Immortal Wolf

Draicon Werewolves #5

by Bonnie Vanak

With taut suspense, smoldering eroticism and dark magick, Bonnie Vanak weaves a spellbinding tale of two powerful beings united in a race against death....

Exiled to a life of extreme loneliness because everyone she touches dies, Emily Burke has every reason to distrust Raphael Robichaux. The immortal werewolf possesses immense power and has been summoned by her pack to end her life. And yet, from the moment she lays eyes on the powerful rebel, he awakens all the longings she's kept bottled inside...and gives her hope.

When Raphael meets Emily, he knows something enormous is at stake. For not only does he see that her blood can restore life - but she is his destined mate.

Trust doesn't come easily to Emily. But somehow Raphael must convince her to put her life in his hands. Only then will an ancient prophecy be fulfilled and a terrible evil destroyed....

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Werewolves, Romance, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Harlequin Nocturne

280 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

Bonnie Vanak fell in love with romance novels during childhood. While cleaning a hall closet, she discovered her mother’s cache of paperbacks and started reading. Thus began a passion for romance and a lifelong dislike for housework.

After years of newspaper reporting, Bonnie became a writer for a major international charity. She travels to destitute countries such as Haiti to write about famine, disease and other issues affecting the poor. When the emotional strains of her job demanded a diversion, she turned to her childhood dream of writing romance novels.

She lives in Florida with her husband Frank and two dogs, where she happily writes books amid an ever-growing collection of dust bunnies.

Reviews

[Delta]

DNF at 72 pages, which was 72 pages too many of this dark and dreary, poorly written tale.

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immortal Wolf was a good follow-up in the Draicon series, although I loved Enemy Lover more. The romance element was the real winner here. I have said it many times, I am a sucker for the concept of two lonely, alienated souls finding love together, and it was done very well here. Raphael has always felt inferior for his mixed heritage among many purebred Draicon (wolf-shifters). He is part Cajun, and the purebloods look down on that. On top of this, is his role as the Kallan, the sacred life-taker of the Draicons (tasked to end the lives of the very old and suffering, and those who have a decree of execution placed on them). Many fear him for his powers, and avoid him as such. Emily feels cursed by her ability to take lives and to give life. A year ago, she was cursed by the Draicon goddess, Airebelle, that she would be able to kill with her touch. She has been able to heal with her blood most of her life. She accidentally killed her father and aunt, and her pack has issued a decree of execution on her, after a year of ostracizing her to the periphery of her clan. And Raphael comes to their pack to do exactly that. To make matters more complicated, it turns out that they are fated mates.

I wondered how things would wrap up in this story, with these huge obstacles between the two lovers, and I was not disappointed. I sort of guessed that Emily and Raphael's weaknesses would turn out to be their strengths, but that's compelling storytelling (and what I would have done had I wrote this kind of story), but I still felt like this book had satisfactory surprises for me.

The romance was great, both sensual and emotional. I could feel the bond between Emily and Raphael, how he was one of the few to ever show her kindness, tenderness, and a regard for the unique person that she was. I liked that Raphael took the time to help Emily explore who she was meant to be, not what her pack restricted her existence to becoming. I also liked how Emily cared for Raphael, and heals him emotionally and physically in very crucial moments. I felt a true connection between them on many levels. I became acquainted with Ms. Vanak's writing through her historical romances, and she definitely writes romance very well.

As far as the paranormal elements, I liked most of them. I do find the aspect of the Morphs weird and off-putting. I liked it more than in the first book, The Empath, which was a little too weird for me. But the whole cloning and feeding thing that they do gave me the shudders, especially when one of the morphs turns into a giant tick and sucks Raphael's blood until he gets big as a baseball bat. Yuck much! I hate ticks. They are disgusting! This part hit me where I live! I have to say that I am convinced that Ms. Vanak is a fan of the Carpathian series by Christine Feehan, because there were elements in this story that reminded me very strongly of some of the aspects in that series. I am not saying she was copying, because I don't feel that way. However, I feel she was inspired very strongly to do her own version here, with wolves instead of vampires. Although the Morphs are highly disgusting, I liked the mystical elements very much, how Raphael goes on a vision quest as part of his duties as Kallan, and the spiritual way that he and Emily become connected, and how their uniqueness becomes a tool to aid their people.

I think this book had enough desirable elements to more than earn a four star rating, despite my dislike of the Morph aspects. I loved the romance, the sensuality, and the characters. It was great seeing all the brothers again, whom I became acquainted with and came to like in Enemy Lover. I would recommend this book to readers who are like shorter paranormals. I have made no secret of my desire for the Nocturne books to be longer so that the full potential of the storylines could be revealed. This one struck me favorably, although I could see areas where I feel Ms. Vanak had to cut her story shorter to fit into the prescribed book lengths for this series. If a paranormal romance fan can get past this, they might find a good, sexy, romantic paranormal story to enjoy as much as I did.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emily Burke: shifter, witch... 4 drops of her blood can heal (she heals forest animals, plants, and people) - and her extended family of shifters have turned rogue, but cannot kill her; they have convinced her that her touch is now cursed, as both her father and beloved aunt died after her touch; - so they have contracted with the shifter Reaper - who 'helps' (kills with a magical/anesthesia knife) after spending time easing their minds into the next world - 99% of the time for elderly; She does not want to die, and plans to do what she can to live; she has also connected telepathically with her Mate, though gave her middle name to him;

Raphael Robichaux: half-breed; Reaper; travels on a Harley; he is happy to have found his Mate (telepathically) and given her his middle name, not wanting to scare her away from the Reaper; once meets Emily, he is attracted... but it takes a few days to figure out who they are to one another;

Emily doesn't trust him... and Raphael, as patiently as possible, works to gain her trust; he can tell something is off, and won't kill her until he figures it out...he has 3 weeks...

ultimately, her rogue family enticed Reaper to them, with the intention of 'feeding' off him; but Emily rescues him... together they gain freedom... ad

[Adrianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dang Bonnie Vanak can really write. The books very sensuous, with some interesting world building and details for the main characters--the changing eye color, the telepathy, the earth stuff. Probably a bit too much world building at times that cannot be sustained for a 270 page book, and the Morphs are not explained well. Her writing is good, compelling, and the plot moves along quickly. The main issues is that the hero is assigned to kill the heroine who apparently has the power to kill and revive life in others. The main issue is that the hero acts baffled as to why the heroine cannot "trust" him--he was assigned to kill her! There is good foreshadowing plot developing, and I enjoyed the setting.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice concept of a male being destined to kill his mate. I would've liked more story before they actually met, but overall, it was enjoyable. The first mention of Emily's eyes definitely gave away her being something special. I enjoyed the family reunion at the end as well.

[abbra_kadabra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

[Paschalis]

elibrary

[Caroline · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cringey with an annoying main character, the ending was over dramatic and under whelming.

[Cassandra D · Rating 3 out of 5]

such a good book sadly its #5 in the seires so now i have to track down the rest so i can read them in order
ive looked and as of now there are 10 in the entire series so tracking them all down should be fun

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raphael is the Kallan for the Draicon werewolves, the only one who can kill another of his kind without consequence. He is the executioner and also assists those in crossing over to the Other Realm. Because of his role he is often alone. He is summoned to a pack to facilitate the death of a woman who has already killed two other pack members. When he meets her, he discovers that she is his mate, that she never intentionally killed anyone and that he is still contractually bound to kill her. Emily is pure light to Raphael's darkness, but she has had a fairly traumatic life so far and isn't ready to trust the man who plans to kill her, even if he is her mate. So Raphael has to earn her trust and get her to believe that he will do anything to save her form her fate.

More angsty goodness here. I'm still not completely sold and these people not being able to sniff out a Morph that is standing right in front of them, but than and the fact that Emily is almost too innocent are my only complaints. This was an engaging story with a lovable, emo hero who doesn't cross that line into too possessive. He's patient, powerful, gruff and totally in love with Emily. She's, as I said, a bit too innocent, almost like a child in some respects. But it works here, I think, because she has to contrast his darkness. This is probably my favorite of the series so far.

[Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hesitate to even call this a book, but for this review I will try. The writing was HORRIBLE and the story line was weak. The whole book was nothing but, sorry I have to kill you; it’s my job even though you are my mate. Oh and lets sleep together. Really? REALLY? That’s the best you can come up with? And Emily, weak, whiny and gullible. That is all I can say about her.

Here are just a few of my are you serious? moments.
- “He was dealing with a female who had seldom interacted with another male outside her pack, and certainly not one as virile or vital as he was.” Wow conceited much?
- Evil butterfly. Need I say more?
- What kind of woman runs scared from a man because he kills a evil butterfly? Grow a backbone woman!

[Amelia in PDX · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raphael has accepted a contract to cease the existence of Emily by her family. If he breaks the contract his brother will be the one killed instead. He has been told that Emily is elderly and willing to go to the next dimension of existence.

Emily thinks that she has a curse that kills people, so even though she has NOT reach 21 years yet, she afraid to die. She knows that her family have the Kallan coming to kill her, and she's not planning on going out easily.

Unknown is the gift that Emily has actually been blessed with and the blessing that Raphael has been working his whole life towards. That is in the end of this tale and it's good.

I know that this is a part of a series, called Draicon Werewolves, but don't know how many books for sure are in it.

[Stacie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Emily has learned that everyone she touches dies but her blood restores life. Raphael is a Kallan werewolf of his race and it is his job to go out and help immortals end there existence when it is there destined time. He gets the job to go out and end Emily's life not realizing that she is his mate. Raphael had the power to save his mate at one time but used his one chance to save a life by saving his brothers's wife in a past story by this author. He goes against their destiny and risks everything to save Emily and have them become mates. A decent read and continues with characters from previous books by this author.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. I liked the characters and the story line. I wouldn't mind reading this again. There was humor, emotions, action, some suspense, good personalities, some steamy scenes, and it was written well. There were some page-turning parts, some heads I wanted to crack, and a good setting (normal and paranormal). This would be great for a rainy-day, cuddle-up, or passing the time read. I loved the connection between the main characters and beginning made it that much more sweet in the end. The ending was perfect and a great way to end the book. Overall, a good read and definite piques the interest for the brothers and the rest of the series. Enjoy

[Dina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bad writing/purple prose; bad story (sentimental and stupid at the same time”) why a touch from Emily's hands would kill you but you could touch any other part of her you want with nothing happening. Raphael spent most of the book trying to change Emily's ideals and get her into bed and mostly distancing himself from the fact that he had to kill her.

Couldn’t make myself care

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably one of the best books by Bonnie Vanak. I've been serious disappointed with her others, perhaps this series has all the right stuff. I only have a couple books from this series, so I guess we will see how it all works out. I really like how this book shaped up and you can feel an emotional attachment to the characters.

[Tiffany Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this four and a half stars, I really enjoyed this story since it was mostly conflict between the two main protags and less about the bad guys.... Why Goodreads can't you have the half star feature?

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story until I got into a certain part of the book and then it just changed it for me. I don't know if it was just the story or the author. Will have to read something else of hers to know for sure. I would recommend getting this book from a library instead of going out to purchase.

[Ren Puspita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book before joining Goodreads in May 2010 , so I rated this just by what I feel after I finish read. Of course I already forget the story, it's been more than 13 years.

[Carol Weldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, I found the premise of the series to be interesting

[Marianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best book I've read in awhile but certainly not the worst...I'd just say middle of the road. I won't be investing any more time in this series...

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

:) I enjoyed this book

[Heather Campsmith · Rating 2 out of 5]

decided not to read , it got boring into the first few pages