Amarok by Angela J.Townsend

Summary from Goodreads

Emma's life has been hell since she moved from sunny California to a remote Alaskan town. Abandoned by her father and living with the guilt of causing her mother's death, she makes a desperate dash for freedom from her abusive stepfather. But when her car skids off the icy road, her planned escape leads to further captivity in a world beyond her imagining. 

Dragged across the tundra by an evil mountain man and his enormous black wolf, she learns that love can be found in the most unexpected places. Amarok, as she's nicknamed the wolf, is a young man from the gold-rush era enslaved by an ancient shaman. Emma's gentle touch and kind heart win his love and devotion. When a vicious madman--trapped in bear form by the same Shaman--attacks the travelers and injures Amarok, Emma must find the strength to face her fears and free the wolf she's come to love. But that means she must face down the evil shaman, a Siberian mammoth hunter from the ice age, and he has no intention of giving up his power to her.

Paperback, 224 pages

Expected publication: November 20th 2012 by Spencer Hill Press 

 My Review

 Amarok has a great premise that instantly intrigued me and while I enjoyed the book I really felt like the story itself was missing some much needed sparkle. I didn't really connect with main character Emma until near the end of the book and I think the world building needed a bit more building, I felt it was a little lacking unfortunately. Saying all that I adored the evil Shaman, I found him very interesting and would of loved a lot more back info about him. I like that the author has brought something new to the table here and I would definitely love to read more.Although Emma and Amarok's love was a bit instant I still thought it was really sweet to read about the pair. I think this is a good first instalment from Angela J. Townsend, even though I did have some issues with the book  I still enjoyed it and I would definitely read the next book, if there is going to be one.

From the death of her mother poor Emma's life has been a bit of a nightmare, she finally plucks up the courage to make a break for it, away from her abusive step-father. Emma's car skids on the icy roads and she is in an accident, unfortunately she is discovered by an evil madman from the mountains and her makes her come with him, where she does not know. Emma has a bit of a connection to the huge wolf that is with the stranger, so when something unexpected happens to her captor she will do everything in her power to save this wolf she has come to love...

The ending is good and I was quite pleased at how things turned out for Emma. I would love to know so much more about Emma, Amarok and the others yet to be found and saved from the evil Shaman. Overall this was a fast-paced, well written book with a sweet love story and some really interesting characters, I think it needed more detail added as this quick read just wasn't enough for me. I have seen some great positive reviews for this book so be sure to check them out too as I'm sure some people will love it, it just wasn't quite for me.

2.5-3 Stars

Carly

*Special thanks to Spencer Hill Press for the review copy*