Customer Reviews

Shapes

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read this novel knowing nothing about the author, and was in fact surprised to see it was a sequel to another of his books. I think I'll have to try and track that one down now because 'Shapes' offered some real interesting twists to the werewolf legend. From reading those reviews of 'The Hyde Effect,' it looks like this sequel is an expansion on the basic themes of the first book. We are introduced to several characters, some of whom witnessed the events of the first novel. Now the focus becomes an expansion of the basic werewolf myth, where the characters discover there's a heck of a lot more to it and it will directly affect their own lives. Hard to say more without spoiling it, except to add that it's made clear early on that there is an organzied society of beings with the basic werewolf abilities and much more. I think I'd label this book horror fantasy, as it really sets up an interesting world outside what we understand. A weakness of the novel involves the main human characters and the choice each must eventually make. There are moral and religious questions that each really should have contemplated more fully. I could spend a while talking about that with other people who have read the book! Very thought provoking, and it deserved closer analysis. Beyond that, Steve Vance's reinvention of the werewolf myth is fascinating. Recommended!

I read this novel knowing nothing about the author, and was in fact surprised to see it was a sequel to another of his books. I think I'll have to try and track that one down now because 'Shapes' offered some real interesting twists to the werewolf legend. From reading those reviews of 'The Hyde Effect,' it looks like this sequel is an expansion on the basic themes of the first book. We are introduced to several characters, some of whom witnessed the events of the first novel. Now the focus becomes an expansion of the basic werewolf myth, where the characters discover there's a heck of a lot more to it and it will directly affect their own lives. Hard to say more without spoiling it, except to add that it's made clear early on that there is an organzied society of beings with the basic werewolf abilities and much more. I think I'd label this book horror fantasy, as it really sets up an interesting world outside what we understand. A weakness of the novel involves the main human characters and the choice each must eventually make. There are moral and religious questions that each really should have contemplated more fully. I could spend a while talking about that with other people who have read the book! Very thought provoking, and it deserved closer analysis. Beyond that, Steve Vance's reinvention of the werewolf myth is fascinating. Recommended!

ALTHOUGH THIS BOOK KEPT ME WANTING MORE. I WAS LOOKING FOR THE SAME SUSPENSE THAT VANCE PRODUCED IN THE HYDE EFFECT. THIS IS A VERY WELL WRITTEN SEQUEL AND I HAVE BEEN EGERLY WAITING FOR A THIRD NOVEL. I AM HOPING FOR A BRIAN LUMLEY TYPE SERIES INVOLVING THE WEREWOLF LEGEND.

I just loved this book. Anyone who likes their horror fiction firmly rooted in 'reality' should enjoy it. The characters are a little 2D but you don't care as the story grabs you and takes you on a great ride. The premise is clever and a great twist on the legend for anyone jaded by all the hackneyed re-hashes out there.

Now that they've made "Vampire$" into a movie I hope Shapes isn't too far behind (especially now that effects technology is at the required level).

I loved the Hyde Effect, as a horrific, violent and scary suspense-filled novel. The follow up, Shapes was an expanded, more fantastically dreamed up world which added a whole new twist to it's lycanthropic predecessor. I, too have anxiously awaited the third installment of this story.

Steve Vance does an awsome job of humanizing a totally inhuman condition. By the time you have finished this book you you will want to be a full blown shape Sifter yourself. It's slightly reminisant of "Cabal" By Clive Barker where the monsters are the good guys! It truly is one of the better books on the subject. Although, I first read it back in about '92. I still have my origonal copy and I pull it out to re-read every few years just for the pure excitment of being a werewolf in a little part of my mind for a day or two!! You will really enjoy this one!

The Hyde Effect is probably one of my favorite werwolf books. This is a worthy followup. I like seeing the characters again and following down into the world of the shifters. It reminds me very much of the Necroscope series in the way they shifters exist. I've been waiting forever for another, I can onyl hope there is one to continue the story. Left on a bit of a cliffhanger in my opinion and would love to read more.

AFTER READING THE "HYDE EFFECT" AND "SHAPES" TWICE I SAT DOWN TO WAIT FOR THE THIRD INSTALLMENT OF THIS VERY ENTERTAINING STORY. SINCE THEN IVE READ THEM ONCE MORE AND I AM REALLY GETTING IMPATIENT. ITS BEEN ABOUT 7 YEARS SINCE "SHAPES" AND I NOW WONDER IF THERE WILL EVER BE A THIRD VOLUME.....IF ANYONE KNOWS I WOULD APPRECIATE HEARING FROM THEM.

This book shed a different if not humane light on the werewolf legend. I have read it twice and still couldn't put it down.