About Taming Jackal:
If it’s not yet available at your local bookstore, please request the book.
Martina, a Latina student from Queens, becomes entwined with Ellis, a hockey player from New Jersey, at a predominantly White university, against the backdrop of the early 21st century. As their connection grows, Martina encounters Ellis's inner demon, embodied by the enigmatic entity known as the Black Cat.
Years later, the pair reunite in a serendipitous meeting while both working in Manhattan. Their romance rekindled, we meet Martina's inner beast, Jackal. Their relationship unfolds, resurrecting not only their past liaison but also Black Cat and Martina's own creature, Jackal.
Their nascent connection unravels the intricate tapestry of their identities, revealing the manifestation of Ellis's inner torment, through the Black Cat.
A decade hence, having once again drifted apart, Martina's subconscious beckons with vivid recollections of an intimate encounter with Ellis. Her quest to discern his whereabouts ensues, leaving readers in suspense as they traverse the labyrinthine depths of passion, identity, and the perpetual pursuit of connection.
Praise:
“In Taming Jackal, Peña Alfaro explores the depths of the human psyche and what it takes to emerge from the darkness, if not unscathed, then at least whole. The mesmerizing journey of Martina and Ellis in a speculative world of gritty danger and resilience invites the reader to ponder what it really takes to survive. Inventive and authentic, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and can’t wait to see what Peña Alfaro comes up with next.”
—Valerie Wetlaufer, author of Mysterious Acts by My People
About the author:
In the vibrant landscape of contemporary literature, Isabel Peña Alfaro emerges as a beacon of fresh talent and perspective. She interweaves her rich Mexican American cultural heritage into her storytelling in Taming Jackal, her debut novella.
A prolific writer, Isabel’s work appears in TIME, Fast Company, and Fortune, and she runs a B2B content writing business. When she puts the pen down, Isabel is training clients at the gym, lifting weights, or walking her puppy Justino. Isabel earned a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and a master’s from the Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris. She lives in Upstate New York.