Saturday, April 2, 2011

Review: Hunting Human by Amanda E. Alvarez

Hunting Human by Amanda E. Alvarez

(Net Galley e-book - 471 KB - 84,100 words)
Publication date: 3/28/11

Amazon Product Description:
For two years, Beth Williams has run from the past, and the beast that dwells inside her. She is haunted by memories of being kidnapped and the savage attack that killed her best friend. Now Beth finally thinks she's ready to move on...with Braden Edwards, a charming, irresistibly sexy man who tempts Beth to embrace the present.
But the past lurks closer than Beth realizes. Markko Bolvek, one of the werewolves who kidnapped her, has tracked her to Portland, Oregon, his pursuit fueled by a hunger for vengeance. Only Braden, a werewolf himself, senses the danger shadowing her steps. The Edwards and Bolveks have been enemies for centuries—and despite the instant connection he feels with Beth, Braden isn't sure which side of the war she's on.
With suspicion at odds with their attraction, Beth and Braden must learn to trust one another to stop Markko for good. Can Beth accept the wolf within—and love a man who embodies everything she fears?

My thoughts:
Fantastic story!  I fell fast and didn't put it down until it was over!  I love the fresh new take on the whole werewolf idea!  If this first book is any indication of how great future books will be I can't wait!
Incredible characters!  Each of the characters has been well thought-out and lovingly designed.  It was easy to become completely engrossed in the lives on the page.  I was fully invested by the time I had turned the page a couple times.  If you are into shifters - this book is for YOU!
Elizabeth is superbly created!  From the first altercation in the bar when she was young, you just know she is going to great.  Angie - we all know that woman and secretly hope to have that kind of effect on people.  Braden - WOW! What more needs to be said - truly, we could only hope men like this existed!  I won't go on and name each character, but they all deserve mention as each and every one plays an important role.  The author didn't waste a single word on a character that had no meaning in the story, nor did she under-develop anyone.  Really, all the characters are superbly created.
The story line is smooth and the transitions between the past and the present flow easily.  The plot is interesting and intriguing - keeps you turning the pages.  I was thrilled with the new spin on werewolves - absolutely LOVED Braden's family and the idea that they chose and were supported and loved.  It was interesting that the mate for life aspect that we see in almost every shifter story is missing here -  giving the characters the choice in who they decide to be with.