There are two things I need to be quite explicit about in introducing Martin Millar's "Curse of the Wolf Girl." (1) "Curse" is a dense volume that is very much a sequel (or direct continuation) of Millar's epic "Lonely Werewolf Girl." If you have not read the previous book, you really might be at a total loss plunging into the dozens of characters that populate both volumes. (2) I think Martin Millar is a comic genius. "Lonely Werewolf Girl" is one of the smartest, funniest, and most unusual werewolf larks you're likely to encounter. Developed along the same lines as "A Lion in Winter," the ambitious tale dissects a royal werewolf family and pits them in a brutal battle to establish clan leadership. It is epic in scope and one of the more remarkable family sagas to come out of any genre. Really. And on top of that--it's crazy funny.
Now that's out of my system, I feel better. "Curse of the Wolf Girl" is an irresistible sequel. Picking up directly after the events of its predecessor, things appear to have calmed down with a new ruler in place. But this dysfunctional family is headed for more chaos and calamity. Kalix, the titular wolf girl, is trying her hand in remedial classes. Her fashion designer sister is romancing a werewolf hunter. Her brother, with a penchant for cross dressing, ends up juggling women and his official duties. The Fire Queen faces a possible political coup in her realm. The cousins are still making very poor music in London's underground scene. And the white haired wolf is being stalked by a man she spurned in college. When a principle character is found murdered, it is a catalyst that begins a chain of events that brings everyone together for a climatic showdown. Instead of the seedy dive that served as the battleground in the denouement of "Lonely Wolf Girl," this bloody finale takes place at a Scottish castle where a charity opera event is taking place.
Millar's sense of pacing and plotting is impeccable. Once again, his world (werewolves, humans, elementals, fairies) is a fully established and thoughtfully constructed. From the mundane to the convoluted, the humorous way in which the MacRinnalch clan interact in modern society is delightful. Anyone who appreciated the intricacies of Millar's "Lonely Werewolf Girl" should be eager to pick up with Kalix and gang (special shout out to Dominil, a truly original marvel, and Vex, who steps up as a central character). Everyone else might be lost and bewildered--I highly recommend reading the first book. Millar's world is a pretty demented place--but it sure is a place I like to visit! Loved it! KGHarris, 10/10.