Cage the Wolf

Alex Steward #2

by Stefanie Gilmour

Alex decided to stop running from her past. She didn’t expect it to find her so soon.

When Alex discovers the body of a young werewolf, all signs point to silver as the cause of death. Rumors fly of an ancient sect tracking and killing paranormal beings.

Joseph Stone, the newest Committee member, wants to use the grisly death to his advantage. He’s determined to drive all supernatural citizens out of Hopewell.

To save her home, Alex must rely on her volatile inner wolf to uncover the murderer. In doing so, she’ll face a deadly threat whose sole intent is to destroy her.

319 pages, Paperback

Published January 29, 2024

About the author

Stefanie is a graphic designer who enjoys creepy and fantastical stories. Her short fiction has been published in The Quiet Ones literary magazine.

Plants, concerts, books, and writing are a few of her favorite things. She’s a Midwest native and lives there with her patient husband and their tolerant cat.

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cage the Wolf is a fun and fast-paced follow up to Fear the Wolf. I loved following Alex as she learned more about the supernatural world and her inner wolf. I was pulled right back into her story from the start. She again has to fight for the lives of the ones she loves, often throwing herself right in the line of danger. The characters are well developed and the story is engaging. I didn’t want to put it down. If you enjoyed book one, you’ll be drawn right in. Both books are amazing, and I’d recommend them to anyone. You don’t need to be an urban fantasy fan to enjoy these books.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series on the recommendation of a couple of friends. Urban fantasy is not my usual genre. When I found out there was a second book in the series, I knew I had to read it. I have enjoyed every moment of this book. It's been fun to see how Alex's character has developed. The writing is fast-paced and the storyline is engaging. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Improves on the first book as Alex gets more deeply involved with her community (vampires! fae!) and the stakes get higher with a Hunter on her tail. Lots of action, fun world-building, and a main character who’s extremely appealing.

[Kcaroth1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Cage the Wolf is the second in an urban fantasy series by Stefanie Gilmour. The main character, Alex, is settling into learning about the paranormal world that she inhabits as she gets to know more about werewolves and wizards, and fae and vampires now too!

I just finished the first book in the series and found a lot to like about it, but Alex drove me crazy. She came off almost like a teenager acting out, just to cause trouble for those around her. In this book, some of that is still there, but it has settled a bit more into a strong personality expressing her loyalties. She is much more likable even when making some questionable decisions. The introduction of the hunter and Ben’s sister were very well done, and I’m enjoying continuing to learn more about the other characters.

The action is quick paced, and the story is really engaging. The conflicts between tribe and other and the potential for danger are an interesting mirror. The world-building is spot on and I’m excited to hear more about how the local Committees interact with the regional/national? Delegations. I suspect we will learn more about that in upcoming books.

Overall, I’m really pleased to have discovered this great series through BookSirens who provided the eARC.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series! I like that the main focus is the MC's growth in learning to accept and manage her powers, and also the history and politics of the supernatural community she's slowly becoming part of. There are romantic elements, but they aren't the point; the focus stays on Alex's journey. I give the author a lot of credit b/c Alex drives me crazy a lot of the time (poor impulse control, short-term thinking, etc. etc.) but I still found myself rooting for her.

I like stories with strong world-building, and this fits the bill. The author creates a realistic history for Hunters (the main nemeses in this book), and also vividly brings to life the political elements like the Committee that governs supernatural life in the community, the sharp divisions between witches and other supernatural beings, and the conflict between those who want to change the system from within and those who want to blow up the rules and start fresh. And this book broadens the world by introducing vampires and fae, each of which have their own agendas.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stefanie Gilmour’s Cage the Wolf is the second in the Alex Steward series of a young woman dealing with the duality of lycanthropy. In this novel Alex is getting along with her new werewolf pack as well as her witch and human friends. She has a new boyfriend, so life is looking up. Yet, she still has reservations about a secret governing body (called the Council) aware of the witches and werewolves in the town. They are considering hiring a werewolf hunter to keep the peace.
Cage the Wolf hits the right notes for a second book in a sequence. The plot progresses story lines started in the first book, and a new threat keeps the reader’s interest and investment in the characters. Alex is more purposeful and confident in this offering.
Cage the Wolf continues more werewolf adventures for Alex. The book is both a second in a series and a fantastic standalone novel. The reader is treated to suspenseful action, mysterious pasts, and an expanding world. Cage the Wolf is another standout novel in this superior urban fantasy series.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cage the Wolf was exactly what I was looking for after a very long, hard week. It was captivating and humorous and full of action.

In book one, I immediately liked the main character, Alex, and her community of werewolves, wizards and more. Alex is tough as nails (or should I say claws) and her life is full of struggles and adventures. In book two, it was fun to get to know her even better as she nurtures the relationship between herself and her inner wolf, finds her place in the pack and learns more about her magical neighbors. As the plot develops, new information unfolds, and once again, Alex finds herself facing a threat to the life she is building in hopewell.

I can’t wait for book three and the next adventure awaiting Alex!

[Alyson Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start? There are so many things I want to say about this brilliant book, but all of them would create spoilers. Cage the Wolf is the 2nd installment of the Alex Steward series. Full of action right from page one, this story takes the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions.

In this story we get to know old and new characters better, as loyalties and friendships are tested to the limits.

I finished this book within 24 hours - that's how much I didn't want to put it down! If you haven't already, get yourself a copy of 'Fear the Wolf' and have a read before you dip into this one. It's out on 30th Jan.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: Stef is a friend. And this book is fast, fun and entertaining. The introduction of new characters added to the tapestry of Hopewell and the conflict plus the action was nonstop. I sometimes get frustrated with characters like Alex with their impetuousness and lack of restraint and long-term thinking. But it's a chance to stretch my empathy and remember when I saw the world as black-and-white. Hearing Stef talk about the feminine inner wolf was also a great light bulb for me and helped me see Alex as an archetype of everything we have inside of us. A fantastic read and I can't wait for the next installment!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilmour continues the Alex Steward series with a strong second book. I really enjoyed seeing Alex overcome the struggle with her inner wolf and the fear of what might happen were she to loosen her control. This book explored so many facets of Alex’s fears and emotional depths in terms of relationships - with Ben, with Anne, with Trish, and with herself. Simultaneously, Alex learned how much more dangerous life could become with tensions between supernatural species and a Hunter on the loose. I am very invested in seeing what happens in book three, Free the Wolf!

[Kristine Endsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex has gone from a loner, trying to stay away from almost everyone, to being in the thick of the paranormal politics. Being kind and wanting to help put her in some crazy positions and they terrify me for her future as well as her friends’. I was on the edge of my seat in so many parts and not just the epic fight scenes. The balancing act she had to play to keep herself and the paranormal community a secret while trying to keep her friends. So freaking hard!!! I can’t wait to start the next one.

[Carole L. Mintzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I would like an urban fantasy story, but I really enjoyed this one. In book two, you get to know Alex even better, some new characters are introduced - some friendly, some not so much - and Alex continues to come to terms with her inner wolf. With all the adventure, she still has time to explore her relationship with Ben. Check this one out - read both books and join me in anxiously waiting for Book 3.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Great fast-paced sequel to the first in the series. Alex is a likable protagonist that you keep rooting for, and I really enjoyed diving deeper into Alex’s character development. I also enjoyed the inclusion of other mythical creatures - vampires, fae - in addition to the wizards and werewolves.

[Mya Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a big issue with reading. Lots of the time, when the main character makes stupid decisions over and over, I get so frustrated I drop the book. This has been one of only a few exceptions I've made. When Alex makes an idiotic decision, it feels human and fueled by emotion, not a decision made strictly for plot advancement. LOVE this book.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend Cage the Wolf to readers who love fun, fast-paced urban fantasy. If you enjoyed the first book, Fear the Wolf, the second book doesn't skip a beat. If you haven't read the first book, you can easily pick up this installment without worrying that you'll be missing key details.

While my wife was reading this book, I overheard her utter, "Oh, Alex is making bad choices again." Sometimes I think if Alex (our main character) wasn't making bad choices she might not make any choices at all.

The difference with Alex is that the author doesn't use her questionable decisions as a crutch to drive the plot, it's simply who Alex is. She will always stand up to bullies, protect her pack, and make the decisions that feel correct in the moment, even if they are detrimental to her in the long run. This is what makes her such a great character, she has flaws just like a real person. It's refreshing to read a book with characters that behave like real humans, emotional baggage and all.

I enjoyed the frenetic pacing of the first book as Alex plunged from one thing directly into the next. The second book feels more purposeful in its plotting. The result is that Alex gets time to breathe while we get to learn more about the characters and supernatural world around her.

Like Cage the Wolf, Fear the Wolf is a fun urban-fantasy that kept me engaged from start to finish and I can't wait to see what trouble Alex gets herself into in book three!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️- It was fun to jump right back into the happenings of Alex and friends (family?). We have the same issues with a couple new villains!

I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed it! On to book 3!

[Martha Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The evolution of Alex continues. A fast paced intriguing read! Loved it!

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced sequel to Fear the Wolf. Alex continues to work on controlling the wolf within, not always successfully. And her friendship with her Commoner friend, Anne, is tested.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex is back, trying to learn to control her inner wolf and maintain her friendships and relationship with Ben. She is caught off guard when someone breaks into his apartment, and their chaos reigns.

[Amy J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful experience! Kept me on the edge of my seat to find out what happens next. A great way to escape every day life. Stef is a terrific story teller. Can't wait to read book number 3!!!