Rating: 
Summary: Mixed Feelings
Review: "The Passion" was an intriguing book to read. I had a hard time deciding if I really, really liked it; or if I really, really hated it. Hence, the tepid rating.The story revolves around the relationship between the secret subculture of werewolves and a human, Tessa LeGuerre. It is set primarily in late Victorian-era France. The author depicts werewolves as being the elite of society, possessing superior intellect and strength; and are responsible for most of the advances and superlatives in the world. Tessa LeGuerre is the daughter of the best friend of one of the werewolves, the upper-class Alexander Devoncroix. Believing that Alexander is responsible for her father's death, Tessa infiltrates his household staff and nearly succeeds in murdering him before coming to the realization that she erred in her assumptions about him. Tessa is more or less adopted by Alexander and is allowed entree into the secret world of werewolves which is forbidden to humans. Werewolves are insufferably arrogant and snobbish about their superiority to humans. I found that this theme became tiresome and annoying but then I suspected that this was part of the author's message. Despite their image of superiority, Alexander and the werewolves mess up time after time due to their arrogance. Alexander condemns his own brother and Tessa to exile after an abortive attempt at murder for which Tessa was innocent; even though the truth could have become known to them all if only they had a shred of humility or sense of justice. Even the most likeable werewolf, Elise, proved to be a failure in that she knew of Tessa's innocence but allowed her to be condemned. Tessa, the poor weak human, proves herself to be superior to the werewolves for outsmarting them repeatedly, showing initiative, and for surviving in her harsh exile. The entire story is told by Alexander to his son decades later. The ultimate question in the story is whether or not the werewolves will begin a war on humans in order to prove themselves superior; or if they can put aside some of their arrogance and learn a little humility. At the end of the book, we are uncertain as to to which course will be taken by Nicholas, Alexander's son. The author weaves her tale in an intriguing and masterful fashion which makes the story flow effortlessly. However, it does not have a satisfying resolution which may frustrate the reader.
Rating: 
Summary: Beatific
Review: I have to say that I was quite impressed with this novel. The Passion made me nearly tear up at the end, made me gasp with horror, shout with frustration and anger, clench my fists with the impotent desire to intervene and also want to highlight some passages that were especially simple, wise and touching.
I don't know how to express to fellow readers out there how discriminating my tastes are; it is highly unusual for me to feel so fulfilled and yet drained by reading a novel.
There are too many authors out there that do not do what Boyd did with this book: they do not take the time and effort to write the truly difficult stories, the complicated plots, the ugly details of the lows as well as the highs of the characters. Boyd invested in the full crafting of three-dimensional characters--that I loved, hated, and felt pity for.
It is amazing to me how well and how gradually, how subtly and naturally Boyd was able to move me in an emotional journey as I followed the paths of her characters. I was moved from disgust with a character to pity, toleration, understanding and eventually to fondness, affection and love. Conversely, Boyd was able to make me see the flaws of characters that I so much wanted to unconditionally love...and I even loved these characters more for knowing that they are only 'human' (tongue in cheek). Boyd writes with exceptional depth.
I loved how Boyd was able to make the characters symbolic devils and angels. I loved how she was able to make me doubt whether those who so clearly semed to be evil were evil...or honorable, weak, etc.
There were so many subtle lessons for me. I learned a lot about anger, judgment, pride, what strength is and also about the meaning of love.
Anyway, I just really thought this novel was wonderful and moving. I don't know if I can read anymore in this series though, because of the strength with which the tragedy and beauty of the stories and outcomes upset me and kept me up with dreams nights after I read the novel. I read the entire novel in one sitting, because it was so enthralling.
I always THINK that I want to read writing this good and this deep, but maybe I do like my writing a bit fluffier:-)
Brava, Boyd!
Rating: 
Summary: Hmm...
Review: I thought this book was really good. Although it irritated me that humans were a little to looked down upon and degraded in it. At times I think Tessa, the human that came become a really good friend to Alexander, ..... It did prove a point of the werewolves being arrogant, but humans are not weak, which was portrayed in the book, maybe to werewolves they are, but there a lot stronger than they were in this book. The werewolves were extremely harsh and rude and I think they deserved a good beating from the human race. It was however well written. .... I'm not saying it was bad, I'm just saying that I'm not sure I like it. The writing skills are amazing, hence the four stars. I took a star off for my not liking it too much. The four stars are for the great writing skills. Aya
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent
Review: I was not prepared to find such a treasure in this book. Being a fan of Anne Rice's books (all of them) and knowing her upcoming book is the last one on her supernatural series of witches and vampires, I was looking for something to read on the genere of the supernatural and the occult. I happened to be roaming around Amazon, reading reviews, and I found this newcomer, Donna Boyd. I bought "The Passion". And this, my friends is what I think of this story. First of all her writing style is beautiful. She takes you from one scene to the other flawlessly. The book is well written and very organized, you don't feel lost in the world of this creatures. She does not bombard you with many characters and keeps the storyline straight all the time. About the story itself, all I can say is that it is the only story about supernatural characters that has made me cry. Alexander Devoncroix's character is charming, smart and arrogant; but you are able to forgive the arrogance, for he makes it up with a very human heart even though he's a werewolf. He meets his dead human best friend's daughter, Tessa, in a very peculiar situation. Needless to say they become inseparable. He is bent on "educatin her" just for his amusement and to repay all the kindness his old best friend showed him during the time they spent together. Tessa's character is kind of slow, weak and simple in the begining, very predictable, but as the story develops you find Tessa's soul is very strong; stronger I think than Alexander's. Tessa is regarded as a pet, an amusement to all werewolves who meet her and Alexander shows her off with pride. Tessa doesn't mind for as predictable as her character is in the beginning, she falls in love with her werewolf friend. Into the picture comes Denis, Alexander's renegade brother and Elise, Alexander's love interest. Denis is bent of forwarding his position in the pack through a plan that involves marrying the new pack leader, Elise. Alexander of course does not want this for he is, even though he doesn't know it at first, in love with Elise. Denis' only great characteristic is his ambitiousness. Other than that he's not a complicated character, but as with Tessa's character, Denis' development and evolution will leave you breathless. Elise is the pack leader, a smart, strong and levelheaded female werewolf with a heart. Elise as the leader has plans of her own and this human girl, Tessa, is just the tool she neeeds to push her cause. Denis, on the other hand, has plans for Tessa too. The outcome of this story is absolutely unpredictable and completely heart wrenching. I loved every detail and every emotion felt by Alexander, Denis, Elise and Tessa. If you want a story where werewolfs are portrayed in a very different manner to that which they have been subject throughout history, this is your story. It's a must read. I highly recommend it. I don't usually take the time to sit down and write a review for every book I read, for then I would be sitting at the computer almost daily. But I think that Donna Boyd has done a tremendous job of this story and I wanted to tell anyone who gets to read this review "BUY IT".
Rating:
Summary: OUTSTANDING
Review: In Manhattan, a serial killer has seemingly emerged. The three victims have all been brutally murdered and are all loupgarous. Nicholas Devoncroix announces what he plans to do to the culprit when he captures the human. His father, Alexander, already extremely worried over what is happening to his pack, is now concerned with his son's cavalier attitude about one more dead human. He decides to tell his son about his own personal disaster with the humans. In 1897 Paris, Tessa Laguerre tries to murder Alexander because the werewolf left her father to die in the American jungle. Instead of eliminating her enemy, Tessa fell in love with him. He, in turn, introduced her to his world of wonder. However, the werewolf Queen Elise and Alexander's own brother lead Tessa into a situation with dire consequences for one and all. Nicholas is brilliant, but will he understand Alexander's hard learned experience? If Anne Rice wrote about werewolves, the novel would be similar to this brilliantly erotic tale. The poignant story line rapidly moves forward and the protagonists are a wonderful pack. Readers will passionately howl for Donna Boyd to follow up with a sequel to THE PASSION. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Only wish she hadn't stopped!
Review: Many people have told you of the story of the Devencroix werewolf family, so I won't go there. What I will tell you is I read these books and I was transported to the world where werewolves live among us unsuspecting humans without knowing they were ever apart of our world.
Donna Boyd stopped with only two books in this series this one The Passion and The Promise. I only wished she'd continued. These books are so much more than I had expected going in. We are led on a roller coaster of emotions as you read these two stories. The characters are well drawn and you will either fall strongly toward loving them or hating them. The passionate tale draws you in and takes hold of you. The Passion and The Promise both tore at my heart. Remembering aspects of this book even now is an emotional experience. The books will leave you crying out your emotions whether you are for or against the characters. Donna Boyd has done such a wonderful job of creating a world of werewolves that aren't just horror stories. I don't want to give any of either of the stories away because as you are reading them you will be so eager to find out what is going to happen next you'll want to flip through to get glimpses of what happens, but don't do it. These books aren't for the faint hearted they have some graphic moments and very adult material. They also have a sweeping story that carried me through this world where superior werewolves run expansive empires without humans being the wiser. At times I caught myself holding my breath as I sat devouring each page. The only thing I have bad to say about the Devencroix series is that I can't believe they ended at 2 books. This series cries out for at least a 3rd book. However, I understand the pressures authors face, so maybe she just tired of the series after two books. I haven't and I still love to read both of these books but I never pick them up until I am prepared to sit and read them both.
Rating:
Summary: Only wish she hadn't stopped!
Review: Many people have told you of the story of the Devencroix werewolf family, so I won't go there. What I will tell you is I read these books and I was transported to the world where werewolves live among us unsuspecting humans without knowing they were ever apart of our world.
Donna Boyd stopped with only two books in this series this one The Passion and The Promise. I only wished she'd continued. These books are so much more than I had expected going in. We are led on a roller coaster of emotions as you read these two stories. The characters are well drawn and you will either fall strongly toward loving them or hating them. The passionate tale draws you in and takes hold of you. The Passion and The Promise both tore at my heart. Remembering aspects of this book even now is an emotional experience. The books will leave you crying out your emotions whether you are for or against the characters. Donna Boyd has done such a wonderful job of creating a world of werewolves that aren't just horror stories. I don't want to give any of either of the stories away because as you are reading them you will be so eager to find out what is going to happen next you'll want to flip through to get glimpses of what happens, but don't do it. These books aren't for the faint hearted they have some graphic moments and very adult material. They also have a sweeping story that carried me through this world where superior werewolves run expansive empires without humans being the wiser. At times I caught myself holding my breath as I sat devouring each page. The only thing I have bad to say about the Devencroix series is that I can't believe they ended at 2 books. This series cries out for at least a 3rd book. However, I understand the pressures authors face, so maybe she just tired of the series after two books. I haven't and I still love to read both of these books but I never pick them up until I am prepared to sit and read them both.
Rating:
Summary: torn
Review: This book is an amazing read but also extremely distressing(at least for me). Part of the book made me cry for half an hour. It is not a romance at all. In fact, if you're expecting romance, don't read this. The book was well-written and caught hold of my emotions with a strangling grip. The characters were flawed, as all of us are, which somehow made the book better. It is an engrossing story and you will not be able to put it down until you're done. Wonderful thing to have when you want to ignore the outside world for a time(like perhaps in a noisy situation with nothing to do--schools, airports). I must say this, I tend to be sensitive to rape situations in books. For those like me, it might be a good idea to skip over this as the author does a fairly graphic and horrifying description of it at one point. If I'd known of this before I read the book, I'd have still read it(it's that great) but...I know better than to think others would do the same.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: This is the story of Tessa, a human girl, her love for the werewolf Alexander, and her experiences as she learns about the mysterious and alien world of werewolves. I liked this book a great deal; it kept me on the edge of my seat! But be warned, the author uses several plot devices you might not like. First, the author tells each chapter from different characters perspectives. This can be annoying, especially when you get to the good parts. Second, this book, while romantic, is not specifically a romance. It's more horror novel with romantic elements, and a 'coming of age story' for heroine Tessa. Third, the author narrates the story from 'present' day as a tale told by an elderly Alexander. This was a bit tiresome, because there are definite plot elements foreshadowed in Alexander's narration that gave away later parts of the story. Fourth, werewolves are portrayed as an overly superior race, to the point of me wishing to see a few ... Redneck werewolves, just to 'balance out' the werewolf 'master race.' (Whose society reminded me a bit of Anne Rice's vampire society). That being said, this novel is still the best book I've read in several months. Boyd's strength is in writing characters that live and breath... characters you love and want to shout at when they make stupid mistakes. Halfway through this novel, I found myself rooting for Denis, and despising the aristocratic and clueless Alexander. For those familiar with fairy tales, "The Passion" Reminds me a great deal of Hans Christian Anderson's classic: "The Little Mermaid." Many elements, including the love of the mermaid for the handsome human price are reflected here. If you like werewolf novels, this one is sure to please, but don't expect any crude, hairy primitive werewolves in this one. Boyd's werewolves all fly first class, drive limos, eat caviar, and wouldn't be caught dead at [local store].... =-)
Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable!
Review: Werewolves are one of my favorite subjects to read about and I've come to despise books where they are solely portrayed as the "bad guys". "The Passion" paints them as extraordinary creatures and I loved the author for that. They have faults, tempers, and an unbelievably arrogant attitude but are also capable of great compassion and undying love. The story opens upon a grisly scene. Three werewolves have been brutally slain and werewolf Nicholas Devoncroix intends to destroy the human responsible. This forces his father Alexander to share with Nicholas a painful secret from his past. The story than jumps back in time to Paris 1897 and the story of Alexander and Tessa begins. The first half of the "The Passion" reads a lot like a light-hearted regency romance between an innocent but "feisty" heroine and an arrogant hero. Human Tessa LeGuerre carries out her plans to murder Alexander Devoncroix while he sleeps. But her plans are foiled when the gorgeous man's wounds begin to heal right before her eyes. Alexander is a bit peeved but mostly amused by her failed attempt at murder and begins to interrogate her. When he learns the source of her pain the two form an emotional bond that brought me to tears. Alexander then introduces Tessa into the mysterious world of the werewolf and it causes all sorts of messy consequences and power struggles within the werewolf community. This portion of the book is often humorous and witty but then it takes a drastic turn and becomes a compelling and painful adventure/horror story filled with heartbreak, survival, and strength. The world the author creates is vivid and carefully drawn and her characters are people you come to love despite their faults. This isn't a book that ties up everything in a nifty little bow because it is the first in a series. I also can't stress strongly enough that "The Passion" is an _extremely_ emotionally draining book and is at times terribly bleak. However, it is hands down the best werewolf book that I've read and I can't recommend highly enough. If you are a werewolf fan you absolutely do not want to miss this reading experience.
| 
