Can a Welsh legend, born in the 15th century, still be relevant in the 21st century?
“I have walked this world for 410 years, with 170 years having passed since I assumed the role of Alpha of the Cŵn Annwn. In that time, I have seen the world change dramatically from an agrarian society to one where common words include terms like ‘global warming’ due to the pollution levels engendered by mankind’s activities in less than a couple of centuries. I have found my Mate, I have lost close family, and throughout, I have remained true to my promise to my Goddess.”
“I harvest souls.”
“My duty lies with my Goddess, who has tasked me with bringing her the souls of evil-doers. Strange how they seem a tad reluctant to pay for their evil. But there is more to my role than that. For all the evil in the world, there are innocents, and as the gatekeeper to the Underworld, not the Hell that modern religions would suggest, but a place of rest, my Goddess has charged me to bring those for whom a reward for their suffering is due. For them, there is the choice of rest, or rebirth. Most choose rest, and paradise for each is different.”
“I was born Gabriel Black, although for the last few centuries, I have been known as Gavril Negrescu. These are our tales of my Mate and my Pack, our sorrows and our triumphs. Perhaps one day, evil will be no more. I am not holding my breath.”
“Alpha” is the first volume in “The Diaries of the Cwn Annwn” series and may be read as a stand-alone novel. Gavril and his Mate must lead their Pack through an ever changing world. Has mankind evolved enough that they are no longer needed?
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2018
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Since the books in this series are standalone, I’ve read many out of order. Reading this one gave me a real history of the pack and the characters and concepts I’ve come to love. Speaking of history, I really enjoyed the way actual history was blended with the supernatural to ground the pack’s evolution as the world changed around them. Gavril is a really deep character with more to him than a typical alpha shifter. The relationship between him and his mate while starting with an instant knowing of belonging grew into something beautiful and profound as they suffered heartbreaking losses and shared happiness. There was a real range of emotion as you might imagine in a story that covers such a massive timespan. I feel like I have a more solid grounding in this world now, that has deepened my love for the characters I already know. I look forward to reading more for this world and hope the new releases come soon.
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Viv Drewa 