BOOK REVIEW - Werewolf Smackdown (Novel)
Mike
of Harper Collins) ISBN 978-0-06-156718-6 Paperback 406 pages
$14.99 (U.S.) www.harpercollins.com
I really hate starting reviews part of the way into a series. As soon
as I can scrape together some spare cash I intend to pick up the first
four books in this series (Jailbait Zombie, The Undead Kama Sutra, X
Rated Bloodsuckers, and The Nymphos of Rocky Flats).
How effective can a vampire detective be? I mean, after all, there’s
that whole “daylight bad” thing. But there are ways around it if you
are resourceful.
But back to the book – why would a werewolf want to hire a vampire?
It’s not as if weres and bloodsuckers are BFF. In fact, there is a
tacit agreement to stay out of each other’s business. They also agree
to keep the Great Secret (that the supernatural exists and that the
denizens thereof walk among the masses of humanity), but that is a
matter of self-preservation – there are a lot more humans than others
around.
There is an undercurrent of eroticism in this book. There is nothing
too blatant, although some readers may find some scenes a little
strong for their tastes. This is definitely an adult novel, and there
are no apologizes for that.
It is well-written, draws together a variety of themes, and makes the
images come clear. Felix Gomez, the vampire P.I. is a recently turned
vampire (Iraq war scenario) and still has enough humanity that you can
empathize with him as he suffers through what has to be a week from
hell, in one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. (Charleston).
Attempts on his life, and impending war between werewolf clans, the
loss of an ex-lover (and dryad) – not the kind of week he had
anticipated.
As the novel ends, Felix finds that his luck remains consistent –
lousy. You know he will make it through and tackle whatever else
comes his way.