Mind, Body, and Soul by Keith Gouveia from his book Animal Behavior and other Tales of Lycanthropy

Men in the Moon by Michele Lee

In addition we still have Seeing Red: A Twisted Fairy Tale by our own Bob Freeman.

Interviews:

Michele Lee interviews How to Seduce a Naked Werewolf and How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf author Molly Harper

Michele Lee interviews Silver Kiss author Naomi Clark

Rhonda Wilson interviews Wolf Tales author Kate Douglas.

Art:

 Werewolf art of horror artist Jerrod Brown.  Take a look at the gallery.

Then if you look below you will see that we are expanding our section of werewolf reviews and will have more posted through out the month.  We will be including other lycanthrope related books as well as titles that are werewolf/shapeshifter related but not strictly horror such as paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and paranormal erotic fiction.

    Outside of vampires , one of the most iconic horror monsters is the werewolf: a human being who, due to mystical curses or biological manipulation, is able to turn into a wolf or something in-between human and wolf.   Whether these are tormented souls who have suffered, or monsters who revel in their predatory nature, they make wonderful creatures for horror novels.  Please note that they also show up in paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and paranormal erotic fiction with a fair amount of frequency as well.  There is a list of werewolf and lycanthrope books below the reviews or you can just click here.    

Wolf Hunter by J.L. Benet*New Review

Belfire Press, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-1927580035

Available: New and e-book

Wolf Hunter has three interwoven plot threads. The first starts at the end of World War II. A group of Nazi scientists is preparing to initiate the final stage of tests that, if successful, would turn an ordinary soldier into the ultimate fighter—a werewolf. The fate of The Fatherland rests on the outcome of the tests. Unfortunately, the tests do not go as planned.

 Skip ahead decades, to a young man on a mission to protect the secrets of shapeshifters for his Ojibwa tribe.  A shapeshifter known as a bearwalker, he is hunting a former Nazi who underwent the top secret testing.  He is to destroy all sources of the knowledge, perverted by the Nazis, which would harm the bearwalkers. 

 Finally, an unhappy college student, frustrated by his life and fascinated by the darker side of history and the occult, discovers clues that lead him closer to his ultimate desire.  Vague references to the Nazi werewolf experiments only serve to whet his appetite. He decides he must become one.  A few of the scientists are named, so he decides to reach out for some help...one way or the other.

This is a good read.  J. L. Benet starts out with an interesting way to create werewolves by having Nazi scientists bring the legend of the occult back to life.  This sets the stage for the themes of good vs. evil in the forms of selfishness and desire for world domination being countered by the desires for redemption and to set things right, no matter the cost. Benet does a good job balancing and tying together the three main characters’ plotlines.  The voice of each character is distinctive, which keeps the segments separated and also creates conflict between them as the story unfolds.  The suspense builds steadily as the story shifts through the three characters’ lives.  The action of the final climax is well-scripted as everyone converges for the birth of a new age or the preservation of the old one.  Benet’s descriptions are effective without being overdone—just enough to keep the story moving and the reader interested.  In the end, this is an interesting take on a classic creature. Recommended.

Contains:  Graphic Sex, Gore

Reviewed by:  Aaron Fletcher

The Frenzy War by Gregory Lamberson*New Review

Medallion Press, 2012

Available: New paperback

ISBN: 9781605424538

        In this sequel to The Frenzy Way, Lamberson continues the story of the Greater New York Pack and police captain Anthony Mace. Mace has been placed in charge of the K-9 unit—which is nothing short of exile—since his public debacle of the Manhattan Werewolf case (from the previous book), and Angela Domini has gone into hiding somewhere in Canada.

Someone has kidnapped Rhonda, a young werewolf, and murdered her boyfriend (also a werewolf), while they were working in the bookstore owned by Gabriel and Raphael Domini. Gabriel is the leader of the New York werewolves, with his brother Raphael as his right-hand man. Rhonda and her boyfriend were targeted because of their true nature, by a centuries-old secret organization called the Brotherhood of Torquemada, which is determined to wipe out all werewolves, believing they are evil. After more attacks on werewolf families, including the deaths of two police officers, Anthony Mace is called back into action as the head of a classified task force established to protect the Pack and eliminate the Brotherhood. This is more easily said than done, as the Brotherhood has taken to using terrorist tactics in the heart of New York City.

        On top of everything Mace has to deal with on this case, now Rodrigo Gomez, the serial killer that Mace caught before the Manhattan Werewolf case, wishes to give an exclusive interview to the reporter who covered the original case, Mace’s wife Cheryl. Mace is suspicious of Gomez’ motives, because Mace knows something about the serial killer that no one else does, and he does not want that information made public, as it can affect the current case. Captain Mace and his task force must move quickly to find Rhonda and the Brotherhood of Torquemada before the Greater New York Pack is destroyed.

        While you don’t necessarily have to read The Frenzy Way in order to keep up with the events in The Frenzy War, I strongly suggest you do. Lamberson tells a compelling story, in which it is not the werewolves that should be feared, but the people who think the wolves are evil and must be destroyed at all costs. The members of the Brotherhood don’t seem to care who else they take down, even members of the NYPD. The characters are well-rounded, and you will see them for the individuals they are—you’ll love them, hate them, and even be frustrated by them. There is plenty of blood and gore, as Lamberson is amazing at combining a gritty crime drama with blood-soaked horror. The Frenzy War has a few predictable moments (which can be difficult to avoid) but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Recommended.

Contains: gore, violence and sexual situations

Review by Colleen Wanglund

Note: This review was done as part of Monster Movie Month at MonsterLibrarian.com

Click here to return to the Monster Movie Month page.

High Moor by Graeme Reynolds
Horrific Tales Publishing, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0-9570103-0-7
Available: New

        High Moor is the debut novel by UK-based Graeme Reynolds (and the first publication for new small press Horrific Tales Publishing). The story’s prologue has John Simpson – a man (literally) struggling with his inner demons – seeing a news report from his hometown. The legendary ‘High Moor Beast’ has stuck again, despite the fact that it was supposedly killed twenty years before. John knows the seriousness of this report, and travels back to High Moor (near Durham) to face the beast. The first part of the story proper takes us back to 1986, and John’s childhood with friends David, Michael and Marie. The kids spend their time making dens and camps in the forest, and being terrorized by Malcolm Harrison and his sadistic gang of thugs. One night, when he goes back to their treehouse to collect his dad’s tools, David is attacked by something dangerous…

        High Moor is a werewolf novel – this isn’t a surprise, given the early description of John’s adult life. However, it’s an old-school werewolf novel, with echoes of The Wolf Man and An American Werewolf in London. This is not a paranormal romance, nor is it a story (on the whole) of werewolves living alongside human beings. This is a good old-fashioned ‘there’s something scary in the forest’ werewolf novel, and this is not a bad thing at all. Though it is not the most original take on werewolves, it is a well-written, suspenseful and engaging read, with compelling characters, some good local and period detail, and a very intriguing ending.

        I recommend High Moor to adult fans of werewolf fiction and film. It will particularly appeal to those people who have become a little tired of sympathetic werewolves (and vampires), and fancy a blood-thirsty predator for a change.

Contains: violence (sometimes gory)

Reviewed by: Hannah Kate

Torn by Lee Thomas

Cemetery Dance, 2012

ISBN: 978-1587672651

Available: New

On the surface, Luther's Bend is your typical small town, and Bill Cranston is your typical small town sheriff. But looks can be deceiving. Cranston has his fair share of problems, including a rocky home life, punctuated by a wife that's checked out of their marriage, and children that suffer as a result. Thomas does a masterful job of revealing the true nature behind his protagonist's personal strife and weaves it in seamlessly with the dramatic and horrific events that threaten to bring all of the good sheriff's secrets to light.

I'd love to dive into the meat of this story and discuss the intricacies of plot and structure, the dual natures mirrored in the heroes and villains of the tale, but to do so would destroy the author's endgame, and that would be a shame. Suffice it to say that Lee Thomas has delivered a solid addition to the Werewolf genre, intertwining heady psychological drama and gruesome violence with a lightning-paced narrative that kept me glued to the page.

Review by Bob Freeman

    For those looking for a true horror story, Bestial might disappoint as there is a “happily-ever-after” ending, but it is still a tale full of horror, gore, action, and suspense. There is also a great deal of focus on morals; there are religious undertones that seem disjointed from the rest of the storyline. It’s not a religious-focused apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic novel so this added layer seems contrived and unnecessary. Also, it is important to note that there is a great deal of focus on child abuse, specifically against Christian by his father and his father’s buddies. Recommended for adult fiction collections.
Contains: language, gore, pedophilia
Reviewed by: Kelly Fann

A Pack of Wolves by Eric S. Brown

Grand Mal Press, 2011

ISBN: N/A

Available: Paperback and Kindle Edition

Graham, Zed, Yule, Sarah and Shannon are looking for their brother, Samuel, who is trying to raise an army.  This is no ordinary family.  They are a pack of werewolves—pure blooded.  Samuel has a very deep hatred of humans since witnessing his parents’ murder when just a boy.  That hatred has led him to seek out dark magic and a very powerful spirit that will allow Samuel to enact his revenge. 

Samuel is making his way across America’s Western frontier, slaughtering most, and creating his army out of the strongest humans he comes across.  They are called the Created and they are inferior to the pure werewolves.  Samuel also has the help of a mysterious man dressed in white with the voice of an angel.  The family is on his trail…but can they stop Samuel before his plans reach fruition?

Set in the American Old West, A Pack of Wolves is a fast-paced, action-packed novella full of memorable characters.  Eric S. Brown has differentiated between pure werewolves and those created by accident or happenstance, endowing each family/pack member with a different strength.  Character development is excellent and the story contains a few surprises, although some will be recognizable to regular readers of Brown’s work.  The prose is tight and flows easily, and Brown keeps things unpredictable, which is a huge plus in my book.  Having already helped redefine the zombie sub-genre, Eric S. Brown continues to push the boundaries of the horror genre.  Brown has revitalized zombies, Bigfoot, and aliens, and now seems to be expanding on the phenomenon of Western horror.  A Pack of Wolves is a must-have for any horror fan’s collection. Highly recommended.

Contains: violence, gore and adult language

Reviewed by: Colleen Wanglund

Werewolves: Myth, Mystery, and Magick by Katie Boyd
Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 2011

ISBN: 9780764339073

Available: Paperback

I try to find something positive about any book I review. This one was difficult. In Ms. Boyd's favor, she approaches the subject passionately and makes an honest attempt to thoroughly cover the subject, from traditional folklore to modern media representations. Unfortunately, the book is in serious need of a stronger editorial hand (on page six alone, two authors were misnamed as “Brahm Stoker” and “Stephanie Meyers”). Run-on and awkward sentences and glaring typographical errors aside, at 160 pages, Werewolves is rather thin, considering the broad brush Ms. Boyd is painting with, and the majority of the information within is readily available with a simple Google search. I expect more from someone who represents themselves as an “internationally known Demonologist and Occult Sciences/Crimes Specialist”. In addition, after the first reading, the spine cracked and the pages became loose and bothersome to keep track of. I cannot in good conscience recommend Werewolves: Myth, Mystery, and Magick to anyone, let alone paranormal enthusiasts who appear to be this book's target audience.

Reviewed by: Bob Freeman

Grave Expectations: The Classic Tale of Love, Ambition, and Howling at the Moon by Charles Dickens and Sherri Browning Erwin

Gallery Books, 2011

ISBN: 978-1451617245

Available: Trade Paperback

Grave Expectations is a mashup of the Victorian classic Great Expectations and werewolves.  It tells the story of Pip, the only werewolf pup to survive being born in his family. His much older sister is a full human, and a bit resentful of Pip’s werewolf nature. Pip is cared for by his sister and Joe Gargery, her husband and the village silversmith. As in the original Great Expectations, Pip is threatened by a convict on the run. Where the story diverges from there is that the convict is a werewolf. In this world, werewolves, vampires and zombies (known as Recommissioned) exist and survive, despite normal humans. As in the original novel, Pip first meets Estella and Miss Havisham, then comes into a great fortune by an unknown benefactor.  The story veers off on a slightly tangential course to account for the supernatural creatures in this version, but ultimately remains very similar.

This is both the blessing and the curse of the book. Readers who enjoy the long-winded nature of Charles Dickens’ writing will delight in Sherri Browning Erwin’s refined, but decidedly gruesome and violent, retelling of this story. Others may feel a little bored. I found it was fantastic reading for the subway, for nothing is as boring as riding the subway for 45 minutes at a shot, unless of course you have a longer trip than I. This book is recommended for readers of classics, werewolf fiction, and towering Victorian romances.

Contains: Violence, gruesome imagery, gore, Victorian profanity.

Reviewed by: Benjamin Franz

The Last Werewolf  by Glen Duncan
Knopf, 2011
ISBN: 0307595080
Available: New

Jake is the last werewolf on earth.  At 200 years, he's seen a lot in his life.  The fact he's the sole survivor of his species depresses him. He's contemplated suicide: what sort of future does he have? Werewolves are sterile, so he can't procreate sexually, and the werewolf curse is no longer transmitted via bites. Jake spends his time sleeping with women he doesn't love.  The concept of love is a word foreign to him: since he literally devoured the love of his life shortly after he became a werewolf, Jake actually pursues women he dislikes. There is safety in this: he will never fall for a woman again. Jake is prepared to face his own mortality,  and ready to turn himself over to WOCOP (World Organization for the Control of Occult Phenomena). However, circumstances change and Jake decides to preserve his life, able to finally accept the monster he has become.

Told in a journal format, The Last Werewolf is not your average werewolf tale. It truly captures one man's evaluation of his soul, his life, and his purpose for living. Jake goes through a dramatic transformation throughout the book, not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual. At the beginning, he’s a monster who punishes himself for an action centuries in the past.  By the end, he's a man, who happens to be a monster, and wants to preserve his species.

Definitely more on the literary side of the spectrum, Duncan provides readers with a completely unique and innovative attempt at the werewolf tale. I wouldn't recommend it for someone looking for your average werewolf story. Duncan's attempt is much more of a contemplative, introspective look at a werewolf's life.  Above all, despite previous marketing, I would not promote this as "Twilight for adults." Highly recommended. 

Contains:  Gore, vivid scenes of a sexual nature.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Lawrence

How to Seduce a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Pocket, 2011

ISBN: 1439195870

Available: paperback & multiformat digital

            Maggie is the alpha of the pack, and despite kicking some tail to get the position, she finds herself cramped under the pressure to lead not just her people, but her family, into the future. The former alpha, Eli, was caught trying to kill Maggie's brother, so things are tense in the pack, and a series of mysterious attacks aren't helping. Neither is Dr. Nick Thatcher, the gorgeous man Maggie finds poking around Grundy, Alaska trying to prove that werewolves are real. But, despite pressure from her family to continue the shape shifter line, Maggie can’t keep her mind off Nick. Her libido, however, is just a distraction when it begins to look like another pack might be trying to take Maggie's territory from her.

            As a lead, Maggie is less fun than Mo, from Harper's first werewolf book. She's sassy, though, and a little mean, and a heck of a lot more conflicted. Harper is an excellent writer. She weaves a tale that feels ordinary despite the mystical elements, and integrates pack mentality and politics into the Alaskan wilderness seamlessly. Definitely recommended for public paranormal romance collections, Harper's werewolf books will also likely appear to urban fantasy fans as well.

Contains: language, graphic sex scenes, some violence

Reviewed by: Michele Lee

By the Light of the Moon by Larry Kerr

Damnation Books, 2011

ISBN: 9781615723478

Available: Trade paperback & multiformat digital

            The problem with writing a traditional [vampire/zombie/werewolf/serial killer/etc] tale these days is that the mythos of most of these creatures are so ingrained in us that "traditional" often translates to boring. If you slap a howling werewolf on the cover readers know what your bad guy is and spending two hundred pages with your characters still in the dark can easily become tedious rather than a delightfully gory romp through a dark night. This is the most glaring problem with By the Light of the Moon, which stars a paranoid newspaper reporter, his girlfriend, and a small town cop squaring off against a vicious, strong, mysterious creature who gets really hungry every full moon.

            It also doesn't help that the best (and sometimes only real) descriptions come from the characters telling each other how poignant that scene is, or how relevant this fact is. By the Light of the Moon is not a bad book. Kerr's strength is his characterization, and he recognizes how to strike all the dramatic moments. The book’s greatest flaw is that it does nothing new with the mythos and lacks an atmosphere that would make up for it. Given its higher small press price tag, it's not the best option for public collections, but werewolf fans, especially the die-hard werewolf-monster-killer fans will dig it.

Contains: violence and language

Reviewed by: Michele Lee

On the Prowl by Patricia Briggs, Eileen Wilks, Karen Chance and Sunny

Berkley, 2007

ISBN: 0425216594

Available: paperback and multiformat digital

            Anthologies like On the Prowl are becoming more common these days, particularly in urban fantasy and paranormal romance. On the Prowl is a shape shifter-themed collection of four novellas by authors writing in pre-established worlds. It features a prequel to Brigg's Alpha and Omega series, set in the same world as her Mercy Thompson books; a side story from Wilks' Lupi series, set between the third and fourth books but starring a secondary character; a story set in Karen Chance's Dorina Basarab world but led by side characters; and a short story from Sunny that's like a summary of the first four of her Monere books.

            The stories vary between very good (Briggs and Chance) to “you probably need to be a fan of the series” (Wilks) to terrible (Sunny). While these types of books are more for series completists than public collections they can help fans of the genre or a particular theme learn about new authors whose works they might love. On the Prowl is recommended for collections that have a lot of paranormal readers, and of course to librarians (and booksellers) themselves who like to have an understanding of the variety of books on the shelves. It's a decent "sampler" of paranormal works that requires little investment and can certainly spark the urge to go out and try new books.

Contains: sex, mentions of abuse, some violence

 Reviewed by:  Michele Lee

River Marked by Patricia Briggs

Ace, 2011

ISBN: 0441019730

Available: Hardcover and multiformat digital

            Just as Lord of the Rings established a plethora of fantasy standards Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series has left its mark on urban fantasy. In this sixth book of the series, Mercy has made her commitment to the local werewolf alpha, Adam. In fact, after a surprise wedding (like a surprise birthday party), Adam whisks Mercy off on a ten day camping trip in a plush trailer lent to them by the fae. Since the fae never give anything for free, both Mercy and Adam are suspicious, but determined not to let that ruin their alone time. Then a river monster, an ancient Native American cannibal, rises and claims Mercy as its own.

            Briggs is excellent at drawing in both readers and multicultural magical elements. In this story she isolates Adam and Mercy from their pack, and sets them up against what might as well be a god. Briggs reminds readers that they don't need European vampires and Nordic werewolves for intrigue and adventure: America has plenty of secrets all its own.

            This series is very popular, for good reason. It strikes a perfect balance between urban fantasy elements—romance, mystery, horror and magic. It is led by strong, but not perfect characters whose power might set them apart with a less talented literary hand. Instead Briggs keeps them human, valiant, noble, challenged and even light-hearted. Readers looking to try out urban fantasy would do well to start here, and a librarian on a tight budget will most likely see this series gives a high interest value for the money.

Contains: violence, language, sexual situations

Reviewed by: Michele Lee

Wild by Naomi Clark

KDP, 2011

ASIN: B0053PVW22

Available: Kindle ebook

            Lizzie is an addict in an abusive relationship. Abandoned on the street after a fight and attacked, she's now a werewolf too. Wild is at heart a tale of redemption and the crippling effect abuse has on a person. It's also a tale of werewolves on the cusp of exposure, fighting not to be defined by the worst and most stereotypical among them.

            Lizzie is not the smart ass that readers of  urban fantasy have come to expect, and addiction and spousal abuse seem to be among the least accepted issues in urban fantasy fiction. So it's not surprising that this book has yet to really connect with its audience. But it's a shame, because it's very reflective of books of the older version of urban fantasy,  like Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause and Nancy A. Collins' Sonja Blue books. While the popularity of urban fantasy has, in many ways, led to the solidification (and some might say stagnation) of the genre, it's books like these with a somewhat different tempo, but excellent story lines and writing, that fall through the cracks. Wild is a fantastic book, dark in ways that are somewhat uncomfortable, but ultimately hopeful. Lizzie's struggle with addiction and self esteem makes it a book that will connect with readers unexpectedly and an excellent addition to public collections.

Contains: drug use, sex, violence, language

Review by Michele Lee

How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Pocket, 2011

ISBN: 1439195862

Available: paperback & multiformat digital

            "Pitch-perfect" is a cliché when it comes to book reviewing, but nothing less describes this fun paranormal romance from Molly Harper. Mo is a woman so desperate to escape her overwhelming hippie mother that she moves all the way to Alaska. She ends up in the tiny town of Grundy, where bears and elk roam, where the whole town (it seems) is looking for a wife, and where her neighbor just happens to be a werewolf. Cooper has a number of secrets of his own, including his lust for the pretty new outsider. Before Mo and Cooper can get together Cooper has to face up to his past, both emotionally and literally.

            How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf is a fun book, driven by a lead that's enchanting, hilarious and stubbornly charming. There's enough mystery and danger to keep things exciting, but this book shouldn't be confused with a horror novel or even an urban fantasy. Fun all the way through, How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf hooks its claws in early and drags readers along for an off-beat, wilderness-spiked ride. It's a highly recommended and quite enjoyable addition to public and paranormal-loving private collections.

Contains: violence, explicit sex

Reviewed by: Michele Lee

Dog World by Jason McKinney

CreateSpace, 2011

ISBN: 978-1456587994

Availability: New

Jason McKinney’s book, Dog World, tells of a world-altering conspiracy that reaches around the globe. The terror responsible for this coming apocalypse is the werewolf. Werewolves evolved in the Dark Ages and for the most part stayed under the radar….but they were stockpiling, planning, and developing a plan that would reduce mankind to the position of cattle. Not all of the werewolf population feels this way, though. There are quite a few werewolves who respect the humans and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. Together, the humans and human-friendly werewolves will battle to the death to protect the world.

Review by Brandi Blankenship

The Taming of the Werewolf by Sylvia Shults

Dark Continents Publishing, 2011

ISBN: 978-0-9831603-7-3

Available: New paperback and multiformat ebook 

            It is fairly well-known that most of Shakespeare’s works were not original. Rather, he took already existing stories and then retold them in such a way that they have endured through the ages. It is only appropriate, then, that another writer has taken “Taming of the Shrew” and retold the tale for this generation. It is not a timeless work like Shakespeare’s, but it is a fun and clever interpretation.

            For those of you not quite remembering the plot, Katharina is the eldest daughter of a rich gentleman who is required to be wed before her younger sister, Bianca can marry. While Bianca has several callers, Katharina is known far and wide as a “The Shrew” and revels in her wretchedness. Finally, a man named Petruchio presents himself and proceeds to tame Katharina through atypical, often cruel means, eventually resulting in a docile wife and a triumphant suitor.

In Shults’ telling, Katharina’s current anger is fueled by an attack she endured as a teenager which left her suspended between two worlds, the human and the wolf, but belonging to neither. The author weaves this explanation seamlessly into the existing story, and her writing ability carries us through to an ending that suggests more of a marriage among equals, which will resonate better with modern readers. I admire her rendition of the main plot.

        However, the lack of subplots leaves the overall work a bit wanting. In the play there are several interludes, especially with Bianca’s suitors, that help round out the story and give the play some comic relief. Not having these tangents in Taming of the Werewolf at best leaves the novel used up too quickly, at worst creates some noticeable holes in the plot. The most glaring example of this is how Petruchio recognized Vincentio, the father of one of the callers, on a road. (Huh? Not only had he never met the father in this retelling—he never met the son, either!) If only Shults had spent a little more time further developing the story…but alas.

Consider the e-book for your electronic inventory—it’s worth the $2.99—but I would skip the paper copy. Recommended for Shakespeare fans, romance fans, and anyone who ever wondered why Bianca’s hands were tied at the beginning of the play.

Contains: brief sex scene

Reviewed by: W.E. Zazo-Phillips

The Best Werewolf Short Stories 1800~1849: A Classic Werewolf Anthology  Edited and Introduced by Andrew Barger

Battletree Books, 2010

ISBN: 978-1-933-747-25-5

Available:  New and Used

 

    This scholarly collection of five classic short stories collected by Andrew Barger is impressive, and would be of interest for anyone fascinated with the history of the werewolf mythos.  Written in the 50 year period between 1800~1849, these stories represent the genesis of the werewolf in literature..

 

    Included in this collection is "The Man-Wolf", written by Leitch Ritchie and first appearing in 1831. According to Barger's research it has not previously been included in any other anthology, so the publication of this story has particular importance.

 

    My personal favorite is a gem of a contribution from the only female in the collection, Catherine Crowe.  Entitled "A Story of a Weir-Wolf", it was originally published in 1846.  Set in the Middle Ages, it is a finely woven tapestry of intrigue, betrayal, love and tragedy.

 

    This anthology is not for everyone, but  I feel that it would be well utilized to great benefit in a unit study on classic literature in an academic setting.  I would also highly recommend it as an addition to the personal library of anyone who enjoys reading classic literature. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and Barger's introduction of the history of the werewolf in literature was priceless.

 

    Just for fun, great films to tie in with this collection would be the classic movie 'The Wolf Man'  (1941) featuring Lon Chaney Jr. and Bela Lugosi, and even the modern film 'The Wolfman' (2010) starring Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins. Highly recommended

 

Contains: mild violence, some peril.

 Review by: Rhonda Walton

Werewolf Book : The Encyclopedia of Shape-Shifting Beings by Brad Steiger

Visible Ink Press, 1999

ISBN: 9781578590780

Available: New and Used

        If you want to expand your interest in werewolves and other shapeshifters beyond fiction, to the realms of history, science and the occult, start with this book. Not only does The Werewolf Book have entries on all manner of shape shifting beings from myth, and accounts of supposed real life were-critters, it also encompasses the books and movies that influenced the image of shape shifting and werewolves throughout history and made it what it was today. Nothing is treated as trivial.  Even the effect of comedy, such as Abbot and Costello's monster movies, on the mythos, is dealt with respectfully. While the encyclopedia isn't exhaustive in its entries, it does offer a plethora of titles to seek out for further research. Certainly a core reference for the study of shape shifting beings, The Werewolf Book is an essential part of collections that cater to researchers, occultists, writers, and anyone interested in lycanthropes. Highly recommended.

Contains: some disturbing descriptions of witch trials and tortures
Review by Michele Lee

Scent of the Wolf  by Tracy Jones
Lachesis Publishing,
ISBN: 9781592798261
Available: used
    Scent of the Wolf is a loosely historical romantic mystery, Scooby-Doo style.  It centers on Sophia, who, with her cousin Karl, is called to a strange castle  where she must stay for a month in order to inherit whatever it is that her grandfather left her. Unfortunately; there's a very old werewolf curse on her family, and although the conditions for the inheritance are real, they are also a means to lure Sophia to the arms of an evil creature that prowls outside the castle. The setting and time period are details-vague, the horror isolated to small glimpses of a sinister family past, and the bad guy’s threats to rape the heroine. Sophia’s behavior is frustratingly erratic, fluctuating between determined strength and being pliable and easily manipulated. It's not a bad book, but it's too passive for urban fantasy fans, and too vague for hardcore historical lovers. Scent of the Wolf is a stylish old classic werewolf tale that would especially appeal to fans of werewolf horror movies (An American Werewolf in London, The Wolfman, etc.) and classic haunted castle tales.
Review by Michele Lee

Wolf Hunt by Jeff Strand
Leisure (December 2010)
Dark Regions Press (limited)
ISBN: 9780843964653 (Leisure Edition)
Available: Limited, (Mass Market in December 2010)
   

        Ivan is a total bad guy, a complete jerk who can point out people's stupidity with sinister calm while gleefully killing them. He's also the cargo of two stone cold, no-nonsense mafia transport men who are taking him across Florida to...well they don't get paid to ask questions. Too bad Ivan just got loose and is now roaming suburban neighborhoods slaughtering people.

        Jeff Strand's Wolf Hunt is a wild ride, full of characters who don't fall for all the typical horror novel tropes, and who face their circumstances with casual sensibility. This is definitely a stand out in horror fiction, not just werewolf tales. This is the story for people disillusioned with all the other werewolves out there, especially the thinly veiled alpha male stereotypes. Highly recommended for private and public collections.

Contains: Language, violence, gore

Review by Michele Lee

Wolf’s Bluff by W.D. Gagliani

Available: New

Wolf’s Bluff is the third installment in W.D. Gagliani’s Wolf Cycle series. Homicide cop/werewolf Nick Lupo is back again and facing off against Wolfpaw Security. He is starting to believe it may very well consist of a full staff of werewolves. Lupo knows that getting himself involved in this case also puts his closest friends, including his girlfriend Jessie, at risk of harm as well. While looking into the Wolfpaw case, Lupo also gets wind of a series of “animal attacks” that are taking place in Wausau. Could the two be connected? It’s up to Lupo to find out. Will Lupo be able to take down this shifty group (no pun intended) before anyone else gets hurt?

Review by Rhonda Wilson

Note: Despairs & Delights are included here due to a werewolf short story contained within as part of Werewolf month.

Contains: violence and some gore

ISBN: 978-0441018130

Ace, 2010

ISBN: 9780441018529

Orbit, 2009

ISBN: 9780441018369

Ace, 2010

ISBN: 9780441018192

Ace, 2010

ISBN: 9780441018642

Ace, 2008

ISBN-13: 9780441015894

ISBN: 9780441014941

ISBN: 9780738700502

Animal Behavior and other Tales of Lycanthropy by Keith Gouveia
Coscom Entertainment 2010
ISBN 978-1-926712-42-0
Available: New

            Keith Gouveia’s contribution to the werewolf mythos, Animal Behavior and Other Tales of Lycanthropy is packed with eleven short stories that explore existing legends of lycanthropy as well as establishing new ones.  From a cursed former Catholic priest seeking redemption to teens finding themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, there is something here for everyone.

 Review by Colleen Wanglund

Silver Kiss by Naomi Clark
Queered Fiction, 2010
ISBN: 978-1920441128
Available: New, print and digital

            Some books wrap themselves up in the tropes of a genre like a comfortable blanket, and others seem to transcend genre and theme with their very nature. Silver Kiss is one of these. Labeled an "urban werewolf novel", it's the tale of Ayla, a werewolf, and Shannon, a human, trying to make a new life together as part of Ayla's Pack and family while they deal with the recent murder of Ayla's cousin Adam (which drew her back to the Pack in the first place) which may not be an isolated event. There's also a new street drug that's highly addictive to werewolves and triggers their animal instincts, making them rage-filled animals ready to fight. Sure enough, Shannon and Ayla get dragged in (and blackmailed), ending up way over their heads.
            Silver Kiss is not an urban fantasy or paranormal romance. It is a werewolf mystery, with a strong overlying theme of community and family acceptance and how it relates to humans, werewolves, and lesbians. Ayla is a high-strung character whose nervous energy infects a book that otherwise has very much normalized the concept of werewolves and werewolf culture. Her emotionality does, at times, distract from the main plot, possibly the book's only flaw, and her independent streak leads her to distrust the people around her, even family and friends.

            Clark has created an interesting balance between the paranormal elements and the struggle for normalcy in what's considered deviancy even in our supposedly modern and accepting culture. Highly recommended for library collections, with a good mystery and moments of surprising depth, Silver Kiss is the sort of stand out, inclusive fiction that more collections should have on their shelves.
Contains: sex, violence, cursing
Review by Michele Lee

The Werewolf’s Guide to Life: A Manual for the Newly Bitten by Ritch Duncan and Bob Powers

Broadway,2009

ISBN: 978-0-7679-3193-9

Available: New

    If I were forced to sum up The Werewolf’s Guide to Life in one word, that word would be fun. Check that. Make it: FUN! Yes, that’s in all caps with an exclamation point at the end. Rarely have I read a book that thrilled me, chilled me, and tickled my funny bone throughout, but this one did so in spades. Duncan and Powers deliver a wonderful look into the world of the lycanthrope with their thoughtful Manual for the Newly Bitten. Covering a wide range of topics, from the proper post-attack etiquette to how best to avoid capture by government agents, The Werewolf’s Guide to Life will leave you howling for more.
Review by Bob Freeman

Of Wolf and Man by Christopher Fulbright
Lachesis, 2009
ISBN: 9781897562369
Available: New, used & digital

 

Wild Justice by C. Fern Cook

Createspace, 2010

ISBN: 9781451507492
Available: New

        C. Fern Cook's first book, Wild Evolution, introduced us to Dan Tucker, a rural Colorado rancher who suffered a bite from what he believed was a wild dog, but was in fact a werewolf. In this second book of her paranormal Wild Series, Cook delves deeper into her main characters, Dan Tucker and his soon-to-be-wife Angela. Wild Justice picks up right where Wild Evolution left off, with Tucker still trying to come to grips with how to handle (and keep under wraps) his newfound transformation ability. Feeling removed from his pack, both in animal and human form, Tucker decides to focus his energies on his upcoming wedding and future business endeavors. Then things take a disastrous turn, and Tucker finds it necessary to transform into a werewolf once again.
        Without giving too much away, it is important to note that Cook touches on a some hard-hitting topics in Wild Justice that force the reader to think about and face some disturbing but unfortunately common practices. Cook effectively intertwines this subject matter into the plot of the story, which ultimately gives more depth to Tucker's character.
        As with Cook's first book in the series, her writing style will appeal to a wide variety of readers of different ages. It is a quick read, and leaves off at another great cliff-hanger for the next book in the series. After reading Wild Evolution and Wild Justice, readers will find it imperative to get their hands on book three to see where Tucker's choices and actions will lead him next. Wild Justice is an ideal book for a public library collection, and an absolute must have for small town, rural public libraries. Be sure to pick up book one in the series, as these novels must be read in order.
Contains: Mild violence & gore, mild sex
Review by Kelly Fann

Snarl by Lorne Dixon
Coscom Entertainment, 2009
ISBN:  978-1897217870
Available:  New and Used
    When family man Chev Worke decided to pick up some extra money by spending Christmas on the road driving his 18-wheeler, he wasn't expecting to slam into an animal on State Highway 59 and then have his truck die.  And he REALLY wasn't expecting said animal to turn out to be a werewolf that belonged to a pack of werewolves that decide to hunt him down, since he has killed one of their own.  Given a head start, Chev makes it to a little grocery store in the town of Easter Glen on foot and meets up with some townsfolk. Together they try to make a break for it, but soon Chev learns of a pact that the townsfolk have made with the werewolves.  At that point everyone has choices to make.  Hopefully they will make the right choices, and make it out alive, but will they?
    Lorne Dixon has taken a refreshing look at the world of werewolves. He keeps you clawing at the edge of your seat up until the very end of Snarl. The story is fast-paced throughout, with enough action and plot twists to keep you guessing all the way through so that you aren't sure exactly how things are going to wrap up.  It's a very powerful novella and feels more like a full novel.  The main character in the story is very likable and you sympathize with him immediately wanting to help him out of his predicament, especially considering he just happened to be "in the wrong place at the wrong time".  This is my first experience with the works of Lorne Dixon, but I will definitely be looking into reading more by this fine author as I was highly entertained by Snarl.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Contains:  Adult Language, Violence
Review by Rhonda Wilson

and here is our take two review of Snarl by Michele Lee

    Chev, a trucker, Ross, a grandfather and David, his ten year old grandson who just lost his whole family to a house fire, all have the bad luck to find themselves in a horror novel, the kind where the characters get lost and end up in a tiny town terrorized by a gang who also happen to be werewolves. The human townies can't give the outsiders over to the beasts quickly enough, and the werewolves want to use Chev and Ross as excuses to break the pact made between human and monster fifty years ago.

      Snarl is a tale that belongs with the best of werewolf movies: fast-paced, dark, and gruesome. Between humans willing to live complacently with the brutal deaths of many others (as long as it isn't them) and shape shifters who might have motive to slaughter, there are no clear good guys. For werewolf and general horror fans, it's a good, solid read and would make a quality addition to public and private libraries looking to expand the number of horror titles in their collection. Recommended.
Contains: Gore, language, violence

Wild Evolution by C. Fern Cook

Review by Kelly Fann

Wolf's Gambit by W.D. Gagliani
Leisure Books, 2009
ISBN:  0-8439-6249-6
Available:  New and Used

    The second book in Gagliani's Wolf Cycle series is a bit different than the first, Wolf's Trap, as there is more than one bad guy involved.  In the opening scene a man is actually killed by three werewolves near Eagle River, where Nick Lupo's girlfriend, Jessie, resides.  When Lupo comes out to visit Jessie, she tells him of the attack that has just taken place, and the two of them attempt to help out Arnow, the new sheriff.   Nick and Jessie suspect werewolves are involved, but Arnow is obviously in the dark.  What they don't know is that a man who calls himself Mr. XYZ is controlling this pack of werewolves.  Somehow, Lupo needs to take down the whole pack without getting himself killed in the process.
    Wolf's Gambit takes on a whole new angle from Wolf's Trap with the multi-killer aspect.  In the first book, Lupo only had to contend with one human killer, but in this novel he is up against a whole pack of militant werewolves that appear to be stronger than him.  It's like one man against an army!  I liked how Gagliani added in the emotions going on in Lupo's head when he was struggling with the doubts of those he thought trusted him.  I felt it truly gave me a more personal look into Lupo.  That's just one example of character development- Gagliani showed several examples of that as well with some of the other recurring characters.  This is truly shaping out to be a great series and I'm greatly anticipating book three.  Highly recommended!
Contains:  Adult Language, Adult Situations, Gore, Rape, Sex
Review by Rhonda Wilson

Wolf's Trap by W.D. Gagliani
Leisure Books, 2006
ISBN:  0-8439-5702-6
Available:  New and Used
 
    The main character of Wolf's Trap, the start of a new series of interconnected novels, is Nick Lupo, a good cop who also happens to be a werewolf.  In Lupo's first adventure, he is involved in tracking down a serial killer that seems to have some kind of strange obsession with lipstick.  To make matters worse, Lupo senses that the killer is gunning for him specifically by some of the messages he is leaving behind at the scenes of his crimes.  This puts a fear in Lupo that those he gets close to might also be in danger. He has been struggling with his werewolf side for years, and now with a competitor on the loose he fears that it may prove to be too much of a challenge to keep his inner wolf under control.
    Gagliani had me hooked from page one with this first novel.  He takes a different writing style from most authors in that he chops his chapters up based on who the main focus is and labels them as such.  This made the book an extremely fast-paced read and had me flying through it!  Gagliani juggles lots of interrelated storylines to clue readers into past events in the lives of many of the characters as they were growing up- events which, of course, shape the future. Gagliani uses flashback scenes throughout the book.  In some novels this can seem confusing and troublesome, but in Wolf's Trap this fit well.  The past triggered much of what happened in the present, so without the flashbacks, the novel wouldn't have been nearly as strong.  All in all, this was an addictive read and much different from your typical werewolf attack books... for once the werewolf is the "good guy".  Highly recommended!
Contains:  Adult Language, Adult Situations, Gore, Rape, Sex, Child Abuse
Review by Rhonda Wilson

The Wild Hunt by James A. Moore

Insidious Publications,2009

Red by Paul Kane
Skullvines, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-9799673-5-1
Available: New

Red is a fairly short, straightforward retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood” that breaks both the monster and the fairy tale form back down to their horrific beginnings. Kane's monstrous wolf is a creature out of our nightmares, all appetite, both sexual and digestive. He's a true shapeshifter, a “wolf in sheep's clothing” who takes on the forms of people around him in order to get closer to his victims. Also true to the first fairy tales, this isn't a light-hearted tale with magical creatures that is tied up in a nice happy bow. It's a brutal tale of stalking and hunger. The only down side is that it doesn't deviate from the traditional story much, making it a simplistic and quickly read tale. Recommended for private collections due to the sexual content and cost vs. length factors.
Contains: Violence, gore, sex

Review by Michele Lee

Moonbane by Al Sarrantonio
Cemetery Dance, 2009
ISBN:
Available: New

            Cemetery Dance has created a beautiful reprint of Al Sarrantonio’s tale of a werewolf apocalypse.  Poet and amateur astronomer Jason Blake watches a meteor shower with his son.  When a meteor strikes in Blake’s back yard it opens up to reveal a werewolf.   Blake quickly watches his world dissolve around him as werewolves quickly kill or turn most of the population and destroy all technology along the way. Blake struggles with a small band of other survivors try to find a way to stop the werewolves from eradicating humanity.   Moonbane starts fast and doesn’t stop.   You get some great character development with Jason Blake.  Sarrantonio doesn’t spend lots of time introducing you to his characters before getting into the action.  He shows you his characters as the action unfolds.  Not only does Moonbane give us an original tale of the origin of werewolves but it also an effective apocalyptic tale. Highly Recommended.

Contains:  Violence, gore

Bestial by Ray Garton
Leisure, 2009
ISBN: 978-0843961850
Available: New

    Bestial follows up Garton's first werewolf novel, Ravenous, and, while not as strong as Ravenous, it’s still a good werewolf story.  Garton also pulls in characters from one of his vampire books, Night Life- private investigators Gavin Keoph and Karen Moffett. Gavin and Karen are sent to investigate numerous animal attacks popping up all over Big Rock. Werewolves are suspected in the area.  Gavin and Karen discover that the attacks are werewolf attacks, and also that the werewolves have already set in motion a plan for the town of Big Rock. More and more people are turning into werewolves via the sexually transmitted virus, and the PI’s may be in over their heads.
    Garton’s inclusion of characters from his vampire series leaves the reader wondering if he is going to proceed further with this series and possibly combine the vampire and werewolf stories.  It could make for an interesting battle down the road if he does!  This would be a good addition for libraries, but be aware that Garton does have a lot of sexual content within his book including some rape and incest scenes.     
Contains: violence, gore, incest, rape, strong sexual content, adult language
Review by Rhonda Wilson

The Beast Within, edited by Matt Hults

        The Beast Within is a perfect treat for lycanthrope fans. There's a bit of nearly everything inside, from wereslugs to shamans. The collection includes stories of true horror as well as science fiction twists on the moon-bound and surreal, shape shifting fantasy. Standouts include “Let's All Welcome The New Guy” by Raoul Wainscoting, a hint of what sensitivity training might be like if "weremericans" existed, ”Some Touch of Pity’ a dark and moody tale by Gary A Braunbeck, and Lee Battersby’s  “The Claws of Native Ghosts,” in which the violence and rage comes not from the beast but from the man's own insanity. It's easy to find something good to say about each story in this well- constructed collection. The Beast Within is escapist fiction in its most enjoyable form and would make a great addition to private and public collections. Recommended.

Contains:

Review by Michele Lee

Contains: Violence and gore

Blood Curse / Werewolf for Hire Book One by Nic Brown

Review by Bob Freeman

Ravenous by Ray Garton

Ulrik by Steven E. Wedel

Lost Prince by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Borderlands Press, 2008
ISBN: 9871880325988
Available: New
Lost Prince is a heavy read from the beginning. That's not to say it's not enjoyable, the detail and scope of the story is overwhelming at times, before considering that the setting is the one of the most evil moments in known human history-- the Spanish Inquisition. This is not a novel for a light read. Yarbro creates sympathy and tension for her characters immediately with a slowly twisting plot that is always just a bit more extensive than the reader expects. The only fault in an otherwise amazing work of historical horror is a embarrassingly large number of copy editing errors.
Lost Prince is a stunning addition to private and public libraries. Yarbro's "monsters" are the more human characters, leaving the horror to
bloom in the form of man's inhumanity against man.

Note the copy reviewed was neither listed as a advanced review copy or an uncorrected proof.

Contains: Torture
Review by Michele Lee
 

Howl-o-ween by Gary L. Holleman

Leisure Books, 1996

Reviewed as part of the Halloween Horror Review Project, click here to see other Halloween themed horror book reviews.

Heart of Midnight by J. Robert King
TSR, 1992
ISBN: 1560763558

Night of the Wolf by Alice Borchardt

ISBN:0345423623

Available: New and Used

    Night of the Wolf is set in ancient Rome.  I would say it is more accurate to call it a piece of historical fiction that happens to have a werewolf in it, than a werewolf book.  The book tells two stories that intertwine at the end. The first is about Lucius, a nobleman whose sister Fulvia has gotten him involved with Roman politics dealing with the likes of Caesar and Mark Antony. It is only with the help of his wily physician Philo that he might survive.  The other tale is about the werewolf Maeniel who crosses Dryas, a mystic queen, who has a score to settle with Caesar.  There are many scenes of  werewolf love as Maeniel ends up bedding various female characters. Although this book has been marketed as a werewolf book, the political story with Lucius is more interesting and more successful than the werewolf storyline, and the book would have been better if the werewolf character was dropped.  If you like historical fiction, you might enjoy the book as long as the werewolf doesn't distract you too much. If you like werewolf sex scenes you will get your fill, but the political story might not be to your taste.    Other books in this series are The Silver Wolf and The Wolf King.  Contains: violence and passages of graphic sex.

Shara by Steven Wedel

    Cycle of the Werewolf is a good old fashioned basic werewolf book.  The book chronicles a series of werewolf attacks in the small Maine town of Tarker's Mills on a month by month basis.  Marty Coslaw, a 10 year old boy, who is confined to a wheelchair  who lives in Tarker's Mills manages to survive an encounter with the werewolf he must uncover who the werewolf is with the help of his sister Kate and Uncle Al before the werewolf attacks again.  This is a very straight forward werewolf story without a lot of twists and turns. Kings writing is solid and his text is supplemented with great illustrations by Berni Wrightson.  The story was eventually made in to a movie Silver Bullet in 1985.  I would consider this a core of any werewolf collection. Contains violence.

Murdered by Human Wolves by Steven E Wedel

    I hadn't heard of Steven Wedel until I had posted on the Shockline's message board looking for recommendations on werewolf books. Wedel's name came up multiple times as one of the finest authors of werewolf books.  I started out with his novella Murdered by Human Wolves, the story of Katherine Cross, a girl who lived in the early 1900s in a small Oklahoma town who is caught in the middle between the human community and a family/pack of werewolves that live next door.  The novella leaves the question who are the actual monsters of the story- the werewolves or the humans.   I am very impressed by the story  and look forward to reviewing more of Wedel's werewolf books. I note, however, if you wanted to include this as part of a library collection the covers and binding would need to be reinforced to extend the life of the book. Contains violence, sexual situations

Dogs of War: A Novel by Steve Ruthenbeck

    A group of US soldiers go behind enemy lines in search of fortune and find themselves in a small town where the only living residents are four German soldiers who have gone through mystical experiments that have transformed them into werewolves.  Plenty of background is provided on the US soldiers and even one of the Germans throughout the book.   Ruthenbeck's story moves at a reasonable pace occasionally breaking from  the action to provide background on the various characters.  I enjoyed the book a great deal and it was nice to see a werewolf book with a slightly different setting. An excellent addition to a werewolf collection. Contains werewolf violence and gore.

Back to the Main Page

Back to Horror Fiction List

Below is a list of books with werewolves or other lycanthropes. The books are from mass market publishers, independent/small press, and self publications. Most of these books have not been reviewed by me nor should they be considered recommendations. Rather, they are options.  Titles are arranged alphabetically. There are some horror/adventure books that involve lycanthropes that haven't been included.  If a book strikes you for better or worse and you want to write a review or if there is a book that needs to be added to the list e-mail me. 

Back to the Main Page

Back to Horror Fiction List