Reviews

Wolfskin by W.R. Gingell

jennchandler's review

5.0

Yet again, I've thoroughly enjoyed one of W.R. Gingell tales. This was delightful, and I will definitely be reading more books by this author.

I also truly appreciate that so far, the hero of each story I've read by Gingell has been a smart and intelligent female with a most excellent personality. It's quite nice to read books that not only pass the Bechtel test, but do so with flying colors.

tarataratara's review

adventurous medium-paced

4.0

rebeccazh's review

Loooved the forest setting. I love forest settings.

ashleyraye's review

adventurous challenging lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

thepurplegiraffe's review

3.5

I say that if you want adventure, you have to march right up to it and kick it in the shins. It makes life more interesting.

Let me start by saying that I love the way Gingell writes a story, I really do. Reading this right after a City Between binge was great, I needed the help through the hangover, lol!

I adored Rose as a protagonist. She's sassy and stubborn and really fun to follow; she reminded me (in the best ways) of Pet from City Between and Flavia de Luce, precocious and capable and ready for anything. In general the beginning of this story reminded me of Flavia de Luce meets Septimus Heap meets Have Sword, Will Travel meets the works of Anne Ursu. It was quick and witty and loveable all at once. The magic system was perfectly fantastical, and described just enough to be understandable, but with enough kept back to keep it mysterious. I love magic forest stories. The supporting cast of Akiva and Rose's family were lovely, and I almost wanted to spend more time with them.

Unfortunately, the book started to lose me in the second half. The love triangle developed, and I'll be honest, I didn't like the romance at all, and I probably would have enjoyed this more if it hadn't been involved. There was a super interesting magical political intrigue story going on, and Rose was spending most of her time being oblivious to the flirtation of the men in her life. (all of whom take a lot of liberties with Rose's personal space, but that's a different conversation) Bastian gave me the ick so bad, y'all, I did not like him at all. (like, bro, she's just not into you, stop being possessive and get over yourself) I wasn't rooting for that relationship by the end, which is disappointing, but totally on me, not necessarily the book.

But yeah, overall, I'm still excited to check out more of this story world and read more from Gingell. And I did really love the first half of this book! I just kinda wish it had kept up that momentum. So it gets 3.5 stars from me. (Oh, and the audiobook narration was fantastic. So that's good.) 

nipomuki's review

5.0

This was very much my thing: a fairy tale retelling, forest magic, a young rebel of a witch and a cursed wolf. Entertaining, romantic, magical. Loved the main characters, especially the young witch. Would love to read many more books about her. But sadly there is no need, as all is well in the end. I cannot say that the magic and the plot is always logical, and the way the heroine learns stuff is kind of random. But it did not bother me at all, I just liked the story so much. Would make a wonderful Christmas movie.

ineffablebob's review

adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is a young adult fairy tale, a coming of age story with a heavy dose of romance. Which is not at all my usual thing, as I generally like my fantasy with more big powerful magic conflicts and less teen emotions. But this one gets the mixture just right, with a delightful protagonist who pursues the magic and avoids the affairs of the heart but finds herself dealing with both regardless. It reminded me of Pratchett's Tiffany Aching books, which should give you some idea of how highly I rate this one. I thoroughly enjoyed Wolfskin and feel confident in saying that anyone else who likes fairy tale-style fantasy will as well...and even if you don't, this one might change your mind.

sagek's review

5.0

Wolfskin is full of magic, witches, curses, power, action, romance, a cursed wolf, a bitter Enchantress, spells, growth, strength, trust, and bravery. It’s about a young girl seeking out adventure who becomes an apprentice to a witch, who ends up breaking the first part of a wolf’s curse, who learns spells and magic, and tries to figure out who is behind the missing Wardens and why they’re doing it. It’s about a fourteen year old girl maturing and growing into a young woman who finds love, friendship, and family. It’s about Rose’s adventures and the situations she gets into because of her naivety. It’s a tale you’ll surely love.

See my full review here: Fishing For Books.

pers's review

5.0

Excellent - a very engaging tale full of interesting characters.

mena's review

4.0

3.5

this was cute loved sarcastic bastion and the mc was refreshing and didn't annoy me