Review: Great Potential but Unnecessary...
Rating: 1 out of 5
Date: 03 20, 2013
J.D. Tyler's novella, Black Magic, in the Alpha Pack series is the perfect example of something that has great potential but is sadly something unnecessary. While, the idea of magic, shifters and a good looking hero is nothing short of appealing, 50 pages is not enough to be truly effective.This short story is an introduction to Mackenzie and Kalen's characters, who we meet in the first book, Primal Law. Kalen is vastly intriguing, from his shapeshifting into a panther to his necromancer abilities to his mysterious past, there is enough layers to his character to keep readers engaged. That being said, in such a short length, there isn't time to develop his character, or even his relationship with Mac. What this novella features could have easily been added to the full novel as a prologue. There is only two scenes that take place, a swift fight between a creature at a bar and then, right after, a love scene at a motel - a dispensable addition indeed. Although, the chemistry between the two characters is definitely something to look forward to, not to mention the foreboding evil "voice" both Kalen and Mac hear during the fight scene.The ending is an abrupt stop with infinite questions left unanswered. Though, I think this was not needed to develop a bridge between Kalen's book, some might find it a pleasing accessory to sate their curiosities about Kalen and Mac's relationship. I, personally, could have gone without it.