Review: More good than bad
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 9, 2013
I really liked "Feral" and have previously read two of Ms. Land's other books (with mixed results).  In constrast to what some others have noted, I'm glad the author took her time in the beginning of the book to introduce us to Nate.  I couldn't help but make parallels between "Feral" and "Twilight," and Nate's similarities with Bella are pretty uncanny.  However, I am glad that Ms. Land gave Nate a little more self-esteem than Mrs. Meyers gave Bella.Nicolai is Edward revisited...tortured, powerful and beautiful.  I did enjoy the twist in his backstory.  Though due to his memory lost he's pretty much an "insert-your-favorite-vampire-here" sort of character.  I love vampire stories, but really wish more authors would follow Anne Rice's lead and write vampires who like being vampires.  That said, I do sincerely hope there are more stories in the works that explore Nicky's background and how he was turned.As with Ms. Land's other works, this book is told through the POV of the main character (Nate in this case) which makes keeping track of the action a little easier on the reader.  Although (again, as others have mentioned) there's not that much action to follow.  For those looking for an action-packed, suspence-filled, paranormal m/m romance, this isn't it.  The majority of this book explores the budding relationship between Nate and Nicky.  There is a small "episode" near the end of the book, but it's pretty quickly resolved.My major complaint with this book is the ending.  If felt like the author was being forced at gunpoint to give Nate and Nicky a happy ending.  The things that take place in the last few pages happen really really fast, and it doesn't feel like the characters have earned them (I kept waiting for them to find a winning lottery ticket on the sidewalk).  I can't answer for everyone, but it would have been more satisfying to have them overcome one lone obstacle (say, living in the city or Nate going to college), explore that for a few pages, and call it a day.The saving grace for "Feral" is the humor.  Ms. Land has a well developed funny-bone and it comes through in all of her work.  The dialogue between Nate and Nicky felt sincere, fresh and contemporary.  There are some great one-liners in the book that made me laugh out loud.Overall "Feral" is a solid effort.  I would definitely recommend it to someone looking for an easy read to pass the time.