A Bad Breed by Kat Ross is third in the Gothic Gaslamp series. Deep in the Carpathians, the village of Mara Vardac has been beset by a series of vicious attacks. At first thought to be animal attacks, it becomes clear something far more sinister is afoot. Anne, an SPR agent, goes to investigate and ends up disappearing. Her guardian, Vivienne, goes to search for Anne, and continue the investigation into the attacks. What she finds is far more sinister than mere rogue wolves or bears. 

I absolutely loved this book! I was first introduced to Kat Ross’ wonderful writing with her Fourth Talisman series, and she’s now an author I actively stalk for new books. The Gothic Gaslamp series takes place in the same universe as the other two series, so we get to see the daevas, though not so much their magic. A Bad Breed is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, yes, but in a more original way than I’ve read before. I liked the inclusion of the Order of the Rosy Cross, but more than that, I loved the inclusion of the French legend of the Beast of Gevaudan. It takes it beyond being a werewolf legend, into something far more fascinating. We don’t learn the full truth of the Beast, or Gabriel’s unique ability, but the story continues in the next book and I’m very excited to read it! 

***Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for XPresso Book Tours.