Driven (Otherworld Series 13+) By Kelley Armstrong

Yes! Yes yes yes yes! Yes and more yes!

When the Otherworld Series ended, I was deeply saddened because this series had so many more books left in it. In particularly, of everyone’s stories, I wanted to know Elena’s. Not because she was my favourite of the Otherworld protagonists (that would be Paige), but because her story was the one that had the most meat left in it. Everyone else could certainly have more stories told about their lives and experiences, but it was Elena’s that screamed to be continued

We saw hints of it in some of the short stories – but those hints made me want more. I wanted to see Elena and her expanded Pack as she gathered more numbers to replace the decimation of the very first book. I wanted to see her develop her pack with new ideas and principles. A pack that moves on from the horror of before, a pack that is more open, more cosmopolitan, a pack that sees Mutts as more than vermin and a pack that is part of the greater supernatural community. A pack that thinks and cares while still being skilled and ruthless

Elena’s pack. Elena taking the foundation that Jeremy began and taking it to all new levels. That is what I wanted and this is it – what I always thought the series needed and here it is

So yes, much glee

And it’s awesome. It’s everything I wanted. The pack has grown, it has numerous female characters who have been added to the pack through love and family; not werewolves but equally powerful and dangerous and skillfull and useful. The pack is richer for their presence

And it’s richer for having Elena in the lead. Elena seeing werewolves beyond the Pack. Elena who sees the greater supernatural community and the place of the Pack within it. Elena who understands the modern world. Elena who is leading the Pack to a true golden age – and it’s really excellent to see. She is a brilliant Alpha

Led Astray by Kelley Armstrong

This is a collection of short stories by Kelley Armstrong, drawing upon her various worlds as well as several stand alones.

There are a lot of stories that draw from Kelley Armstrong’s various world series – and some of these I haven’t read. For me this was particularly a problem for the short stories based on the Cainsville series since I hadn’t read them. In some ways I think the order of the stories was off, if Devil May Care had come first rather than last, the world would have been much more explained and developed and, with that, I would have had more investment and understanding when reading The Screams of Dragons, Gabriel’s Gargoyles and The Hunt. But, if I had read Devil May Care       first, I don’t think the same sense of mystery and alienness would have pervaded these books.

Thematically and in terms of tone all of these are very good at invoke the other, the very otherworldy feel of the fae but all with a strong sense of subtlety. They are unseen and mysterious and it’s all a lot of look-out-the-corner-of-your-eye-or-you’ll miss it etherealness that really real worked. They were creepy, they were low key, they were subtle and they were about normal or seemingly normal people caught up in this mysterious place with its mysterious people who are just ever-so-slightly off. I think that wouldn’t have carried the same weight if I’d read Devil May Care first even though I enjoyed it more, since that book is very up front and clear about what Cainsville is and why. It would have destroyed the mystery and the eeriness. I do think I am missing out a lot by not recognising any of these characters and not appreciating any new angles it my bring

I also haven’t reads the Darkes Powers/Darkness Rising universe and I’m now both eager to read them and quite frustrated by having read this first.  Kat and Branded both seem to take familiar themes from The Otherworld universe but the world building goes in a very different direction – with the same supernatural creatures I know so well eventually leading to a complex and rich dystopia. In Kat we see the beginnings of this and Branded takes the extreme several years, perhaps centuries, afterwards. I’m a little frustrated in fact because I think I’d love to read this series but now I know where it’s heading I think I will miss much of the suspense of the characters facing the pending dystopia. I loved both stories not just for the world setting but also for the characters with Kat we saw strong female friendships, family and dedication and Branded showed a level of cunning and ruthlessness from a female protagonist that was absolutely applause worthy. It’s a terrible, dark, lethal world – and she does what she must to survive and thrive in excellent, terrifying fashion.

The main reason I was interested in this book was for those stories set in the Otherworld universe – I’ve read them all, I love this series and miss it now it was over, so it was nice to hark back to it. Though I have to say, in some ways, they clashed badly with the other stories in this book. The other stories have desperate, abused children, alien, cruel and downright creepy fae, several brutal dystopias and some downright disturbing standalones. Then we have the Otherworld stories which are a bit silly and great fun. I like them, but they’re theme bombs and derail the overall feel of the book

Odin's Ravens (Blackwell Pages #2) by K.L. Armstrong & M.A. Marr

Baldwin is dead, avatar of the god Baldr in legend he stayed dead because Loki would not cry for him – but this time Loki’s descendants grieved for his loss. With the myth changed, Laurie, Fenn and Matt are willing to enter the underworld and bring Baldr home – even if it means facing the dead, giant dogs and the goddess of Hel.

Even then they’ve still got Mjolnir, the hammer of Thor to find and an apocalypse to stop… and Matt, a 13 year old boy, has to grow into the shoes of Thor.

Plot wise I think this book has a similar issue with the last book – it’s very linear. They have a step-by-step plan and are railroaded along it. They have to rescue Baldwin, they have to find Mjolnir and to do both they’re basically told how to do both. We then have all the necessary action scenes described (and they’re really good, don’t get me wrong) and they all flow very smoothly, there’s little in the way of down time or dead places in the book – but it’s still linear. They have a task, they know exactly where to go, they go there, they fight whatever gribbly thing they have to fight then either they succeed and fail and move on to the next step. There’s no real complexity there. And it isn’t written badly and it certainly doesn’t flow better and it’s generally fun to read – but it’s a classic quest story. A well written quest story, a nicely paced quest story with some great description – but still a linear quest story.

The research behind the book is excellent with a real nice inclusion of all kinds of Norse legends and not just the common ones (Thor, lord of goats doesn’t make its way into many stories). I do so love the legends

One thing that does set this book above the first book is the character development – there’s a lot more of it. It also had some nicely fun moments in between the action

I am torn over Fenn. On the one side he’s a pretty annoying character – he’s surly and moody and his cousin Laurie spends waaaaay too much time tip-toeing around his stompyness. I honestly spent most of the book a little tense waiting for him to do something unforgivably outrageous, turn to the dark side, or otherwise make me want to strangle him. In the end he was still a character I didn’t like – but he wasn’t unrealistic, excessive or aggravating – or any more aggravating that a bad tempered 13 year old with a chip on his shoulder should be. I think there’s a level of realism to him, he’s had a hard pretty neglected life, he’s always been second or overlooked and accused (which we also see from the general Thorsen way of treating him and the other Brekke’s) and the only person he has ever had he could rely on is Laurie – who now has other friends and is supporting them and not just following in his wake. His behaviour is understandable – annoying but understandable and realistic.

Loki's Wolves (The Blackwell Pages #1) by K.L. Armstrong & M.A. Marr

Matt Thorsen is a descendent of the Norse god Thor – and that’s a hard legacy to live with. His overachieving older brothers and exacting parents made life difficult – and that was before he became a champion ordained to fight Jormugandr at the upcoming Ragnorak.

Now Matt, and the descendants of the other gods, must make a hasty alliance in the hope of being ready for the coming conflict – and maybe telling the old stories differently this time.

Norse gods – that’s me signed up. Yes we’re always easy to please with a  little mythology. And the concept of this book is an excellent one – the descendants of the Norse gods facing a Ragnorak almost by proxy. We have these kids, especially Matt Thorsen, both following prophecy and being guided by prophecy by also not letting it bind them and dictate to them. Sure they’re the stand in for their many-time ancestors, but that doesn’t mean they are them

Concept-wise, I am sold. Sign me up for the whole series!

Execution-wise… not so much. I did find the book just a bit… simple. It’s not that it’s badly written or the characters are poor or that the plot is bad – it’s just it’s all so very… simple. Everything just feels kind of easy and kind of linear.

Personal conflicts and histories are touched upon – like Matt’s betrayal by his family or the conflict of their impossibly high expectations or the whole conflict of going against authority when he’s the sheriff’s son – but they’re not developed. They’re just kind of there, like some back story has been splashed onto the characters to fill in the gaps but it’s not gone into any great depth or detail. And I can kind of see how it’s shaped the characters but not to any great depths. Ongoing conflicts with the characters – like the twins suspicion or Matt and Fen’s rivalry seem to just… resolve. Fen’s conflict with the wulfenkind packs causes some short term angst and then – resolve. Again, nothing stands out as badly written or handled it’s just the conflict isn’t all that conflicty. The closest we get is a little twist at the end, but even then it’s not that twisty nor does it last a great deal of time.

The plot is really linear. Matt learns about his legendary destiny/fate/quest then happily stumbles over some norns who give him cryptic clues leading to the next step, where he meets Valkyries that happily point them the next way. Each step of the way is very clearly laid out (albeit somewhat convolutedly at times to create extra steps in the chain), usually with pretty clear instructions over what to do next – so they go do it. Even after convenient Norse beings stop dropping in to give step by step instructions, Laurie develops a power that removes the whole searching element from the quest. The twins, when they meet them, are somewhat suspicious and that looked like it would be a more involved element of the story but even then the suspicion was pretty much put aside in favour of a fight scene and the twins just kind of attach themselves to the party without any real development of them, their concerns or anything else.

This book isn’t badly written, I want to stress that. The action flows, it’s not over descriptive.

Otherworld Nights by Kelley Armstrong

One of the long going series I’ve always been a fan of was the Otherworld Series by Kelley Armstrong and was pretty sad when the series seemed to come to a close and not just in the same way I am when any series I like ends – because I felt there was a lot of stories left in this world and a lot of characters I’d like to see develop more – so this anthology of short stories seemed to be ideal

In particular I loved Demonology and Twilight because they expanded the stories of two very intriguing characters that have always intrigued me. Demonology takes the story of Talia, the human mother of Adam the half-demon who actively sought out help for her fire-starting son and eventually found Dr. Vasic, another half demon. Throughout the series she hasn’t really been a character but we’ve often heard of her strength and determination in not accepting the simple answers for Adam’s condition. It was great to finally see that story, to meet this woman and see the steel we’ve often heard referred to.

Twilight took on Cassandra, the ancient vampire representative of the Council who we see as harsh, acerbic and generally unpleasant through much of the series. This story is the lead up to her final death, for even vampires are not immortal, and seeing through her eyes we understand a lot more about her. She’s not pleasant, not at all – she’s harsh, judgemental, completely undiplomatic and unable to be even slightly kind or soft or mushy at all – but she applies that internally as well. She has harsh, exacting standards and a brutal outlook on life, on what she wants and on weakness and general sillness. Seeing her being equally unimpressed with her own behaviour (even with that underlying fear and complete inability to admit her affection for Aaron) did a really good job of casting a new lens on her.

I also liked Chivalrous because it helped fill out some of the information about the Pack. In the last few books in the series the Pack expanded by three new members and it felt a little like they just popped out of nowhere – three new werewolves! Behold! This stopped one of them, Reese, just being a random name at the back of the crowd and gave him some excellent backstory and development about his experiences in Australia, how other Packs outside the North American Pack work – and how they can also be terrible. This was especially important because he does feature with some prominence in later stories in the book and they wouldn’t have worked without him getting some growth and background behind him.

I think my favourites were Hidden and From Russia With Love because they tackled the story I missed the most when the series ended – the expanding pack and Elena and Clay’s kids. We saw many new members of the pack in Frostbitten and Logan and Kate promised to raise all kinds of questions – and then the story veered towards Savannah and we didn’t get to see any more. Hidden was great at showing Elena continuing to step into the role of Alpha and the excellent family dynamics with her and Clay and the kids – I loved them parenting; a combination of reasonable parental panic throwing in some werewolf issues but, at the same time, maintaining their general confidence and capacity of parents. They worried, but they didn’t panic. I also really like the evolution of the Alpha role – both from Jeremy to Elena (with Elena expecting a less dictatorial role – or wanting one even while everyone expects her to be a dictator) and also looking back at how the Pack has operated for generations – and how broken that was, how it made working with the Mutts so much harder and, finally, overtly blaming the past Alphas for the conflict in Bitten. It’s a great feel of what Elena will be like as Alpha

Bitten, Season One, Episode Thirteen: Ready

Clay is in the bath and Elena is washing his back.  Clay says that he has to get ready and Elena replies that they will be ready and that they (I am assuming here they mean the mutts) haven't moved yet. Clay says that he failed Elena because he couldn't protect her or Philip and Elena assures Clay that Philip is alive because he was there.  Elena adds that Philip is only involved in any of this because of her.  Elena reveals that she knows why she was bitten and all of the reasons Elena needed to trust Jeremy.  Elena tells Clay that he doesn't have to sacrifice anymore and puts a ring on his finger.  Clay kisses Elena's head.

Nick joins Jeremy in  unpacking wood.  It seems that the plan is to burn down Stonehaven if the battle starts to go in favor of the mutts.  Nick calls it a waste of history and says that the mutts know better than to turn this room over to humans because every name is accounted for.  Jeremy is worried about the mutts because there are secrets passed from alpha to alpha, which would be dangerous if they ended up in the wrong hands.

Santos goes to see Williamson and says that he has been thinking.  Williamson suggests the only good thing Santos's thinking achieved was torturing the fight out of Clay.  Santos replies that he should have killed Clay.  Williamson replies that the important thing is that they have the advantage and that it all starts now.

Rachel and Logan arrive at a cheap motel to wait until their flight.  Rachel is not impressed but Logan says that the three of them will be in Jamaica soon.  Rachel then thanks Logan for keeping her safe but wonders what is going to happen to Elena and the rest of the family.  Logan admits that he doesn't know and switches the conversation to food.  Logan tells Rachel to rest because he plans on waiting on her hand and foot, before leaving to get a pizza..

Elena heads downstairs and tells Nick that her phone is planted in Santos's car and thus far, the GPS shows no movement. Nick asks about Clay and Elena reveals that the mutts did a number on Clay.  Elena then brings up the fact that Nick is still angry over the death of Antonio and vows that the mutts will pay for what they did to everyone in her life.  Nick continues upstairs and Elena heads to see Jeremy.  Elena reports that Clay is resting but is going to need days to recover, not hours.  Jeremy tells Elena to say what she really means and Elena replies that neither of them can change the past but Clay did what he did to protect them from each other.  Elena vows to stand in the way of anything that comes at Clay, even Jeremy, before leaving the room and heading back upstairs. Well now that Elena knows the truth, it seems she is not above threatening Jeremy but it seems to me that there should be more on her mind than protecting Clay.

Marsten and LeBlanc are standing at a train wreck.  Marsten talks about having nothing at one point and learning how to influence people to part with their money.  Santos joins them and says that they are on the move.  Marsten calls this a suicide mission but Santos reveals that he put together an army.

Jorge calls and reports that everything is clean in Toronto and that Philip is on a flight to France.  Jeremy asks what Jorge was able to learn about Williamson and Jorge reveals he was only able to discover a website run by someone named Nate Parker, who has gone missing. Parker's last address was in Churchill and Jeremy notes that this is where his father Malcolm was killed. Jorge replies that Malcolm didn't go down lightly and that what they are up against requires a show of force  Jorge suggests that he and Joey should be on the next flight to Stonehaven but Jeremy says no because if things go sideways, he wants to know that there is another wave of pack members who will fight to get Elena back.  Jorge then suggests sending Elena to Vancouver to be with him but Jeremy replies that when Elena is separated from the pack, things fall apart. Jeremy believes that the pack is strongest when Elena is with them.

Elena is back with Clay and they talk about when they were first met.  Clay reveals the bet he had with Pete about him falling in love with her.  The two kiss.  On her laptop, Elena gets a signal that Santo's car is on the move.  Elena heads downstairs to Jeremy and Nick and shows them her laptop.  Elena reveals that the mutts are about thirty minutes away from Bear Valley.  Jeremy says that they will wait for the mutts at Stonehaven and fight them there.  Nick points out that they have the element of surprise if they leave now but Jeremy is convinced that their advantage is at Stonehaven.  Jeremy orders that the doors be barricaded and Elena points out that the mutts want the house and everything in it. Jeremy declares that they will either win or die at Stonehaven and reiterates that they are strongest there.

Bitten, Season One, Episode 12: Caged

Elena rushes into the street and hops into a car.  Before she can take off, Nick and Jeremy knock on the window.  Elena hops out of the car and tells them that Olsen stabbed Philip and that she called an ambulance. Elena adds that Clay has been taken.  Jeremy tells Elena that when he dropped by Logan and Rachel's, he discovered that they had been taken as well. Elena wants to split up to track the mutts but Nick believes that the mutts can be anywhere by now.  Jeremy assures Elena that Santos is not a fool and reminds her that if the mutts catch her, there will be no further need for Clay. Jeremy orders Elena to return to Stonehaven with Nick

Clay awakes to find himself naked and tied up.  Santos holds up battery chargers and places it on Clay but gets no response.  Olsen snarks about needing a bigger battery. Santos instructs Olsen to call Marsten and LeBlanc and let them know where they are. Olsen says that getting someone to talk is child's play and that the real trick is convincing them to stay quiet. Santos says that this is about respect and puts the chargers to Clay, who screams. Olsen says that this is not respect but revenge.  Santos calls Elena to say that they need to talk.  Santos proposes they meet at the Bear Valley diner alone at noon.  Santos shocks Clay again and when Elena hears Clay scream, Elena agrees to meet Santos at noon.  Santos shocks Clay one more time for good measure.

Marsten pulls up to farmhouse and asks Santos if he is detecting a faint whiff of Clay. They are joined by LeBlanc and hands over supplies he gathered at a local emergency room. Marsten says that he is not worried about Clay but about what they are going to do with him.  Santos sends LeBlanc to check on Olsen and LeBlanc is not impressed and asks when he became the diddlers babysitter. Santos orders LeBlanc to do as he is told. Santos asks what happened at Logan's and Marsten blames their inability to capture Logan on LeBlanc going rogue. Marsten says that Olsen didn't kill Philip as planned, which means that Philip can identify Olsen to the police.  Santos says that he was forced to take Clay to lure Jeremy since they didn't manage to grab Elena.  Marsten wonders about the obsession with Elena.

Diane and Olivia meet at the hospital and Diane tells Olivia about the home invasion and that Philip has been taken in for surgery.  Diane assures Olivia that Philip will be okay.  Olivia asks about Elena and Diane says that Elena is not answering her phone.

At Stonehaven, Jeremy bans Elena from meeting with Santos and she makes it clear that she is not asking for his permission.  Nick sides with Jeremy but Elena says that Clay will end up just like Denis Sidwell.  They are interrupted when Rachel pulls into the driveway with an injured Logan in the backstreet.  Jeremy tells Logan that he did the right thing coming to Stonehaven.  Rachel freaks out, saying that Logan needs a doctor but Elena reminds her that they cannot involved the police.  Nick takes Rachel away, after Elena promises not to leave Logan's side.  Nick tells Rachel that Logan will pull through because he has a lot to live for. Rachel wonders what kind of world she is bringing her child into.  Nick says that she is bringing a child into a family who will adore him and promises to protect Rachel until this is all over. Nick assures Rachel that she and the baby mean the world to Logan. Rachel asks if after this is all over, if she and Logan can go back to their normal lives.  Nick says that things will never be the same but that's what happens after you have a baby.

Logan is doing better and apologises for bringing Rachel there.  Jeremy says that he understands and that Logan did what he had to do for now.

Santos wakes Clay saying that he has questions.  Marsten snarks that everything which is wrong with Santos can be fixed with a good therapist.  It's nice to see at least one of the mutts is self aware. In the meantime, LeBlanc prepares an injection. Clay struggles in the chair and screams, so LeBlanc injects him, causing Clay to pass out.

Elena calls Philip's cell and it is answered by a frantic Diane.  Diane tells Elena that the doctor says that Philip is going to be okay and asks where she is.  Elena does not answer and asks if Diane spoke to Philip about what happened. Diane tells Elena that Philip claims to remember very little.  Elena asks for the hospital and Diane tells her Toronto General. Elena promises to get there as soon as she can and hangs up the phone. Elena looks at a ring briefly before putting it away

Rachel is at Logan's bedside.

Elena slips downstairs but is stopped by Jeremy and Nick.  Jeremy says that he cannot let her meet with Santos.  Elena charges forward but Jeremy grabs her and locks her in the cell. Elena begs but Jeremy tells Elena that he won't let her compromise his negotiations with Santos. Jeremy tells Elena that he was wrong to let her go to Toronto and that the only way he can keep her safe is inside the cell.  Elena concedes that Jeremy believes offering himself in exchange for Clay will keep Clay safe but says  that he cannot trust Santos. Jeremy admits he does not trust Santos but adds that the must important thing is to protect Elena from herself.  Jeremy leaves, promising that he and Nick will deal with this.

Rachel sits and looks out of a window and Logan regains consciousness.  Logan asks how she is holding p and Rachel replies that she is fine.  Rachel asks why she doesn't feel safe here and Logan replies that the people who attacked them cannot hurt them at Stonehaven. Rachel asks if they are supposed to live there for the rest of their lives and Logan says that when he is able, they will go far away.

Bitten, Season One, Episode Eleven: Settling

Elena lies in bed alone crying.  Clay is telling Jeremy that Elena is on edge and that it won't be easy to convince her. Clay hangs up when Elena enters accusing him of getting what he wanted because she cannot reach Philip.  Clay of course says that he would never want to see her hurting. Elena asks Clay what he wants and Clay says that he doesn't know and only cares that they are under attack.  Clay tells Elena that Joey has been found and that they need to return to Stonehaven as a pack.  Clay tells Elena that she cannot leave and that if Philip isn't back by the time they're ready, then they have to go.  Elena informs Clay that she doesn't need his advice on how to break someone's heart.

Logan has returned home looking for Rachel.  Not finding her, he calls Rachel and asks where she is. Rachel tells Logan that she is at the gallery and relates what happened the night before at the show. Marsten walks in and compliments the collection of photos.  Logan starts to yell for her attention, as Rachel hands over information on how to contact Elena.   Marsten leaves and Rachel explains that it was a potential buyer. Logan begs Rachel to come home and hides his concern by saying that he has a surprise for her.

Nick reports to Jeremy at Stonehaven that Joey is being sent to Vancouver to get his head right. Jeremy tells Nick that they are going to Toronto to protect Elena and bring her back because they don't want her traveling or out in the open by herself. They are interrupted by a knock at the door and it's the Sheriff to inform him that t agents will be doing search his property because they have a lead on Michael Braxton's murder.  It seems that its been linked to a lot of other homicides.  Since when do police share this kind of information with the public.  How is it that the sheriff isn't at all concerned that Jeremy is mixed up in this, especially because the body was dumped on his property?

In the house, Jeremy delivers coffee to the sheriff and asks about the lead the police have discovered. Morgan reveals that fingerprints found on the body led to a hit in the national data base.  They have a seat and Jeremy asks about a suspect. Morgan shows Jeremy a picture of Thomas LeBlanc and adds that he was linked to rapes and murders in the midwest.  Morgan wonders why the body was left at Stonehaven and says that serial killers normally don't change patterns. See, she thinks it's suspicious but still giving Jeremy answers to all of the questions he asks. Jeremy questions why his property needs to be searched and Morgan reveals that the body was dragged from the original site and LeBlanc may not be long gone. Morgan says that she will be back later with a consent to search form and adds that everything which has happened is terrible for their town. Wait, so because he is from the town, he cannot be complicit?

A frantic Elena says that she is not going to sit there waiting for Jeremy. Clay reminds Elena that Jeremy said that it would only be a short delay.  Elena is adamant that she needs to find Philip  and asks what happens if Santos or Olsen decide to go after him.  Clay argues that it would mean exposure and Philip is not important enough to do that.  Elena says that she is being asked to gamble with Philip's life and Clay argues back that they shouldn't give the mutts what they want.

Rachel returns home and Logan reveals that he has brought a vacation package to Jamaica leaving tonight. Rachel says that she cannot leave tonight and reminds Logan of his patients. It's only when Logan reveals that he has cancelled all of his appointments that Rachel realizes that he is serious.  Rachel says that the gesture is sweet and asks him to book it for next month when she can get the time off.

Philip shows up at Diane's and reveals that he slept in a hotel last night because he isn't sure what is real about Elena. Diane tells him to relax and that he had good reason to go after the guy who went after his girlfriend.  Philip reveals that he got into a fight with Elena over Clay and that Clay isn't her cousin.

Back at Philip's, Elena is flipping out after learning that the mutts have pictures of her Diane, Philip and her life in Toronto.  Clay asks how long Philip has been working for Williams and Elena says that she was back in the valley when it started. Clay suggests that all of this has been in the works for at least a year.  Elena asks what the mutts want and Clay replies that they want the pack destroyed and they want her.

Bitten, Season One, Episode Nine: Vengeance

Nick and Jeremy are sparring on the front lawn of Stonehaven and Jeremy tells Nick that they were unprepared when Santos attacked as a way to explain his father's death.  Jeremy keeps getting the upper hand and so he informs Nick that he is allowing his emotions to get the better of him, leaving him open to a counter attack.  They move on to discuss Jimmy Coneg and Jeremy warns that they cannot underestimate Coneg.

We get a flashback to Antonio and and infant Nick waiting to be picked up by Jeremy.  It seems that Antonio had left the pack in an effort to raise Nick with his girlfriend but in the end, decided that sons needed to be raised in the pack. Antonio tells Coneg that if he intends to kill him, to make it quick and give Nick to Jeremy.  Coneg informs Antonio that Dominic ( the pack leader at the time) has a job for him, which is part of the deal to re-enter the pack.  Coneg pulls a few mutt out of the trunck and teaches Nick how to strangle a man, saying that this is the only way back into the pack.  Antonio follows suit and kills the mutt, though he is clearly disturbed.  Coneg then hands Antonio a shovel.  In the present day, Jeremy adds that Antonio never spoke about Nick's mother ever again.  It seems that Dominic didn't order Antonio to kill anyone, and that was Conneg's idea for the sake of a little bit of fun. Jeremy asserts that Conneg is a very strong fighter and again warns Nick not to lose his focus.

Elena and Clay are now sparing on the lawn. When Clay tries to instruct Elena, she informs him that he doesn't have to teach her how to fight.  Clay says that he is showing her everything he was taught about fighting Conneg and then quickly takes Elena out. In frustration, Elena walks away and Clay is joined by Nick.  Nick tells Clay that Jeremy is still recovering but believes he is ready for someone like Conneg.

Santos is on the phone with Conneg, who says that he called Jeremy to settle things the old fashioned way. Coneg promises that he is going to clean up Santos's mess.  Leblanc is not at all happy that Santos has hired Coneg to deal with the pack and snarks about taking care of business himself. Santos tells LeBlanc that Clay skinned a man alive when he challenged the alpha.  Amber asks about Cain and Santos informs her that Cain is probably dead.  LeBlanc asks what he is supposed to do in the meantime and Santos tells him to have patience.  When Santos leaves, Amber cries saying that Cain should have trusted her and given her the strength of the rest of the wolves.  LeBlanc replies that Cain should have been smarter. Amber tell LeBlanc that he is indeed the smart one because it was his idea to poison the knife. LeBlanc turns on her quickly but Amber begins to flirt with him.  LeBlanc says that he can handle Santos, so Amber reminds LeBlanc that Elena humiliated him and suggests that killing Elena will make him the man he really is.

At Stonehaven, Nick questions whether Jeremy is ready for the coming fight, and Jeremy again assures him that he is just fine.  Clay enters asking about Logan and Jeremy replies that they are going to have to do this without Logan, who said that he would be there by nightfall.  Elena asks if this is a trap but Jeremy assures Elena that Coneg would consider an ambush beneath him. Jeremy reminds everyone that they are still a family and that he draws his strength from them

Logan and Rachel are at the OBGYN and learn that the pregnancy is completely healthy.  The doctor then informs them that the baby is a boy.

Philip is again looking at footage from the wolf ad when Diane knocks on the door to say that she has found gallery space for Elena.  Philip questions if Elena will return on time and Diana says that Elena is not returning calls at the moment and that she needs to book the show by this weekend.  Philip shows Diana the wolf footage, and points out the necklace that he gave Elena for their six month anniversary, along with her clothes and shoes. Rachel tells Philip that he sounds crazy and that Elena cannot be sleeping with her cousin.  Diana suggests talking to Logan, if Philip feels he cannot ask Elena directly.

Jeremy awaits, as Coneg arrives commenting about how long it's been since they have seen each other. Coneg says that this is about his shaking off the rust.  Coneg sniffs the air and smells the other wolves, so Jeremy makes it clear that they have been ordered not to get involved.  Coneg comments about the fact that only three wolves showed up, so Jeremy points out that this is just between the two of them.  Coneg promises to kill the other wolves the moment he is done with Jeremy.  The two men begin to fight and when Jeremy goes down, Nick intervenes.  Coneg takes off and Jeremy orders the wolves to split up and find them.

Bitten Season One, Episode Seven: Stalking

Episode seven begins where six ended with the pack in the basement discussing Santos's gift to Jeremy. Elena get a phone call and it's Santos, so Elena puts it on speaker.  Santos asks how Jeremy liked his gift and denies killing Dennis Sitwell. Clay of course threatens to rip out Santo's throat.  Santos says  that all he really wants is to get out from under the pack's oppressive rules.  Antonio reminds Santos that the rules have been established for centuries.  Elena asks about Joey Sitewell and says that he is safe with all of his parts for now.  Santos then suggests that they get together for a meeting to straighten things out.  Jeremy suggests they meet at Stonehaven but Santos refuses, so they agree on an abandoned camp ground the next day at noon. When Santos disconnects, Jeremy says that they have to find a way to turn the meeting to their advantage and sends Elena and Clay to find stake out positions at the campground. 

Alone, Elena asks Clay if he is alright and Clay says that he called her because he was having trouble with the mutt discipline.  Elena says that she came because of Denis and Santos, not Clay when he says that he is better because she is there.  Clay and Elena are at the campground scouting a spot but they don't know that they are being watched from a distance by Cain.  

In Toronto, Philip calls Sylvie for help finding the person who posted the video.  Sylvie offers to come over and Philip tries to say no, but Sylvie is insistent.  He checks his phone and still has not gotten a text from Elena.

At Stonehaven, Antonio is on the phone making plans under the name Stillwill. Nick brings up how sad it is to bring a close to someone's life by planning a fake trip.  As pack fixer, it's Antonio's job to keep the families from becoming alarmed at the deaths.  Antonio and Nick talk about Nick taking on his role later and Nick says that he doesn't think he could do it.  They end up joking about whether or not Nick has fathered any children.

In Toronto, Rachel and Logan have returned home after a trip to the hospital where Rachel was told she needs bed rest.  Rachel admits that this is not her first time being pregnant.  Apparently the father of that child left and a few weeks later she had a miscarriage.  Rachel says that she is scared that her being pregnant is going to drive Logan away.  Logan tells Rachel that there is nothing for her to be scared of because he is not leaving.  When they hug however; the look on his face says otherwise.

Clay and Elena watch as a woman pulls up and puts a box by the picnic table.  When she hops in the truck to leave, Elena reports the situation to Jeremy and he orders her not to touch it. At Stonehaven, Jeremy decides to check it out with Antonio and leaving Nick behind to watch the property.

Just a distance from the campground, Cain has changed into wolf form.

Sylvie shows up at Philip's door with coffee and she kisses him on the cheek.  Philip and Sylvie look at the video and she quickly gets an email address associated with the video.  Sylvie notices a pair of shoes and a asks if Philip has a new girlfriend and if she lives with him.  Philip tries to change the subject but  Sylvie won't be distracted and so he finally says yes. Sylvie has broken through the firewalls and discovers  that the video was posted by someone named Parker who is a conspiracy theorist.  Philip says that he has to buy the rights to the video and Sylvie offers to go with him because he will scream corporate suit to Parker.

Jeremy and Antonio find a car accident and a woman passed out in the road.  Antonio argues that they should keep going but Jeremy believes that the woman needs their help. Antonio calls Clay to tell him about the accident, as from the bushes, Elena spots Cain in wolf form. Elena tries to call Jeremy but gets a message that the circuits are busy.  Jeremy checks on the woman and when he lets down his guard, she stabs him with a knife.  Santos comes out and stabs Antonio when he tries to take care of Jeremy.  

Bitten, Season One, Episode Six: Committed

Philip and Elena are in bed and he points out that they have not left the house in two days and that it will be her responsibility to explain to Becky why they showed up at her wedding empty handed.  Philip does however say that Elena has enough going on with her family.  Elena gets out of bed saying that she is starving and Philip suggests that she order some more and points out that Elena has moved into the apartment by stealth.  Elena says that she doesn't cook or clean and Philip points out that cleaning services do exist.

Back at Stonehaven, Jeremy receives a call from Antonio, who he sent to reach out to the other North American families.  Jeremy tells Clay that Antonio found out that they are the only ones being targeted by the mutts.  Clay believes that the mutts are striking because Stonehaven is the strongest pack.  They talk about another family that Jeremy has arranged for Nick to talk to.  Clay gets upset and Jeremy asks what is really bothering him.  Clay wonders if Elena will come home and if Elena will turn her back on them for good. Jeremy says that they will deal with it but Clay argues that he will have to deal with it because if Elena goes rogue, as a mutt, it will be his job to make her life miserable. Clay says that he won't be able to force Elena to keep moving. Jeremy assures Clay that he won't have to do that.  They are interrupted by a knock on the door. Samuel introduces himself and Jeremy points out that he knew his father.  Samuel brings up the fact that only the pack gets to set up roots and that he wants what they have.  Clay grabs Samuel and drags him in house and tells him that he has one chance to make the right decision as he beats him. Clay then throws Samuel out and he quickly hops on his bike and rides away.

Philip and Elena are walking and she complains about Becky's bridal registry.  Elena suddenly stops and pauses and looks through the crowd when she thinks she spies Santos.  Elena quickly covers for Philip.  Back at the apartment, they sit together and Philip brings up how quiet Elena has been since they came home.  Elena reveals that she thought she saw someone - a neighbour of one her foster families.  She names Victor Olsen and says that he used the rabbits as a lore. Elena says that Victor is locked up but she still thinks she sees him sometimes.  Elena asks Philip to promise not to see her as damaged goods and they hug.

Later, alone with Logan, Elena reveals that she thinks she saw Santos.  Logan points out that Santos loves to play games and Elena adds that Santos had no real interest in rejoining the pack and simply wanted to stir the pot. Logan asks if Elena told Jeremy and Elena reveals that she asked Jeremy not to call her and that she would like to maintain the silence.  Logan advises Elena to keep her eyes open.  Elena then reveals that she lied about Santos to Philip and that she told him about Victor.  Logan believes that this is great progress for Elena because the truth she told Philip levelled a wall.  Elena then tells Logan that Philip asked her to move in with him. Elena asks Logan how he manages so well and asks how long he can keep the news from his girlfriend. Logan reveals that he has shared everything but the fact that he is a werewolf. Logan advises that Elena not allow her past with Clay to colour her future with Philip.

Elena returns home with bottles of booze and tells Philip that she will move in with him. Philip suggests that they go and pack up her stuff.

At Stonehaven, Nick calls and reports to Jeremy and Clay that Dennis Stillwell has been dead for two days.  Clay asks about Joey and Nick says that there is only one body and that Dennis was tortured.  Jeremy orders Nick to clean up the place and make sure that nothing goes back to them.  Clay asks who did it and Nick says that from the smell it seems that it was Cain and the mutt from the motel were there.  Jeremy asks about Marsten and Nick says that his smell is absent.

Becky thanks Elena for hosting the shower.  Olivia snarks about Becky's choice of flowers and she storms out.

Back at Stonehaven, Antonio says that it is only a matter of time until the other families find out about the Stillwills and suggests a truce with the mutts. Clay points out that mutts already think that Jeremy is weak and wonders how long it will be until the next mutt shows up thinking that he can challenge for Alpha. Clay says that they should reinstate the mutt hunts to teach the mutts that Jeremy cannot be pushed around.  Jeremy is not pleased with the suggestion that he is being pushed around and heads to the door when he hears the doorbell  It's Samuel again and he demands the right to challenge for Alpha and Jeremy invites him in.  They begin to fight and Samuel is shocked because he was told that  Jeremy wouldn't fight. Jeremy quickly pins Samuel and he begs to be let go.  Jeremy demands that Clay take Samuel downstairs and learn who sent him and who said the pack was weak.

Becky has locked herself in a room and Elena asks to be allowed to talk to her.  Elena assures Becky that her mother and sister are in the kitchen, so Becky opens the door.  Becky says that she takes antidepressants and that she stopped taking them because she was worried about her emotions bottoming out.  Becky has been stressed out about the wedding and the fact that Olivia does not like her fiancé.  Elena assures Becky that love is messy and that who people fall in love with doesn't always make sense.

Bitten, Season One, Episode Five

Elena listens in as Clay, Jeremy and Nick discuss the problem with the mutts. Elena surmises that at the rate the mutts have been dumping bodies at Stonehaven that they cannot be far.  She adds that Marsten arrived quickly when Nick called.  Elena suggests that they search between Stonehaven and Syracuse but Jeremy refuses because the plan is not strategic. Jeremy then says that he is willing to listen to what Santos has to say, though he cannot be trusted.  Elena stands and demands to be the bait but Jeremy asserts that they will find the mutts together.  Elena walks out in a huff.

We get a flashback to four years ago with Clay, Peter and Nick walking through the hallways of a school. They stop outside of Clay's office and find Elena waiting to see Clay about a job.  Peter and Nick excuse themselves and Clay introduces himself and asks Elena to come back tomorrow.  Clay watches her walk away and Peter jokes that Elena put a blush on Clay's face.  Clay asserts that nothing is going to happen.

In present day, the sheriff's department find Michael Braxton's abandoned truck at the edge of Stonehaven. William's suggest that there is some Manson family level stuff going on but Morgan is not sure.

Clay approaches Elena to tell her that she might be onto something with Marsten but Elena dismisses the suggestion, reminding Clay that they have been given their orders. Clay suggests that they use Nick to cover for them so that they can track down this lead.  Elena is shocked that Clay is willing to go against Jeremy. The conversation stops when Clay hears sirens.

Out front, Clay tells Morgan that he hasn't seen Braxton since his dog attempted to attack Elena.  William's points out that Braxton's truck was found by the property line and Morgan adds that there was a trail of blood which leads from the truck to the land.  Clay points out that if he did anything to Braxton, he wouldn't leave the truck at the edge of the property.  Morgan is worried that when words gets out about this that the townspeople are going to start pointing fingers at the Danvers Clan. Clay asserts that he didn't do anything and Jeremy offers the sheriff the right to search his property. The sheriff leaves to round up people for the search.

Jeremy and Clay head inside saying that the wolves will be helping with the search.  Elena immediately declares that this is Marsten's doing. Clay says that Braxton's body could be out there and Jeremy adds that if Braxton is here, this is the best chance to mitigate the situation.  Jeremy does not want the police to get a search warrant for the house.

The locals arrive and the townspeople are not happy that the Danvers people are going to help with the search.  Due to the reaction, Jeremy quickly excuses himself and Clay from the search. 

In another flashback, Elena is walking back and forth in front of Clay's office, practicing what she is going to say and Clay overhears each word.  Clay opens the door and lets Elena in the office.  It seems that in one night, Elena read Clay's book and she tells him that she really wants this job.  Clay tells Elena that he is not sure this is going to work out and points out that she might not know a lot about his specialty. Elena asserts that she is self sufficient, so Clay tests her by asking her to spell a word.  Elena tells him to stop looking for reasons not to hire her and heads for the door.   Clays stops Elena and spells the word for her.

Back at Stonehaven, Nick, Travis and Elena pair up, with Travis making it clear that he is there to keep an eye on Elena in case she decides to tamper with anything she finds.

Victor is meeting with the warden about his pending release from prison.  It seems that the warden has reservations about Victor's release and points out that the parole board turned him down three times for good reason.  Victor says that he needed to stay in there to keep his nose clean. Victor claims that he found love online with Amber and that he is a clean man.  From the conversation, Victor seems to prey on young women.

In the house, Clay is pacing about not being on the search party.  Jeremy points out that it would be good for Clay to be there when Daniel arrived.  Clay again argues that Daniel cannot be trusted. Jeremy brings up when he first found Clay as a feral little boy and how he waited for Clay to trust him. 

Elena is walking through the woods when she gets a call from Diane demanding to know when she is coming home. Elena of course says that it's complicated, so Diane points out that Beckie's other bridesmaid is in a tailspin and they need help with the wedding. It seems that Beckie wants Elena to replace her sick bridesmaid, which means that Elena needs to return ASAP.  Philip grabs the phone and apologises for the ambush and Elena tells Philip that she would be honoured to play a role in the wedding.  They end the call and Diane asks when Elena is coming back.  Philip tells Diane that he doesn't know and that the funeral was two days ago. Diane is suspicious that Elena didn't want Philip at the funeral.   Nick and Elena talk about the conversation she had, as it seems he used his wolf hearing to listen in.

In another flashback, Elena is helping Clay pack up his office and Clay keeps giving her an intense look.  Elena assures Clay that some university will be lucky to have him and that she will survive.  Clay says that he cannot pack because he is not ready to go and has never felt this way before.  Elena admits that she feels the same way and takes Clay's hand.  The two share a sweet kiss, which quickly gets more passionate.  Clay and Elena end up making love on the sofa in his office.

Bitten, Season One, Episode Three: Trespass

The wolves are gathered around the body of the boy which was dropped at  Stonehaven.  Clay wants to move the body but there are hunters near by.  Jeremy orders the wolves to leave the body saying things will be worse if they are caught trying to cover this up. The hunters identifies the child as the Richardson boy and are immediately accusatory towards them.  Clay gets defensive and Jeremy is forced to try and calm things down.   The hunters dog gets agitated and it seems that Elena is the one egging the dog on.  Clay knocks the hunter down and takes away his gun.  Jeremy orders Antonio and Nick to escort the hunters off the property.  When they leave, Elena questions who would do this to a child.  Jeremy calls in the murder to the sheriff.

The wolves head inside and Jeremy affirms that goading the dog was a good idea.  The wolves gather in the house to try and figure out what the mutt's plan is.  Antonio walks in to say that the sheriff has arrived.  Elena tells Jeremy that she will stay now because the mutt killed a kid.  Jeremy orders Elena and Clay to head into town and sniff out the mutt with orders to bring him in alive so that they can find out who sired him.  Jeremy orders the other mutts to hunt down Karl Marsten because he knows the mutt rumor mill very well.  Jeremy then takes Elena aside to talk privately.  Jeremy hands her a bouquet of her favourite flowers and asks if her relationship is serious.  Elena says that it is serious enough and she knows how he feels about long term relationships with humans.  Jeremy asks her not to keep secrets and adds that he trusts her.  Elena reveals that she hates lying to Philip but Jeremy reminds her that their existence is dependent upon the ignorance of humans.  Jeremy takes the flowers away to hide the existence them from Clay.

Elena calls Philip to thank him for the flowers.  They chat happily for a it and Clay listens to the conversation from outside the house.  He manages to hop in the truck just before Elena comes outside.  When Elena hops in the SUV, Clay simply drives without saying a word.

The sheriff's department are cordoning off the area where the boy's body was found while Morgan talks with Jeremy.  Morgan reveals that news of the bounty is spreading.  Morgan says that she would rather have a slap on the wrist from Fire Arms Control than have another dead body show up.  Jeremy suggests that having people walking around armed does not some like a good idea.  Morgan reminds Jeremy that people want justice.  Antonio approaches and Morgan asked how they all found this body together and Antonio claims that they were all out for a walk.  Morgan questions why an eleven year old boy would be out there.

Philip meets with James clandestinely and James reveals that there is a power struggle going on with his board of directors.  It seems that the board wants to scale back their assets, while James wants to expand. Philip wants to expand to vodka and wants Philip to convince the board that the vodka will sell in North America.

Clay and Elena are roaming through the bars in bear valley and Elena says that the scent is too faint and that there is nothing new in the air.  Clay brings up the lilacs and Elena tells him the lie she told Philip so that she could leave.  Clay says that Elena shouldn't have to come up with excuses.  They are interrupted by  one of the hunters who found the wolves over the body earlier.  He suggests that they are going to want to find a new place to fill up for awhile because they normally use the Richardson gas station, which is owned by the grandfather of the boy who died.  Elena and Clay promise to keep a look out for the wolf and Elena adds that the boy deserves justice.  The hunter walks off in a rage.  Elena says that she doesn't understand why the hunter left a body on their property and left.  Elena is certain that the kills are a message.  Elena begins her search again and stops briefly when she sees a flier for a rave.

At the crime scene the officers are still collecting evidence.  Morgan heads to see Jeremy and reports that the wildlife experts are hoping to see what kind of animal they are dealing with.  Apparently, there is some confusion because the size of the footprints and the length of the stride.  Jeremy tells Morgan that if she needs anything, she shouldn't hesitate to ask.

In Toronto, Olivia pops into visit Philip and he tells her about the client he just landed. Olivia asks about Elena and Philip explains that Elena is with family.  Olivia points out that they have been dating six months and Elena is clearly not as committed as Philip because she didn't tell him about her family until now.  Philip protests that Elena is guarded and has a complicated history. Olivia asks, "what is so complicated about being honest?"

Nick, Peter and Logan walk into a bar purchased by Nick without his father's knowledge.  Nick tells them to have some vision when the talk about the dated decor. They are interrupted by Amanda and Nick introduces her to Logan and Pete.  It's Amanda's job to over haul the bar for Nick.  Marsten walks in and Nick says that they should keep it cool.

Elena and Clay arrive at the rave and Elena undoes a few buttons preparing to enter on her own.  Clay tells her that she is not going in alone but Elena makes it clear that he is so up tight people won't trust him.  Clay argues back that Elena needs to stop thinking that he cannot control himself and that they should have each other's back.  Elena points out that two of them will scare the mutt, so Clay suggests that she drive him towards the door and promises to grab the mutt on his way out. 

Amanda heads over to see Marsten and asks him to put out his cigar.  Marsten questions why someone so beautiful is in a place like this.  Marsten heads over to see Nick and the two chat briefly.

Elena enters the rave and it is in full swing with a very crowded dance floor. Elena heads to the bar but doesn't stay there once she catches a glimpse of the mutt.  The mutt tells Elena that they share something special in common.  Elena says that they are nothing alike because the mutt killed three innocent people and adds that the mutt broke the rules.  The Mutt says that he is not going to let the rules get in the way of his fun.  Elena tries to walk away but the mutt grabs her and forces her against the wall.  Elena over powers the mutt and reverses positions.  She grabs his chest, which gets his heart going, initiating the change.  When he cannot stop the change, Elena drags him into an office.

Clay paces out front of the club.

SYFY Q&A for Bitten with Laura Vandervoort and Kelley Armstrong

We have another SYFY Q&A that we wish we could have taken part in (curse the weather), this time for Bitten. Having read Kelly Armstrong’s books, we’re certainly eager to see how this translates to the TV screen. Bitten begins on Monday.

Operator:               Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Syfy Conference Call, Bitten. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded Monday, January 6th of 2014. I would now like to turn the conference over to Gary Morganstein. Please go ahead.

Gary Morgenstein:      Welcome everyone. Thank you for joining us. On Monday, January 13th at 10:00 pm Syfy's delighted to premiere the new series Bitten starring Laura Vandervoort—who's here—the series based on the bestselling author Kelley Armstrong's novels. So, welcome both of you.

Operator:               Our first question comes from the line of Tim Holquinn from ScreenFad. Please go ahead.

Tim Holquinn:       I'm a big fan. First to Kelley. I wondered - I noticed that the show runner, Daegon Frynklind -- she wrote the pilot. I thought she did a really good job. I probably murdered her name there. But IMDB also gives you writing credits. I wondered if could confirm that and perhaps tell us how many and which episodes coming up that you wrote -- if any.

Kelley Armstrong:      And no. I have not written any. There was talk of that early on. They had asked if I wanted to. And I definitely did. Nothing came of it, but maybe at some point in the future.

Tim Holquinn:       Okay. Great. Just a quick follow up. Let me thank you for the inclusion of the martial arts aspect. I really enjoyed the sparring scene with Elena, Nick, and Clay. I thought that was great.

Laura Vandervoort:    Oh, great. Yes.

Tim Holquinn:       For Laura, I know you have a background in martial arts. Are you glad to be able to exercise that skill in this role? And was it part of your audition process in any way?

Laura Vandervoort:    Yes. I grew up doing martial arts. So Elena feels like, you know, the other part of me. I relate to so much about her. Obviously, not the werewolf part, but the fact that she can take care of herself physically.

                              And I think it was great that the writers wrote in some extra hand-to-hand combat scenes. And especially in the finale -- we have this epic fight that I just had a great time doing. And we had great stunt coordinators that help us so as incorporate the animalistic side to the fighting.

                              It wasn't a part of the audition, but, you know, I think it definitely benefits the character. The fact that most of the actors on the show are physically able to do the fight scene sequences.

Tim Holquinn:       I agree. I also found them really enjoyable. Well, I have more questions, but I'll get back in line. Thanks.

Kelley Armstrong:      Thank you.

Operator:               Our next question comes from the line of Erin Willard with SciFi Mafia. Please go ahead.

Erin Willard:         Hi. Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us today. I hope you both really for a good long run with this show because it is really terrific. And my husband enjoys it as well -- which is not true of every supernatural show I watch. So it's great and I really love it. Thanks so much. But my question is for both of you and would like to know how you each began your involvement with Bitten. So for Kelley, what was your inspiration for the book series? And for Laura, how did you first get involved in the TV series?

Kelley Armstrong:      Okay. For the books, Bitten actually came out of an X-files episode. I was in a writing group. And as part of a writing group you're expected to actually write new stuff. I was trying to come up with an idea, sat down and watched X-files.

                              It was way back in their first season. Their one and only werewolf episode. It was your typical big guy who changes into some beast like thing and goes around slaughtering people under the full moon. And I said that's not how I would do werewolves.

                              And for a writer, that then sparks how would I do them? And I wrote a short story with this character named Elena and I loved that world so much that I wrote a book.

Erin Willard:         Great.

Laura Vandervoort:    I had no idea it was the X-files. That's really cool for me to know as well.

Kelley Armstrong:      Which goes to show you how long ago I started writing Bitten. It was the first season of the show; it is old stuff.

Laura Vandervoort:    I actually - yes, I love the X-files. Like I was watching that as well. So that's cool to know.

Erin Willard:         And Laura, how did you get involved?

Laura Vandervoort:    I actually received an offer for the role -- which was amazing, first of all. And ended up speaking to J.B. on the phone just to get an idea of the premise of the show and how it would look and how the wolves would be done.

                              And so we spoke for about an hour. And I heard how passionate he was about the project – he's our executive producer. And it just sounded like something I'd really been looking to do—such a layered thing—and the character who is both flawed and strong.

                              And so I read the books. I read Women of the Otherworld and Bitten and did a bit of research. And as soon as I realized the amazing quality of what was there I jumped on. And we did some auditions and chemistry reads with the guys and we just sort of hit the ground running—no pun intended.

                              And I mean it was the most challenging six months I've had thanks to Kelley and the writers. Every day was a challenge for me. And there were days where I didn't know if I'd be able to handle the emotional side of it or the physical side of it or just being in every scene. And I did. And I'm so grateful for the experience.

Review: No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong, Book 7 of the Otherworld Series

 Jaime Vegas, celebrity spiritualist, has the chance for her big break. A cheesy TV show in Hollywood, raising dead celebrities cumulating in that cheesiest of the cheesy – Marilyn Monroe. The problem is, Jaime isn’t just a spiritualist, she’s a necromancer. She can actually see and communicate with ghosts. This gives her an amazing advantage with some excellent credibility when she does get through to real dead celebrities, but is somewhat more difficult when you have hanging men over the breakfast table.

And worst still when there’s some unknown, impossible ghosts haunting the garden. Ghosts that may not be there at all – but maybe a source of the Necromancer’s worst fear, losing touch with reality altogether.

Tracking down these faded ghosts proves no easy matter, as no-one in the magical community – down to the very darkest of dark practitioners and even the demons themselves, know of any spell that can do this. It’s a path that leads them down the dangerous and unknown paths of supposedly impossible human magic.

And to complicate things, it turns out the TV show is actually a reality show filming her every move, and she’s trying to pursue her much wanted relationship with Jeremy, the werewolf Alpha, now she’s finally got him alone.

The story and the world building mesh so well in this plot, especially with Jaime’s life. It has some original features – Big Brother Spiritualist cracked me up – and an intriguing mystery – what can make a thin, faded ghost? The question leads them to many, realistic places, each of which shows us some more of the world. We catch up with Paige, Lucas and Savannah (I always like to see the state of previous protagonists), the methods of dark practitioners, Hope and her mission to keep the supernatural quite by making it look ridiculous in the tabloids

And we get to see Jaime’s daily life as a Necromancer – what it means, what a nuisance ghosts can be, how heart breaking it can be to be unable to help and how frustrating it is to have

The new thread of human magic, humans seeking supernatural power, theories about latent supernatural blood is also an interesting new thread that adds texture to the world, especially when contrasted with the supernaturals and their immortality experiences – the extremes people go to for the unobtainable.