Bel Reviews: Sue Bursztynski – "Wolfborn"

I have just spend the last few days frolicking amongst werewolves, Celtic gods, and the Fae. I’ve been enthralled by the hunt, moved by loyalty, and touched by unconditional love. I have giggled and have had to read through unshed tears. I have cheered for the good guys and snarled at the bad ones. Seriously, what more could you ask for in a novel?

Sue Bursztynski found her inspiration to write Wolfborn from a collection of stories written by a lady known only as Marie de France. Her creative license has allowed her to take elements from Shakespearian plays, Celtic folklore and Roman authors to construct a world and characters with whom you will generate a deep emotional connection.

Etienne has been sent to Lucanne for the purposes of finishing up his training to become a knight. His arrival coincides with the beginnings of an epic tale of love, betrayal, and the importance of staying true to yourself.
When Dame Eglantine plots to remove her husband, Lord Geraint, from his position of power,  she unwittingly creates a maelstrom of disastrous events. It is up to Etienne, Armand, Jeanne, and Sylvie to bring Lord Geraint back to reality and, believe me when I say, this will be no easy task.

This is not your run-of-the-mill werewolf story, and I found the need for human scent on clothing to be able to change back to human form a little difficult to swallow at first. Surprisingly, it ended up fitting the story in a manner that didn’t rub me the wrong way.

I enjoyed the character growth with our three teenage heroes. Self-doubt and worry are pushed aside by loyalty and trust. They don’t spend too much time whining or wallowing in self pity, which is a pleasant change when it comes to book characters of their age bracket. The morals of the story are woven in a subtle, yet profound, way, creating an enjoyable and vivid tale.
You will find the book difficult to put down once you’ve made the choice to get swept up in the magic of it all.
Read Sue’s blog here.

Wolfborn – Sue Bursztynski

January 12th, 2010 by Random House

Paperback, 304 Pages.

ISBN: 9781864718256