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mywitfailsme's review against another edition
4.0
Great story,would have been better with an older mc. The background romance gave me the ick.
mellhay's review against another edition
4.0
Natividad and her two brothers, Miguel and Alejandro, are on the run. They are trying to find their way to the Dimilioc territory from Mexico. The Black Dog family that, if accepted in, could protect them. Their fathers past might be something they need to work past, but they are willing to do what it takes. They hope their enemy isn't following, that they lost them on the trek here. In trying to be accepted into the 'family' of Dimilioc, Natividad, Miguel, and Alejandro might be putting many more in danger. Their enemy is up to far more worse then they could have ever imagined, and the siblings hold a secret they don't even know of. They work to keep their selves safe, learn more of what they are - Pure and Black Dog - and keep everyone around them safe as they try to pass the tests to become part of the Dimilioc family.
This was an interesting creation with the werewolf myth, into the black dog. I like the black dog idea, very much. It's different and had me thinking on it. The Pure are humans with a touch of magic that eases the black dog in others. I'm curious on the Pure. Natividad is a Pure and I look forward to more of her powers coming to surface as the series goes.
We get the point of views from Natividad first, then also from Alejandro - the black dog of the family. This book is more of a focus on the black dogs, the major point of the need for the Pure. It is interesting to see from a Pure aspect, who influences the black dogs, and from a young black dog. We learn the rules of the species as we go, and are reminded of the importance of them.
Oh, we have the Dimilioc family. Wow. I love this 'pack'. There is a level of command, which seems hard for black dogs to do, but they do it. The black dogs in the family aren't as cruel as you think they will be. But the leader, Grayson Lanning, is new as apposed to the leader when the kids father was involved. Things have changed a bit. And this is a group, even though dangerous, I would love to meet. I fell for all the characters in the pack as we got to know them. Yes, all of them.
In the start of the book I definitely felt a strong young adult influence to the story telling. I thought anyone one from 10 up could read it. In the end, I still have that feel. The writing feels easy to understand. There is a dark feel to the black dogs and the end, but in this day and age I think it would be a very good Urban Fantasy read. But there is a feel that the story will grow with its readers and characters, things will become a bit older with them both. I think this would be a quick read for adults who would enjoy the creation of the Black Dog.
There is more happening here than we see. I want to see what comes of Natividad, Miguel, and Alejandro as they become part of the Dimilioc family in the future. They are young, but so much potential between them all.
This was an interesting creation with the werewolf myth, into the black dog. I like the black dog idea, very much. It's different and had me thinking on it. The Pure are humans with a touch of magic that eases the black dog in others. I'm curious on the Pure. Natividad is a Pure and I look forward to more of her powers coming to surface as the series goes.
We get the point of views from Natividad first, then also from Alejandro - the black dog of the family. This book is more of a focus on the black dogs, the major point of the need for the Pure. It is interesting to see from a Pure aspect, who influences the black dogs, and from a young black dog. We learn the rules of the species as we go, and are reminded of the importance of them.
Oh, we have the Dimilioc family. Wow. I love this 'pack'. There is a level of command, which seems hard for black dogs to do, but they do it. The black dogs in the family aren't as cruel as you think they will be. But the leader, Grayson Lanning, is new as apposed to the leader when the kids father was involved. Things have changed a bit. And this is a group, even though dangerous, I would love to meet. I fell for all the characters in the pack as we got to know them. Yes, all of them.
In the start of the book I definitely felt a strong young adult influence to the story telling. I thought anyone one from 10 up could read it. In the end, I still have that feel. The writing feels easy to understand. There is a dark feel to the black dogs and the end, but in this day and age I think it would be a very good Urban Fantasy read. But there is a feel that the story will grow with its readers and characters, things will become a bit older with them both. I think this would be a quick read for adults who would enjoy the creation of the Black Dog.
There is more happening here than we see. I want to see what comes of Natividad, Miguel, and Alejandro as they become part of the Dimilioc family in the future. They are young, but so much potential between them all.
hayleybeale's review against another edition
3.0
I loved Ms. Neumeier's The Floating Islands and House of Shadows - they were both elegant, cool (in the metaphorical temperature sense) fantasies, so I was excited to read Black Dog. However, it's a very different kettle of fish - much more upfront action fantasy/ paranormal romance. The world building is exemplary - I enjoyed the black dog lore very much, though the idea of the Pure was never really fully explicated. Natividad, the main character, is one of those heroines who is drippy until she decides to do something absurdly dangerous, and I rolled my eyes at her romance with the hunky Ezekiel. I appreciated the effort of making the several characters Mexican, but the use of Spanish phrases, which then had to be translated, was a bit clunky. Nonetheless, I still keep an eye out for more from this terrific writer.
brandypainter's review
5.0
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
I love that when I pick up a Rachel Neumeier novel I am always surprised at what I end up getting. (In a very good way.) She is such a diverse writer and covers so many different types of fantasy and characters. I went into Black Dog the slightest bit wary because I don't ordinarily enjoy paranormal fantasy, but I trusted her enough to know it would probably be something I ended up liking in the end. I didn't like it, I LOVED it.
(This is a review of an ARC received in exchange for a fair review.)
When I did my TTT wish list a few weeks ago I said I would love to see more sibling stories in YA, and that is what Black Dog is first and foremost. The whole story centers around the bond between Alejandro, Natividad, and Miguel, a black dog, a Pure girl, and a human boy, and their love and loyalty to each other. After the death of their parents, they flee to the only place they imagine they will be safe. While dealing with their grief and tragedy, they must learn to navigate the politics and personalities of the powerful black dog family who has taken them in and begin to trust people outside of each other for the first time. The story is told in third person and follows all three of them, with a stronger focus on Natividad and Alejandro. And through all three of them the reader also gets a thorough introduction to Dimilioc's Master and Executioner, Grayson and Ezekiel. I love all these characters so much, but I particularly enjoyed the book when it followed Alejandro. It was fascinating to look through his eyes as he shifted between a human body and that of a black dog. There is a wonderful exploration of the duality in human nature between light and dark. This is also there in Natividad and Miguel, but in more subtle ways. Natividad is a stubborn and independent soul. She is mourning her parents, working hard to keep peace in her new home at a time of war, and knows that as a Pure girl her job is not to be protected but to protect. The men her life all want to protect her, but she does what she knows needs to be done. This often puts her in danger, but I never felt she was being unthinking or stubborn for the sake of proving her independence. She did what needed doing. I had a great respect for her as a character. Miguel is the strategist and critical thinker. He is also incredibly persuasive when he wants to be. The three siblings make a terrific team. Ezekiel, who was chosen for his role of executioner at the age of 13, is a complicated character. Through all three Toland siblings different sides and nuances of his character are shown. I found that I wanted more about him still though. He is thoroughly fascinating. My one complaint is that I wanted more of him and less Grayson (who is interesting but not as interesting).
The world of Black Dog is an intensely interesting one. It takes place in contemporary times and picks up following a war between vampires and the Black Dogs. The vampires lost and are gone, but the black dogs did not fare much better. Black dogs, as much as they may sound like it, are not werewolves. Neumeier did new and interesting things with the old stories here and I enjoyed the combination of legend, magic, and politics. A outside threat to Dimilioc involves a renegade black dog who is after the Tolands, most particularly Natividad, for the power she wields. Neumeier did not shy away form the consequences of vicious creatures at war with each other. This book has a pretty high body count and is quite gruesome in some respects. I loved the realism of this. I can't stand it when situations like this are made unrealistically safe for the protagonists and the people they love. Or when innocent bystanders remain unaffected. This is a story that shows all of that, and then tackles the emotional consequences as well. Nativdad, as a Pure girl, is expected on her 16th birthday to choose one of the Dimilioc dogs as her mate. Ezekiel makes it quite clear he is going to destroy anyone other than him that she picks. The two of them share some intense moments, but there is no strong romantic element to the story, something I also appreciated. (I'm choosing to assume here that Natividad's relationship with Grayson is NOT heading in that direction because that squicks me out.) The book takes place over only a week's time, and they are fighting a war. Natividad is confused, and Ezekiel is determined, but mostly they are just trying to stay alive.
Black Dog has so many elements I look for in my favorite books: strong characterization, deep and layered relationships, rich setting and world-building, and an intense plot that doesn't shy away from the darker elements it explores. It is going on my favorites shelf and will be one I revisit again. And I'm really hoping there will be a sequel sooner rather than later. (I've heard there is going to be one, though this works perfectly as a stand alone.)
I read an e-galley received via the publisher, Strange Chemistry, on NetGalley. Black Dog is available on February 4th.
I love that when I pick up a Rachel Neumeier novel I am always surprised at what I end up getting. (In a very good way.) She is such a diverse writer and covers so many different types of fantasy and characters. I went into Black Dog the slightest bit wary because I don't ordinarily enjoy paranormal fantasy, but I trusted her enough to know it would probably be something I ended up liking in the end. I didn't like it, I LOVED it.
(This is a review of an ARC received in exchange for a fair review.)
When I did my TTT wish list a few weeks ago I said I would love to see more sibling stories in YA, and that is what Black Dog is first and foremost. The whole story centers around the bond between Alejandro, Natividad, and Miguel, a black dog, a Pure girl, and a human boy, and their love and loyalty to each other. After the death of their parents, they flee to the only place they imagine they will be safe. While dealing with their grief and tragedy, they must learn to navigate the politics and personalities of the powerful black dog family who has taken them in and begin to trust people outside of each other for the first time. The story is told in third person and follows all three of them, with a stronger focus on Natividad and Alejandro. And through all three of them the reader also gets a thorough introduction to Dimilioc's Master and Executioner, Grayson and Ezekiel. I love all these characters so much, but I particularly enjoyed the book when it followed Alejandro. It was fascinating to look through his eyes as he shifted between a human body and that of a black dog. There is a wonderful exploration of the duality in human nature between light and dark. This is also there in Natividad and Miguel, but in more subtle ways. Natividad is a stubborn and independent soul. She is mourning her parents, working hard to keep peace in her new home at a time of war, and knows that as a Pure girl her job is not to be protected but to protect. The men her life all want to protect her, but she does what she knows needs to be done. This often puts her in danger, but I never felt she was being unthinking or stubborn for the sake of proving her independence. She did what needed doing. I had a great respect for her as a character. Miguel is the strategist and critical thinker. He is also incredibly persuasive when he wants to be. The three siblings make a terrific team. Ezekiel, who was chosen for his role of executioner at the age of 13, is a complicated character. Through all three Toland siblings different sides and nuances of his character are shown. I found that I wanted more about him still though. He is thoroughly fascinating. My one complaint is that I wanted more of him and less Grayson (who is interesting but not as interesting).
The world of Black Dog is an intensely interesting one. It takes place in contemporary times and picks up following a war between vampires and the Black Dogs. The vampires lost and are gone, but the black dogs did not fare much better. Black dogs, as much as they may sound like it, are not werewolves. Neumeier did new and interesting things with the old stories here and I enjoyed the combination of legend, magic, and politics. A outside threat to Dimilioc involves a renegade black dog who is after the Tolands, most particularly Natividad, for the power she wields. Neumeier did not shy away form the consequences of vicious creatures at war with each other. This book has a pretty high body count and is quite gruesome in some respects. I loved the realism of this. I can't stand it when situations like this are made unrealistically safe for the protagonists and the people they love. Or when innocent bystanders remain unaffected. This is a story that shows all of that, and then tackles the emotional consequences as well. Nativdad, as a Pure girl, is expected on her 16th birthday to choose one of the Dimilioc dogs as her mate. Ezekiel makes it quite clear he is going to destroy anyone other than him that she picks. The two of them share some intense moments, but there is no strong romantic element to the story, something I also appreciated. (I'm choosing to assume here that Natividad's relationship with Grayson is NOT heading in that direction because that squicks me out.) The book takes place over only a week's time, and they are fighting a war. Natividad is confused, and Ezekiel is determined, but mostly they are just trying to stay alive.
Black Dog has so many elements I look for in my favorite books: strong characterization, deep and layered relationships, rich setting and world-building, and an intense plot that doesn't shy away from the darker elements it explores. It is going on my favorites shelf and will be one I revisit again. And I'm really hoping there will be a sequel sooner rather than later. (I've heard there is going to be one, though this works perfectly as a stand alone.)
I read an e-galley received via the publisher, Strange Chemistry, on NetGalley. Black Dog is available on February 4th.
raeanne's review
4.0
Pros:
Rich, original world-building
Dynamic, compelling, racially diverse cast of characters who grow over time
Surprising, absorbing plot that has it all: action, drama, adventure, romance, without holes
Ending’s unexpected, leaves nothing undone, satisfying
Writing is descriptively beautiful but light
Voices & perspectives ring distinct, and true
Free of the typical YA tropes: insta-love triangles
Cons:
Villain’s rather bland Big Bad
If girls can be black dogs, why can’t boys be Pure? It’s an absurd dichotomy, which reinforces the gender binary. No diversity on that front or sexuality either.
Not a purity culture or forced mating for life at 16 fan but it's realistic pack behavior.
Rating Details: 4 ½ stars meaning perfect, except for sensible but squicky cultural differences that broke immersion. Vanhausel the Villain is terrifying but his characterization’s flat.
Recommendation: for everyone because its hype is richly deserved. Especially young adult, paranormal, or fantasy fans. If looking for casting not lily-white or a unique werewolf world, you’ve found the right book.
I first heard of Black Dog from Bones, Books & Buffy when Tammy’s review1 popped into my inbox. I marked that email as important and unread, worried about forgetting it among my to-read list. Then #WeNeedDiverseBooks recommended it, which immediately boosted its status to next in line.
Natividad Toland is a Pure while her twin, Miguel, is human. Protected by an older brother, Alejandro’s a different breed altogether: black dog. They’re fleeing cross-country from an enemy hell-bent on destroying the Tolands. Even after slaughtering their village, where their parents died protecting them. Dimilioc territory grows close but their quest for safety—dare they hope a home?—is just beginning. It’s more than merely an original spin on werewolf lore with paranormal monster battles. Black Dog’s a stirring coming of age tale about love and loss in the aftermath of war where family ties are complicated by pack hierarchy and magic.
Narration duties fall to Natividad and Alejandro. Their voices ring distinctly while their perspectives are so on point ballet dancers should be jealous. Their first experiences with snow are some of my favorite passages: descriptive, beautiful, and true. I’d never looked at it that way before. Every character is three-dimensional who grows en route except the Big Bad. Miguel’s so well written it takes reminding that his perspective isn’t directly read.
Natividad’s narrative is the first introduced, which hooked me from page one. Switching between her and Alejandro was flawless. It’s also brilliant strategically because we get insights into black dogs and pure torn between self-control and self-esteem. This also leaves logical human Miguel on the outside. Thus keeping us out of our comfort zone and giving him room to maneuver around voicing regular human thoughts. Yet he’s never predictably dull.
However, fleeing orphan siblings are only the opening. Their course constantly twists when nothing happens as expected. The Toland Musketeers surprise Dimilioc, Dimilioc’s not an ordinary pack, Ezekiel is more than an alpha male making his claim on Natividad, and Vanhausel uproots everything they know. No worries though because this maze’s outcome is just as remarkable: startling, touching, satisfying, and complete.
Going in, I had certain assumptions about weres, magic, and people. Glimpses of backstory seem to support this while just getting through its first several chapters. However, that’s merely a trap. Keep dancing on those toes, because there’s always another surprise up Neumeier’s sleeve. Whether it's plot, world building, or character activity.
Amid this action, a soaring, original fantasy realm springs forth where not even pack antics are the same. It's such a unique twist on weres, I don’t even want to reference them as werewolves. Ignorant humans use that word for lesser moon-bound shifters while black dogs rise above such silliness. It harkens back to vampire’s ancient origins while becoming its own monster. It’s thrilling, inventive, and so sensible, you think, “Why hadn’t I (or anyone else) thought of that before?”
There are rules and hierarchy, but nobody just rolls over. This isn’t about only one rebel or rare case. They are molded but not defined by their world. Despite culture, they find ways to thrive. This realistic inclusion is too often forgone in order to create special snowflake protagonists and highlight injustice, which instead rings hollow. It doesn’t simply make characters pop, it turns their setting from a stage into a globe.
The part I don’t grok is, why can’t boys be Pure? Girls can be black dogs after all. Restricting sex unilaterally on the magic spectrum seems absurd and unfair. This smacks of “males are animals who can’t control themselves” toxic masculinity and reinforcing purity culture’s double standard. Not to mention supporting gender binary thinking by sweeping everyone who doesn’t identify with those categories under the rug. Ugh.
Unfortunately, werewolves’ culture stays patriarchal while everything else evolves beyond genre standards. Having a Pure boy would’ve kept its theme and really push boundaries. It’d go from original to revolutionary. If the genetics have to stay the same, never forget trans* people exist and read2. Besides this bog-standard facet, everything in Black Dog is worth raving about.
1 If you’re wondering, I only disagree with Bones, Books & Buffy’s review on a couple minor points. One, I love all the “talky scenes” profusely. I’d gladly read more of them without life-or-death action. Two, there's no stolen kiss(es) between Natividad and Ezekiel. Believe me, my inner fangirl would’ve freaked out and highlighted the entire section if they did. He gets close, and touches her face, but that’s it.
As a fellow feminist, I wasn’t thrilled about Natividad’s mandatory child marriage either. Thankfully, after posturing (hey, beautiful etc.) when first introduced, they treat her like a person, rather than filet mignon. At least, she’s doing the choosing and not simply taken nor becoming an incubator. Of course, I didn’t find Grayson’s interactions with Natividad problematic with romantic undertones and never thought they’d end up together, so your mileage may vary.
The “father protecting his princess”—hello again, purity culture!—pack nature was more irritating because that’s when she became a commodity without voice or agency. Obviously, not a fan of such ideologies but I honestly can’t imagine Black Dog working differently. It’s still worthwhile talking about because it extracts harmful cultural aspects and makes them seem valid. What we consume affects us, especially young adults (aka its target audience), so pointing out its problematic nature is important. Especially when living in Twilight’s wake.
2 A werewolf novel with a trans* woman who's best friends with the protagonist, I suggest the Mystwalker series by Leigh Evans. But it is not the best, the protagonist could definitely be a better ally to say the least.
Rich, original world-building
Dynamic, compelling, racially diverse cast of characters who grow over time
Surprising, absorbing plot that has it all: action, drama, adventure, romance, without holes
Ending’s unexpected, leaves nothing undone, satisfying
Writing is descriptively beautiful but light
Voices & perspectives ring distinct, and true
Free of the typical YA tropes: insta-love triangles
Cons:
Villain’s rather bland Big Bad
If girls can be black dogs, why can’t boys be Pure? It’s an absurd dichotomy, which reinforces the gender binary. No diversity on that front or sexuality either.
Not a purity culture or forced mating for life at 16 fan but it's realistic pack behavior.
Rating Details: 4 ½ stars meaning perfect, except for sensible but squicky cultural differences that broke immersion. Vanhausel the Villain is terrifying but his characterization’s flat.
Recommendation: for everyone because its hype is richly deserved. Especially young adult, paranormal, or fantasy fans. If looking for casting not lily-white or a unique werewolf world, you’ve found the right book.
I first heard of Black Dog from Bones, Books & Buffy when Tammy’s review1 popped into my inbox. I marked that email as important and unread, worried about forgetting it among my to-read list. Then #WeNeedDiverseBooks recommended it, which immediately boosted its status to next in line.
Natividad Toland is a Pure while her twin, Miguel, is human. Protected by an older brother, Alejandro’s a different breed altogether: black dog. They’re fleeing cross-country from an enemy hell-bent on destroying the Tolands. Even after slaughtering their village, where their parents died protecting them. Dimilioc territory grows close but their quest for safety—dare they hope a home?—is just beginning. It’s more than merely an original spin on werewolf lore with paranormal monster battles. Black Dog’s a stirring coming of age tale about love and loss in the aftermath of war where family ties are complicated by pack hierarchy and magic.
Narration duties fall to Natividad and Alejandro. Their voices ring distinctly while their perspectives are so on point ballet dancers should be jealous. Their first experiences with snow are some of my favorite passages: descriptive, beautiful, and true. I’d never looked at it that way before. Every character is three-dimensional who grows en route except the Big Bad. Miguel’s so well written it takes reminding that his perspective isn’t directly read.
Natividad’s narrative is the first introduced, which hooked me from page one. Switching between her and Alejandro was flawless. It’s also brilliant strategically because we get insights into black dogs and pure torn between self-control and self-esteem. This also leaves logical human Miguel on the outside. Thus keeping us out of our comfort zone and giving him room to maneuver around voicing regular human thoughts. Yet he’s never predictably dull.
However, fleeing orphan siblings are only the opening. Their course constantly twists when nothing happens as expected. The Toland Musketeers surprise Dimilioc, Dimilioc’s not an ordinary pack, Ezekiel is more than an alpha male making his claim on Natividad, and Vanhausel uproots everything they know. No worries though because this maze’s outcome is just as remarkable: startling, touching, satisfying, and complete.
Going in, I had certain assumptions about weres, magic, and people. Glimpses of backstory seem to support this while just getting through its first several chapters. However, that’s merely a trap. Keep dancing on those toes, because there’s always another surprise up Neumeier’s sleeve. Whether it's plot, world building, or character activity.
Amid this action, a soaring, original fantasy realm springs forth where not even pack antics are the same. It's such a unique twist on weres, I don’t even want to reference them as werewolves. Ignorant humans use that word for lesser moon-bound shifters while black dogs rise above such silliness. It harkens back to vampire’s ancient origins while becoming its own monster. It’s thrilling, inventive, and so sensible, you think, “Why hadn’t I (or anyone else) thought of that before?”
There are rules and hierarchy, but nobody just rolls over. This isn’t about only one rebel or rare case. They are molded but not defined by their world. Despite culture, they find ways to thrive. This realistic inclusion is too often forgone in order to create special snowflake protagonists and highlight injustice, which instead rings hollow. It doesn’t simply make characters pop, it turns their setting from a stage into a globe.
The part I don’t grok is, why can’t boys be Pure? Girls can be black dogs after all. Restricting sex unilaterally on the magic spectrum seems absurd and unfair. This smacks of “males are animals who can’t control themselves” toxic masculinity and reinforcing purity culture’s double standard. Not to mention supporting gender binary thinking by sweeping everyone who doesn’t identify with those categories under the rug. Ugh.
Unfortunately, werewolves’ culture stays patriarchal while everything else evolves beyond genre standards. Having a Pure boy would’ve kept its theme and really push boundaries. It’d go from original to revolutionary. If the genetics have to stay the same, never forget trans* people exist and read2. Besides this bog-standard facet, everything in Black Dog is worth raving about.
1 If you’re wondering, I only disagree with Bones, Books & Buffy’s review on a couple minor points. One, I love all the “talky scenes” profusely. I’d gladly read more of them without life-or-death action. Two, there's no stolen kiss(es) between Natividad and Ezekiel. Believe me, my inner fangirl would’ve freaked out and highlighted the entire section if they did. He gets close, and touches her face, but that’s it.
As a fellow feminist, I wasn’t thrilled about Natividad’s mandatory child marriage either. Thankfully, after posturing (hey, beautiful etc.) when first introduced, they treat her like a person, rather than filet mignon. At least, she’s doing the choosing and not simply taken nor becoming an incubator. Of course, I didn’t find Grayson’s interactions with Natividad problematic with romantic undertones and never thought they’d end up together, so your mileage may vary.
The “father protecting his princess”—hello again, purity culture!—pack nature was more irritating because that’s when she became a commodity without voice or agency. Obviously, not a fan of such ideologies but I honestly can’t imagine Black Dog working differently. It’s still worthwhile talking about because it extracts harmful cultural aspects and makes them seem valid. What we consume affects us, especially young adults (aka its target audience), so pointing out its problematic nature is important. Especially when living in Twilight’s wake.
2 A werewolf novel with a trans* woman who's best friends with the protagonist, I suggest the Mystwalker series by Leigh Evans. But it is not the best, the protagonist could definitely be a better ally to say the least.
moirwyn's review
5.0
I received a electronic copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2014/02/25/black-dog-rachel-neumeier/
House of Shadows by Rachel Neumeir was one of my favorite books of 2012, so when I saw that she was releasing a new book this year, I was excited to read it. In preparation for Black Dog’s release, the author was kind enough to write a guest post for my blog. If you haven’t read it yet, check it out.
Rachel Neumeier’s latest young adult novel, Black Dog, presents a stunning new take on werewolf legends. The story is set in a world where vampires once used their powers to keep humans from knowing that any magical creatures exist. However, when the vampires are defeated by the werewolves (known in the book as “black dogs” to distance them from many werewolf stereotypes), mankind became aware that they were not alone, and even now they’re skeptical about letting the werewolves anywhere near them.
Natividad, the protagonist, is Pure. The Pure have a type of magic that allows them to help tame the werewolves’ magic, which is a big part of why the werewolves can now band together and live in groups. Normally that would be impossible because their territorial instincts would get in the way, and even with the Pure’s influence, working as a group is not the werewolves’ forte. Werewolf society is an interesting place that comes with its own set of social rules, including a well-defined hierarchy of subordination. Fights for dominance are common, and if a new werewolf wins, it can change the dynamic of the entire group.
Natividad and her two brothers, Miguel (a human) and Alejandro (a werewolf) travel north from Mexico after their parents are murdered. The three of them seek out the Dimiloc clan of werewolves, because their father had spoken highly of Dimiloc in the past. The three use everything in their power to convince the Dimiloc to let them stay. Natividad uses the fact that she is old enough to bear children as a bargaining chip, and I was surprised and impressed by both her bravery and her willingness to use every asset available to her to ensure her and her brothers’ survival. Even though she uses her sexuality when negotiating with Dimiloc, she sets very clear limits, agreeing to pursue a relationship and bear children with only one of the clan members (of her choice), and then only after her sixteenth birthday. Now, in any other YA novel, this would be the major plot of the book, and there would be a love triangle, and yada yada yada, but no. You see, the werewolves behind their parents’ death followed them to Dimiloc, and they seem to have an uncanny strength that could only come from vampire magic. Natividad has to make sure that the werewolves cooperate with each other and use every tool available to them to survive, even if it’s contrary to their own instincts. It means introducing a new way of thinking to a clan whose very survival in the past had hinged on resistance to change.
I started reading Black Dog on my way home from work one night and couldn’t put it down. My boyfriend was trying to have a conversation with me and I was just like “But… but… but the werewolves! I need to know what happens to the werewolves!” It’s one of those books where you become so wrapped up in the story that you want to put reality on hold until you finish it. I loved the book, and would highly recommend it.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2014/02/25/black-dog-rachel-neumeier/
House of Shadows by Rachel Neumeir was one of my favorite books of 2012, so when I saw that she was releasing a new book this year, I was excited to read it. In preparation for Black Dog’s release, the author was kind enough to write a guest post for my blog. If you haven’t read it yet, check it out.
Rachel Neumeier’s latest young adult novel, Black Dog, presents a stunning new take on werewolf legends. The story is set in a world where vampires once used their powers to keep humans from knowing that any magical creatures exist. However, when the vampires are defeated by the werewolves (known in the book as “black dogs” to distance them from many werewolf stereotypes), mankind became aware that they were not alone, and even now they’re skeptical about letting the werewolves anywhere near them.
Natividad, the protagonist, is Pure. The Pure have a type of magic that allows them to help tame the werewolves’ magic, which is a big part of why the werewolves can now band together and live in groups. Normally that would be impossible because their territorial instincts would get in the way, and even with the Pure’s influence, working as a group is not the werewolves’ forte. Werewolf society is an interesting place that comes with its own set of social rules, including a well-defined hierarchy of subordination. Fights for dominance are common, and if a new werewolf wins, it can change the dynamic of the entire group.
Natividad and her two brothers, Miguel (a human) and Alejandro (a werewolf) travel north from Mexico after their parents are murdered. The three of them seek out the Dimiloc clan of werewolves, because their father had spoken highly of Dimiloc in the past. The three use everything in their power to convince the Dimiloc to let them stay. Natividad uses the fact that she is old enough to bear children as a bargaining chip, and I was surprised and impressed by both her bravery and her willingness to use every asset available to her to ensure her and her brothers’ survival. Even though she uses her sexuality when negotiating with Dimiloc, she sets very clear limits, agreeing to pursue a relationship and bear children with only one of the clan members (of her choice), and then only after her sixteenth birthday. Now, in any other YA novel, this would be the major plot of the book, and there would be a love triangle, and yada yada yada, but no. You see, the werewolves behind their parents’ death followed them to Dimiloc, and they seem to have an uncanny strength that could only come from vampire magic. Natividad has to make sure that the werewolves cooperate with each other and use every tool available to them to survive, even if it’s contrary to their own instincts. It means introducing a new way of thinking to a clan whose very survival in the past had hinged on resistance to change.
I started reading Black Dog on my way home from work one night and couldn’t put it down. My boyfriend was trying to have a conversation with me and I was just like “But… but… but the werewolves! I need to know what happens to the werewolves!” It’s one of those books where you become so wrapped up in the story that you want to put reality on hold until you finish it. I loved the book, and would highly recommend it.
katleap's review
4.0
4.5 stars
Natividad, her twin, Miguel, and their older brother Alejandro (who is a black dog aka shadow werewolf) are on the run across the continental US from Mexico, where an evil black dog attacked and killed their parents, along with all their relatives and their entire village. They barely make it before the bad guys attack in force again. Then the three have to fight alongside black dogs they barely trust, while everyone tries to figure out why this attack, and Natividad works to remember magic that her mother taught her, which might save everyone.
I really liked that the protagonists are not white. I end up kind of picky sometimes because it feels forced but this felt right and it fit. It's interesting watching Natividad and Alejandro, the swapping POVs, try to come to terms with all the changes in their lives, protect their siblings, master their skills, and work to find a place to call home. Plus fifteen-year-old Natividad being the focus of a whole lot of scary black dogs, and there is a Saudi female black dog who challenges the males with high-octane insouciance, plus her sister.
I really really hope that there is another book because it will be interesting to see developments in both the relationships and the pack dynamics.
Natividad, her twin, Miguel, and their older brother Alejandro (who is a black dog aka shadow werewolf) are on the run across the continental US from Mexico, where an evil black dog attacked and killed their parents, along with all their relatives and their entire village. They barely make it before the bad guys attack in force again. Then the three have to fight alongside black dogs they barely trust, while everyone tries to figure out why this attack, and Natividad works to remember magic that her mother taught her, which might save everyone.
I really liked that the protagonists are not white. I end up kind of picky sometimes because it feels forced but this felt right and it fit. It's interesting watching Natividad and Alejandro, the swapping POVs, try to come to terms with all the changes in their lives, protect their siblings, master their skills, and work to find a place to call home. Plus fifteen-year-old Natividad being the focus of a whole lot of scary black dogs, and there is a Saudi female black dog who challenges the males with high-octane insouciance, plus her sister.
I really really hope that there is another book because it will be interesting to see developments in both the relationships and the pack dynamics.
kblincoln's review
4.0
4.5 stars, actually.
Oh, this was a nice surprise of a book. I have to say the cover didn't at first make me think this book would be to my taste. It seemed to imply a rather more run-of-the-mill fantasy. What I got instead was a sometimes-lyrical, sometimes harrowing, always interesting urban fantasy.
The world is recovering from the revelation that vampires have been using magic to fool humans forever. Vampires and humans and vampires and black dogs (this book's version of the werewolf, which in some ways follows all the tropes of the shadow dog-self needing to be controlled and exhibiting dominance behavior and in other ways is completely unique to this book in the sense that the shadow seems almost hellish and can do things like "carry away wounds" if the black dog shifts to human) have been warring and the vampires lost.
Enter our trio of main characters: Natividad, Miguel, and Alejandro Toland. They grew up isolated by their Pure mother (a kind of witch) and Black Dog father in Mexico. But a Black dog enemy of their father found them and killed their parents.
Now they're forced to seek uncertain sanctuary with the Master of the North American Black Dogs, the group of Black Dogs that are "civilized" (aren't strays that run around basically killing anybody they can.)
Despite the territorial issues Alejandro faces as a Black Dog himself, the siblings think the Master will accept them because of Natividad, who is valuable as wielder of Pure magic, able to ward and pacify the Black Dogs. And their brother Miguel, who is human, but who is forging a new identity for himself as not just a servant to the others, but as a valuable contributor in his own right.
Spanish phrases are peppered through the narrative in a not-too overly conscious and understandable way. Natividad and Alejandro's alternating POV were done deftly enough that I didn't mind splitting my time between the two. The lyrical descriptions of the endless cold and Vermont snow from the Mexican siblings' point of view accentuated the grief and loneliness they three feel in a perfect way.
I enjoy urban fantasy/paranormal books like this that have interesting characters (and the three siblings are interesting plus the North american Black Dog Master and executioner are as dominant and angsty as a girl could wish) that are navigating their world of dominance, angst, and power in a way that reveals truths about humans and loyalty and love. This book does it. In the emphasis on the characters' thinking about every move in the context of who it may or may not anger it reminded me of Rhiannon Held's Silver.
I couldn't find mention of a sequel, which is a shame, but I would definitely read one if the author wrote it.
Oh, this was a nice surprise of a book. I have to say the cover didn't at first make me think this book would be to my taste. It seemed to imply a rather more run-of-the-mill fantasy. What I got instead was a sometimes-lyrical, sometimes harrowing, always interesting urban fantasy.
The world is recovering from the revelation that vampires have been using magic to fool humans forever. Vampires and humans and vampires and black dogs (this book's version of the werewolf, which in some ways follows all the tropes of the shadow dog-self needing to be controlled and exhibiting dominance behavior and in other ways is completely unique to this book in the sense that the shadow seems almost hellish and can do things like "carry away wounds" if the black dog shifts to human) have been warring and the vampires lost.
Enter our trio of main characters: Natividad, Miguel, and Alejandro Toland. They grew up isolated by their Pure mother (a kind of witch) and Black Dog father in Mexico. But a Black dog enemy of their father found them and killed their parents.
Now they're forced to seek uncertain sanctuary with the Master of the North American Black Dogs, the group of Black Dogs that are "civilized" (aren't strays that run around basically killing anybody they can.)
Despite the territorial issues Alejandro faces as a Black Dog himself, the siblings think the Master will accept them because of Natividad, who is valuable as wielder of Pure magic, able to ward and pacify the Black Dogs. And their brother Miguel, who is human, but who is forging a new identity for himself as not just a servant to the others, but as a valuable contributor in his own right.
Spanish phrases are peppered through the narrative in a not-too overly conscious and understandable way. Natividad and Alejandro's alternating POV were done deftly enough that I didn't mind splitting my time between the two. The lyrical descriptions of the endless cold and Vermont snow from the Mexican siblings' point of view accentuated the grief and loneliness they three feel in a perfect way.
I enjoy urban fantasy/paranormal books like this that have interesting characters (and the three siblings are interesting plus the North american Black Dog Master and executioner are as dominant and angsty as a girl could wish) that are navigating their world of dominance, angst, and power in a way that reveals truths about humans and loyalty and love. This book does it. In the emphasis on the characters' thinking about every move in the context of who it may or may not anger it reminded me of Rhiannon Held's Silver.
I couldn't find mention of a sequel, which is a shame, but I would definitely read one if the author wrote it.
jessfm's review
4.0
Okay,i will try to do this, so uhn don't shoot me if i am not as eloquent as i thought i should be, please.
Well, the book is really interesting, it has one of the most strong sibling relatioships i've read, and i like it a lot. There is a lot of action, that i found was really well described and engaging. The world building is different from everything i've read before and i found it innovative, there is a lot of strong points to it, specially the way Rachel Neumeier has of putting you in her characters shoes and feeling and living and breathing the world and emotions.
There is very little "romance" per se, and here i am at a loss of words to describe what there actually is, i am a little disturbed by how young the girl character is (15 years old), and it has a lot of veiled sexual tension as well, the problem being that the other side of the equation is way older than i thought it should (varying from 21 years old to more), but really, when i've read at the end that the book was supposed to be adult it made a lot more sense, it still doesn't read as young adult to me, let's be real, a 15 year old is no innocent child and is full of hormones, the disturbing part being the attention the adults gave to the girl, although in a way it makes sense considering all the world building and the almost medieval regress the world seems to be in.
Anyway, i think there is a high possibility of this being the beginning of a series and i was ammused and interested enough to read the next ones, wich i am hoping will deal with all the questions left
Well, the book is really interesting, it has one of the most strong sibling relatioships i've read, and i like it a lot. There is a lot of action, that i found was really well described and engaging. The world building is different from everything i've read before and i found it innovative, there is a lot of strong points to it, specially the way Rachel Neumeier has of putting you in her characters shoes and feeling and living and breathing the world and emotions.
There is very little "romance" per se, and here i am at a loss of words to describe what there actually is, i am a little disturbed by how young the girl character is (15 years old), and it has a lot of veiled sexual tension as well, the problem being that the other side of the equation is way older than i thought it should (varying from 21 years old to more), but really, when i've read at the end that the book was supposed to be adult it made a lot more sense, it still doesn't read as young adult to me, let's be real, a 15 year old is no innocent child and is full of hormones, the disturbing part being the attention the adults gave to the girl, although in a way it makes sense considering all the world building and the almost medieval regress the world seems to be in.
Anyway, i think there is a high possibility of this being the beginning of a series and i was ammused and interested enough to read the next ones, wich i am hoping will deal with all the questions left
cornflower's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0