Werecats Emergent by Mark J. Engels Book Review
- Tabitha Tomala
- 22 minutes ago
- 2 min read
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Werecats Emergent Book Review
Thank you to Mark J. Engels for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
On the ice, twins Pawley and Tommy are fierce hockey players. But before a big game, when an opposing team tries to take out the twins before a match, things go horribly sideways. Pawly’s werecat side emerges to defend her family and friends. Something that never should have happened. Now the family is left wondering how to sate Pawley’s violent urges and is keeping a watchful eye on Tommy for signs of a change.
Werecats Emergent takes on a scientific approach to a legacy of werecats. The twins' Uncle was convinced the genes would not activate in the twins. Yet fate would have it, they emerged at the worst time. Unprepared, Uncle Ritzi must pick up where his father’s research left off and try to find a way to help the twins control their werecat side. Those who enjoy diving into genetics and science will enjoy Ritzi’s point of view as he researches and creates formulas.
There are times when the characters are either in their human form or were form, and it is difficult to tell which. Hands and claws are used concurrently in the same section of the story. It is unclear if they are shifting between the two forms, or it is a misalignment with their own minds as to how they perceive their body. There are struggles with the younger protagonists of being in tune with their wilder side.
Pawly’s point of view really plays into the confusion and struggle. Though the use of the drug cartel and the tests she is put through are a bit at odds with the story. It seems there would be many people inadvertently involved in what takes place, leading to the twins not being as secretive as they should be. There are also story points added in without build up that seem to move the plot along, but not really mesh with the overall narrative.
That being said, the sibling relationship between Pawly and Tommy is well written. Their ability to learn from one another and at the same time be frustrated by one another is so accurate to siblings. They have each other's back and still dive into mischief, acting their age and taking risks that increase the tension.
Werecats Emergent is a fast-paced tale of family legacy and scientific development. This is a great mix of themes for those who enjoy urban fantasy and more of a sci-fi twist of gene therapy and manipulation.
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