By Cynthia Leitich Smith
Candlewick Press, $19.99, 188 pages

Why can’t vampires and werewolves just get along? In Tantalize: Kieren’s Story, everyone knows about werewolves, and to be known as one attracts all of the wrong attention. Kieran is on the verge of going to a pack to train in his were-abilities. He just needs to solve what’s going on at the new local hot spot, and at stake is not only his future, but that of his family’s and the girl he loves.

This is a nice taught thriller, where the stakes are apparent and the twists actually work. The art isn’t bad; it’s done in an over-inked rough style that’s actually perfect for this as it gives it a nice noirish feel. This is the kind of book that will probably not last one sitting, but that’s because you will have problems putting it down. Even better, this is not your standard rush-into-it werewolf; this is a kid that needs to weigh every option before he acts, and is very aware of the stakes in which he has inadvertently placed his family. This is definitely one of the more interesting werewolf stories you will read this year!

Reviewed by Jamais Jochim

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