Lycanthropia

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Summary: Don't miss this thriller
Review: LYCANTHROPIA

By Frederick Bloxham

Lycanthropia is a new novel by Frederick Bloxham (Robert D. Reed Publishers. ISBN: 1-885003-40-4. Price: $25. Hardcover. August 2000) based on the fantasy subject of werewolves. Bloxham has woven a suspenseful, sophisticated, and largely believable tale that does not take place in an out-of-the-way haunting, but in the middle of dynamic, modern Los Angeles, where werewolves take on human forms and may be responsible for a crime spree. "Lycanthropia" is the study of werewolves. Bloxham did extensive research on the origins of the fables and legends of werewolves, which led him to some surprising conclusions. His story combines European legend with the Native American tradition of "shape-lifting" to create an intriguing tale that captures the reader's imagination and asks, "What if...?" The main characters, Natalie and Jean Pierre, are involved in two worlds. After running with arctic wolves for dozens of years, Natalie moves to the more sedate environment of Van Nuys, California to attend college and get in touch with her more human side. Jean Pierre is a dog catcher with a unique understanding of the species that he pursues. His success as an animal control officer for Los Angeles County stems from his own lycanthropic tendencies. Natalie and Jean Pierre develop a love for one another but only from a safe distance. They fear their shared animal passions may destroy them. Their lives are intertwined when they become prime suspects during an investigation of unusual killings involving wolf bites. Readers follow Natalie and Jean Pierre as they hunt and are hunted. They take on alternate human and animal forms while risking everything to destroy the ancient curses that keep them apart. This dynamic, suspenseful, and fast paced thriller captures the imagination with all of the essential elements of a great story: love, legend, action, and mystery.