

Helpful Score: 1
A far superior story to its predecessor, Wolfbreed. The characters are fleshed out much better than the original cast, and the story much more engaging. Definitely a step up for Swann.
Im still not certain if the reveal that Maria is a werewolf was meant to be a twist or not, because I read the back cover and knew right away that she must be a werewolf who doesnt know her true nature. So if Swann meant it to be a surprise, it didnt work. But, obvious possible twist aside, the set-up of forcing Maria choose between her human nature and werewolf legacy, though a very common theme, is beautifully done.
Both men make a compelling case for Maria, even the male werewolf who kills without hesitation. Darien is a wonderful character who had all my sympathies for his situation; Josef is a very kind and trusting soul (perhaps too kind and trusting; what is it with this author and writing near flawless love interests for the female leads?). Maria walks the line between the two. While a bit whiny at times, shes still an interesting character who I was eager to see make her choice.
Once again, Swann creates an exciting climax that keeps you hooked through the last forty pages, and an epilogue that ties everything up fairly easily but isnt nearly as dull as the first book. The werewolf scenes were really well done, making the reader actually feel part of the experience, something that was lacking from the point of view of Lilly, the werewolf narrator of the first book.
This book far exceeds the first, with much more interesting and compelling characters and plot. There is a small bit of backstory for the origin of werewolves in Wolfbreed that is alluded to in Wolfs Cross but, beyond that, there is no need to wait to read this one. Skip the first book and get right into this one.
Im still not certain if the reveal that Maria is a werewolf was meant to be a twist or not, because I read the back cover and knew right away that she must be a werewolf who doesnt know her true nature. So if Swann meant it to be a surprise, it didnt work. But, obvious possible twist aside, the set-up of forcing Maria choose between her human nature and werewolf legacy, though a very common theme, is beautifully done.
Both men make a compelling case for Maria, even the male werewolf who kills without hesitation. Darien is a wonderful character who had all my sympathies for his situation; Josef is a very kind and trusting soul (perhaps too kind and trusting; what is it with this author and writing near flawless love interests for the female leads?). Maria walks the line between the two. While a bit whiny at times, shes still an interesting character who I was eager to see make her choice.
Once again, Swann creates an exciting climax that keeps you hooked through the last forty pages, and an epilogue that ties everything up fairly easily but isnt nearly as dull as the first book. The werewolf scenes were really well done, making the reader actually feel part of the experience, something that was lacking from the point of view of Lilly, the werewolf narrator of the first book.
This book far exceeds the first, with much more interesting and compelling characters and plot. There is a small bit of backstory for the origin of werewolves in Wolfbreed that is alluded to in Wolfs Cross but, beyond that, there is no need to wait to read this one. Skip the first book and get right into this one.