Customer Reviews

Touch of the Wolf (Historical Werewolf Series, Book 1)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have always been a fan of Susan Krinard, especially with her bent towards writing stories about the paranormal. TOTW did not disappoint me. Braden and Cassidy's story was well written and a delight to read. Ms. Krinard goes out of her way to strongly define her characters, giving the readers insights on why they behave they way they do. (And not just our hero and heroine, she sets up the stage for Braden's sister and brother's story too.)

Although Cassidy might start out too trusting and innocent for my tastes, her character does grow and learn from life. Many times writers miss character development and that makes for a stale story. The time and thought that went into Braden's character development is obvious. The struggle Braden goes through for the length of the story is at once heart wrenching (we all know that deep down he wants to do what is right, its just defining what "right" is) and frustrating (damn his grandfather anyway). It's hard to have such a strong character become vulnerable.

I have but one criticism of the book. This is a story about werewolves, their relevance in society, their laws and mores, their ethics, their hierarchy, basically their very existence. Although we get some feeling of this through the choices Braden must make as leader, I did not feel like I really got to know the werewolves themselves. I got the feeling that seeing them as werewolves was almost peripherary to the story (except maybe for the climatic end scene.) There was very little changing from human form to werewolf form. It was always there on the outside of the story but never really made it to the inside. Overall, keep up the great work and I look forward to the next story.

The first Krinard novel I read was Prince of Wolves, and I promptly ordered the rest of her backlist because I loved it so much. I was thrilled to discover that each novel she's written is as wonderful. There are some authors whose work you read and the story lingers in your mind for days afterwards: the characters are so real, the plot so engrossing, the sensual chemistry so HOT, between a hero-to-die for and an intelligent, courageous heroine. Susan Krinard is that kind of author--she writes a book you just can't seem to put down and when you do you're already reaching for her next book.

Touch of the Wolf is fantastic! Read anything by Sue Krinard and treat yourself to a magnificent escape into a romantic, paranormal fantasy that only Ms. Krinard could write so well.

"Touch of the Wolf" by Susan Krinard is a powerful and well-written paranormal romance that will leave readers craving more from this talented author. Vibrant characters, lush English settings, and a strong plot combine to create an affecting tale that will stay with readers long after the book comes to an end.
Braden Forster, the Earl of Greyburn, has dedicated his entire life to "The Cause" - restoring the purity of his werewolf - or loups-garous - bloodline. Raised by a cruel grandfather, Braden was brought up to believe that his only reason for being was The Cause. For years Braden has searched for the lost branch of the Forster family, hoping to find his distant cousins and restore them to The Cause, but to no avail.
Cassidy Holt, the distant cousin Braden is seeking, is the half-human daughter of a werewolf mother, born and raised in America. Orphaned at the tender age of seven, before her mother had a chance to teach her how to be loups-garous, Cassidy was taken in by her human father's brother, Jonas. Life with her human aunt and uncle was always unhappy for Cassidy, who was constantly aware that she was unwanted and feared. For years Cassidy dreamed of finding her mother's family in England, a family who could teach her all about being loups-garous. Cassidy finally strikes out on her own, and with the help of an old friend of her mother's, travels to England.
Upon arriving in England, Cassidy is drawn to the scent of her own kind, and ends up on the doorstep of Braden Forster. Braden cannot believe his luck at finding Cassidy after all these years, and immediately decides that she will be an appropriate wife for his brother, Quentin. But Cassidy isn't what Braden expected her to be, and her refreshing combination of naiveté and courage begins to break down the walls Braden has built around himself. Cassidy finds herself undeniably drawn to Braden, and bravely stands by him even while he tries to push her away.
Past betrayals have left Braden scarred both physically and emotionally, and he is not eager to open himself up for that kind of hurt again. But Braden's emotional barriers are no match for Cassidy's gentle persistence, and she begins to show him that there may be a Cause even more important than preserving the werewolf bloodline - the Cause of Love.
"Touch of the Wolf" will sweep readers away into Victorian England, and keep them captivated. Krinard skilfully absorbs her readers into the lives of Cassidy and Braden, making their trials and triumphs palpable. This wonderful story of love and redemption is a truly satisfying read. So buy this book today, you won't regret it.

TOUCH OF THE WOLF is a pedestrian effort. The story - about an American werewolf who goes to England to find her family - is choppy, with holes here and there in the plot, quotes way too much poetry, and is cast with characters who aren't that interesting. The heroine, Cassidy, is not very endearing - she's irritatingly naïve (my eyeballs are rolling right now) and is way too desperate to find love. She also fixates on Braden right from the start, though I don't know why exactly, other than he is the first werewolf she meets. I thought Braden was more flushed out a character than Cassidy or his two siblings. His handicap was promising, though there seemed to be a lot of moments in the book where, superhuman senses aside, the author seemed to forget he WAS handicapped. The story also seemed to suffer from moody melodrama and a need to make a secret out of EVERYTHING. I understand that TOUCH OF THE WOLF is the first of a trilogy, the other two books following the stories of Braden's siblings (an annoying ice queen named Rowena and a cowardly trickster named Quentin). I'm not quite sure I want to bother with their stories. The reason I read TOUCH OF THE WOLF is because I adored TO CATCH A WOLF, which is about Cassidy's brother, Morgan. I'm pretty disappointed that Cassidy's story was so dopey. Oh well.

Update as of Jan 4, 2005: I just read a young adult novel called BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE that dealt with many of the same topics as TOUCH OF THE WOLF, including real-life issues such as fitting in, dealing with the loss of family, etc., as well as werewolf issues like determining the leader of the pack and the rules associated with breeding/mating. I have to say the teen book, BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE, was a lot more sophisticated than TOUCH OF THE WOLF in every respect and was a much more engaging read. BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE was shorter and set in modern times with a angst-filled heroine and, while it didn't have the full-blown love scenes found in a romance novel, it had a sexually-tense love triangle that was fun and exciting to read about.

First in series of werewolf family set in Victorian England. Braden Forster, head of the clan, is determined to keep the werewolf clan pure by matching young couples to marry based on their werewolf abilities. Story of handicapped hero who finds that his heroine, isn't exactly what he had planned. I enjoyed it very much. A definite keeper! Marilyn, The Regency Lover's Cafe

For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. Krinard makes werewolves real and serves up emotional tension with a backhoe. Braden is a complex hero, and not always heroic, but he recognizes his errors and grows as a character. Cassidy remains somewhat innocent throughout the book, but that's part of what appeals to Braden; plus, the hurt and betrayal that strike at her innocence are beautifully rendered, making the reader hurt, too. Her need to be belong is palpable. You can feel the heightened tension when the werewolves are together and challenging each other. There are moments when the book falters (for example, Bredan's fall into his grandfather's outlook and behavior is never fully explained), but it serves as a thorough introduction to the Forster family. The love scenes are the weakest part, and Krinard's euphemisms are so laughable as to almost be more uncomfortable than crass words. Sometimes the exposition is too long or slow, but once the action begins, it moves with good speed.

Cassidy Holt, of half werewold blood and half human, was orphaned at a young age and is sent off to live with her cruel relations of her fathers in the Wild West. When she becomes of age, she decides to go to England to find her mother's relations who can teach her of her werewolf bloodline. On her first night in London she is instantly drawn to Braden Forster, Earl of Greyburn. Braden is the head of a powerful werewolf clan and has dedicated his life strengthening the cause of the werewolves. When Braden finds out that Cassidy is his long lost distant cousin, he is surprised and instantly puts into plan that she marry his brother, Quentin, to further strengthen the werewolf bloodline. Cassidy only has eyes for Braden but will Braden put behinf his dark past in order to accept and love Cassidy who is immensely attracted to.

Susan Krinard is one of my favourite paranormal romantic authors. She really brings to life her characters and fills each chapter with passion. You can really believe that there exists werewolves amongst us humans. You are also drawn into the descriptions of London and the English countryside. Susan Krinanrd states that she has a passion for nature and this really translates into her description of the forests and animals, which inhabit them. This book is highly recommended along with her other werewolf books.

Lealing

I just bought this book this morning.I was soon totally immersed in the lives of Braden, Cassidy ,Mattias and the rest of this lovable cast. This book makes an exciting continuation to her previous werewolf stories... or should I say prequel. Susan Krinard has a knack for creating very real characters that you can empathize with.Her imagery makes you feel like you are right at scene watching the action unfold. I can't tell you how many times I started talking to the characters out loud when they did something absolutely clueless. All in all , if you love a well constructed book with a heavy dose of fantasy get this book .

I Love this book.The story of Braden Forster and Cassidy Holt.Braden learns that Love can be just as important as the Cause of preserving the werewolf race.It kept me reading late into the night I am glad to finally to read a book with a great ending. The good thing is that there are two more books in the trilogy

Susan Krinard has created real magic in Touch of the Wolf. Braden and Cassidy lived and breathed for me, and the story kept me awake nights long after I'd finished reading it. But even that pales beside this novelist's special gift. Seemingly without effort, Ms. Krinard creates the willing suspension of disbelief. And for readers, it just doesn't get any better than that.

Read this book. You'll be glad you did.