The Sword of Mercy and Wrath

Werewolves are one of those tropes that are in general under utilized in modern fantasy. The idea of shapeshifting monsters is one of those foundational concepts of folklore and the wolf has long been the favoured form. NC Koussis takes this trope and applies an Empire of the Vampire style take on it - giving a dark epic fantasy flavour with plenty of politicking and large scale jeopardy in a fantastical tale. The mythological aspects of it are also well realised - the deeper myth of the shapeshifters contrasted with the controlling ‘new' religious take on it.

Religious fanaticism is very much a key theme - the brainwashing of folk by religious institutions and their inherent corruption forms a strong undercurrent to the larger story. This plays nicely along real life themes of the inquisition, giving an interesting quasi-historic backdrop to the story. The manipulations and treachery of those in power is always a solid theme!

All in all this was an entertaining read, and different enough to a lot of the fantasy out there to grab my attention nicely. Yes, it is a little rough around the edges but overall this was mightily impressive.