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a_reader_obsessed 's review for:
Howl
by Allegra Hall
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Technically, a prequel to Wolf in the Garden this is the love story of Van’s parents Bronte and Weston, and it was oh so spicy and nicely swoony!
Many a reader may have felt a bit put off by Weston’s seemingly cold and stubborn stance when it came to his pack and family, but this story really added depth to his character. Admittedly, Weston can be a pretty big alpha-hole, but what we learn here definitely sheds more light on his past tragic trauma, and I really appreciated how Hall made him not just a stereotypical paint by the numbers alpha. I loved how deliciously dominating and ruthless he was, decisively dealing with any challenge with vicious efficiency when necessary, never apologizing for crossing a moral boundary as long as it was done for those under his protection. UNF
In addition, the gaps regarding werewolf and wolf shifter culture and lore were filled in, especially the contentious history between the two species. This also lent insight into why the First and Second Realms are divided, explained the evil machinations of the fae, and expanded upon the magic system and background of Bronte who’s basically werewolf royalty.
Overall, if you had a bit of difficulty with A Wolf in the Garden because of its repetitive length, I feel that this installment brought all of the good stuff, leaving out the extraneous. Weston and Bronte have a great love story here, and this does a stellar job at the fated mates trope making it a really compelling, heady pool of desire and rightness that clicks immediately into place for our protagonists, wonderfully showing how perfect and powerful such a predestined bond is. Top it off with continued world building, and this sexy paranormal fantasy romance just makes me look forward to more!
Many a reader may have felt a bit put off by Weston’s seemingly cold and stubborn stance when it came to his pack and family, but this story really added depth to his character. Admittedly, Weston can be a pretty big alpha-hole, but what we learn here definitely sheds more light on his past tragic trauma, and I really appreciated how Hall made him not just a stereotypical paint by the numbers alpha. I loved how deliciously dominating and ruthless he was, decisively dealing with any challenge with vicious efficiency when necessary, never apologizing for crossing a moral boundary as long as it was done for those under his protection. UNF
In addition, the gaps regarding werewolf and wolf shifter culture and lore were filled in, especially the contentious history between the two species. This also lent insight into why the First and Second Realms are divided, explained the evil machinations of the fae, and expanded upon the magic system and background of Bronte who’s basically werewolf royalty.
Overall, if you had a bit of difficulty with A Wolf in the Garden because of its repetitive length, I feel that this installment brought all of the good stuff, leaving out the extraneous. Weston and Bronte have a great love story here, and this does a stellar job at the fated mates trope making it a really compelling, heady pool of desire and rightness that clicks immediately into place for our protagonists, wonderfully showing how perfect and powerful such a predestined bond is. Top it off with continued world building, and this sexy paranormal fantasy romance just makes me look forward to more!