What do you think?
Rate this book
Tears of Rage #2
Once We Were Like Wolves
"Tears of Rage is a fantastical gritty series about faith, dedication, fear, and perseverance. A tale for the times we are in, with realistic characters forced to face their own flaws that are just as dangerous as their enemies. Read it." - Damon Stone, Fantasy Flight Games“Intelligent storytelling, adult situations, and a magic system with a history and weight.” - James RollinsIn this second volume of TEARS OF RAGE, Juliana continues to come to terms with being chosen as high priest by the god of vengeance she freed from his thousand year prison. Still fleeing from her enemies, Julianna has her first encounter with her new god's followers, and she learns that being the first chosen comes with a higher price than she first imagined.Readers who enjoy losing themselves in complex worlds such as Robert Jordan's THE WHEEL OF TIME, George RR Martin's A GAME OF THRONES, and Steven Erikson'sTHE MALAZAN BOOK OF THE FALLEN will find themselves right at home with FIRST CHOSEN and the TEARS OF RAGE sequence.Other books by M. Todd OF First ChosenHalloween Jack and the Devil's Gate - The Amazon bestselling historical fantasy!"The Dragon Bone Flute""Jaludin's Road""Knight of the Living Dead" - with Stephen E. Moore"Knight Terrors" - with Stephen E. Moore
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2011
6 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
M. Todd Gallowglas
62 books176 followersM Todd Gallowglas has been a professional storyteller at Renaissance Faires and Medieval Festivals for over twenty years. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University in 2009, he used his storytelling show as a platform to launch his fiction career. He is the author of the Tears of Rage and Halloween Jack series, which have spent time on various bestseller lists. He was a fiction contributor for Fantasy Flight Games and developed creative content for the reboot of the children's classic Reading Rainbow. Now he spends most of his time trying to find the perfect balance between family, writing, airsoft (because it's not as messy as paintball), and gaming while he's not off somewhere telling stories.
M Todd Gallowglas is a proud member of the Genre Underground.
M Todd Gallowglas is a proud member of the Genre Underground.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 22, 2014
This book has lots of depth (really wonderful world building - especially in terms of divine and mortal history and how the beings interact - but it never bogs the action down). Almost zero exposition that's not covered through normal thought/conversation.
Also, the characters move through the plot naturally. Events aren't forced and solutions, even using powerful magic/miracle, are well-thought out and logical.
Highly Recommended.
Also, the characters move through the plot naturally. Events aren't forced and solutions, even using powerful magic/miracle, are well-thought out and logical.
Highly Recommended.
September 30, 2015
Even better than the first book, Once We Were Like Wolves heightens the action, deepens the characters, and broadens the lore of the Tears of Rage series. I particularly liked the development of our main character, Julianna.
July 12, 2016
Darn it, I really loved this book. Had to buy the next one. Exciting and well written.
January 26, 2014
Excellent book, Very compelling
March 10, 2018
4 Stars. Good, though seemed a bit rushed. Book 1 was better
July 21, 2012
Original post here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2012/07/indie-book-review-once-we-were-like.html
Finally! It has taken me forever to get this here. I am glad I finally can share this. Once We Were Like Wolves is the sequel to Tears of Rage and I am glad to report, I think this was better than book 1. The story is amazing and we get more characters that are very interesting. One in which I think I have a crush on. Oh yes, I have a big smile on my face.
This story continues to follow our main character Julianna who has just become the new Lord Morigahn. Grandfather Shadow has just been released from his prison and he has plans. But in order for those plans to go through, Julianna must truly embrace what she is now and how to handle her new powers. Everyone, gods and humans alike have their own agenda where Julianna is concerned. So she has a lot of growing to do and she must do it quickly because lives are on the line.
Gallowglas did such a wonderful job with this story. I love our main character Julianna. All this power has basically fallen into her lap and she doesn't go nuts with power. I love that we see a vulnerable side to her. That she is as scared about what she is and is trying to accept that she won't have a normal life. I love that we get more of Faelin, Julianna's best friend. He knows more about what it means to be the Lord Morigahn and helps her great deal in the book. I both love and hate that we see they have an attraction to each other, but they can't be together because of what she is. I hope we can see more of that in the future.
I love that this time around we have a lot more story. We have different subplots and they all flow together beautifully. I had a little issue with that in the last book. We had a lot of characters, but we didn't learn a lot about them. In this one, we have those characters and more, and we get a taste of all of them and what they are about. I am especially excited over the new character Damian. He seems to find himself in interesting predictaments, but he thinks fast on his feet which really saves him. He definitely has luck on his side (that is what I call it) and he has some connection to the higher ups, but we don't know yet. One thing I will say is that he doesn't seem to fit in with the time of the book. Damian has this sort of Old Western cowboy feel to him. Definitely an adventurous one, that is for sure.
The only complaint I have is that there are quite a bit of grammar and spelling issues. There seems to be a tad more in this book than the first book, but I was invested enough in the story so it didn't take much from it. But it was a bit distracting. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this book. Like I said, it is better than the first one. And again, if you are a fan of Game of Thrones like me, you will eat this book up. The story is rich and keeps you on your toes. There is even more action in this book mixed with plenty of magic. So if you are looking for a read that will keep you guessing and take you on an epic ride, check this out today.
Finally! It has taken me forever to get this here. I am glad I finally can share this. Once We Were Like Wolves is the sequel to Tears of Rage and I am glad to report, I think this was better than book 1. The story is amazing and we get more characters that are very interesting. One in which I think I have a crush on. Oh yes, I have a big smile on my face.
This story continues to follow our main character Julianna who has just become the new Lord Morigahn. Grandfather Shadow has just been released from his prison and he has plans. But in order for those plans to go through, Julianna must truly embrace what she is now and how to handle her new powers. Everyone, gods and humans alike have their own agenda where Julianna is concerned. So she has a lot of growing to do and she must do it quickly because lives are on the line.
Gallowglas did such a wonderful job with this story. I love our main character Julianna. All this power has basically fallen into her lap and she doesn't go nuts with power. I love that we see a vulnerable side to her. That she is as scared about what she is and is trying to accept that she won't have a normal life. I love that we get more of Faelin, Julianna's best friend. He knows more about what it means to be the Lord Morigahn and helps her great deal in the book. I both love and hate that we see they have an attraction to each other, but they can't be together because of what she is. I hope we can see more of that in the future.
I love that this time around we have a lot more story. We have different subplots and they all flow together beautifully. I had a little issue with that in the last book. We had a lot of characters, but we didn't learn a lot about them. In this one, we have those characters and more, and we get a taste of all of them and what they are about. I am especially excited over the new character Damian. He seems to find himself in interesting predictaments, but he thinks fast on his feet which really saves him. He definitely has luck on his side (that is what I call it) and he has some connection to the higher ups, but we don't know yet. One thing I will say is that he doesn't seem to fit in with the time of the book. Damian has this sort of Old Western cowboy feel to him. Definitely an adventurous one, that is for sure.
The only complaint I have is that there are quite a bit of grammar and spelling issues. There seems to be a tad more in this book than the first book, but I was invested enough in the story so it didn't take much from it. But it was a bit distracting. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this book. Like I said, it is better than the first one. And again, if you are a fan of Game of Thrones like me, you will eat this book up. The story is rich and keeps you on your toes. There is even more action in this book mixed with plenty of magic. So if you are looking for a read that will keep you guessing and take you on an epic ride, check this out today.
June 18, 2013
This is actually the first M Todd Gallowglas book I purchased. The title grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Then I found out it was the 2nd of the series, so I started with First Chosen instead. I'm very glad I read them in order.
Once We Were Like Wolves picks up where First Chosen leaves us. Julianna has come out of all the conflicts victorious enough to satisfy the reader, but there are many realistic things she did not conquer, and her very existence has changed. We go through all the emotions with her as she tries to decide if the gods sticking their noses into human business is a good thing or something heinous. We meet new characters in Wynd, Korrin, Nathan, Aurell, and Allister. We meet the Stormcrows. We see more of how the society of the world is structured in the order of precedence of nobility and common folk, the conquerors and the indigenous people of the land. And we learn more about the gods, the system of magic, and the priestly orders.
But, like First Chosen, we have fight scenes that further the story, characters meeting and battling their suspicions while good fights against evil, Julianna learning to be a leader, machinations on both the celestial and mortal planes, and the new edition has very few typos. To me, Wolves feels more fast-paced than First Chosen, and it feels like there is even deeper character development, and again it stands up really well to re-reading.
One of the things I really like about Once We Were Like Wolves is that the bad guys are well-rounded and feel like real people. They have their tender moments, their worries, their ambitions. We can almost see why they chose the path they did. I really hate one-dimensional villains, so these villains are refreshing.
Overall, I like Once We Were Like Wolves better even than First Chosen, but Arms of the Storm is still my favorite of the series (so far).
Once We Were Like Wolves picks up where First Chosen leaves us. Julianna has come out of all the conflicts victorious enough to satisfy the reader, but there are many realistic things she did not conquer, and her very existence has changed. We go through all the emotions with her as she tries to decide if the gods sticking their noses into human business is a good thing or something heinous. We meet new characters in Wynd, Korrin, Nathan, Aurell, and Allister. We meet the Stormcrows. We see more of how the society of the world is structured in the order of precedence of nobility and common folk, the conquerors and the indigenous people of the land. And we learn more about the gods, the system of magic, and the priestly orders.
But, like First Chosen, we have fight scenes that further the story, characters meeting and battling their suspicions while good fights against evil, Julianna learning to be a leader, machinations on both the celestial and mortal planes, and the new edition has very few typos. To me, Wolves feels more fast-paced than First Chosen, and it feels like there is even deeper character development, and again it stands up really well to re-reading.
One of the things I really like about Once We Were Like Wolves is that the bad guys are well-rounded and feel like real people. They have their tender moments, their worries, their ambitions. We can almost see why they chose the path they did. I really hate one-dimensional villains, so these villains are refreshing.
Overall, I like Once We Were Like Wolves better even than First Chosen, but Arms of the Storm is still my favorite of the series (so far).
August 8, 2013
This book continues where book 1 left off and the adventure just keeps on coming. Juliana is still learning about her new role in life and now not only must she learn about what she can and can't do but she must also figure out where everyone else stands in this too. Are they with her or against her. As the first woman Lord Morighan in history, she is in uncharted territory and only has her own wits, Faelin and Grandfather Shadow for support.
This story keeps on getting better. You are drawn in to how she is trying to learn on the hop and survive at the same time. The lessons she learns are hard ones and Mr Gallowglass completely draws you in with her.
Really glad I continued with this series as this book definitely fills out book 1 and you feel more involved. Looking forward to book 3 now.
This story keeps on getting better. You are drawn in to how she is trying to learn on the hop and survive at the same time. The lessons she learns are hard ones and Mr Gallowglass completely draws you in with her.
Really glad I continued with this series as this book definitely fills out book 1 and you feel more involved. Looking forward to book 3 now.
June 30, 2012
Just got done reading the second book in the "Tears of Rage" series, and it truly holds up to the first. Mr. Gallowglas continues the fantastic, beautiful, and terrifying world he has created drawing your connection with the characters from the first book even deeper, while making you latch onto and love the new ones as well. If Mr. Gallowglas keeps this up I fear we will lose him as one of the best indie writers out there because a large publishing firm is going to pick up him and his fantastic series. A must read for all fantasy lovers out there, and if any book was going to make you fall in love with the genre, this one will be it!!!
March 9, 2016
Out of the three books written so far "Once We were like Wolves" is the best. Mostly action packed, this book also introduces one of the most unforgettable characters ever written. (Think captain Malcolm Reynolds for Firefly) The god, Grandfather Shadow, wants to make sure none of the elder gods are released but all the lesser gods are trying to plot there own rise. Meanwhile in the world of man all the religions/societies are vying for their own power. Our heroine Julianna is still trying to get used to her divine powers and unite Grandfather Shadow's followers.
April 22, 2013
I liked the first book, but this one I loved. The plot moved much faster than the first one. Most likely, because the much needed world building was done.
The interplay between the Gods, mortals, and the Lords of Judgement is fun, exciting, and has enough of a twist to feel new.
And, my love of Faelin and Juilanna continues to grow. I already brought book three, and looking forward to it.
The interplay between the Gods, mortals, and the Lords of Judgement is fun, exciting, and has enough of a twist to feel new.
And, my love of Faelin and Juilanna continues to grow. I already brought book three, and looking forward to it.
May 24, 2018
I found this book to be pretty enjoyable but was a bit confusing for me. Part of the confusion is due to the naming, there are quite a few complicated names that I have no clue how to pronounce. Also, the usage of the different languages is nice but there usually isn't any explanation of what is actually meant by them so I have no clue what's going on at some points. I will finish the series because it is does have interesting magic system and the god hierarchy is interesting.
May 1, 2013
The story of the celestial war with people as puppets continues, fast-paced and filled with action. World-building is kept to a minimum to focus on the basic plot, keeping the story fantastical without over-simplifying. The characters evolve given the context of the dire situations they find themselves in and do so in ways that largely credible. A quick and fun read.
September 24, 2016
Good story but..
It really needs an proofreader and/or editor. The errors in this story can be very distracting, how many times can you change the spelling for a character's name on the same page? Annoying.
But the story is still good enough for me to buy the next book.
Todd, please find a better proofreader.
It really needs an proofreader and/or editor. The errors in this story can be very distracting, how many times can you change the spelling for a character's name on the same page? Annoying.
But the story is still good enough for me to buy the next book.
Todd, please find a better proofreader.
December 26, 2012
I enjoyed the book. It was good to meet new characters and new players. We start to see a bigger picture of all the schemeing and manuvering that is occuring in the constant quest for power. Looking forward to the next book.
May 14, 2012
Excellent continuation from 1st book. Elements are starting to all come together and flesh out the characters and the story itself. Can't wait for the next one.
June 17, 2016
Started saying the word "miracle" too much, and some errors that make it seem as if the book was dictated (homonym problems). Otherwise, good story and interesting premise.
November 3, 2016
A good book filled with love, hate, friends, and enemies. A bit confusing at times, but overall fun story. Someone who likes action and adventure might enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews