Werewolf Books

Yesterday we did werewolf movies, today it's books.  Just a warning up front, it'll be mostly romance because that's the genre I read in and I know the majority of the blog visitors read in as well (and honestly, I haven't read a lot of werewolf stories).  But that shouldn't keep you all from posting about horror, sci/fi, whathaveyou.  I'm always open to a great new read.  And like yesterday, today's post will be interactive.  I've posted some books below, but want you all to add your favorites in the comments.  I'll then put up pics of those books at the bottom of the post, so we can all add to our book shopping lists!

First, for some great YA Werewolf Reads I'll refer you to Shauna Leigh Kemp's post here a few days ago.

Now, I'm going to do some shameless promotion.  I write books I love to read, so my favorite werewolf book is MOON KISSED by moi.  It features the hero, Severo (weird name, I know, but I love the dude) and the mortal heroine Bella.  (Other books of mine with werewolves are "Racing The Moon" and HER VAMPIRE HUSBAND)  Here's the blurb:
Escaping from bloodthirsty vampires, Belladonna Reynolds ran straight into the arms of a werewolf. As a man Severo drew her in with his dark good looks; as a beast he astounded her with his insatiable sensual appetite. Whether afraid or aroused, Bella fled to his lair when threatened by an evil monster of the night....

Severo tried to keep Bella--his mate--safe from the vampiress who held a malicious desire for revenge against him, but he alone wasn't enough. Now Bella had taken the form of his most cursed enemy. How could he desire the very thing he'd spent his life destroying? And even if he did, what would the werewolf do to Bella on the next full moon?

LONELY WEREWOLF GIRL is a YA read, but adults will love it too,  Written by World Fantasy award winner Martin Millar, I highly recommend this one.

I haven't read TO TAME A WEREWOLF by Susan Krinard but I have read other stories by her.  This author is a must read.  I don't think you can go wrong with any of her paranormal romances.  This particular book is #5 in a series, but I'm not sure how many are in the series total.  Anyone know?

I've read the first in the Mercy Thompson series and really liked it.  The heroine is a coyote-shifter, but there are plenty werewolves in these stories.  SILVER BORNE is book 5.  Anyone have a favorite in this series?

I don't know anything about THE WEREWOLF WHISPERER by Ericka Scott, but when searching Amazon I came to a fast stop.  How can you not love this title?  And the cover is awesome, too.

WICKED DEEDS ON A WINTER'S NIGHT by Kresley Cole.  All hail, Kresley Cole!  I pretty much love anything she writes, but especially her Immortals After Dark series, which features all sorts of paranormals pairing up.  This one pairs a Lykae and a witch.  Hot, smoldering, action-packed, and fun!

Now, tell me about your favorite werewolf stories and I'll list them below!  

Titles you've suggested:

ANIMAL ATTRACTION by Charlene Teglia

THE WEREWOLF OF PARIS by Guy Endore

WILDERNESS by Dennis Danvers

TO CRAVE A BLOOD MOON is part of Sharie Kohler's The Moon Chasers' series.

And remember, all week VampChix is giving away copies of MIDNIGHT CRAVINGS every day (it features my short story Racing The Moon; werewolf hero).  All you have to do is comment!  Winners announced on Saturday.

Movies that make you want to howl

I think werewolf movies are almost as popular as vampire movies.  I haven't seen that many because I'm a bit squeamish.  Funny, eh, considering I write about vamps and weres?

The last great werewolf movie I saw was the recent THE WOLFMAN starring Benecio Del Toro.  This was a throwback to the old style movies and look at the werewolf more as a man than a wolf.  I liked it, despite the lukewarm reviews.  This one is due out on DVD June 1st.
Lawrence Talbot (Del Toro) is lured back to his family estate to investigate the savage murder of his brother by a bloodthirsty beast. There, Talbot must confront his childhood demons, his estranged father (Hopkins), his brother’s grieving fiancée (Emily Blunt, The Devil Wears Prada) and a suspicious Scotland Yard Inspector (Hugo Weaving, The Matrix Trilogy). When Talbot is bitten by the creature, he becomes eternally cursed and soon discovers a fate far worse than death. Inspired by the classic Universal film that launched a legacy of horror, The Wolfman brings the myth of a cursed man back to its iconic origins.

AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON is a classic for my generation.  It was probably one of the first movies that really showed a werewolf transformation in an un-cheesy manner (though probably to view the movie today, I would cringe at the cheesy effects).  This one freaked me out, and I guess that's what a great horror movie should do, yes?  I recall that the star, David Naughton, was the Dr. Pepper guy.  And if you're from my generation, you'll know what I mean by that.

While scanning lists of werewolf movies online, I came across this movie, LADYHAWKE.  I've never really thought of it as a werewolf movie before, but it certainly does feature a wolf shifter character, so heck, I'll squeeze it in on this list.  The wolf in question isn't a snarly, scary monster sort, he's just...a wolf.  But he'd do anything to protect his lady, even if he never can be with her when in human form.  Alas, she cannot be with him while in human form either.  When he is human, she is a hawk; when he is a wolf, she is human.  It is truly one of the greatest romances, starring a young Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer.  Matthew Broderick provided the comic relief.  If you're in the mood for romance and some shifty characters I highly recommend this flick.

BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF (Le Pacte Des Loups) is an awesome French flick that is loosely based on the legend of the beast of Gevaudin, a werewolf-like creature that was rumored to have slaughtered innocents during the 18th century.  It features some phenomenal action/fight scenes, and was beautifully filmed.  It's got something for everyone: mystery, horror, action, romance, seduction, and sexy Frenchmen.  Vincent Cassel and his wife Monica Belluci star, along with Mark Dascascos (The Iron Chef) and Samuel Le Bihan.  Not a poorly acted role in the bunch.  This is a must see!

MAD AT THE MOON is a sleeper title released in 1992.  It's very subtle and slow and a western.  It's a romance, and you're never really sure if the hero is a wolf or not until the very end.  If you can find this one it's worth a look.

The UNDERWORLD franchise of movies features some awesome werewolves led by their lycan leader, Lucian, well-played by Michael Sheen.  (I, personally, like him much better as a wolf than a vampire a la the Volturi.)  It pits werewolves against vampires throughout the 3 movies, and has some great world building.  The werewolves have an almost feline appearance to their faces, which is interesting.  Who is the bad guy in this world?  It changes and alters depending on whose eyes you're looking through.  Rumors are a fourth in this world is to be filmed, and that it may be 3-D.

I haven't seen GINGER SNAPS but it turns up often on 'the best' lists.  It's adolescent struggles as seen through the eyes of a werewolf.  It is a horror flick, and isn't for the squeamish (like moi; hmm...so that's why I haven't seen it).

Now, that's it for my knowledge on werewolf movies.  I know I'm missing a lot of really great ones, so I'm relying on all you awesome VampChix and VampBoyz to fill us in with a mini review of one of your favorite werewolf movies in the comments.

As the comments come, I'm going to add in the titles everyone is recommending:

THE COMPANY OF WOLVES

THE HOWLING

AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN PARIS

THE WOLFMAN

SILVER BULLET  (Is that Corey Haim I see peeking through the slash in that poster?)

Ohmygosh!  How could I forget BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE?  I loved this movie.  Geared toward teens, it is a great romance and I love how they show the wolves shifting mid-run.

Remember, all week you have the chance to win a copy of MIDNIGHT CRAVINGS merely by leaving a comment.  [Winners announced on Saturday.]

A couple winners!

The winner of Lori Handeland's CHAOS BITES is...

cait045




Congrats!

Also, I forgot to draw a winner of E.J. Stevens SHADOWS OF MYTH AND LEGEND, so that winner is...

blackroze37

And we still haven't heard from BOOKJUNKIE, who won Mary Hughes' BITING ME SOFTLY.

Please send vampchixmail@gmail.com your snail mail address.

YA Wolves

Some Wolfy YA reads:

Shiver series by Maggie Stiefvater



Synopsis (Goodreads):


For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human ... until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.


Maggie Stiefvater's wolfs are a new breed!  They change by the season, the temperature.  Maggie Stiefvater is a fun and exciting writer and I had hoped to have her chime in with us today, but the timing didn't work out, but perhaps next time.  If you haven't read her books yet, you should!  Sam, the werewolf staring in Shiver is one you won't want to miss out on meeting!  And Grace too, see what happens to them both in Shiver and in the upcoming sequel, Linger out in July.  It's a trilogy, so we'll get more in the third book, Forever.  So exciting!  I truly can't wait for more on this new breed of wolves!  And, Sam is so sweet...  He's a favorite wolf of mine for sure!  :)


The Dark Divine series by Bree Despain



Synopsis (Goodreads):


A prodigal son

A dangerous love

A deadly secret . . . 


I stood back and watched his movements. Daniel had that way about him that could shut me down in an instant. . . . I kicked the gravel a couple of times and worked up my courage again. “Tell me . . . I mean . . . why did you come back? Why now, after all this time?”

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared—the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in blood. But she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night really held. And when Daniel returns three years later, Grace can no longer deny her attraction to him, despite promising Jude she’ll stay away.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, her actions stir the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind Jude and Daniel's dark secret . . . and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it—her soul.


Bree Despain is a fresh new author with a paranormal wolf having a bit of a spiritual spin on that dark divine of a read!  This has been one of my favorite reads this past year in wolfy reads.  I also got to sit in an online chat with Bree a little while back and hear more about her thoughts and write process and the upcoming The Lost Saint sequel.  Very exciting!  Bree Despain, like Maggie, is very personable and approachable for her fans and aspiring writers. Daniel is definitely another wolf you will want to meet.  Among others, whom I'm not going to disclose at this time...  It's another must read!  


Need series by Carrie Jones



Synopsis (Goodreads):


Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.


Need by Carrie Jones isn't at all what I thought it was.  It's better!  It is actually two fairy tales in one really.  And one of those has wolves!  Yep, I didn't see that one coming in this one at all!  But, there it is.  It is a pretty original story considering there are wolves chasing pixies!  It was a nice surprise of a story and even though it doesn't really focus on the details of how the wolves become wolves, they are there to protect and I think that is what the wolves usually do so it was enough for me in this one.  I liked it, it was original and narrator's voice was fresh.  And yes, this wolf is very alpha male, save the world, go wolf!  :)


The Dark Guardian series by Rachel Hawthorne



Synopsis (Goodreads):


I see him and know what this turmoil inside of me means: He's the one. My forever.


kayla is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas. Adopted as a young child, she has no way of knowing that she's inherited a terrifying—and thrilling—gene that will change her life forever.

lucas is dangerous, gorgeous...and a werewolf. As leader of the Dark Guardians, shape-shifters who gather deep within the state park, he has sworn to protect his pack. But when Lucas finds his true soul mate, his love could put them all in harm's way.

As Lucas and Kayla struggle with their feelings for each other, a greater danger lurks: Humans have discovered the Dark Guardians and are planning their destruction. Kayla must choose between the life she knows and the love she feels certain is her destiny. 
From the Publisher


I have been reading this series by Rachel Hawthorne for a while now, except the last one just came in the mail so don't tell me what happened yet!  And, I really enjoy it, even though it isn't completely gripping, I am still sucked into the love story and the scientific researchers kidnapping the wolves who pose as camp forest trail guides.  I think they have pretty good story lines and are good reads, just a little bit younger YA, but really unique wolves in the pack(s); each book is narrated by a different one.  One really cool thing about the guy wolves is that once they know who their mate is they declare them by getting a symbolic tattoo.  The gals don't know who it is.  =]  Talk about tension!  Interesting world that Hawthorne has created in how the females transform when they come of age and how they find their male too.  Again, I can't seem to put them down once I start, they are just a little different from some of the others I read.  What do you think of them?


The Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer



Synopsis (Goodreads):


Isabella Swan's move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Bella's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Bella, the person Edward holds most dear. The lovers find themselves balanced precariously on the point of a knife—between desire and danger. Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.


Well, we've talked plenty about the Twilight saga vampires, but now we get to take a look at the werewolves!  And, in the third book and up-and-coming movie, Eclipse, Bella has to decide between her love-vampire-Edward and her best-pal-werewolf-Jacob.  Jacob, who has been making it quite clear that he wants to be more than friends.  It is my favorite book in the series and it is INTENSE!  Intense in love and in fighting!  LOVE and WAR, as they say...  As you can see in the following preview...

Click for The latest Eclipse trailer ~ lots of WOLFY fun in this one!  I was a little worried from the looks of the teaser and first trailer, but this one looks AMAZING.  The vampires and werewolves alike look full strength and ready to battle!  So exciting!!!  What do you think?  Are you ready for June 30th or what?  And I can see one wolf there on the right of this new poster who is ready for a fight.  Jacob, poor pup,  sure looks peeved!  I know I can't wait!  ROAR!  :)


Happy WOLF WEEK!


~Shauna

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