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missbookiverse's review
The illustrations are what drew me to this book and I think they also made me expect something along the lines of [b:A Monster Calls|33633622|A Monster Calls|Patrick Ness|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1483035259l/33633622._SX50_.jpg|13492114]. The ingredients were there: a tragic plot and troubled characters with interesting stories to tell, but the book failed to engage me. I was bored by the writing, the scenes felt redundant and the characters distant. The biggest letdown might have been the use of the wolves promised by cover and title. I wanted them to be a more tangible part of the story, something more “magically realistic” instead of just, well, imagery. In the end, I only skipped through the second half. Might reread A Monster Calls now though.
alongreader's review
4.0
I can't wait to see the fully illustrated version of this; it's going to be amazing.
This book reminds me of a mix between [b:A Monster Calls|8621462|A Monster Calls|Patrick Ness|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1485991317l/8621462._SX50_.jpg|13492114] and [b:October, October|55012382|October, October|Katya Balen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1597764482l/55012382._SY75_.jpg|85794901] (both books I heartily recommend, by the way.) We follow the story of an unnamed boy who lives with his father in a caravan in the woods. The father, John, has PTSD after serving abroad in the army, and has fallen in with some bad people. The boy does his best to keep things on an even keel while absorbing everything John teaches him about living in the wild.
There's a fantasy layer to this story that didn't really click for me, and the start is tough to follow, but the meat of the story is absolutely amazing. I love the recurring idea that we could be any father and son, anywhere, any time, it's really lovely.
I'm so looking forward to selling this book (which I can do soon, hopefully!) I think people are really going to love it.
This book reminds me of a mix between [b:A Monster Calls|8621462|A Monster Calls|Patrick Ness|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1485991317l/8621462._SX50_.jpg|13492114] and [b:October, October|55012382|October, October|Katya Balen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1597764482l/55012382._SY75_.jpg|85794901] (both books I heartily recommend, by the way.) We follow the story of an unnamed boy who lives with his father in a caravan in the woods. The father, John, has PTSD after serving abroad in the army, and has fallen in with some bad people. The boy does his best to keep things on an even keel while absorbing everything John teaches him about living in the wild.
There's a fantasy layer to this story that didn't really click for me, and the start is tough to follow, but the meat of the story is absolutely amazing. I love the recurring idea that we could be any father and son, anywhere, any time, it's really lovely.
I'm so looking forward to selling this book (which I can do soon, hopefully!) I think people are really going to love it.
powisamy's review
RTC
We Were Wolves has been on my radar for a while so when I was allowed to review it as part of the tour I jumped at the chance.
While it did take me a while to get into the book as it was a little confusing to work out what was going on, I got the hang of it. As they say, the ball was rolling. The actions do get going and I think that Jason Cockcroft does make you invested in the story especially with Boy and Mol. What can I say I am always up for a dog character.
The story also takes us into a unique setting, which is part of the inspiration behind the Instagram post. The outside setting is one that I don't really see in YA and it was interesting to see a character who lives by non-traditional means.
I enjoyed the way the actions picked up in the halfway mark and this definitely made me more engaged with the story. At the core is a story of toxic relationships, especially with a father and son. Jason Cockcroft definitely made me emphasise Boy throughout the story which is a talent to his writing.
Obviously, a review of this book would not be complete without mentioning those illustrations. They are so beautiful and I loved them. They definitely gave me A Monster Calls vibes but I think this is just the black and white.
I do, however, think if you liked one then the other may just be your cup of tea. I do recommend the book and I can't wait to see what Jason Cockcroft does in the future.
The Verdict:
Highly imaginative and entertaining, We Were Wolves is a great read which bridges the gap between middle grade and YA reads.
We Were Wolves has been on my radar for a while so when I was allowed to review it as part of the tour I jumped at the chance.
While it did take me a while to get into the book as it was a little confusing to work out what was going on, I got the hang of it. As they say, the ball was rolling. The actions do get going and I think that Jason Cockcroft does make you invested in the story especially with Boy and Mol. What can I say I am always up for a dog character.
The story also takes us into a unique setting, which is part of the inspiration behind the Instagram post. The outside setting is one that I don't really see in YA and it was interesting to see a character who lives by non-traditional means.
I enjoyed the way the actions picked up in the halfway mark and this definitely made me more engaged with the story. At the core is a story of toxic relationships, especially with a father and son. Jason Cockcroft definitely made me emphasise Boy throughout the story which is a talent to his writing.
Obviously, a review of this book would not be complete without mentioning those illustrations. They are so beautiful and I loved them. They definitely gave me A Monster Calls vibes but I think this is just the black and white.
I do, however, think if you liked one then the other may just be your cup of tea. I do recommend the book and I can't wait to see what Jason Cockcroft does in the future.
The Verdict:
Highly imaginative and entertaining, We Were Wolves is a great read which bridges the gap between middle grade and YA reads.
labsandliterature's review
4.0
This book was nothing like I expected. It is hauntingly beautiful in both words and stunning illustrations. It is the story of the complex and haunting relationship between a father and his son. This relationship is woven with a story of survival, natural world observations and ancient legends.
There are a lot of themes addressed in this one that are hard hitting and intense. These include poverty, homelessness, the effect of divorce on children, isolation and crime. Overall, We Were Wolves was an emotional and thought provoking read that I won't forget soon.
There are a lot of themes addressed in this one that are hard hitting and intense. These include poverty, homelessness, the effect of divorce on children, isolation and crime. Overall, We Were Wolves was an emotional and thought provoking read that I won't forget soon.
otterykhaleesi's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ajane13's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
captaincymru's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25