The Wolves of Paris

by Michael Wallace

It's the winter of 1450 and Paris is in a panic. A pack of ravenous wolves is loose in the city, feasting on human flesh. Lorenzo Boccaccio is summoned by a Dominican inquisitor who claims that Lorenzo's business agent is tied to the sorcery behind the wolf attacks. He demands that Lorenzo and his brother Marco help him root out the evil.



Rivals in business and love, the brothers make for a reluctant partnership. Even so, they are confident the wolves are a natural phenomenon, not men or demons traveling in wolf form.



But events soon prove that the monks and peasants are right. These are no ordinary wolves. And if they are not defeated, the city's filthy alleys will be awash in blood.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Horror, Shapeshifters

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2013

About the author

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Michael also welcomes email from readers at m.wallace23(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Historical accuracy is good, the problem is that I dislike all of the of the main characters and want them to die.

But you can tell that Wallace has done his research, so it might be your cuppa.

[Brie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads contest.

I think I can truthfulyl say, this is the first self-published book I have really enjoyed in a long while. The story just pulled me in and had me reading to the very last page. I am a fan of werewolf stories and books set in the medieval era. This book had both aspects to it so really captured my imagination. The author, Wallace, writes action well which made reading the fights against the werewolves fun. I definitely enjoyed the story and it had a real "horror genre" feel to it.

I do have to say, it could have used one more run past an editor because there were a few errors in the writing (including spelling in 2 cases) but nothing major that would make me want to stop reading.That could always be fixed in future editions of this book.

I do recommend it to people who enjoy paranormal fiction, horror fiction, and werewolf stories. They will not be disappointed reading this book.

[Anthony Bools · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bit sloppy and certainly far fetched, I read another of his books that had some history in and was expecting the same attention to detail that was missing.
As a gothic horror, romance, schloc it was fine.

[William Bitner Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading “The Wolves of Paris”, by Michael Wallace. This is my first read by this author, and based on what I just read, I will most assuredly be checking out more of his work. This book seems to be based on some historical event which occurred in Paris in 1450, where some 40 people were killed by wolf attacks. Although I don’t know this to be the absolute truth, I can only assume that from some of the research I’ve done online. (Some interesting reading on the history of the wolf attacks on Paris in 1450 listed here: :Ref: The Wolves of Paris/Natural History https://retrieverman.net/2010/10/27/t... The Wolves of Paris/Lazer Horse http://www.lazerhorse.org/2014/11/21/...). This was a great historical/fantasy/horror/mystery/thriller read.

As if the plague, witchcraft, the Holy Inquisition, fanatic Dominican and Franciscan Friars, history, romance, mystery and blood curdling thrills weren’t enough these folks now have to deal with packs of loup-garou (man wolf). This was a fast paced retelling of the classic werewolf tale, refreshing and totally entertaining and I would recommend this to anyone who loves a great adventure into the past….

Synopsis: It’s the winter of 1450 and Paris is in a panic. A pack of ravenous wolves is loose in the city, feasting on human flesh. Lorenzo Boccaccio is summoned by a Dominican inquisitor who claims that Lorenzo's business agent is tied to the sorcery behind the wolf attacks. He demands that Lorenzo and his brother Marco help him root out the evil.

Rivals in business and love, the brothers make for a reluctant partnership. Even so, they are confident the wolves are a natural phenomenon, not men or demons traveling in wolf form.

But events soon prove that the monks and peasants are right. These are no ordinary wolves. And if they are not defeated, the city’s filthy alleys will be awash in blood.

[K. Lincoln · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of the book: wolves invading the walled and gated city of Paris in the winter of 1450 when the King needed funds for war, the inquisition held sway, and two Florentine bankers had come to find out why their agent of business had suddenly gone quiet.

The first part of the book really drew me in. Excellent action, nice set up of brotherly rivalry in the two bankers as well as a very sympathetic character in Lady Lucrezia (widow of a missing-presumed-dead English Lord with some kind of mysterious tie both to the wolves and a giant mastiff seen chasing the wolves off).

The details of the time period seemed authentic; from men in gibbets to inquisitional torture, to the sleigh they used to outrun the wolves on a snowy road.

So why the three stars? I guess I wanted a bit more emotional meat or different pacing in my stories. The rating is a reflection not on the writing but on my own personal tastes. There is a romance between Lucrezia and one of the brothers, but I did feel a bit like outrunning the wolves and revealing Lucrezia's secrets and trying not to get on the bad side of the inquisition friar outweighed the deliciousness of their relationship.

I think I also got a bit tired of the breakneck pacing and death count.

But if action is your thing, you will love the descriptions of man vs wolf, wolf-thing vs. mastiff, pike vs. fang, etc that abound in this story.

This Book's Snack Rating: Loaded Baked Potato Pringles for the delicious period and action condiments on a snackable, but less solid crunch

[J.F. Penn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a sliver of historical truth, Wallace turns his wolves into loup-garou, men turned wolves through dark magic and driven to feast on human blood. When Lucrezia witnesses her husband's depraved descent into the occult, she determines to stop him, but after he turns and wolf packs become ravaging the city and outlying villages, she must fight for her own life, and that of the people in danger. She's joined by Lorenzo and Marco, Italian merchants, with the hint of a love story ... and the evil priest of the inquisition. Definitely worth a read! (and I don't usually read historical novels, but loved this!)

[Lisa Schawe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well written and well researched. My only complaint, if I’m being nit picky (Which I am!) is that I didn’t understand all of the references to the Inquisition. Of course, I’m not Catholic, so I only know the basics, but I’ve always heard of the SPANISH Inquisition, so I’d like to know more about how people in Italy and France would have been affected. Otherwise, the story was engaging, suspenseful and had just the right amount of villains to heroes. I look forward to future books from Wallace.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried.
I failed. I just couldn't go on with this book.

The narration of the audiobook was good. The premise seemed promising. I just couldn't get on with it. I found myself sitting there while my daughter was sleeping next to me going "what the hell is going on?"

And the fact that the first few pages of the book were dedicated to a woman's bare ass as she was relieving herself kind of just made me go 'ugh'.

[Chris James]

For some reason, I thought this mystery was about court intrigue. It definitely was not. Silly me.

I am not one for werewolves and shapeshifters; just not usually my go-to genre. Having said that, this was an interesting read in that it kept my attention. Sometimes. . .well, okay. . .quite often, I had to suspend reality (even for a werewolf story). While I didn't like the parts, the sum was okay.

[Brian Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an unexpectedly delightful and easy read. The author does a wonderful job of giving you enough of the 1460 Paris setting to feel immersed but not overwhelmed.

The characters are a little thin, but enjoyable. There are a couple well done twists and even though you kind of know where the story is going the journey is still enjoyable. I liked it a great deal.

[Heather Sinclair · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a bit of a guilty pleasure for me, because let's face it - it's not exactly intellectually stimulating. What it was, was entertaining. It's got swords, ancient France, witchcraft, wolves, danger, and love. If any of those appeal to you, this quick read will probably hit the spot.

[Robert D Grady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. An interesting take on the werewolf genre. It was also nice that this is a standalone book - not a series. Easy to read and very easy to forget about time with. Also hard to put down.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly enjoyable

Set mainly in medieval France, the main characters encounter the pox, cruel priests, and werewolves. Well-written (a few spelling and grammatical errors aside), this book was a fun read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual and entertaining

Well worth your time if you like a good werewolf story. The historical angle made it a unique take on the werewolf genre. Made me sad that the story had to end.

[Nancy Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Howling Good Book

Loved this book. It had just the right mix of romance, suspense, and horror. Nasty werewolves and the occult guarantee a fun scary read.

[Christopher Wolbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Middle of the road. Nice twist but not enough to make it great.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Older Worlde Cliff-Hanger

Not normally my preferred genre; so glad I made an exception in this case! Must read more from this author.

[Treva Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

This book was obviously well thought out and researched. I enjoyed every moment of reading it and look forward to future books by the author!

[S.L. Graf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating story, wonderfully descriptive passages.

[N.E. White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on SFFWorld.com.

The Wolves of Paris is a short, fun read of murder, mayhem, and werewolves in 15th century Paris. Told primarily through three main characters; two brothers at odds with each other, and the woman they both love; The Wolves of Paris starts out funny. Not laugh-out-loud funny, but pretty darn close.

Two gate guards, an older, half-blind fellow and his younger compatriot, are freezing as night descends over Paris. The two collect tolls but their minds are decidedly in the gutter, awaiting the appearance of Lady d’Lisle’s bottom as she extends it over the Seine to relieve herself.

As mentioned above, though, one of the guards is half-blind, so he can’t really see her bottom all the way from across the river, but his partner can and he goes into loving detail to describe the young lady’s most fine attributes.

Indeed, this is an amusing opening and the author should be faulted for including it because these two characters do not play a significant role in the book (though one is pivotal), but I just can’t. The description of these two guards enjoying what they can in a terribly boring job hooked me into the story and set the stage for a romping good and eerie tale of bloodshed, men (along with said woman), and wolves.

The guards’ entertainment is interrupted by a late arrival. On his heels is something sinister and dark, shattering their illusion of safety. The next day, Lorenzo and Marco Boccaccio, two Italian brothers, arrive in the city. The two are in town to investigate the mysterious disappearance of their merchant. Lorenzo, a love-struck heretic, is destined to visit the local inquisitor to pay penance, and Marco intends to see about their missing agent.

But no sooner do they pass into the gates of the city center, the two learn of wolves that have attacked the city. And not just any wolves, but loup-garous or wolf-men.

The two brothers take it in stride and continue on their way. This is 15th century Europe, afterall, where the Inquisition grips the countryside like a vice and it is widely accepted that angels and demons are real – why not wolf-men?

Once at the agent’s home, the two brothers realize their suspected truant employee may have run afoul with the local nobility, the church, the wolf-men, or all of the above. They devise a quick plan to ascertain their missing agent’s whereabouts and Lorenzo wastes no time in writing a letter to Lady d’Lisle, the love of his life. The next morning, he visits her only to find that his brother, Marco has beat him to it. Lorenzo is reminded of his penance and church representatives come to collect him.

After a bit of humiliating torture at the hands of a severe prior who has Lorenzo’s soul to save, he and his brother set out on a journey that will have them running for their lives.

In the meantime, Lady d’Lisle is trying to make amends for a deed she sorely wishes she could erase. The wolf-men’s fate and her own are entwined, and if the two brothers do not help her stamp out their existence, more will be lost than her life.

Michael Wallace writes a dashing tale of suspense, religion, intrigue, with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. He colors his world with quick and accurate descriptions that keep the story moving briskly while filling out the histories and customs of the land. His characters are well-drawn and likeable, and the situations they find themselves in are touched with equal amounts of horror and humor.

My only fault with this short tale is that I wished it was longer. I also thought many of the fight scenes could have been a bit better developed. Not longer, but maybe more detailed. Some of the things the wolf-men were able to do didn’t quite make sense in my head. Even so, just as it is, I highly recommend The Wolves of Paris for those who like authentic, historical places touched with some dangerous and fantastical creatures.

N.E. White, December 2013.
Copyright © sffworld.com. If quoted, please credit “sffworld.com, name of reviewer”.

[Nora Peevy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's refreshing to read a Were novel in which the transformations are traditional and the werewolves haven't been dumbed down for a supernatural romance audience or a cheesy urban fantasy love fest with Weres battling for dominance over a woman. Kudos! The balance of action and intrigue is perfect. I could have skipped the last few sappy pages, but that minor personal opinion isn't enough to warrant taking away a star in this review. I loved Lucrezia and her feistiness and bravery, coupled with a moral compass. And her mastiff, Tullia is a kick ass loyal canine. If you are itching for a good Were read, this is your story. Grab a copy. You'll enjoy it.

[Cedar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book,The Wolves of Paris grabs you and doesn't let go...

​A voracious reader, and one who has enjoyed other Michael Wallace books, I ​was excited to read his ​​The Wolves of Paris. I didn't particularly like the beginning but I soon found myself becoming more and more absorbed and staying up way too late, hungering to finish at least the next chapter... To me, wanting to know what happened next and not falling asleep while reading late at night is one of the hallmarks of a good book. I did manage to tear myself away, three hours after I should have gone to sleep, but even then had to force my mind to stop puzzling over the story.  The next day,I kept thinking about it during lulls in my work day and couldn't wait to devour the remaining pages.
 
I wasn't disappointed.  The depth and  detail describing this black period of history were fascinating. I still have the urge to research myself to see what was true  and what was imagination.  The tale seamlessly
blended fact and fiction into an intriguing and realistic tale, revealing glimpses of life shortly after the Black plague, hints of the horrors of the Inquisition, riveting moments of rivalry and brotherhood, and the fear  and terror of wolves tearing through the country side and stalking city streets, along with surprisingly poignant moments of romance and bravery.

I mentioned that I didn't really like the very beginning of the novel.  Yet, thinking back on it, after persevering just a little longer until I couldn't put the book down, I have concluded that the start of the story had merit, too. In a way, it reminded me of pictures by 15th century painter ​Bruegel, depicting the boisterous and brutal activities of everyday people as they lived and died during the Middle Ages. I didn't really like those paintings ​ either​, seen over thirty years ago in museum​s​ in Europe, but the images have somehow stayed in my head and  Michael Wallace's descriptions in his first few chapters, and periodically through the book, bring back those images of the ​M​iddle ​A​ges and enhance his successful and engrossing tale of the Wolves in Paris. 

If my review made you curious, look up Breugal and the Middle Ages, and  look at a painting or two, but whatever you do, I recommend that you read this book, it'll grab you and won't let you go until the last page is read...and ​even after you are done reading it, you will find yourself wanting to go back and tear into portions of it again...

[Thom Swennes · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Great (or Terrible) inquisition is mentioned, most people immediately think of the Spanish Inquisition as it lasted longer and covered a far greater area. There were, in fact, inquisitions in almost every major country in Europe and even extending to France’s and England’s possessions in North America. Although the French Inquisition didn’t last as long as the Spanish, the injustice and suffering was just as terrible. Think of the condemnation and consequent burning of Jeanne d’Arc in 1431; this was a mere nineteen years prior to the time of this story.
The tale’s heroine, the beautiful twenty-eight year old Lucrezia d’Lisle is introduced in a most embarrassing way; with her pearly white bottom hanging out of a tower portal, performing her daily constitutional into the Seine River. The heroes of this story are the brothers Marco Boccaccio d’Firenze (of the same age) and his younger by two years, Lorenzo. The Florentine brothers have recently arrived in Paris on business and familiar with the aforementioned lady.
The reader is instantly enthralled and swept away into the times and tribulations. From the moment the Mastiff Cicero engages in mortal and deadly combat with three large and fearsome wolves in the shadowed streets of Paris, the reader is hooked.
I am a blind reader, which will say that I categorically refuse to read the information concerning the book on its cover. When I crack a book I am completely ignorant of its content; making discovery the more exciting. Although my reading interests are wide and varying, I generally steer clear of werewolves and shape shifters. In this case the aforementioned malady worked as a blessing as this proves to be the exception to the rule. I was expecting to read a historical adventure and/or romance set in 1450 Paris, I was instead swept up in an action packed horror story with the wolves and inquisition biting at the trio’s heels.
Although it doesn’t quite reach the literary levels of James Michener, Ken Follett or Edward Rutherfurd, it does come close. I recommend it warmly to all readers; those who love the shape shifter genre and those (like me) that don’t.

[Ray Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a great title, great setup, lots of suspense at the beginning, drags in the middle but ends strong. This was a discount book at the Kindle store which looked good. I like keep a creepy book by my bedside in the autumn. I'd read the Shining, Dr. Sleep and the latest installment of the Hangman's Daughter series before picking this one up. While it isn't fair to compare anyone to Steven King, Wallace held his own at the start. Unfortunately I like a bit of humor or irony or something to create contrast. There is very little diversion from the tale which is told rather directly.

I mentioned the middle part of the story. Once the danger is established there is a terrific journey and chase scene - lots of suspense and action. I don't want to give too much away, but as the danger clearly does not abate, the cast spends page after page in gripping dialog: "we should stay!", "we should go!", "we should stay for a few minutes and then go!" "we should stay, torture a heretic and then go!", "you fool, I'll kill you if you torture the heretic, and then I'll go!"... a bit repetitive. When they do go, one is shocked by how silly the whole thing is becoming until the action begins again. There are a few cool twists, mysteries solved and the book ends satisfactorily.

I tend to reserve my 5 star ratings for books that really surprise and delight. Lots of really good book get 4 and books I enjoy, but are nothing special get 3s. I'm glad I read this and would recommend it as a light read if you enjoy medieval supernatural mystery suspense type tales. Certainly a good deal if it's still discounted on Amazon's Kindle store.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is fair to say that I have embarked on reading all my ebooks with an open mind but low expectations. The reason is that every single ebook I have has been free, thanks either to Amazon First or the marvellous Bookbub (check it out for lots of free books). I am somewhat old fashioned when it comes to reading and still prefer to buy physical books from authors I like and use the free stuff as a means of discovery. Inevitably then, most ebooks I have are self-published and so my preconception was that the quality would be poor. I have had several experiences now that challenge this preconception and The Wolves of Paris is a great ambassador for self-published work.
The Wolves of Paris feels like a 'proper' novel, rather than a labour of love by a part time writer. It took me a while to get into the swing of it, but by the end I was hooked. Essentially, this is a werewolf story set in 15th century Paris, a time when the Inquisition held sway, and superstition and disease were rife. Wallace paints an atmospheric picture of a city both filthy and grandiose, and really did transport me to the period. It is not an era that I have much knowledge of so can't say with any authority, but it feels very well researched. The world is immersive, the characters are well-written and believeable, the wolves are genuinely threatening and the plot has plenty of scope and the odd twist and turn. It is brutally violent, suspenseful and tightly structured. I felt in safe hands with this writer and he rewarded me with a marvellous story. I could quite easily see this book turned into a film and in fact wish it would be. It would make a gfeat cinematic experience.

[MaryJude Schmitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Michael Wallace in the summer of 2012 when one of his Righteous Series books became free on Amazon. I immediately became hooked and bought and read the rest of the series (exactly as Amazon and Michael Wallace planned). These books are all fantastic and I highly recommend them but I am here to review Wolves of Paris. This is by far my favorite of all of the Michael Wallace books I have read. It has much more violence and supernatural content than his other, more suspenseful books but I think that adds something and made me enjoy it more. I have read many books about werewolves since I am a huge fan of the horror genre and this is one of my favorites. I really like the main characters, the Boccaccio brothers and their romantic counterpart, Lucrezia. I was very interested in their personal story along with all of the background werewolf activity. The supporting characters were also very enjoyable such as the prior and a nobleman from France, Nemours. I found the time period fascinating and the Inquisition itself is almost scarier than the werewolves. If you have never read anything by Michael Wallace, this is a great book to start with since it is not part of a series but is a stand alone novel. It is easy and fun to read. Then after you finish this one, I would highly recommend you go out and get some more of his books.

[Matt Larkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Paris during the time of the Inquisition. With werewolves. That was pretty much all I had to hear to give this a try. And I'm glad I did.

Our story follows Lorenzo, an Italian businessman visiting Paris with his brother, and Lucretia, the more complex character. She's also from Italy, but married a wealthy Parisian (now deceased), breaking poor Lorenzo's heart some years before the story begins. She's also neck-deep in the middle of a conspiracy of werewolves trying to take over the city. Honestly, I don't want to give much more away than that.

What I Liked
It was well researched historical fiction set in the Middle Ages. It did a fair job of showing the grittiness of the times and the self-righteous skewed logic with the Inquisition operated, while at the same time not painting a picture so dark as to be depressing. Wallace also created two characters I could care about and a prior one could hate even more than the actual werewolf villains.

What I Didn't Like
There were times, particularly early in the book, where I was not totally enthralled. Indeed, reading the way Lorenzo was treated by the Inquisition--and his own brother--was disheartening.

Who I Recommend it For
I actually quite liked the book. Fans of historical fiction, historical fantasy, and werewolves should all check it out.

[Perry Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Wallace's new book takes place in 1450 Paris. Where the Inquisition is still burning people at the stake and conducting other torturous acts. But as always people always seek out power. For one man and his friends the ability to shape shift from man to wolf and back is irresistible. Even if it damns their souls to hell.
Unfortunately an Italian Merchant and his brother along with a beautiful Widow of a French Duke stumble upon their plan and must fight for God, Love, and Life itself against this ungodly pack of demon dogs. 
The local clergy calling out the unholy think our Hero's are themselves heretics and wish to round them up and punish them. The battle between Good, Evil, and Uneducated Ignorance is as much a part of this epic tale as the Wolves themselves.

This audiobook is Narrated by Rosemary Benson. She is by far the best narrator of French based stories in the business. Her accents and use of tone and space as she performs brings every audiobook to life. She is one of my favorite audiobook artists. I listened to this book because of her and was pleased that I did. Wall Street Journal's Best Selling Author Michael Wallace wrote the perfect prose to showcase Rosemary's Brilliance. 
This is a great book to read by listening.

This book was a gift in return for an honest review.

[Birgit · Rating 3 out of 5]

"It’s the winter of 1450 and Paris is in a panic. A pack of ravenous wolves is loose in the city, feasting on human flesh. Lorenzo Boccaccio is summoned by a Dominican inquisitor who claims that Lorenzo's business agent is tied to the sorcery behind the wolf attacks. He demands that Lorenzo and his brother Marco help him root out the evil.
Rivals in business and love, the brothers make for a reluctant partnership. Even so, they are confident the wolves are a natural phenomenon, not men or demons traveling in wolf form.
But events soon prove that the monks and peasants are right. These are no ordinary wolves. And if they are not defeated, the city’s filthy alleys will be awash in blood."
Great story and plot, well developped characters and a good storyline - it had everything to grip the reader and be a nail-biting story, but for some reason I could not really get my teeth into it (pardon the pun). Yes, tense moments, gruel moments, chapters ending on cliffhangers - and still, the story dragged a bit in my opinion. I cannot put my finger on it, maybe not enough dialogues? I would not call the narration style boring, not at all, but somehow it failed to draw me in as a reader.
All in all though, a good werewolf story, with all the right elements in it, but maybe not as well presented as it could have been?

[Lynda Boutwell rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a huge Michael Wallace fan, I was thrilled to see another book and jumped right on in. I have to admit that I was only slightly concerned because of the time period and location of the story. The author's talent and knowledge, however, provides the reader the ability to get totally absorbed, cheering on he characters, and anticipating what is coming with the turn of each page. Wallace's descriptions are spot on, successfully creating the scenes in wonderful details, not to mention causing me to do a double take of unfamiliar shadows after I turned the lights off.

Even if the reader is not a fan of wolves and monsters, which I am not, this is a must read. The Wolves of Paris is not a typical werewolf versus hero tale. It is written with class, respecting the time period and country, and giving life to colorful characters with true to life emotions, behavior, situations and traditions. There is just a matter of those pesky wolves......