Review: Bonds of Fenris
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 23, 2012
I have not read many werewolf books, and maybe they're not really my thing, but I am so glad I had the chance to read this book! It was so deep and emotional...beautifully written! Definitely one of the best werewolf books I have read! The internal conflicts in this book were just intriguing! And I have to admit, what 1st caught my attention was the title, and let me tell you why. You see, I thought the title had to do with the Fenrir wolf, a creature from Norse mythology, and you know me and my love for mythology ;) But it doesn't have to do with mythology at all. Although I have to say, the title fits perfectly!So, Talia and her packmates live day by day, away from society, struggling to keep their wolf in check, only giving into the wolf when they can't help it: on full moons. All they know about werewolves is challenged by the presence of a lone werewolf whom they meet under a full moon. What do I mean by challenged? Well, this stranger was able to go from human form to wolf form and vice-versa under the full moon...something Talia and her pack, up until this point thought of as impossible. Is it possible that this stranger can hopefully help Talia get a handle on her wolf?As I said before, I really, really liked this story...it was very deep and meaningful. Most books I read are mainly about an external conflict and a little of an internal mixed in, but this story had more of an internal conflict than external. It's very refreshing reading something different once in a while.Anyway, Talia always thought that the key to living a somewhat normal life (after she was turned, that is) was by locking up her wolf somewhere deep inside of her and not letting it take over except when absolutely necessary: under the inescapable force of a full moon. But it turns out the the real key is is making peace and living in harmony with it.Like most readers, I read for entertainment, and to escape from the real world for a while. But this book not only entertained me, it also got me thinking. The message the story gives about living in peace with your inner wolf, not only applies to werewolves, in my opinion, it can also apply to people in general. Everyone (or most everyone) finds something in themselves that they are unhappy with. They try to hide it, they try to change it, when instead they should make peace with themselves and just live their life by being themselves. Of course, there are always exceptions...like stealing, killing...or, you know, bad things like that.Anyway, as for the story itself, I thought it was brilliant! It was beautifully written (I know I said this before, but it's the total truth), the plot was very interesting, I loved the diverse characters, and I especially liked watching Talia grow and evolve and accept her wolf as part of her. The character development was quite amazing!One thing that was a little off for me though, was the relationship between Talia and Corwin. Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved Corwin! But, I don't know, I feel like there should have been something more, more of a spark between them.But overall, great book! I sincerely enjoyed reading it! And I LOVE the bookcover...it's beautiful!