Stray By Rachel Vincent Book Review
Werecats Come to Urban Fantasy in Shifters Book One
Jun 23, 2009
Stray, the debut book of author, Rachel Vincent is a wonderful, new addition to the urban fantasy genre. Gut-wrenching and fast-paced, Vincent delivers a novel that is fresh, evocative, and highly entertaining.
Stray, Published by Mira Books, 2007
Summary of Stray
Faythe Sanders is your typical graduate student except for one thing: she can also shape-shift into a giant black cat. Head-strong, independent, Faythe is used to disagreeing with her father, the Alpha of the Southwest territory. However, after a Stray werecat attacks her on campus and another tabby cat goes missing, Faythe is forced to concede to her father's wishes and return home for her own protection. There she must fight to assert her independence in a world where a woman's most important role is giving birth to ensure the survival of the species. Faced with ex-boyfriends and old mistakes, Faythe must fight to prove she is worth more than her uterus, and as the danger moves closer and closer to home, prove to herself that she can save her own life.
Five Reasons to Read Stray
- Werecats– While werewolves have become a staple of urban fantasy, werecats are a new take on shape-shifters which completely forgoes the standard genre tropes. Pride cats are genetic born werecats. Stray werecats are made when a werecat in their cat form infects them through a bite or scratch. It is believed that only males can become Strays.
- World-building– Vincent creates a rich world full of its own culture, traditions, government, and geography existing right next to our own. The werecat culture is especially fascinating in juxtaposition with 21st century views of women.
- Characterization– Stray is filled with truly flawed and compelling characters each with personal histories and motivations that drive their behavior. Rachel gives as much care to creating well-defined supporting characters as she does her protagonists. The relationships between Marc and Faythe as well as Faythe and her father are especially provoking.
- Take Charge Females– Faythe is the ultimate feminist and she has the physical prowess to match her sharp tongue. She is unafraid to stand up to any and all prejudices she faces as a female.
- Action-Packed– Vincent has mastered the art of pacing and keeps you on the edge of your seat for the entire book. Stray is a story you won't want to put down.
About Rachel Vincent
Rachel Vincent is the New York Times bestselling author of the "Shifter Series" (Stray, Rogue, Pride, Prey). She also has a new young adult series about a banshee, "Soul Screamers," debuting in August. She professes to have a fear of big cats and finds writing about the werecats to be therapeutic. She is especially communicative with her fans using several blogs, twitter, and fansites to connect and share contests, information and her love of writing.
Sources
Rachel Vincent's Official Website
Rachel Vincent's Official Fansite
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