STRAY

Author: Rachel Vincent ISBN: 0778324214 6/2007 PARANORMAL Publisher: MIRA

THERE ARE ONLY EIGHT BREEDING FEMALE WERECATS LEFT... I look like an all-American grad student. But I am a werecat, a shape-shifter, and I live in two worlds. Despite reservations from my family and my Pride, I escaped the pressure to continue my species and carved out a normal life for myself. Until the night a Stray attacked. I'd been warned about Strays—werecats without a Pride, constantly on the lookout for someone like me: attractive, female and fertile. I fought him off, but then learned two of my fellow tabbies had disappeared. This brush with danger was all my Pride needed to summon me back... for my own protection. Yeah, right. But I'm no meek kitty. I'll take on whatever—and whoever—I have to in order to find my friends. Watch out, Strays—'cause I got claws, and I'm not afraid to use them...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I really enjoy the writing style of Rachel Vincent. Her first person perspective, dialogue, descriptions, and even her sound effects are phenomenal (I heard the noises, I swear it!). She reminds me of Handeland and Harrison, but has her own way with characters. Actually with the lead character in particular, although I could easily have smacked her a few times for being so tough and dumb, even though I rooted for her at the same time. What I do not quite get into is her subject matter. I know that sounds strange, but the Were-cat aspect of her book is not my favorite.

Anyway, as dumb and illogical as that sounds, since I love werewolves, vamps, and other shape shifters, I just cannot get into the kitty thing. But, despite that, I really like this book. I think Vincent has a hit on her hands and I wish her the best with it. Of course, I also want an advance copy of the next book she gets out.

So, even if you are allergic to cats (as I must be) you may still enjoy STRAY, too.

Shannon Johnson