Linger

Children's Literature This sequel to Shiver begins with young lovers Sam and Grace. Having spent many years as a werewolf, Sam is now back working at the bookstore and spending as much time as possible with girlfriend Grace. But lurking in the background is Cole St. Clair, one of the new wolves Beck created to help protect and care for the wolves in his absence. As dedicated readers know, young wolves are very unstable and Cole is no exception to that rule. As Cole struggles to remain a wolf, a decision he had made willingly, he becomes entangled with Isabel Culpepper, who lost her brother tragically in the same desperate attempt that allows Sam to remain human. The two are equally drawn toward each other and repulsed by each other's attitudes and expectations. In many ways this is the story of Cole and Isabel, but Sam and Grace are not living happily ever after. Grace is unwell, her parents have suddenly taken a controlling interest in her time and well being, and Sam is left to deal not only with Cole but also with the uncomfortable situation at Grace's house. This novel explores and develops the relationships among and between the two pairs. Like Shiver, this is a real page turner. These werewolves are not supernatural and the scientific normalcy of being a wolf provides a fascinating turn of events. Although there is enough detail given for the story to stand on its own, it really is best read after reading Shiver; doing so adds another rich dimension to the story of Grace and Sam. Reviewer: Janis Flint-Ferguson