Title: Running With the Pack
Authors: A.M. Burns and Caitlin Ricci
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
Release Date: September 8, 2016
Genre(s): Young Adult
Page Count: 180
Reviewed by: Steph
Heat Level: 1 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Finn is about to start his senior year of high school when he and his family move from Austin, Texas, to Woodland Park, Colorado. Everything is different—even the elevation—and Finn’s having a hard time getting used to his new home. Life takes a turn for the better when he meets Ivan Dubovasky at a farmers’ market. Finn finds not only a close new friend but a fulfilling volunteer position at the High Mountain Wolf and Wild Dog Center, which Ivan’s family runs. Before long Finn develops an affinity for the wolves under the center’s protection.
Things only get better for Finn when he starts a relationship with Ivan; and Ivan’s best friend, Adrian, who’s asexual, completes their small pack. But it all comes crashing down when the bully plaguing Adrian crosses the line and Adrian goes missing. Finn and Ivan are determined to bring their boyfriend home safe, but they might not be able to do it alone. Luckily there’s a special wolf ready to lend a paw.
I was happy with the direction that the authors took when writing this book. Believe me, they could have made the bullying a lot harsher than what it ended up being. In addition, the end point I had in mind, thank goodness is not what the authors had. I have to say yeah for being wrong! I am sure some of you will understand my what I am saying when you read the book.
Following on the same pattern, all three sets of parents were not only accepting of Finn, Ivan and Adrian being gay/asexual; but eventually accepting of their polyamorous relationship as well. There was a bit of tension when it came to Finn’s sister dating one of the bullies, but honestly that was it. The chemistry between the three was sweet. As for anything sexual, it is the reader having to connect the dots.
The author did a good job making me feel for once, that these characters’ relationship would work out given their dynamics. My one negative however, is that there wasn’t really any resolve to the bullying; even with Finn’s sister making her boyfriend apologize. Really?!?
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