Rise of the Wolf: 1 (Wereworld)

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A number of different genres seem to be molded together to create the overall story, the use of fantasy/horror and Gothic imagery provide a powerful and compelling storyline. The imagery is very realistic and relatable. Unfortunately (for me) this also involved a giant serpent - the stuff of my nightmares - thank you so much Curtis *sarcasm*. The Starscream: Pretty much all of Leopold's allies turn on him at the end of Book 2. Even his son, who is the one to actually kill him.

I used to read a lot of fantasy stories but it's been a long time since I enjoyed one as much as I liked Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf. Curtis Jobling has done a fantastic job creating a detailed and interesting world that can rival many others I've come across and it is hard to believe that this is a debut novel. The descriptions make it very easy to picture Lyssia and I loved the range of different werecreatures that populate the world. I had quite a lot of fun trying to guess what kind of animals characters were able to turn into. The story definitely reminded me of the Belgariad series by David Eddings which is meant as a compliment as I love that series. Although the worlds are very different they are both just as detailed and they are the kind of places you want to visit again and again. The animal snarled a grin, leaning in towards her and mouthing a single word as it opened its mouth.

I really love the style in which Curtis writes. It’s not the usual day to day words but writing that grips you to your seat. There is this magic and splendour to it that makes it unique. Tragedy, romance, flying fur, and sharpened, pointy teeth tearing through flesh...to top it all off werewolves were not the only things shifting in this book.

And, i had thought one thing when i read the part in the beginning with Drew's father when he wanted to kill Drew, thinking that Drew killed his wife:Wereworld Shadow of the Hawk" was a really great book. I really liked the story line, and how all of the characters were so defined. The author, Curtis Jobling, does a really great job at getting a reader interested in a book, when I was reading it it made me not want to put the book down! That is how good of an author he is.

Upon his absence, Leopold came forward and took over the relatively undefended country (defeating the lingering Duke Bergan in the process), kidnapping Wergar's family and telling Bergan that they would only be safe if Wergar were to surrender the throne and go into exile. Bergan relays the message to the weary Wergar upon his return, his pleas bolstered by others (Baron Huth, being a scholar as well as a magister, also exploited his superstitious nature). Now, this was an interesting book. I missed reading high fantasy and i liked this one. Though i must say that it was pretty much dark, and i have no idea how goodreads classified this to be children's book, because it certainly didn't feel like one. I feel that the world building was a bit different than what i was used to - there were many shapeshifters of all kinds and i loved that. No, seriously, it's an interesting world. Oh, and i heard that the sequels were even better! Oh and the covers for this series are GORGEOUS!!!!! Drew is a farm boy living with his family in a remoted part of Lyssia. He doesn't fit in and, when compared with his twin brother, feels that he can't do much. One night, something terrible happens to him and before he knows it, he finds himself on the run and having to survive in hostile environments full of werecreatures. His journey though is only beginning and he will go through more than he could ever imagine. Along their journey, Hector teaches Drew more of the Seven Realms of Lyssia and tells him of the late King Wergar. According to Hector, Wergar was beloved by his people, soldiers and the other Werelords. However, he was known for being a warmongerer. When he chose one campaign too many (the conquest of Omir, ironically), Bergan refused to assist.

Meanwhile Gretchen was thinking about her future and how she had ever thought that she should ever marry Prince Lucas. She also realised how much she had changed throughout her journey with Drew and Hector. When the time for the execution came, she went down hoping she might be able to do some good if she became queen. Memetic Mutation: Occurs In Universe: Drew can cause nearly every broken peasant and reluctant werelord to Take a Level in Badass.

Family-Unfriendly Death: Several considering that this book is supposed to be for Teens/Young Adults. After running Drew through with his sword, the most extraordinary thing happened. Drew not only managed to keep his footing, but he was able to flee. The Reveal: Baba Korga is introduced in Book 2, but Trent finds out in Book 3 that she died months ago; the current one is an impostor. Book 4 reveals is no other than the Serpent Vala.The villains are evil. This is more of a PG-15 read for all its violence, and it's not too depressing, but can be. It's war, and people will die. Now that he is away from the friends he made in the first two books, we really get a chance to see how Drew grows as both a character, and as the rightful heir to the kingdom of Lyssia. His life has changed in a way that few young people can identify with - from farm boy, to prospective king, to slave/gladiator, all in a matter of months. Most young people would find this impossible to cope with, but the honest and loving upbringing that Drew experienced seems to have given him the foundations he needs to take all of this in his stride. In the first two books there were many moments where he suffered extreme (and totally understandable) self-doubt, but there were a few key scenes where his natural gift for good and kind leadership shone through. In this third book these moments begin to occur a little more often and we are now really beginning to see the potential king that lies within the boy. Drew also seems to be becoming more confident at leading, even to the point where he will lecture one of the realm's other kings about the evils of slavery. A king, it must be said, who could quite easily have Drew slapped in silver chains and executed for his disrespectful words. My name is Drew, and I woke up to find myself sold into slavery. The Werelord here expects me to fight and kill in the ring, but I refuse to do his bidding. The other gladiators have given up hope, but I'm slowly convincing some to consider escape. The Werecats have returned to Lyssia, and their evilness is spreading to the other kingdoms. I hear they helped King Leopold escape his imprisonment, but he was killed shortly after. The prince has taken his place, and I don't think that's any better. I hope my friend Hector is well and that he's been able to rescue Lady Gretchen. I hope he's fully recovered from communing with his dead father; that's very dangerous dark magic. It's time for me to accept my destiny to unite the seven kingdoms, but I hope it's not too late. May I just say, I am in love with this world. The various Werelords, all the different ‘species’. The change, the characters: everything was so vivid. I love the twist Jobling has put on the lycanthropy mythology: silver, shifting… It was all just so cool! I loved learning all about the Therianthropes, and meeting the various other characters. I was over the moon to see Sirens as well – again, I adore the twist! But: it got better: Weremammoths. So cool, right?! I loved this book, the action, the fantasy, the characters. And by the end, I was left going crazy for more. Without giving away any spoilers I will say the ending was wonderful, maybe I should say new beginning rather than the ending. All the plot threads were artfully woven together providing an engaging conclusion. I am already imagining the movies/video games/action figures/werworld conventions.