After Reading: SPRING MOON, an Indiana Teller Novel by HRH Princess Sophie Auduin-Mamikonian

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Amid the expansive plains of Montana, the Lykos Ranch stretches for miles. The inhabitants who live in near isolation from the outside world are members of the most powerful clan of werewolves in North America. Among them lives just one human: Indiana Teller.

Grandson of the clan’s leader and offspring of a werewolf father and a mysterious yet human mother, Indiana is rejected by his peers and heads to the University of Montana to find a normal life. Despite warnings from his grandparents, he falls in love with a beautiful human, Katerina.Before too long, he is the victim of an accident that would have killed him had he not miraculously vanished at the moment of impact. Are these strange occurrences just chance or the machinations of a hidden enemy out to destroy him? Facing his destiny, Indiana will have to choose who to believe, and who to love. (Goodreads)

I picked up this book for two reasons, which are not my general ones: the first is because it's written by a princess. That is just too random to not peak my curiosity :) And second because it takes place at the University of Montana (UM), which is where I am a professor. I couldn't help but be curious how she portrayed it. (And, I've set a novel here myself!) Anyhow, the story itself was a great deal of fun, with quite a few twists and turns. I liked the way the world of the wolves was set up, with all its intricacies and power mongering. There were a few slip-ups in terms of the Montana climate (definitely no mosquitoes in November or stuff like that--all minor, but I couldn't help but notice), and at times I did find myself wondering if something was lost in the dialogue's translation. But, overall, a fun read. Seeing as how I can't read French, I guess I'll have to wait until the rest of the series is translated :)

And if the Princess ever wants to know what the UM campus is like in person, I'd be happy to show her around (lol, hey, worth a shot, right? :).

Have you heard of this book? Ever read anything set in your hometown? How did the author do in terms of portraying it?

And to all my US peeps, have an awesome Turkey Day on Thursday!!