A lycan slave mounts an uprising against the vampires who have maltreated his kind. Lucian is a lycan, a werewolf/human with extraordinary skill and strength. He is a servant of Viktor, the head of the vampire council. Viktor raised him from a baby, to be a superb warrior, and to create a lycan slave race. Viktor's domain is under threat from wild wolves who are terrorizing the humans, which are vital to the vampire's existence. The vampires use the humans for food, and they are paid by them as well for protection from the wild animals. Viktor's council is under pressure from the human leaders for the recent lack of control. The lycans are tasked to guard the vampire fortification from the wolves and are maltreated extensively. They are beaten, collared, and locked up in dungeons.
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Meanwhile, Sonja, Viktor's vampire warrior daughter has been secretly having an affair with Lucian. When the humans arrive for talks with Viktor, a hoard of wild wolves attack, Lucian transforms and fends them off, saving Sonja's life. Transforming is forbidden, so Lucian is punished for it. Raze, a fellow lycan slave befriends him and tells him that they can fight. Oddly enough, Lucian seems to have an alpha male effect on the wild wolves, and they can use this to their advantage. Sonja meets Lucian, who tells him that he is slated for execution the next day and must escape. Lucian rallies the other lycans for a prison break and rebellion. They flee the castle, shredding any vampire in their way, however, only a handful make it out into the forest. Lucian vows to come back for the rest of his brothers, who weren't able to escape.
Later, Viktor finds out about Sonja's affair with Lucian and imprisons her. She is pregnant with Lucian's baby. Lucian gathers up an army of human slaves who agree to become lycans to seek revenge on the vampires. Lucian goes back to the castle, however, he and Sonja are captured as they are running in the sewers. Both are tried for treason, and are to be killed. Sonja is to die by sunlight, and Lucian watches her burn away. Outside, the wolf/lycan army storm the fort, and Lucian breaks free to run after Viktor. Lucian in lycan form faces off with Viktor for a bloody battle. He unleashes his rage over Sonja's death and plants a sword into Viktor's throat. Later, Viktor is seen alive, yet weak on a ship in the ocean, recuperating and being tended to by one of his loyal officials.
Best part of story, including ending:
It's the R-version of a vampire-lycan love affair, bloodier and meatier than its young-adult novel counterparts.
Best scene in story:
I like when Lucian gives a rousing pep talk to the dungeon lycans to unite for the impending war.
Opinion about the main character:
Lucian is ruthless but has his human moments. He is the alpha dog and acts like it, a leader who leads with his head, strength, and heart.