Birthright - Book One in the Shepherd's Moon Saga (Paperback)

Birthright werewolves were once the companions of kings. They lived among humans as pets and guardians until it was discovered that the Bite of a Birthright passes an infection that creates a more violent and uncontrollable werewolf called Sauvage. Only humans are susceptible to the Bite and most quickly go insane, unable to handle the wolf that is thrust inside them. They are taken over by the wolf and morph into monsters. Few are capable of controlling their wolves and they are indeed the lucky ones. Because elves and fae are immune to the Bite, their warnings against creating Sauvage go unheeded by the humans. In the late 16th century, one Sauvage stood against the humans in a struggle for werewolf independence. He was defeated by the humans, but only with the aid of the elves. Werewolves regard him as a god-like hero. Humans consider him a Judas. The elves and fae keep their opinions to themselves. In the ensuing centuries, Birthright werewolves have become mere shadows of their former glory. They are feared, shunned and in many cases killed to be used as reputed medicinal cures. As the Victorian Age dawns, bringing steam power and gaslight to an otherwise dark world, one werewolf will again rise to bring honor to her race. Born in the United American Territories on a werewolf reservation, Agatha Whistleton is given the opportunity to become a mail order bride and start a new life in Australia. The brash young country is in need of females of all persuasions. Although influenced by the Victorian government of Britain, Australia is very much a wild frontier. The penal colonies have fallen apart and the Victorian veneer has cracked. The elf High Council maintains order among the elves and several fae races, but they are constantly at odds with the humans. At the home of the marriage broker who brought her to Sydney, Agatha meets and marries Copernicus Buchanan, a widower twice her age, who happens to run a sheep station. In time, her secret is revealed. They are able to overcome their differences to make their mixed marriage a success and even begin a family. Their idyllic lives are shaken by the revelation that she is the key to another potential rebellion against humans. She is the target of a moon mad Sauvage with close ties to her husband. With the fate of Australia and all werewolves in the balance, they will have to love, honor and obey their instincts to prevent the impending destruction of their family and country.