Reviewer: Janet Davies
Title: The Beast Within
Author: Kelly Ethan
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
E-book ISBN: 1-59998-184-X (Novel)
Release Date: September 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Paranormal/Suspense/Romance - Werewolves/Shapeshifters
Year/Setting: Present Day – Memorial City, Virginia
Overall Rating: 3.75
Sexual Content Rating: Sensual
Language (Profanity) Rating: Mild
Violent Content Rating: Moderate/Intense – werewolf attacks
Kelly's Website: www.kellyethan.com
Cassidy Quinn is 28 years of age and a Private Investigator. She is also Lycanthrope. A shape shifter. Part wolf, part human. When her friend Maya, a Doctor at the local hospital, calls her to investigate the victim of a suspicious, violent attack, all signs point to a rogue Werewolf. A beast. But who is it and why are they attacking antiquarian book sellers? Does it take a one werewolf to track another werewolf down? And who, in the end, is hunting who?
Detective Patrick Logan and his partner Shannon catch Cassidy quite literally with her pants down in very suspicious circumstances. They are as eager as Cassidy to find the attacker perpetrating these violent crimes. Cassidy is not thrilled to have Police assistance. Or specifically, the assistance of Detective Logan. It wasn’t just that he caught her at her worst moment. It is so much more than that. It has everything to do with chemistry and attraction and the fact the Cassidy is incredibly aware that this man has what takes to be her mate for life. Does she want this arrogant cop who seems to find her amusing? And what about the beast who is looking for a mate? He wants Cassidy and he does not care who he has to kill to get her.
I liked the main character of Cassidy. She is strong and complex. The fact that she struggles to change completely into a werewolf, could be viewed as a metaphor for anyone facing challenges in their life. Not just she-wolves. But enough deep and meaningful theories from me. The Beast Within is different, weird, sassy and enjoyable. And yes, this story does ask you to suspend belief. If you are not good at that then this is not the story for you. However if you are prepared for something quirky then read it. I kept reading it, as with all good books, I wanted to know the whys and wherefores and how exactly the whole Cassidy and Logan relationship would work out. I mean it’s not everyday you get to wonder if a human and a ‘were’ can make a go of it.
I’ll be honest, I have never actually read or thought about reading a werewolf or ‘were’ story before. I found it interesting to read that there was this sub culture of people who were lycanthropes. Interestingly, I felt by reading the book that the characters did not come across as freaks of nature but more just another race of beings populating the planet. Cassidy’s family, or clan, and their ideas when it comes to clothing, or lack there of, was interesting and strange. I also liked the fact that the beast of the piece was not unmasked straight away.
If you enjoy the possibilities paranormal suspense with a dash of romance can bring you, then give The Beast Within a go. It will make you think and wonder, and that’s not a bad thing.
Janet
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