Unbinding (World of the Lupi)
by Eileen Wilks is an exciting tale
in the ‘Novel of the Lupi’ series that is a fantastic urban
fantasy/paranormal collection. This particular story spotlights the
Queen of Winter’s former Hellhound, Nathan, and his mate, Kai Tallman
Michalski, who is still learning how to use her mindhealing talent.
Their sojourn on earth is abruptly interrupted by inexplicable
occurrences that gradually point to the dismaying conclusion that
someone is determined to punish or kill one or both of them...and even
the formidable protection afforded by her familiar, the chameleon Dell,
and the support of the Nokolai clan may not be enough to fight off this
particular enemy.This is one of my very favorite paranormal series because it is so densely textured with fantastical beings and melds various pantheons with such grace and dexterity. Understandably, someone new to the series may become a little lost by the interconnections among the various characters, yet still mesmerized by the beauty of this universe and the intensity of the action taking place. Ideally, it is advisable to read the series from the beginning but I suspect that one can infer a lot of the information through hints that are scattered throughout the story and at least follow the main themes.
One of the most appealing facets of these stories is the unquestioning loyalty that allows each character to risk the most dangerous of tasks and have faith that someone or someones will be there to guard and support. The mystical tie that the various beings feel for each other, whether it is the clan of lupi to their Rho, Kai and her familiar, Dell, or between mates such as Nathan and Kai or Benedict and Arjenie, gives them an intense relationship that is always remarkable and heartwarming to observe. I love the contrast between the rigid formality and hierarchy inherent in pack life, and the wild cards provided by the humans (and other beings) who have become important to the lupi. This particular story is a bit intense to read, given the physical and sexual torture that is being wrought on various characters, but quite a roller-coaster ride of magic, adventure and machinations, with a fascinating twist of FBI involvement and a brief cameo by the Elder Sam (a dragon) and the Navaho people. Another fun read that blends magic and pragmatic concerns in a mesmerizing story.
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review. (but, I usually have this author on auto-buy!)
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