Thal is wanted for Devil worship and shape shifting but still boldly walks the streets of 16th century Prague. Jesuits hunt him. Mercenaries fear him. Musicians sing his praise, and women are captivated by his alpha swagger. Born of a witch and a sorcerer, he is summoned when his desperate mother casts the werewolf spell before facing torture and execution. Burdened with her magical call for vengeance Thal seeks the men that killed her. His hunt is complicated when the Magistrate's stepdaughter Altea Kardas crosses his path. Horrified that her community is burning women to death, she can confide her doubt and fear only to Thal. He desires her greatly but knows he will bring ruin upon her. Across Bohemia and beyond people who are different are labeled heretics in a restless world hobbled by tyrannical ignorance. The Renaissance has thrown the Holy Roman Empire into turmoil. Printed books are spreading radical ideas. Firearms are triggering a new age of warfare. And the human spirit is shaking off obedience. Thal embodies the ancient magic of the pagan past. He challenges a world conquered by a spiritual system that denies the flesh and forgets the Earth. And he awakens within Altea recognition of these truths. She believes any risk is worth loving him until she becomes the bait in a trap set by Thal's enemies.
Tjeckisk varulv med minnesförlust - under senrenässansen - borde vara ett recept på en kalkonbok, inte en lågmält intelligent och vacker historia om medmänsklighet, men det är vad den är. Det innebär inte att drama och dueller saknas - snarare tvärt om - men de är kompletterande och förstärkande, snarare än kärnan i historien. Jag rekommenderar den varmt för genreläsare, och kommer söka upp nästa volym.
Werelord Thal is a fascinating tale written with a rich, detailed sense of setting. The research the author did is most impressive and she immerses the reader in the sights and sounds of Renaissance Prague, from the town to the forest to the dungeon. The setting is definitely a strong point of the tale. Thal himself is an interesting character as he discovers his heritage and truths about his werewolf nature, but I was more drawn to the struggles of Altea as a maiden in her stepfather's house and her trials at the hands of the witch-hunters. The author's style is vivid and descriptive, but sometimes the many similes and metaphors can be a bit distracting. Overall, I enjoyed this Renaissance werewolf tale and give a lot of kudos to the author for her authentic crafting of the historical setting.
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this fantasy novel to any and all who are looking for an enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. Great book!
Such a marvelously detailed story that really transports you to another time. You can feel the hatred inspired by fear due to misinformation from the power hungry individuals with authority. It took me four days to read and I enjoyed the reprieve. Its always nice reading a book that you can glean some sort of lesson from. If you love supernatural vs religion and history and romance this book is for you.
Well, this gem was quite unexpected. I had just finished re-reading a book by James L. Nelson called Fin Gall, where the MC is a Viking who has some "werewolf" in his blood. I thought to myself, man, why are there so few books with werewolves in the good ol days of swords and castles.
Somehow I found this on Amazon and the description had me curious, so what the hell, for a low price I thought I'd give it a shot...and I was hooked from almost the beginning.
I loved Thal's journey, from awakening as a man after being a wolf for so long...re-learning everything, trying to remember his past. He comes across as very blunt and honest, since he's been a wolf for so long his mindset is somewhat still more wolf then man. His interactions with the different groups of people he meets was interesting, some people are in awe of him, others fear him, some just want a closer look at his crazy eyes.
And the action, loved it. Anytime a character in a book dual-wields, I'm a happy person. Thal picks up some daggers, a pistol, eventually he gets a sword and another pistol and fights as a man more then a wolf...And that's another I love that the author kept. He's a werewolf, he doesn't change into a regular 4 legged wolf, he becomes a Wolf Man. This is what I always expect when I hear werewolf in books or movies, werewolf for me is Underworld werewolf, not Twilight wolf.
This one kept me up all night. Set in Renaissance Bohemia, Werelord Thal has a host of fascinating characters and interesting historical detail. Thal Lesky chose to live his life as a wolf, but is called back for vengeance when his mother is burned at the stake as a witch. His quest for vengeance is complicated by his falling for the Magistrate’s daughter. The novel has adventure, romance, and isn’t too terribly bloody. It does have some weaknesses. There are a lot of unanswered questions: Why did Thal chose a wolf’s life to begin with? Why would his mother be so set on vengeance when she is portrayed as a kind and generous woman? Why does Thal inspire such loyalty? People are also a little too nice. But despite its flaws, it is a fascinating story that I couldn’t stop reading. I give it a solid four stars.
4.5 is nearer the mark. I love this author, she is one of my favourites. The book lost .5 of a mark because it contains some romance, of which I'm not a great fan. Great main character and support characters. Great plot, adventurous, bloody battles, and intrigue, all of which I love. Oh, and let's not forget the element of fantasy magic, my absolute favourite bit. A must read for Tracy Falbe fans and those who like a werewolf with a difference. Can't wait to get stuck into book 2.
I very much enjoyed reading a werewolf tale set in the Renaissance period. It was interesting to see gypsies, witch hunts, and other historical aspects brought in to make he story more realistic. The character development was thorough and the storyline flowed well. I look forward to seeing what happens next in the lives of Thal, Altea, and his merry band of friends.
"Read and Reviewed on Satin Sheets Romance Blog" I struggled a bit to get through it, it did recover and at the end Id say it was a good story. Review to come soon, Enjoy