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Liked It “After reading so many American books, it's nice to read an urban fantasy book by a different author - this one is English, even though the city her characters inhabit is fictional. In a society where werewolves are hideously violent and definitely not living in secret, the nons - cruelly referred...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “Interesting spin on the werewolf mythos. |
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“I could get past the 5 chapter. Hated it. Not enough to keep me involve very bland details a G book can't continue.”
Jennifer G wrote this review Sunday, November 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I've spent the last three weeks reading Benighted off and on. I have a hard time describing how I feel about this book - in one respect I feel that it is well-written and very lifelike, even if it deals with lycanthropes, but in another, I feel that the story is flawed. I think that it was hard to stick with it because the tone is so depressing and dreary that I needed breaks.
faeriemyst wrote this review Tuesday, January 22 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Lola (or May) is a sympathetic character, but that does not, in any way, mean you'll like her, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for what she's been through and how those experiences have affected her. The main problem I had with the story was that the whole business of DORLA seemed odd. I would think that by this time, they would be obsolete and none of the Lycos would be afraid of them since Barebacks are supposedly the inferior species and there are so few of them. For me, it just doesn't make much sense.
I went to the author's website and she said that she preferred the U.K. title, Bareback. I feel that Benighted is a much more fitting title, as it isn't all just about the treatment of Barebacks, it's both. And since Benighted's definition at the beginning of the book is: 1. (adj) in a state of pitiful or contemptible intellectual or moral ignorance, typically owing to a lack of opportunity
2. (archaic) overtaken by darkness
It seems to me that both definitions can be applied to both Barebacks and Lunes in different ways. But maybe that's just the American in me talking.
I did at times become bored with the book, probably due to it's excessive length (not to mention again how down it is). Now I don't mind long books at all, but Benighted is 516 pages and there were many ramblings that could have used a drastic paring down. With that said (typed), I did find it interesting and thought provoking, but I'm not sure I would read another book from Ms. Whitfield. I was looking forward to reading something a little different than the typical werewolf book and was left disappointed.
”“After reading so many American books, it's nice to read an urban fantasy book by a different author - this one is English, even though the city her characters inhabit is fictional. In a society where werewolves are hideously violent and definitely not living in secret, the nons - cruelly referred to as barebacks - are in charge of policing them, especially on the tense moon night. Legal adviser Lola Galley investgates as to who killed one of her best mates, but then the suspect - and likely culprit - goes missing. And it all has something to do with some questionable - illegal - medical practises. This novel is a real treat, and rare in that the author hasn't mentioned it being a series (this would never happen in the U.S.). Lola is a relatable narrator with emotions and conflictions that make her real. Get ready for a great read.”
Tez Miller wrote this review Tuesday, December 25 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Benighted (Bareback in the UK) is a striking and well-written novel set in a grim alternate reality. The emoting is on the heavy-handed side, but the main character and the world are engrossing.
readforpleasure wrote this review Saturday, December 1 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Benighted is not the typical werewolf novel that’s flooded the market recently. Like my favorite speculative fiction, Benighted alters today’s world just enough to create pointed social commentary. It’s refreshing to see writing that makes me empathize with a challenging character.
More detailed review here:
http://www.readforpleasure.com/2007/11/kit-whitfield-benighted-bareback.html”“Benighted/Bareback is a must read for all lycanthorpes lovers! Set in a world which is mainly lycans, the diseased Non lycans, known as Barebacks, work for DORLA (Department for the Ongoing Regulation of Lycanthropic Activity) policing all activity and catching rouge murderous wolves. Yet when the 2 worlds combine with force and secrets let slide, just how bad can things become?”
Moobub wrote this review Sunday, September 30 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Benighted (Bareback) A Must Read (first posted 8/15/06)
Sandpanther wrote this review Wednesday, September 5 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I’ve been reading a novel by a new author Kit Whitfield www.kitwhitfield.com originally titled Bareback in the UK but titled Benighted in the US. Kit Whitfield does a wonderful job of creating a world in which 99% of the world population is lycanthropic. The remaining members of the population are viewed as having a birth defect being nonshifters, called Nons or Barebacks. The Nons have the job of policing the Lunes through the Department for the Ongoing Regulation of Lycanthropic Activity (DORLA), when the full moon rises. Benighted does an excellent job of portraing prejudice wrapped in a werewolf package. Benighted is truly a genre-busting novel, on the surface it’s a paranormal but it has elements of crime and suspense that will keep someone that’s not into paranormal hooked into the story. Check out her page.
Chris aka Sandpanther
”“Interesting spin on the werewolf mythos.
Shadz098 wrote this review Friday, June 8 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The book contains a lot of character development but I never got to like any of them much. I would have liked a stronger plot and less angst and self loathing.
She creates a very intriguing alternate earth, I just wish she had chosen to tell a different story.
”
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