Book review: The Wild Ways by Tanya Huff

[rynncameron]

This continues the saga of the Gales, focusing on Charlie the musician. She is a wild one, bedding whom she wishes, when she wishes, and won't be tied down for anything or anyone. And plays a mean guitar. And mandolin. And sings. She starts out playing with a country band up in Fort McMurray and soon finds herself rejoining one of her old bands out East and playing the Celtic circuit. There's just enough music to keep a musician interested but not so much that this opera fan felt left out. (I know there's a difference between reels and strathspeys, but that's about it.) (Interesting that this dictionary doesn't list strathspey. Definitely no Scots in its editors!)

The major plot involves near-shore drilling and Selkies and the fascinating personal assistant to the head of an oil company. The head of the oil company is a little sketchily drawn, but it works for the story. The book starts with a rough wander through the plot elements but settles down after a bit and takes a great ride with a lot of wry humor (a lot of it very Canadian). If you try reading this late at night you might wake up your bed partner with your laughter, no matter how quiet you intend to be.

The resolution is satisfying enough and the characters are great. Definitely recommended if you like paranormals or anything by Tanya Huff (author of Blood Ties, the Quarters, etc.)

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/The-Wild-Ways-Tanya-Huff/9780756406868-item.html?ikwid=wild+ways&ikwsec=Home