Remember - Pandemonium has moved a little further down the Palmer/Wasilla Highway...

...for the kind invitation to sign books during the Blueberry Festival at Alyeska. And to me sister, Rosalind - thank you for making the sweet kuspuk I wore during the event!

Predator and Prey by Wayne L. Vance

Contributed to Make A Scene Magazine by Teresa Ascone

July 2011

After having thoroughly enjoyed his previous book, Bore Tide, I opened Wayne Vance’s latest historical novel, Predator and Prey, eagerly anticipating more adventures of the Dutchman Alexander Grafton – seafarer, fighter and all-around man of action.

Predator and Prey continues his exciting saga – but this time, for various reasons that become clear as the novel develops, he’s made significant life changes beginning with a new name and situation: he’s now wealthy Montana cattle rancher John Mason.  His beautiful young daughter, Rebecca, lives with him in rustic splendor on his vast ranch, courted by their handsome neighbor Ben. Thus we are plunged into the classic western setting of this story.

Although he has a new name, Alexander retains the bravery, guts and leadership qualities that endeared him to readers of the earlier tale. Author Vance has also keeps his adeptness for portrayal with poetic narrative descriptions of the vast Montana landscape and western characters. New players emerge, and familiar ones from his previous Grafton saga reappear including the intrepid and daring adventurer Nelson Black.

The novel jumps back and forth in time, giving us fascinating background stories while introducing important characters such as James Grafton, father of Alexander/John. The players come alive for us as the author weaves his spell with authentic dialogue and descriptions.

Readers will become engrossed with the gritty battle scenes including the bloody fate of Lord Wellington’s luckless Forlorn Hope unit, where the youth James Grafton finds himself after joining up in 1800’s London. He acquits himself well in the arena of battle and receives a field commission from Lord Wellington himself – henceforth the game of life is definitely on for James.

We are once again drawn into sailing the broad, unpredictable oceans as we follow both James the father and Alexander, his son,  on their risky seafaring adventures: conflict, death and triumph abound in this setting.

The story-telling skills of Wayne Vance are more polished than ever in his latest effort. One is deeply involved with characters at each turn of timing, and Predator and Prey proves impossible to set aside once started. Although more complex in plot and characters than the previous Grafton story, Bore Tide, the tale is so well developed and clearly portrayed that the reader follows the twists and turns of time and players without confusion. Although it’s an excellent stand-alone book, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy of Bore Tide for more of  Alexander Grafton: a character for the ages.