In Review: Rogue by Rachel Vincent

Released: 4/1/08 400 pages
Publisher: Mira
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-07787329145

The second outing of Rachel Vincent's Shifter series, still doesn't have me completely sold. The writing and plotting of this book was much tighter, but it seems like I'm having the same information shoved down my throat constantly. I get it that the females of the species are rare and precious, but why does that mean that this particular one has to be not only selfish, but borderline retarded. None of the rest of them seem to be. I get it, she thinks she can take care of herself, that she doesn't need anyone, but she can't be more worng. And what is the point of an Alpha if he and every other male involved is ineffective against one single female?

It's been 3 months since the first book, Stray, and not a whole lot has changed. Faythe is still Faythe, making messes and mistakes all the while thinking that she is in the right. But she's starting to grow, just enough to give you hope.

She now an enforcer, hired muscle, for her father, and she's partnered up with Marc in every way possible, and there's are killers on the loose, killing Toms and strippers who look a lot like her. Are the two connected, or is that just coincidence? Well of course they're connected, why mention them otherwise. An ex boyfriend rears his ugly head, and her relationship crumbles because she isn't willing to give Marc an inch when he's given her miles. After an ultimate Faythe moment he walks out on her, and I found myself thinking "Finally! For a dominant cat he lacks a backbone or common sense in anything Faythe related. It's not rose colored glasses, just delusional."

Ms. Vincent does a good job of following up on the bread crumbs that she sprinkled through the first one turning them into a solid trail here. This second book was miles ahead of the original, delving the reader far deeper into the world, with research, twists and finally showing that you can be tough and have a head on your shoulders like Faythe's mom. And paves the way for the next book.

What happens when Faythe commits one of the few capital crimes punishable? Especially in light that there's a new tabby in town, with no ties, and willing to bear children? I know the tabby isn't going to replace Faythe, but maybe just maybe it'll open up her eyes to the possibility that she isn't as valuable as she thinks she is. Here's looking forward to the trial.