Bloodsongs Issue 2
[Published in June, 1994 -- Reprinted here is the book review that I wrote for that issue.]

Book Reviews

Animals
John Skipp & Craig Spector
1993, Bantam Books, 449 pp., paperback.

I’ve never been a big fan of werewolf yarns, but I thought I’d give this one a try, and I’m glad I did.

Syd Jarret, small-town steel worker, who is just beginning to pick his life up after his marriage broke up, meets Nora –- ultra-sexy, sensuous, erotic, and mysterious –- and naturally doesn’t listen to his best friend who warns him that she’s trouble. Thing is, Nora also happens to be a werewolf, and on the run from Vic, her also-werewolf, psychotic ex-boyfriend who likes to dispatch her lovers in ways involving lots of blood and many entrails. As Syd becomes more involved with Nora, his own latent werewolf powers begin to emerge, with a helpful push here and there by Nora of course. No changing at full moon and bloody pentagrams on your palm here; the beast is inherent in us all, all it requires is a little coaxing to let it out. It’s good to see Skipp and Spector treating this end of it intelligently, hinting that each of us conceals our true animal nature deep within us. Although most of us are sheepish, some, like Vic and Nora (and Syd) also have the wolf -– or the predator -– instinct within them. Once the story is set up there is the build-up to the inevitable confrontation between Syd and Vic. Only will Syd have developed his bestial side to the extent necessary to be able to handle the confrontation?

Although essentially a werewolf yarn on the surface, Skipp and Spector also use the wolf metaphor to give interesting glimpses into the human condition. Evil and violence are inherent in us all, but society teaches us to suppress this side of our natures. Then there are those, who not only choose to acknowledge the beast within them, but to revel in their bestial nature.

This is one very well written and extremely readable novel. All characters are brilliantly realised and ring true. The prose is tense and fast moving, but rich in texture and detail as well. Highly recommended.

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