White Wolf
by Lauren Gilley
NYPD homicide detective Trina Baskin is having nightmares. Vivid ones. Full of blood, and snow, dead wolves…and a young man with pale hair who howls like an animal. She chalks them up to stress and an overactive imagination, too many Old Country stories from her Russian father who, when he’s had too much vodka, starts to rave about dark forces and things that look like men…but aren’t.
But then a case hits her desk that can’t be explained. A young man found outside a club with a nasty bite mark on his neck – and not a drop of blood left in his body. With no leads, no theories that bear exploring, too little sleep, and a partner who seems to be willfully throwing his career down the toilet, the last thing Trina needs is a full-on out of body experience…in which her family’s past is revealed to her, and everything starts making a whole lot of terrifying sense.
In 1942, Trina’s great-grandfather, Nikita, is a captain of the Cheka, the Soviet political police – or so it seems. He and his men are sent to Siberia to retrieve a “volunteer,” the boy who’s going to win the war against the Nazis – and potentially unleash hell on earth.
The world’s immortal population has been living quietly, secretly, hiding from the wars of men, hoping the past can stay buried. But what happens on the Eastern Front in the winter of 1942 will change everything.
In 2017, Trina is about to come face-to-face with her own past in a way she never thought possible. It turns out monsters are real – and they might be the only hope for survival.
**Book One in an epic new paranormal series about vampires, wolves, and the humans who make immortality worthwhile.**
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Martial Peak Reviews
Lauren Gilley's White Wolf is a gripping entry into the realm of paranormal fiction, weaving together elements of mystery, history, and the supernatural with a deft hand. The novel, which is the first in a series, introduces readers to a world where the lines between myth and reality blur, and where the past and present collide in unexpected ways.
At the heart of the story is NYPD homicide detective Trina Baskin, a character whose depth and complexity make her an engaging protagonist. Trina is not your typical detective; she is haunted by nightmares that seem to be more than just figments of her imagination. These dreams are vivid and unsettling, filled with imagery of blood, snow, and a mysterious young man with pale hair. Gilley expertly uses these nightmares to build suspense and intrigue, drawing readers into Trina's world and the mysteries that surround her.
The novel's plot is driven by a chilling case that lands on Trina's desk: a young man found dead outside a club, drained of blood with a strange bite mark on his neck. This case serves as the catalyst for Trina's journey into a world she never knew existed, one where vampires and wolves are not just the stuff of legend. Gilley skillfully intertwines this modern-day mystery with a historical narrative set in 1942, where Trina's great-grandfather, Nikita, is involved in a secret mission in Siberia. This dual timeline adds depth to the story, as readers are gradually shown how the events of the past have shaped the present.
One of the novel's standout features is its exploration of themes such as the nature of immortality, the burden of history, and the idea of monsters as both literal and metaphorical entities. Gilley challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of what it means to be a monster, suggesting that sometimes the true monsters are not the supernatural beings, but rather the humans who exploit and manipulate them. This theme is particularly poignant in the context of the historical narrative, where the horrors of war and the actions of the Soviet political police are juxtaposed against the existence of immortal beings.
Character development is another strength of White Wolf. Trina is a well-rounded character, whose personal struggles and determination make her relatable and compelling. Her journey is not just about solving a murder case, but also about coming to terms with her own identity and the legacy of her family. The supporting characters, including Trina's partner and the enigmatic figures from her dreams, are equally well-crafted, each adding their own layer to the story's rich tapestry.
Gilley's writing is both evocative and atmospheric, capturing the gritty reality of New York City as well as the stark, haunting beauty of Siberia. Her attention to detail and ability to create vivid imagery enhance the novel's immersive quality, making it easy for readers to lose themselves in the story. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, more introspective scenes that allow for character development and thematic exploration.
In comparison to other works in the paranormal genre, White Wolf stands out for its unique blend of historical fiction and supernatural elements. While it shares some similarities with series like Deborah Harkness's All Souls Trilogy or Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles, Gilley's novel offers a fresh perspective by incorporating elements of Russian history and folklore. This cultural backdrop adds an intriguing dimension to the story, setting it apart from more conventional vampire and werewolf tales.
Overall, White Wolf is a captivating start to what promises to be an epic series. Lauren Gilley has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, with a rich narrative that will appeal to fans of paranormal fiction and historical thrillers alike. The novel's exploration of identity, legacy, and the nature of monstrosity provides plenty of material for reflection, while its engaging plot and well-developed characters ensure that readers will be eager to continue the series. For those looking for a novel that combines the best of mystery, history, and the supernatural, White Wolf is a must-read.
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