Book Review: Catching Midnight

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Catching Midnight     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Emma Holly
Class/Genre:   Romance   Fantasy
Jove, May 2003, $6.50, 320 pp.

In 1349, Gillian flees into the woods to escape the plague that apparently will kill her mother and younger brother. Shapeshifters Nim Wei and her former mentor and rival Auriclus finds Gillian. Both try to recruit the lass to join their pack. Though she prefers the glitter of materialism offered by Nim, she selects Auriclus and his caves. He changes her into one of them, which ages her into adulthood before he dumps her on a pack led by Ulric.

After spending time with the pack and knowing Ulric wants her as his queen, Gillian leaves though she cherishes the hunt and making love with her leader. Noble Aimery Fitz Clare catches a falcon that is actually Gillian in hiding from her pack, especially her angry former lover and leader. As Gillian falls in love with her gentle handler, she knows how much she endangers her beloved if her pack finds him.

This paranormal historical romance is a delight because the shapeshifters seem very real even when Gillian ages almost instantly. Gillian is a strong lead protagonist though her thirst for human knowledge is not fully explained. Aimery is a compassionate second son whose gentleness is strengthened by his courage. Readers will stay up till midnight finishing Emma Holly's wonderful tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner