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A Song Of Mange And Poison: A humorous fantasy novel
It was all going so well…
But I might have guessed a dark side sequel was on the horizon.
No sooner had this Menopausal Madam nabbed her Mangy Wolf, and the jumbled pack of wolves, bears, snakes and an eagle howled their way to a Happy Ever After, than up pops the Messenger of the Alpha of Alphas, announcing the imminent arrival of the stinky Southern Pack.
A shed load of furry trouble descends, chief of whom being Curt’s Auntie Yelena, known as Yellfire to her enemies.
I’m one of them, apparently.
Before you can say ruffle my fur, we’re paw deep in backstabbing, arson, poison and attempted murder.
Everyone’s heart is in danger, especially mine.
Don’t turn your back. Don’t turn tail.
About the Author
Caroline Noe lives in London, juggling the writing of fantasy and science fiction novels with her other great photography. When she’s not scratching holes in notebooks, she can be found standing on her head, straining for the best shot.
But I might have guessed a dark side sequel was on the horizon.
No sooner had this Menopausal Madam nabbed her Mangy Wolf, and the jumbled pack of wolves, bears, snakes and an eagle howled their way to a Happy Ever After, than up pops the Messenger of the Alpha of Alphas, announcing the imminent arrival of the stinky Southern Pack.
A shed load of furry trouble descends, chief of whom being Curt’s Auntie Yelena, known as Yellfire to her enemies.
I’m one of them, apparently.
Before you can say ruffle my fur, we’re paw deep in backstabbing, arson, poison and attempted murder.
Everyone’s heart is in danger, especially mine.
Don’t turn your back. Don’t turn tail.
About the Author
Caroline Noe lives in London, juggling the writing of fantasy and science fiction novels with her other great photography. When she’s not scratching holes in notebooks, she can be found standing on her head, straining for the best shot.
- GenresFantasyHumorParanormal
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2023
25 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 18, 2023
I have spent a glorious weekend in the company of Edi, her mangy wolf Curt, and their mixed up, messed up, found family of wolf, bear, snake, and eagle shifters. A Song of Mange and Poison is the long anticipated sequel to A Wolf So Grim and Mangy, and I am happy to report that it is as good, if not better, than book one.
Life seems perfect for Edi. She never expected to find love at her age - let alone a ready made family. And she certainly never expected to find it in a fantasy world reached through a magical book. But, as Edi would say, life is always waiting to bite you in the bum and trouble is never far away. And this trouble arrives in the scary shape of Great Auntie Yelena - aka Yellfire - looking to scupper Edi's happy ever after.
Wonderfully written with relatable and three dimensional characters, the humour is non-stop and so British you can taste the tea. Edi is an utter delight. Pragmatic, witty, loving, and fiercely loyal to her "pack", when the people she loves are in danger then Edi is more than capable of fighting back.
I highly recommend you buy and read this book and, if you haven't read book one, do so immediately. A howling five stars from me.
Life seems perfect for Edi. She never expected to find love at her age - let alone a ready made family. And she certainly never expected to find it in a fantasy world reached through a magical book. But, as Edi would say, life is always waiting to bite you in the bum and trouble is never far away. And this trouble arrives in the scary shape of Great Auntie Yelena - aka Yellfire - looking to scupper Edi's happy ever after.
Wonderfully written with relatable and three dimensional characters, the humour is non-stop and so British you can taste the tea. Edi is an utter delight. Pragmatic, witty, loving, and fiercely loyal to her "pack", when the people she loves are in danger then Edi is more than capable of fighting back.
I highly recommend you buy and read this book and, if you haven't read book one, do so immediately. A howling five stars from me.
September 26, 2023
Super fun!
Caroline has done it again! It's a hilarious tale, full of drama and adventure, with engaging characters. And the ending? Priceless!
Caroline has done it again! It's a hilarious tale, full of drama and adventure, with engaging characters. And the ending? Priceless!
September 20, 2023
An imaginative and enjoyable experience
Love the way the pack is multicultural and in its very own distinctive fashion. It is a testament to the author’s wonderful imagination and a lesson for us all about the the power of acceptance. The characters are all so different and just a little crazy but ultimately are there for each other and that gives them the strength to survive any upheaval to their world. Edi and Curt’s relationship continues to blossom but no spoilers from me.
Once again Caroline Noe has created a world that may be fantasy but is desirable. Humour abounds, lovely pace and a novel plot. All in all, a very good second book that leaves you hoping for a third as soon as possible.
Love the way the pack is multicultural and in its very own distinctive fashion. It is a testament to the author’s wonderful imagination and a lesson for us all about the the power of acceptance. The characters are all so different and just a little crazy but ultimately are there for each other and that gives them the strength to survive any upheaval to their world. Edi and Curt’s relationship continues to blossom but no spoilers from me.
Once again Caroline Noe has created a world that may be fantasy but is desirable. Humour abounds, lovely pace and a novel plot. All in all, a very good second book that leaves you hoping for a third as soon as possible.
October 18, 2023
The exciting sequel to A Wolf so Grim and Mangy, this book takes off from the get-go with the same humorous, witty, very British and thoroughly relatable tone of the first book. Though drenched in fantasy, the dynamics between the characters are so very real, especially when the "in-laws" arrive. There's mystery and intrigue, and lots of surprises and revelations, but it was great to revisit the world Caroline Noe has created, meeting all the wonderful, realistic characters again. My favourite line that had me stifling a guffaw: 'She suddenly grabs and squeezes me so hard, I fart.' I mean, seriously, how can you not relate to that! And now I'm eagerly waiting for the third book.
September 24, 2023
Book 2 in the Mangy Wolf tale felt a bit darker than the first one. Edi and Curt have their bliss blighted by the arrival of another pack. It happens they are family…. Treachery, poisoning, arson, murder and so much more happening in this story. There’s still some good laughs at some of the antics of both adults and children. I loved this book and loved even more the promise of a 3rd one to come. If you haven’t started this series please go read it. I promise you won’t regret it. And the cover art is excellent again! There’s nothing not to love in this book.
September 24, 2023
While Edi and her Mangy Wolf get their Happy Ever After, trouble is brewing on the horizon.
A pack of wolves is visiting, it is Alpha's family. What looks like a rescue mission at first, is something much, much worse.
Edi and Curts bubble violently bursts and they are not happy about it, but it is just the start of things going downhill real fast.
I laughed out loud, giggled and snorted, I mumbled, hissed and growled. This series... I love it! Thank the Gods there will be another book!
A pack of wolves is visiting, it is Alpha's family. What looks like a rescue mission at first, is something much, much worse.
Edi and Curts bubble violently bursts and they are not happy about it, but it is just the start of things going downhill real fast.
I laughed out loud, giggled and snorted, I mumbled, hissed and growled. This series... I love it! Thank the Gods there will be another book!
May 25, 2024
Everything was going so well after all of the events of the first book, and then the united Southern pack shows up, led by Curt and the Alpha’s cousin, who is called Alpha Alpha, as if that’s not confusing. His mother, their Aunt Yelena, also known as Yellfire, begins taking over and getting her way on everything. There is much despair and heartache, and then Edi figures out there is more than just backstabbing and politics going on, there is also arson, poison and attempted murder. There is also a ton of humor along the way, which lightens up the story. Edi can’t give up on her wolf and her newfound family, so she’ll have to help figure out what is going on and who the culprit is, so they can all unite to face a new deadly enemy. I was getting somewhat distressed, with all of the misunderstandings, attacks, and losses, thinking that nothing could ever get their big happy family together again, but darned if our intrepid author didn’t figure out a way to end on a positive note, while setting things up for the final story against the formidable enemy that is coming their way.
January 26, 2024
A Song Of Mange And Poison: A humorous fantasy novel by Caroline Noe
Blurb:
It was all going so well… But I might have guessed a dark side sequel was on the horizon. No sooner had this Menopausal Madam nabbed her Mangy Wolf, and the jumbled pack of wolves, bears, snakes and an eagle howled their way to a Happy Ever After, than up pops the Messenger of the Alpha of Alphas, announcing the imminent arrival of the stinky Southern Pack. A shed load of furry trouble descends, chief of whom being Curt’s Auntie Yelena, known as Yellfire to her enemies. I’m one of them, apparently. Before you can say ruffle my fur, we’re paw deep in backstabbing, arson, poison and attempted murder. Everyone’s heart is in danger, especially mine. Don’t turn your back. Don’t turn tail.
My Review:
A fantastic second book.
It’s such an original story, with fabulous characters.
Edi now has her mangy wolf as a partner—he really doesn’t have mange. The groups of wolves, snakes, eagles, and bears have joined together to form one friendly homely pack, until Curt’s Aunt Yelena descends on them with her wolves and they’re soon knee deep in poison.
Then things take a turn for the worse.
Congratulations to Caroline Noe for writing an all-round great story. I highly recommend it. 5 Stars from me.
Blurb:
It was all going so well… But I might have guessed a dark side sequel was on the horizon. No sooner had this Menopausal Madam nabbed her Mangy Wolf, and the jumbled pack of wolves, bears, snakes and an eagle howled their way to a Happy Ever After, than up pops the Messenger of the Alpha of Alphas, announcing the imminent arrival of the stinky Southern Pack. A shed load of furry trouble descends, chief of whom being Curt’s Auntie Yelena, known as Yellfire to her enemies. I’m one of them, apparently. Before you can say ruffle my fur, we’re paw deep in backstabbing, arson, poison and attempted murder. Everyone’s heart is in danger, especially mine. Don’t turn your back. Don’t turn tail.
My Review:
A fantastic second book.
It’s such an original story, with fabulous characters.
Edi now has her mangy wolf as a partner—he really doesn’t have mange. The groups of wolves, snakes, eagles, and bears have joined together to form one friendly homely pack, until Curt’s Aunt Yelena descends on them with her wolves and they’re soon knee deep in poison.
Then things take a turn for the worse.
Congratulations to Caroline Noe for writing an all-round great story. I highly recommend it. 5 Stars from me.
September 22, 2023
I enjoyed A Wolf so Grim and Mangy so much, I hotfooted off to get the second book, A Song of Mange and Poison, which just released.
Another wonderful tale, with many astute observations on how life continues after the fairytale ending. I love Noe's pithy view on life!
Edi is living her happy ever after with her mangy wolf, but sheer bliss doesn't last for long, as the relatives from down south come to visit. Things go from bad to worse in an extraordinarily short time, and the happily mixed pack of wolves, bears, snakes, an eagle and one human is struggling to remain intact.
The pups, cubs and snakelets are so sweet and always causing trouble. You can see why Edi loves them all.
Once again, briliantly written. Love the cover design. We delve a little deeper into some of our favourite characters, meet some new terrors and, of course, laugh our way through this wonderful book. Great entertainment, read it in one sitting and chuckled away to myself. Do yourself a favour and go start this series. Now we have to wait for book 3!
Another wonderful tale, with many astute observations on how life continues after the fairytale ending. I love Noe's pithy view on life!
Edi is living her happy ever after with her mangy wolf, but sheer bliss doesn't last for long, as the relatives from down south come to visit. Things go from bad to worse in an extraordinarily short time, and the happily mixed pack of wolves, bears, snakes, an eagle and one human is struggling to remain intact.
The pups, cubs and snakelets are so sweet and always causing trouble. You can see why Edi loves them all.
Once again, briliantly written. Love the cover design. We delve a little deeper into some of our favourite characters, meet some new terrors and, of course, laugh our way through this wonderful book. Great entertainment, read it in one sitting and chuckled away to myself. Do yourself a favour and go start this series. Now we have to wait for book 3!
November 10, 2023
The Happy Ever After didn’t come about after all. The mangy wolf and menopausal madam are back, and Edi’s got a new enemy.
Noe turned her writing prowess in a new direction with this humorous fantasy series, and book two confirms she’s well and truly into her stride with this hilarious, unputdownable tale.
With her found-family of wolves, eagles, snakes, and bears, Edi has settled snugly into life high up in the snowy mountains. But when Yelena, aka Yellfire and her pack of nasty wolves shoulder their way into Edi and Curt’s life, the Happy Ever After Edi was hoping for, quickly begins to crumble.
Noe kept me guessing with who lay behind the nefarious plot to wreak havoc in the pack’s life. As fingers are pointed and trust frays, it seems like all is lost for Edi and her mangy wolf. Peppered with British humour, jam-packed with action, and softened with tender moments, A Song of Mange and Poison will keep you hooked until the final page. And then you’ll be left as grumpy as Curt while you wait for book three, especially as Noe teased a new Mage Cat character!
Five not-at-all-grumpy stars from me.
Noe turned her writing prowess in a new direction with this humorous fantasy series, and book two confirms she’s well and truly into her stride with this hilarious, unputdownable tale.
With her found-family of wolves, eagles, snakes, and bears, Edi has settled snugly into life high up in the snowy mountains. But when Yelena, aka Yellfire and her pack of nasty wolves shoulder their way into Edi and Curt’s life, the Happy Ever After Edi was hoping for, quickly begins to crumble.
Noe kept me guessing with who lay behind the nefarious plot to wreak havoc in the pack’s life. As fingers are pointed and trust frays, it seems like all is lost for Edi and her mangy wolf. Peppered with British humour, jam-packed with action, and softened with tender moments, A Song of Mange and Poison will keep you hooked until the final page. And then you’ll be left as grumpy as Curt while you wait for book three, especially as Noe teased a new Mage Cat character!
Five not-at-all-grumpy stars from me.
February 18, 2026
This series is just so enjoyable to read.
Plot: Edith is a 50-something year old English lady who has been thrust into a fantasy land full of people who turn into wolves, bears, Eagles and snakes. But they're always trying to fight each other and she, a human, tries to keep them together. With her trusty (and very adorable) mangy ("I dont have mange") wolf.
This series has found family, romance, intrigue, politics and surprises, all written in such a funny POV (Edith's). It had me laughing so much, and crying at one point. Which was very rude.
Edi and Curt and so stinking cute. And i really want an actual bear hug: they sound really good in this world 😂
I never got bored reading this. The slower parts were always balanced so well with Edi's humour, family love and lots of kids who feel like they've gotten into the red frogs. Constantly.
Can't recommend this series enough for a funny, wholesome and yet epic fantasy book.
Onto book 3. I hear there are cats 👀
Plot: Edith is a 50-something year old English lady who has been thrust into a fantasy land full of people who turn into wolves, bears, Eagles and snakes. But they're always trying to fight each other and she, a human, tries to keep them together. With her trusty (and very adorable) mangy ("I dont have mange") wolf.
This series has found family, romance, intrigue, politics and surprises, all written in such a funny POV (Edith's). It had me laughing so much, and crying at one point. Which was very rude.
Edi and Curt and so stinking cute. And i really want an actual bear hug: they sound really good in this world 😂
I never got bored reading this. The slower parts were always balanced so well with Edi's humour, family love and lots of kids who feel like they've gotten into the red frogs. Constantly.
Can't recommend this series enough for a funny, wholesome and yet epic fantasy book.
Onto book 3. I hear there are cats 👀
July 13, 2024
New author to me found on my feed in Facebook, so I bought the first two books.
Fun, funny, bizarre plot twists, with unique and unexpected characters and plots. Get ready for a heavy overdose of British slang and humor.
Atmospheric and moody like Grimm’s fairy tales but with a modern twist and irony like Terry Pratchett’s Disc World Series. Off the wall, sometimes overly whiny (whinging), but still a worthy read.
Definitely different characters who are more magical than they believe. Adult second round Romance and fun.
I liked the final result but won’t say to spoil it!
I like the main wolf male and the crazy but lovable bears! Not a snake fan, but the author makes them charming despite their flaws and hideous lifestyle. But all these creatures have secrets and problematic traits that drive them and the other beasts to love, hate or fight each other.
Fun, funny, bizarre plot twists, with unique and unexpected characters and plots. Get ready for a heavy overdose of British slang and humor.
Atmospheric and moody like Grimm’s fairy tales but with a modern twist and irony like Terry Pratchett’s Disc World Series. Off the wall, sometimes overly whiny (whinging), but still a worthy read.
Definitely different characters who are more magical than they believe. Adult second round Romance and fun.
I liked the final result but won’t say to spoil it!
I like the main wolf male and the crazy but lovable bears! Not a snake fan, but the author makes them charming despite their flaws and hideous lifestyle. But all these creatures have secrets and problematic traits that drive them and the other beasts to love, hate or fight each other.
October 6, 2023
This book was clearly fun to write since it was a joy to read. Full of believable but very different characters, from a suave shape-shifting snake to a clumsy bear prince, a grumpy eagle to an arthritic wolf. And, of course, the stand-out character is Edi Breaker-Smith, the feisty big-bottomed menopausal human who, incidentally, writes books. (Loved all the book-writing references!) This was a laugh-out-loud thriller and I adored the glorious silliness of it all, together with the spot-on British humour. Second in the series and, without giving away any spoilers, clearly ramping up to a mind-blowing finale in book 3. I can’t wait (especially as I may have fallen for the snake!).
May 24, 2024
So good!
You don’t have to be an older woman like me to enjoy the antics of the aging heroine in A Song Of Mange And Poison, the second book in The Mangy Wolf Saga. Noe will have you in stitches regardless of your age or gender. She’ll also tempt your inner sleuth while simultaneously plucking every one of your heartstrings - and I expected nothing less after reading the marvelous first book of the series, A Wolf So Grim And Mangy. These books put a refreshing spin on the fantasy genre, and I look forward to what comes next!
You don’t have to be an older woman like me to enjoy the antics of the aging heroine in A Song Of Mange And Poison, the second book in The Mangy Wolf Saga. Noe will have you in stitches regardless of your age or gender. She’ll also tempt your inner sleuth while simultaneously plucking every one of your heartstrings - and I expected nothing less after reading the marvelous first book of the series, A Wolf So Grim And Mangy. These books put a refreshing spin on the fantasy genre, and I look forward to what comes next!
December 22, 2023
In which family loyalties get tested, hearts are broken and found family fractures.
Is it the end for equality and diversity in the pack, will agressive voices shouting for genetic purity, segregation and racial divisions win or can a tired menopausal woman work some magic despite her sciatica? And who has their eye on this creaking chosen one for their own ends?
Lots of fun, politics and snarky humour in this second in series with Curt and Edi from Caroline Noe
Is it the end for equality and diversity in the pack, will agressive voices shouting for genetic purity, segregation and racial divisions win or can a tired menopausal woman work some magic despite her sciatica? And who has their eye on this creaking chosen one for their own ends?
Lots of fun, politics and snarky humour in this second in series with Curt and Edi from Caroline Noe
May 13, 2024
Even better than the first
Book 2 of the Mangy Wolf Saga was, if anything, even better than Book 1. Our dauntless heroine and her friends face great danger, threatening not only their individual lives but the existence of the United Pack. Although just as charming and witty as the first, this sequel was more exciting, scarier, and sadder. I loved every minute of it and I hate that Book 3 isn't out yet, because I really, really want to read it!
Book 2 of the Mangy Wolf Saga was, if anything, even better than Book 1. Our dauntless heroine and her friends face great danger, threatening not only their individual lives but the existence of the United Pack. Although just as charming and witty as the first, this sequel was more exciting, scarier, and sadder. I loved every minute of it and I hate that Book 3 isn't out yet, because I really, really want to read it!
November 4, 2023
Having loved the first book in The Mangy Wolf Saga, I was keen to read the sequel as soon as it was published. I'm so glad I did because A Song Of Mange And Poison is as good as A Wolf So Grim And Mangy. I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more... Edi and Curt are great characters and the pace is perfect, there's always something happening.
June 22, 2024
great read,
Love the protagonists snarky remarks. Being old myself I understand stand the aches and pains of getting through the day much less unanticipated dilemmas, not to mention grouchy old men. The humor is outrageous and great. Can’t wait for the next installment. Just missing the cats.
Love the protagonists snarky remarks. Being old myself I understand stand the aches and pains of getting through the day much less unanticipated dilemmas, not to mention grouchy old men. The humor is outrageous and great. Can’t wait for the next installment. Just missing the cats.
January 12, 2025
Mesmerized
I went from one book to the next! This book had me believing it’s never to old to be EPIC! 🤣. (I have to tell you a secret.)
I cried a couple of times throughout the book. 😂😂😂. Some stories just tug at your heart.
I went from one book to the next! This book had me believing it’s never to old to be EPIC! 🤣. (I have to tell you a secret.)
I cried a couple of times throughout the book. 😂😂😂. Some stories just tug at your heart.
January 25, 2024
Entertaining!
I loved the first book so much, and I'm happy to say book two didn't disappoint! I will now try my best to calmly wait for book number three.
I loved the first book so much, and I'm happy to say book two didn't disappoint! I will now try my best to calmly wait for book number three.
April 11, 2024
What a great follow up to book one. Please keep writing this series!!!
April 19, 2024
cute story
May 2, 2024
Great sequel. I love Edi, her snarky remarks and no nonsense approach to life. A really fun read.
May 23, 2024
Perfect!
Clever, imaginative and laugh out loud funny! Such a charming cast of characters. I’ve fallen for each and every one. Can’t wait for the next book!
Clever, imaginative and laugh out loud funny! Such a charming cast of characters. I’ve fallen for each and every one. Can’t wait for the next book!
July 3, 2024
Sara
Loved both of these books. Loved the characters and the humour. Just read them they are fantastic. Need the next one.
Loved both of these books. Loved the characters and the humour. Just read them they are fantastic. Need the next one.
October 8, 2024
More emotions alongside those laugh out loud moments. It's fun when Edi breaks the 4th wall.
October 19, 2024
Really enjoying this series!
January 24, 2025
Rip roaring good fun
I've so enjoyed the first two books in this series. I can't wait to start the third! What a unique and delightful storyline!
I've so enjoyed the first two books in this series. I can't wait to start the third! What a unique and delightful storyline!
August 15, 2025
This is such a fun series
June 12, 2024
In a world of lithe, youthful, heroines saving the day and landing the hunky male protagonist, I finally have a heroine I can relate to in all her fluffy, hot flashy, ain’t-got-time-for-this, menopausal glory!
Like the first book in the series, I found myself literally laughing out loud at the characters’ antics and flipping those pages because I needed to know what happened to those characters: both the ones I’d grown to love and the ones I loved to hate.
A humorous, fantasy, it is clear Noe had fun with these books, even occasionally breaking the “4th wall” through her main character.
Like her other books, Noe takes you by the hand and leads you through her fictional world, with its shape-shifting inhabitants and medievalesque power struggles, in a way that makes you believe it could really exist (or at least wish it did).
If you are looking for an entertaining fantasy that will make you laugh out loud and even shed a tear, with a fast-paced storyline and vivid characters, the books in the Mangy Wolf Saga are a must-read.
Like the first book in the series, I found myself literally laughing out loud at the characters’ antics and flipping those pages because I needed to know what happened to those characters: both the ones I’d grown to love and the ones I loved to hate.
A humorous, fantasy, it is clear Noe had fun with these books, even occasionally breaking the “4th wall” through her main character.
Like her other books, Noe takes you by the hand and leads you through her fictional world, with its shape-shifting inhabitants and medievalesque power struggles, in a way that makes you believe it could really exist (or at least wish it did).
If you are looking for an entertaining fantasy that will make you laugh out loud and even shed a tear, with a fast-paced storyline and vivid characters, the books in the Mangy Wolf Saga are a must-read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews