Title: Full Blooded
Series: Jessica McClain #1
Author: Amanda Carlson
Publisher: Orbit
Format: Paperback, 320 pages
Published: September 11, 2012
ASIN #: 0316205206 / 9780316205207
Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Copy: from author
After living in hiding for the last twenty-six years, Jessica wakes up to find she’s become a full-blooded werewolf — claws, fangs, fur, everything. It was never supposed to happen: female werewolves don’t exist.
When a mercenary killer comes looking for her, her Pack finds themselves caught in the middle of a war. They must rise up to protect her, but no one knows if she’s means the end of their race-or just a new beginning.
Watch out Amanda Carlson, I think I’m in love! I inhaled her debut book like my life depended on it. I haven’t read a werewolf novel this good since… since… probably my re-read of Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld books earlier this year. Seeing how her novels are the bar by which I measure all furry fiction, that’s saying something! Full Blooded‘s lore is unique and bewitching, her characters are dynamic and her wolves are howling-ly formidable. The action is unrelenting and the world building is so fluid that you don’t even realize its happening. Every page is better than the last and the ending pretty much guarantees that you’ll be reading Hot Blooded in 2013.
I enjoyed the premise behind this book. Jessica is the only female to have ever been born from a werewolf father but she doesn’t carry the shifter gene. She’s been making a life for herself as a private investigator living outside of the pack for a number of years now when all of a sudden, *poof*, she wolf’s out. Well… that was… unexpected! Her biggest dream and nightmare have come true. It’s a neat way for Amanda to introduce readers to her heroine and to her breed of werewolves at the same time. Even though Jessica’s father is alpha, she wasn’t raised as pack which means that this world is as new to her as it is to us readers. I enjoyed the learn-as-you-go way that this story unfolds.
Carlson’s mythology is fresh and exciting. She not only put a new spin on the genre but actually reinvented it; from the Cain legend, to the lycan twist to the inner workings of the pack. Each new discovery is better than the last. I was a little worried about the “only female werewolf” storyline because that’s a Kelley Armstrong trademark in my opinion but, Amanda took a completely different route than what I’d expected and really made this angle her own. Full Blooded is absolutely overflowing with werewolf excellence; every page reveals something new and interesting. I’ve definitely caught the Jessica McClain fever!
When I first met Jessica in Blooded it was insta-love. She’s loyal, courageous and a wicked savage fighter. I think that I might have a bit of a girl crush on her… In this book she handles herself beautifully in the face of the monster of a wake-up call that she just received. McClain takes everything in stride and behaves like you’d expect the daughter of a powerful alpha to. Jessica definitely knows how to make an entrance and her debut onto the Urban Fantasy scene will not go unnoticed.
Not to steal any of McClain’s thunder but the side characters in this book are equally as extraordinary. James is sex incarnate. I couldn’t stop drooling! Even though he’s not Jessica’s mate that doesn’t stop her from exploring his hot bod. Danny is fun, a great friend and will definitely make you crack a smile. More than once, I might add. Tyler is the brother that I wish I had and one of Jessica’s biggest supporters. I loved their alpha and father as well. He’s a formidable force and has his kids’ backs. Last but not least is Rourke. He puts an interesting spin on the age-old battle of dogs vs cats and I can’t wait to learn more about him.
Full Blooded is the first installment in what I predict to be the next big werewolf phenomenon. If you like being at the forefront of “the next big thing” then I’d advise you to read this one. Stat. One last thing before I wrap-up my review… OMG! OMG! OMG! SQUUUUUEEEEEE! (hey, I’m allowed one fan girl moment!).
  My Review |
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
So you changed to Disqus, let me know how you like it.
Anyways this was a great read. I am glad I read Blooded before reading Full Blooded because I think it really helped me understand Jessica better. The only thing I was super sad about is no more naked James time. lol He was just so freaking HOT!
Yup. The Blogger comments pissed me off hardcore this more so I was like THAT’S IT!! I’m waiting for the import to complete because I make my final decision.
I second you James sentiment, Amanda we need more naked time! LOL
OOh killer review! Been getting excited about this one as the reviews are trickling in! Everyone seems to get the Kelley Armstrong vibe from it and they are saying Jessica isn’t Elena, which sounds great because I loved Kelley’s series and do not mind at all reading a book with a similar plot thread–ie being that Jessica is the only female were!
And of course I admit my second attraction–beside it being a paranormal read–is that the heroine has an awesome name! 😉 I seriously think the last book I read with the heroine being named Jessica was my first vampire book! There have been other Jessicas but I don’t think they were the heroine!
Excellent review! Cannot wait to read this myself! Have the prequel but might wait to read that once I have Full Blooded to read afterwards!
Hehe I can’t say that I’ve ever read a book where the character’s name was Carmel. :p
I would strongly advise that you wait until you have Full Blooded before reading the novella otherwise you’ll be in a world of pain because of the wait!
Thanks so much for stopping by, I haven’t seen you around in a while. 🙂
Oh love your review! I agree with you this book was wonderful and I really can’t wait to have more now. And you’re right it’s one of the best werewolves book!
this sounds awesome . going on my wishlist . gr8 review
Glad to hear that you enjoyed it! 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
LOLOLOL! Nekked time will come…but…but…you’ll just have to wait and SEE!
Wow…OMG’s and Armstrong comparisons? I don’t think you could have possibly made this sound any better. I’m sold.
Good! Then that means that my review hit its mark!
But 2013 is so far away! The wait is already KILLING ME!!