Men of the Otherworld

Customer Reviews

• Bring On the Men  Feb 4, 2009 (37 of 37 found this helpful)

  While female narrators have generally dominated Kelley Armstrong's addictive Women of the Otherworld series, long time readers have often wished/clamored/begged for an opportunity to hear tales told from the perspective of the Otherworld's strong cast of leading men. Never one to deny her readers, Armstrong obliged, offering up a series of free online novellas narrated by some of her most intriguing male characters.
  
  'Men of the Otherworld' is a beautifully bound collection of these stories. Two novellas, 'Savage' and 'Ascension' chronicle Jeremy Danvers' perilous rise to the Alpha throne seen through the eyes of his adopted son, Clayton. Clay, a misanthrope whose wit, and delightful moral ambiguity have made him a popular fan favorite since his first appearance in 'Bitten', provides readers with a unique insider's look at Pack life. It's interesting to hear his narrative voice change as he matures from a feral bitten child into an intelligent young man eager to embrace his role as Jeremy's best and most feared enforcer.
  
  Two short stories bookend the novellas. 'Infusion' teases readers with its hints at Jeremy's true parentage, while 'Kitsunegari' actually reveals who, or more appropriately what, Jeremy's mother was before she met her violent and untimely end.
  
  These stories are a real treat, and since all the proceeds from the sale of this book benefit the World Literacy of Canada, it is truly a guiltless pleasure.

• One of her best books to date!  Mar 26, 2009 (6 of 6 found this helpful)

  Even though part of this book is also on Kelley's website as small "web stories" she has added a LOT of new material to this book.
  I started reading this a few days ago and haven't been able to put it down! AND i've been laughing throughout the book b/c of Clay's thoughts when he was a child!! (priceless!!!)
  This book is about the Men of the Wolf Pack. It gives in depth detail about Jeremy and Clay along w/ the older men in the Pack. It follows the men from the birth of Jeremy, the discovery of Clay, the "house breaking" of Clay, the first meeting of Clay w/ the Pack, the first fight that Clay has, etc. It's great history for fans that love the stories about the Pack.
  I've been enjoying this book immensely and I can't wait for her next book about Elena & Clay which should come out in Nov. of this year!

• terrific urban fantasy anthology  Feb 3, 2009 (9 of 11 found this helpful)

  "Infusion". In 1946 in New York City the Japanese bar maid abetted by two other sorceresses seduced Malcolm Danvers, who to his chagrin wanted her in spite of loathing the race following the war. He knows she is pregnant and watches her stomach grow. He hunts her and kills her. When he goes to kill their half-breed offspring, his crippled father Edward, who he scorns for failing to become the Alpha as expected of a Danvers, demands he bring his half-breed abomination to the Pack to be raised by them; they call him Jeremy.
  
  "Savage". In 1967 in Baton Rouge, the six year old child watched from the trees the adult change. He decided he wanted that skill too so balckmails the wolf by insisting he will not tell the secret into biting him. However, no one was there to mentor Clayton with the change until Jeremy took him under his wing two years after the bite. As Clayton learns to control his nature, Pack member Malcolm resents him for becoming Jeremy's favorite.
  
  "Kitsunegari". In 2007 Jeremy has become the American Pack leader. He is wating for his Jaime to finish work when he meets a fox spirit, who insists she is for him as befitting the last Kogitsune while trying to seduce him.
  
  Following up to her wonderful Women of the Otherworld saga (see LIVING WITH THE DEAD and PERSONAL DEMON), Kelly Armstrong provides fascinating tales of the males of the American Pack. Within "Infusion" and "Savage", there is insight into other male werewolves, which gives the collection a sort of anecdotal feel yet still focuses on the prime characters as described above. Ms. Armstrong once again provides a terrific urban fantasy anthology with this werewolves in New York compilation.
  
  Harriet Klausner
  

• Entertaining...  Feb 24, 2009 (3 of 3 found this helpful)

  Clayton was six when he receives the bite that will turn him into a werewolf. He does his best to survive on his own but he is soon taken in by Jeremy and this man teaches Clay how to straddle the human world and the world of the Pack. Clayton soon grows from child to teen challenging his mentor at every turn, as he tries to find his place not only within the pack but within himself as well. He does this while learning the intricacies of controlling not only his animal instincts but also navigating Pack politics. Claytons' journey is a long one but he learns who he is and who he can count on.
  
  This is really a coming of age story for Clayton but it includes several other characters, notably Malcolm. This was an entertaining read and fans of this series will no doubt find it a worthy addition to the previous titles. Ms. Armstrong has a lively imagination and brings her otherworld world to dramatic life.
  

• Let's hear it for the men!  Oct 3, 2009 (2 of 2 found this helpful)

  What I loved most about this book was hearing the men's point of view. Most of Kelly's work is from the female POV so this was really an interesting change. This book is broken up in short story and novela forms. From what I understand several of the short stories have appeared on her website, but I had not read them there so all of the work was new for me. The book does not seem choppy though as they all flow together nicely. We learn about Edward, Malcolm, Jeremy, and Clay. If you follow the series this information is invaluable. It will help you understand the behaviors of Jeremy and Clay as you see how they were raised and where they came from.
  
  I won't summarize the plot line as many have already done that. I was surprised to find that a werewolf pack is almost completely a man's world. Jeremy and Clay were both raised with little to no female influence. I learned more about Clay in this book than any of the books with him and Elena. I was touched by how much he loves Jeremy and and now understand why his loyalty is absolute. It was so interesting to learn about Clay's early life. Housebreaking that boy was not an easy task! Clay was very lucky to have Jeremy as a father figure, Jeremy wasn't so lucky having Malcolm. Malcolm is unapologetically evil and tried very hard to corrupt Clay. Had Clay not been so devoted to Jeremy he might have succeeded.
  
  You won't want to miss the latest installment in Kelly Armstrong's fascinating series. It is a well written tale that kept me enthralled from beginning to end.