Returning to Nideck Point in Northern California, we once again jump into the life of Reuben, newly a man-wolf and still learning about his new life and the extended "family" of wolves who are all gathering at Nideck Point for a midwinter celebration. Felix, the original ancestor of the estate is going all out, no expense spared for a festival like no one has ever seen before. Meanwhile, Reuben is pained by the burden he shared of his secret with his brother and his conflicted feelings about his girlfriend who has been given the chism gift which will bring on the change. Meanwhile, Marchent who gifted the Nideck house and land to Reuben has been "haunting" Reuben and yet he can't communicate with her to find out why. We are also introduced to many other "ageless ones" and forest dwellers. All the while these mystical unreal lives are based in the present day to day of family and the crimes of man that affect them. The Wolves can sent evil and innocence and it's hard for them not to act. Most enjoyed the Forest Gentry and the mysterious unknown of the helpers. Though all of the Morphenkinder lore is quite wonderful as well.Ah... Anne Rice... how I love thee. Reuben Golding, new-born werewolf, settles into his palatial estate at Nideck Point with the "distinguished gentlemen," also werewolves. Laura, his new lady-love, has just been given the "wolf gift", and Reuben looks forward to becoming a father when ex-fiancé Celeste announces that she's pregnant.Let me start by saying that it saddens me to giving two stars to an Anne Rice book. She is a truly gifted writer, and one of my personal literary inspirations. I quite enjoyed the first book in this series, "The Wolf Gift," so am doubly surprised by the turn taken in this book.The prose is beautiful, as always. I don't think Rice is capable of writing poor prose. And "The Wolves of Midwinter" marks a return to the questioning of the nature of good and evil. It was this questioning that so attracted me to the Vampire Chronicles, and what I felt was missing from her biblical novels.Unfortunately, the questioning in this book is more detached as the characters themselves have no internal conflict about the fact that they are killers. Part of this is due to the way the story is told - using mostly tell and very little show. This makes it difficult to relate to the characters on any level. And the morphenkinder characters themselves are boring - they're all too perfect. Reuben Golding is no Lestat - alas!Instead of creating something unique and different, "The Wolves of Midwinter" is attempting to recreate the Vampire Chronicles, and falls far short of the mark. Not up to Rice's usual standard.
What do You think about The Wolves Of Midwinter (2013)?
Pure Perfect Anne Rice! The Werewolves are sexy and only eat really bad guys.
—ps18
Excellent story! First time I've read this author and it won't be the last!
—Frances
