Member Review
Review by
Flora G, Reviewer
So, what did I like about it?
Maria Vale was a début author in 2017 and I have been impressed with her writing style; it feels graceful, powerful and very easy to read. I find her stories intelligent and well researched and I enjoy her prose; the way she weaves known wolf behaviours, Norse mythology and archaic languages into her books is inspiring. A Wolf Apart lived up to my expectations.
I am enjoying the different perspective that this werewolf series is coming from; beings that are born wolf cubs and have to learn how to wear a human “skin” and fit in with the human world rather than humans who have an animal beast within themselves, or animal spirit, a voice/presence in their head and a second being that they morph into that they resist and/or fight. Book 1 - The Last Wolf - focused on life of the Great North Pack and its home territories through the eyes of Quicksilver Nilsdottir, the runt who was struggling to make a life for herself at the bottom of the hierarchy. A Wolf Apart shows us what life is like for Elijah Sorensson, Silver’s complete opposite; an Alpha of his age group, who does not live in Homelands but in New York City as an Offlander who is tasked with serving the Pack’s interests in the human world.
A Wolf Apart (like the previous book, The Last Wolf) is unlike any book I've read before; it is told from first person point of view by our main male lead, Elijah Sorensson, Alpha of the 9th Echelon (the age group to which he was born) and ruthless New York lawyer. I wasn’t sure whether I would like Elijah at first, he seemed to be everything I detest in a man – domineering, slick and ruthless - but as the story unfurled I quickly understood why Ms Vale chose him. Elijah Sorensson became captivating, I enjoyed seeing the world through his eyes and I loved his inner dialogue; my heart ached, I shed a tear or two, I chuckled out loud and growled with frustration at some of his thoughts and actions. I loved how his journey evolved and how he grew during this book.
Those of you who have read my reviews before will know that I enjoy a story more if the lead female character is intelligent, resilient and independent. I wasn’t disappointed here; I really liked Thea Villalobos, she earned my respect very quickly. Although we never hear her inner dialogue, her actions confirm that she doesn’t suffer fools, has a cool wit, is loyal, has a big heart and has plenty of spirit - in short, she’s got gumption!
I was so gripped that I couldn't stop reading last night; midnight came and went! I enjoyed the twists and turns that Ms Vale sprinkled throughout her tale and liked the fact I wasn’t ever really sure how, or if, she would resolve things; I couldn’t help turning the page to find out to find out what would happen next. I am happy to confirm that there is no life or death situation type cliffhanger at the end of this book woop!woop! (‘cause you all know how I feel a about cliffhangers) and I’m looking forward to finding out where Ms Vale takes us – and the Great North Pack - in book 3.
...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
No. I wouldn’t change a thing; even the more harsh aspects of this story that are harder to read, played an important role to the overall appreciation.
...So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really loved this book. A Wolf Apart has everything that I look for in a 5 star book; adventure, some mystery, action, great characters, a little humour and even a sprinkling of romance.
Due to the sexual content and violence, I’d recommend this book to adults who are not offended by content of this nature who enjoy urban fantasy adventures centred on relationships – both family and romantic – with some darker themes. This series is a unique spin on werewolf tales and feels so much more believable than the majority of paranormal romances, I am completely invested in the Great North Pack and the characters I've met so far. The Legend of all Wolves series is an unexpected find and I can’t recommend the books enough.
Maria Vale was a début author in 2017 and I have been impressed with her writing style; it feels graceful, powerful and very easy to read. I find her stories intelligent and well researched and I enjoy her prose; the way she weaves known wolf behaviours, Norse mythology and archaic languages into her books is inspiring. A Wolf Apart lived up to my expectations.
I am enjoying the different perspective that this werewolf series is coming from; beings that are born wolf cubs and have to learn how to wear a human “skin” and fit in with the human world rather than humans who have an animal beast within themselves, or animal spirit, a voice/presence in their head and a second being that they morph into that they resist and/or fight. Book 1 - The Last Wolf - focused on life of the Great North Pack and its home territories through the eyes of Quicksilver Nilsdottir, the runt who was struggling to make a life for herself at the bottom of the hierarchy. A Wolf Apart shows us what life is like for Elijah Sorensson, Silver’s complete opposite; an Alpha of his age group, who does not live in Homelands but in New York City as an Offlander who is tasked with serving the Pack’s interests in the human world.
A Wolf Apart (like the previous book, The Last Wolf) is unlike any book I've read before; it is told from first person point of view by our main male lead, Elijah Sorensson, Alpha of the 9th Echelon (the age group to which he was born) and ruthless New York lawyer. I wasn’t sure whether I would like Elijah at first, he seemed to be everything I detest in a man – domineering, slick and ruthless - but as the story unfurled I quickly understood why Ms Vale chose him. Elijah Sorensson became captivating, I enjoyed seeing the world through his eyes and I loved his inner dialogue; my heart ached, I shed a tear or two, I chuckled out loud and growled with frustration at some of his thoughts and actions. I loved how his journey evolved and how he grew during this book.
Those of you who have read my reviews before will know that I enjoy a story more if the lead female character is intelligent, resilient and independent. I wasn’t disappointed here; I really liked Thea Villalobos, she earned my respect very quickly. Although we never hear her inner dialogue, her actions confirm that she doesn’t suffer fools, has a cool wit, is loyal, has a big heart and has plenty of spirit - in short, she’s got gumption!
I was so gripped that I couldn't stop reading last night; midnight came and went! I enjoyed the twists and turns that Ms Vale sprinkled throughout her tale and liked the fact I wasn’t ever really sure how, or if, she would resolve things; I couldn’t help turning the page to find out to find out what would happen next. I am happy to confirm that there is no life or death situation type cliffhanger at the end of this book woop!woop! (‘cause you all know how I feel a about cliffhangers) and I’m looking forward to finding out where Ms Vale takes us – and the Great North Pack - in book 3.
...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
No. I wouldn’t change a thing; even the more harsh aspects of this story that are harder to read, played an important role to the overall appreciation.
...So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really loved this book. A Wolf Apart has everything that I look for in a 5 star book; adventure, some mystery, action, great characters, a little humour and even a sprinkling of romance.
Due to the sexual content and violence, I’d recommend this book to adults who are not offended by content of this nature who enjoy urban fantasy adventures centred on relationships – both family and romantic – with some darker themes. This series is a unique spin on werewolf tales and feels so much more believable than the majority of paranormal romances, I am completely invested in the Great North Pack and the characters I've met so far. The Legend of all Wolves series is an unexpected find and I can’t recommend the books enough.
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