Elena Michaels lives in Toronto with her partner, Philip, and just happens to be the only female werewolf in existence.
The book thrusts us into a combination of realism and the fantastical from the very first chapter as we see Elena transform into a wolf in an alleyway. Like a wolf, she yearns to run with her pack, and so we are introduced to a collision of worlds: the life Elena has made for herself, and the life she has run from.
Throughout the novel, written from Elena’s perspective, we gain insight into the Werewolf hierarchy/Elena’s adoptive family that is the Pack. Armstrong has created a society within society itself, making new rules for werewolves – if you’re not a member of the Pack, you’re considered a ‘Mutt’ and doomed to live like a vagrant, never allowed to settle or encroach on Pack territory. In a way, their society runs much like a real Pack of wolves; any threats to them are eliminated, but unlike real wolves only one pack is allowed. It is also revealed how werewolves are created, through being bitten or being the son of a werewolf, and how it has come to be that Elena is the only female.
Elena’s character is highly enticing. She has had a troubled upbringing, but unlike some characters in other novels, she doesn’t use that as a reason not to make the most of her lot in life. She is certainly a strong female protagonist, and fiercely loyal. Throughout the novel it is clear she is evolving as a person, she has her flaws, and ultimately her journey guides her to her true place in life which involves her more-than-slightly complicated relationship with ex-fiance, Clay. He’s another fantastic character – it is clear he is more wolf than human (having been bitten as a child), something Armstrong handles brilliantly, but deeply in love with Elena. Famed for his brutality when enforcing Pack law on Mutts, unlike most ‘heroes’, he is not considered to be misunderstood or wanting to change and be a better person; he knows who he is and is staying that way, which is what makes him such an interesting character.
The plot remains consistent throughout. Elena seems to be prized in a potential Mutt uprising, and Armstrong certainly isn’t afraid to kill off characters. This isn’t a novel where all of the ‘good guys’ miraculously remain unharmed and some death scenes are certainly graphic. And of course, not all the ‘bad guys’ get killed, Armstrong shows a higher form of Werewolf society in the Pack’s ability to negotiate.
All in all, it’s a fantastically well-written book with strong characters and plot-line. There are good moments, tense moments, and moments that will make you blush wherever you are.
Other Reviews
Bitten: Book vs. Series
In January, new TV series Bitten was introduced based on Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series (more specifically, her first book of the same title). Having read the first two books in the series (review of Bitten coming soon), then discovering the TV adaptation, I decided to give it a go – after all, nothing says procrastination like catching up on an entire series in a matter of days, right? Having read a minor synopsis of the TV version, I gathered that the first series at least was only based on the first book in Armstrong’s series, so I’ll be briefly comparing the series to the novel.
Plot
The first episode opens very much like the book; we are introduced to Elena – played by Laura Vandervoot – undergoing a change in Toronto. So far, so good. In fact, the series maintains a closeness to the plot of the novel, but this can also be bad because it’s not exactly the same. First of all (plot spoiler here for anyone who hasn’t read the novel) Logan is very much alive and features in a lot of the episodes. Rather than being a voice on the phone, he is firmly in Toronto and in Elena’s life. Instead of killing him off, Antonio is killed off later in the series, and the Mutt situation gets way more out of hand than the events in the novel.
Casting
As far as casting goes, it was never going to be exactly how I imagined it – after all, everyone imagines the characters differently. In my opinion, all the characters are fairly accurate to their descriptions in the book, with a few very minor exceptions (like Clay’s hair not being as blonde as it should. Like I say, we are talking very minor). Their choice of Greg Bryk as Jeremy Danvers is, in my opinion, perfect. All the actors are clearly talented and take on the roles brilliantly – you get a clear sense of the emotion intended in the script. Which brings me to my next part…
Characters
As a standalone series, Bittenis really great. But in comparison to the book? So e of the characters seem a little off. My main qualm is their portrayal of Clay. Don’t get me wrong, Greyston Holt plays the part brilliantly, but the Clay scripted in the series lacks some of the key traits as the Clay in the novel. Rather than being the almost primal being he is in the novel, failing to engage with human emotions simply because he doesn’t want to, he is portrayed in the series as a lost romantic hero who wants to change to win back Elena. This is fine, if you’ve not read the book. If you have, not so good. There are a few other minor details as well – Jeremy doesn’t seem nearly as level-headed as he does in the novel, and Elena only seems to get ballsy around the fifth episode – again, works well as a standalone series just not if you’ve read the book. Nick, however, is a perfect match on his book character, however I’m worried he may change now that they have killed Antonio.
Final Thoughts
As a series by itself, Bittenis absolutely fine for anyone who likes supernatural dramas. If you’ve read the novels and don’t like the idea of them being changed, don’t watch the series. That’s not to say anyone who has read the novels shouldn’t watch the series, but it’s important to keep an open mind and see them a separate from each other. Otherwise, if you’re as pedantic as me, it’ll drive you crazy. Perhaps I’m too picky, but these are my thoughts. And I will probably continue to watch the series.
The Insanity Workout
Well, after 63 long days, I have finally completed the Insanity workout! Month two, as expected, was much harder than month one – the workouts are longer and more taxing with fewer scheduled breaks. Compared to month two, month one was an absolute breeze!
As far as the overall programme goes, it is a difficult workout. Personally I would not recommend it if your current exercise regime consists of nothing because the sheer intensity of each workout is a real shock to the system. Shaun T reverses the usual method of exercise; so rather than doing gentle exercise which spikes for a minute, you do hard exercise with a minute break (which entails stopping completely to allow your heart rate to lower).
Personally, now that I’ve completed the entire 63 days, I can say that it really has made such a difference. I don’t feel nearly as tired as I used to, my legs are much stronger and my flexibility has improved. I was able to complete a 12 mile bike ride two days ago (albeit mostly on level ground) and not feel the usual aches and pains the next day like I would have had I not done been on the insanity programme. Also, as I mentioned in my previous half-review, the programme was good for me because I could complete it at home and can go back to certain exercises now whenever I feel it necessary.
Overall, I would recommend this workout, especially if you have the time and motivation to stick at it. Sometimes, for me, it did take a lot of self motivation to keep at it every day but I am incredibly glad I did. Although I didn’t use the results and recovery formula or stick to the nutrition guide provided, it still made a difference.
Fit test results: Days 1 and 63
Switch Kicks
- First test: 40
- Final test: 60
Power Jacks
- First test: 34
- Final test: 62
Power Knees
- First test: 60
- Final test: 105
Power Jumps
- First test: 15
- Final test: 45
Globe Jumps
- First test: 6
- Final test: 10
Suicide Jumps
- First test: 10
- Final test: 15
Push-up Jacks
- First test: 6
- Final test: 25
Low Plank Oblique
- First test: 14
- Final test: 50
Reasons to read the Night Angel Trilogy
Recently, I was given a large selection of kindle books. After finishing the Mortal Instruments books, I decided to select a new book to read at random. I noticed the Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks (an author whom I’d previously not heard of) and soon started it. Now that I’ve finished three books I thoroughly enjoyed, I feel (mostly) able to compile reasons to read them without exposing the plot. Hopefully.
Firstly, Weeks has created an entirely new world. As an amateur student writer, I understand how difficult it is to create and write an entirely new world different from the one which people already know. However, Weeks has created a solid new world which incorporates the idea of magic without sounding childish or vague. There are differing ‘levels’ of magic within the novels, something the inhabitants of his world are all aware of, yet not everyone is magical. Furthermore, the story is set on the continent of Midcyru, which is split into various countries (although the main focus is on Cenaria). Some versions of the novels include a small map, showing the level of thought and consideration that has gone into creating this world.
Weeks is clearly an excellent writer, in my opinion. As mentioned before, the novels contain magic that doesn’t come across as childish or just another witch/wizard novel. Therefore, adults can also enjoy these novels. Each character develops throughout the trilogy, especially evident in Kylar who is the main focus throughout. Weeks’ characters are not by any means unbelievable or overly perfect – most have been brought up in a corrupt society, and the reader can see how such corruption has affected them. In addition, each country within Midcyru has different religions and it also clear how this impacts on characters.
Throughout all three novels, Weeks maintains a strong plot line which progresses and twists occasionally. He also writes the novels from different character’s perspectives (in third person narrative) so the reader can see how each character’s story progresses at any given time, and how they tie in together. The main characters stories all seem to connect with each other, which gradually becomes more evident throughout; one chapter the reader is with Kylar, the next with Dorian, and in the next their two stories collide.
Without giving too much away, the novels are fantastic and allow the reader to make connections with each of the characters and become fully immersed in the story. My opinion? They’re well worth a read.
Half Review: The Insanity Workout
Around 5 weeks ago, my sister received a package in the post. Before I know it, she’s waving a box with ‘insanity’ written down the side proclaiming that ‘we start monday’. I have now completed week 4 of this workout, and so I’m going to give it a halfway review in case anyone is considering getting it.
So, day 1 is a fit test – you complete fit tests every 2 weeks, in order to track progress, and complete a final one on the last day of the program. So far, I’ve completed 2 fit tests and after just 2 weeks following the program day by day I actually improved. Now, a lot of people asked me why I was bothering with a workout like insanity; I’m fairly small and have no desire to lose weight. However, I believe this workout is good for anyone whether you want to lose weight or just increase fitness levels and tone up. With daily stretching it even increases flexibility (or, it has done for me).
Obviously, as the warnings express and the name suggests, this particular program is hard. The workouts can get really intense and unless you’re motivated to stick at it, I can see that some may find it easier to just give up. My advice? Keep at it. Just 4 weeks on and I feel so much better in myself. Some might argue that it’s expensive, but so is the gym, and you can’t do that in the comfort of your own home!
Now, I’m not saying I can see the whole 40 minutes through without taking an unscheduled break here and there, but insanity is definitely working for me (despite not following the nutrition guide provided or drinking ‘recovery’ formula). If you want something quick you can do at home, I’d recommend this workout. The important thing is to keep pushing yourself through it – it’ll start to get easier after week 1!
My fit test results:
Switch Kicks — FT1: 40 — FT2: 45
Power Jacks — FT1: 34 — FT2: 44
Power Knees — FT1: 60 — FT2: 80
Power Jumps — FT1: 15 — FT2: 25
Globe Jumps — FT1: 6 — FT2: 8
Suicide Jumps — FT1: 10 — FT2: 15
Push-up Jacks — FT1: 6 — FT2: 12
Low Plank Oblique — FT1: 14 — FT2: 25
Reviews and Rambles 