Driven by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Otherworld Stories #13.6
Published by Subterranean Press
Published on: January 31, 2016
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Werewolves
Pages: 232
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Subterranean Press is pleased to present a long Otherworld novella by Kelley Armstrong, featuring a number of full-color illustrations by Xaviere Daumarie.
Cains are known for being big, brutish and not-too-bright. The mutt clan embodies all the supernatural world’s worst stereotypes about werewolves. But not even the Cains deserve to be hunted down and skinned like animals.
When young Davis Cain comes to the Pack for help, Alpha Elena Michaels can’t refuse him. It isn’t about morality or justice. It’s about not letting anyone think they can do this to werewolves and get away with it.
But Elena is also dealing with the Pack’s homegrown monster—Malcolm Danvers, onetime enforcer, full-time psycho. Malcolm is now under Elena’s control, as part of the most difficult decision she’s had to make as leader. But if she has to let Malcolm in, she’s going to make full use of him…and the best person to catch monsters is one who knows exactly how they think.
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Kelley Armstrong has a reputation for doing the unexpected, but in all of my years of following the OTHERWORLD STORIES I never would have guessed that Malcolm Danvers would be re-inducted into the American Pack. I genuinely thought that the probability of pigs flying was higher! DRIVEN begins with him meeting Elena in Bulgaria to discuss terms, ends with the unveiling of his true reason for rejoining, and there’s a kickass mutt hunt in-between.
This short takes place a couple of months after FORSAKEN, so because the two are closely intertwined it’s recommended that you read both. And, although the novella stands well enough on its own, newcomers will definitely miss out on the long running character histories. Malcolm didn’t become the nightmare of the werewolf world overnight, and in order to truly appreciate his level of depravity it’s important to start from ground zero.
Michaels is my favourite OTHERWORLD narrator, and I loved that she was this title’s lead. She’s getting more adept in her role as Alpha, and I really enjoyed how she handled Danvers senior. Wolves have a long life span, and the way the Pack is run has drastically changed since Malcolm was an enforcer, so it was fun watching him date himself, and I took real pleasure in the fact that his infamy was lost on the younger generation.
The Cain family needs no introduction because quite frankly they wrote the book on mutt bad behaviour. The plot surrounding the skinned weres was quite good, and I liked that Armstrong incorporated a few little bonuses that her rabid fans are sure to appreciate. Namely, the twins had a pretty awesome scene with Danvers, and Nick and Vanessa got a slice of a HEA which was nice. Davis also had one chapter from his POV—future Pack member?
I wolfed down DRIVEN in one gulp!
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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!
This is yet another series I need to catch up in, Carmel, but Elena is my favorite narrator in the series as well. Driven sounds absolutely outstanding! I love that Malcolm seems to get put in his place. That ought to be some fun. And I’m glad Armstrong did a good job with the mystery/plot. I will have to make it a priority to do some Otherworld reading! 🙂
I need to start this series as I have Bitten. I love watching the show on Syfy and so I know the book is got to be better and probably a lot different. 🙂
Stormi recently posted…The Week In Review #73
I also would’ve have expected Malcolm to ever join the pack again, but the way this story is written did make it believable and I liked how the author handled it. I think I missed a few short stories in between, but I could still follow the plto well enough. I was also glad Elena narrated this book, she’s one of my favourite characters too. Great review!
Lola recently posted…Review: Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis by Paula Berinstein
I seriously need to get more on the graphic novel train. I have read 2 of theirs and loved it!
I have not tried a graphic one 🙂
OMG! I’m so behind on this series and I love it. She does have a way of surprising you. Every time I hate a character in one book, then I love them in another. So, I can see her twisting me to inviting him back into the pack. Not that I would love him but maybe not hate him so much. LOL
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Tough Justice #4-6
I’m only 12.5 books behind. That’s not so bad…lol.
I love Clay and Elena. I have this on order from Subterranean Press. Can’t wait to get it. 🙂
Melanie recently posted…Review: Love at First Roar by Celia Kyle (@mlsimmons, @celiakyle)
Oooh! I didn’t know there was another novella coming out! *runs to Amazon*
Yet another series I really, really need to start, Carmel! I’m happy you enjoyed Driven so much, and it really inspired me to make sure the series is pushed way up on my TBR list 🙂
Have a terrific Tuesday and happy reading.
Lexxie recently posted…Review: Unconventional – Avery Aster
I seriously need to get these novellas in! I miss the Otherworld!
Tanya recently posted…Signed Mostly Magic Trade Paperback Giveaway @donnajunecooper
It’s always fantastic when an author can bring new life and surprises to a long going-on series and make it awesome!
Pili recently posted…Now And Again by Jennifer Ellision Blog Tour: Review & Interview!!
I love the Subterranean Press releases. They’re gorgeous and great additions to the series.
Karen @For What It’s Worth
Believe it or not… but I haven’t read any of Kelley Armstrong’s books, yet! I know, I need to! The Otherworld Stories have been on my TBR for ages! I must get to it and read her work!
Naomi recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday # 178 – Legend / Reign of Shadows