Tag Archives: Historical Fiction

A Review of “Instinct” by J.A. Belfield

Posted on July 5, 2013 | 4 comments

I gave this novella a try despite my better judgment about a shorter work with the “same” characters in a different setting from the original novel Darkness and Light.

DARKNESS AND LIGHT referenced a “past life” meeting between Jem and Sean, and this initial meeting is the premise for “Instinct”.

The idea of werewolves in a pre-electricity setting intrigued me. Within the first few pages, I was swept up in the story, and quite glad I’d given it a try.

Despite its length, I found this in many ways superior to the full-length novel. I’m not sure if it was setting or the interesting pickle Sean was in. Werewolves, after all, are not supposed to fall in love with humans. It’s a big No-No, and boy does the head of the pack get ticked off when he finds out!

The world- building is excellent. I really felt drawn back in time, and the idea of werewolves just seemed to “fit” in the setting beautifully. If you haven’t read Darkness and Light, I’d recommend “Instinct” first to wet your appetite and decide if the premise turns you on, because these are the two characters who are reincarnated in Darkness and Light.

Personally, I would have loved to see Instinct continue. I think it had novel-length potential, and I enjoyed the historical setting immensely.

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