Title: Unleashed
Author: Nancy Holder
First published November 22, 2011
382 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385740982 (ISBN10: 0385740980)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
For Katelyn McBride, life was never the same after the loss of her mother. The only living relative she had left was her grandfather, whom she was sent to live with in a remote village called Wolf Springs, hidden away in the Ozark Mountains.
But the tranquility of this small town is only a facade for the sinister secrets it holds. With a history spanning centuries and continents, Wolf Springs conceals chilling truths that Katelyn could never have fathomed.
She is about to unravel the mysteries that have been hidden for far too long. In a town where families are broken, grudges are ageless, alliances are forced and love blooms in the darkest of nights, Katelyn will embark on a journey that will change everything.
Welcome to Wolf Springs.
About the Author
Nancy Holder, an accomplished author known for her WICKED series, recently released CRUSADE, the first vampire book in a new series co-written by Debbie Viguie. Her final book in the Possession series will be available in March of 2011.
Nancy was born in Los Altos, California, and her family moved around a lot due to her father’s job at Stanford. She lived in Japan for three years, and when she was sixteen, she left high school to become a ballet dancer in Germany.
She later returned to California and graduated with honors from the University of California, San Diego, with a degree in Communications. She began her writing career shortly after, selling her first book, Teach Me to Love, a young adult romance novel.
Nancy has achieved much success with her writing, making the New York Times, USA Today, and LA Times bestseller lists, among others. She has won four Bram Stoker Awards from the Horror Writers Association and has been praised by the American Library Association, the American Reading Association, the New York Public Library, and Romantic Times.
She is best known for her collaboration with Debbie Viguié on the Wicked series and their current Crusade series. She has also authored the Possessions series and sold many novels and book projects based on popular TV shows and movies like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Saving Grace, Hellboy, and Smallville.
In addition to her writing career, Nancy has taught creative writing at UCSD and the Stonecoast MFA program offered through the University of Southern Maine. She lives in San Diego with her daughter and their pets, and they enjoy participating in Girl Scouts and dog obedience training.
Editoral Review
Unleashed by Nancy Holder is a gripping young adult paranormal novel first published on November 22, 2011. Holder is a renowned American author of fantasy, science fiction, and horror novels who has authored several other popular series.
The book takes place in modern-day Paris and is characterized by a mix of genres: paranormal romance, mystery, and action-adventure. Holder injects a fresh infusion of paranormal elements into the novel, making it a unique and fascinating read for fans of the genre.
Unleashed follows the story of two teenage sisters, Katelyn and Abby, who are excited to spend a summer vacation in Paris with their parents. However, things quickly go wrong when Abby gets bitten by a werewolf and transformed into a lycanthrope.
Abby must learn to control her powers and prevent the werewolf curse from spreading, while also uncovering a sinister plot to destroy their family. The books setting in modern-day Paris provides a unique backdrop to the story, immersing readers in the citys charm, history, and culture, and adding to the suspense and intrigue of the plot.
Holder expertly captures the essence of Paris and weaves it into the story, making the reader feel like they are right there alongside the characters. The characters in the book are well developed, each with their own unique strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
Katelyn is portrayed as a strong, resourceful, and determined young woman, while Abby has to grapple with her newfound powers and her role in saving her family. Holders writing is evocative and skillfully crafted, making it easy to get lost in the storyline.
The novel is fast-paced, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader hooked throughout. The themes of family, loyalty, and self-discovery are also expertly woven into the storyline, making it compelling and relatable.
Despite the novels many strengths, it does have a few limitations. The story feels somewhat predictable at times, and some of the plot twists are telegraphed too early, taking some of the suspense out of the narrative.
Overall, Unleashed is a captivating and well-executed young adult paranormal novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Holders writing and world-building skills are on full display in this book, making it an enjoyable and entertaining read.
I rate Unleashed with 4 out of 5 stars, based on its strong narrative, engaging characters, and excellent writing. The book is recommended for young adult readers who enjoy a mix of paranormal romance and action-adventure, and those who are intrigued by the city of Paris and its rich history and culture.