Review: Bonds of Fenris

Bonds of Fenris
by S.J. Bell
ebook
226 pages
Published May 7th 2012

ARC from author

Summary from Goodreads:

Talia Thornwood's life ended one year ago, when she became a werewolf. She survived the attack, and the horrifying transformation a month later, but the life she has now is barely worth living. She lurks about in a filthy, run-down house, with too many werewolves crammed into too small a space. Every day is a struggle against the stress of human contact, the romantic prodding of her obnoxious packmate Pierce, and the gnawing hunger for flesh in her soul. 

She's all but resigned herself to a dreary existence on the margins of society when she meets Corwin. Corwin is a werewolf like none other. He walks among humans as if it was nothing, and can keep his wolf under control even when the moon is full. Talia's mind is suddenly opened to the possibilities before her, and the realization of how little she really knows about lycanthropy.

Corwin claims that he can teach her how to cope as he does, even how to transcend her affliction. But it will not be easy. It is a hard education that requires her to question everything her pack taught her, and confront exactly what she has become. And, more amazingly, what she never stopped being.

Thoughts:
I really don't know what to expect when I started reading this. Strangely enough, werewolves are not high on my list of favourite supernaturals but after reading this I totally get the trials and tribulations of being a werewolf. It's like the author has an inherent ability to get into the skin of one and we get to see how a werewolf really live.

Caught in between being an animal and a lost human, made Talia questioned herself every day. She was reluctantly attacked by wolves and therefore had to leave her family behind when she had to deal with her apparent transformation. Forced to live in a pack that she doesn't feel a sense of belonging to, Talia was shocked to discover a lone wolf who had the power to retain human form during full moon.

I really love how the author is able to depict the reality, grittiness and hardships of living in a werewolf pack since werewolves are not superficially glamorous or even vain like the vampires.
Bonds of Fenris is more about the tale of a werewolf journey towards self discovery. It's heart breaking, realistic potrayal certainly left quite an impression in my mind.
Recommended for: fans Nightshade and Blood and Chocolate
Verdict: 4 stars.

In my Debut Author & Self Published Reading Challenge 
Available on: Smashwords