The United and the Divided: Tooth and Claw, Book 3 by LA Witt

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Date published: October 2013

ISBN: 978-1-61921-808-6

Genre: M/M/M paranormal

Book format: E-book

Obtained via: Publisher Gift

Reviewed by Keldon__

 

**May contain spoilers for those who haven’t read the first two books.

This is the long-awaited conclusion to the story of Levi, Darius, and Ian. If, like me, you read the first two, you’ve probably been chomping at the bit for the conclusion. Finally we get our day in the sun…er, make that moonlight. Through a series of events, wolf Levi is now a vampire, vampire Darius is now a wolf, and human-turned-vampire Ian is right in the middle—literally, at times. Darius and Levi have no choice but to feed on wolves; feeding off humans would result in wolf conversions.

Over the course of the first two books, the three have been pursued by Levi’s wolf clan, alternately aided and betrayed by wolves and vampires alike across the United States and Canada. We left them in the care of Levi’s grandmother at the end of Book Two.

This final installment opens with the three men attempting to make a go of it living among wolves in a small colony in Alaska. The usual dissention and betrayal occurs, leading to shootouts, threats of sunlit death sentences, and flight from danger. I’d have enjoyed a variation on this theme, although the action still kept me turning the pages.

In a lot of ménage set-ups, there is a dominant pair with a third taken in. This is a true ménage. All three are on an equal and loving footing. This is no couple with a spare man. The connection and caring among them comes through in spades.

The main characters are front and center, alternating chapters told in first person by each of the boys. This can be a bit challenging, as all three are male, but LA manages it nicely. The plot moves right along, and the ending is satisfactory, leaving the door open a crack in case a fourth book ever becomes a possibility.

LA’s voice is on display, bringing out every nuance of emotion and passion, regardless of the coupling—or tripling—being described. This evocative talent is what brings me back to LA’s books time and again.

I’d strongly recommend this book and the two before it. In my opinion, the series is more enjoyable read in order and starting with the first book. If you haven’t read any of LA’s books, this story will hook you; I’d recommend also checking out her other offerings.

RAT

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.