Part Wolf

by A.D. Gallo

She doesn't know what she is yet.

Neither does he.

Winter Cates earned her place at Saint William Academy the hard way, a scholarship, silence, and seventeen schools worth of knowing exactly how not to be noticed. She understands the rules of a room the moment she walks into one.

She doesn't understand this one.

The gates here remember bloodlines. The forest watches. And the boy who moves through the academy like the air owes him something has been avoiding her with a precision that feels less like indifference and more like restraint.

Lochan Bradford has spent nineteen years mastering the distance between want and action. He knows what he is. He knows what this world does to things it can't control.

He doesn't know what she is.

He knows it's changing everything.

430 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2026

Reviews

[Paige Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to A.D. Gallo for the opportunity to review an ARC of Part Wolf. All opinions are my own.

3 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ // 0 🌶️

Strict hierarchy—The “Beast” inside— Forbidden love— YEARNING— Social outcast— Internal conflict

Review:
Moody, broody, and mysterious. Part Wolf starts out with our FMC upending her life again. We get very acquainted with her internal thoughts and motivations as she settles into her new surroundings.
Our MMC also has a lot on his mind. Duty and diligence, but maybe something more. The story ends on a cliffhanger just as he’s opening up.
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Critiques:
While I enjoyed the book, the characters all seemed very isolated. I felt I knew the FMC/MMC, however the supporting characters ( who had the potential to be “found family” ) fell a little flat. I felt this may have been due to seeing little interaction between characters. I think with a little more, it could really make the ending of Part Wolf that much more impactful.
I find maps with layouts of the grounds/story environment at the beginning of fantasy books to be a helpful resource whole world building. I feel like this also helps the reader connect to the main characters daily life.
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I really like the basis of this book and the direction it is going. The story line kept me engaged and waiting to see what happens next.

[Jessica Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part Wolf is the kind of book where you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly it is 2 a.m., your eyes are burning, and you are emotionally attached to fictional wolf people. I finished this in less than 24 hours and honestly would have kept going if Book 2 had magically appeared in my hands.

The academy atmosphere is deliciously eerie in the best way. Secret societies, ancient family legacies, morally questionable rich people, wolf shifters lurking around looking emotionally unavailable? Say less. The series has so much potential, especially with the centuries old history simmering underneath everything like a curse waiting to ruin everyone’s lives.

Winter is the kind of FMC I immediately root for because she has clearly survived on grit, stubbornness, and pure spite for most of her life. She is fiercely independent, sharp around the edges, and constantly feels like someone bracing for impact. Then there is Lochan, who has all the pressure of being the heir to this deeply rooted wolf shifter legacy and looks about five seconds away from collapsing under the weight of it. Naturally, the chemistry between them is immediate and impossible to ignore. They have that “this is probably a bad idea but unfortunately I am obsessed with you” energy that I eat up every single time.

And that ending??? Excuse me??? The cliffhanger left me with approximately twelve new questions and emotional damage. And although it’s implied, I desperately need more answers about Winter’s past because there is absolutely no way her induction into this academy was random. Suspiciously orchestrated? Absolutely. I need Book 2 to spill every secret immediately.

[Raie · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you to the author for reaching out and providing me with an ARC copy of Part Wolf — I really appreciated the opportunity to read this debut novel!

This one gave me major Twilight vibes throughout, especially with the moody atmosphere, small-town setting, and paranormal elements woven through the story. If you’re into wolf lore, mystery, and supernatural drama, there’s definitely a lot here to enjoy.

The book kept me hooked with plenty of twists and turns, and that ending cliffhanger absolutely sets things up for the next installment. You can tell this is a strong debut with a lot of potential, and I’m genuinely interested to see where the series goes next.

Where it lost me a little was with the multiple POVs. At times, it felt like we were reliving the same timeline repeatedly, which slowed the pacing for me. I also struggled to connect with some of the side characters because I wanted a bit more development and stronger found-family dynamics throughout the story.

Overall, though, this was an enjoyable paranormal read and a promising debut novel. I’ll definitely be checking out book two after that ending!

[Katie Villa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book ! It keeps you on edge needing to know where it’s going. I can’t wait for the story to keep going in the books to come. Highly recommend anyone to read this if you like wolves , slow and steady romance and a book to keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Jen Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Reader… A.D Gallo that was a fantastic read!!! Absolutely kept me in suspense the entire time. Loved the cliff hanger ending and cannot wait to read the next book. Absolutely love the FMC Character Winter and of course the MMC Lochan. Different dynamic I’ve ever read in a Shifter book and I have to say I really enjoyed it. Great book highly recommend reading!!

[Cera Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

Advanced reader copy given by author

I wanted to like this book so badly, but the entire time it felt like there were questions on top of questions with almost no real answers. Instead of feeling intrigued, I just kept getting more confused as the story went on.

There were so many moments where I felt like nothing being explained actually made sense, and after a while it honestly became more frustrating than suspenseful. The stress and confusion kind of outweighed my enjoyment of the story.

Overall, I don’t think this book was necessarily bad, but it just really didn’t work for me personally.

[Jillian Riley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has tremendous potential. The premise is really alluring. It is unfortunately like trekking through waste deep mud in crocs. Arduous and frustrating in its structure. It tries for mystery at every line only to result in constant half thoughts that do nothing to aid plot or enjoyment for the reader. I would reread it if it was restructured.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part Wolf is one of those books that quietly sneaks up on you and then refuses to let go.

From the very beginning, I found myself completely invested in Winter and her journey. A.D. Gallo does an excellent job of building a protagonist who feels real, layered, and relatable. Winter's struggles, doubts, and sense of responsibility are written with enough depth that I often felt as though I knew her personally. Her victories felt earned, and her setbacks carried genuine emotional weight.

What stood out most for me was the character development. The relationships never felt rushed or superficial. Instead, they unfolded naturally, allowing me to become emotionally attached to the people inhabiting Winter's world. The chemistry between Winter and her love interest was particularly compelling. Their connection is filled with tension, uncertainty, and a constant push-and-pull between personal desires and larger responsibilities. It kept me turning pages long after I had intended to stop reading.

The author also does a wonderful job of creating intrigue. Throughout the story, I found myself carrying a growing list of questions, particularly surrounding Winter's mother and the secrets that seem to linger beneath the surface. Rather than becoming frustrating, these unanswered questions deepened my investment in the story and made me eager to discover more.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to balance emotional storytelling with mystery and suspense. Every revelation seems to open the door to another question, creating a sense of momentum that makes the book difficult to put down.

If I had one criticism, it would simply be that the story left me wanting answers sooner. But in many ways, that's also a testament to how invested I became in the characters and their world.

Overall, Part Wolf is an engaging, character-driven story with strong emotional depth, compelling relationships, and enough mystery to keep readers hooked. If you enjoy books where the characters feel authentic and their journeys matter, this is definitely worth picking up.

A captivating read that left me emotionally invested in the characters and eager to uncover the truths still hiding in the shadows.

[Ellie Wenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a book like this. The authors writing is so unique. Every page is was methodically written and so dense that it insists on time to process. Every chapter allusive and thought provoking. The whole plot felt like a held breath as you wait for the spot to drop, but not quite knowing which form the show will take. I didn’t see the twist coming, and then the ending? I punched the air in outrage. Damn what a cliffy. Can’t wait for the sequel. I really have no idea what is going to happen.

[Jen L]

I received an advance reader copy and am giving my honest review.

First a general statement - I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either.

The writing style was different than what I'm used to. A large portion is formatted as short statements that are meant to carry weight and slow the reader. Which they did. However, I began to get frustrated because I wanted to read it faster. The school is mysterious, the FMC Winter has a mysterious backstory, and the MMC Lochan is surrounded in mystery.

So many unanswered questions that I'm hoping book two will take care of. Book one leaves you hanging on a huge cliffhanger!

Overall I give this a solid four stars. What I didn't like about the book had more to do with my preferences than the story.

[Kathy Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

About a wolf.

This book is a long slow dance. It is two people trying to control what it going to happen regardless.

[Sharon Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy.

I absolutely loved this book
The way it was written was different to other books I have read. I could not put it down.
The mystery, the suspense, the heir that has responsibilities and appearances to up keep, then she comes along and it seems to all go out the window.
Can’t wait for book 2.

[Cheryl Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely swept me off my feet from the very first page. It was such a wild ride! Every single chapter had me absolutely glued, perched right on the edge of my seat, practically begging to know what was going to happen next. Seriously, I devoured it; it's one of those rare reads you just cannot put down, no matter how hard you try. And wow, that ending! It left me with so many burning questions and has me ridiculously excited (and maybe a little impatient!) for the next installment

[Cynthia Cantu · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a perfect dark academia, romantasy
With wolves
Secrets,tension between characters then I highly suggest this book for you and it was a five out of five for me easy Read kept me engaged and intrigued to wanna know more.

[Samantha Hawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good. I must admit when I got to the end I didn’t realize I was at the end and then I was sad. Some of the repeated dialogue between the POVs feels unnecessary. But I enjoyed this story.

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found ‘Part Wolf’ to be an atmospheric and mesmerising read, I was hooked on the book from the beginning. I found the staccato pacing of the book to be really unique and intriguing, I haven’t a read a book with this technique before but it really suited the style of the book.

I found the characters to be likeable, both Winter and Lochan give off mysterious vibes and they’re both really guarded with each other, they’re both determined and they both care for one another, I’m intrigued to learn more about them.

As a whole, this is a gothic emotional read and I absolutely loved it! If you are into dark romantasy with emotion and mystery then add this to your TBR!

[Jessie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to A.D. Gallo for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Part Wolf had a lot of elements that initially drew me in: a compelling premise, a dark academic atmosphere, and a small town full of secrets. The world and mystery surrounding the characters were intriguing, and I appreciated the author's unique writing style.

Unfortunately, the execution didn't fully work for me. The multiple POVs often felt repetitive, revisiting the same timeline without adding enough new information. I also struggled with the constant stream of questions and mysteries that rarely received clear answers, which left me feeling more confused than intrigued.

While the atmosphere was strong, I found the pacing slow and wished for more character development, particularly among the side characters and relationships. Much of the story felt like setup, with the major plot developments arriving very late.

Overall, I can see this working well for readers who enjoy highly atmospheric, lyrical, and unconventional storytelling. While it wasn't the right fit for me, the book's premise and world show a lot of potential.

[Nora Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to know what happens! The book was left on a massive cliffhanger and NONE of my questions have been answered. If you want tension and yearning, this book definitely delivers. If you want answers, you'll definitely need book two!

[Holli Mahar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will definitely keep you in suspense. It is also a slow burn. Definitely interested to see what happens in the next book.

[Christina Blanco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy from author.

I’m torn between 3-4 stars. I feel like the book has so much potential for a 5 star review. The chapters keep you just interested enough to keep turning pages.

I’m not 100% sure on if the fmc and mmc are related or if it’s romantic. I agree with another review stating side characters had potential to be found family but it never gets that deep.

I would read book 2 to see if the story is able to flourish in a way that brings it all together. I think the pieces are there and just need more depth.

[CLorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: Secret Identity, Shifters, Fated Mates, Slow Burn
(3.75 stars)
Part Wolf by A. Gallo explores the shifter-verse subtly examining their unique hierarchy and their relationship to the human sector. Ms. Gallo uses lyrical language and visceral atmosphere to tell her story.
Gifted athlete Winter has been given a golden opportunity to matriculate at prestigious Saint William Academy as a scholarship student. Readers can ascertain that Winter is fiercely independent and has had to navigate the world with little parental support, an unknown father and an often-absent mother.
Lochlan is the scion of a powerful wolf clan that lives in the woods near the academy. The clan appears to hold considerable sway and Lochlan attends the academy as a legacy student. While not betrothed yet, it is understood that Lochlan will make a strategic alliance with Maris Harlan.
However, once Winter arrives at Saint William Acdemey, she and Lochlan begin to jointly experience an unmistakable and unshakeable connection. Neither one of them has a label to categorize the pull they feel. As they struggle under the scrutiny of his pack and tradition and her tentative place in this cold world of academia and privilege, will this unprecedented bond be their salvation or their ruin?
Conclusion:
Half Wolf ends on cliffhanger as Lochlan and Winter face treachery and betrayal. I enjoyed elements of this story with its elegant prose and dark atmosphere. Ms. Gallo brings a sense of urgency to the plight of these possibly fated mates. However, I had some difficulty connecting with the story and the characters. The parts of the story I struggled with were the distance between our two main characters; they had few actual in-person interactions. In addition, I could not visualize Lochlan or Winter, no real descriptions were offered. I am invested in seeing where the story takes us, so I look forward for secrets revealed and bonds explained.
Favorite Lines:

A feeling you get in new places with unspoken rules you can sense.
You cannot lie with your body’s chemistry, and every wolf in a room knows this, which is why the most dangerous conversations in this world happen in silence.
Because the distance between that house and that building was the only part of the day that was entirely mine.
But I know, with the same certainty that has kept me alive through seventeen beds and seventeen schools and seventeen versions of starting
I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand like that will help. It doesn’t. It’s in me now.
And I understand, finally, why men like my father fear weakness more than enemies.
I don’t know why I’m standing here. I don’t know why her scent still sits against my teeth like a memory I never earned.
Inherited gravity. The most exhausting kind.
Lochan walks away like leaving is an act of discipline.
She is still for a moment. Long enough that I know she can smell it on me, the thing I haven’t named, the thing the compound has already decided to name for me.
Already turning back toward the door, like he didn’t just light a match and toss it at my feet.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/part-w...

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. I enjoyed the dark and almost gothic atmosphere of the book, set in a small town where no one overtly states who and what they are - every single character had a veil of mystery, which was intriguing. I always enjoy a book with dual POVs, this one including POVs from the main female and male characters. Although I'm not sure I loved the writing style, it was very unique compared to other authors, so I can definitely appreciate that it isn't a carbon copy of other authors - the writing style was almost like a stream of consciousness from whichever character was the POV rather than a description of plot, events, and conversations between characters (in fact, there was almost zero conversation between any characters). Sometimes, I had to go back and reread a few sections because it wasn't immediately apparent if the character was experiencing a flashback or was thinking in the present. Where I found the book lacking was in the overall plot and character development - the first 75% was just basically an introduction into the characters and their lives, then, there was one main event and the book just ended. I couldn't even call it a cliffhanger because leading up the final event, it was basically just the main characters going about their daily business with only a very few, minimal interactions with each other - there was no buildup or development of any kind of relationship between the two, which made the entire book fall a bit flat.

[JudyReadsFantasy Naude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part Wolf by A.D. Gallo completely pulled me into its dark mysterious atmosphere from the very beginning.

Winter receives a scholarship to an elite academy, but instead of feeling like a dream opportunity, the school feels unsettling from the moment she arrives. Between the strange hierarchy within the academy, the feeling that she is constantly being watched, and the pull she feels toward the woods surrounding the school, there is this constant tension throughout the story that kept me hooked.

I really loved Winter as a main character because she felt lonely and out of place long before the supernatural elements even started appearing. Her difficult family background and constantly moving from place to place made her emotional struggles feel believable.

And then there is Lochan.

The tension between Winter and Lochan was honestly one of my favourite parts of the book. There is something both dangerous and comforting about him, and every scene between them carried that strange pull where you know something bigger is happening underneath the surface.

The mystery slowly builds while the atmosphere becomes darker and more dangerous, and once the secrets finally start unraveling the story becomes impossible to put down.

That ending genuinely shocked me and now I desperately need book two because I have so many questions left unanswered.

If you love:
🐺 dark academy fantasy
🐺 mysterious forests and hidden secrets
🐺 slow tension romance
🐺 supernatural creatures
🐺 atmospheric YA fantasy
🐺 characters carrying emotional scars

then I definitely recommend Part Wolf.

[Benita Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m honestly not a huge fantasy reader, so I went into PART WOLF expecting to maybe appreciate it more than actually love it. I was wrong. This book completely pulled me in.

What surprised me most was how emotional and atmospheric it felt. It’s not one of those fantasy books where you feel like you need to memorize a million rules or kingdoms just to keep up. The world feels immersive without being overwhelming, and the tension between the characters had me STRESSED in the best way possible.

The writing is gorgeous. Dark, addictive, moody. There were so many lines I had to reread because they hit that hard. The whole book feels cold in that rainy elite boarding school way where everyone is hiding something and nobody is saying what they actually mean. It has this constant underlying sense of danger and longing that made it impossible for me to stop thinking about.

Also, Lochan Bradford??? I get it now.

Even as someone who doesn’t usually gravitate toward wolves/fantasy/paranormal stories, this felt so much more character driven and emotionally intelligent than I expected. You can feel the restraint, the pressure, the obsession simmering underneath everything. It reads almost cinematic.

Definitely one of the most unique books I’ve read in a long time and I already know people are going to become obsessed with this series.

[Taylor Abney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Advanced Copy Review *****
All my review is my thoughts and perspectives only

----Yearning ---- Forced proximity--- Bonds-- Secrets 0.5 🌶

- This book read very differently than I am used too. With that said I will name some instances

** we get descriptive narratives from both our FMC and MMC . The story is written in a way that it feels like your intruding on someone's internal thoughts. In this case our 2 main characters. There is very little acutal dialog between the two through the book or with anyone really

** that brings my second point. There was some world building but not much. Just enough to take you there but again since we are only experiencing this through their POV, I feel a little more was warranted. Expecially with planting really good potential side characters. I just felt I was missing just a tad more.

** the plot does start reveal itself as you read and for a first book we are left with just as many secrets to discover as when we started but really amps up at the end and we are left hanging on a cliff wanting more

With these things said. Despite the way it read for me and lack or I should say what I thought might be missing I COULDNT STOP READING IT. I constantly was turning the pages ready for what was next . I am very interested in what the author does for book 2 because I am still invested

[YAYA.READS · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ ! • First, I want to thank the author A. d. Gallo for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of her book and for trusting me with her story before publication. I truly appreciate being given the chance to experience it early.

I genuinely enjoyed the direction the story was going and the overall concept. I especially liked the FMC, the gothic atmosphere, and the whole private society/universe the story was set in. There were so many elements that pulled me in and made me want to keep discovering more about the world.

Unfortunately, the writing style personally didn’t work for me. This is completely a preference thing, but I tend to gravitate toward simpler prose, and at times I felt like the wording became overly complicated or dramatic. There were moments where I was fully immersed in the story, but the writing style would pull me out of it and leave me confused. I often felt like some scenes could have had the same emotional impact with more straightforward wording.

-> I can absolutely see other readers — especially those who enjoy more lyrical or elaborate writing styles — really connecting with this book.

[Emelie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is YEARNING and TENSION. I’m kept on my toes the whole time. It’s like a rope is pulling me forward. It’s a really cool experience how the author succeeds to pull me in to the story and keep me going. I must say this was a real experience and one I didn’t foresee at all. This book leaves me screaming inside: I NEED MORE!! What happens next? A need to read more.

This is a kind of urban fantasy with wolf shifters in a seemingly normal school. The FMC Winter feels like she’s being called or pulled to the forest and she doesn’t know why. The MMC Lochan is all about keeping control, seemingly unbothered, duty above it all but then something happens. A bond he didn’t ask for, didn’t want and must keep away. Crumbs of lore and world building is spread throughout the pages. I’m left with the feeling that I’m missing something and that I have to continue reading. As I said - I need more!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5/5

[Caroline Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huge thank you to A.D. Gallo for the ARC! The story has potential and book one ends in a cliffhanger. That alone makes me think book 2 will be better. Part Wolf follows the FMC Winter and her entry to an elite school via athletic scholarship. You never get Winter’s backstory but perhaps that’s on purpose. The POV switches nearly every chapter but the tone never does. Both the MMC and the FMC are written like they’re the same person and so I never felt like I connected to either of the characters. The background of each character is exceptionally vague and that makes relating to them harder. This is a SLOW burn. The characters don’t become a thing until literally the very end of the book. No spice just forbidden longing.

[Theresa Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I'd like to thank the author A.D. Gallo for an eARC of Part Wolf.

I enjoyed reading this book, it was a quick read but I did find that we didn't get too much back story about most of the characters, so I didn't have a favourite and/or least favourite character. At times I felt some of the chapters were repeating the story due to the multiple povs but they all read the same, no change in tone which would make them unique.

I kept waiting for something to happen and then as it started getting interesting the book was finished, left on a cliffhanger.

It has set the story up well for book 2, and I hope the second book keeps pace with the last few chapters of this book. This has the potential to be a great story.

[Tisha Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had so much potential and the overall concept honestly intrigued me from the start. The story idea was strong, and I could definitely see the foundation for what could become a really amazing fantasy series.

For me personally, the writing style just felt a little overdone at times. There were moments where the story seemed weighed down by extra details and unnecessary fluff, which made it harder for me to stay fully immersed. I also found myself getting confused in certain parts because the mystery and vague reveals sometimes overshadowed the actual progression of the plot.

That being said, I still think this story has a lot of promise. The creativity, atmosphere, and overall idea behind the world were really interesting.