Motherland

by Mark Jonathan Runte

184 pages, Paperback

Published February 29, 2024

Reviews

[Ellie]

This book is a prelude to the epic adventures of Eve, and it doesn't sell them short. A fascinating and thrilling story of Rose and William's battle to serve a country that doesn't trust them and in the end, isn't there for them, while keeping their own dark secrets under wraps and raising 6 vulnerable children will have you on the edge of your seat.

I do wish I had read this book second - the series works in any order and the books don't spoil each other, but I feel I understood this one a lot better after reading Eve. There are little references, foreshadowing and side notes that just feel more powerful.

Nevertheless, this was still a great read.

[Jess Frankel]

Overall, a solid paranormal take on werewolves, how they're used, and the madness that lies within. I enjoyed it enough to round it up to a four-star rating, and the only reason I didn't give it five stars was because of the time jumps. For this reader, it was a little jarring, but for someone else, it may not bother them.

However, in spite of that, I'd recommend this book as it has interesting characters, solid action scenes, and it moves at a fast pace, something I can appreciate in any novel, and I have no problem in recommending it.

[Renee Marski]

Werewolves and secrets

Rose and William are werewolves. Part of the KGB, they train and learn to hide their true selves, preparing for the mission to come.

And then their world changes. After having twins, they run in the middle of the night. And then the Soviet Union falls. Able to blend in, they keep having children. But Rose isnt happy. She misses Russia. She misses home. And William is slowly losing himself to his wolf.

A story full of secrets and history. Gripping to the end.

[Simon Steele]

Having enjoyed the novel Eve, I leapt at the chance of reading this book and I really enjoyed it. The characters are interesting and the writing keeps you invested as it flits between Moscow and London. I don't think I've read about werewolves in Russia, so it was refreshing to get a location in which they don't often appear.

My only gripe would be that I am not a fan of the time jumps, however it doesn't have a major impact on the story. All in all, another great book from a great author.