What do you think?
Rate this book
The Origin of the Wolf
Not all monsters are born. Some are made.
In the mythical Kingdom of Petra, a man is washed ashore, his body scarred and memory in tatters. A stranger in an unfamiliar land, he is burdened with a dark power he cannot comprehend. Lyncon is a a monstrous fusion of man and wolf, an innocent victim of brutal elven experiments.
Against the bloody backdrop of two warring kingdoms, Lyncon must work with a mysterious elf who holds the key to his past and the power within him. As they reluctantly begin to trust one another, a dark secret reveals that a deadly evil is rising and threatens to destroy everything around them.
In the mythical Kingdom of Petra, a man is washed ashore, his body scarred and memory in tatters. A stranger in an unfamiliar land, he is burdened with a dark power he cannot comprehend. Lyncon is a a monstrous fusion of man and wolf, an innocent victim of brutal elven experiments.
Against the bloody backdrop of two warring kingdoms, Lyncon must work with a mysterious elf who holds the key to his past and the power within him. As they reluctantly begin to trust one another, a dark secret reveals that a deadly evil is rising and threatens to destroy everything around them.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2024
6 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 8, 2024
“Not all monsters are born, some are made…”
When a man washes ashore on the beaches of Petra, nobody could have foretold the horror, savagery and battle that would soon take place.
Let me start by saying, WOW. I’m a fantasy and GOT fanatic and this truly hit the nail on the head for me. I couldn’t put this book down from page one until the very last.
Lyncon is a werewarg, a fusion of man and wolf, a truly cruel result of an elven experiment gone wrong…or right some would say. He was made to be used as a weapon of mass destruction in a war between two Kingdoms. With claws as sharp as any sword and strength far greater than any weapon or warrior, he truly is a thing of nightmares.
I need to know more about Evanora and Fenrir! I absolutely love how Danny teases the reader with a glimpse into the past and it toys with your emotions. I personally have a lot of admiration for Fenrir, he’s a great mentor and friend to Lyncon, almost making up for the fact he created him. I despised Evanora but I truly believe there’s more to her than we’ve been told thus far.
Henrik and Dallan were the kindest duo and I enjoyed the friendship that grew between them and Lyncon/Fenrir. I hope we see more of this in book 2.
Danny masters the ability of going against the grain and predicted route of your typical fantasy; no lovey dovey bullshit and no femme fatale to distract from the true storyline.
I cannot begin to explain how many twists and turns were thrown at me throughout this novel. I had my heartbroken on more than one occasion, my stomach flipped, my bum on the edge of my seat and my heart racing. I truly didn’t know what was coming next and it was exhilarating.
With elves, werewargs, demons and magical creatures throughout, you’re transported into a war zone unlike any other. Friendships are made and lost along the way, enemies killed yet more gained within a few pages.
Fans of GOT HAVE TO READ THIS!! It’s the first book of a trilogy and I am eagerly awaiting book 2.
Tropes:
🐺Werewarg/werewolf
🐺Single POV
🐺Good vs Evil
🐺Fantastical Creatures
🐺Training Moments
When a man washes ashore on the beaches of Petra, nobody could have foretold the horror, savagery and battle that would soon take place.
Let me start by saying, WOW. I’m a fantasy and GOT fanatic and this truly hit the nail on the head for me. I couldn’t put this book down from page one until the very last.
Lyncon is a werewarg, a fusion of man and wolf, a truly cruel result of an elven experiment gone wrong…or right some would say. He was made to be used as a weapon of mass destruction in a war between two Kingdoms. With claws as sharp as any sword and strength far greater than any weapon or warrior, he truly is a thing of nightmares.
I need to know more about Evanora and Fenrir! I absolutely love how Danny teases the reader with a glimpse into the past and it toys with your emotions. I personally have a lot of admiration for Fenrir, he’s a great mentor and friend to Lyncon, almost making up for the fact he created him. I despised Evanora but I truly believe there’s more to her than we’ve been told thus far.
Henrik and Dallan were the kindest duo and I enjoyed the friendship that grew between them and Lyncon/Fenrir. I hope we see more of this in book 2.
Danny masters the ability of going against the grain and predicted route of your typical fantasy; no lovey dovey bullshit and no femme fatale to distract from the true storyline.
I cannot begin to explain how many twists and turns were thrown at me throughout this novel. I had my heartbroken on more than one occasion, my stomach flipped, my bum on the edge of my seat and my heart racing. I truly didn’t know what was coming next and it was exhilarating.
With elves, werewargs, demons and magical creatures throughout, you’re transported into a war zone unlike any other. Friendships are made and lost along the way, enemies killed yet more gained within a few pages.
Fans of GOT HAVE TO READ THIS!! It’s the first book of a trilogy and I am eagerly awaiting book 2.
Tropes:
🐺Werewarg/werewolf
🐺Single POV
🐺Good vs Evil
🐺Fantastical Creatures
🐺Training Moments
April 19, 2025
I loved this fantasy book! There wasn’t any intense world building (which is a nice break from other books I’m reading) yet it also offered a good amount of lore, to characters, creatures, and their world system to keep me happy and engaged. There are darker fantasy moments that kept me flipping pages like it was a thriller, while other moments kept me snuggled up in bed like a Lord of the Rings adventure.
I was drawn to the main character, Lyncon right away. He’s like a werewolf, with some slight differences, and is learning about who he is and his powers. The book follows his journey of discovering where he came from after he washes ashore on a small coastal town, distant from the current war going on between elves and humans. I love books that have a strong grasp of the emotional battles each character is facing, and this book excelled at that! This is set in a standard medieval adjacent fantasy world with strong themes of good vs evil.
This was both an easy read yet offered some thoughtful lines, even some I thought deserved a few snaps. The pacing was great. It balanced action while not rushing through the softer moments of description, atmosphere, and emotion.
If you’re looking for a lighter introduction into a dark fantasy series, this is the perfect book for you.
I was drawn to the main character, Lyncon right away. He’s like a werewolf, with some slight differences, and is learning about who he is and his powers. The book follows his journey of discovering where he came from after he washes ashore on a small coastal town, distant from the current war going on between elves and humans. I love books that have a strong grasp of the emotional battles each character is facing, and this book excelled at that! This is set in a standard medieval adjacent fantasy world with strong themes of good vs evil.
This was both an easy read yet offered some thoughtful lines, even some I thought deserved a few snaps. The pacing was great. It balanced action while not rushing through the softer moments of description, atmosphere, and emotion.
If you’re looking for a lighter introduction into a dark fantasy series, this is the perfect book for you.
August 15, 2024
This book was brilliant! I enjoyed every bit of it! The creation of the characters is something I’ve not come across in a book like this. There’s some dark parts in this book but it makes the character development that much more compelling. I loved Lyncon and his whole story and how things become for him in particular. Also Fenrir’s story is one that had me fully engaged and enjoying the book that bit more. The plot twists that get thrown at you out of the blue are brilliant because you literally don’t suspect anything at all. I just loved it. And i highly recommend it!
January 29, 2025
This is the second fantasy book I’ve devoured already this year and it’s not even my preferred genre 🙈
This one is a novel that meanders back towards the realm of traditional fantasy. With ‘romantasy’ sweeping across your feeds every day, allow me to introduce, quite possibly, the best ‘bromantasy’ book out there right now. This could be the start of a whole new sub-genre.
Beeson’s skill as a writer is showcased early on, with some lovely fluid prose and some truly original concepts - like The Darktouched (Dave Haywood), there are some ideas I’ve never seen before, which is something I thought i wasn’t going to see again.
Having read some of the biggest-selling fantasy authors in the world, over the past 18 months, it’s refreshing to find there are still original ideas and voices out there. The most commercially successful books seem to lack this.
This tale follows Lyncon, a werewarg, through a vividly-described world, with a full and interesting array of characters. I sped through it eagerly. It’s got a lovely pace, stunning twists and superbly-constructed action scenes.
This book probably won’t get the exposure it deserves. That’s a shame, because this is a great throwback to the fantasy novels that brought the genre into the mainstream in the first place.
This one is a novel that meanders back towards the realm of traditional fantasy. With ‘romantasy’ sweeping across your feeds every day, allow me to introduce, quite possibly, the best ‘bromantasy’ book out there right now. This could be the start of a whole new sub-genre.
Beeson’s skill as a writer is showcased early on, with some lovely fluid prose and some truly original concepts - like The Darktouched (Dave Haywood), there are some ideas I’ve never seen before, which is something I thought i wasn’t going to see again.
Having read some of the biggest-selling fantasy authors in the world, over the past 18 months, it’s refreshing to find there are still original ideas and voices out there. The most commercially successful books seem to lack this.
This tale follows Lyncon, a werewarg, through a vividly-described world, with a full and interesting array of characters. I sped through it eagerly. It’s got a lovely pace, stunning twists and superbly-constructed action scenes.
This book probably won’t get the exposure it deserves. That’s a shame, because this is a great throwback to the fantasy novels that brought the genre into the mainstream in the first place.
January 17, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
The Origin of the Wolf by Danny Beeson is a book that had been on my radar for some time, and it was one I was excited to pick up this year - especially given its appealing length compared to a lot of the other fantasy on my shelves!
Beeson lays out an intriguing plot, a mysterious world, and executes great character work. This book is very well written, very well edited and easy and enjoyable to read.
While I am a huge fan of in-depth and complex world building, I actually really enjoyed the lighter approach to world building that is taken in this book. You are provided with enough information to not feel totally blinded, without the need to spend excessive time and pages laying everything out explicitly for the reader. I am sure, as the series progresses, there will be more context and details that come to light, but I do really appreciate the author’s approach to world building in this book.
I am really looking forward to seeing what is yet to come in the future books, I have very high hopes for the future work of Danny Beeson.
Also, my man Lyncon can’t catch a break 😩
The Origin of the Wolf by Danny Beeson is a book that had been on my radar for some time, and it was one I was excited to pick up this year - especially given its appealing length compared to a lot of the other fantasy on my shelves!
Beeson lays out an intriguing plot, a mysterious world, and executes great character work. This book is very well written, very well edited and easy and enjoyable to read.
While I am a huge fan of in-depth and complex world building, I actually really enjoyed the lighter approach to world building that is taken in this book. You are provided with enough information to not feel totally blinded, without the need to spend excessive time and pages laying everything out explicitly for the reader. I am sure, as the series progresses, there will be more context and details that come to light, but I do really appreciate the author’s approach to world building in this book.
I am really looking forward to seeing what is yet to come in the future books, I have very high hopes for the future work of Danny Beeson.
Also, my man Lyncon can’t catch a break 😩
September 1, 2025
Danny's debut novel throws us into a vibrant fantasy world where we follow the journey of Lyncon as he tries to make sense of his strange awakening and the warring land he finds himself in. He makes for a troubled, likeable character and you feel his confusion and turmoil as he slowly comes to terms with exactly what he is, I don't want to give too much away but his relationship with the "mysterious elf" is excellent. The book is a grounded and accessible fantasy and I particularly appreciate how we learn about the world as Lyncon does, with the larger picture slowly coming to light as we go... no dense blocks of exposition here! I did feel the start was a little slow... but it just made the "event" that really kicks things off hit all the harder and I'm still recovering from it. Then once things get going they don't stop and the end leaves the way wide open for a sequel!
October 6, 2025
This was rough. There is no aspect I can draw out as a strength in the book's defense thus a single star rating. It is odd and clunky. Quite unlike anything I have read before.
I wish not to hurl only insults and poor assessments at this tale. But in the pursuit of honesty and to anyone considering this as their next read:
- the writing is surface level
- prose are juvenile grammatically and structurally
- characters lack any depth or connection
- actions and dialogue are disengenuous
Ultimately, it feels more like you are reading concept notes then a final draft. An outline if you will. Also, in complete contradiction to how it is written there are dark undertones and disturbed scenes. So while the writing level is good for that of a middle schooler the content surely is not!
I wish not to hurl only insults and poor assessments at this tale. But in the pursuit of honesty and to anyone considering this as their next read:
- the writing is surface level
- prose are juvenile grammatically and structurally
- characters lack any depth or connection
- actions and dialogue are disengenuous
Ultimately, it feels more like you are reading concept notes then a final draft. An outline if you will. Also, in complete contradiction to how it is written there are dark undertones and disturbed scenes. So while the writing level is good for that of a middle schooler the content surely is not!
December 31, 2025
Loved it. Pacey and very well crafted. It took a few chapters to get into but after the full on punch in the face received around chapter 3, I could not put it down. A nice combo of fantasy tropes with a fresh new angle on the protag and some really well created characters. I'm looking forward to another installment!
April 22, 2025
Absolutely loved this book and finished it within a day.
The story of Lyncon is just so heartbreaking and each chapter makes you want to learn more. No spoilers but I did shout WTF rather loudly at one point! I can't wait for the next book.
The story of Lyncon is just so heartbreaking and each chapter makes you want to learn more. No spoilers but I did shout WTF rather loudly at one point! I can't wait for the next book.
October 16, 2024
I loved this book. It was well written and I connected with the characters. It was refreshing to have a fantasy that wasn't based on romance. Highly recommend.
September 18, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Perfect for fantasy fans. So many magical creatures involved, I particularly liked the concept of a Werewang, a man and a wolf. A uniquely different, well written fantasy book you do not want to miss!
January 25, 2025
This book is absolutely amazing!!
think Beowulf x LOTR X GOT made a love child
I could see this book on the big screen the pacing is fantastic just when you find a little comfort… Plot twist!
I found myself rooting for Lyncon the whole way and many of the characters are memorable it feels like this book could easily have been fleshed out with another 200 pages just to build momentum because I didn’t want the book to end and Danny is clearly a gifted author I’ve seen from other reviews that this is part of a trilogy with a cliffhanger ending there needs to be but my question why stop at 3?
well I can’t wait to pick up part 2
If you are a fan of fantasy,magic,battles,camaraderie and a book you will finish and pick up again to re-read get it bought!!
think Beowulf x LOTR X GOT made a love child
I could see this book on the big screen the pacing is fantastic just when you find a little comfort… Plot twist!
I found myself rooting for Lyncon the whole way and many of the characters are memorable it feels like this book could easily have been fleshed out with another 200 pages just to build momentum because I didn’t want the book to end and Danny is clearly a gifted author I’ve seen from other reviews that this is part of a trilogy with a cliffhanger ending there needs to be but my question why stop at 3?
well I can’t wait to pick up part 2
If you are a fan of fantasy,magic,battles,camaraderie and a book you will finish and pick up again to re-read get it bought!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews