What do you think?
Rate this book
Wolves, All
The Gold Medal winner for Horror from Reader Views Literary Awards Program 2024-2025, and the Gold Medal winner for Dark Fantasy from The Book Fest Spring 2025!
"Wolves, All isn't here to entertain. It's here to unsettle - like stepping barefoot into a dark forest. Some stories are meant to be read, and others are meant to be experienced. This is the latter."
"A story that refuses easy answers and instead immerses readers in a world where silence speaks volumes. There is a visceral urgency that echoes throughout the story, showing us a world where history is written in scars."
---
A tale of a cursed man trying to conquer his haunted past that captures the elements of surrealism, supernaturalism and the sensations of passion, terror, awe and strange beauty that defined the gothic horror subgenre. Caleb Hartford is a wounded veteran of the Lowry War, coming to grips with his past; the death of his brother, the atrocities he committed to survive, and the rage born of his grief. Along his path to atonement, we uncover horror and dark deeds that contrast with the honest husband and father he is now, and at the end, a bittersweet redemption.
The Lowry War was a bloody civil war in the Lowland that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands over the two years it was waged. Once, it was a war built on lofty ideals and the blood of martyrs, but it became something that could be controlled by neither god, king, nor man. Something that devoured everything in its path and led man to a wasteland where their unburied sons littered the ground like fallen leaves in autumn. In that miserable struggle, humanity found itself capable of sins and unnatural transgressions uncountable, but not unnoticed.
It left Caleb Hartford wounded both in body and mind. Nearly twenty years later, he finds himself dogged by a terrible beast called a god in some places in the world, and a devil in others. Now, as a successful farmer with a loving family, he must find a way to reap what he has sown without letting it taint his wife and children.
"Wolves, All isn't here to entertain. It's here to unsettle - like stepping barefoot into a dark forest. Some stories are meant to be read, and others are meant to be experienced. This is the latter."
"A story that refuses easy answers and instead immerses readers in a world where silence speaks volumes. There is a visceral urgency that echoes throughout the story, showing us a world where history is written in scars."
---
A tale of a cursed man trying to conquer his haunted past that captures the elements of surrealism, supernaturalism and the sensations of passion, terror, awe and strange beauty that defined the gothic horror subgenre. Caleb Hartford is a wounded veteran of the Lowry War, coming to grips with his past; the death of his brother, the atrocities he committed to survive, and the rage born of his grief. Along his path to atonement, we uncover horror and dark deeds that contrast with the honest husband and father he is now, and at the end, a bittersweet redemption.
The Lowry War was a bloody civil war in the Lowland that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands over the two years it was waged. Once, it was a war built on lofty ideals and the blood of martyrs, but it became something that could be controlled by neither god, king, nor man. Something that devoured everything in its path and led man to a wasteland where their unburied sons littered the ground like fallen leaves in autumn. In that miserable struggle, humanity found itself capable of sins and unnatural transgressions uncountable, but not unnoticed.
It left Caleb Hartford wounded both in body and mind. Nearly twenty years later, he finds himself dogged by a terrible beast called a god in some places in the world, and a devil in others. Now, as a successful farmer with a loving family, he must find a way to reap what he has sown without letting it taint his wife and children.
243 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2024
36 people are currently reading
272 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 3, 2025
While reading the overview, before diving in, I conveniently skipped the sentence denoting this as Gothic Horror. Which I truly believe made the experience better.
I was drawn to the cover as a fantasy nerd because, well... big sword and werewolf man. I stayed because I related to the main character and wanted to see them succeed over their demons and past trials. The development and regression of the main character was well done, and the glimpses into the past really drove home why he is how he is.
The antagonist of the book, while I assume this is purposeful, was underdeveloped in the right way. It left me wondering, almost manically, what they could do or what they would do and when they would do it.
The only nit pick I had was that at about 88% of the book I felt like there was so much left I wanted, or needed since I was so invested in Caleb, to happen that the rapid ending in the last 12% left me at first really upset. I asked myself if that had just ruined the entire story or if this was genius. Then I re read the book description and picked up what I had missed before.
In a world full of 400+ page books that are a part of an 8 book series. I truly think that 'Wolves, All' is a gem regardless of genre, and while I wouldn't use the word "refreshing", it was more than worth the time I got to spend with it.
I was drawn to the cover as a fantasy nerd because, well... big sword and werewolf man. I stayed because I related to the main character and wanted to see them succeed over their demons and past trials. The development and regression of the main character was well done, and the glimpses into the past really drove home why he is how he is.
The antagonist of the book, while I assume this is purposeful, was underdeveloped in the right way. It left me wondering, almost manically, what they could do or what they would do and when they would do it.
The only nit pick I had was that at about 88% of the book I felt like there was so much left I wanted, or needed since I was so invested in Caleb, to happen that the rapid ending in the last 12% left me at first really upset. I asked myself if that had just ruined the entire story or if this was genius. Then I re read the book description and picked up what I had missed before.
In a world full of 400+ page books that are a part of an 8 book series. I truly think that 'Wolves, All' is a gem regardless of genre, and while I wouldn't use the word "refreshing", it was more than worth the time I got to spend with it.
February 15, 2025
G.G. Boone’s “Wolves, All” takes readers inside a visceral and chilling tale about identity, morality, and transformations. The setting is a Gothic-inspired rural area. The mystery steadily unravels as readers see this fragile balance between man and beast. It begs the question of what really defines humanity.
The story follows Caleb who has dark secrets and is consumed with violent and bizarre occurrences whenever there’s a full moon. He finds himself waking in a remote forest shack after these frightening episodes. But what he also finds is confirmation of his monstrous deeds—human remains, blood-stained earth, and the persistent pull of this strange and haunting presence. What Caleb is fighting is something two-fold; an external beast and a battle against primal urges within himself. Boone does a great job telling a hair-standing story that brings readers inside Caleb’s tortured psyche as he contends with guilt, self-redemption, and eternal struggles of good and evil.
Boone builds the narrative around Caleb’s internal and external struggles, creating a vivid description of the natural landscape and blending it with grim, unsettling scenes. The writing is poetic at times, capturing the tension and dread lurking around every dark corner and every forest shadow. Everything feels eerily alive, from Caleb’s isolation in the shack to the appearance of sinister figures. It all heightens the dark and foreboding tones of the story.
“Wolves, All” is a well-constructed novel. The pacing goes well with Caleb’s experiences starting with the introduction, which is a slow-burn. Then the pacing gradually increases and is done appropriately so, with heart-pounding tension as the moon becomes full. Boone combines so much in his writing style from sharp and brutal realism to the more haunting and dreamy moments. This creates a very effectively disorienting experience that matches everything going on with Caleb’s mental state as it unravels. As Caleb interacts with his family and the haunting figures in the story, this showcases a very grounded and convincing dialogue that makes the emotional core of the story even more believable.
There is much to say about the characters, particularly Caleb, whose agony and attempts to control his inner desires make his character both tragic and intriguing. The secondary characters and Caleb’s family members are slightly underdeveloped, however, they do well serving as anchors to remind Caleb of his humanness. The back-and-forth between his monstrous acts and his love for his family creates emotional weight. But Caleb’s relationships with these supporting characters could resonate even more with just a little bit more depth.
Thematically, “Wolves, All” explores symbolism and observational questions. For example, Caleb’s internal struggles are represented by the wolf, a symbol of primal instinct and chaos. This also reflects Caleb being consumed by forces that are not within his control. Boone challenges readers to think about Caleb’s struggle and if it’s one of fate or choice. Boone also pushes through the boundaries of morality and touches on familial legacy, isolation, and how suppressed trauma can have haunting consequences.
While Boone’s writing is well-crafted, readers who prefer fast-paced action might find the initial chapters slow. Some sections feature heavy inner reflections, which, although beautifully written, occasionally stall the momentum moving throughout the narrative. A more even balance between Caleb’s internal struggles and external events could heighten the tension even further. However, this pacing does allow Boone to create a richer, more nuanced narrative that will be appreciated by fans of Gothic and psychological horror.
“Wolves, All” is ideal for readers who enjoy dark, atmospheric tales that focus on the complexities of human nature. Fans of Gothic literature, psychological thrillers, and character-driven horror will also find a lot to admire about Boone’s work. The story contains mature themes, violent imagery, and unrelenting tension that creates a work best suited for an adult audience that loves thought-provoking explorations of darkness and redemption.
G.G. Boone’s “Wolves, All” is an unsettling yet evocative work that will stay with readers for a while. It goes beyond being a story about a man plagued with a monster’s curse; It is a very human tale about struggling with inner demons and looking for redemption in a world that can be unforgiving. Readers who are looking for something atmospheric that is a slow-burn horror novel, with a mixture of emotional and philosophical depth, will find “Wolves, All” to be well worth the read.
The story follows Caleb who has dark secrets and is consumed with violent and bizarre occurrences whenever there’s a full moon. He finds himself waking in a remote forest shack after these frightening episodes. But what he also finds is confirmation of his monstrous deeds—human remains, blood-stained earth, and the persistent pull of this strange and haunting presence. What Caleb is fighting is something two-fold; an external beast and a battle against primal urges within himself. Boone does a great job telling a hair-standing story that brings readers inside Caleb’s tortured psyche as he contends with guilt, self-redemption, and eternal struggles of good and evil.
Boone builds the narrative around Caleb’s internal and external struggles, creating a vivid description of the natural landscape and blending it with grim, unsettling scenes. The writing is poetic at times, capturing the tension and dread lurking around every dark corner and every forest shadow. Everything feels eerily alive, from Caleb’s isolation in the shack to the appearance of sinister figures. It all heightens the dark and foreboding tones of the story.
“Wolves, All” is a well-constructed novel. The pacing goes well with Caleb’s experiences starting with the introduction, which is a slow-burn. Then the pacing gradually increases and is done appropriately so, with heart-pounding tension as the moon becomes full. Boone combines so much in his writing style from sharp and brutal realism to the more haunting and dreamy moments. This creates a very effectively disorienting experience that matches everything going on with Caleb’s mental state as it unravels. As Caleb interacts with his family and the haunting figures in the story, this showcases a very grounded and convincing dialogue that makes the emotional core of the story even more believable.
There is much to say about the characters, particularly Caleb, whose agony and attempts to control his inner desires make his character both tragic and intriguing. The secondary characters and Caleb’s family members are slightly underdeveloped, however, they do well serving as anchors to remind Caleb of his humanness. The back-and-forth between his monstrous acts and his love for his family creates emotional weight. But Caleb’s relationships with these supporting characters could resonate even more with just a little bit more depth.
Thematically, “Wolves, All” explores symbolism and observational questions. For example, Caleb’s internal struggles are represented by the wolf, a symbol of primal instinct and chaos. This also reflects Caleb being consumed by forces that are not within his control. Boone challenges readers to think about Caleb’s struggle and if it’s one of fate or choice. Boone also pushes through the boundaries of morality and touches on familial legacy, isolation, and how suppressed trauma can have haunting consequences.
While Boone’s writing is well-crafted, readers who prefer fast-paced action might find the initial chapters slow. Some sections feature heavy inner reflections, which, although beautifully written, occasionally stall the momentum moving throughout the narrative. A more even balance between Caleb’s internal struggles and external events could heighten the tension even further. However, this pacing does allow Boone to create a richer, more nuanced narrative that will be appreciated by fans of Gothic and psychological horror.
“Wolves, All” is ideal for readers who enjoy dark, atmospheric tales that focus on the complexities of human nature. Fans of Gothic literature, psychological thrillers, and character-driven horror will also find a lot to admire about Boone’s work. The story contains mature themes, violent imagery, and unrelenting tension that creates a work best suited for an adult audience that loves thought-provoking explorations of darkness and redemption.
G.G. Boone’s “Wolves, All” is an unsettling yet evocative work that will stay with readers for a while. It goes beyond being a story about a man plagued with a monster’s curse; It is a very human tale about struggling with inner demons and looking for redemption in a world that can be unforgiving. Readers who are looking for something atmospheric that is a slow-burn horror novel, with a mixture of emotional and philosophical depth, will find “Wolves, All” to be well worth the read.
March 5, 2025
An entirely unexpected read that, I admit, found as a suggestion via Instagram. This story takes a known horror entity and provides an entirely new spin on it-the beast inside. A story of one man's grueling struggle to endure the beast within and make peace with his past in order to give his true love, his family, the peace and life they all deserve.
January 14, 2025
Overall I enjoyed the unique concepts about the novel and its differences from other fantasy settings. I think Caleb was a strong character and kept my interest for most of the book. I struggled with the hallucination/dream sequences throughout, but enjoyed those that related to the flashbacks of the war. I think the epilogue helped explain what happened at the farm near the ending, but the last 10% of the book was very confusing overall. I struggled with understanding what actually happened at the end.
The world is interesting enough that I would read something else by this author in the future.
The world is interesting enough that I would read something else by this author in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2025
Fantastic telling of a combat veteran coping with the ghosts and monsters from the past in an incredibly clever presentation.
The parallels between the monster and a veterans struggles with PTSD and coming back to the “real world”. This work presented, for me, an excellent source of “hey, this is what that’s like”
Very well done and I enjoyed it immensely.
The parallels between the monster and a veterans struggles with PTSD and coming back to the “real world”. This work presented, for me, an excellent source of “hey, this is what that’s like”
Very well done and I enjoyed it immensely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
Very good example of dark, DARK fantasy. Boone expertly portrays a man's desperate clash with madness and his eventual succumbing to it. Loved this book and am looking forward to hopefully another novel from Boone soon.
May 19, 2025
A beautiful book. A love story of a sort. The main character was relatable, as were some of his emotional struggles. Maybe that's just me.
I greatly enjoyed this book. You might, too.
I greatly enjoyed this book. You might, too.
April 23, 2025
Super well paced book, if you’re looking for a horror book this is the book for you!
December 18, 2025
What a hard book to review.
I will be the first to say, this isn't an usual read for me (easily verified by my "Read" shelf crammed with romances), but I am no stranger to darker books and somber fantasy.
That being said, I went into this blind. I had zero clue what the book was about, what the plot was, even what genre. Earlier this year, I saw a post about it on Reddit. I thought "wow, sick cover. Sick title!" and that was enough for me. Read the first chapter. Then didn't touch the book again for like, 6 months.
The first chapter is... a lot. It is gruesome, gory, visceral. But, somehow, really fucking compelling. I left it a little shell-shocked, but intrigued. It just never felt like the right time to read it.
I loved the supporting characters. I loved the way relationships were built and portrayed. I loved the permeating sense of loss and finality. This isn't the book to read if you're looking for an injection of hope.
I will say, however, I desperately needed more context. Or a map. Or a rough explanation. Where are we and when are we and who are we? Particularly during the war flashbacks, I had absolutely zero idea where in the world we were, how far we walked, what the terrain is, which direction. The enemy forces were at once North, South, East, West, I simply didn't know. Maybe that was a stylistic choice on the part of the author, to make us feel as lost and rudderless as the characters.
We had guns, swords, bonnets, carriages, whiskey, lanterns, torches, women going to university, inquisitors. I was a little lost in the timeline. I eventually settled on something 1700s esque. Seemed to fit.
In truth, it wasn't until like, the 75% mark that I realized the werewolf was an ACTUAL werewolf. I spent the whole book thinking it was an allegory for PTSD and that this man was simply a war veteran going through some rough mental shit. It wasn't until the whole priest-confession debacle that I was like. Wait. He actually killed those people in the beginning? He wasn't just reliving that war cannibalism sitch?
There are quite a few loose ends, but since it seems like the author is still actively working on this world, I will keep an eye to see what else this way comes. Bummed about the ending, though.
Also, I wish Jack had more "screentime" (booktime?), loved his character and had hoped to see more of him.
Finally: "Wolves, All" still goes hard AF as a title. Kudos.
I will be the first to say, this isn't an usual read for me (easily verified by my "Read" shelf crammed with romances), but I am no stranger to darker books and somber fantasy.
That being said, I went into this blind. I had zero clue what the book was about, what the plot was, even what genre. Earlier this year, I saw a post about it on Reddit. I thought "wow, sick cover. Sick title!" and that was enough for me. Read the first chapter. Then didn't touch the book again for like, 6 months.
The first chapter is... a lot. It is gruesome, gory, visceral. But, somehow, really fucking compelling. I left it a little shell-shocked, but intrigued. It just never felt like the right time to read it.
I loved the supporting characters. I loved the way relationships were built and portrayed. I loved the permeating sense of loss and finality. This isn't the book to read if you're looking for an injection of hope.
I will say, however, I desperately needed more context. Or a map. Or a rough explanation. Where are we and when are we and who are we? Particularly during the war flashbacks, I had absolutely zero idea where in the world we were, how far we walked, what the terrain is, which direction. The enemy forces were at once North, South, East, West, I simply didn't know. Maybe that was a stylistic choice on the part of the author, to make us feel as lost and rudderless as the characters.
We had guns, swords, bonnets, carriages, whiskey, lanterns, torches, women going to university, inquisitors. I was a little lost in the timeline. I eventually settled on something 1700s esque. Seemed to fit.
In truth, it wasn't until like, the 75% mark that I realized the werewolf was an ACTUAL werewolf. I spent the whole book thinking it was an allegory for PTSD and that this man was simply a war veteran going through some rough mental shit. It wasn't until the whole priest-confession debacle that I was like. Wait. He actually killed those people in the beginning? He wasn't just reliving that war cannibalism sitch?
There are quite a few loose ends, but since it seems like the author is still actively working on this world, I will keep an eye to see what else this way comes. Bummed about the ending, though.
Also, I wish Jack had more "screentime" (booktime?), loved his character and had hoped to see more of him.
Finally: "Wolves, All" still goes hard AF as a title. Kudos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2025
What in the actual F was this
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was intrigued. Fantasy setting, a haunted veteran of a war, secrets, and werewolves. Sounds great. Then I read the book. All of those things are there, but they're buried under paged and pages of nonsensical hallucinations. By the end of the book, I had no idea what actually happened. There are so many hallucinations that whenever something even remotely interesting happened in the book, I assumed it was fake. You can't keep faking out the reader and expect them to stay interested in your book. And the ending? I cannot eye roll at it hard enough. Caleb is arrested for allegedly offing his family, but he believes the witch hunters did it. He spends multiple days waiting to be burned at the stake for his crimes. He apparently passes away from sepsis and hallucinating his family going to Heaven or something. His wife appears to him and convinces him not to become a werewolf and just expire. The witch hunter realizes that Caleb's body will be exposed to moonlight, implying that he will change into a werewolf, and then the book ends. I absolutely hated this book, both for it's overuse on hallucinations/dreams and it wasting my time. It somehow made werewolves dumb and boring.
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was intrigued. Fantasy setting, a haunted veteran of a war, secrets, and werewolves. Sounds great. Then I read the book. All of those things are there, but they're buried under paged and pages of nonsensical hallucinations. By the end of the book, I had no idea what actually happened. There are so many hallucinations that whenever something even remotely interesting happened in the book, I assumed it was fake. You can't keep faking out the reader and expect them to stay interested in your book. And the ending? I cannot eye roll at it hard enough. Caleb is arrested for allegedly offing his family, but he believes the witch hunters did it. He spends multiple days waiting to be burned at the stake for his crimes. He apparently passes away from sepsis and hallucinating his family going to Heaven or something. His wife appears to him and convinces him not to become a werewolf and just expire. The witch hunter realizes that Caleb's body will be exposed to moonlight, implying that he will change into a werewolf, and then the book ends. I absolutely hated this book, both for it's overuse on hallucinations/dreams and it wasting my time. It somehow made werewolves dumb and boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2025
I was drawn in by the cover and the description, but I was afraid it wouldn't really be up my alley. I'm happy to say I was wrong. This was an incredibly deep and touching story that I think any demographic will appreciate. It's brutal. It's graphic. It's surreal and visceral. But it's heartfelt and touching too. Do yourself a favor and give this book a shot!
June 24, 2025
I should have read the description better. not my cup of tea
December 16, 2025
This started a little weak, but did turn out to be a good book. Very, very dark and the ending was blank.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews