S. M. Stirling

Though apparently human, Adrian Breze belongs to the ancient species Homo Lupens--also known as Shadowspawn--the elder race whose existence gave rise to the legends of supernatural creatures. When his sister, a passionate believer in the supremacy of their kind, threatens Adrian's human lover, he must once again become embroiled in the intrigues and dangers of a hidden war against humankind.
VERDICT: The author of the popular "Change" novels (Dies the Fire, The Protector's War) begins a new urban fantasy series featuring a variant version of werewolves, bringing to it an extraordinary eye for detail and a feel for characterizations. Some graphic scenes of sex and violence, both typical of the genre, make this suitable for mature readers.