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Henriette – :
An exciting and thought-provoking new story about the Wrasa
This is the start of a wild ride that takes two books to come to its conclusion (Enemies by Nature and Shifting Nature).
The world now knows that shape-shifters (Wrasa) are real and the reaction to this revelation is harsh: the human powers-that-be insist that their fellow-citizens/Wrasa need identify themselves at all times, they treat them as second-class citizens, there are haters and there are debates of revoking all their civil rights and separate them in certain areas (think reservations or worse concentration camps). Sounds familiar? Jae does a fine job in cleverly constructing a story which touches on the life of many LGBTQI+ people and other shunned minorities who were and still are vilified for being different.
The worst foe of the Wrasa is an alliance led by Peter MacAllister. A chance meeting between Peter‘s daughter Faith and Tala, a shape-shifter, turns out to be an opportunity for both sides to angle for power. Faith and Tala are to fake-date. The Wrasa think it will have them look good, Peter MacAllister wants to spy on the Wrasa – for reasons! Faith and Tala hate their roles and don‘t trust each other – at all. What could go wrong, right?
This is a typical meticulously crafted story by Jae with a very, very slow burn. The motivations, story development and people we get to meet are engaging and well fleshed-out. I loved to get to know the characters, their family and friends. There is no black/white on both sides – good people, sometimes misguided, old wounds festering, humanity (or Wrasa).
I couldn‘t stop and kept turning the pages. Also a paranormal not-yet-full-out-romance it will appeal to everyone who wants to read a great story and have a closer look at segregation of people who are different and at the roots of fear driving divisiveness.
PS.: The second books takes up the pace several notches (and the heat) and is another page-turner. More later … have to finish it right now.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.