Bitten

I first read Bitten many years ago and loved it for a few reasons. First, it's the start of a supernatural series that features strong, diverse female supernatural characters. These woman totally rock! 

In Bitten, we're introduced to Elena Michaels, the world's only female werewolf who hails from Toronto. Second, I love that Armstrong, an author from Ontario, kept part of her book in Canada. Third, I enjoyed how the books introduce readers to other female supernaturals who tell their own story and intertwine their lives with the characters we've already met. These fantastical females include necromancers, witches, demons, vampires etc (but I'll admit that Elena is my favourite character).

Bitten is a nice blend of action, supernatural elements, and sassy romance. The explanations for werewolf lore and transformations were interesting and I thought the narrator Aasne Vigesaa did a good job, but the Canuck in me noticed that she mispronounced Toronto when Elena referred to her hometown. A true Torontonian, like Elena, would say 'Toronno' not the overly enunciated Tor-on-toe'. It kinda bugged me and didn't feel authentic.

This is a good start to a must-read supernatural series that I strongly suggest you read in order! I enjoyed Stolen, the second book in the series, even more than Bitten so if you're looking for a new-to-you series, you'll want to put Women of the Underworld on your TBR list pronto. 

I've read the first several books a couple of times and made it to book ten (Frost Bitten) but plan to finally work my way through the entire 13 book series as soon as possible. I need to know how it all ends.

(Note: Don't judge this series on the TV series from a few years ago - the books are much better.)

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Genre: Supernatural, Canadian, Re-Read

Type and Source: e-audiobook from Audible.ca

Narrated by: Aasne Vigesaa

Series: #1 in Women of the Underworld series

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

First Published in Print: September 21, 2001

Opening Lines: I have to. I've been fighting it all night. I'm going to lose. My battle is as futile as a woman feeling the first pangs of labor and deciding it's an inconvenient time to give birth. Nature wins out. It always does.

Book Description from GoodReads: Elena Michaels is the world’s only female werewolf. And she’s tired of it. Tired of a life spent hiding and protecting, a life where her most important job is hunting down rogue werewolves. Tired of a world that not only accepts the worst in her–her temper, her violence–but requires it. Worst of all, she realizes she’s growing content with that life, with being that person.

So she left the Pack and returned to Toronto where she’s trying to live as a human. When the Pack leader calls asking for her help fighting a sudden uprising, she only agrees because she owes him. Once this is over, she’ll be squared with the Pack and free to live life as a human. Which is what she wants. Really.