Thursday, February 12, 2015

The Turning Season by Sharon Shinn (review)

                                         


The Turning Season by Sharon Shinn is part of the ‘Shifting Circle’ series that features a group of remarkable people who are dealing with the complications of being shape-shifters existing alongside unsuspecting humans. Karadel Baylor provides veterinary care to both domestic pets and those who are shapeshifters, even as she continues to search for a method of controlling both the shift itself and the animal shape assumed. Unfortunately, relationships between humans and shapeshifters are necessarily complicated, and both Karadel and her friend Celeste must deal with the repercussions which threaten to alter all of their lives irrevocably.


The challenges of living as a shapeshifter are fascinatingly depicted in this compelling fantasy story. There are both pulse-pounding conflicts and emotionally wrenching situations that are vividly portrayed, and the moral dilemmas that are presented are extremely thought-provoking. It was wonderful to read about the unfolding of Karadel’s journey, as she battles with doubts about her life, her relationships, and the untruths that are a necessary evil in her life. There are delicious twists and turns in the story which balances horrific brutality and realistic and sweetly flowering relationships in a story that grabs you from the first word and makes it impossible to put down until that last gripping sentence. This series has continued to raise the bar as it evolves and definitely gives a different twist on the concept of living as a shapeshifter, with both its pros and cons, and I anxiously await more insights into this world!

 
© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.


I am a fan of Ms. Shinn's other fantasy series and I admit that I wasn't thrilled with the first title in this 'Shifting Circle' series, but the series has definitely improved with each subsequent title.  My review of The Shape of Desire is at this link and my review of Still Life with Shape-shifter is at this link.


                              



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