Breeds, Book 1

Two werewolf wardens - hit men for the Elders who protect their species from discovery by humans - are sent to an isolated Canadian town to take down an aged but still deadly were who's already killed two of their own.Unbeknownst to them, that's just the beginning of their problems. The wily old bastard has been building an "army" of dogs infected with lycanthropy, and now they're on the loose as a raging blizzard closes in . . .Spoilers ahead!This is a fun, gory read very much in the style of an 80's splatterpunk movie - in fact, with the right director, this would make a spectacularly fun film. There's plenty of carnage and just enough silliness to take it over the top - I particularly liked the trio of murderous Shih Tzu werewolves.There a a few reasons this gets 4 rather than five stars. One is the author's tendency to ladle the purple prose on thick, with sometimes corny results - snow shining with "dull brilliance" or eyes looking like black golf balls, that sort of thing. Another is that the breed pretty much attack by bashing down doors, clawing and biting like your basic garden variety werewolf. The idea of domesticated beasts turning into near-humans could have been played with a lot more, with them having dangerous traits related to their humanity. The story took a while to get going, and some of the dense backstory for some of the characters, while nicely done, slows it down and could have been trimmed in favor of more werewolf antics and grizzled old Canadians kicking ass.

Another creative read from the author of The Mountain Man series. I enjoy this author's writing style and imagination Action packed from beginning to end. I shall read the next book in the series.A word about the author's "A Cautionary Foreward: I appreciated this comment made by the author. It's refreshing to know this author cares about my comfort while reading. I love dogs and read loads of dog books. He is correct in saying bad things happen to dogs in this story. But I thought about his statement and came to the conclusion that bad things happen to humans in most horror books. So I read this without being too awfully upset by the bad things that happened to dogs. Of course being the werewolves genre, it does have a lot of blood and guts. He also forewarns about the language. I thought that was not bad at all. He's a good writer! Give him a chance.

I got this book yesterday and have already read the whole thing. I just couldn't put it down... Yes, it's that good! Two "Were Wardens" named Kirk & Morris are sent to deal with an old werewolf who has supposedly gone dark. This older werewolf is named Borland. Borland is tired of living under the rule of the Elders so he revolts by killing his own kind. However, Borland doesn't stop there... He does the unthinkable to exact his revenge... Meanwhile, the town's dog population is dwindling. Coincidence? I think not.This is the first book that I have read by Keith Blackmore and I must say that I am hooked! This book has it all: vivid details, non stop action, gore, a great story line, and plenty of surprises. The characters are very relatable as well. Blackmore does such a fantastic job with character detail that I felt like I knew each one personally. The only thing I did not care for was the constant use of the GD word and F bomb, but hey the author had a warning about the crude language at the front of the book. I just overlooked it the best I could.I read somewhere that Blackmore's books are being considered for motion pictures. I hope this is so because this would make a thrilling film!Well now that I have the first book read, I will have to move onto Breeds 2. I can't wait!

I don't have any idea how many readers are interested in Lycanthropy. I am and have been since shildhood and this book by Blackmore is a wonderful story. The brutal action is mixed in with a community spinning out of control as the society of werewolves attempts to control itself.I really enjoyed the character development, real people, a community in crisis and a social group of warewolfs attempting to keep control of its own, during a severe winter. The result of this twisted story is as predictable as a Gladiatorial event.

This is the 7'the book I have completed by Keith. I use his first name respectfully in the stead of Mr. Blackmore as his intimate telling of tales lends more toward a friend at a fireside than a stuffy author behind his monitor and keyboard. Besides...it is the Canadian way.What is to be said. Simply another thoroughly enjoyable novel from a proudly Canadian author who has a wonderful way of liberally seasoning his terrifying and tension filled creations with hilarious and sometimes absurd dialog of his characters.Breeds is a great read.I'm off to his next adventure momentarily.Keep it oop b'ye, we be looking farwerd t' yer next by jaysus

Newfoundland, in the small coastal town of Amherst Cove, an immense snowstorm is descending, set to cut off the town from the rest of civilisation. But that’s the least of the townsfolk’s worries: Borland, the old loner, is dead; two strangers have hiked into town in the worst blizzard for an age; and the local dog population is changing. The people of Amherst Cove know how to shelter from a snowstorm, but they’ll need to find a way to survive a new breed of monster stalking them in the darkness.Breeds, by Keith C Blackmore, is a unique werewolf novel that takes a different look at this genre. It contains the stereotypical horror backdrop of a community isolated by the forces of nature who are required to fight alone against an unknown terror, but Blackmore delivers this scenario in an entertaining manner with likeable characters and a unique sense of dread. There is coarse language but this is an adult book; there’s gore and violence, but this is a horror novel, and both are exploited nicely with some great prose, humour, and characters both likeable and detestable.There were a few instances, particularly during the final battle to the death, where the author dabbled in a little too much POV hopping in the same scene (something that is a pet hate of mine) which was distracting and a little disappointing, but it didn’t lessen my overall enjoyment of the story. All-in-all Breeds is great escapism served on a platter of entrails, blood, and body parts. Looking for a new twist on the werewolf genre? Give Breeds a go.

Under the snowy backdrop of a Newfoundland island, something unnatural is happening. A taste for flesh is being nurtured, all under the watchful eyes of the Warden, Borland. While Ross enters the wolves den, unprepared and innocent, Kirk tries to stay focused despite the force of nature that is his target.If werewolves are your thing, then this is a must-read. The author sets the scene in a beautiful way, poetic and direct. His use of language is unique and bleakly beautiful, as is the concept of this story. Through a set of well-developed characters, Blackmore unwinds a story that leaves you hooked, shocked, and hopeful.This is a brilliant addition to the paranormal/supernatural genre, and even more so to the sea of werewolf novels. I am thrilled that it is part of a series.

This book is kind of like 30 days of night with a werewolf twist. I started this book not expecting alot but I really enjoyed it, the story holds up nicely is a great original idea. Worth the purchase

Just one of those books that hit the spot. If you like lycanthropes this is the one. Also contains a new twist on the theme. Don't like giving away to much on this, but it is a good story. Try it.

Riveting, I really enjoyed this trilogy. On the downside my early nights were waylaid somewhat because I couldn't put the book down!