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A review by mad_about_books
Pack of Strays by Dana Cameron
5.0
I have a fascination with mythology and religion and find it difficult to separate the two. Both rely heavily on world building and the supernatural to convey the tenets of faith. Supernatural characters operate well only in an environment that can support that which makes them separate and other from the humans around them. By combining the world in which we live with tales from the past, Dana Cameron has built a world around Zoe Miller that is flexible enough for the story to proceed and plausible enough for readers to suspend disbelief and accept her world as presented. Religion famously demands suspension of disbelief calling it faith.
Fiction is most often meant to entertain; good fiction does far more than that. It informs our thinking about society. I read a lot of speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, horror… just to name a few). I find myself substituting a group under attack in the real world for the supernatural or preternatural creatures in the book. Think of FRANKENSTEIN where we all end up feeling sorry for the monster. Fiction allows the free thought that is so often constrained by societal inhibitions. Dana Cameron has captured the essence of providing that freedom to think about current affairs and society without restriction.
In PACK OF STRAYS there is a good story, page-turning action, and characters you can either love or hate. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the good guys from the bad; however, as the tale continues such conundrums do work themselves out. I absolutely enjoy Zoe Miller's archaeological foundation. I find myself remembering various documentaries and books I have read that deal with early civilizations. Along with the thought-provoking aspects, there is so much to enjoy.
Although PACK OF STRAYS picks up where SEVEN KINDS OF HELL ends, and it does give you the major high points of the first book, do yourself a favor and begin at the beginning. While you're at it, pick up the entire series and enjoy the binge.
Fiction is most often meant to entertain; good fiction does far more than that. It informs our thinking about society. I read a lot of speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, horror… just to name a few). I find myself substituting a group under attack in the real world for the supernatural or preternatural creatures in the book. Think of FRANKENSTEIN where we all end up feeling sorry for the monster. Fiction allows the free thought that is so often constrained by societal inhibitions. Dana Cameron has captured the essence of providing that freedom to think about current affairs and society without restriction.
In PACK OF STRAYS there is a good story, page-turning action, and characters you can either love or hate. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the good guys from the bad; however, as the tale continues such conundrums do work themselves out. I absolutely enjoy Zoe Miller's archaeological foundation. I find myself remembering various documentaries and books I have read that deal with early civilizations. Along with the thought-provoking aspects, there is so much to enjoy.
Although PACK OF STRAYS picks up where SEVEN KINDS OF HELL ends, and it does give you the major high points of the first book, do yourself a favor and begin at the beginning. While you're at it, pick up the entire series and enjoy the binge.