This read is brilliant the way Shelby Morgen allows her characters to come to life and leap from the pages. The setting is so detailed and vivid, placing the reader in the center of the story. This fantasy hooks the audience from the first page and carries them forth to the rest of the series, as the story continues.

Song of the Bear: A Prisoner’s Desire
She is Braunnan; Mistress of the Fifth House of Clan Bear cannot see his face but hears his cries. He wishes death, wishes her to kill him. She wishes him to not speak. He has no name, future or past, he just exists, yet when she is with him, there is a gentleness to him. Others have looked upon him as a madman or perhaps a prophet. One thing is certain, he needs her. Either way it appears she is the one that is destined to lead the Bear Clan out of slavery. She must work with him if they intend to bring freedom to their people. While working against all odds, their lust for each other grows more heated with each passing day as he slowly falls in love with the woman who saved him, and promised to bear him cubs. When she learns he has a name, Cullaelon, and a past, can she let him go?

This story explodes as two dynamite characters plunge into, not only a need to help their people, but a desire to fulfill the hunger deep within their soul for each other. I love how Ms. Morgen allows the discovery of Cullaelon to slowly awaken the feelings between the two characters.

Song of the Bear: A Sentinel’s Secret
How can Anika follow in her mother, the Queen’s footsteps if she is in an outpost? She didn’t ask to be the daughter of a Queen but she can’t escape her destiny. Upon hearing there are men in the cave, she traps them in webs. She wants a man to pleasure her completely. Calib is smitten by Anika’s beauty when he awakes. The two soon find pleasure with the other and after she falls asleep, Calib is able to release his men. They must escape to the Monastery. He realizes once Anika mates with the males they are killed. They must be freed from the webs before other men are killed. When Anika is able to shift, can she help her people, and where will it leave things between her and Calib?

This read grabs the reader and takes them on a high flying adventure. The series continues to get better as the Clan Bear enter, with memorable characters from the previous stories brought back into view. This story has a fabulous plot and characters that rock. Shelby Morgen bestows a wonderful tale that delights. The story unfolds like a spider spinning its web and the reader is caught, waiting for the dramatic conclusion.

Song of the Bear: A Bard’s Prophecy
The warriors have returned to the ship and must device a plan to rescue Clan Bear. In the midst of the planning, Elandine becomes enraged when Tranorva decides to walk straight into the gates of Elahandara. He would give up everything for Tranorva, but this was something he didn’t wish upon her. To do so would meant instant death. This is her destiny, her mission, to save the Clan Bear from the slavery in which they have been inflicted. The confrontation intensifies when they arrive and learn Braunnan is in charge of the men of the Clan Bear. All the battle plans are wasted as a new recourse must be taken to save the Clan Bear.

Wow this story is full of intense action that explodes. From the shifting into dragons, to the outcome of the Clan Bear, this is an awesome read. It is compiled with shape shifting, dwarves, Clan Bear and Clan Wolf, elves, not to mention an enchanted land in the future that is beautifully created. Shelby Morgen once again brings together characters that are astounding while molding a series that entertains. The ending left me in awe.

Northlanders 2: Song of the Bear is an exhilarating read with four fantastic stories that mesmerize and excite. Shelby Morgen knows how to satisfy her readers and take them on a journey they will never forget.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Linda L.
October 6, 2008