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Book Review: The Frenzy Wolves by Gregory Lamberson

The Frenzy Wolves (Frenzy Wolves Cycle) by Gregory Lamberson

Medallion Press 2014

Available: New paperback

ISBN-13: 978-1605427164

Book three in the Frenzy Wolves Cycle sees Father Tudoro having been taken into custody by the government. The Brotherhood of Torquemada has been wiped out, and many wolves from the Greater New York Pack have been lost. Gabriel and his family are in hiding, and Rhonda, who suffered the loss of her family and boyfriend, is bitter and angry, and looking for some revenge. Tony Mace and his special task force are on the hunt for Rodrigo Gomez, the Full Moon Killer, who has escaped prison and is heading for New York City—and he’s got a secret. Unfortunately, Tony also has to contend with freelance reporter Carl Rice, and the potentially dangerous information he’s looking to sell to the highest bidder.

As with the first two books in the series, Lamberson continues to write an engaging story with characters that the reader can identify with and care about. Tony Mace is on his game, as usual, hoping to save the day and keep the damage to a minimum, while also trying to keep peace between the humans and wolves. The Frenzy Wolves moves at a quick pace without losing any detail or suspense. Lamberson is an excellent storyteller and nothing ever feels contrived or forced. If you haven’t read any of the Frenzy Wolves Cycle, I recommend that you do. If you have read the first two, then you will be very happy with The Frenzy Wolves. Recommended for adult readers.

Contains: graphic violence, blood and gore, sexual situations

Reviewed by: Colleen Wanglund

Posted on March 7, 2015 by , Reply

Book Review: Wyatt in Wichita: A Historical Novel by John Shirley

Wyatt in Wichita: A Historical Novel by John Shirley

Skyhorse Publishing, 2014

ISBN-13: 978-1629143132

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition, audiobook download

 

Wyatt in Wichita is a novel I have been reading about for a long time. John Shirley, while known as both a horror and science fiction author, transcends genre in almost everything he writes, and I was intrigued to learn that he had been working on a historical novel set in the Wild West.

Shirley’s fascination with the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp was the seed for this novel, which is based in solid historical research. Focused on a lesser known aspect of Earp’s life, this novel is a fictionalized account of his search for the murderer of a girl from Wichita. Shirley uses the plot as a tool to explore Earp’s character. While legend sometimes paints a black-and-white picture of Earp as a hero, or villain, Shirley uses shades of grey. While the novel has plenty of action, it is, above all, a character study.

While a historical novel is a departure for the writer whose stories were once called “Lollipops of Pain”, Shirley delivers, with his intense view of the world expressed through this new setting and genre. His use of tiny details sets the tone effectively. While description can overwhelm a story and slow the pacing, Shirley’s writing remains fluid. All the elements of a successful Western are here: period accurate action, engulfing natural landscapes that jumped off the page, and characters that made me a little uncomfortable.

Authors writing outside of their traditional genres often have trouble getting their readers to follow them. Wyatt in Wichita is an excellent choice to get readers to step outside their genre and try something a little different. This should be in any library with a serious eye to western and historical fiction.

Reviewed by David Agranoff

 

 

 

Posted on February 22, 2015 by , Reply

Book Review: The Blood Guard by Carter Roy

The Blood Guard by Carter Roy

Two Lions, 2014

ISBN: 9781477847251

Available: Hardcover, Kindle edition

 

The Blood Guard is the first book in a trilogy by Carter Roy. In this snarky comic adventure, we meet Evelyn Ronan Truelove (who simply wishes to be called Ronan). Ronan is an oddball. A bit of a loner, his mother has had him heavily programmed with gymnastics, kendo, judo, and wilderness survival classes since he was 5. At the age of 13, Ronan discovers his mother waiting for him after school, and well before any extracurricular classes begin. She drives him off to the train station, where she has a fight with some shadowy figures in suits, and Ronan learns her mom is part of an ancient organization, The Blood Guard. When Ronan’s mom disappears, he suddenly finds himself in the company of a pickpocket named Jack and a sarcastic girl named Greta, who inform Ronan that he is to be inducted into the Blood Guard.

The Blood Guard protects the 36 “pure souls” of the world from the evil intentions of the Bend Sinister. The Bend Sinister is a band of villains whose sole purpose is to cause havoc by toying with the number of pure people in the world. Great and terrible historical events have occurred as a consequence of the Bend Sinister successfully removing even just a few of the pure ones.

I love this book. It’s warm, funny and very irreverent. Carter Roy’s command of snarky humor is most excellent. Highly recommended for young adult readers, particularly if you like action comedies or fantasy adventures.

Contains: Violence and light profanity.

Reviewed by Benjamin Franz

Posted on February 13, 2015 by , Reply
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