Shapeshifter: J.F. Gonzalez
Reviewed By Steve Stred
Big thanks to V. Castro for sending this over to me to review. Many people know the name JF Gonzalez and there are many, many fans of his work. There is a resurgence of JF happening posthumously right now, with Brian Keene driving the way. Now comes word that ‘Shapeshifter‘ is in the process of being re-released, which for many fans will be exciting.
What I liked: While this is my first Gonzalez read, I’ve had my eye on a few of his titles for some time now. Plus this is a WEREWOLF novel, so you had my interest at the first W. The story starts out straightforward enough. Man has a curse, tries to control curse, businessman sees man lose control and from there everything goes full carnage. This has some absolutely stunning gore and violence, which from what I understand, was a calling card of JF’s work.
What I didn’t like: Dare I say it? I may be becoming worn down by reading so much wolfish gore lately? I enjoyed this story but I didn’t love it and while it was a fun time, it didn’t add much to the mix of full moon stories.
Why you should buy it: From the sparse details I have, it will be re-released through a new, small press, which is always something we should try to support. Saying that, if you do love werewolf stuff as much as I do, then this will be a fun addition to your lycanthrope collection. And, lastly, if you’ve not read JF, this would be a great place to start!
KR: Shapeshifter will be available EXCLUSIVELY as part of a Latinx Dark Fiction Bundle curated by V. Castro.
Shapeshifter
Mark Wiseman has been living with the curse for years. He thought he had it under control. He thought he had kept it secret from everybody. Until Bernard Roberts, a powerful, influential man, came into his life. Bernard knows about the curse that runs through Mark’s veins. He knows how Mark’s parents were killed eight years ago. And if Mark wants Bernard to keep these things secret he must do what Bernard tells him. He must use his curse to kill. Bernard Roberts wants to exploit Mark for his own purposes. And Mark Wiseman begins to lose control of the curse, threatening his own life, and the life of the woman he loves.
You can pick up Shapeshifter EXCLUSIVELY as part of a Latinx dark fiction bundle curated by V.Castro from Storybundle
Steve Stred
Steve Stred writes dark, bleak horror fiction.
Steve is the author of three novels, a number of novellas and four collections.
He is proud to work with the Ladies of Horror Fiction to facilitate the Annual LOHF Writers Grant.
Steve is also a voracious reader, reviewing everything he reads and submitting the majority of his reviews to be featured on Kendall Reviews.
Steve Stred is based in Edmonton, AB, Canada and lives with his wife, his son and their dog OJ.
You can follow Steve on Twitter @stevestred
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You can visit Steve’s Official website here
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