Review: She didn't realise how little she knew about the world until she stepped into it
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 3, 2012
Book 1 "Takhini Wolves". Book 2 "Silver Mine" (due for release September 2012).Plot:Gem has come to Canada to complete her research and get away from her protective father. Shaun needs a goal in his life, something and someone to care about. As Mates, they may well find exactly what they each need - love, respect, freedom, and someone to Love.Comments:- Contemporary paranormal erotic romance set in Canada (particularly rural areas).- 3753 kindle locations, 65,612 words, but finishes around 93%.- m/f - reasonably frequent, explicit, caring.- We previously met Shaun, Tad's business partner and member of Whitehorse Pack, in "Wolf Flight".- Some characters from Arend's previous series (eg TJ) appear, and there are a few references to their stories. This series is set in the same World and time, but the books are substantially longer and have a different overarching plot. It is not necessary for the reader to have read Arend's "Granite Lake Wolves" series, to enjoy this one.- Includes excerpts from "Wolf Tracks" by Vivian Arend, "The Seven Year Witch" by Jodi Redford, and "Cipher" by Moira Rogers.Opinion:After the enjoyable novellas of Arend's previous series, "Granite Lake Wolves", the length and multiple plot arcs of "Black Gold" is a lovely change. Arend weaves together the major story line of Gem and Shaun getting together with the beginnings of a romance between his Alpha Evan and Human lover Caroline, and the presumably multi-book arc of Bear Elections. And she does it cleverly and with humour.On top of that, Arend gives references to and visits with characters from her previous series, so fans can enjoy the little in-jokes, as well as seeing how they are getting on. I like that a lot.This book works. The characters are engaging and intelligent. The story is unusual, self-contained, but setting up a future series. Coming off her previous series, the complexity and depth may, in fact, put off readers - her previous books (as novellas) weren't exactly complicated or difficult reads. By having interweaving story threads the author is putting herself forward as a paranormal romance author to be reckoned with, but moving away from her nice, easy reads. But I liked it. This series will have some teeth. And one where the readers are waiting for the next addition.4.5 stars rounded up. I like this one, a lot. The series has plenty of potential and really shows how Arend is finding her feet as an author. I look forward to the rest of the series.-CR-