Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Werewolves - Sit, Stay, Lie Down

So (continuining from yesterdays post), where there are vampires you often find werewolves. Now I think on the whole they have come out of the romance and urban fantasy jungle with a lot more of their dignity intact. But in some cases there is, I fear, less ravening creature of the night and more misunderstood cocker spaniel.

So let's head back to that alley (again - why are you here? Didn't you know the first rule of self defence is not to be in a dangerous place to begin with?)when at the other end 'your' werewolf appears.

Do you:-

a) Run...away of course, but he'll catch you anyway.
b) Freeze, it's pointless to run, maybe he hasn't noticed you. Pointless to freeze as well 'cause he's definitely smelled you.
c) Whip out your gun filled with silver bullets, because of course, we all have access to those.
d) Run...towards the werewolf because he knows that you're the true bonded love of his life.

Stop! Imagine instead that you are running towards the lion that's just escaped from the local zoo. No...not some kind of shifter lion, an actual lion. Are you still running toward it? :)

There's a reason why humans shouldn't integrate into werewolf packs, or if they do it should never be comfortable, easy or safe. A werewolf is every wild instinct unrestrained, unleashed, out of control - that's why they usually live in a strict social structure.

So, some recommended werewolves...not tamed puppies.

I'm always going to come to Bitten by Kelley Armstrong first. It was my introduction to the genre. In it, Clay knows that Elena could never be in his life as a human. So, he chooses to bite her even though there is no record of a woman surviving the bite - not comfortable, easy or safe. There are consequences in their relationship for years to come.

Another brilliant take on werewolf/shifter society is the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Not only does she tackle werewolves but there's also a hyena troupe - their social structures and behaviour are completely different. Again, not comfortable, easy or safe.

The Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. Mercedes is a coyote shifter brought up by werewolves. How she integrates herself into their society and finds a place for herself is a major part of the books. It's a huge influence on how she deals with situations and follows her into her life after the pack. Shall I say it again? NCEoS.

Any other recommended werewolf stories? Preferably not cute and fluffy ones. Or do you prefer vampires? Do you think there should be cute and fluffy werewolf stories? Is there an exception that proves the rule?

3 comments:

Jenre said...

Great post, Lesley. I see your point about how useless it is to try and escape a werewolf :).

I've just read a great m/m UF cat shifter book called Infected: Prey by Andrea Speed. These shifters definitely were not cute and cuddly.

Jessica said...

Kate Douglas does a series on shifters, not werewolves, it's hot, with interesting origins for the shifters.

J.L. Langley also has a werewolf series going, if you are into M/M.

I haven't heard of Andrea Speed, but it sound interesting, will look into it. Thanks.

By the was Kendra Leigh Castle did a trilogy where werewolves weren't so bad, wouldn't exactly call them cute and fluffy, but it was a good take on an old tail. lol

LesleyW said...

Jenre - I've made a note of your rec. :)I think shifters/weres should never lose that feel of danger.

Jessica - I won't say no to m/m. :)

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