Wednesday 2 December 2009

YOUNG ADULT REVIEW: Wereling Series - Stephen Cole

BOOK BLURB:

Kate's family is not what you'd call average. Her parents and brother are werewolves, and when Kate comes of age werewolf law dictates that she will become one too. But Kate is horrified at the fate that awaits her, and can feel none of the pride that strengthens her family in their werewolf state. For the time being she is able to avoid the issue of when she will become werewolf. Until, that is, her parents kidnap Tom Folan, on holiday with his parents, and destined to become Kate's mate A tense, plot-twisting werewolf thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seats. The first in 'The Wereling' trilogy.


REVIEW:

With there being many popular novels that are positive towards the werewolf myth, there is a series that’s been overlooked as it demonstrates the problems for those afflicted with the disease. Here in this, the first offering of that series we see the principle protagonists run from a heritage and a fate that neither want, a choice of their own in a world where they’ve been forced to follow the ancient laws. What makes this book so outstanding is the characterisation where each of the principle cast play off of each others strengths and bolster the others weaknesses. It’s a magical journey and one that has trod a path less well worn. A great opener and one that has left me salivating for the second novel.



BOOK BLURB:

Tom and Kate have escaped Kate's werewolf mother and made it to New York. But it's not the safe haven they had hoped for. Something sinister is stalking the streets, preying on the vulnerable - people with no place to stay, no money, no one to ask for help - and before Tom and Kate can find the medicine man who can save Tom from his own werewolf instincts, it looks like they might be next on the menu. This is urban, gritty writing with action from the first page and a fright around every corner.


REVIEW:

As with the first novel, the author knows their trade giving the reader an adventure in beautiful prose, cracking descriptiveness and above all believable characterisation for the protagonists. The dynamic between the two grows stronger and with the second book always being harder to write than the original shows how strong an overall story arc the author had on its original composition.

Here we see the duo continue their fight against the Were’s who have taken the darker path aiding those who seek to live alongside mankind alongside seeking a cure. Its dark, it’s got positive emotional aspects and above all it’s a tale of redemption for all. Great stuff.



BOOK BLURB:

A museum in Chicago takes possession of a body remarkably preserved in a peat bog in Germany since the sixteenth century. The body is badly mutilated and the wounds point to careful torture and execution Could the body be Peter Stubbe, the first ever werewolf, executed for black magic and murder? Tom and Kate are drawn to the museum in their desperate hunt to save Tom's family, only to find that Tom himself is being chased and hunted down as the perfect, original synthesis of man and wolf the Wereling.


REVIEW:

The concluding part to the series and one that I’ve been pleased that I arrived at late due to not having the patience to wait each instalment. Now the reader gets the tale that they deserve in this last offering of high octane adventure as our epic heroes continue on their path to find a cure for the Were disease so that Kate retains her humanity. As with the previous novels the duo seek to fight their nature as well as the growing attraction that if submitted to will lead Kate onto a darker path. It’s a series that’s got something for everyone, love, redemption, action and adventure. A great conclusion to an equally great series. I’m a tad sad I’ve now finished it but it was a journey worth taking.

No comments: