Gigi's Company discussion

Please post comments and discussion here for the May '10 Book of the Month:

Tempting Danger (World of the Lupi, Book 1) by Eileen Wilks

Completed the prequel to Tempting Danger, the novella "Only Human" in the anthology Lover Beware. Absolutely smashing start to a new series. Loved Lily, Rule, and the entire World of the Lupi. Can't wait to get started with Tempting Danger, the first book in the series.

Just an FYI for our members. I have started Tempting Danger, Book 1, World of the Lupi, and it is an expanded version of the story "Only Human." There isn't a need to read the short story in the anthology Lover Beware before starting Book 1.

Despite the fact that I knew the basic outline of Tempting Danger because I had read the novella "Only Human," I found this book riveting. I am so glad to have discovered this series. All Lupi are male, mate with human women, and pass on their ability to shift into wolves to their male offspring. Their daughters are human like their mothers. This story is set in a world in which magic exists, but magical beings have less than full citizenship. The Lupi are supporting the Species Citizenship Bill that would grant full rights to their people whether on two or four legs. This position has risen the hackles of various creatures and some humans and there is a threat to clan Nokolai, Rule's people.

Lily is a homicide detective with the San Diego Police Department and Rule is a suspect in a case to which she has been assigned. Lily doesn't initially realize is that she is Rule's Chosen mate. Eventually Lily comes to realize that Rule is not the killer, and by the novel's end, she starts down the path of accepting her role as Rule's mate.

I am giving this one five stars and stongly recommending this book to anyone who likes urban fantasy.

Finished "Originally Human," World of the Lupi, #1.5 by Eileen Wilks from the anthology Cravings. Completely original story set in same world as Tempting Danger. Cullen Seaborne from the first book makes a brief appearance. Just loved this story and hope we see Molly and Michael in a future Lupi book. Takes curling up with a good book to an entirely new level.

Completed Mortal Danger, Book 2, World of the Lupi. Another fascinating volume of a world in which magic is a part of daily life. Lily Yu is now a member of the the FBI's Magical Crimes Division and is assigned her first big case. Philip Harlowe and the Church of the Aza have returned and blame Lily for their failures in the first book. A body of a young woman who died through magical means is discovered with a message, "For Yu." Lily's relationship continues to evolve with Rule Turner while her relationship with her mother seems to have fallen apart for the time being. We also see the introduction of a new character, FBI Agent Cynna Weaver, who is a former paramour of Rule's. Sparks between Cynna and Cullen Seaborne fly from their first meeting. We also meet Hannah, the Rhej, keeper of the Clan Nokolai's memories. Very satisfying book and a great continuation to a new series. I am giving this one five stars.

Sounds really good, Kathleen. I ordered my copy of Tempting Danger on Friday, so I should have it by this Friday. I'm hoping to read it before the end of the month.

In Blood Lines, World of the Lupi, Book 3, global waves of magical wind herald that magic is returning to our dimension. The resulting havoc affects people and technological systems. Shortly after the first magical wave the heirs of five werewolf clans are attacked including Rule Turner. Rule survives, but three of the heirs weren't as lucky as well as a young Leidolf werewolf who attempted to aid Rule.

In this volume of the World of the Lupi, the reader learns a lot more about clan politics, Rule's familial connections, Dizzies, demons, and demon masters. Grandmother Yu is back and is as delightful as ever. Even Sam the Dragon makes an appearance. Cullen and Cynna's relationship progresses to the next level, and there is a threat to Toby, Rule's son.

Riveting read that will keep you turning pages late into the night. All of the mysteries are very satisfactorily resolved, but the plot remains open for future books. I gave this one five stars.

I just added Cravings, Mortal Danger and Blood Lines to my Must-Order shelf. Thanks, Kathleen!

I completed "Inhuman," World of the Lupi #3.5, by Eileen Wilks, in the anthology On the Prowl. This story introduced Kai and Nathan whose story will continue in Night Season, World of the Lupi, Book 4. Story dragged a little until the introduction of Nathan near the start of Chapter 2, after that this story was a fast-paced page turner about a magical serial killer. Nathan is truly "man's" best friend, and a very special hero. Really looking forward to reading the rest of their story in Night Season as well as catching up with Cynna, Cullen, Rule, Lily, and, of course, Grandmother Yu!! I gave "Inhuman" five stars.

Each book that I read in the World of the Lupi series just gets better and better. Night Season, Book 4, centered on Cynna Weaver and Cullen Seaborne and mostly takes place in the realm of Edge which has a Night Season that lasts several weeks, a Dawning that lasts a few days, and a Day Season that lasts several weeks in turn. Cynna, Cullen, and an assortment of others, including Gan and Steve Timms, are on a quest for a magical medallion that in the wrong hands drives the possessor mad and could disrupt the seasons and destroy the order in Edge. They encounter all sorts of threats, and challenges, including nefarious evil-doers and otherworldly creatures, in a stellar action-packed fantasy romance.

No spoilers, but Cynna and Cullen's relationship continue to progress nicely. No appearances by Grandmother Yu or Sam the Dragon, but we meet a new dragon named Mika and someone from Cynna's past. Masterful tale fully deserving five stars.

Completed the novella "Human Nature," Lupi, #4.5, in the anthology Inked. Human Nature concerns what's happening to Lily and Rule simultaneously while Cynna, Cullen, and the others are in the realm called Edge in the previous Lupi book, Night Season (#4). A childhood friend of Rule's has been murdered. Rule asks Lily to look into the case because the local sheriff dislikes lupi and has already accused another lupus with little investigation completed. Lily, as a member of Unit Twelve of the FBI's Magical Crimes Division, cannot investigate a local police case unless she can prove that magical means were involved in the homicide. Lots of twists, new characters who I think we will see again, and more progress in Lily and Rule's relationship. Excellent story!!

I finally have my copy of Tempting Danger. I hope I can fit it in sometime in July. If not, it may be August before I get the chance to read it.

In Mortal Sins, World of the Lupi, Book 5, by Eileen Wilks, Lily Yu, Special Agent with Unit Twelve of the FBI's Magical Crimes Division is in North Carolina with her mate, Nokolai Clan "prince" Rule Turner to seek custody of Rule's son, Toby. Toby lives with his maternal grandmother, but after a recent accident to the older lady, Toby's grandmother agrees that Rule's son would be better off with his father. On an early morning run in wolf form, Rule discovers the graves of a woman and two children that reek of death magic. Lily and Rule are soon engrossed in another mystery amid conflicts with local law enforcement. The body count is increased when a magical attack is directed against Lily and Toby. Additionally, shortly before the custody hearing, Toby's mother shows up in North Carolina with her own agenda.

Fantastic addition to the World of the Lupi series. I enjoyed meeting Toby's grandmother and would love to have her visit Clanhome in San Diego in a future book. Absorbing mystery, lots of twists, engaging characters, personal and professional challenges for Lily and Rule, and what a surprise Rule has for Lily at the conclusion to this story. Another five star hit for Eileen Wilks!!!!!

Blood Magic, World of the Lupi, Book 6, by by Eileen Wilks, begins with Lily Yu, Special Agent with Unit Twelve of the FBI's Magical Crimes Division, hosting Cynna Weaver's baby shower at Clanhome while Rule is hosting, along with his father, Nokolai Rho, Isen Turner, and Hannah, the Nokolai Rhej, a "baby party" for Cullen Seaborne. A "baby party" is a tradional lupus event for expectant fathers which involves eating copious amounts of food and stuffing money in a jar to assist the expectant father with expenses for the baby. As Cullen and Cynna speak to the guests, Cullen falls to ground. He has been knifed to the heart by an unseen assailant in the midst of his clan. Isen declares this to be an offense against the clan and "the Lady," the goddess-like Old One who Lupi credit with their creation, declares war for this offense and other acts that take place in the course of this story.

I inhaled this story in hours, not days. Almost all of my favorite characters were in this story: Lily and Rule, Cynna and Cullen, Isen, Benedict, Toby, the Rhej, Grandmother Yu, Sam the Dragon, Lily's family--including her mother, Ruben Brooks--head of Unit Twelve, Ida--Ruben's scary secretary, Leidolf and Nokolai wolves, Max the Gnome -- what a great read!! Masterful plot (no spoilers), engaging characters, a 5-star must read for urban fantasy buffs!!

The more I read your inputs/reviews on this series, Kathleen, the more anxious I get to read it! I'm definitely going to have to carve out time!!!

Currently reading Tempting Danger, and I'm finding I'm having a hard time putting it down. I'm loving it! I love the "different" sort of world that Wilks created for her characters.

The other stories in the series are even better because world building only needs tweaking here and there.

I finished it, and loved it! Now I have to get the rest, including the novellas, LOL!

Reading the novellas is important as these stories reveal critical details as the story of the Lupi is revealed.

Thanks, Kathleen! Unfortunately, my local Coles doesn't carry any of them in stock, so I've got some ordering to do, LOL!

Riveting is a weak word to describe Blood Challenge (World of the Lupi, Book 7). This book may end up being one of the best paranormal romances of this year. Yes, it really is that good. Lots of fallout because of the surprise that Rule had for Lily at the end of book five. Additionally, new threats that include an assassination attempt, and potions to induce physical afflictions and temporary madness.

Lovely, sensitive, touching subplot in which Benedict becomes the first person in memory to be granted a second Chosen. His first Chosen, Claire, died many years before. His charming new Chosen, Arjenie Fox, is part-Sidhe and an FBI researcher who is known to both Lily and Cynna. Other developments include a meeting that becomes a betrayal during which a Challenge to Nokolai is issued. Also, Cynna delivers her baby and an ancient prophecy is revealed.

Each book in the Lupi series outdoes its predecessors. I don't have a word of criticism and would strongly urge anyone who enjoys urban fantasy or paranormal romance to check out this series. However, read the books and novellas in order. Many of the characters evolve and mature as the series continues and you would only be confused if you jumped around. Additionally, many of the later books, especially this one, contain spoilers about events that have already occurred. Five stars for an immensely satisfying read!

Thanks Kathleen! You've interested me enough to check this out.

You'll enjoy it. Start with Tempting Danger (World of the Lupi, Book 1). The first book is an expanded version of the .5 novella "Only Human." You can skip "Only Human" and you will not miss anything.