2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Wolves of Black Pine by S.J. Himes

[reviews_and_ramblings]

Wolves of Black Pine (The Wolfkin Saga Book 1) by S.J. Himes
Gay Paranormal Romance
Publication Date: June 30, 2015
Amazon Kindle: Wolves of Black Pine (The Wolfkin Saga Book 1)

An ancient civilization long hidden from humanity is on the brink of chaos and war. Peaceful for thousands of years, the wolfkin clans are mysteriously losing packmates, kidnapped and killed by unknown foes.
The nightmare begins with an ambush by humans at a gathering of their kind, and lives are lost. Among them is Luca, youngest grandson of the two most powerful wolves in the Northern Clans. Thought long dead and gone, he is forced into a half-life, hidden in the far northern wilds of Canada and cut off from his kind. Those who raised him have no idea the creature they harbor in their midst, and name him Ghost. He begins to lose himself over the long years, and though he barely recalls his true name, the one wolf he never forgets is Kane.
Kane, Heir to the wolfkin clan Black Pine, is charged with hunting down the traitors who betrayed their kind to the humans. Years fly by, and more wolves are dying. He refuses to give up, and he vows to never again fail another of their kind, as he failed young Luca years before. His heart tells him Luca lives, but his mind tells him that it’s foolish hope, his guilt eating him alive.
Fate and magic change the course of their lives, and the two wolves long separated by the years find their paths intertwining. Though the gift of their reunion doesn’t come without price. Faced by the consequences of their growing love, and the goddess-forged bond between them, Kane and Ghost are besieged on all sides. Enemies are coming for their blood, and without the steadfast loyalty and love of family and friends, they may not be safe from the very people they fight to protect.


I loved, loved, and loved this book.  The author did a really good job bringing these characters alive for the reader.  I can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out.  This series is now on my must read list.

A rich, thickly layered setting peopled with unique and memorable characters.

The world building of the Wolfkin and their culture was meticulous. I really liked the premise of the alpha / shaman power split and came to care about both MCs and their supporting cast of secondary characters. What I found frustrating was the repetition of information from one chapter to the next; it was almost like the "Previously on...." openings you get on TV serials. The book would really benefit from a damn good edit. I shall be reading the second book because I want to know how the story arc will continue for the 2 MCs, but will be skimming over any superfluous details.