It was in Bitten,
Kelley Armstrong's debut novel, that thirty-year-old Elena Michaels
came to terms with her feral appetites and claimed the proud identity of
a beautiful, successful woman and the only living female werewolf.
In Stolen, on a mission for her own elite pack, she is lured into the net of ruthless Internet billionaire Tyrone Winsloe, who has funded a bogus scientific investigation of the "other races" and their supernatural powers. Kidnapped and studied in his underground lab deep in the Maine woods, these paranormals - witches, vampires, shamans, werewolves - are then released and hunted to the death in a real-world video game. But when Winsloe captures Elena, he finally meets his match. |
“A guitar twanged from the far-off radio. Country music. Damn. They'd resorted to torture already.”
Even better than the original because it puts characters I'm already into in a complicated and intense situation.
The psychology and horrors that went on behind the doors was fascinating. You'd imagine horrors if kidnapped by these men, especially with the troubling prologue, but as Elena and the readers find, it's way more layered than just being kept in a cage and experimented on. Not only does she go through the fear of that, she sees the different personalities and powers that be imprisoned, has to figure out to trust. She sees the struggles between the staff and that they're all there for different gains. She goes from fearing one horror and struggling to survive one situation, then the game changes completely on her where she has to start all over again.
The lead up with the supes meeting was interesting - no longer is the book about a lone werewolf pack, but we get unique witches, Adam (loved him, he's fascinating), and other critters. In the short time they're on page I saw a leveled and unique inner society for each supe group, especially the internal dynamic of the witches. I realize the author was laying this out for future books which would concentrate on Paige's perspective.
As before, Clay and Elena's bond works well. Their relationship is just adorable sweet and naturally there, it slides on as perfect fit like a well worn glove. Jeremy is always around when needed, popping out of bushes and random areas to where it's nearly comical. Unlike most supe societies that irritate me, the bonding of this pack works so well it feels like a true family and genuine affection.
“Other parents warn their kids not to talk to strangers. I had to warn mine not to eat them.”
It wins with pacing, anticipation, the horror of being caught, the fascinating time spent inside the prison, the saving wrap-up, a finale battle that suited Elena's personality and rang true - top this off with great characterization, and I think this could easily become a favorite series. Add in some working humor and it gets even better. Just a shame it's told through multiple POV's depending on which book, but I still may bite and try the others out for taste.
Free Online Fiction from the Author's Website (Including of this series)
Demonology 101 from author's website
Show Trailer:
Book Quotes:
“My past was a private obstacle, not a public excuse.”
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