Helpful Score: 5
This is one of the best books I've ever read! It truly has that WOW factor. A year ago I half-heartedly sat down to read this novel after a really stressful day thinking that it would help me go to sleep. Hours later I still couldn't put it down until it was fully read and even then the story stayed with me for days afterwards--so much so that I contacted Elizabeth Bear and begged her for a sequel, which she unfortunately denied was going to happen. But I'm still hopeful . . .
Part of the reason this book is so good is simply because the language is so beautiful, lyrical even at times. The world building is truly excellent and the characterization just marvelous. A warning though: this novel is not for the faint of heart. There are graphic depictions of homosexuality and dubious consent. It is also a very violent tale, but never gratuitously so. On the other hand I would call this story romantic and hopeful at its core. The only other time I had quite this avid a response to a novel was after reading Cry to Heaven by Anne Rice. Definitely pick up this book if you like intelligent, engaging stories that make you think.
Part of the reason this book is so good is simply because the language is so beautiful, lyrical even at times. The world building is truly excellent and the characterization just marvelous. A warning though: this novel is not for the faint of heart. There are graphic depictions of homosexuality and dubious consent. It is also a very violent tale, but never gratuitously so. On the other hand I would call this story romantic and hopeful at its core. The only other time I had quite this avid a response to a novel was after reading Cry to Heaven by Anne Rice. Definitely pick up this book if you like intelligent, engaging stories that make you think.
Helpful Score: 5
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. But I just couldn't put it down. The whole thing made so much sense, in the strange world they lived in. It is one I will keep.
If you are homophobic, don't bother. If you aren't, you won't even notice how it works so well. This is one tough book.
If you are homophobic, don't bother. If you aren't, you won't even notice how it works so well. This is one tough book.
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book. First off, it satisfied my craving for some good Fantasy and that's always a good thing. But it's more than that - the story was really quite good. I didn't want it to end, and I'm very much hoping that the authors will write another book set in this world (even though this is a stand-alone novel).
However, this book is not for everyone. Read my complete review here to find out who shouldn't read it.
However, this book is not for everyone. Read my complete review here to find out who shouldn't read it.
Helpful Score: 1
If you are a woman who enjoys sexual fantasies about bisexual Norsemen, then this book is for you.
Not the best work from either Monette or Bear, and at times the characters do get hard to tell apart, but if this is your thing, it's definitely enjoyable.
Not the best work from either Monette or Bear, and at times the characters do get hard to tell apart, but if this is your thing, it's definitely enjoyable.
Helpful Score: 1
I thought I would love this book, but I was mistaken. It started out great, but about 1/4 of the way in, it devolved into thinking about sex, wanting sex, and then having sex. Lots of it, both wolves and humans. The interaction between the wolves and the humans took a back seat. I got about halfway through, then thought "why am I wasting my time on something I'm not enjoying?" I abandoned it. There are too many other wonderful books out there to read.
This book seems to have come from one of the authors over hearing a man say that life would be simpler if there were no women, just men and their dogs. So we have here a story where the women are incidental, even the mothers, sisters and the mothers of their children. The significant emotional relationships are with the wolves and the significant sexual relationships are with other men. Interesting concept and interesting book, tough to read sometimes, the names and places are a Scandinavian derivative and unpronounceable. Most of the book dealt with the society and politics of the men, although after the first half there were some great battles. Some of the society didn't seem consistent. Sometimes they were a wolf pack and some times a bunch of dog breeders. Worth a read, definitely.
I really enjoyed this book. First off, it satisfied my craving for some good Fantasy and that's always a good thing. But it's more than that - the story was really quite good. I didn't want it to end, and I'm very much hoping that the authors will write another book set in this world (even though this is a stand-alone novel).
However, this book is not for everyone. Read my complete review here to find out who shouldn't read it.
However, this book is not for everyone. Read my complete review here to find out who shouldn't read it.
Great story, very quick read. I liked the story line, can't wait to read the next. Yes,the author does go into detail the sexual habits of the men bonded to the wolves.
After reading the back cover, I was really anticipating reading this book. However, once I got into the story, I just had to stop. I'm not homophobic, but I do not enjoy reading of men's sexual exploits with other men. I couldn't continue. It's probably a good story, and I'm sure I'd really enjoy it, if it weren't for the authors thinking they just had to put in the gay sex factor....
