“Ashe, no matter how hard he tried, couldn’t produce a single scale, feather, talon or patch of fur.”
In the paranormal community of Cloud Chief, Oklahoma, twelve-year-old Ashe Evans is a failure. Born to a shapeshifting mother and a vampire father, he should be passing his Transformational Arts classes easily. Sadly, Ashe can’t seem to become anything other than himself. Principal Billings, a werewolf, is threatening to send Ashe to a human school if he doesn’t transform soon. Ashe’s personal troubles are soon forgotten when a seventeen-year-old werewolf is found dead behind his rural home. Someone is killing those with ties to the human world and Ashe finds himself a target. Will he solve the mystery of the murders or will he become the killer’s latest victim?
As I’ve previously commented, I don’t do young adult novels. Now, you can call me a liar. As a part of my interview with Connie Suttle, she sent me an ARC of Bumble, the first in her young adult series, Legend of the Ir’ Indicti, to review. She kindly asked me to make note of any typos, misspellings, etc. Well, I couldn’t do that for her because I was so caught up in the story that I wasn’t paying attention to if it said, “wierd” or “weird” (just an example by the way). Â
I had no idea I could become attached to a 12 almost 13 year old young man, excluding my own two boys when they were quite a bit younger. As with all of Connie’s novels I’ve read so far, I was captivated by the world and the characters. Ashe is just flat out lovable. He’s got all the angst of any other almost teenager plus the pressure of not being completely accepted. The local school Ashe attends to strictly for the “others” of their community. Ashe is the product of a vampire father and a shifter mother. In order to have the him, his parents used a fertility clinic which was able to include some characteristics of their race. Most of the kids in Ashe’s school have already found their other form. Unfortunately for Ashe, no matter how hard he tries, he can’t change into anything. Or can he? I’m not telling, you’ll have to find that out on your own.
Shifters, werewolves and even humans are being murdered and the community leaders are stumped. No clues or reasons for the murders can be found. Enter Ashe, his best friend, Sali and a small group of classmates who are frightened and concerned about what is happening. The adults don’t want to share any details or talk about the situation around the children. Well, we all know that doesn’t work. Children are flat out too curious for their own good. If you’ve read the Blood Destiny Series, you will recognize a few of the characters in Ashe’s story. It was very nice to revisit with some of my favorites from earlier books.
Now, from my view as a not reader of young adult novels. The story captivated me. I did find myself asking why the novel seemed a little less graphic. Duh! This book wasn’t written for a a older person who devours Urban Fantasy with kiss ass heroines. Once I got that through my thick head, I just sat back and enjoyed the story. It IS a wonderful story. While the writing style is slanted toward the young adult genre, the substance is not. The world and character building is complete and interesting.
I could actually see my two boys, nieces and nephews reading and enjoying this book. They are all a little past young adult and I am way past but the story just draws you in and keeps you there. There are various twists and turns that work extremely well to keep you wondering and entertained. Having read nothing to compare with this work, I just have to say, take a chance and read it. I’m pretty sure you will like it.
Connie and I know each other through various emails, blog and twitter posts but by no means are we best friends. I greatly admire her work in the Blood Destiny Series and want all the readers to know this up front. However, in all my reviews I try to be as objective as possible. Take that as you will. My rating is my own opinion. I will definitely continue reading this series. It’s a keeper for me.
4 Stars
LINK TO DOWNLOAD BUMBLE – COMING SOON!!!
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