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The Wolf Who Cried Boy
‘If you know where to look, kiddo, the world is full of magic and monsters.’
Six-year-old Henry believes his life is a fairytale. He’s a Star Prince, his mum is a Star Queen and they’re hiding from Henry’s father, the mysterious ‘Wolf King’.
When news arrives that his Grandma is gravely ill, Henry and his mum must take a road trip across the country and back into the Wolf King’s orbit. Henry isn’t he knows his magic powers will save them. But as the King draws ever closer, Henry’s world starts to fall apart. Who is the real baddie in his life? Who can he trust? And why don’t his powers seem to work?
In this astoundingly original story of heroes, villains and the messy reality between them, a world of violence and fear can be wildly funny and streaked with magic. Through its unforgettable narrator, The Wolf Who Cried Boy explores how cycles of violence, misogyny and corruption must be broken if we ever want our children to grow up free
Six-year-old Henry believes his life is a fairytale. He’s a Star Prince, his mum is a Star Queen and they’re hiding from Henry’s father, the mysterious ‘Wolf King’.
When news arrives that his Grandma is gravely ill, Henry and his mum must take a road trip across the country and back into the Wolf King’s orbit. Henry isn’t he knows his magic powers will save them. But as the King draws ever closer, Henry’s world starts to fall apart. Who is the real baddie in his life? Who can he trust? And why don’t his powers seem to work?
In this astoundingly original story of heroes, villains and the messy reality between them, a world of violence and fear can be wildly funny and streaked with magic. Through its unforgettable narrator, The Wolf Who Cried Boy explores how cycles of violence, misogyny and corruption must be broken if we ever want our children to grow up free
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
19 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 2, 2025
"On clear nights, when I'm good, Mum puts her finger in the sky and shows me our home."
Mark Mupotsa-Russell’s new novel, The Wolf Who Cried Boy, is as enchanting as it is unsettling, a story that slips between fairy tale whimsy and stark reality. Told through the imaginative eyes of six year old Henry, who believes himself to be a Star Prince and his mother a Star Queen, the novel explores the power of storytelling as both shield and survival strategy.
The central conflict emerges when Henry and his mother, long in hiding from the sinister “Wolf King,” set out on a road trip across Australia to visit Henry’s dying grandmother. What begins as a magical adventure quickly blurs with menace. Henry clings to the belief that his special powers will keep them safe, but cracks soon appear in his fantastical narrative. As myth and memory intertwine, readers are drawn into a layered exploration of truth, trust, and inherited trauma.
Mupotsa-Russell balances a child’s innocence with the weight of adult realities, domestic violence, misogyny, and corruption, rendering them through Henry’s voice with both humour and heartbreak. The result is a novel that feels simultaneously tender and brutal, a road trip that maps not only landscapes but the darker currents of family history.
Henry’s narration is unforgettable, by turns hilarious, naïve, and wise beyond his years and it’s through him that the novel achieves its most poignant truths: that the stories we inherit can trap us, but also that reshaping them might be the way out.
The Wolf Who Cried Boy is wildly original, deeply moving, and likely to linger with readers long after its final page. As it did with me.
A dazzling, haunting novel that proves fairy tales are never just for children.
I Highly Recommend.
Thank you Affirm Press for my early readers copy.
Available Now!
4.5
Mark Mupotsa-Russell’s new novel, The Wolf Who Cried Boy, is as enchanting as it is unsettling, a story that slips between fairy tale whimsy and stark reality. Told through the imaginative eyes of six year old Henry, who believes himself to be a Star Prince and his mother a Star Queen, the novel explores the power of storytelling as both shield and survival strategy.
The central conflict emerges when Henry and his mother, long in hiding from the sinister “Wolf King,” set out on a road trip across Australia to visit Henry’s dying grandmother. What begins as a magical adventure quickly blurs with menace. Henry clings to the belief that his special powers will keep them safe, but cracks soon appear in his fantastical narrative. As myth and memory intertwine, readers are drawn into a layered exploration of truth, trust, and inherited trauma.
Mupotsa-Russell balances a child’s innocence with the weight of adult realities, domestic violence, misogyny, and corruption, rendering them through Henry’s voice with both humour and heartbreak. The result is a novel that feels simultaneously tender and brutal, a road trip that maps not only landscapes but the darker currents of family history.
Henry’s narration is unforgettable, by turns hilarious, naïve, and wise beyond his years and it’s through him that the novel achieves its most poignant truths: that the stories we inherit can trap us, but also that reshaping them might be the way out.
The Wolf Who Cried Boy is wildly original, deeply moving, and likely to linger with readers long after its final page. As it did with me.
A dazzling, haunting novel that proves fairy tales are never just for children.
I Highly Recommend.
Thank you Affirm Press for my early readers copy.
Available Now!
4.5
October 4, 2025
4.5 stars
The Wolf Who Cried Boy is not an easy read — but it is an essential one. Blending elements of fairytale with raw realism, Mark Mupotsa-Russell delivers a story that stares unflinchingly at trauma, power, and survival.
Told through the eyes of a child, the writing captures both innocence and terror, pulling you into a world where corruption, abuse, and violence are ever-present shadows.
What makes this novel so striking is the way it balances brutality with beauty. The prose is lyrical yet sharp, the imagery vivid, and the emotions devastatingly real. It asks difficult questions about truth, justice, and the way stories are told — and who gets to tell them.
This is the kind of book that lingers long after the last page. 4.5 ⭐for its haunting originality, unflinching honesty, and unforgettable voice.
The Wolf Who Cried Boy is not an easy read — but it is an essential one. Blending elements of fairytale with raw realism, Mark Mupotsa-Russell delivers a story that stares unflinchingly at trauma, power, and survival.
Told through the eyes of a child, the writing captures both innocence and terror, pulling you into a world where corruption, abuse, and violence are ever-present shadows.
What makes this novel so striking is the way it balances brutality with beauty. The prose is lyrical yet sharp, the imagery vivid, and the emotions devastatingly real. It asks difficult questions about truth, justice, and the way stories are told — and who gets to tell them.
This is the kind of book that lingers long after the last page. 4.5 ⭐for its haunting originality, unflinching honesty, and unforgettable voice.
Read
September 20, 2025Review coming
October 16, 2025
Big thanks to Affirm Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
Children shouldn’t have to live through a darkened childhood where fear and anxiety replace simple joys.
Coping mechanisms are employed and in the case of six year old Henry who believes he lives in a fairytale and has super powers to protect his mum.
Him and his mum live in fear and travel from place to place so they cannot be found or traced.
The abuser aka known as the Wolf King does have power and exploits it.
A sick Granny means travel into the hostile area and jeopardises safety and their lives.
A confused son, a protective mother and an evil dad all battle for what they think is right.
Suspense, danger and some tender wholesome love all hide in the shadows of the dark days.
An emotional journey that is confronting and sad that explores the way children are switched on to their environment and do adapt quickly if adversity arises.
Light moments offer hope and the sadness a reflection that life isn’t fair for some.
It took me a few chapters to get my head around the plot and its directions but once I did, I enjoyed a magic carpet ride through to the end.
Children shouldn’t have to live through a darkened childhood where fear and anxiety replace simple joys.
Coping mechanisms are employed and in the case of six year old Henry who believes he lives in a fairytale and has super powers to protect his mum.
Him and his mum live in fear and travel from place to place so they cannot be found or traced.
The abuser aka known as the Wolf King does have power and exploits it.
A sick Granny means travel into the hostile area and jeopardises safety and their lives.
A confused son, a protective mother and an evil dad all battle for what they think is right.
Suspense, danger and some tender wholesome love all hide in the shadows of the dark days.
An emotional journey that is confronting and sad that explores the way children are switched on to their environment and do adapt quickly if adversity arises.
Light moments offer hope and the sadness a reflection that life isn’t fair for some.
It took me a few chapters to get my head around the plot and its directions but once I did, I enjoyed a magic carpet ride through to the end.
August 29, 2025
Mark Mupotsa Russell’s debut novel The Hitwoman’s Guide to Household Debt was one of my top reads of 2024, so I was thrilled to get my hands on his new book which was released this week. And I can honestly say that The Wolf Who Cried Boy was even more gripping and unputdownable than his first novel.
Six year old Henry has been on the run with his mum, Lex, for the past five years. They are hiding from his abusive and controlling father who is a senior police officer and has convinced everyone that Lex is mentally unstable and can’t look after her child. For this reason, they can’t trust the authorities to protect them and instead need to stay under the radar. To shield Henry from their horrific reality, Lex has brought him up believing in a fairytale where he’s a Star Prince and she is a Star Queen and they’re hiding from his father, The Wolf King. When they receive the terrible news that Henry’s grandma is very ill, they must take a dangerous road trip back through the Wolf King’s world to reach her.
The Wolf Who Cried Boy was so emotional and tense. Telling the story through Henry’s innocent eyes was wonderfully clever and unique and clearly demonstrated the dangers that were part of his everyday life. Seeing a six year old in this situation was devastating, but having him tell the story shielded the reader slightly from some of the horrors experienced by Lex, both at the hands of her ex-husband and along their journey. Henry was an intelligent, endearing and fabulously brave young boy and I was so invested in his story.
Although told partly as a fairytale, this book didn’t shy away from the hard truths about intimate partner violence, controlling relationships, misogyny and the failures of the legal system to protect vulnerable people. At times it was difficult to read and I certainly shed a few tears, but it was ultimately hopeful and beautiful as well.
If you loved books like Boy Swallows Universe, The Lovely Bones and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time then this is definitely for you.
Six year old Henry has been on the run with his mum, Lex, for the past five years. They are hiding from his abusive and controlling father who is a senior police officer and has convinced everyone that Lex is mentally unstable and can’t look after her child. For this reason, they can’t trust the authorities to protect them and instead need to stay under the radar. To shield Henry from their horrific reality, Lex has brought him up believing in a fairytale where he’s a Star Prince and she is a Star Queen and they’re hiding from his father, The Wolf King. When they receive the terrible news that Henry’s grandma is very ill, they must take a dangerous road trip back through the Wolf King’s world to reach her.
The Wolf Who Cried Boy was so emotional and tense. Telling the story through Henry’s innocent eyes was wonderfully clever and unique and clearly demonstrated the dangers that were part of his everyday life. Seeing a six year old in this situation was devastating, but having him tell the story shielded the reader slightly from some of the horrors experienced by Lex, both at the hands of her ex-husband and along their journey. Henry was an intelligent, endearing and fabulously brave young boy and I was so invested in his story.
Although told partly as a fairytale, this book didn’t shy away from the hard truths about intimate partner violence, controlling relationships, misogyny and the failures of the legal system to protect vulnerable people. At times it was difficult to read and I certainly shed a few tears, but it was ultimately hopeful and beautiful as well.
If you loved books like Boy Swallows Universe, The Lovely Bones and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time then this is definitely for you.
July 29, 2025
I do not normally read books about kids in danger, and I may not have really tried The Wolf Who Cried Boy if I’d have known.but I’ve got no regrets.
Henry is almost seven, so sweet, so vulnerable, so enthusiastic and just such a honey. I loved seeing this horribly sad quest played out through his eyes. I loved seeing that story we tell kids taken to that extreme where your mum can do protection spells and you are just a boy waiting for your superhero powers to present. This novel has lots to say about family violence and police power and wolves in mens clothing. At lots of times not a comfortable read but one I’m really glad I did.
Out late August, thanks so much for letting me have an arc affirm press!
Henry is almost seven, so sweet, so vulnerable, so enthusiastic and just such a honey. I loved seeing this horribly sad quest played out through his eyes. I loved seeing that story we tell kids taken to that extreme where your mum can do protection spells and you are just a boy waiting for your superhero powers to present. This novel has lots to say about family violence and police power and wolves in mens clothing. At lots of times not a comfortable read but one I’m really glad I did.
Out late August, thanks so much for letting me have an arc affirm press!
September 16, 2025
Why do books that are from a child's perspective always manage to worm their way into my heart?
The Wolf Who Cried Boy not only managed to achieve that, but also shatter it into a million pieces.
Henry is six and believes that he is a Star Prince, his mum is a Star Queen and they're hiding from Henry's dad, the mysterious and feared 'Wolf King'.
In reality, Henry and his mum are victims of domestic abuse and are running to avoid his powerful father and those who can't be trusted. It is a tough life, not always safe and always looking over their shoulders. They're homeless, relying on the cover of the wild and sometimes, those who can be assured to keep their anonymity under wraps.
Then, news comes from home. Granny is dying and they must risk everything that they know to go and see her before it's too late.
Their big road trip will be extremely dangerous and risky. They are entering the Wolf's lair and Henry is unsure that his mum's magic won't be enough to save them this time. Henry's fairy tale is about to shatter when he learns the truth, rendering him with too many big feelings that is impossible to articulate, leaving him more than vulnerable in a world he simply doesn't understand anymore.
Henry is such a sweet little boy, who is innocent in a world full of abuse, corruption, hatred and misogyny. He has witnessed things that no child should, despite his mum's fierce protectiveness to shield him. His words are humorously magical, a light that covers the darkness that this book brings.
This book also pays homage to those who work tirelessly to assist victims of abuse. It's not just one person who's affected, but their children, siblings, parents and friends. It also stresses the importance of breaking this horrible cycle and the healing beyond.
This may be a compelling and tough read, but it's an important one. It certainly was an eye opening and unique experience for me.
A well deserving 5 🌟
The Wolf Who Cried Boy not only managed to achieve that, but also shatter it into a million pieces.
Henry is six and believes that he is a Star Prince, his mum is a Star Queen and they're hiding from Henry's dad, the mysterious and feared 'Wolf King'.
In reality, Henry and his mum are victims of domestic abuse and are running to avoid his powerful father and those who can't be trusted. It is a tough life, not always safe and always looking over their shoulders. They're homeless, relying on the cover of the wild and sometimes, those who can be assured to keep their anonymity under wraps.
Then, news comes from home. Granny is dying and they must risk everything that they know to go and see her before it's too late.
Their big road trip will be extremely dangerous and risky. They are entering the Wolf's lair and Henry is unsure that his mum's magic won't be enough to save them this time. Henry's fairy tale is about to shatter when he learns the truth, rendering him with too many big feelings that is impossible to articulate, leaving him more than vulnerable in a world he simply doesn't understand anymore.
Henry is such a sweet little boy, who is innocent in a world full of abuse, corruption, hatred and misogyny. He has witnessed things that no child should, despite his mum's fierce protectiveness to shield him. His words are humorously magical, a light that covers the darkness that this book brings.
This book also pays homage to those who work tirelessly to assist victims of abuse. It's not just one person who's affected, but their children, siblings, parents and friends. It also stresses the importance of breaking this horrible cycle and the healing beyond.
This may be a compelling and tough read, but it's an important one. It certainly was an eye opening and unique experience for me.
A well deserving 5 🌟
October 28, 2025
I As other readers have noted this novel has such a clever and interesting concept. A six year old boy tells the story through his words, of his life with his Mum. The little boy, Henry and his Mum play lots of games around fantasy and keeping safe. There are lots of ‘super power’ discussions described as only a six year old can. Henry’s Dad is referred to as the wolf king, and it is no spoiler to say he is a perpetrator of domestic violence. Through Henry’s eyes and words the reader learns of the life Henry and his Mum Lexi, have lived for the last four years or so, constantly trying to to remain safe and their location unknown to the wolf king. The story is wonderful, often magical and humorous and always very confronting. A very different way to approach the rising crime of domestic violence, the book was a strong five stars for me. A very talented author who I now highly recommend and congratulations also to the excellent narrator, Tom Conroy.
October 19, 2025
Having loved Mark’s debut release I was so excited to receive a copy of his newest book The Wolf Who Cried Boy , thank you so much Affirmpress for my gifted copy
Told from the POV of Henry, a six year old boy who is on a journey with his mum Lex as they are on a tough road trip, trying to reach Lex’s unwell mother
The problem is that by returning to their home town they will be in arms reach of the Wolf King who they have been hiding from as long as Henry can remember
Through Henry’s beautiful and honest recount the reader is drawn into a harrowing and sometimes magical story filled with queens, heroes, villains and a dark reality of domestic violence, misogyny and corruption
I couldn’t imagine this story being told any other way, it is bleak, tense, sad but also so very hopeful. While at times very confronting I was wholeheartedly invested in Henry and his unwavering love for his mum Lex.
Told from the POV of Henry, a six year old boy who is on a journey with his mum Lex as they are on a tough road trip, trying to reach Lex’s unwell mother
The problem is that by returning to their home town they will be in arms reach of the Wolf King who they have been hiding from as long as Henry can remember
Through Henry’s beautiful and honest recount the reader is drawn into a harrowing and sometimes magical story filled with queens, heroes, villains and a dark reality of domestic violence, misogyny and corruption
I couldn’t imagine this story being told any other way, it is bleak, tense, sad but also so very hopeful. While at times very confronting I was wholeheartedly invested in Henry and his unwavering love for his mum Lex.
Read
October 6, 2025Henry believes in magic. You’ll wish he didn’t have to.
4⭐️
Copy received thanks to Affirm Press. Full review on my channel.
4⭐️
Copy received thanks to Affirm Press. Full review on my channel.
November 11, 2025
I loved this book. Not for the faint hearted. A eye opener for society and too common.
December 30, 2025
This book was heartbreakingly beautiful. From the get go, I was immersed in the story told from the perspective of a six year old boy. His innocence and optimism towards the world around him—despite how dark and confronting it could be—made my heart ache. This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster, which for me, is an art of great story telling. To make the reader FEEL something and to CARE about the characters even though they’re fictional, is not easy.
While this book may be fictional, the circumstances in which Henry and his mum find themselves in is not. Too many women and children in our society are confronted with domestic violence and their own monsters that are meant to love and protect them. I thought that this very serious social issue was handled with a respect and care within these pages. I appreciate the author for using his privilege to amplify the voices of those who are silenced by not only their perpetrators, but the systems in which protect those perpetrators.
Fans of Room by Emma Donoghue would appreciate this book. They’re both confronting, but filled with a lot of heart!
While this book may be fictional, the circumstances in which Henry and his mum find themselves in is not. Too many women and children in our society are confronted with domestic violence and their own monsters that are meant to love and protect them. I thought that this very serious social issue was handled with a respect and care within these pages. I appreciate the author for using his privilege to amplify the voices of those who are silenced by not only their perpetrators, but the systems in which protect those perpetrators.
Fans of Room by Emma Donoghue would appreciate this book. They’re both confronting, but filled with a lot of heart!
September 2, 2025
I don't know what it is about books that feature a child as the voice of the book. They just instantly take me away to another world, a world of innocence, love, and smarts beyond our realm.
Six year old Henry is a gift.
He is an absolute joy to sit alongside throughout this book.
I laughed, loved, cried, and feared for this little dynamo who loves his mum, Captain America, and his toy, Clifford.
His story is harrowing, joyous, beautiful, dark, and wondrous.
Mark's writing is straight from the mind of a child. A child who believes he has super powers that can save himself and his mum, and what child doesn't want to think this?
There are so many light moments in this book that tackle heavy themes of domestic violence and misogyny.
With little gems from Henry, such as:
"Mums eyes go big. Uncle Justin smiles and nods. Mum does sounds like a dolphin getting asthma."
And my favourite which had me in fits of laughter...
"There were colourful birds flying, and lizards running, and crabs in rock pools, and a koala napping in a tree. And a million billion kangaroos. Most were dead or smushed, and one had so many dead farts filling it up, its bumhole was a outie belly button."
It's a story that can break your heart, put it back together again, and also have you sneaking looks from behind your hands as your imagination shows this as a movie.
It's a little bit dark, and a whole lot of wonder twisted to create a book about a topic that somehow continues to happen on a daily basis and one which does not have a place in our society, yet never goes away.
This is a standout book for me and one that will sit on my favourites shelf alongside some other gorgeously written child narrators.
( Willa from A Lifetime of Impossible Days by @birdtabitha & Molly Hook from All Our Shimmering Skies by @trentdaltonauthor )
Six year old Henry is a gift.
He is an absolute joy to sit alongside throughout this book.
I laughed, loved, cried, and feared for this little dynamo who loves his mum, Captain America, and his toy, Clifford.
His story is harrowing, joyous, beautiful, dark, and wondrous.
Mark's writing is straight from the mind of a child. A child who believes he has super powers that can save himself and his mum, and what child doesn't want to think this?
There are so many light moments in this book that tackle heavy themes of domestic violence and misogyny.
With little gems from Henry, such as:
"Mums eyes go big. Uncle Justin smiles and nods. Mum does sounds like a dolphin getting asthma."
And my favourite which had me in fits of laughter...
"There were colourful birds flying, and lizards running, and crabs in rock pools, and a koala napping in a tree. And a million billion kangaroos. Most were dead or smushed, and one had so many dead farts filling it up, its bumhole was a outie belly button."
It's a story that can break your heart, put it back together again, and also have you sneaking looks from behind your hands as your imagination shows this as a movie.
It's a little bit dark, and a whole lot of wonder twisted to create a book about a topic that somehow continues to happen on a daily basis and one which does not have a place in our society, yet never goes away.
This is a standout book for me and one that will sit on my favourites shelf alongside some other gorgeously written child narrators.
( Willa from A Lifetime of Impossible Days by @birdtabitha & Molly Hook from All Our Shimmering Skies by @trentdaltonauthor )
December 3, 2025
A compelling and important story that conveys the message of just how traumatic domestic abuse can be. The narrator is 6 year old Henry, and the author depicts his innocence, naivety, fear, confusion, and trust and loyalty to his mother in typical childlike language - e.g. . . . a MILLION times. The use of subtle humour does not detract from the seriousness of the issues portrayed. Although the content is unpleasant at times, the original approach of Henry telling his story makes it even more engaging
‘If you know where to look, kiddo, the world is full of magic and monsters.’ Six-year-old Henry believes his life is a fairytale. He’s a Star Prince, his mum is a Star Queen and they’re hiding from Henry’s father, the mysterious ‘Wolf King’. When news arrives that his Grandma is gravely ill, Henry and his mum must take a road trip across the country and back into the Wolf King’s orbit. Henry believes his magic powers will save them. But as the King draws ever closer, Henry’s world starts to fall apart. Who is the real baddie in his life? Who can he trust? And why don’t his powers seem to work? In this astoundingly original story of heroes, villains and the messy reality between them, a world of violence and fear can be wildly funny and streaked with magic. Through its unforgettable narrator, The Wolf Who Cried Boy explores how cycles of violence, misogyny and corruption must be broken if we ever want our children to grow up free
‘If you know where to look, kiddo, the world is full of magic and monsters.’ Six-year-old Henry believes his life is a fairytale. He’s a Star Prince, his mum is a Star Queen and they’re hiding from Henry’s father, the mysterious ‘Wolf King’. When news arrives that his Grandma is gravely ill, Henry and his mum must take a road trip across the country and back into the Wolf King’s orbit. Henry believes his magic powers will save them. But as the King draws ever closer, Henry’s world starts to fall apart. Who is the real baddie in his life? Who can he trust? And why don’t his powers seem to work? In this astoundingly original story of heroes, villains and the messy reality between them, a world of violence and fear can be wildly funny and streaked with magic. Through its unforgettable narrator, The Wolf Who Cried Boy explores how cycles of violence, misogyny and corruption must be broken if we ever want our children to grow up free
September 21, 2025
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Child’s Eye View, Dark and Tender, Dalton-esque
- - -
The book blind date gods have delivered again 🙌🏼
From the cover and title, I thought I was stepping into fantasy…. Wrong! What I found instead was something harder to pin down into a genre and psychological thriller is the closest I can get.
But it was more than a thriller. It was deep. It was moving. It was tough and it completely unforgettable.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. The story is told through the voice of six year old Henry complete with misspellings and childlike phrasing. But once I settled into his world, I was hooked and Henry worked his way straight into my heart.
Despite the young narrator, this is definitely not a light read. The book dives into heavy, confronting themes like domestic violence and there were so many moments I wanted to leap into the pages and save Henry and his mum.
There was a lot of heartbreak but there were glimmers of warmth, resilience and love that made the emotional rollercoaster worth every page.
This story is raw, original, moving and brilliantly written. If you’re a fan of Trent Dalton’s style or books like Edenhope by Louise Le Nay, Roseghetto by Kirsty Jagger or All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker, this one belongs on your list.
A very big thank you to Affirm Press for sharing this top read with me.
Vibes: Child’s Eye View, Dark and Tender, Dalton-esque
- - -
The book blind date gods have delivered again 🙌🏼
From the cover and title, I thought I was stepping into fantasy…. Wrong! What I found instead was something harder to pin down into a genre and psychological thriller is the closest I can get.
But it was more than a thriller. It was deep. It was moving. It was tough and it completely unforgettable.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. The story is told through the voice of six year old Henry complete with misspellings and childlike phrasing. But once I settled into his world, I was hooked and Henry worked his way straight into my heart.
Despite the young narrator, this is definitely not a light read. The book dives into heavy, confronting themes like domestic violence and there were so many moments I wanted to leap into the pages and save Henry and his mum.
There was a lot of heartbreak but there were glimmers of warmth, resilience and love that made the emotional rollercoaster worth every page.
This story is raw, original, moving and brilliantly written. If you’re a fan of Trent Dalton’s style or books like Edenhope by Louise Le Nay, Roseghetto by Kirsty Jagger or All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker, this one belongs on your list.
A very big thank you to Affirm Press for sharing this top read with me.
December 10, 2025
Alexandra and her son, Henry, are running away from someone called The Wolf King. Why this is necessary is slowly divulged as the pages are turned.
Henry is the six-year-old narrator. He listens to what is said and then tells us what he thinks it all means. It is intriguing and frustrating … especially as he believes in magic, monsters and that he and his mother were born on another planet in the universe.
They are travelling from ‘down south’ to Queensland to visit grandma who is dying. They can’t involve the police as the Wolf King has convinced the authorities that mother and son have to be apprehended on sight.
Alexandra and Henry are resourceful, resilient and often lucky: many times, they escape with moments to spare.
The son accepts everything – killings included – as part of the fairy tale of life. We, on the other hand, need to follow the ABC of thrilling tales: accept nothing; believe no-one; and challenge everything.
There’s an unnamed organisation that’s helping them but it has to be careful as many of its members are being monitored by the police.
'The Wolf Who Cried Boy' is violent, unnerving, sadistic and challenging. It is an amazing story to be read with a double gin and tonic within reach for readers of a delicate disposition.
November 28, 2025
A difficult read, for its content, but also an important one because of that.
The story is told from the perspective of Henry, a six year old boy, who is on the run with his mother (Alexandra), fleeing domestic violence. It is initially a bit hard to get into, as you adjust to the language and perspective, and the wavering between view of reality vs magical realism (a little hard to work out if you start the book without knowing much about it beforehand). But it becomes engaging, and you have to admire Alexandra's ingenuity and resilience in the face of adversity.
As you read it, you (with the protagonists) struggle with who to trust. You see how perpetrators of domestic violence can gaslight, as you also doubt what you have been presented with.
There is violence in this, but it is not just for gore. It shows you the terrible reality of things that happen. Not all men, but it is most often men.
This was a very good read, and would be solid discussion material, and a basis for awareness and education.
The story is told from the perspective of Henry, a six year old boy, who is on the run with his mother (Alexandra), fleeing domestic violence. It is initially a bit hard to get into, as you adjust to the language and perspective, and the wavering between view of reality vs magical realism (a little hard to work out if you start the book without knowing much about it beforehand). But it becomes engaging, and you have to admire Alexandra's ingenuity and resilience in the face of adversity.
As you read it, you (with the protagonists) struggle with who to trust. You see how perpetrators of domestic violence can gaslight, as you also doubt what you have been presented with.
There is violence in this, but it is not just for gore. It shows you the terrible reality of things that happen. Not all men, but it is most often men.
This was a very good read, and would be solid discussion material, and a basis for awareness and education.
December 8, 2025
🛑 Not all fairytales are safe.
This book wrecked me—in the best way. 💔 A heart-shattering, luminous story about a mother and son on the run, where fairytales blur into reality and the truth is more terrifying than fiction.
Six-year-old Henry believes he’s the Star Prince, hiding from the Wolf King with his mum, the fallen Star Queen. But the real story is far darker: they’re fleeing domestic violence, and Henry’s father is not a villain from a fable—he’s a Queensland police officer with power and protection.
Told partly through Henry’s innocent (and often devastating) eyes, this novel is masterful in its handling of trauma, love, and the dangerous comfort of stories. Mupotsa-Russell balances tenderness with critique, exploring toxic masculinity, generational violence, and how systems fail the most vulnerable.
The pacing? Perfect. The characters? Unforgettable. Henry? A starburst of courage and wonder in a broken world. 🌟
A must-read for fans of emotionally layered literary fiction with social bite. Still thinking about that ending…
This book wrecked me—in the best way. 💔 A heart-shattering, luminous story about a mother and son on the run, where fairytales blur into reality and the truth is more terrifying than fiction.
Six-year-old Henry believes he’s the Star Prince, hiding from the Wolf King with his mum, the fallen Star Queen. But the real story is far darker: they’re fleeing domestic violence, and Henry’s father is not a villain from a fable—he’s a Queensland police officer with power and protection.
Told partly through Henry’s innocent (and often devastating) eyes, this novel is masterful in its handling of trauma, love, and the dangerous comfort of stories. Mupotsa-Russell balances tenderness with critique, exploring toxic masculinity, generational violence, and how systems fail the most vulnerable.
The pacing? Perfect. The characters? Unforgettable. Henry? A starburst of courage and wonder in a broken world. 🌟
A must-read for fans of emotionally layered literary fiction with social bite. Still thinking about that ending…
January 1, 2026
Children shouldn’t have to grow up in a world where fear and anxiety replace simple joys—but for six-year-old Henry, fear is part of everyday life.
Henry believes he lives in a fairytale and that he has superpowers to protect his mum. It’s his way of coping as they move from place to place, never staying long enough to be found or traced. Their lives are shaped by constant vigilance and quiet terror.
The abuser—known as the Wolf King—does hold real power, and he knows exactly how to exploit it. When a sick Granny forces them back into a hostile area, everything they’ve worked to protect is put at risk.
This is a story of a confused child, a fiercely protective mother, and an evil father—all battling for what they believe is right. Beneath the suspense and danger lies something deeply tender: love, resilience, and the lengths we go to protect those we care about.
Dark, confronting, and emotionally powerful, this book doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths—but it also leaves room for hope in the shadows.
Henry believes he lives in a fairytale and that he has superpowers to protect his mum. It’s his way of coping as they move from place to place, never staying long enough to be found or traced. Their lives are shaped by constant vigilance and quiet terror.
The abuser—known as the Wolf King—does hold real power, and he knows exactly how to exploit it. When a sick Granny forces them back into a hostile area, everything they’ve worked to protect is put at risk.
This is a story of a confused child, a fiercely protective mother, and an evil father—all battling for what they believe is right. Beneath the suspense and danger lies something deeply tender: love, resilience, and the lengths we go to protect those we care about.
Dark, confronting, and emotionally powerful, this book doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths—but it also leaves room for hope in the shadows.
November 6, 2025
A coming-of-age tale, The Wolf Who Cried Boy (2025) by Mark Mupotsa-Russell features six-year-old Henry, a would-be superhero. Henry and his mother Lexi are living off-grid in the bush, hiding from the dangerous Wolf King, who is trying to find and possibly harm them. Henry yearns to have magical powers to protect his mother and himself, as they practice various escape scenarios. When a bearded man breaches their camp hideaway, Henry’s world is upended, and they are forced to run. Danger lurks everywhere as they have numerous close escapes, until the final chaotic confrontation with the Wolf King. With its fantasy world feel, this poignant yet disturbing tale is of an all too common experience of women and children. It's a surprisingly powerful and heart-rendering read with a five star read, do not miss rating. As always, the opinions are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.
August 22, 2025
This book is absolutely brilliant!
It has broken me... it has gotten into my heart and isn't letting go.
This is a totally unique and original take on themes of misogyny, domestic violence, corruption, and the bravery of those who work tirelessly to help those who find themselves victims of these things.
Six year old Henry is a protagonist who readers will not forget. Viewing things from his perspective allows humor and a little bit of magic to be injected into a dark story that otherwise would have very little light.
His story, and this book, deserve all the praise I can see coming it's way.
Thanks to Affirm Press for the review copy of this book.
It has broken me... it has gotten into my heart and isn't letting go.
This is a totally unique and original take on themes of misogyny, domestic violence, corruption, and the bravery of those who work tirelessly to help those who find themselves victims of these things.
Six year old Henry is a protagonist who readers will not forget. Viewing things from his perspective allows humor and a little bit of magic to be injected into a dark story that otherwise would have very little light.
His story, and this book, deserve all the praise I can see coming it's way.
Thanks to Affirm Press for the review copy of this book.
January 2, 2026
So so good - seeing things through Henry’s eyes, when his dad comes back into the picture you get to live that moment of uncertainty about who the real “baddie” is in the situation, and whether all of the danger they’ve been in up to that point is really because they’re running from the ‘The Wolf King’ or if it’s because Lexi is actually the dangerous one.
The descriptions of dissociation and flashbacks from a child’s POV gave that real heart sink feeling and there was a constant disappointment but recognition of realism in that every time Lexi and Henry seemed to reach safety, another threat was just around the corner or that safety was actually a threat disguised.
The descriptions of dissociation and flashbacks from a child’s POV gave that real heart sink feeling and there was a constant disappointment but recognition of realism in that every time Lexi and Henry seemed to reach safety, another threat was just around the corner or that safety was actually a threat disguised.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2025
Another strong book from Mark using a different take/voice on the genre and coverage of contemporary issues. This time an unreliable narrator through the voice of a 7 year old who did not always understand the full story. Mupotsa-Russell maintained the voice of Henry well throughout the book and the moments of wonder, imagination, fear and humour amidst a grim situation. I possibly wanted different justice at the end and didn’t agree with some of the parenting choices made throughout the book but I haven’t lived that experience to know just how I might make decisions to maintain safety.
January 3, 2026
This book totally pulled me in with its mix of heartache, magic and raw emotional force. The story is told through the eyes of six-year-old Henry, who believes he’s a Star Prince on the run with his mum, Lexi, from the terrifying Wolf King. What starts as a magical, fairytale-like road trip slowly reveals something much darker and more real beneath the surface.
Henry’s perspective is what makes this book so powerful. His imagination turns fear into fantasy, and it’s heartbreaking watching the truth seep through in small moments. Lexi is fiercely protective but flawed, and the tension between keeping her son safe and facing reality drives the story forward.
It’s emotional, unsettling, and beautifully written. The blend of innocence and danger made this a tough but unforgettable read.
Henry’s perspective is what makes this book so powerful. His imagination turns fear into fantasy, and it’s heartbreaking watching the truth seep through in small moments. Lexi is fiercely protective but flawed, and the tension between keeping her son safe and facing reality drives the story forward.
It’s emotional, unsettling, and beautifully written. The blend of innocence and danger made this a tough but unforgettable read.
November 14, 2025
It made me cry, in a good way! I couldn’t put it down, I needed to know what would happen to little Henry next.
He’s one of the most loveable characters I’ve met & his story is amazingly unique, traumatic yet beautiful.
Mark is a hugely talented writer. The story is written from 6-yr-old Henry’s POV. The narrative is charming & funny, on a back drop of a fast paced thriller.
Highly recommended.
He’s one of the most loveable characters I’ve met & his story is amazingly unique, traumatic yet beautiful.
Mark is a hugely talented writer. The story is written from 6-yr-old Henry’s POV. The narrative is charming & funny, on a back drop of a fast paced thriller.
Highly recommended.
December 11, 2025
Who is a goodie and who is a badie? It didn't take long to work it out when the characters are either really good or terribly evil.
Through the lens of a 6 year old the reader is taken on a road trip full of violence, suspense and love.
Ripe with police corruption, toxic masculinity, social inequality and flowery language!
I had tears and giggles but sometimes found the explicit abuse a bit shocking.
Through the lens of a 6 year old the reader is taken on a road trip full of violence, suspense and love.
Ripe with police corruption, toxic masculinity, social inequality and flowery language!
I had tears and giggles but sometimes found the explicit abuse a bit shocking.
August 18, 2025
I whipped through this one in no time!
Reading this story with a young protagonist worked so well as you are learning who to trust in real time along with the character. This makes it more stressful, fast paced and I was fully invested in this little boy's safety from start to finish.
Loved it!
4.5 stars rounded up
Do check for trigger warnings ⚠️
Reading this story with a young protagonist worked so well as you are learning who to trust in real time along with the character. This makes it more stressful, fast paced and I was fully invested in this little boy's safety from start to finish.
Loved it!
4.5 stars rounded up
Do check for trigger warnings ⚠️
September 13, 2025
Five stars. Easily top 3 of my fave reads this year.
It’s nuanced, beautifully written and a page turner. It’s a thriller but at its heart is a story about the lengths a mum goes to protect her child. It’s dark with some fairly monstrous scenes, but it’s also magical and heartwarming. You won’t be disappointed reading this book so grab a copy immediately.
It’s nuanced, beautifully written and a page turner. It’s a thriller but at its heart is a story about the lengths a mum goes to protect her child. It’s dark with some fairly monstrous scenes, but it’s also magical and heartwarming. You won’t be disappointed reading this book so grab a copy immediately.
November 9, 2025
Wow this book took me by surprise, I loved it. Such an interesting and clever way to explore DV and family violence with care and love. Definitely leaves you thinking and feeling afterwards about the children that are affected by this growing up and the systems that hold women back from their freedom.
November 21, 2025
I found this book annoying in parts. In trying to save the child from the abusive father, she puts the little boy through so many risky dangerous situations. If you are a parent there has to be a point where you have to think what is the cost of this. Also who are all these people who help her? The book has some flavours of Lola in the mirror but that felt more of an authentic voice.
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