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I, Wolf
A paranormal action novel for fans of DEPARTMENT 19 by Will Hill and GONE by Michael Grant. Ages: 13+
Hunt or be hunted ... Sixteen-year-old Romy suffers from a rare genetic disease that will send him mad - and ultimately kill him. His last hope is a mysterious clinic in Austria, where a cure is promised. But the treatment is drastic and Romy is changed forever. When he meets Antonia - beautiful, headstrong and out of his league - Romy starts coming to terms with his new life. But after a spate of grisly night-time attacks, Romy is forced to confront an awful truth ... What has he become? Ages: 13+
Hunt or be hunted ... Sixteen-year-old Romy suffers from a rare genetic disease that will send him mad - and ultimately kill him. His last hope is a mysterious clinic in Austria, where a cure is promised. But the treatment is drastic and Romy is changed forever. When he meets Antonia - beautiful, headstrong and out of his league - Romy starts coming to terms with his new life. But after a spate of grisly night-time attacks, Romy is forced to confront an awful truth ... What has he become? Ages: 13+
- GenresYoung AdultParanormal
279 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 26, 2013
Matt Boyd's debut novel, I Wolf, is an exciting tale featuring one of my favourite supernatural creatures - werewolves! Romy (aka. Romulus) is a sixteen year old who has been facing a death sentence since before he could remember. He's had a terminal illness hanging over his head and no sign of a cure... until now. Romy's father has found a secretive, exclusive and somewhat mysterious program in Austria who might be able to save Romy. Not completely sure what the treatment entails, Romy and his family set off from Australia and travel to Europe in hopes that the program may save his sanity where everything else has failed before.
I Wolf features a fantastic breed of werewolves. The account of the shifters history and just what it means to be a wolf in this universe is strong. Romy's feelings whilst running in his beast form was one of my favourite parts of the novel to read - it was rich with thoughts and feelings. The romance angle between Romy and Antonia felt a little off-putting and awkward - adding nothing to the overall plot as it didn't feel natural for the characters. The secondary characters of Nat and Dimitri added a lot to the story and brought out Romy's humanity - which I felt was a little lacking even before the treatment.
This story is a little raw in terms of emotion. I thought that Romy was a accurate narrator with regards to the werewolf lessons and action but he was a little lacking when it came to emotion and feeling. There are some rather terrible and dramatic things that happen to him after arriving in Austria but he doesn't let the emotions rise to the surface and rather moves on with the next course of action.
I thought that the flow of this novel at a little disconcerting at times with there not being a solid direction of just what the characters were doing. But there were other times when I was there with Romy and his pack as they went on their adventures.
Overall, I found this book to be a great quick read and I loved how Matt Boyd created his particular breed of werewolves. I feel like this book would be devoured by younger readers as it lacked a little depth and emotion for me personally but I think I'd have loved this book back when I was 12 or so.
I Wolf features a fantastic breed of werewolves. The account of the shifters history and just what it means to be a wolf in this universe is strong. Romy's feelings whilst running in his beast form was one of my favourite parts of the novel to read - it was rich with thoughts and feelings. The romance angle between Romy and Antonia felt a little off-putting and awkward - adding nothing to the overall plot as it didn't feel natural for the characters. The secondary characters of Nat and Dimitri added a lot to the story and brought out Romy's humanity - which I felt was a little lacking even before the treatment.
This story is a little raw in terms of emotion. I thought that Romy was a accurate narrator with regards to the werewolf lessons and action but he was a little lacking when it came to emotion and feeling. There are some rather terrible and dramatic things that happen to him after arriving in Austria but he doesn't let the emotions rise to the surface and rather moves on with the next course of action.
I thought that the flow of this novel at a little disconcerting at times with there not being a solid direction of just what the characters were doing. But there were other times when I was there with Romy and his pack as they went on their adventures.
Overall, I found this book to be a great quick read and I loved how Matt Boyd created his particular breed of werewolves. I feel like this book would be devoured by younger readers as it lacked a little depth and emotion for me personally but I think I'd have loved this book back when I was 12 or so.
August 26, 2012
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of this to read and review**
Find my review here: http://rachybee-the-rest-is-still-unw...
Aussie author Matt Boyd’s debut novel I, Wolf is an enjoyable read, filled with werewolves and excitement, and is a perfect way to spend an afternoon!
This was a really nice, entertaining book to read. Speeding through it really quickly, it was a great way to spend the day and I found that there was more than enough mystery and action to keep me entertained. I truly liked the plotline of this story. The idea of the main character suffering a terminal disease and the desperation he feels at having no choice but to become a werewolf or die is really outstanding. Boyd tells Romy’s tale well, whisking us off to various different European countries throughout the novel.
I must admit however that there were times when I found it hard to connect with some of the characters and in parts, the story. Perhaps it was just me, but I felt it lacked the depth and emotion I usually enjoy. While there was always a question left to be answered that pushed the story onwards and a purpose for the characters, things seemed to drag on at times. And yet, then there would be a moment where I’d be sucked in entirely.
I found I really liked the way Boyd has written his werewolves. I did feel like the majority of the book centred around what it meant for Romy to be a werewolf with the extensive teachings he and the other new werewolves went though, but it was impossible not to feel the excitement that buzzed through the pages in the lead up to every full moon and during it. Being inside Romy’s head during his time as a wolf was thrilling and enjoyable.
As a main character Romy is easy to follow and quite level headed. After his initial shock, he adjusts quite well to being a werewolf and has a strong sense of right and wrong. He does lose who his is due to some of the events of the book and he has a lot of guilt he must carry because of actions that he had no real control of, but I’m hopeful that he’ll stay the same great characters he in possible future books.
I was a bit put off by the introduction of a romance between Romy and the female wolf Antonia. I just didn’t feel it. I would have liked to, but it seemed to me like the author simply put it in to be there, rather than really be there, if that makes sense. Yes, it was a very normal attraction between two teenagers, but they didn’t have any electricity or outright connection that made their relationship stand up. While I can definitely see the potential storylines considering Antonia’s involvement towards the end of the novel, I don’t feel anything would have been lost if this hadn’t been a part of the book.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the friendship Romy develops with Dimitri and Nat. These two were great characters with very different lives and different histories but they quickly became great friends for Romy. The three of them had a great friendship from the very beginning, which continues on throughout the book.
With plenty of mystery and revelations in the lead up to a action driven ending, I, Wolf does leave you wanting more. There’s plenty of possibilities and hints about Romy’s ancestory and I’m truly looking forward to the next book if there is one.
Find my review here: http://rachybee-the-rest-is-still-unw...
Aussie author Matt Boyd’s debut novel I, Wolf is an enjoyable read, filled with werewolves and excitement, and is a perfect way to spend an afternoon!
This was a really nice, entertaining book to read. Speeding through it really quickly, it was a great way to spend the day and I found that there was more than enough mystery and action to keep me entertained. I truly liked the plotline of this story. The idea of the main character suffering a terminal disease and the desperation he feels at having no choice but to become a werewolf or die is really outstanding. Boyd tells Romy’s tale well, whisking us off to various different European countries throughout the novel.
I must admit however that there were times when I found it hard to connect with some of the characters and in parts, the story. Perhaps it was just me, but I felt it lacked the depth and emotion I usually enjoy. While there was always a question left to be answered that pushed the story onwards and a purpose for the characters, things seemed to drag on at times. And yet, then there would be a moment where I’d be sucked in entirely.
I found I really liked the way Boyd has written his werewolves. I did feel like the majority of the book centred around what it meant for Romy to be a werewolf with the extensive teachings he and the other new werewolves went though, but it was impossible not to feel the excitement that buzzed through the pages in the lead up to every full moon and during it. Being inside Romy’s head during his time as a wolf was thrilling and enjoyable.
As a main character Romy is easy to follow and quite level headed. After his initial shock, he adjusts quite well to being a werewolf and has a strong sense of right and wrong. He does lose who his is due to some of the events of the book and he has a lot of guilt he must carry because of actions that he had no real control of, but I’m hopeful that he’ll stay the same great characters he in possible future books.
I was a bit put off by the introduction of a romance between Romy and the female wolf Antonia. I just didn’t feel it. I would have liked to, but it seemed to me like the author simply put it in to be there, rather than really be there, if that makes sense. Yes, it was a very normal attraction between two teenagers, but they didn’t have any electricity or outright connection that made their relationship stand up. While I can definitely see the potential storylines considering Antonia’s involvement towards the end of the novel, I don’t feel anything would have been lost if this hadn’t been a part of the book.
One of my favourite parts of the book was the friendship Romy develops with Dimitri and Nat. These two were great characters with very different lives and different histories but they quickly became great friends for Romy. The three of them had a great friendship from the very beginning, which continues on throughout the book.
With plenty of mystery and revelations in the lead up to a action driven ending, I, Wolf does leave you wanting more. There’s plenty of possibilities and hints about Romy’s ancestory and I’m truly looking forward to the next book if there is one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2012
From the title and the blurb, it’s pretty obvious what we’re dealing with here: werewolves. Whilst I sometimes appreciate knowing what type of supernatural creatures the book will be about, I think I’d prefer not to know for this book. The beginning of the book could hold the promise of the mystery but as we’re already told what it’s going to be… well, it kind of ruined the mystery.
The most enjoyable parts of the book were the descriptions of running (Romy jogs) and the hunts. I, myself, aren’t a jogger but reading these descriptions made jogging / running to be such a pleasure that I’m almost (almost) tempted to go for a run. The battle scene was also pretty awesome though the ending was slightly lacklustre.
Romy himself was okay but not the brightest character (I’m not referring to his intelligence, just that he’s pretty average). I much prefer Dimitri and Nat – Romy’s friends, with interesting backgrounds and they definitely helped the mood in the book.
The plot may not be unpredictable but I did enjoy this world and it was a very easy read. There appears to be signs (from the ending of the book & the ending of the battle) of a sequel of sorts but I don’t even know if it’s supposed to be a series. I would be very interested in the sequel *keeping my fingers crossed*.
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia & NetGalley for the privilege to read this eGalley
The most enjoyable parts of the book were the descriptions of running (Romy jogs) and the hunts. I, myself, aren’t a jogger but reading these descriptions made jogging / running to be such a pleasure that I’m almost (almost) tempted to go for a run. The battle scene was also pretty awesome though the ending was slightly lacklustre.
Romy himself was okay but not the brightest character (I’m not referring to his intelligence, just that he’s pretty average). I much prefer Dimitri and Nat – Romy’s friends, with interesting backgrounds and they definitely helped the mood in the book.
The plot may not be unpredictable but I did enjoy this world and it was a very easy read. There appears to be signs (from the ending of the book & the ending of the battle) of a sequel of sorts but I don’t even know if it’s supposed to be a series. I would be very interested in the sequel *keeping my fingers crossed*.
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia & NetGalley for the privilege to read this eGalley
June 10, 2012
The page cover reminded me of the hit television series Teen Wolf starring Tyler Posey, Coltan Haynes, Crystal Reed, Holland Roden and Dylan O'Brien.
This book had similarities to the show but had a different taste to where it was going. It is mainly set in a clinic which is this huge castle in the middle of Austria. We meet a young kid named Romy who is cured from leukodystrophy. Most of his family doesn't know of this treatment and then this build up of trust is challenged between Romy, his family and the new people around him.
I was compelled and I could not wait to turn to the next page.
This book had similarities to the show but had a different taste to where it was going. It is mainly set in a clinic which is this huge castle in the middle of Austria. We meet a young kid named Romy who is cured from leukodystrophy. Most of his family doesn't know of this treatment and then this build up of trust is challenged between Romy, his family and the new people around him.
I was compelled and I could not wait to turn to the next page.
September 25, 2014
Unlike Twilight and many other novels putting a spin on classic monsters, I, Wolf does not try to hide the novel that it is. A gritty look at a boy who becomes a werewolf and the many negative consequences it has for him and his family. The story is not anythying special but the writing has a somewhat addictive quality. Maybe it could be the dark storyline or the many grotesque deaths but I, Wolf certainly keeps you reading.
The characters are nothing special and somewhat unlikable but that is not what the book is trying to sell. I would recommend if you like a novel where the selling factor is not the characters but the sequence pf events that comes to them.
The characters are nothing special and somewhat unlikable but that is not what the book is trying to sell. I would recommend if you like a novel where the selling factor is not the characters but the sequence pf events that comes to them.
February 13, 2013
This was really, really good! A quite powerful novel of a boy who has inherited an horrendous disease like a timebomb ticking down. His father has been searching all his life for a possible cure and finally discovers what he says is a cure.
Unfortunately - like most medications - there are side-effects, and this 'cure' is no exception.
This was an excellent read - and I literally couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
Unfortunately - like most medications - there are side-effects, and this 'cure' is no exception.
This was an excellent read - and I literally couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
February 11, 2014
Fun and interesting enough, but it never really grabbed me. I also felt like it just ended in the middle of nowhere with no real resolutions for anything. More could be done with this - it has a pretty great premise!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews