire manages to somehow adjust to her new life. Soon, however, her lover is led astray by another woman who wants his gift as well as his loyalty. When she realizes his heart belongs to Claire, she vows to destroy both their lives forever. Now, Claire is pursued by agents who wish to protect her and the evil that wishes to end her life. Who will succeed, and will Claire’s humanity survive the heartbreak and loss she must endure along the way?
Don’t let the synopsis fool you. This isn’t really a romance novel. There are werewolves and vampires and big, burly military guys…okay, so that doesn’t help much does it? Well, how about a kick ass protagonist who is after the next righteous kill and a nasty vampire that mutilates her boyfriend?
I love the way Claire’s character was introduced as cruel and vicious. It makes the reader want to hate her initially. Then, we get to go back and hear her story and see how she got to that point and what is driving her to be so vicious. We see her in a whole new light and can’t help but have sympathy.
I’ll probably get labeled a prude again, but all the sex in the first half or so started to get on my nerves a bit. I get what the author was putting across, but at some point, I really wanted more content and less bedroom. I was also a teensy bit put off by the art teacher’s intro to the story. At first, if felt like he was interrupting the plot…but as things continued to develop, it was easy to see exactly what a very pivotal purpose his character served. And, in a way, the interruption fit perfectly with his character (i.e. irritatingly persistent). ;-)
Overall, this is a great take on the darker side of werewolves and especially vampires. It’s nice to step away from the young adult interpretations of these creatures now and then. This story evoked so many reactions and emotions while being satisfyingly entertaining. What more could you ask for?!? Another great read from the folks at JournalStone!
