Black Dog by Rachel Neumeier eArc Review!

      

Title : Black Dog
Author : Rachel Neumeier
Published : February 4th 2014 by Strange Chemistry
Source : Netgalley

BLACK DOG by Rachel Neumeier takes the reader into a hidden world of magic, war, and shapeshifting that exists just behind the headlines of the human world. Think of it as Robin McKinley's SUNSHINE but with werewolves instead of vampires.

Natividad is Pure, one of the rare girls born able to wield magic. Pure magic can protect humans against the supernatural evils they only half-acknowledge--the blood kin or the black dogs. In rare cases--like for Natividad's father and older brother--Pure magic can help black dogs find the strength to control their dark powers. 

But before Natividad's mother can finish teaching her magic their enemies find them. Their entire village in the remote hills of Mexico is slaughtered by black dogs. Their parents die protecting them. Natividad and her brothers must flee across a strange country to the only possible shelter: the infamous black dogs of Dimilioc, who have sworn to protect the Pure. 

In the snowy forests of Vermont they are discovered by Ezekiel Korte, despite his youth the strongest black dog at Dimilioc and the appointed pack executioner. Intrigued by Natividad he takes them to Dimilioc instead of killing them.

Now they must pass the tests of the Dimilioc Master. Alejandro must prove he can learn loyalty and control even without his sister's Pure magic. Natividad's twin Miguel must prove that an ordinary human can be more than a burden to be protected. And even at Dimilioc a Pure girl like Natividad cannot remain unclaimed to cause fighting and distraction. If she is to stay she must choose a black dog mate. 

But, first, they must all survive the looming battle.

My Thoughts : 

Im not going to rehash the story because the blurb tells what its about perfectly.  

Black Dog is a refreshingly unique take on werewolves. In a genre with so many different types of werewolves its very hard to stand out but this one does. I loved how the author created a world with a difference. Her unique writing style took me on an incredible journey into a world filled with magic and all things supernatural. 

I loved how the Black Dogs were people whose dog was always with them as their shadow and all they had to do was wrap the shadow around them to become the Black Dogs. The whole lore and history of them was fascinating. 

The characters were complex and well written. Alejandro struggled with his Black Dog and the darker side of life with it but he was also so protective of Natividad and Miguel. He would do anything for them, including heading into the Dimilioc territory. I loved that the book was told from both his and Natividads point of view. 

Overall Black Dog was a fascinating read. There's plenty of action and fights, the plot is addicting and it completely caught my attention. While it was slow to get into for me I still ended up really liking it. I will definitely check out more from this author.