Rating: 4/5 | On the cover of Raised by Wolves, author Melissa Marr is quoted as calling it “the most compelling YA werewolf book out there.” The review, as all superlative reviews tend to do, left me apprehensive- mostly, I know now, because I misunderstood Melissa’s statement. I opened the book expecting someone’s attempt at the best YA werewolf book ever written. What I got instead was a book that I read while grocery shopping, while looking for transport home, even while taking care of my 7 week old puppy, Zelda. (I may have some apologies to make to friends who dared to interrupt.) Compelling is exactly the right word for this book. I went into it with the usual expectations of a somewhat jaded reader of YA fantasy, and I swear I could hear Jennifer Barnes laughing at me as she turned my expectations on its ear, page after rapidly turning page. Callum was a surprise; Chase another. But the biggest surprise of all was Bryn herself. |
You know what? I’m not going to say much more about this book. Rasied by Wolves reminds me of TFiOS in that way. Not that it will break you wide open and leave you sobbing. I just think this book is best enjoyed if you go into it knowing as little as possible in advance. So. Do yourself a favour. Mosey on over to your bookseller and pick up a copy (or order the ebook for immediate enjoyment). One thing is certain: Jennifer Barnes has definitely left me, to quote the book’s blurb, “howling for more”.
(Good thing it’s just the first part of a series!)
(Good thing it’s just the first part of a series!)