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thepagelady's review
3.0
Book Review…Throw Me to the Wolves by Lindy Ryan and Christopher Brooks
Some evil wants to live forever.
Ten years ago a witch sacrificed Britta Orchid’s family and turned her into a werewolf. Selena Stone’s spell failed, and she was never seen again. Until now.
Officer Aaron Labaye has discovered Selena’s remains in the house where Britta’s family died, and dragged Britta back to Louisiana to aid the investigation, hoping her past will break the case.
As an unseen hand sets events in motion, Britta has to help Labaye dig into the murders. The bloodthirsty ghost of her brother, a jealous member from her pack, and a former friend all stand to stop Britta as she fights to finally get the truth. But, as she looks harder than ever she will confront more than just her own demons. She can’t hide anymore, but must find her place and discover what it truly means to be a wolf.
This was an interesting and unique story! It was refreshing to see something different with the werewolves. The first part of the book was setting everything up so it was a little slow but after that it was fast paced and full of suspense and action! The timeline is mostly in the present but there are flashbacks and they really made the story come together! The only thing I would have liked a little more of was the setting and it wasn't really clear how the witches and werewolves lived among the humans but other than that it was a good read and a great start to a new series! Thank you Katie and Brey, Lindy Ryan and Christopher Brooks for sharing this book with me!
Some evil wants to live forever.
Ten years ago a witch sacrificed Britta Orchid’s family and turned her into a werewolf. Selena Stone’s spell failed, and she was never seen again. Until now.
Officer Aaron Labaye has discovered Selena’s remains in the house where Britta’s family died, and dragged Britta back to Louisiana to aid the investigation, hoping her past will break the case.
As an unseen hand sets events in motion, Britta has to help Labaye dig into the murders. The bloodthirsty ghost of her brother, a jealous member from her pack, and a former friend all stand to stop Britta as she fights to finally get the truth. But, as she looks harder than ever she will confront more than just her own demons. She can’t hide anymore, but must find her place and discover what it truly means to be a wolf.
This was an interesting and unique story! It was refreshing to see something different with the werewolves. The first part of the book was setting everything up so it was a little slow but after that it was fast paced and full of suspense and action! The timeline is mostly in the present but there are flashbacks and they really made the story come together! The only thing I would have liked a little more of was the setting and it wasn't really clear how the witches and werewolves lived among the humans but other than that it was a good read and a great start to a new series! Thank you Katie and Brey, Lindy Ryan and Christopher Brooks for sharing this book with me!
kleonard's review
3.0
Not a bad werewolf book, expanding on the lore with some fresh additions. The characters are pretty solidly constructed, although the differing focus on characters from a third-person viewpoint wasn't always smooth. The setting is appropriately atmospheric, and overall the read was a good one.
nannersreads's review
4.0
Thank you to Lindy Ryan, Black Spot Books, and Katie and Brey PA for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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I picked up Throw Me to the Wolves thinking it would be a paranormal romance, but it’s more of a paranormal mystery with notes of horror and just a touch of romance. Even though it took a few chapters to find its momentum, once the ball starts rolling, it doesn’t stop! From run-ins with the police to ghostly encounters, this book has it all without falling into paranormal stereotypes. Britta is smart and strong and so incredibly sad. I fell in love with her instantly. She could stomp on me with her Docs and I’d thank her
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I picked up Throw Me to the Wolves thinking it would be a paranormal romance, but it’s more of a paranormal mystery with notes of horror and just a touch of romance. Even though it took a few chapters to find its momentum, once the ball starts rolling, it doesn’t stop! From run-ins with the police to ghostly encounters, this book has it all without falling into paranormal stereotypes. Britta is smart and strong and so incredibly sad. I fell in love with her instantly. She could stomp on me with her Docs and I’d thank her
maria_elisabeth's review
4.0
3,5⭐ - it was good
After a slow start it picked up, and was quite a interesting!
The werewolf story felt very new and unique, I really liked that!
The writing was not bad by any means, but maybe needs a bit work still.
Some details were a little weird and not important at all, and they pulled me off from the story.
Also the writing was a bit dry at points.
But these are just small things I pointed out, not effecting the book too much.
It was nice to be back to some werewolf stuff, it's been a long time since I've read one
After a slow start it picked up, and was quite a interesting!
The werewolf story felt very new and unique, I really liked that!
The writing was not bad by any means, but maybe needs a bit work still.
Some details were a little weird and not important at all, and they pulled me off from the story.
Also the writing was a bit dry at points.
But these are just small things I pointed out, not effecting the book too much.
It was nice to be back to some werewolf stuff, it's been a long time since I've read one
kblincoln's review against another edition
4.0
Compelling, confusing, dark, visceral...not sure what to say about this one. Did I always follow what was happening? No. Did I keep reading anyway? Yes.
So we have this big, strong woman Britta Orchid who is going back to her traumatic childhood home where her family was killed because of a picture a police officer brings her-- a picture drawn by her dead brother.
We switch between Aaron (police officer) and Britta POV, we switch between past and present, and it gets a tad confusing. During one point in the story, confronting the witch that killed her family, we get mid-witch battle in a chalked circle both in present and past and at that point I had to kind of mentally throw up my hands and give in to the narrative without trying to maintain the timeline because it was super confusing.
There's also an unreliable narrator. And not the kind I enjoy, where you go back after you discover the unreliableness and see the signs/hints...but an out of left field kind of dealio that felt too gratuitous.
But Britta Orchid is a refreshingly strong, unapologetic character. This take on werewolves was also interesting, pragmatic, kind of matter of fact. Despite my quibbles above, I'll definitely look into the next one.
So we have this big, strong woman Britta Orchid who is going back to her traumatic childhood home where her family was killed because of a picture a police officer brings her-- a picture drawn by her dead brother.
We switch between Aaron (police officer) and Britta POV, we switch between past and present, and it gets a tad confusing. During one point in the story, confronting the witch that killed her family, we get mid-witch battle in a chalked circle both in present and past and at that point I had to kind of mentally throw up my hands and give in to the narrative without trying to maintain the timeline because it was super confusing.
There's also an unreliable narrator. And not the kind I enjoy, where you go back after you discover the unreliableness and see the signs/hints...but an out of left field kind of dealio that felt too gratuitous.
But Britta Orchid is a refreshingly strong, unapologetic character. This take on werewolves was also interesting, pragmatic, kind of matter of fact. Despite my quibbles above, I'll definitely look into the next one.
justgeekingby's review
3.0
Originally posted on Just Geeking by.
Content warnings:
Throw Me to The Wolves by Lindy Ryan and Christopher Brooks is more than just a story about werewolves or a murder mystery. Ryan and Brooks have written a horror novel that covers all the main horror sub-genres, taking what they need from each one to create something unique. There’s the classic haunted house trope combined with gruesome murder that shock a cosy small town. There are psychological and paranormal elements, and obviously we have our monsters (werewolves). Urban fantasy is even covered with witches and werewolves living in a modern urban setting.
If that sounds like a lot, perhaps a little too much, you’d be right, and Throw Me to The Wolves does read a little bumpy at first especially when it jumps between three different narratives (present, past and an unknown narrator). It took me a while to realise that this wasn’t bad writing, it was intentional. The entire point of Throw Me to The Wolves, including the fragmented narration, is to make you feel uncomfortable as you read it. It was identifying the third narrator, that made me realise this. The third narrator is written in second person directed at the reader, and it is unnerving.
Throw Me to The Wolves is one of those books that I ended up having mixed feels about. I found parts of the story to be quite obvious, and I thought the main story was drawn out too long, whereas the climax was over too quickly. Yet, it is also a book that stuck with me. The world-building is very interesting, and offers a fresh take on werewolves. I’ve read a lot of urban fantasy, a lot of werewolf/shapeshifter stories, and I’m always looking for something new, something different. I don’t want to read the same old mythos over and over, and Ryan and Brooks have got something new here. There is also magic, in the light and dark forms, which was interesting to see.
Other than the world-building the characters were what caught my attention. I felt that the male main character was quite weak, and I did not bond with him at all, however, Britta and the secondary characters were great. I loved Britta’s sarcasm and inner voice, especially. The small town characters were annoying at first, but had surprising depths to them.
As the cover states this is book one of the Cry Wolf series, and the book ends on a type of cliffhanger. I say type of cliffhanger because it’s not the usual life or death cliffhanger, it’s just a big open unknown. I hope that book two will continue from where this one left off, or at least do a decent flashback as THAT conversation is one I am very interested in hearing.
If you’re a fan of horror and urban fantasy then Throw Me to The Wolves is going to be right up your alley. Hardcore horror fans might find it a bit light, but for those of us who like to dabble it’s the perfect mix. It’s dark, but not too dark. This is the first book in the series, so it’s a little rough around the edges, but it shows a lot of promise, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the rest of the series heads.
For more of my reviews please visit my blog!
Content warnings:
Spoiler
There is a lot of blood, gore and death in this book, as to be expected based on the synopsis. This book also deals with topics of grief, religious zealots, prejudice, and misogyny. There are also scenes where a male character attempts to trap a female character in a relationship through manipulation.Throw Me to The Wolves by Lindy Ryan and Christopher Brooks is more than just a story about werewolves or a murder mystery. Ryan and Brooks have written a horror novel that covers all the main horror sub-genres, taking what they need from each one to create something unique. There’s the classic haunted house trope combined with gruesome murder that shock a cosy small town. There are psychological and paranormal elements, and obviously we have our monsters (werewolves). Urban fantasy is even covered with witches and werewolves living in a modern urban setting.
If that sounds like a lot, perhaps a little too much, you’d be right, and Throw Me to The Wolves does read a little bumpy at first especially when it jumps between three different narratives (present, past and an unknown narrator). It took me a while to realise that this wasn’t bad writing, it was intentional. The entire point of Throw Me to The Wolves, including the fragmented narration, is to make you feel uncomfortable as you read it. It was identifying the third narrator, that made me realise this. The third narrator is written in second person directed at the reader, and it is unnerving.
Throw Me to The Wolves is one of those books that I ended up having mixed feels about. I found parts of the story to be quite obvious, and I thought the main story was drawn out too long, whereas the climax was over too quickly. Yet, it is also a book that stuck with me. The world-building is very interesting, and offers a fresh take on werewolves. I’ve read a lot of urban fantasy, a lot of werewolf/shapeshifter stories, and I’m always looking for something new, something different. I don’t want to read the same old mythos over and over, and Ryan and Brooks have got something new here. There is also magic, in the light and dark forms, which was interesting to see.
Other than the world-building the characters were what caught my attention. I felt that the male main character was quite weak, and I did not bond with him at all, however, Britta and the secondary characters were great. I loved Britta’s sarcasm and inner voice, especially. The small town characters were annoying at first, but had surprising depths to them.
As the cover states this is book one of the Cry Wolf series, and the book ends on a type of cliffhanger. I say type of cliffhanger because it’s not the usual life or death cliffhanger, it’s just a big open unknown. I hope that book two will continue from where this one left off, or at least do a decent flashback as THAT conversation is one I am very interested in hearing.
If you’re a fan of horror and urban fantasy then Throw Me to The Wolves is going to be right up your alley. Hardcore horror fans might find it a bit light, but for those of us who like to dabble it’s the perfect mix. It’s dark, but not too dark. This is the first book in the series, so it’s a little rough around the edges, but it shows a lot of promise, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the rest of the series heads.
For more of my reviews please visit my blog!
onceupona_nessa's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jordan_swift_1397's review
3.0
This book gave me a lot of mixed feelings. I’m still honestly not sure how to feel about this one. There were parts I did like but I think more that I didn’t like.
The world building fell flat for me. I wanted more. More details. But I feel like I had a lot more questions about the dynamics of the pack. As well as what is actually the roll of wolves and witches. Is it normal? The detective didn’t seem to be too phased by the incident. And then what was up with the end?
I felt like the 10 years ago parts of the book was more intriguing than the rest of it. I felt like it was supposed to be a bit of a thriller and I got that from the flashbacks and the first scene.
I usually really like double POVs, but the switching of POVs was a little confusing too. Because it felt like it was switching between 1st and 3rd person
Some of the plot seemed like extra fluff too me. I wanted added details to enhance the world building but some of the ones that were relied on heavily I think should have been nixed. It felt to me like the pov of Labaye and him saying he was attracted to Britta didn’t actually add to the plot, except at the end but I almost thought it could be done without it. Also her Doc Martins were mentioned all the time, but there was no actual significance to them.
I think this had aspects about it to make it a thriller which I did like in some of the peak moments, especially at the end. But those small moments weren’t enough to win this over for me.
The world building fell flat for me. I wanted more. More details. But I feel like I had a lot more questions about the dynamics of the pack. As well as what is actually the roll of wolves and witches. Is it normal? The detective didn’t seem to be too phased by the incident. And then what was up with the end?
I felt like the 10 years ago parts of the book was more intriguing than the rest of it. I felt like it was supposed to be a bit of a thriller and I got that from the flashbacks and the first scene.
I usually really like double POVs, but the switching of POVs was a little confusing too. Because it felt like it was switching between 1st and 3rd person
Some of the plot seemed like extra fluff too me. I wanted added details to enhance the world building but some of the ones that were relied on heavily I think should have been nixed. It felt to me like the pov of Labaye and him saying he was attracted to Britta didn’t actually add to the plot, except at the end but I almost thought it could be done without it. Also her Doc Martins were mentioned all the time, but there was no actual significance to them.
I think this had aspects about it to make it a thriller which I did like in some of the peak moments, especially at the end. But those small moments weren’t enough to win this over for me.
kblum15's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
myweereads's review
4.0
“The line between pain and pleasure is especially blurry for a wolf.”
Lindy Ryan and and Christopher Brooks kickstart the Cry Wolf series with Britta Orchid’s story. Ten years ago a witch known as Selena Stone had slaughtered Britta’s family and cursed her to be a werewolf. She then disappeared until now. A rookie cop finds the remains of Selena Stone in Britta’s old home and implores her to come back to town to help him with his investigation. Britta caves and aims to find out the truth while reluctantly helping this cop amidst her own battle with her true wolf form. Events quickly escalade and a fight brings about the unbelievable truth behind Britta’s curse and her role in her families’ demise.
This is as the title suggest a werewolf and witch story. However it is not as one would expect it to be. It initially begins in an interrogation room with a cop and a werewolf in her human form. From there the supernatural and horror elements quickly weave together to explain what happened to Britta’s family and why it happened the way it did. There are several twists in this novel which make it an additive read.
After finishing the novel I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. This is the first book in the series and it sets up the next novel really well with how it ends. I definitely recommend this one to fans of thrillers with a supernatural horror twist.
Many thanks to @blackcrow_pr for the arc!
Lindy Ryan and and Christopher Brooks kickstart the Cry Wolf series with Britta Orchid’s story. Ten years ago a witch known as Selena Stone had slaughtered Britta’s family and cursed her to be a werewolf. She then disappeared until now. A rookie cop finds the remains of Selena Stone in Britta’s old home and implores her to come back to town to help him with his investigation. Britta caves and aims to find out the truth while reluctantly helping this cop amidst her own battle with her true wolf form. Events quickly escalade and a fight brings about the unbelievable truth behind Britta’s curse and her role in her families’ demise.
This is as the title suggest a werewolf and witch story. However it is not as one would expect it to be. It initially begins in an interrogation room with a cop and a werewolf in her human form. From there the supernatural and horror elements quickly weave together to explain what happened to Britta’s family and why it happened the way it did. There are several twists in this novel which make it an additive read.
After finishing the novel I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. This is the first book in the series and it sets up the next novel really well with how it ends. I definitely recommend this one to fans of thrillers with a supernatural horror twist.
Many thanks to @blackcrow_pr for the arc!