Review: Bonds of Fenris by S. J. Bell

                                                 E-Arc: Bonds of Fenris by S.J. Bell
                                                 Pages: 223
                                                 Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
                                                 Source: Sent from author

Short Synopsis: Talia has always wanted a normal life. But ever since she was bitten by a werewolf, she has been fighting for control over her mind and her sanity.

My Thoughts: A surprisingly entertaining read that has readers questioning the difference between humans and animals.

Talia Thornwood's life changed the moment she was attacked by a werewolf. She discovers a small group of people who have been infected just like her, and together they form a pack, both helping and supporting each other through this awful disease they must now face, each day for the rest of their lives.
Talia struggles with her inner werewolf, always wanting to feed, to attack on innocent human beings, and things have gotten worse, as her pack mates are always constantly bickering.
On a full moon one night, Talia runs into another werewolf, just like her, but different. This individual can change from being a werewolf to a human in an instant, and Talia is in awe. She tells her pack mates about this amazing individual, and wants to learn more, but her mates do not see her reasons, and consider him a threat.
It isn't until one night when one of her own pack mate is slaughtered by poachers, that Talia runs away, scared and frightened. Talia runs to the only person she can think of, Corwin, the other werewolf that she had met from her previous night. Talia tells him that she is tired of fighting her inner beast and wants to learn to control her wolf just as he had. Through a series of tests that Talia struggles through, Talia is finally able to find peace with her wolf.
As she returns to her old pack, Talia is faced with a dilemma. One of her pack mates is on the verge of insanity from their struggles with their inner wolf. Talia and Corwin must help control the rest of Talia's pack mates before things start going from bad, to worse. Can Talia and Corwin keep things in shape before one of Talia's pack mates attacks an innocent human being?

A different take on the werewolf genre. This novel, told through Talia's point of view, keeps the readers wanting more, as we struggle along side Talia, through her trials and triumphs. The readers also get to experience lycanthrope through Talia's pack mates as well, and how each has a unique in take on the same situation.

I also enjoyed the fact that this novel also questions the difference between humans and animals, and makes people think, that we are really not all that different. I loved the main character and the fact that when faced with a difficult decision, she doesn't give up, and approaches it with a different direction. I adored the chemistry between Talia and Corwin, with the fact that they were easy going, and that he was always there when she needed him.

There were a couple questions that left the reader hanging however. First major thought was when Pierce accused Corwin of being the wolf that attacked them, but wasn't really addressed, and left aside. And the second was when Corwin was doubtful of his relationship with Talia, saying that it wouldn't last long. Overall, a really interesting read, and I wouldn't mind continuing with this story.

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Rating: I give this book a 4/5.