This is one of the best novels I've read, especially of the fantasy genre. It's not *really* a fantasy book at all - more of an alternative history, which deals with romance, friendship, abuse, rape, and torture. Most of all, it probes the effects of discrimination and hatred on both the oppressor and the oppressed. A few portions, especially near the beginning, are a little "first novel". But Whitfield has not only bright ideas but a powerful grasp of language. There were phrases that took my breath away with their beauty and insight. I'd highly recommend Benighted for serious study or a weekend read. ( )

I love how the author makes this story seem so realistic and believable in this alternate reality. The characters are believable flawed and damaged, making them so much easier to relate to. A good read overall. ( )

The premise: it's world that's almost exactly like our own, with one major difference: ninety-nine percent of the population is lycanthropic, which means on full moon nights, they fur up, go beastly, and cannot be reasoned with or tamed. The other one percent, who can't fur up and therefore are considered disabled, are called barebacks, and when the moon's full, it's the barebacks who are responsible for keeping the peace when certain lunes decide they don't want to spend the full moon nights cooped up in their own homes and go roaming.

Lola Galley is a bareback, and even though she's not even in her thirties yet, she's a veteran of the Department for the Ongoing regulation of Lycanthropic Activity. She's got the scars to prove it. Some of her co-workers have much worse. When one of them is mauled and loses his hand, Lola starts an investigation that takes her places she'd never imagined, especially when that friend ends up murdered. This isn't your typical werewolf story. Heck, it's not even your typical UF.

My Rating

Must Have: especially for those of you who love werewolf stories of any kind and/or who really want something DIFFERENT out of a werewolf book. It's not something I fell head-over-heels in love with, but the writing, the characterization, and the world-building, all of it is solid and the book gives you so much to think about in terms of larger issues. This isn't the kind of urban/dark fantasy that's meant to be addictive. In the end, it's going to make you think, whether you want it to or not. It'll surprise you, anger you, break your heart, and make you laugh. Whitfield takes the real world and splashes it all over these pages in all of its very ugly glory: she just makes the majority of humans lycos, and that creates an interesting and poignant tale. There's a part of me that hopes she might write another book in this world, maybe even featuring the main character as well, but then there's a part of me that hopes she does. This book is more than enough, even though I'm so invested I just want more and more details. No doubt, Whitfield is an author I'll keep an eye on in the future, no matter what she writes. I'm just glad I stumbled upon this one.

The full review, complete with spoilers and cover art commentary, may be found in my LJ. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome.

REVIEW: Kit Whitfield's BENIGHTED

Happy Reading! :) ( )

This is the author's first novel, and she's sure done a great job! Bareback is a riveting story about life for a 'bareback' DORLA agent in a world of 'lycos'. Forced into service rounding up 'lunes' (lycos who have furred up in the open on moon-nights) and faced by prejudice on all sides, life is not easy for those saddled with the 'bareback' disability. This book certainly has a different view of the world and because it is so far from reality, the author is able to deal with issues of prejudice, disability and human rights without it feeling like you are being preached at. Definitely a good read. ( )

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I expected to, I had hoped this book would be as good as the recommendations that came to me. I liked it, but it won't be a keeper.

The book starts well, pulls you in, there are a few plot twists towards the middle, the ending isn't that happy, but it does finish without the feeling of a second novel being iminent.

Don't get your hopes up, as you may enjoy the book more. ( )