Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes Hardcover
432 Pages, 5.85 x 8.48 x 1.78 in
June 8, 2010
EgmontUSA
432 Pages, 5.85 x 8.48 x 1.78 in
June 8, 2010
EgmontUSA
1606840592
9781606840597
9781606840597
Rating: 4.5/5
SYNOPSIS
Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.
But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.
But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?
But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.
But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?
REVIEW
Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes was the type of read that you have trouble putting down. I found myself deeply immersed in Bryn's world as a human being literally raised by wolves. There was an immediate connection to Bryn, even though her situation is far from that of my own. She is a character I believe any girl, no matter the age, will be able to identify with. I loved this book so much, that I've been having an extraordinarily difficult time writing a review. When the novel beings, we are introduced to Bryn, a strong stubborn girl who has an inability to follow instructions. She's a teenager who is tied to the Alpha -- Callum -- and likes to live life on the edge. I find her constantly straddling between the line that separates the good and bad throughout the novel, which makes her relatable as a teenage girl. What teenage girl hasn't been there? Wanting to good but also wanting to rebel against authority and do her own thing? There is this undefinable strength and heart that Bryn possesses. Even though she is sneaky and nosey, she cares for the ones around her and will stop at nothing to right the wrongs the world has dropped at her feet.
Bryn, although haunted by her past and rightfully so, is able to create a home for herself in this world of wolves. She lives with her adopted mother Ali, a brother/father figure in Callum, and a best friend in Devon.
Ali is an amazing mother figure, although at times I found myself annoyed with her. She is however only trying to protect her daughter and under circumstances which present themselves, it is understandable. Now can we talk about Devon? Devon makes me swoon! I love how much he cares for Bryn and is there to protect her all the time. He also cares about clothes, loves musicals, and is constantly doing impressions that crack me up. I wouldn't mind my own Devon side kick. He's a cool cat...urgh I mean wolf ;)
Then we come to Callum. Ah wonderful and obnoxious Callum. Just recently during the Smart Chicks Tour, I heard many people express their dislike for Callum which made me fully expect I was going to not like him very much. I ended up loving Callum. I did judge him during key moments in the plot and found myself rather angered with him quite a bit. However, Callum epitomizes what it means to be an Alpha. He has to manage the largest pack in North America and care for a teenage girl . He also wants nothing more then for Bryn to be strong, smart, and able to kick butt and ask names later. For me, Callum really pulls the entire story together. He is almost like the meat in the sandwich; the ying to everyone else's yang. Give the guy a chance, would ya?
When we get to Chase, we enter into a whole new world of what it means to be pack, bonded, and mated. Although don't tell Bryn I called it mated, she wouldn't like it very much. Also, for those who haven't read the story, this is not a spoiler. Chase is a dark, mysterious boy who comes into Bryn's life abruptly and forever changes its course. It will be interesting to see how Jennifer writes Chase and Bryn's relationship in the next book. Their relationship is intense and really impacts the climax of the story in a wonderful way.
Overall, this is a must read. It is a YA werewolf novel that is unlike any other I've read. It is almost reminiscent of Kelley Armstrong's werewolves. Simply in how the men behave and the strength that the female character of Elena has in a world that she wasn't born into. Callum almost reminds me of a less sadistic Jeremy. Perhaps a healthy mix of Jeremy and Clay. I highly recommend this fast paced, exhilarating novel about being a teenage girl under the most unnatural circumstances and her ability to over come even the evil fate has sent her way.
Bryn, although haunted by her past and rightfully so, is able to create a home for herself in this world of wolves. She lives with her adopted mother Ali, a brother/father figure in Callum, and a best friend in Devon.
Ali is an amazing mother figure, although at times I found myself annoyed with her. She is however only trying to protect her daughter and under circumstances which present themselves, it is understandable. Now can we talk about Devon? Devon makes me swoon! I love how much he cares for Bryn and is there to protect her all the time. He also cares about clothes, loves musicals, and is constantly doing impressions that crack me up. I wouldn't mind my own Devon side kick. He's a cool cat...urgh I mean wolf ;)
Then we come to Callum. Ah wonderful and obnoxious Callum. Just recently during the Smart Chicks Tour, I heard many people express their dislike for Callum which made me fully expect I was going to not like him very much. I ended up loving Callum. I did judge him during key moments in the plot and found myself rather angered with him quite a bit. However, Callum epitomizes what it means to be an Alpha. He has to manage the largest pack in North America and care for a teenage girl . He also wants nothing more then for Bryn to be strong, smart, and able to kick butt and ask names later. For me, Callum really pulls the entire story together. He is almost like the meat in the sandwich; the ying to everyone else's yang. Give the guy a chance, would ya?
When we get to Chase, we enter into a whole new world of what it means to be pack, bonded, and mated. Although don't tell Bryn I called it mated, she wouldn't like it very much. Also, for those who haven't read the story, this is not a spoiler. Chase is a dark, mysterious boy who comes into Bryn's life abruptly and forever changes its course. It will be interesting to see how Jennifer writes Chase and Bryn's relationship in the next book. Their relationship is intense and really impacts the climax of the story in a wonderful way.
Overall, this is a must read. It is a YA werewolf novel that is unlike any other I've read. It is almost reminiscent of Kelley Armstrong's werewolves. Simply in how the men behave and the strength that the female character of Elena has in a world that she wasn't born into. Callum almost reminds me of a less sadistic Jeremy. Perhaps a healthy mix of Jeremy and Clay. I highly recommend this fast paced, exhilarating novel about being a teenage girl under the most unnatural circumstances and her ability to over come even the evil fate has sent her way.
-Ashley
Wow, great review! This sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review! I really want to read Raised by Wolves and it looks like a great Halloween read!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you guys liked this one as well, this was one of my favorite YA reads of the year. I loved Bryn and I'm really interested to see where the thing with her and Chase goes, as well as all the new developments that happened at the end. So excited for book 2! Great review:)
ReplyDelete