Title: Vali's Curse Author: L. Shannon Publisher: Cobblestone Press Genre: Shapeshifter, Magic, Historical Publication date: November 2006 ISBN: 978-1-60088-069-8 Pages: 55 Series:  Shifters Heat Level:     Rating:

Cursed to wander in the form of a wolf, Vali can only take the form of a man three nights each moon.  The wolf who rules his body only wants to run, hunt, and live wild as a wolf so when he shifts to a man, he’s often far from civilization.  When he hears the frantic scream of a woman, he rushes to her aid and saves her from an animal attack.  Her father is not so fortunate.  

When a stranger comes to her rescue, Deltinica notices his lack of clothing and believes him to be poor and homeless.  She offers a trade - he helps her around her homestead while her father heals, and she’ll provide him with food and shelter.

Vali and Deltinica feel an immediate spark but Vali knows that he cannot stay.  Deltinica also has a secret that she hasn’t shared but will it be too late after the Vali shifts back into his wolf form?

The curse Vali’s suffers is heartbreaking, making his loneliness palpable.  The concept that he’s completely alone with control over nothing, not even his own body, is sad and tragic.  His acceptance to help in any way he can so that maybe the gods might forgive him, if they haven’t already forgotten about him, will pull at your heartstrings.  Never have I thought that someone deserved a happy ending more.  Deltinica is the perfect mate for him.  Her compassion and desire to care for him is sweet and provides some very poignant scenes.  L. Shannon has written a story that will cause your emotions to run the gamut and believe in true and completely unselfish love.  Vali’s Curse is a bittersweet and emotion-filled story that will leave you thinking about it long after it’s over.