You cannot read this book without having first indulged in the delight that is Alpha, the first book in the Ghost Mountain Wolf Shifter series by Audrey Faye. You will find yourself captivated by the flawed and utterly believable characters that fill this amazing world.
These are not books about mighty actions, and epic battles. There are no howling muscled heroes and defeated demons, though there is fun and adventure. Instead these books contain fear, hope, love and sadness that swirl and drench your senses with each word.
You are being welcomed into a story about past trauma, evil, and the battle to survive with the resulting scars. This is a tale of hope, and love, family and bravery against all the odds. You will be stepping into a world where the little things matter, and the boldest steps are taken by those least expected to take them.
While filled with moments of incredible light and laughter, this book tells the story of a traumatised and abused pack. It is here that Aubrey, more than anywhere else shows her true spirit. She does not indulge in tales of abuse suffered by her characters, and avoids this pain filled trap of emotional voyeurism that has caught so many authors before her. Instead the cause of pain or anguish is secondary, even ignored, over the intense focus on the characters, and their path to healing.
This is a tale of recovery and resilience by those left to build on the ashes of a traumatic past.
Audrey Faye, and her pseudonym Deborah Geary are beloved for telling the heart of a tale. So in this aptly named novel, it is hardly surprising that Audrey tells the story of this amazing packs emotional centre. Told from the unusual perspective of first person point of view from multiple different characters, you are granted the ability to learn each characters inner voice, and keeping an eye on the chapter names ensures you always know whose eyes you are watching the world through.
Unlike most of her previous works, there is one brief scene towards the beginning of Alpha that strays from her largely PG writing style, but this small blip does not repeat and both books are otherwise suitable for any reader mature enough for a fascinating tale filled with emotional tripping hazards.
I for one am fascinated with how this amazing story is unfolding, and can not wait for the third book in this utterly brilliant series.
Very very highly recommended.