With this book, Stirling starts a new series about the presence of werewolves, or Shadowspawn, among humans. Homo lupens is an ancient race possessing dark power. Vague memories of the time when they ruled the planet are the source of many myths and legends of evil monsters. They still exist, though reduced in numbers and power. Adrian, a reclusive Shadowspawn male, has chosen to live as a human, fighting his dark nature. But his sister, ruled by her desire to return the Shadowspawn to power and by her hatred for her brother, abducts Adrian's human lover. To save her and possibly all humans, Adrian must fight with all his powers. The plot is archetypical, and Stirling's werewolves are vicious enough to cause a good many fictional vampires to think twice before taking them on. Action predominates, characterization is competently done but not outstanding, and the dialogue is at times implausible. A strong sexual element makes warming to the yarn definitely a matter of taste. --Frieda Murray
Description:
From Publishers Weekly
Stirling (The Sword of the Lady) launches a new series with a messy and unappetizing mix of well-worn monster tropes and excessive sexual violence. The ancient, powerful, and sociopathic Shadowspawn have always lived among (and interbred with) humans. When Adrian Brézé, the one Shadowspawn capable of resisting his violent urges, discovers that his ex, Ellen, has been kidnapped by his evil twin sister, Adrienne, he begins a war against his own kind. Adrienne repeatedly rapes Ellen, who endures using psychological techniques she developed during childhood abuse, as she prepares her own political machinations. Stirling hits just about every cliché, from the grizzled vampire hunter and mentor to Adrienne's pathologically devoted servants (who call themselves lucies and renfields). Stirling's prose is competent, but there's nothing new in his story, and few readers will have the stomach for the over-the-top sadism. (May)
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From Booklist
With this book, Stirling starts a new series about the presence of werewolves, or Shadowspawn, among humans. Homo lupens is an ancient race possessing dark power. Vague memories of the time when they ruled the planet are the source of many myths and legends of evil monsters. They still exist, though reduced in numbers and power. Adrian, a reclusive Shadowspawn male, has chosen to live as a human, fighting his dark nature. But his sister, ruled by her desire to return the Shadowspawn to power and by her hatred for her brother, abducts Adrian's human lover. To save her and possibly all humans, Adrian must fight with all his powers. The plot is archetypical, and Stirling's werewolves are vicious enough to cause a good many fictional vampires to think twice before taking them on. Action predominates, characterization is competently done but not outstanding, and the dialogue is at times implausible. A strong sexual element makes warming to the yarn definitely a matter of taste. --Frieda Murray