Rating: 
Summary: wow, an incredible book
Review: Anne Rice's sister, Alice Borchardt, has surpassed her. This book is excellently written. Set in dark ages Rome, the story is about a young woman that has the strange quirk of turning wolf. She is treated poorly and kept nearly-captive by her stepfather and brothers. They live in squalor despite the fact that they have some small claim to nobility. The story then focuses on her escape from her family, her reunion with her true father, and Roman politics. This is a riveting start to a great series, and is the best of the three. The author capably makes the reader sympathetic with Regeane. This story is exciting and romantic. Despite its focus on werewolves, it is not a horror story. This is a very sympathetic series to wolves and werewolves. These days, most schoolchildren know that wolves are not inherently dangerous and evil creatures, and Borchardt's werewolves reflect this century's enlightened point of view. She surely must have watched many hours of The Nature Channel, because her descriptions of wolves are right-on. I bought this off the shelf at a bookstore, and it did not disappoint me as so many other whim book purchases have. In fact, I have become a fan of Alice's writing and intend to read everything she puts out.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Perfect, But Getting Better, A Worthy Read
Review: I had a difficult time getting "into" this story by Borchardt. I must admit, I bought it because it was recommended by Anne Rice, not knowing Rice was Borchardt's sister. Silly me. But, as I muddled through the first chapters, overlooked some problems in writing style and story line, I actually started to care about the characters and grew intrigued about the storyline. Borchardt tells a beautifully descriptive tale and it did get better as pages turned. I recommend this first segment in the series if only as an introduction to the second book, which is really much better. Probably 3 1/2 stars would be more accurate but this book is definitely better than 3 stars so I gave it 4.
Rating:
Summary: A poetically detailed book with well developed characters
Review: One of the first things that will strike a reader of this book is the beautiful and sensually detailed descriptions Alice gives of the main character's world. The feeling is heightened when described through her eyes, nose, and ears when transformed into a wolf. However, there are times when the pacing almost grinds to a halt. The plot is decent enough and all the characters aside from Regeane and Maeniel tend to be formulaic and lack complexity. Surprisingly Maeniel doesn't get the explosition he deserves in this book. He is mentioned in the beginning and is later reintroduced after more than halfway through the book. It's good that the sequel talks about him more. All in all, a good read, but not nearly as exciting as it could have been. However, the book has some truly memorable moments (visit to the land of the dead, ending battle, Regeane's encounter with the pack) that give good testament to the imagination of Alice Borchardt.
Rating: 
Summary: Leaves much to be desired
Review: This book seems like it would be a great read. It's got all the elements for great fiction, a shapchanging heroine, an intriguing historical context, and a handsome enthralling hero. It all sounds great in theory, but the reality is considerably disappointing. The beginning of the book consists of detailed and unnecessarily graphic descriptions of the depraved actions of Regeane's Uncle and cousin. Perpetual, slovenly, drunkenness, promiscuous, vermin ridden sex, and gluttonous eating. It wouldn't be such a big deal if there was anything more to this book, but there isn't. After Regeane escapes the foul clutches of her relatives she spends her time in the amorous grip of Lucilla, an aging Roman courtesan. Lucilla introduces Regeane to the delights of sexual relations as she pleasures her in her rich Roman estate. Though Regeane does not love, or even feel attracted to Lucilla, they continue to sleep in the same bed until Maeniel comes to claim her. I found the plot, what there was of it, to be confusing and unsatisfying, merely a subtext for as much lysencious and immoral activities as could be described. The only thing that could keep me reading was the anticipation of Maeniel and Regeane's union and even this misguided hope was dashed, as the two never consummate their marriage. Let me conclude by saying that this was the first book I have EVER returned to the store, if all my criticisms have not made the slightest impact on your decision to buy this book, well then, I wish you the joy of it. Good day
Rating:
Summary: History & the Supernatural -- A Good Combination
Review: I recently came across the third book in this series and decided to start with this one, the first. It's a great read for those who enjoy history, romance, and intrigue. I especially enjoyed the strong female characters and the supernatural twists. The herione of the novel becomes more and more interesting with each turn of the page. And, the ultimate hero has some surprises of his own! I can hardly wait to start the second book and pick up where I left off.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent novel!
Review: Alice Borchardt has a great imagination and uses it to create an excellent unique storyline. This novel takes place in ancient Rome and Borchardt does a superb job in creating an ancient setting. This book also had great action! Great read!
Rating:
Summary: Great historical fiction
Review: First off, a note to those who have not read this book yet. This is the first in the series. "The Wolf King" is the second, but is actually a prequel. "Night of the Wolf" is the third, but picks up where "The Silver Wolf" leaves off. What attracted me to the book in the first place was the cover and title. Both are lovely. What kept me reading the series by this author, was the fact that Borchardt has a wonderful command and sense of this time period. Her discriptions of the characters, the government, and the place itself is astonishing. I agree with a couple of others that it did cause the story line to drag a bit at some points, but it also helped the reader to understand what prompts the characters to react the way they do to each other and their enviroment. I liked her well rounded characters, none where perfect. Lucilla, who was portrayed as a strong, powerful woman--was also vunerable to hardships just like anyone else in the book. I enjoyed Borchardt's descriptions. I could easily picture events and places and even place myself in the story. I could find myself standing on the street in the doorway of a tavern or out in the field watching Regeane (as a wolf) learning to stalk and capture field mice. I like the way she easily described the personality of everyone in the book and kept them as individuals. They were sexy, strong, silly, dumb, adventurous, or even funny. (The wolf looking up women's skirts!) I so thoroughly enjoyed reading this first novel that I wanted to know more about the author--something I rarely do unless I plan to read more by them. That was when I discovered to my surprise she is the sister of Anne Rice. Being from Louisiana myself, I automatically read everything by Anne Rice. Not that she deserves to be read, just because she is from here and lives here also, and I believe in supporting my natives. At this point I have read all of the novels by both authors and can tell you that, yes, there is a little similarity between the authors. Being they are both heavy in the discription area. That is where the similarities end. Borchardt is much better able to develop her characters into believable and approchable people or beings, for that matter. The reader can feel what they feel and understand why they do or decide to do the things they do. She can draw the reader into her books. I've never found Anne Rice to do any of these things. I hope my opinion was helpful.
Rating: 
Summary: It was alright
Review: I expected more when I picked it up, but it wasn't too bad. Some scenes I didn't think were very necessary because they caused the book to be more in the adult category. If not for those scenes, I may have given the book 4 stars. Overall, it's interesting and more original that the usual werewolf books, but no big loss if you don't read it. ShatteredCrystalChalice
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Summary: The first tale of Regeane, the Silver Wolf of Rome
Review: Regeane is a beautiful young woman who is related by blood on her mother's side to Charlemagne, then putting together the first pieces of the Holy Roman Empire. But by her father's side Regeane is a shapeshifter, who turns into "The Silver Wolf" during the full moon or, as she discovers, when the situation demands. Mistreated by her coarse uncle Gundabald, the young woman discovers she is a pawn in a political game beyond her understanding. Alice Borchardt gets high marks for setting her tale in an interesting time a place, namely the decadent Rome of the Dark Ages. The other strong point is the characterization of the woman our heroine encounters, from Lucilla, the courtesan mistress of Pope Hadrian, to Elfgifa, the young Saxon girl brought to Rome as a captive, to Cecelia, the disfigure nun. Most of the men in the novel are despicable types, but there is the Pope and his brother Antonious, disfigured by leprosy, and Maniel, the rich Lord of a key pass who will forge a political alliance with Charlemagne by virtue of this arranged marriage to Regeane. My only real complains with this novel are that there are times when the language smacks too much of contemporary times and that the love life of the woman and the wolf come together a tad too conveniently at the end. However, this is more than made up for by the final comeuppance of Gundabald, which certainly provides a satisfying payback for his treatment of our heroine. "The Silver Wolf" manages to provide its characters with sufficient action in an unusual setting and begins to create a unique vision of the world of the werewolves that I will be interested in seeing explored further in Borchardt's other novels.
Rating:
Summary: sorry to have to rate low
Review: Im almost sorry to give this book a rating of three. It is dazzling and unique and very creative. I am glad i read it. The only fault i have with it is the plot. It really runs an irregular length with no real ending. The ending is an illusion, like borchard had to meet a deadline. She made up for the missing plot with fillings of detail and fasinations of all kinds. There also will be other books im sure to make up for what this one was missing. It is still an interesting read and Im glad to have had the expirience. This book is not for shallow people and in parts can be distastful to a more sheltered reader. Keep in mind that not all books paint pretty pictures, and if that is all you are looking for in life you will be very disapointed.
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