A review by orang3_w0rld21
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.5

Don't know how to feel in the end. This book took me on a rollercoaster and I don't know if I appreciate it or not. I did heavily enjoy the sections of the Scottish Highlands. I love reading about the lands and the environment of it. McConaghy did a great job of illustrating the scene in the forest. Where I checked out was the backstory. I tend to skip or skim Inti's childhood–some I didn't because it impacts character(s). I was emotionally invested in the wolves; that was the section I liked a lot. I felt bad for them and also happiness. They are moved to a foreign land, and are killed off because people don't know how nature works. The writing was really beautiful at times and also kinda prosey and annoying. 

There are some serious content warnings with the book: domestic violence and abuse. So avoid or read with caution. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse and Domestic abuse

Moderate: Murder and Pregnancy