Night of the Wolf

Night of the Wolf' is the second book in a series of shape shifting human/wolf novels. The first beings with 'The Silver Wolf.'

I was not initially disappointed that Alice Borchardt's second volume, 'Night Of The Wolf' was a prequel and focus on Maeniel, the mysterious bridegroom from 'The Silver Wolf.' It created an interesting battle between the two existences of man and wolf.

Maeniel lived most of his life as a wolf but after he is able to shift into human form his curiosity with women leaves him torn between two worlds. The book takes us back to his origins and the time of Julius Cesar. We learn how he became a shape shifter and watch as he struggles to understand and when he is trapped by sorcery in his human form by a beautiful Amazonian warrior, Dryas, learn to live as a man. In his human form he experiences new pleasures as well as the cruelty of man.

With the novel set in ancient Rome, one of the strengths is the history she provides of famous figures, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Marc Anthony, Brutus and Caesar's wife, Calpurina. She makes hash historical judgments on the characters providing a new, refreshing take on the story. Throughout the novel Borchardt uses great imagery and descriptions to paint the time, place, and scenes. The narrative was sturdy with the unique characters and depiction of famous people in the tale.

The beginning of the book was slow with to many story lines where going on. There was no clear break in the change of setting and characters. It was difficult to stay with the book. There seemed to be two or three different story lines happening. It would have been easier if the writer focus more on the principle character, Maeniel. I was drawn into the narrative when everything came together in the final chapters of the book.

Alice Borchardt spins a tale in and around Ancient Rome of intrigue, violence, politics and sex. She keeps her grand vision and prose. But I find many will have a hard time sticking novel because of the scattered storyline. I would recommend 'The Silver Wolf.' The character, Regeane, was deep and sensual and the story folded out smoothly.