| Title | : | Throw Me to the Wolves (Cry Wolf) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1645481174 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781645481171 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 278 |
| Publication | : | Published May 24, 2022 |
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. Britta has a hard time resisting the handsome rookie, especially when he shows her a new drawing by her murdered little Britta in her wolf-form.
As an unseen hand sets events in motion, Britta has to help Labaye dig into the murders old and new. The bloodthirsty ghost of her brother, a jealous member from her pack, and a former friend with a serious prejudice against wolves all stand to stop Britta as she fights to finally get the truth about that night ten years ago. But, as she looks harder than ever into her own dark past, Britta will confront more than just her own demons as she fights for peace for herself and for her family. She can’t hide anymore, but must find her place in a world she’s avoided—and discover what it truly means to be a wolf.
Throw Me to the Wolves (Cry Wolf) Reviews
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Throw Me to the Wolves
by Lindy Ryan and Christopher Brooks
Yes, this is about werewolves but it has a unique take and story. It started a bit slow but about a third in it really exploded with suspense and action. From then on it was fast and exciting!
It's about a gal that is almost killed by a witch but is turned into a werewolf. Her family is killed before she can save them. Its been 10 years and the witch is back. They only found a heart, eye, and teeth before. Was it hers? Was she really dead? Is she coming back a spirit? Why?
Along with this issue, our gal also believes her baby brother's spirit is being held by the witch. Then she also has pack problems! There is also a Voodoo Priestess in here that doesn't care for wolves.
I really enjoyed this new angle and unique story on werewolves. Especially a female underdog trying to save her younger brother. If it hadn't been a bit slow in the beginning it would definitely be a 5 star but it is certainly a full 4!
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this terrific fantasy novel! -
It is always wonderful when an author or in this case authors bring forth a new differing angle to the usual trope in a story. Lindy Ryan and Christopher Brooks have brought to the table a kickass heroine as a werewolf along with a unique plotline in paranormal romance.
The blurb says about getting to the truth that has been hidden for 10 years. Well, this is not technically true, as the readers are made aware of the events that did happen 10 years ago and also the culprit involved in the crime from the beginning. The timeline of the past events has nothing NEW to offer except the sequence of it unfolding and understanding the reason for the dreadful guilt that has been plaguing Britta from that night.
The first part of the story was slow-paced, setting up the introduction of the rookie cop and Britta’s past and her trust issues keeping everyone at arm’s length. But once Alec, Britta’s friend is introduced into the mix, the story takes an interesting turn. Here again, the authors managed to surprise me as I was expecting a 3-way customary romance and of course, the shocking twist at the end was brilliant. If in the first part, I wanted the story to pick up the pace, for the climax I wanted a slower momentum. Everything happens in a rushed manner at the end, or it could be me, my crooked mind which longed for a crueler end to the Cruella. Lol!
The characters have been built wonderfully by the authors but it was the location that was confusing. There’s a lack of clarity as to the existence of the fantasy world along with the humans. Witches and werewolves are supposedly hidden in plain sight but there’s no disbelief or astonishment in the reactions of the police officer and discussions about witchcraft and rituals are accepted as is by all. Hence the muddling feeling whilst reading the book.
There are several instances where the scene becomes thoroughly engrossing but then gets lost in a too detailed narrative. Tighter editing would have made this a solid 5 star for me but for its engaging content Throw Me To The Wolves is definitely a 4 star read.
I wasn’t aware this was a series when I requested the book in NG, but the final scene is open-ended and Alec’s character did give a yet-to-be explored vibe; and from the author’s website, it became clear that Throw Me To The Wolves is Book #1 in Cry Wolf series so I am expecting some fireworks
Many thanks to Net Galley, Black Spot Books, and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog
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I really wanted to love this one as the plot sounded very promising, and while the idea is an amazing one, the writing was lacking for me and that put me off of this one. I don’t need all the ridiculous details about what colour the characters shoes are, why is this even relevant to the story? I liked Britta as a character, she was clearly a strong woman thrust into a terrible situation when she got turned into a werewolf by the witch. I’m not sure I’d read the rest of the series though, I think there needs to be some improvements to the writing before I’d pick up book two.
Thanks netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for my review. -
I loved this book. I'm a big fan of urban fantasy, and this.. isn't strictly urban fantasy I know. It's Rural Fantasy, but the sub-genre of Rural Fantasy is pretty small so most of the books just fall under the UF umbrella. And generally, the themes, niches, and feels of both tends to be pretty familiar. With Rural having more cozy reads than the big city normally does. But, as I said, I'm a big fan. And I loved this one. It was good. The type where I read it in one setting and dread the upcoming end of what seems to be a standalone book.
It has all the makings of an typical urban fantasy. There's been a murder, the lead is kind-of investigating, sleuthing off on her own and sometimes with a cop. Tho she isn't as interested in solving the murder as she is in freeing her dead brothers spirit.
See, we already know who the bad guy is here. 10 years ago Britta and her family fell under the gaze of a pretty wicked witch. Said witch then stalked the family, made friends with the family, and then sacrificed them all in a spell. Only, it didn't quite go as she planned. Britta survived, and got away, and got turned into an immortal werewolf in the process.
She's back in town because said witch has just been murdered and the cops are asking for her assistance, for reasons that isn't quite clear to her seeing as her alibi is iron-tight and she isn't a suspect.
I loved this book, it felt like an urban fantasy mixed with horror of a haunted house and werewolves who weren't furry little creatures but actually kind of morbid and dark. It had chapters of flashbacks to 10-years-ago of how this all went down, and I normally hate flashbacks. We already know they died, so why bother rehashing this? But the flashbacks tell the tale of how the kind of dysfunctional family moved into a new house with a very friendly neighbour and how creepy things just kept adding up. Britta has lived with the survivors guilt for 10 years, and usually these things are pretty lame (in my own humble opinion), they're never justified right? But the flashbacks end up showing that Brittas guilt is.. kind of justified. She wasn't exactly a naive teenager at the time, she was 24 (iirc).
I loved what the book did with werewolves, and also.. the matebond. Werewolves is pretty overdone, and very often there is mates. Also, very overdone. This book never came out and said "he's her mate" but there were enough hints there that made me, as the reader, speculate that "he's probably her mate". But instead of throwing this book into a typical whirlwind of romance and lust, not only is there a twist, but the MC keeps a cool head over any weird feelings (or smells). She even goes off and let some steam off with some strange dude, because.. that's what a normal sexually active 21 century woman does these days when the urge comes around and an opportunity presents itself.
There are only two major cons: The fucking ending.
And an bizarre amount of mentions of her red shoes.
The ending?
I should give this book a one star just out of pure spite. That definitely counts as a cliffhanger ending, AND it's not even an announced series. I'm fuming. FUMING. I've been wanting this to be a series for quite awhile back (in the book), and was prepared to be kinda disappointed by the end (because it wouldn't be a series) but the ending just.. wasn't one. Not really. and I am angry. Like lets-send-rant-mail-to-the-author-and-lets-get-the-pitchforks-out type of angry. The last 2% of the book definitely should have been stretched out further, and for the love of god any kind of cliffhanger ending is nonnegotiable to me. -
Magnificent! That is the word that comes to mind when I completed this book. What a masterpiece, what an adventure! The characters were just flawless, the story kept me wanting more. I did not want this book to end. I need the sequel asap. Yes ladies and gentlemen...it was THAT great.
The main character, Britta is a werewolf who was turned in an unorthodox manner. The story explores her return to her hometown where her entire family was brutally murdered by a witch. A witch who may or may not be dead but who definitely wants Britta for herself. A wolf in the thrall of a witch is a dangerous thing after all.
As the story progresses Britta works with a human called Aaron, with whom she feels a kinship to that could possibly mean that he is her mate. We also meet a few of Britta's pack mates including Alec, whom I completely fell in love with! I do hope that we see more of him in future books! Alec wants to be alpha so he asks Britta to be his mate/Luna. However, this isn't what Britta wants as she is drawn too Aaron. Truly, I was expecting Alec to be the bad guy but the ending surprised me! My jaw literally dropped. It was a sad yet happy ending that left us off on a cliff hanger.
This book has so many aspects of the paranormal ranging from werewolves and witches to ghosts. It was absolutely enjoyable and I could not put it down. Would I recommend this book? YES YES and YES. It was fabulous. Cannot wait for the second book!
Read this book if you are a fan of the Bitten series by Kelley Armstrong and enjoy reading books with pretty awesome and brave wolfy hero's and a very hot anti-hero!
Thank you Net Galley, the authors and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review, it is greatly appreciated. -
“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! -
Throw Me to the Wolves offers a unique take on werewolves and, while it's not what I was expecting, there's plenty about it that I loved.
I enjoyed the past and present chapters and how the events of what happened to Britta's family ten years ago are slowly revealed over the course of the story. It's a very unique story as Britta had this life forced upon her by a witch when she was younger. Having Britta return home to confront her tragic past helped me to understand her character more and why she's so guarded with others now.
However, I couldn't help but think this book required more editing as the story seemed to get lost in the unnecessary details at times and it slowed the pacing down as a result. For example, a lot of time is spent pointing out the colour of Britta's shoes and it felt unnecessary. Mentioning it once or twice would have been fine, but the make and colour are repeatedly mentioned throughout. Maybe it was significant to her character but it definitely didn't need to be brought up as much as it was.
I loved the amount of detail we are given about werewolves and Britta's pack; however, I was a bit confused with what role they played in this world. Do werewolves and witches hide in plain sight or are they known to humans? And do other creatures such as vampires exist? None of these questions are answered and I was left feeling very confused about it. That's where the worldbuilding was let down and it definitely needs adding in.
Overall, it's a great start to a series and it has the potential to be better if less time is spent focusing on unnecessary details and instead spending more time on the worldbuilding. I'm not sure if I'll continue with this series, but I thought it was a great start and offered a refreshing take on werewolves. -
Britta lost her family ten years ago. Everyone remembers the Hall Murders as Ray, Joan and Remi were all killed and Britta was only one to survive. At the time she told police the murder was a witch named Selena. Of course no one believed her. She left town.
What she didn't want anyone to know is that night she got changed into a werewolf. Now, ten years later the police have asked her to come home. She believes it is to identify the body of Selena. She wants to be able to put the past behind her and move on.
Unfortunately, someone else has different plans. Who can she trust?
Told in two time lines-present and 10 years ago. Both built an engaging story. I loved what a kick ass wolf Britta was.
If you like stories with a werewolves, witches, and mystery you will enjoy this book. -
4.5 stars
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The first time reading this genre of mystifying thriller and it didn’t disappoint. The characters were strong and well fleshed out creating a real pull in investing emotions into the story. Britta was angsty but fierce and the adventure of discovering her story with the witch was very entertaining. A page turner.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc -
Giving a rating for this book is really hard. The story felt fresh, expecially in the beginning. Werewolves are an overdone trope and can be overdone, but I think the angle this book took was very clever. however, expecially in the beginning there were some writing issues that made me feel like I was reading someones first novel. Primarily: I do not need to be reminded of the colour and make of the main characters shoes every 3 pages. I felt like the book could do with more show, and less telling us. It wasn't annoying enough to put the book away, though, as I was actually invested in Britta's peculiar situation. This was dampened a little when it seemed it was heading towards a love triangle, on which the bullet was luckily dodged.
furthermore, I feel some scenes did add very little to the story, including some of the flashbacks. those, while interesting, seemed to hold very little weight. similarly, the whole lust aspect seemed to not really mean anything in the long run.
But, this story... it had me captured until the book was done, the twist at the end was nice and juicy...even if the actual end felt a tad rushed...and for that I want to give this a high rating, yet that would negate my other points. I will give it a solid three stars. -
An engrossing tale about family secrets and all things gothic spun into a unique werewolf tale. A page-turner that will keep you up all night and checking under the bed when you are done. Highly recommend.
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I wanted to like this book so badly, but I basically knew after the first two chapters it would not be a winner for me. The book begins with Britta being interrogated by police and the conversation is just going in circles. For two chapters straight! I was hopeful that this was just a poor beginning to what would be an engrossing tale, but instead it set the precedent for the rest of the read.
Worldbuilding is an important aspect to fantasy, yet there was essentially none of it in this novel. I was confused if werewolves and witches were common knowledge for humans or not. The police didn’t seem to think it strange that Britta was accusing a witch and magic to be responsible for her family’s murders. Labaye didn’t seem too surprised when he first saw Britta as a werewolf, which of course gets explained at the end but I was confused how a human was taking it in so calmly! He asked a lot of interesting werewolf-related questions in which Britta answered none - which annoyed me as a reader because I was interested to learn how it worked in this world. Finally, vampires were mentioned twice in the novel… so are vampires also real? I have too many questions about the magic system in this world and not enough answers.
There was really nothing redeeming here for me. The dialogue was stilted and awkward. The conversations would make no sense since topics were switched every few sentences. The book was written half in Britta’s first-person POV and then half in other characters’ third-person POV. This wouldn’t be so bad but the characters in third-person would still interact with Britta, so reading Britta in first and third person was weird.
Also, Britta apparently made her choice of shoes her whole personality. Seriously, the word “Doc Martens” was used at least 30 times in this book. Like, we get it, those are the shoes she’s wearing. Move on!
I wish I had nicer things to say about this book, but I don’t. The premise set me up for a different story - one full of a hunt to discover what really happened a decade ago while falling for a cop and learning what it means to be true to yourself. Instead, I read a book with no 10-year truth to be uncovered, no romantic spark minus a look here or there, and no conclusion about what being a wolf means to Britta.
Thank you NetGalley and Black Spot Books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review -
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I read a lot of shifter books and count some of them among my favorites. With a recent addition of thrillers to my favorite reads of the year this book seemed like a good option to combine the two worlds.
Pros:
The authors have not used the typical werewolf mythology here. They have added in some deep southern magic to make this story stand out compared to other books about werewolves or those about witches but they did so in such a way that it wasn’t fully foreign and didn’t make the reader stretch too far to grasp how things work.
I think the connection between Britta and her brother was well developed and something that more books need to explore. When home life isn’t good older siblings often take on a paternal role to protect younger ones. That was beautifully illustrated here along with the constant feeling of guilt and failure those older siblings feel when they can’t do everything to protect the younger ones. It was a powerful reminder that people make choices every day and cannot know exactly where each one will lead so doing your best in the moment is all you can hold yourself accountable for and from there you just have to keep trying. Britta didn’t keep trying, she gave up and ran and that allowed the guilt to eat at her. Hopefully if the story continues she will be able to work through that.
Cons:
While I had major pity and sorrow for the main female character, Britta, I did not connect with her at all in a way that made me want to be her, be her friend or root for her future. This felt very much like hearing the unfortunate events of a stranger that was kind of off putting but with good reason for her defensiveness. It isn’t something you hate someone for but it takes a lot more work to break through and it just didn’t happen for me. Others may connect with her immediately.
I don’t care for the path the love interest(s) took. This could be an expectation from other werewolf stories that just doesn’t hold true in this world but usually I find that once a wolf finds their mate they have no interest in others and that just didn’t happen here. It likely added a bit to my discontent with Britta. -
My ratings:4.⅕✨✨✨✨✨
🌼🌼My thoughts:
Were-wolves characters are alone enough to attract me to a story but this time I was expecting more than an usual wolf existence.So,let me tell you the book will not stand on your expectations as you will read the blurb but will make you mesmerised. It's visibly versatile for this genre.The characters were built amazingly. The rookie police officer,an ordinary girl turning into a wolf after a life taking attack by a witch.I love how it has an emotional punch to it.The cruelty towards Britta, the effort of her everything was portrayed vividly.For me,It could be a five star if I didn't find myself going back and forth for matching the description. At the same time,I loved the descriptive phrases and words.Conclusively, I suggest everyone to take their time and analyse this amazing piece!!Definitely,It is worth your time.Happy reading,bookworm buddies!! -
Lindy Ryan & Christopher Brooks broke the mold with this new spin on werewolves! It was refreshing to read a book that didn't match the standard. This novel blends a strong female lead, Britta, who was turned the night her family was brutally murdered. She returns to her hometown only when Selena Stone, the woman responsible is found dead in the same place her family was destroyed. Officer Labaye is on the case trying to determine who murdered the black magic conjuring witch.
Lots of action, twists, and a variety of characters that you aren't sure if you love or hate as the story unfolds!
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5. -
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 😊
Defenitely a recommendation 👌 -
I'll be honest, I probably wouldn't have picked this book up if it hadn't come in an Unplugged book box. Even though I love urban fantasy and was hopeful about the sound of this book, I was just never really engaged the entire time. It felt like the plot dragged out for way too long, and I don't feel like the ending was particularly satisfying. I also did not care for any of the characters unfortunately.
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I appreciated the overall story and it was a quick, fast paced read. However, the redundancy of terms, descriptions, repetitive gut feelings and especially the "crossed arms high over my chest" kept distracting me and pulled me out of it constantly. The book ended abruptly when things were just getting more interesting. I was left unsatisfied but really liked where this could go!
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Originally posted on
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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.
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Throw Me to the Wolves is hard to define in the way of genres. From the cover, I expected something more along the lines of contemporary horror. It is, for lack of a better definition, urban fantasy with darker themes. That didn't affect my enjoyment; In fact, since I primarily review horror and urban fantasy, this was the perfect mix! There's murder, ghosts, witches, police investigation, voodoo, and of course, werewolves all rolled up into one satisfying occult thriller burrito.
The story begins with Britta Orchid being questioned in a police interrogation room. You can tell immediately that she's confident and almost a little cocky. She enjoys that she's spooked the cop she calls Officer Shiny Badge and even waves to the people she knows are behind the two-way glass. She wears a "polished, non-threatening persona" like a mask and is very secure in the knowledge that between the two of them, she is the bigger, bad in the room. Why wouldn't she be? After all, she's a werewolf. Ten years ago, a witch slaughtered her entire family, turned Britta into a wolf, and disappeared. Only now, in the same house where it occurred, pieces of the witch have shown up and the police are asking for her help.
In spite of discovering everything backward from Britta's memories as the story progresses, the story never felt mired down. The past is gradually parceled out in alternating chapters with the present, a style that usually frustrates me. However, Britta's past is just as interesting as she threads memories of her family in with her return to the bloodstained house. Both are equally horrifying with the past containing religious fervor and the supposed exorcism of Britta's ten-year-old brother and the present, the spectral regurgitation of her deceased brother and of course, the murder house.
Is there romance in this book? That's debatable. There is definitely a touch of the fated mates trope. There is also a werewolf from Britta's pack up north who has decided that he and Britta would be the perfect power couple. Was I stanning either of them? Well, it's complicated but without giving away a major plot point, I can't tell you how. The author does a good job of muddying the waters, making you unsure of who is the good guy. It all comes out in the end, kinda. We're given a prominent cliffhanger ending but if you read a lot of urban fantasy, you frankly should be anticipating that. Given that there's a diminutive Book 1 note by the title, we should expect that there will be a future continuation of the story contrived.
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I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have mixed feelings about Throw Me To The Wolves. I liked the plot, the characters, and the unique mix of magic, folklore, and paranormal that the world-building entailed. The writing itself was easy to follow and flowed easily - there weren't a lot of typos or technical errors. It was pretty solid.
But I still didn't love the book. The problem was the pacing. This book moved slowly - beyond slowly. I found myself checking my progress throughout the book constantly just to see when the story would end because it felt like it was taking forever. The story was bogged down by mundane details in the descriptions (the number of times the main character's 10-hole Doc Martin's were mentioned was egregious).
It was hard for me to wrap my head around just what genre this book was - because yes, it was Paranormal Fantasy, but there were elements of thriller, horror, and romance - but the ratios were a bit off. I kept expecting a certain type of story and getting another. Honestly, even though I
adore romance books, I wish that part of the story had been left out because all it did was muddy the waters. Why was there a sex scene with some random neighbor called Paul? It added absolutely nothing to the story. Nothing. I wish Britta had just crawled into bed with Alec or even Aaron instead, at least that would have added some tension to the plot and served a purpose.
The short of it is: I was bored. I didn't feel engaged in the story even though I liked the characters and the plot. The execution wasn't up to muster. I can't imagine myself recommending this book to anyone unless they're looking for a gritty suspense story - it doesn't read like your usual Paranormal Fantasy book or romance and doesn't cut it as a police procedural, and if that's what you're looking for, this is going to be disappointing. Overall, the book was so-so. I think if you know what you're getting into going into the story, then you might enjoy it, but don't go into this looking for a werewolf love story with some mystery thrown in, because that isn't what you're getting. -
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 😂 I was eager to see if she’d uncover the truth about her family’s murder once and for all. Her journey of self acceptance was just the icing on a very heartbreaking and thrilling cake! 🖤
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Labaye felt like a surface character to me. While the tension between Britta and Labaye was palpable from their first encounter, it was hard to push for someone that we didn’t get to know in depth. Don’t get me wrong! He’s definitely attractive 😂 but I was hoping for a little more to go on. I was grateful that their relationship wasn’t the focal point of the story, but I’m excited to see where it’s headed in the rest of the series.
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My major complaint is that I wanted this book to be longer than it was 😂 I wanted to spend more time with Britta and Labaye and get to know them on a deeper level. I wanted to revel in the bayou setting. I wanted to spend more time with Mam Byrdie in the library. I wanted to know more about Malakh and the dynamics of Britta’s pack. Thankfully this is a series and there’s time for all of this to happen!
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I can’t recommend Throw Me to the Wolves enough! It has supernatural elements, horror, mystery, thrills. The list goes on! I know I’ll for sure be picking up the next book in this series. I can’t wait to see what comes next for Britta.
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Throw Me to the Wolves is available to purchase now in ebook and paperback format. It is the first book in the Cry Wolf series. Make sure to order your copy now and go give Lindy Ryan some love on Instagram at @lindyryanwrites! 🖤 -
Another urban werewolf story, I thought. Haven't I seen this all before? Well... no. Sookie Stackhouse, this is not.
Throw Me to the Wolves is a heartfelt story of a woman seeking to come to terms with her past. There are werewolves and pack politics, ghosts and witches, a voodoo-lady and red-neck police. The protagonist is never quite sure who to trust - or even what's real at times - and rightly so. And it call comes together very well indeed.
The story moves along at a good clip, never too fast but enough to keep me engaged. I liked our heroine Britta immensely, and would very much like to see what happens next for her. She's strong but not a stereotype. Her actions are as real as can be given her circumstances, and I was absolutely cheering for her when she responds to the advances of a (vomit) 'alpha male'.
The only parts that bothered me were the intermittent flashbacks - which were well-written, poignant and helpful in understanding the foundation of the story - but I felt they were too long, detracting from the present, which was what I was truly invested in. Britta's brother is lovely, but we know what happens to him from the first. How he gets there isn't a revelation, and was quite hard to read in places.
Also... the book just stops! I was wondering how it would wrap up in the final chapter, and the easy answer is that it doesn't. If I'd had a physical copy of the book, I'd be checking that I hadn't missed a page somewhere! I guess this means there'll be a sequel, which I am entirely up for, but to just stop mid-action was immensely frustrating. It's also the second book this year that I've encountered doing this. Stop it, writers, please! We'll be back for the characters, not because of the cliffhanger!
I will be back for the sequel. I do recommend this book. But know you'll have a wait before those blue-b*lls are satisfied as to how this ends. -
I NEED MORE.
I didn't expect to love it this much. As I previously mentioned, my rating is influenced by my feelings immediately after finishing the book. If it lingers, I tend to overlook everything else. For example, no need to pinpoint that, with the amount of times Doc Martens where mentioned, you'd think this was a PPL :D
Anyways...
I've never read anything like this before and I genuinely enjoyed it.
First of all, It was definitely spookier than what I expected. I felt my heart in my throat multiple times but I still couldn't put it down, and if I did, I couldn't stop thinking about it for the rest of the day.
Then, there's the fact that I don't like werewolf/changeling tropes.
I just feel like it's always the same alpha bullsh1t, recycled again&again to justify the mmc acting like a rude giga chad.
I've always wanted to read a story focusing on the female for ONCE 😩 but EVERY. SINGLE . TIME . she's gotta fold for the big bad wolf 🙄😒.
I have very strong feelings about this topic and I'm getting carried away 😀.
Point is : It exceeded my expectations. I had fun trying to guess what was going to happen. The plot twists where clever, and the back and forth btw past and present definitely kept me on edge ! I loved the characters because I couldn't guess any of their next step. Or I thought I did but there was always this feeling of unease.
So I basically felt exactly like the fmc lol
Again, I NEED MORE. That ending had me gaping like a fish. How much of a sadist do you have to be to leave us hanging like that ??? JK.
(not really)
Note : I'm writing this Sat, July 16 and it's currently 06:01 AM. I just spent the whole night devouring this book and you should too (manage your time tho don't be like me pls 💀) -
“ ‘The house chose you, dear, not me.’ “
Throw Me To The Wolves is a paranormal dark fantasy, unlike anything you’ve read before.
I really enjoyed Brooks and Ryan’s take on werewolf and witch lore. Seeing a werewolf take their view as a curse isn’t something you typically see a lot in modern media. (Maybe except Tyler in Vampire Diaries).
“ ‘Guilt can be a terrible burden, Britta Orchid.’ "
After fate intertwines Britta and Aaron’s lives, nothing can change the path they’re on. Trying to solve a murder is hard in itself, but solving your family’s murder a decade later? Even harder.
My heart breaks for Britta, after running away from her demons for a decade, just to come back for all the emotion to hit worse. I enjoyed reading her pov even if at points, she was a bit hard to like, but wouldn’t you be too if you went through that in college?
I really enjoyed all the characters, I think my favorite being Aaron, and enjoyed the world we were ‘thrown’ into.
And the twist at the end was so well done.
I can’t wait for the second.
If you want to read a dark paranormal urban fantasy, sprinkled with murder and a bit of romance, definitely pick up Throw Me To The Wolves.
“ ‘I know you’re the big bad wolf and I’m the little piggy, puns intended.’ “
Tropes // mates, werewolves, witches, dark fantasy
TW // murder, death of parents, death, child death, blood, gore, sacrifice, violence
Thank you to Katie & Brey, Black Spot Books, Christopher Brooks and Lindy Ryan for an eBook copy!
#katieandbreypa #katieandbrey #katieandbreybooktours #2022reads #scififantasy #sciencefiction #werewolves #paranormal #darkfantasy #witches #fatedmates #paranormalfantasy -
If werewolves, haints, black magic, mambos, scrying mirrors and all the nefarious goings-on of the deep South are your thing, then you will enjoy this book.
Britta Orchid is a werewolf (were-person?) who is pretty cut up about it because it was not out of choice that she became one, but rather because a witch cast a spell on her, and turned her into one of the 'undead'. This is a pretty cool deal if you ask me because she gets to live forever and NEVER AGE (ikr?) and turn into a wolf whenever she wants to. However, she is less excited about these facts than I obviously am.
So when the wicked witch Selena is found dead in Britta's old house, she is the primary suspect (obvio) and is subjected to endless questions, and throws a lot of shade at the officer who is interrogating her. I guess if I knew I could turn into a wolf anytime I wanted and scare the bejesus out of everyone and make them wet their pants, not to mention, tear them limb from limb, I would probably act salty too.
The officer also tells her that a drawing was found at the scene of the crime, which she believes was drawn by the spirit of her dead kid brother, Remi. She wants to go back there to set his spirit free because she believes that it has been imprisoned by the witch.
She suffers from survivors guilt big-time since she's the only one who survived a family massacre that she believes was perpetrated by the witch. However, the law has found no such evidence and let her get away scot-free. That's why she wants to verify IN PERSON that the witch is finally dead. Small problem-they don't have the witch's body, only a few unappetising leftover body parts.
She can't figure out whether Labaye (the cop) is with her or against her, but she doesn't trust anyone anyway. Add to that is Adam, a werewolf from her pack who wants her to be his Luna to his Alpha, which he plans to become after killing the present Alpha of their pack, Malach. His terms are that if she doesn't agree, he won't help her with her mission. This she-wolf has got 99 problems, and men are most of them, alive and undead.
Long story short, she discovers that witches and men are not to be trusted (surprise!) and all along, it was her that the witch wanted, for her evil plans, which involved being the Alpha of the bad-ass-est wolf pack ever. How? Read it to find out!
The characters were well fleshed out, though I thought Britta Orchid was trying a bit too hard to be all bad-ass. She was also a bit too grouchy and bad-tempered to be likeable. I mean, what choice do you have once you're undead, except to try and lean into it, or own it, you know?
The plot is pretty evenly-paced, though a bit predictable at times, and then going back and forth between the two timelines is a tad confusing, but that could just be me because I prefer chronological timelines. The climax was just chaos, and I found myself just wanting to get to the end.
Overall, I gave it three stars, because wolves are not my jam (I prefer vampires) and the cultural context of the magical practices of the South (Louisiana, etc.) are only vaguely familiar to me. There were a few engrossing scenes, but more than once, they were over-written, and made me struggle to visualise the scene, because I got lost in the details.
This is Book 1 in the 'Cry Wolf' series.
I would like to thank the authors, Netgalley and Black Spot Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. -
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. Britta has a hard time resisting the handsome rookie, especially when he shows her a new drawing by her murdered little brother: Britta in her wolf-form.As an unseen hand sets events in motion, Britta has to help Labaye dig into the murders old and new. The bloodthirsty ghost of her brother, a jealous member from her pack, and a former friend with a serious prejudice against wolves all stand to stop Britta as she fights to finally get the truth about that night ten years ago. But, as she looks harder than ever into her own dark past, Britta will confront more than just her own demons as she fights for peace for herself and for her family. She can’t hide anymore, but must find her place in a world she’s avoided—and discover what it truly means to be a wolf.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own hone\st voluntary review. -
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2022...
3.5/5
I really liked from the start that this was a female werewolf with a possible human love interest, it was a nice change up from the norm of what I’ve read.
Britta is unrelenting, stubborn…brittle maybe, see what I did there? She was quite an interesting character to read about, though I did find it odd to see her views on her ‘condition.’ I liked that she saw it as a curse, and that there were talks of a pack; also loved where the pack was located!
Arriving, there’s no body to identify and there’s more of a mystery to solve than previously assumed, and Britta stays to see it through with the help of a possibly swoon worthy rookie cop named Aaron.
I thought the pacing for this was great, it was a very easy flow to read and it just never lost steam. Turned out to be something I read in a sitting really.
The setting was, well. I have a very hate/hate relationship with North Louisiana so West Louisiana wasn’t exactly something I was excited for but I at least could visualize pretty well haha. Actually, the setting annoyed me the most.
Overall, I enjoyed the pacing, I liked that Britta intrigued me even if I didn’t like her more than other characters, and I loved that this had some mystery vibes!
I would say you can definitely expect me to be keeping an eye open for the next book.
Give me more werewolves, please.
3.5/5 Cups of coffee from me! Thank you to Black Crow (PR) and the publisher Black Spot Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
