In preparation for the latest installment of my Alpha Colony series, I dragged myself to New Moon. I didn't enjoy Twilight and suspected the second movie would annoy me just as much. However, the book I'm working on (Unwanted Desire) deals with wolf-shifters and I wanted to see how werewolves were portrayed in the popular movie. The answer was shirtless. *g*

Much to my relief New Moon was more entertaining than Twilight, but I still contend that Bella needs to spend some time with Buffy the Vampire Slayer and learn how to take care of herself and stop depending on men for her happiness. But that's just me, and Bella is not the focus of this article.

As I watched the fine young men of New Moon transform into massive wolf-like creatures, it reinforced the contrast between werewolves and wolf-shifters.

My definition of a werewolf is a human who transforms into beasts with wolf-like characteristics. They are ferocious, predatory, and generally bloodthirsty. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is another good example of a movie featuring werewolves.

Now, wolf-shifters are part of the shape-shifter concept. A wolf-shifter is a human (or other humanoid species) who can transform into an actual wolf. Though wolf instincts are heightened, the person generally maintains their humanity. Sam from True Blood is an example of a shape-shifter, though his most common shift is into a dog, not a wolf.

There is another important distinction between the two. Werewolves are traditionally affected by the cycle of the moon, while this characteristic is found less often with wolf-shifters.

So, in my opinion, werewolf and wolf-shifter are not interchangeable. They are distinctly different species. For an entertaining look at the challenges facing wolf-shifters, I encourage you to visit Alpha Colony.

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