The characters of Ancient Awakenings are back, with new paranormal support.  Rhodes End deputy Mel Petersen is still in love with Steve Zoriak who in turn continues to work on finding a formula to cure him of the DNA-mutated blood-craving disease he accidentally contracted.  Now, however, Steve has a new ally in his search:  Cole Benedict, Protector of the local pack of werewolves.  A scientist researching the curative power of herbs, Cole has similar reasons for hoping Steve will find a cure.  He’s fallen in love with Lily Alban, a newcomer to Rhodes End but he doesn’t dare allow himself to act on that love until he knows she’ll be safe as his mate.  Werewolf mates have a habit of not surviving and Steve doesn’t want to lose Lily before he’s really found her.

Escaping from a stalker who attacked her, Lily has made a new life for herself in Rhodes End as an animal control officer, caring for and finding homes for strays.  When several people are attacked by what is described as a very large dog, she’s called in, but Lily’ has seen the dog and believes it’s a wolf…there are two wolves, in fact, one who seems to be a protector and one who’s definitely out to kill.  One is Cole, though she doesn’t know it, but the other…a rogue and Cole and his pack are also hunting for him.  Lily has another problem…her stalker has followed her to Rhodes End…

MY JAUNDICED OPINION:  A long-awaited sequel.  It’s good to renew the acquaintance of old characters, although they are still caught in the throes of the same problems.  Unlike most sequels introducing new characters, this one has Steve and Mel still very prominent, playing almost as important roles as they did in Ancient Awakenings.  The new romance between Cole and Lily reflects the feelings between Steve and Mel, as does, in a way, Cole’s hunt for the rogue werewolf versus the sheriff’s search for Lily’s stalker.

This story is as well-written as its predecessor, with good characterization and enough backstory to fill new readers in on what’s happened before. It’s tense and entertaining and—without giving any spoilers—I’ll say there’s a bittersweet ending as well as an opening for more.

Ancient Blood is available from The Wild Rose Press.  www.thewildrosepress.com

This novel was supplied by the author and no remuneration

For more from Barbara Edwards, see her August 4 blog under “Vagabondage et Merveille”

To see the review of Ancient Awakenings, go to “Live Review” April 14, 2010.