Blood and Chocolate

I hope that they finally film "Blood and Chocolate." It's probably the best werewolf novel I have ever read. When I finished it, I felt as if it was a werewolf novel written by an actual werewolf, especially since it ends on a curious, "If you are a werewolf, exalt in knowing that you are better than humans, who are mostly treacherous scum" note. And yes, it is very serious, and the plotline goes in an unexpected direction at the end - let's hope Kruger retains the story's integrity.

It may be classified as a young adult novel, but it is light years removed from fluff like R.L. Stine. If you want chunkomatic gore, you won't like it. On the other hand, filmed properly, this will be another great werewolf film on a par with "Ginger Snaps."

It's been a few years since I read the novel, but it made an impression on me. I read it because it was a werewolf novel that had gotten good reviews, and I was reluctant since it was a "Young Adult" horror title. I had read some of that stuff as pure guilty pleasures but didn't expect it to be the end-all of werewolf stories. Yet to date, "Blood and Chocolate" is the finest werewolf story I have ever read. For those who are interested, I'll recap the story:

BIG SPOILERS AHEAD

The story is about Vivian Gandillion, a girl who is part of a family of werewolves. The character is actually quite unlikeable, but in a way that emphasizes her nonhuman quality. She meets this artistic goth-type kid at school, and feels drawn to him. She feels that he will understand her true nature because of his paintings, his claims that he appreciates the mysteries of the universe and all that crap. Since all the male werewolves her age are violent rebels (kind of like the Lost Boys, but hairier), she risks it all to be with the sensitive kid.

OK, so far, sounds like a real snoozefest. You expect the kid and the werewolf chick to hook up and love to conquer all. Well, that's where "Blood and Chocolate" pulls a fast one. Vivian decides it will be romantic to shapeshift in front of the kid, thinking he will appreciate her true nature, etc. Well, the kid loses his shit since he was a poseur. Of course, Vivian also betrayed her own kind for a shot at love for this kid and things just went to hell. So Vivian has to worry about other werewolves finding out, plus the fact that the kid thinks she is "cursed" and wants to kill her to release her from her existence! There is a happy ending though, as Vivian realizes it was stupid to pretend to be human, and finds life as a werewolf to be gratifying. As mentioned above, it ends with a anti-human/pro-"Isn't it better to be a superior werewolf?" note.

Throw in an interesting werewolf society, rituals where werewolves beat the hell out of each other in order to be the pack alpha, and other fun things and you get the idea.

END OF SPOILERS

I hope they keep it reasonably intact.