Read this book. Really. Just read it.
Lowell Sencha enjoys a peaceful existence in a lush valley among others of his kind. The waer. Humans who can take the form of a wolf. But when Lowell discovers a near-dead girl on a riverbank near his home, and the Sencha family assume responsibility for her care, the valley’s tranquillity is shattered. The mysterious stranger has a past and the sinister blood-purist Daeman Leldh will stop at nothing to capture her. Lowell’s community is butchered, and he and Lycaea are lucky to escape the carnage. United in their desire for vengeance upon Daeman Leldh, the pair strike an uneasy alliance but their quest seems impossible. Defeating Daeman will cost them more than they can imagine, and victory is far from certain.
Waer is a beautifully written book. The point of view switches between Lowell and Lycaea and there is a masterful balance between action and introspection. Meg Caddy’s phrasing is lyrical, even poetic. I found myself rereading passages in this book – they were just exquisite.
5 stars