Published by: Strange Chemistry, February 4th 2014
Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 448
Format: Ebook
Source: Strange Chemistry via Netgalley (thank you so much!!)
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.
Characters ★★★★★
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.
Black Dog tells the story of Natividad, a girl who can work Pure magic, Alejandro, a Black Dog struggling to keep his humanity, and their human brother Miguel. With nowhere to go when their parents are killed by a vicious black dog, the three siblings turn to an unfamiliar and distant house of black dogs, and their Master Grayson, for refuge. But when the black dog that killed their parents follow them, will their new Master turn them out, kill them, or will they have to fight a growing danger.
The pace of the beginning was quite slow, which made it laborious and a bit difficult to read, but once the pace picked up at 30% it was so, much better and became a vivid, fascinating book. I found myself warming to this book slowly, and then before I'd even realised it I was wholly in love. Neumeier's writing can bring any bland landscape, room, or village to life. She crafts scenes with vivid intensity and brilliant detail; I could read her writing for ever.
The black dogs were dark and added an always present danger to an already tenuous position. When so much as meeting someone's eyes for longer than a second poses a real threat to your life, it makes surviving and adapting to a new environment and way of life even harder. But the Toland siblings were never defeated, and they were always fighting, driving events forward, following their instincts even when it was forbidden. I loved them a lot for them.
But especially I adored Ezekiel, and how complicated and reserved he was. I suspect he's hiding a lifetime of trauma behind that snark and smirk. Grayson, also, captured my heart unexpectedly. And Natividad who, though I didn't love her, managed to earn my respect. I suspect if there's a second book (which I am praying there will be, though I'll be happy with just the one) she'll really grow on me.
A refreshing take on werewolf lore, with complex characters of colour, a unique magic system, and a thrilling plot of danger, loyalty, and family. Black Dog will beguile you.
Characters ★★★★★
Setting/world building ★★★★☆
Writing Style ★★★★☆
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