Sharp Teeth, by Toby Barlow, takes the werewolf myth to new heights.
It makes you question, "if there were werewolves, not just a single werewolf
or a couple, but lots and lots of werewolves, what would they do?" In the
novel, Toby Barlow believes that they would form packs like wild dogs, except
they wouldn't be dogs, they'd be men. Sometimes, they'd be strong, intelligent,
powerful men like, for example, lawyers. The most powerful individuals would
become the alpha dog of a werewolf pack, grow the pack's strength, bind it
together, and give it purpose. What sort of purpose? The same purpose any pack
of wild dogs, or better yet men would want, power.
Sharp Teeth is truly a pleasure to read. It is a book
about werewolves that roam Los Angeles and the drama, betrayal, love and loss
that occurs among and between different packs. It also tells a love story about
one werewolf who happens to fall in love with a dogcatcher. Mostly though, it's
a story about identity, community and the things we do in order to feel like we
belong somewhere, with someone. It's about all the things every book is ever
about, but it looks at common themes from a fresh perspective, a werewolf's
perspective. Normally I wouldn't be interested in a book about werewolves but
this one was exceptional.
Reviewed by: Pamela Nicole Flores, grade 12
Central Library
Tiger's Voyage, by Colleen Houck, summarize's Ren's journey as he breaks his
tiger's curse. He is no longer the bengal tiger he's been cursed into for
hundreds of years now but back into his natural form as an Indian Prince. Along
the way, Ren looses memory of his love for Kelsey and she quickly becomes
heartbroken. This was a turn I didn't expect the story to take, I felt more and
more drawn in with every page. As the reader, you almost feel sorry for Kelsey
because the author truly captures the hurt that she's feeling. Ren and Kelsey
grow apart and Kishan has a newfound affection for Kelsey. By the end of the
book, you're dying to know what will happen with Kelsey and Ren.
I think its a great book overall. It isn't your
typical fantasy love story. There's action and suspense and love like no other.
One moment you're stuck in a scene in the jungle and the next at the corner of
your seat reading quickly trying to discover what will happen next.There's
fights and arguments to beautiful poetry to hurtful feelings between each
character. I was throughly entertained and satisfied with this novel. It only
keeps me wanting to read more as each did before. This is one of four of the
books, and third in the sequel. When I had finished the book, I was already
running to Barnes & Nobles to get the next one immediately.
Reviewed by: Pamela F., grade 12
