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Witch & Wolf #1

Winter Wolf

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The Hunted Wizard

When Nicole dabbled in the occult, she lost it all: Her voice, her family, and her name. Now on the run from the Inquisition, she must prove to herself—and the world—that not all wizards are too dangerous to let live.

The savage murder of a bookstore employee throws Nicole into the middle of Inquisition business, like it or not. Driven by her inability to save the young man’s life, she decides to hunt the killer on her own. Using forbidden magic to investigate the past, she learns that the murderer is in fact a disease that could kill the entire werewolf race.

Forced to choose between saving lives and preserving her own, Nicole embraces the magic that sent her into exile. Without werewolves, the power of the Inquisition would dwindle, and she could live without being hunted.

Nicole’s only hope for success lies in the hands of the werewolves she hates and the Inquisition she fears, but finding someone to trust is only the beginning of her problems. There are those who want to ensure that the werewolves go extinct and that the Inquisition falls.

But, if she fails to find a cure, her family—including her twin sister—will perish…

535 pages, ebook

First published November 24, 2014

110 people are currently reading
880 people want to read

About the author

R.J. Blain

84 books1,314 followers
RJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.

When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.

In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.

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5 stars
347 (46%)
4 stars
253 (33%)
3 stars
116 (15%)
2 stars
24 (3%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,955 reviews128 followers
October 8, 2017
I will be honest at first had a hard time really getting into the story when all of a sudden it clicked and it became imperative for me to figure out the who, what, when, where and why.

The story and it's different twists and turns were excellent and very enjoyable but the very jarring lack of proper editing of the books content really did make for the flow becoming jagged all through the read.

I can honestly say though the final reveals were for me well worth any amount of annoyance editing issues caused because they were doozies!
Profile Image for Steve.
1,329 reviews
December 20, 2020
This could have done with some more world building, and frankly, more explanations about the magic system. The action picked up from the first page and quickly drew me in. While parts of the plot felt like something like NRA TV would air, the twists kept me guessing. The final reveal didn't surprise me in the least, it seemed trope-ish and telegraphed. There wasn't much of a resolution, but I think I'm going to read the next in the series.
106 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2021
I enjoyed this book until the extended epilogue. It was like someone else wrote that part and it made no sense to me.
Profile Image for Debrac2014.
2,335 reviews21 followers
February 3, 2024
I enjoyed the last half of the story! I was confused while reading this because I read the short Winter Wolf stories first, where Richard and Nicole know each other!
Profile Image for John.
134 reviews24 followers
December 12, 2014
***Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for a review.***

The second in the Witch & Wolf series, Winter Wolf is a little hard to grasp at first. Editing gaffes aside you're thrust into the midst of a situation and spend a great deal of time playing catch-up as there's a lot to absorb.

Nicole is descended from a type of werewolf called Fenerec who are afflicted with a disease that will all but wipe them out, including her estranged family, unless she can somehow help a few other Fenerec find a cure for it. She's also a wizard, which seems to mean she's sensitive to electricity yet can't really control it. Whether this is the nature of all wizards you're never sure- but that's where the fun begins as her wizardly nature stems from her dalliance with a sentient tome which literally stole her voice as compensation for its assistance. Imagine the Magic Mirror from Snow White telepathically dispensing advice and info in your own voice... while you now sound like a dying frog. And if she's discovered to be a wizard, a group known as The Inquisition will come for her and execute her.

Nicole is a likable character. She's determined and resourceful, naturally, but also funny. Really funny. As in snarky at both the right and wrong moments- like we all are. You'll want her to succeed. But she's also inconsistent- hardnosed one moment and weak-willed the next. And she never gets a handle on her electricity powers... which might've come in handy a few times.

Winter Wolf has a lot going for it, but throws it at you all at once. I really enjoy multi-layered, complex stories, but I also like having an understanding of what's going on. A little temperance would've helped to bring readers up to speed, but it's an interesting, engaging read if you stick with it.
Profile Image for Jennifer  Ricketts (Donnie Darko Girl).
449 reviews36 followers
November 27, 2014
I received a review copy of this book for my stop on the blog tour at Donnie Darko Girl.

When I signed up to review Winter Wolf for the blog tour, I didn't realize until I started reading it that it's technically the second book in the Witch & Wolf series. But it has different characters and really can be read as a standalone. I'm now curious to read the first one at some point in the future.

Nicole is a character I found myself liking pretty much right away. She has abilities that she has to hide so an organization known as the Inquisition won't find her and execute her. After she decides to use forbidden magic to investigate the cause of a murder that happened right next to her, she has to decide whether to save werewolves or let them die out. If they die out, she wouldn't have to worry about the Inquisition any longer, but she has family who are werewolves, which made me wonder why she hates the species so much.

My only issue with this novel is the repetition - Nicole repeats things A LOT, such as her fear of the Inquisition and that jobs for her as an actress have dried up. I lost count of how many times Nicole mentioned these things and found myself annoyed when she'd bring them up because I knew these things already. Other than this, I really liked the story.

Winter Wolf is a fun and entertaining novel to lose yourself in with interesting characters and the situations they find themselves facing. There's a lot going on with the abilities Nicole has, the werewolves, and the Inquisition, and it was a race to the end to find out how everything was going to turn out.
Profile Image for Gwen.
292 reviews53 followers
December 7, 2014
I admit to have been slightly hesitant regarding this book, I was sort of hoping for a continuation of RJ's previous book "Inquisitor", but I valiantly recovered and went on to absolutely: LOVE THIS BOOK !!!!
Nicole is an aspiring actress, who really wanted to be a singer (i forgive you for this, I generally don't like acting or singing as a back story), who is on the run from her family, inquisition and forgotten memories, and has made some choices that have taken as much as they have given.

Nicole has become a wizard and wizards are not allowed to live in the paranormal world because they have too much power and are too unpredictable, so Nicole is forced to hide her abilities and keep a low profile. But a mysterious plague has re-emerged in the werewolf population and Nicole's family are at risk, Nicole's life spirals out of control as she witnesses a violent death, is nearly killed and then is kidnapped, oh and let us not forget she might have a role in a movie that might be her break through in the movie business.

The book reminded me a little bit of Ann Bishop's series: "the others" which I am a huge fan of, so I would recommend this anyone who enjoyed her books to read this one as well, there is a magic, action and a couple a different story lines that have a nice twist in them that made the story not the usual predictable werewolf book.
Profile Image for Dr susan.
3,052 reviews51 followers
December 8, 2014
R.J. Blain has been added to my 'buy her books as soon as I have money' list. I love Winter Wolf. I might love Winter Wolf more than Inquisitor ... maybe. Nicole is funny, scared, brave, and thinks she is hiding. Writing a review for Winter Wolf without revealing any plot twists would be difficult, because surprises fly thick and fast in this book. I will say reading Inquisitor first is not necessary, since Blain points out that Winter Wolf takes place slightly before Inquisitor. I am a grammar fiend, but the editing issues did not distract me from the engrossing story. I hope the questions that I still have after finishing Winter Wolf means that Nicole will get another book. Blain's world is a worthy and fascinating addition to urban fantasy.
Profile Image for Susan  Baratta.
156 reviews8 followers
July 12, 2015
This story is very different than the first, in fact the only thing that links these books are the words Fenerec and Inquisition. And maybe Plague. That there is no cure for the Fenerec plague is the only indicator that the story timeline is pre book one. It took a while for things to start moving along and it was only in the second half that I started really enjoying it. I liked Nicole and her voice was pleasing (pun intended - Nicole has chronic laryngitis). I was a bit disappointed with the ending, things were too quick tying up loose ends and stretched my believability a tad too much. 3-1/2 stars.
Profile Image for Emerald April.
31 reviews
April 17, 2024
This book started very good and intriguing with the murder and slowly and steadily derailed. Like the author just added things she wanted to be in the book and so many plot devices. I really was excited to have found a new author to devour. But sadly it's not the case.

The book starts with the fmc and someone is murdered right next to her and her struggle of hiding her powers, because she would be hunted and killed for it by the inquisition. (The intro is the best part, then is fine and it ends with I guess...)

We are introduced to her movie agent and her struggles to make a break through as actor. Her hate towards the werewolves, because of some family drama.

A magic book that is sentient and a kinda snarky companion. Someone unknown trying to kill or stalking her.

And then it slowly derails.

The big emphasis in chapter one, I'd on her struggling to keep her power hidden and suddenly it's all fine. It's just never mentioned again anymore. Suddenly it's just nice power to use as she needs it. Did she anything to change this? No. Getting shot by a teaser doesn't count.

The book, that is more or less helpful to her, might have some independent goals of helping her. Slowly disappears from the plot. It was just a plot device and once it's fulfilled it's job, gone. Same goes for the abduction people.

The people who might kill and her for her being a wizard. Mid of the book it's like blabla and never any issue again. No problems nada, she is suddenly bestie with a Inquisition witch and the one powerful alpha wolf is doing the books for the inquisition so you are safe girrrl. I really wished for some angst and some thrill, potential wasted. But it's just like guys I'm a wizard, okay, good what's for dinner. Nobody cares.

And the main plot point is the disease killing the werewolves, her wanting to help. That somehow becomes what if I can see the disease and use another virus to kill it. Rolling your eyes and thinking wut? you are not alone. It's let's call it interesting. Of course the werewolves get healed, but hey suddenly it's the side plot.

Because there is some other murdering going on and body switching. But did she ever get her body back, honestly no clue.

Oh and the "love interest" feels like a coworker, but don't worry she has amnesia and they were lovers and she just does not remember that they married when she was 16 but you know love of the life is he older of course, but you know sexy not aging werewolf, it's totally fine.

Do we read anything about the relationship no. It's just hey I think there is some connection between you two, because look he paid for this and that.

But don't worry we get a bonus story at the end, where you wonder why and what and did I miss a prequel to the story. Is there any chemistry between these two in the bonus, nah, knowing that they were so into each other to marry in secret and pretend to hate each other is enough. So nice that you tell is about their big romantic life before, but we never can experience anything.

I think I'll need to read some well done werewolf books by Patricia Briggs to rehab from this mess of a story. Or demigods of San Francisco or the Psy Changeling world
Because this is not satisfying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,063 reviews128 followers
September 26, 2020
Nicole is a wizard and is being hunted by the Inquisition. The world thinks that wizard are too deadly to let live. Nicole wants to prove to the world that she is not dangerous. She just wants to live a normal life like everyone else. With the world wanting her dead Nicole has to live her life in secret and hope everyday that she will not be discovered.

Nicole goes into a bookstore to buy a book that her agent told her to pick up and read. In the store Nicole has this feeling of being watched and followed. But when she glances around to see if she can find who ever it is that is stalking her no one seems to be paying her any attention. While standing in line to pay for the book an employee standing behind her is murdered. Nicole feels guilty because she couldn’t save his life and takes it upon herself to find out who killed Scott.

She is questioned by the police who inform her that others have been found murdered the same way as Scott. Investigating Scott’s death puts Nicole back under the radar of the Inquisition. Nicole learns later that Scott was a werewolf and that someone is trying to wipe out the wolves. Nicole is worried that if she can’t stop who ever is killing the werewolves and stop the Inquisition at the same time that she will be in hiding for the rest of her life.

Winter Wolf is filled with action from the first page and it never stops. Winter Wolf is a very enchanting read that once I picked up it left me unable to lay it down until I had read the whole thing from beginning to end. I can’t wait to dive into the next book Blood Diamond to see what else in store for this world.

I recommend Winter Wolf to all fans of witches, wizards, werewolves, mystery and suspense. One click your copy of Winter Wolf today!
203 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, I finished it in an afternoon then began to cackle with glee at the thought of there being another one in the series. But it looks like all the other books in this series are either novellas or follow completely different characters. I feel like a grumpy deflated balloon. I like series that have at least three books and Winter Wolf felt like it had so much more to explore with the characters and the plot line. I don't just want more, I need more because to me the story feels unfinished. Now I'm just grumpy and have decided to never read another book by this author because I feel betrayed. I was expecting a series following the same characters (characters whom I loved) and instead I got a standalone, multiple standalone novels. Do you know how disappointing that is? It only took me half an afternoon to read this, I need more books following these characters. If anyone knows if the author does have that and I just need to look in the right place please tell me. If not, I cannot stand the betrayal. It is so difficult to find a book with werewolf like creatures and to actually have a unique plot, interesting characters and really good world building. If only the ending had been a cliffhanger to the next book, not just an abrupt ending to an awesome story it would have been perfect and everything that I want from life and books.
Profile Image for Timothy Bateson.
Author 4 books55 followers
December 11, 2017
Winter Wolf is definitely worth the read

I loved them first book in this series, and this one takes us back to just before that story started. It’s worth noting that not everything is as it seems at first glance. That even includes the death that catapults Nicole back into a world she was trying to leave behind.
Wizards are usually hunted by the inquisition, and Nicole has spent years hiding from them, getting by on the meager wages of a small-time actress. But then she makes a fateful trip to the mall, in search of a book, which she is about to buy when a store clerk is ripped apart right in front of her. Unfortunately the power had gone out, and a deadly killer is loose.
This story builds so well into the world already set out in the first book, and introduces more characters to the cast that is this worlds supernatural community. Their dynamics are beautifully places, and the story unfolds with enough twists and turns to keep the ending a surprise....
I can’t wait to get started on the next book, or the short story series that follows the aftermath of Winter Wolf...
Profile Image for Valery.
Author 3 books23 followers
September 1, 2019
Meh, it was just okay. I hate giving it a bad review because the writing was decent, despite needing a good editor to clean it up.
There were a few good plot twists, but nothing extraordinary. It ends with a sort of cliffhanger that makes you go "Really? That's the end?" and the only time it really seemed to pick up in intensity for me was the beginning. This one fell short of my expectations. Really short.

Also, there is an extra novella added to the ending of this book. It was nice to have an addition after the cliffhanger, but nothing was ever really resolved. It also felt as if someone else entirely wrote the book. Even when the point of view flits back to the main character, it just doesn't feel the same. Here you have a halfway smart and compassionate woman who suddenly becomes idiotic and violent. It was quite weird for me. Plus, there was more language in the excerpt than in the main book.

Sorry, it just didn't make the cut for me. I won't be reading the next one.

For my clean readers:
Mostly language and violence, though there are some sexual innuendos. Includes magic, some descriptive gore, talk or a murderer and rapist as well.
Profile Image for Anita.
2,821 reviews182 followers
December 30, 2017
I read several books by this author back-to-back. This series is good, but not as silly as the Magical Romantic Comedy series I loved. I noticed in the first two books of this series that they suffered from editorial issues at the conclusion. The author tends to throw a bunch of surprises in at the end, and sometimes has to write an epilogue to explain what just happened. There are writing techniques to foreshadow more of that info, and some of the twists and turns could be smoothed out so they don't give the reader whiplash. This world is also pretty harsh - there are a lot of innocents killed, including some likable characters. The characters are very well written, though, and there's levity in their world views, so it's still a fun read.

In this one, a very old, rich werewolf with magic powers is on the run from the Inquisitors, who consider it their mission to kill lone wolves, especially ones like her, that ran away from them.
29 reviews
October 19, 2022
I mostly enjoyed the book but more details and explanation would have made it an easier read. It just wasn't very smooth the way the past was blended with the present. Her perceived history just suddenly became different with what actually happened. It felt disjointed to me.

I also didn't love the epilogue. it could have been a separate novella. Richard and Nicole trade off telling the story from the first person perspective but there's no indication of who is speaking at each section, so you just have to read and figure it out.
The other thing I didn't like about it was just the way they treat Richard and Nicole. I understand the Fenerec aren't human so maybe they think differently. It annoyed me how they kept talking about how sick and underweight they were and then just abused them more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
49 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2019
This is a GREAT series!

This truly is one of the best series I have ever read! This series has it all - mystery, magic, murder, mischievous, mirth and mercy. The story is solid, a real page turner. I as the reader had a hard time putting it down, I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next and really saddened when the last page was finished. I hope that RJ Blain's will continue to write more books with Witch & Wolf because it truly is the best series I have ever read! Read it and see if you agree with!
Profile Image for Eden.
2,218 reviews
August 1, 2024
2024 bk 102. The start of one of Blain's earlier series quickly draws me in as Blain introduces us to a world in which there are werewolves labeled as Ferenics, witches who bond with wolves, evil sorcerers, and one particular witch who is positively ancient in her skin, but thoroughly modern in her compassion. As always, Blain provides interesting characters and scenarios and for those who like action/adventure, enough death-defying moments to keep a reader on the edge. Well at least to keep someone up until 3 a.m.. in the morning. So much for an early run to the grocery store.
Profile Image for Christina Nørgård Lauritsen.
60 reviews5 followers
November 9, 2020
Did i miss something?
What happened at the end there, did Nicole get her body back? Is she able to shift to a wolf now, even though her parents killed her wolf as a baby?
What about her career as an actress? Is that still ongoing or is that a bust? I know there's a book after this one, from Richards Pov and i'll read it, but i can see that the rest of the series are about different characters... I feel more confused and like i have more questions at the end of this book....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Denise Fisher.
113 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2018
I recommend all RJ Brain's books. I could not put this down.

I loved the interaction between the characters. Several interesting side plots to keep the story hopping. I am now in the process of reading this whole series. I am so excited! I love a good series, especially one with a high body count! Look forward to these characters in the rest of the series!
48 reviews
July 23, 2023
this author’s work is a sure thing!

Unlike a few I won’t name, R.J. Blain doesn’t release a lesser book. Her character development is exquisite. The plots are beautifully twisted. The supernatural folks are filled with both strengths and weaknesses.

This is, as I expected, a fantastic romp of a book.
Profile Image for Nh Goode.
94 reviews
April 13, 2025
She's done it again!

I keep buying these series, thinking I'll get one a month and read slowly so it lasts... I now need the third in the series. It's been six days since I got the first.
Damn good read, good story and excellent characters, love to see the development of people I already know. Top marks!
161 reviews
December 25, 2022
I genuinely enjoyed this book because of how unexpected the plot constantly was.
Profile Image for Wetdryvac.
Author 480 books5 followers
January 4, 2023
I really, really hate amnesia as a plot device. So much. It works for this, but I could go another thousand books without it. Still, it works, and the story was good. Don't let my personal anti-amnesia device gurgles dissuade you from giving it a go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jason ON.
51 reviews
May 26, 2018
I don't even remember reading this, what it was about or the character's names. So, that should tell you something about how much I liked it.
Profile Image for Stanley.
510 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2019
Lovey this one

Holy cow what a fun book, more twists and turns than a roller coaster but very good. Loved the take on witches and wolves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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