REFLECTED

Third entry in Held’s werewolf saga (Tarnished, 2013, etc.). No surprises.

Left damaged and without a wolf self after torture by the injection of silver nitrate, Silver nevertheless acquired certain advantages from her experiences: She can see the wolf selves of others, and her constant (invisible) companion, Death, makes trenchant observations and offers occasional advice. Silver and her mate, Andrew Dare Roanoke, now control the packs of the entire North American werewolf population. This time out, alas, readers should steel themselves for some absurdly contrived plotting. First, Held removes Dare from the proceedings by dispatching him to Alaska on the flimsiest of excuses. Next, Portland, a rare female alpha, shows up with her beta, Craig—the latter bringing a petition to require Portland to step down as alpha, since she’s pregnant (with his child). Silver’s problem is whether Craig is genuinely concerned or simply trying to force Portland to yield. Then, Sacramento, the other female alpha, disrespectfully pokes her nose in—Portland confided in her, there’s a mutual sexual attraction, and meanwhile, Sacramento has issues with her own sister. Finally, before he left, Dare gave his 18-year-old daughter, Felicia, an ultimatum: Get a job, go to college, or go roaming. But then Enrique shows up; a childhood friend from Spain (where Felicia was raised), he rapidly ingratiates himself with Felicia. But the alpha Madrid is Dare’s deadly enemy, and Enrique soon reveals a plot to force Felicia to help him discredit Silver. And Felicia, being 18, refuses to confide in Silver or anyone else. The characters are convincingly portrayed, their interactions ring true—mostly—and engage; the plot does neither.

Fans only—and be prepared to take the rough with the smooth.