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The Last Wolf: Thrilling, spine-tingling werewolf adventure with 100+ spectacular black-and-white illustrations
The Goonies meets the legend of the werewolf in this thrilling adventure by superstar author and illustrator Rob Biddulph. Perfect for boys and girls of 8-12 and illustrated in black and white throughout by the author of the Peanut Jones series.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2026
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17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 18, 2026
The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf is the first in what promises to be an absolutely gripping fantasy duology, shining a light on the legend of the werewolf in the most mesmerising, action-packed adventure that held me enthralled throughout.
In Moonhaven, Jax, his twin sister Jovi, and their best friends Esau and Fourth enjoy the sense of excitement and freedom they get from breaking curfew during the full moon to enjoy their own adventures with no one else around. After all, there have been no werewolf attacks for over 40 years, so the terrifying howl they have heard, which is giving Jax nightmares, couldn’t possibly have been a werewolf, could it? And, it absolutely will not stop them planning another Moonlighters adventure during the next curfew.
But when the seemingly impossible happens, and a werewolf attack occurs, the friends go on the run, fearing that they will be captured by the Nighthawks, who are responsible for enforcing the curfew, a curfew that they have broken. But, as they search for the truth behind the attack, will what they discover put the whole world in danger?
I absolutely loved following these four friends on their mission to discover what lies behind the werewolf attack and found myself gasping out loud at what they track down. Be prepared for plenty of dangerous situations, breathtaking revelations and edge-of-your-seat shocks. I really enjoyed the short chapters which made this a real-page turner and a one-sitting read as I just had to find out what happened next and, after that ending, I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
The short, action-packed chapters, coupled with the many stunning full page and partial-page illustrations, makes this an incredibly appealing read for children who I have no doubt will devour this story – and be eager for more.
The Moonlighters are a wonderful group of friends who I found incredibly likeable. Despite some friction and uncertainty between them (which made them feel like genuine friends),they use their different strengths, from tech genius to empathetic interactions, to work together and prove supportive and caring friends. They face their fears and show real courage and determination when seeking the truth and standing up for themselves and others.
One of the things I really like about reading fantasy adventures is their ability to reflect reality and this one does so brilliantly, opening up opportunities for some deep discussions with readers. This pertinent story includes themes such as abuse of power, the ethics of genetic engineering and the treatment of those who are perceived as ‘different’.
A howlingly gripping adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for adventure-seekers of 9+.
In Moonhaven, Jax, his twin sister Jovi, and their best friends Esau and Fourth enjoy the sense of excitement and freedom they get from breaking curfew during the full moon to enjoy their own adventures with no one else around. After all, there have been no werewolf attacks for over 40 years, so the terrifying howl they have heard, which is giving Jax nightmares, couldn’t possibly have been a werewolf, could it? And, it absolutely will not stop them planning another Moonlighters adventure during the next curfew.
But when the seemingly impossible happens, and a werewolf attack occurs, the friends go on the run, fearing that they will be captured by the Nighthawks, who are responsible for enforcing the curfew, a curfew that they have broken. But, as they search for the truth behind the attack, will what they discover put the whole world in danger?
I absolutely loved following these four friends on their mission to discover what lies behind the werewolf attack and found myself gasping out loud at what they track down. Be prepared for plenty of dangerous situations, breathtaking revelations and edge-of-your-seat shocks. I really enjoyed the short chapters which made this a real-page turner and a one-sitting read as I just had to find out what happened next and, after that ending, I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
The short, action-packed chapters, coupled with the many stunning full page and partial-page illustrations, makes this an incredibly appealing read for children who I have no doubt will devour this story – and be eager for more.
The Moonlighters are a wonderful group of friends who I found incredibly likeable. Despite some friction and uncertainty between them (which made them feel like genuine friends),they use their different strengths, from tech genius to empathetic interactions, to work together and prove supportive and caring friends. They face their fears and show real courage and determination when seeking the truth and standing up for themselves and others.
One of the things I really like about reading fantasy adventures is their ability to reflect reality and this one does so brilliantly, opening up opportunities for some deep discussions with readers. This pertinent story includes themes such as abuse of power, the ethics of genetic engineering and the treatment of those who are perceived as ‘different’.
A howlingly gripping adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for adventure-seekers of 9+.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Children's illustrator gives us an exciting horror/fantasy adventure. Arrooo!
4.5 stars.
We've love Biddulph's picture books for years, followed his Youtube drawing tutorials, and now I'm thrilled to say he's a great writer for the older age range too.
Werewolves are his choice. In a world where curfew has been enforced for decades through fear of these creatures, a group of children (boys, girls, one in a wheelchair - tick) defy the rules and sneak out to have fun together each full moon. This despite a slightly scary (certainly in 2026) military-style force called the Nighthawks patrolling. This is a town where everyone has had to undergo a test that shows if you have werewolf genes - resulting in a 'L' on your wrist, marking you out.
After no werewolf sightings for a long time, the foursome hear and see evidence that something is happening, with howls and evidence of a wolf on a full moon - their own safety (and excursions) in jeopardy.
There's more going on than meets the amber eye, and with one parent head of police, other parents taken away for their scientific expertise, there are also mature themes of experiments, medical testing, strongarm tactics and power/control the focus of the story, this really is for an older readership. It doesn't talk down to readers and isn't a hokey 'let's catch a monster' story.
It's a general plot adults will feel familiar with, but is likely new to younger readers, and is exciting and full of danger for the characters. Also some sad moments. But a great start to series set in a town with four young characters who are clearly destined to have several story arcs ahead of them that are set up here.
Great fantasy story, with a less-obvious 'monster' than many for the age range.
For ages 9-13.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
4.5 stars.
We've love Biddulph's picture books for years, followed his Youtube drawing tutorials, and now I'm thrilled to say he's a great writer for the older age range too.
Werewolves are his choice. In a world where curfew has been enforced for decades through fear of these creatures, a group of children (boys, girls, one in a wheelchair - tick) defy the rules and sneak out to have fun together each full moon. This despite a slightly scary (certainly in 2026) military-style force called the Nighthawks patrolling. This is a town where everyone has had to undergo a test that shows if you have werewolf genes - resulting in a 'L' on your wrist, marking you out.
After no werewolf sightings for a long time, the foursome hear and see evidence that something is happening, with howls and evidence of a wolf on a full moon - their own safety (and excursions) in jeopardy.
There's more going on than meets the amber eye, and with one parent head of police, other parents taken away for their scientific expertise, there are also mature themes of experiments, medical testing, strongarm tactics and power/control the focus of the story, this really is for an older readership. It doesn't talk down to readers and isn't a hokey 'let's catch a monster' story.
It's a general plot adults will feel familiar with, but is likely new to younger readers, and is exciting and full of danger for the characters. Also some sad moments. But a great start to series set in a town with four young characters who are clearly destined to have several story arcs ahead of them that are set up here.
Great fantasy story, with a less-obvious 'monster' than many for the age range.
For ages 9-13.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jax and Jovi Winter are staying with their Gran (Meemaw) because tehir parents were seconded by the Gov to help with research into the lupine gene. Something Jax carries, and supposedly means that these people could be werewolves!
Jax, Jovi and their friends, Esau (his mother is also missing) and William Russell-Hood the 4th (Fourth, whose father is the police commissioner) call themselves the Moonlighters. They enjoy breaking the full moon curfew but wear full cloaks and hoods to protect themselves from the light of the moon.
But last month when they were out they heard a "werewolf" howl - or was it, as Meemaw says, just a dog.
The Prime Minister, Calista Fell, has put Colonel London Pike and the Nighthawks in charge of patrols for this months Strawberry Moon night.
As the Children head to school they see the Nighthawks preparing and also an old woman called Raven, is still saying wolves are nothing to be scared of.
But everone think werewolves are dead - there hasn't been an attack across the world for 40 years.
But when the children are out on the night of the Strawberry Moon, they are approached by another girl - Lowella Woebegone, whose Great-Uncle disappeared two years before. She told the children she'd seen something (other than them) on the Flower Moon the month before, a cage which had been dragged into Lunar Field - a cage with a man in, a man who howled!
What is going on? Will the children be seen? Will the howl be heard again? Who can help them?
Jax, Jovi and their friends, Esau (his mother is also missing) and William Russell-Hood the 4th (Fourth, whose father is the police commissioner) call themselves the Moonlighters. They enjoy breaking the full moon curfew but wear full cloaks and hoods to protect themselves from the light of the moon.
But last month when they were out they heard a "werewolf" howl - or was it, as Meemaw says, just a dog.
The Prime Minister, Calista Fell, has put Colonel London Pike and the Nighthawks in charge of patrols for this months Strawberry Moon night.
As the Children head to school they see the Nighthawks preparing and also an old woman called Raven, is still saying wolves are nothing to be scared of.
But everone think werewolves are dead - there hasn't been an attack across the world for 40 years.
But when the children are out on the night of the Strawberry Moon, they are approached by another girl - Lowella Woebegone, whose Great-Uncle disappeared two years before. She told the children she'd seen something (other than them) on the Flower Moon the month before, a cage which had been dragged into Lunar Field - a cage with a man in, a man who howled!
What is going on? Will the children be seen? Will the howl be heard again? Who can help them?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Last Wolf
By Rob Biddulph
Published by MacMillan children’s books
Rob Biddulph, the very talented children’s author writes the first book in The Moonhaven Chronicles series. Alongside his amazing signature illustrations, he has written an intriguing tale about the power and fear surrounding werewolves.
Full of suspense and speculation after a werewolf attack, four friends take it upon themselves to investigate.
Who would suspect four kids?
Who would suspect the police commissioner?
Who would suspect a wise, old man?
Cleverly written, the story uncovers secrets held by characters that reveal their true personalities. This page turner will excite you, make you question what you know and invite you to uncover more.
Will power over ride the truth?
Will the truth be revealed?
Will good overcome evil?
Due to the content of power, possession, kidnapping and werewolves, I would recommend to children over the age of 10, knowing they can safely understand right from wrong and reality versus myth.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
By Rob Biddulph
Published by MacMillan children’s books
Rob Biddulph, the very talented children’s author writes the first book in The Moonhaven Chronicles series. Alongside his amazing signature illustrations, he has written an intriguing tale about the power and fear surrounding werewolves.
Full of suspense and speculation after a werewolf attack, four friends take it upon themselves to investigate.
Who would suspect four kids?
Who would suspect the police commissioner?
Who would suspect a wise, old man?
Cleverly written, the story uncovers secrets held by characters that reveal their true personalities. This page turner will excite you, make you question what you know and invite you to uncover more.
Will power over ride the truth?
Will the truth be revealed?
Will good overcome evil?
Due to the content of power, possession, kidnapping and werewolves, I would recommend to children over the age of 10, knowing they can safely understand right from wrong and reality versus myth.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm a big fan of Rob Biddulph's writing and illustrations, and this new book didn't disappoint. Having enjoyed the Peanut Jones series (along with my 10 year old) it was great to have a completely different theme but with the pace and adventure of his previous series. The story revolves around a group of friends in the town of Moonhaven and a werewolf attack, and the friends work together to investigate what happened.
The short chapters and descriptive writing make for a great read (although obviously a child's book, I love the writing as an adult) and immerses you in the world of the story quickly. The intelligent but accessible writing style works well for even a reluctant reader and kept my child engaged in the story, while the cliffhangers/suspense give that "just one more chapter" experience!
Highly recommend for older primary school aged children (and their parents :D)
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the ARC.
The short chapters and descriptive writing make for a great read (although obviously a child's book, I love the writing as an adult) and immerses you in the world of the story quickly. The intelligent but accessible writing style works well for even a reluctant reader and kept my child engaged in the story, while the cliffhangers/suspense give that "just one more chapter" experience!
Highly recommend for older primary school aged children (and their parents :D)
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In a world that lives in fear of werewolf attacks, and where full moon nights are patrolled by guardians known as Nighthawks, Jax, Jovi, Esau and Fourth make up a quartet who are determined to continue breaking curfew to enjoy their full moon night adventures.
But the days of such expeditions may be numbered. Because the kids don't know the truth that lies beyond the authorities' obsession with the alleged werewolf gene that they so vigilantly monitor...
An intelligent and atmospheric piece of storytelling, this is well worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But the days of such expeditions may be numbered. Because the kids don't know the truth that lies beyond the authorities' obsession with the alleged werewolf gene that they so vigilantly monitor...
An intelligent and atmospheric piece of storytelling, this is well worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Last Wolf was such a fun middle grade read and honestly the perfect palate cleanser between heavier books. It’s one of those stories that’s easy to fall into and even easier to speed through.
You follow the Nighthawks (Jax, Jovi, Esau, and Fourth) a group full of personality and quirks, who decide breaking curfew is a great idea in a world that’s currently dealing with werewolf attacks. No big deal, right? I loved their dynamic and the overall storyline, and the illustrations throughout were absolutely stunning and added so much to the reading experience.
If you enjoy middle grade books with heart, adventure, and a fast-paced plot, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up. It was a really enjoyable, feel-good read.
You follow the Nighthawks (Jax, Jovi, Esau, and Fourth) a group full of personality and quirks, who decide breaking curfew is a great idea in a world that’s currently dealing with werewolf attacks. No big deal, right? I loved their dynamic and the overall storyline, and the illustrations throughout were absolutely stunning and added so much to the reading experience.
If you enjoy middle grade books with heart, adventure, and a fast-paced plot, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up. It was a really enjoyable, feel-good read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to #netgalley for an advanced copy of The Last Wolf by Rob Biddulph. As a Primary School teacher, this is a book I’m excited to share with my class. It blends humour, heart, adventure and a message about friendship in a way that young children will connect with. Rob's beautiful illustrations are vibrant and full of character, giving us plenty to talk about.
Children will love the quirky gang of Moonlighters and their quest to save the world from werewolves. And the twist at the end....well, we will need a sequel immediately!
Children will love the quirky gang of Moonlighters and their quest to save the world from werewolves. And the twist at the end....well, we will need a sequel immediately!
February 7, 2026
What a fantastic story! I was sold by the time I reached 'What time is it?" "Moonset" - as soon as I read 'moonset' I just knew it was going to be good.
The action starts straight away in this book which I think would be perfect for upper KS2 +. Four children, Jovi, Jax, Fourth and Esau, live in Moonhaven where werewolves haven't been seen in decades but the government have identified people who carry the lupine gene. Their parents are either specialists in wolf-lore, scientists or the police commissioner, placing them at the heart of events after sneaking out after curfew.
Due to it's fast pace and continual action, I feel that this book would also appeal to those reluctant readers - you progress through the story quickly (whilst missing no details) and the fantastic illustrations break it up and add interest too. The story feels quite grown up - it is fun but not silly - with a diverse range of characters, making it appealing for the older kids.
I received an advance copy of this book for a voluntary, honest review.
The action starts straight away in this book which I think would be perfect for upper KS2 +. Four children, Jovi, Jax, Fourth and Esau, live in Moonhaven where werewolves haven't been seen in decades but the government have identified people who carry the lupine gene. Their parents are either specialists in wolf-lore, scientists or the police commissioner, placing them at the heart of events after sneaking out after curfew.
Due to it's fast pace and continual action, I feel that this book would also appeal to those reluctant readers - you progress through the story quickly (whilst missing no details) and the fantastic illustrations break it up and add interest too. The story feels quite grown up - it is fun but not silly - with a diverse range of characters, making it appealing for the older kids.
I received an advance copy of this book for a voluntary, honest review.
February 6, 2026
This is a beautifully told, moving story that stays with you long after the final page.
With simple yet powerful text and striking illustrations, the book explores themes of loneliness, extinction and hope in a way that is accessible for children but will also resonate with adults.
The emotional journey of the wolf is handled with great sensitivity, encouraging empathy and reflection without feeling heavy-handed
Biddulph’s minimalist style allows the message to shine through, making this a perfect book for sparking thoughtful conversations.
With simple yet powerful text and striking illustrations, the book explores themes of loneliness, extinction and hope in a way that is accessible for children but will also resonate with adults.
The emotional journey of the wolf is handled with great sensitivity, encouraging empathy and reflection without feeling heavy-handed
Biddulph’s minimalist style allows the message to shine through, making this a perfect book for sparking thoughtful conversations.
October 27, 2025
4.5 stars
well. My gosh. What a BRILLIANT story this is. Quintessential Rob Biddulph: incredible characters (including really terrible bad guys), brilliant plot and gorgeous illustrations. Big big fan of the werewolf-ing going on here. And the promise of a sequel? Yes thanks so much. Honestly, gutted this is over!
well. My gosh. What a BRILLIANT story this is. Quintessential Rob Biddulph: incredible characters (including really terrible bad guys), brilliant plot and gorgeous illustrations. Big big fan of the werewolf-ing going on here. And the promise of a sequel? Yes thanks so much. Honestly, gutted this is over!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Book 1 in a new series that's going to be popular. It's an action-packed story that's fast-paced, gripping and full of interesting characters. The book is also illustrated throughout with some rather menacing and scary looking drawings, as well as a map! Aimed at 8-12 year olds, readers are going to love this book!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews