The Shadow Portal: Love Is In The Air Blog Tour

Paperback / eBook

“In the Midst of Wolves”

Christian Romance

Which twin is good? Which is evil? Will Skylar discern the answer before it’s too late? Should she listen to her heart or remain loyal to her childhood friend? How do the pure-hearted deal with those whose intentions are not pure? In the Midst of Wolves, a tale of twisted motives and confusing feelings, will keep you guessing.

In the Midst of Wolves is based on the Bible verse from Matthew 10: 16, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

This novel is a multi-generational tale of good vs. evil. With complex characters that include a greedy grandmother, a cowardly husband, and a young girl longing for love, this story explores the eternal question: How does good recognize and deal with evil?

Skylar is orphaned at an early age and longs to find love in her foster family. Feeling like an outsider, she is confused by the two twins who are rivals for her heart. How she discerns the difference between the two will lead her and the reader on a journey that is full of twists and turns.

Top Five Star Customer Reviews

Barbara on September 17, 2014

In the Midst of Wolves is an intriguing story of love, ambition, envy, and compassion that probes the mysteries of the human heart. I loved exploring the characters and their motivations as the story unfolded. The rich character studies and engaging plot held my interest from start to finish. Entertaining fiction with a message-just the thing!

By Don on October 19, 2014

William Shakespeare fans will see “In the Midst of Wolves” a modern extension of his tragedies. After Karen Kelly Boyce leaves you raw with the cruel machinations of Queen Regina, she soothes her readers with her spiritual insights and wisdom. This FIVE STAR novel will grip both adults and young adult readers. It’s made for discussion groups.
If Lady Macbeth would trade her breast “milk for gall,” so would Regina, “Queen” Kagan— the most tragic figure, in Boyce’s latest novel. Young Regina abandoned her humble beginnings for a status, wealth, and power. She used, discarded, and stood on anyone who could advance her fortunes—her family, her friends, and her true love. She exploited her husband, in-laws, children, and grandchildren as pawns in her quest to gobble-up her longtime business rivals.
Besides Regina’s similarity to Lady Macbeth, shades of other Shakespearean tragic figures populate "In the Midst of Wolves." Romeo and Juliette, Hamlet and Ophelia, Othello, Iago, Desdemona, and Brutus, appear in the generations of Kagan family and household members. Regina, the classic "nasty,” dominates and deforms the psyche of her children and grandchildren. She, and sometimes they, with their lies, blackmail, bribery, and intimidation spread misery wherever they go.
Romeo and Juliette, Hamlet and Ophelia, who were likely teens during their tragic years, resemble the younger characters in Boyce’s novel. Parental or grand-parental rejection, bullying and social pressure led the unloved children to seek solace in vengeance and sex. Out-maneuvered, they found that revenge furthered Regina’s plans and that sex wasn’t the love they craved, especially when it led to an unexpected pregnancy and added rejection. They endured the sting of condemnation from the self-righteous who lifted not a finger to help, while committing far more grievous sins.
"In the Midst of Wolves" speaks to the adults of today, reminding them of their power to influence the lives of their children and grandchildren. Adult readers witness Regina and her ilk use their wealth and position to bribe, influence, and manipulate the world around them. Regina reaped gains while she “destroyed” her enemies, among them, members of her household. "In the Midst of Wolves," explored the evils of too much wealth in the hands of those shockingly devoid of compassion. Adults must set a life-affirming example, especially as the Regina Kagans of the world grow in dominance. The young adult readers will resonate with this tragic tale of the younger Kagans, especially since they experience the same struggles and are prone to the same mistakes.
Since "In the Midst of Wolves" is a YA novel with adult appeal, I could see its wide use in adult and youth discussion groups. Karen Kelly Boyce set the tone for each chapter with a scripture selection, instead of a chapter title. As narrator, she shared meditations rich in wisdom and spiritual life to launch each chapter. This timely, yet classic novel will stand out among recent YA offerings. Boyce dares to buck the trend. She offers her unique and hopeful perspective to modern teens.

By Cea on November 4, 2014

In The Midst of Wolves is a tale of selfishness and greed versus unselfish love. The story grabs you on the first page and doesn’t let go until the last. Ms. Boyce uses an interesting technique of beginning each chapter with a Bible verse and a reflection on a facet of the human condition. After I read the novel, I enjoyed going back and re-reading the preludes to the chapters.

By B. on September 19, 2015

I was easily drawn into this novel with the theme of good twin/evil twin. Author Karen Kelly Boyce creates a suspenseful scene, with an evil grandmother reminiscent of the one from Flowers in the Attic.