Krinard, Susan

PERSONAL:

Born in CA; married Serge Mailloux. Education: California College of Arts and Crafts, B.F.A. Hobbies and other interests: Music, old movies, reading, nature, baking.

ADDRESSES:

Office—P.O. Box 51924, Albuquerque, NM 87181. E-mail—sue@susankrinard.com.

CAREER:

Writer.

WRITINGS:

ROMANCE FICTION

Prince of Wolves, Bantam (New York, NY), 1994.

Prince of Dreams, Bantam (New York, NY), 1995.

Prince of Shadows, Bantam (New York, NY), 1996.

Twice a Hero, Bantam (New York, NY), 1997.

Body and Soul, Bantam (New York, NY), 1998.

Star Crossed, Bantam (New York, NY), 1998.

Touch of the Wolf, Bantam (New York, NY), 1999.

Once a Wolf, Bantam (New York, NY), 2000.

Secret of the Wolf, Berkley Books (New York, NY), 2001.

(With J.D. Robb, Laurell K. Hamilton, and Maggie Shayne) Our of this World (anthology), Jove (New York, NY), 2001.

The Forest Lord, Berkley Books (New York, NY), 2002.

To Catch a Wolf, Berkley Sensation (New York, NY), 2003.

(With Tanith Lee and Evelyn Vaughn) When Darkness Falls (includes Kiss of the Wolf), Silhouette (New York, NY), 2003.

Kinsman's Oath, Berkley Sensation (New York, NY), 2004.

Shield of the Sky, Luna (New York, NY), 2004.

To Tame a Wolf, HQN Books (New York, NY), 2005.

Call of the Wolf, Berkley Sensation (New York, NY), 2006.

Lord of the Beasts, Harlequin (Don Mills, Ontario, Canada), 2006.

Hammer of the Earth, Luna (New York, NY), 2006.

Contributor to books, including Bewitched, Jove Books (New York, NY), 1997; My Guardian Angel, Bantam (New York, NY), 1997; and Out of This World, Jove Books (New York, NY), 2001.

SIDELIGHTS:

Trained as an artist, Susan Krinard had initially hoped to become a science-fiction cover designer, but she went on to become a romance writer at the urging of a friend who had read a short story Krinard had written. Krinard is a science-fiction and fantasy fan and combines this interest with romance in her own writing. In an interview with Romance Reader contributor Cathy Sova, Krinard acknowledged that "paranormal romance just comes naturally to me because of my love of fantasy and science fiction," and went on to note that "I … like to show the contrast between the ‘real’ world, as we know it, and that which is strange to our world—how the two intersect and adapt to each other." In an interview with Su Kopil for Word Museum, Krinard also noted that her artistic background has helped her writing in that she can visualize a scene before she writes it, like creating a movie in her mind. "What's so thrilling to me," the author commented in the interview, "is that now, as a writer, I can show not just one part of a scene, as I would as an artist, but the entire story!"

Krinard sold her first novel, Prince of Wolves, to Bantam in 1993 as part of a three-book contract. Prince of Wolves and Prince of Shadows are contemporary werewolf novels. They were followed by Touch of the Wolf, a historical werewolf romance and the first book in a trilogy focusing on the generations preceding the characters in Prince of Wolves and Prince of Shadows. Krinard has also written a book on time travel (Twice a Hero), a ghost/reincarnation love story (Body and Soul), a futuristic novel (Star Crossed), and a vampire romance (Prince of Dreams), and has published stories in several anthologies.

Twice a Hero tells the story of MacKenzie Sinclair, who is determined to end a curse that has plagued her family for several generations. She sets off to the jungles of Guatemala in order to return a Mayan amulet to the ruins of Tikal. Her great-great grandfather had been responsible for removing the artifact years earlier on an expedition into the area, and it is this act that MacKenzie believes set off the curse. However, on arriving in the jungle, she finds herself sent back in time, where she meets Liam O'Shea. Liam had been her great-great grandfather's partner on the initial expedition, but he had never returned. MacKenzie faces a dilemma as she grows more attached to Liam over the course of her adventure, and she begins to question whether she can risk changing the future by saving him from his original fate. Kristin Ramsdell noted in Library Journal that the book includes "all the grace and sensuality readers have come to expect from Krinard."

In Body and Soul Jesse Copeland must face painful memories of her mother's drowning when Jesse was just a child, an event that caused her to experience a breakdown at the time. Jesse's emotions are triggered when she comes face to face with the man she blames for her mother's death, a situation that is only compounded when she also meets a ghost from the Regency era that makes her doubt her sanity all over again. In another Library Journal review, Kristin Ramsdell praised Krinard's effort, calling it "a fascinating tale of reincarnation and redemption."

Of her fascination with werewolves, Krinard commented in an interview for All about Romance: "For me, the werewolf hero strikes a perfect balance between the ‘dangerous’ qualities many of us like in a fictional romance hero, and the qualities of fidelity, loyalty and affection that we also crave. He fills many of the roles of myth: hero, trickster, shapeshifter."

Of Once a Wolf, a Publishers Weekly contributor observed that "this paranormal tale will appeal to lovers of both horror and straight historical romance." Kristin Ramsdell described Touch of the Wolf in the Library Journal as "dark, passionate, and emotionally involving," noting that "this multifaceted romance gleams perfectly in its wild Northumberland setting." Booklist contributor Diana Tixier Herald remarked that with Touch of the Wolf the author "proves she has the right stuff for historical romances, with her first foray into that popular subgenre." Both volumes make up the first installments in a series about the Forster siblings.

Secret of the Wolf continues this series and features heroine Johanna Schell, who cares for her ailing psychiatrist father following his stroke. Meanwhile, she is attempting to maintain their asylum, Haven, caring for the few patients for whom they are responsible. When she takes in the drunk Quentin Forster, she determines to help him give up liquor by taming his cravings with hypnosis. In the process of helping him, however, she discovers deeper neuroses, as Quentin appears convinced that he is a werewolf, a theory that appears to be backed up by mysterious gaps in his memories. Again in Booklist, Herald called Krinard's effort "an artful combination of heartfelt romance, psychiatric historical detail, and werewolf lore."

In To Catch a Wolf wheelchair-bound Athena Munroe has become an accepted member of Denver society, due largely to her generous philanthropy and brother's enormous fortune. Morgan Holt, who once served prison time for killing his father, is a member of the sideshow troupe that Athena has hired to perform at an orphanage. But when the two meet, they realize that they are both werewolves, an aspect that Athena has tried to hide and Morgan has accepted. As the two find themselves in an escalating relationship, many obstacles have to be faced and overcome, including Athena's overprotective brother and the fact that Morgan just does not want to live within the highbrow society Athena inhabits. Ultimately, one must choose: either Athena must leave the civilization she knows or Morgan must betray his own nature to force himself into a form that will find acceptance in Athena's world. "Each character's role in the story is clearly drawn, and each scene richly paves the way for an explosive, satisfying conclusion," reported reviewer Donna Carter on the Romantic Times Online Web site. Booklist contributor Shelley Mosley commented that "Krinard has created a magical world where the freaks and outcasts exhibit more humanity than the so-called ‘normal’ people."

To Tame a Wolf opens in the Wild West setting of Cochise County, Arizona, where Tally Bernard has come to look for her missing brother. Disguised as a male, she seeks the assistance of Simeon Kavanaugh, who offers to help for a price. Simeon agrees to the deal even though he can tell that Tally is a woman. As they travel, Simeon resists his attraction to her, knowing that she would not accept the wolf side he struggles to suppress. When Tally is endangered, however, only Simeon's wolf form can save her. He lets his wolf free, even though he is convinced he will lose any chance of winning Tally's love forever. But Tally perhaps will not see it that way. MBR Bookwatch reviewer Harriet Klausner called the book a "superb action-packed paranormal historical romance" with convincing and sympathetic characters.

Evaluating Krinard's werewolf books for the Romantic Times Online, Melinda Helfer stated: "If there are not werewolves in the world as described by Ms. Krinard, there should be. Her marvelous creations have earned her a very special niche in romance annals and guarantee her first place in the hearts of lucky readers." Helfer also called Krinard a "daring innovator and extraordinary storyteller."

Taking a break from werewolves, the author wrote The Forest Lord, which concerns the Fairy Folk, who are in dire trouble. Their population is dying out, but they cannot reproduce without human mates. When Cyrus Fleming violates an ancient agreement with the Fairy Folk by killing creatures that live in Hartsmere woods, he fearfully agrees to a match between his daughter, Eden, and the Forest Lord. Later, charmed by the mysterious "cousin" who appears in her life, Eden and the disguised Forest Lord elope. However, Eden's child is tragically stillborn. When the Forest Lord returns years later to claim his offspring, his prodigious wrath is directed at the woman he believes lost his child. Magic and love will have to serve as the media for putting things right again. Ramsdell, writing again for the Library Journal, commented that "Krinard takes readers to a realm where the Faerie and mortal worlds intersect and spins a darkly magical story of love, betrayal, and redemption." Booklist contributor Shelley Mosley remarked: "Magical, mystical, and moving, Krinard's book has a surprise villain and a nice twist at the end."

Lord of the Beasts serves as a sequel to The Forest Lord, telling the story of Donal Fleming, Prince of the Fairy Folk, and the very human Cordelia Hardcastle. They are drawn together through their common love for animals, though their different approaches cause a delay in their inevitable joining. Booklist reviewer Mosley found the book "impossible to put down."

Kinsman's Oath crosses from fantasy into science fiction with the story of starship captain Cynara D'Accorso. In the futuristic setting of the novel, Ronan VelKalevi has been a captive of the Shaauri since childhood. Fortune intervenes in the form of Cynara, who rescues him from the hated Shaauri's grasp. It does not take long for them to discover they are both telepaths, but their personalities are fundamentally different. Ronan has been taught to hate his own kind, and Cynara resents her upbringing on a planet where women were always second-class citizens. More insidious is Cynara's discovery that Ronan has been programmed to slay a prominent leader in human society. As the political situation spins at an ever-increasing velocity, so does the attraction between Cynara and Ronan, despite his potential as a traitor who could get him, her, and the ship's crew killed. "Filled with intricate details of other worlds, species, and cultures, this is sure to appeal to a crossover audience," remarked Booklist reviewer Mosley. Ramsdell, writing in the Library Journal called the novel a "well-written story, which nicely balances fast-paced action with thoughtful introspection and puts a futuristic spin on a number of age-old problems." Krinard has "created a complex world filled with conflict, passion, treachery and love," concluded Jill M. Smith on the Romantic Times Online Web site.

Assessing her career as a romance writer, Krinard offered the following remarks to Romance Reader writer Sova: "My challenge is to continue to grow, as a writer personally and in terms of my readership…. I'd love to see paranormal romance become much more ‘wide open’ in terms of themes and settings. I'd love to see futuristic romance come back with a vengeance, since I love to write it."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Booklist, September 15, 1999, Holly Cooley, review of Prince of Wolves, p. 242; October 15, 1999, Diana Tixier Herald, review of Touch of the Wolf, p. 422; September 15, 2001, Diana Tixier Herald, review of Secret of the Wolf, p. 205; October 1, 2002, Shelley Mosley, review of The Forest Lord, p. 306; September 15, 2003, Shelley Mosley, review of To Catch a Wolf, p. 224; June 1, 2004, Shelley Mosley, review of Kinsman's Oath, p. 1711; October 15, 2006, Shelley Mosley, review of Lord of the Beasts, p. 34.

Library Journal, August, 1994, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Prince of Wolves, p. 65; August, 1996, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Prince of Shadows, p. 58; May 15, 1997, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Twice a Hero, p. 69; August, 1998, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Body and Soul, p. 72; November 15, 1999, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Touch of the Wolf, p. 56; November 15, 2002, Kristin Ramsdell, review of The Forest Lord, p. 59; May 15, 2004, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Kinsman's Oath, p. 70.

Locus, December, 1994, Carolyn Cushman, reviews of Prince of Dreams and Prince of Wolves, p. 29.

MBR Bookwatch, May, 2005, Harriet Klausner, review of To Tame a Wolf.

Publishers Weekly, April 14, 1997, review of Twice a Hero, p. 71; September 27, 1999, review of Touch of the Wolf, p. 102; June 12, 2000, review of Once a Wolf, p. 58; July 9, 2001, review of Out of This World, p. 53; April 26, 2004, review of Kinsman's Oath, p. 47.

ONLINE

All about Romance Web site,http://www.likesbooks.com/ (October 21, 1998), "The Allure of Paranormal Characters."

AllReaders.com,http://www.allreaders.com/ (October 5, 2005), Harriet Klausner, review of The Forest Lord; Harriet Klausner, review of Secret of the Wolf; Marilyn Malone, review of Body and Soul.

AllSciFi.com,http://www.allscifi.com/ (October 5, 2005), Harriet Klausner, review of Kinsman's Oath; Harriet Klausner, review of Shield of the Sky; Vanda De'lore, review of To Catch a Wolf; Harriet Klausner, review of To Catch a Wolf.

BookBrowser.com,http://www.bookbrowser.com/ (March 28, 2002), Harriet Klausner, reviews of Once a Wolf and Touch of the Wolf.

Road to Romance Web site,http://roadtoromance.dhs.org/ (November, 1999), interview with Susan Krinard.

Romance Journal Web site,http://www.romancejournal.com/ (October 8, 1999), "Beyond the Pages."

Romance Reader,http://www.romancereader.com/ (August 15, 2000), Cathy Sova, "Meet Author Susan Krinard."

Romantic Times Online,http://www.romantictimes.com/ (October 5, 2005), Jill M. Smith, review of Body and Soul; Jill M. Smith, review of Kinsman's Oath; Melinda Helfer, review of Once a Wolf; Melinda Helfer, review of Prince of Shadows; Melinda Helfer, review of Prince of Dreams; Melinda Helfer, review of Star Crossed; Melinda Helfer, review of Touch of the Wolf; Melinda Helfer, review of Twice a Hero; Jen Talley Exum, review of Shield of the Sky; Kelly Rae Cooper, review of The Forest Lord; Donna Carter, review of To Catch a Wolf; Kathie Robin, review of To Tame a Wolf; Kelly Rae Cooper, review of Secret of the Wolf.

Scribes World,http://www.scribesworld.com/ (October 8, 1999), Liz Krejcik, review of Touch of the Wolf; (March 28, 2002), Paula Palmer, review of Once a Wolf.

Susan Krinard Home Page,http://www.susankrinard.com (October 5, 2005).

Word Museum,http://www.wordmuseum.com/ (February 2, 2000), Su Kopil, "Susan Krinard."