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This Is Not a Werewolf Story
A “heartfelt, enigmatic, and ethereal” ( School Library Journal ) debut that two-time Newbery Honor winner Gary Schmidt calls “a journey that every reader needs to go on.”
This is the story of Raul, a boy of few words, fewer friends, and almost no family. He is a loner—but he isn’t lonely. All week long he looks after the younger boys at One of Our Kind Boarding School while dodging the barbs of terrible Tuffman, the mean gym teacher.
Like every other kid in the world, he longs for Fridays, but not for the usual reasons. The woods have secrets...and so does Raul. As soon as the other students go home for the weekend, Raul makes his way to a lighthouse deep in the heart of the woods. There he waits for sunset—and the mysterious, marvelous shapeshifting phenomenon that allows him to go home, too.
This is the story of Raul, a boy of few words, fewer friends, and almost no family. He is a loner—but he isn’t lonely. All week long he looks after the younger boys at One of Our Kind Boarding School while dodging the barbs of terrible Tuffman, the mean gym teacher.
Like every other kid in the world, he longs for Fridays, but not for the usual reasons. The woods have secrets...and so does Raul. As soon as the other students go home for the weekend, Raul makes his way to a lighthouse deep in the heart of the woods. There he waits for sunset—and the mysterious, marvelous shapeshifting phenomenon that allows him to go home, too.
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2016
27 people are currently reading
1660 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Evans
1 book125 followersSandra Evans drew inspiration for This Is Not a Werewolf Story (Simon & Schuster, 7.26.16) from cultural sources, including the “sympathetic werewolf” stories of twelfth-century France, Celtic myths, and the folklore of the Pacific Northwest. She wrote the novel for (and with input from) her son. Sandra is a native of Whidbey Island and earned her doctorate in French literature from the University of Washington. This Is Not a Werewolf Story is her first book for children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
January 28, 2017
I first picked This is not a Werewolf Story up because of its cover. I saw it at Tumblr and immediately felt in love with it. It was sweet, curious and beautiful - and it had werewolf splattered over it. I was even more smitten when I picked it up with my own two hands - One of my best friends had bought it to me and added another layer of love to it.
Then I read it.
And my heart was so happy it could barely stay in my chest.
This is a story about Raul. Raul spends his weekdays at One Of Our Kind Boarding School and his weekends, which he had to spend at home with his father, at White Deer Woods. Raul’s happy about this. There’s magic in the woods. There’s also someone else he loves there.
Raul’s the narrator, and this is only the first beautiful thing about this book. Raul’s not the kind of person who talks a lot, but when he writes he’s the most poetic child in the world. And the funniest. And the most kind. I read some parts out loud and I could hear the smiles in my voice echoing Raul’s. He’s kind when he takes care of the younger kids (specially Sparrow, his favorite), when he talks about them or about his crush, Mary Anne, or when he talks about the magic in the woods. Raul’s brave, even if he doesn’t believe it himself. Raul’s also strong and caring and beautiful and, honestly, I’ve loved this boy since the first page and I feel like I’ll love him for the rest of my life.
Raul befriends Vincent, the new kid who could have a secret just like him, and learns that his PE teacher, Tuffman, the one everyone fears and hates and, honestly, is just the most awful person in the world (How dare him do what he did to Raul and the kids?), has secrets of his own. Raul lives with Dean Swift, a man of science and magic, and Cook Patsy and Ms. Tern, the wonderful mother figures at the boarding school. Raul also lives with White Wolf and the german shepherd Bobo.
I loved this book so much I didn’t even care that I had figured out most of the main issues before I had reached the middle. Seeing Raul putting the pieces together and going through everything he went was more than enough. This is a child’s book, after all, full of surprises and twists that I could have picked, but someone else might have not. I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again - The writing here is so beautiful it makes up for anything.
This Is Not a Werewolf Story is a bittersweet, heartwarming and moving tale about love, magic and the early teenage phase and, honestly, I hope, one day, I’ll be able to read it to my kids and my friends’ kids. Also, please, someone hire me to translate it to Brazilian Portuguese. And give us other books. I’m sure I’ll love them just as much.
Ps.: I’m putting this book under my werewolf category but this is not, in fact, a werewolf story. This is a shapeshifter story. This is a story about wolves and cougars and orcas and eagles and ravens and, above all, about a brave, caring kid.
Then I read it.
And my heart was so happy it could barely stay in my chest.
This is a story about Raul. Raul spends his weekdays at One Of Our Kind Boarding School and his weekends, which he had to spend at home with his father, at White Deer Woods. Raul’s happy about this. There’s magic in the woods. There’s also someone else he loves there.
Raul’s the narrator, and this is only the first beautiful thing about this book. Raul’s not the kind of person who talks a lot, but when he writes he’s the most poetic child in the world. And the funniest. And the most kind. I read some parts out loud and I could hear the smiles in my voice echoing Raul’s. He’s kind when he takes care of the younger kids (specially Sparrow, his favorite), when he talks about them or about his crush, Mary Anne, or when he talks about the magic in the woods. Raul’s brave, even if he doesn’t believe it himself. Raul’s also strong and caring and beautiful and, honestly, I’ve loved this boy since the first page and I feel like I’ll love him for the rest of my life.
Raul befriends Vincent, the new kid who could have a secret just like him, and learns that his PE teacher, Tuffman, the one everyone fears and hates and, honestly, is just the most awful person in the world (How dare him do what he did to Raul and the kids?), has secrets of his own. Raul lives with Dean Swift, a man of science and magic, and Cook Patsy and Ms. Tern, the wonderful mother figures at the boarding school. Raul also lives with White Wolf and the german shepherd Bobo.
I loved this book so much I didn’t even care that I had figured out most of the main issues before I had reached the middle. Seeing Raul putting the pieces together and going through everything he went was more than enough. This is a child’s book, after all, full of surprises and twists that I could have picked, but someone else might have not. I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again - The writing here is so beautiful it makes up for anything.
This Is Not a Werewolf Story is a bittersweet, heartwarming and moving tale about love, magic and the early teenage phase and, honestly, I hope, one day, I’ll be able to read it to my kids and my friends’ kids. Also, please, someone hire me to translate it to Brazilian Portuguese. And give us other books. I’m sure I’ll love them just as much.
Ps.: I’m putting this book under my werewolf category but this is not, in fact, a werewolf story. This is a shapeshifter story. This is a story about wolves and cougars and orcas and eagles and ravens and, above all, about a brave, caring kid.
December 20, 2021
This was an enjoyable teen story but I didn't fully get emersed in it. Liked it but didn't love it
May 7, 2025
”I am not a werewolf. I am not a monster.”
Synopsis: There’s a tween wolf in the closet, and it most definitely doesn’t want to be let out to breathe. Navigating boarding school is hard enough; but when you have a were-cougar who’s also trying to kill you, it just doesn’t make things any better.
Pros:
I’m Just a Tween and It’s Kind of a Nightmare: I remember what it was like to be a tweenager. Oh, those awkward years of adolescence when you’re too old to be considered a kid but too young to be considered a teenager and be ‘In the know’ of adult conversations. When you might really like someone but in all your awkward tweenage glory often end up looking like a total klutz in their presence. How you want desperately to be taken seriously, but the adults still treat you like you’re in kindergarten. In this sense, the author did an outstanding job with the narration of Raul. With the help of his casual style narration, you’ll be taken back to when you were in middle school just trying to figure things out. His brutally honest take on friendships, family, and the pangs of first love resonated with me as a reader, and I definitely think that a tween reader will immediately identify with him. The interactions he had with his friends and teachers were much more interesting to read about than the werewolf story line.
Miss Trunchbull, Meet Your Opponent: I thought Miss Trunchbull from Matilda was bad. But she’s nothing compared to Turnball, who with his name, might her second cousin twice removed, is the PE teacher at Raul’s school. And he’s a fucking nightmare. He reminds you of all the reasons you hated gym class in middle school. He actively picks on kids and makes their life a living nightmare, including Raul’s. Even though he’s hiding secrets of his own (and very big ones at that), it doesn’t make him any less despicable.
And They Called It Puppy Love: I don’t usually ship couples in middle grade novels because there really is no romance to speak of sometimes. But damn, the pangs of first love are extremely clear in this book, and I was fully on board with this ship. Raul has a helpless crush on Mary Ann, the smartest and prettiest girl in the entire school. If he can ever get out of the dreaded friend-zone that is. Their relationship reminded me a lot of Stiles and Lydia from Teen Wolf, which made me even more fond of them as a pair. Even when Mary Ann could be a bit of a stick in the mud snooty pants, I still shipped them (and that’s a true ship, y’all).
Cons:
There Is No Tween Wolf in the Closet…: The title of this book is actually kind of accurate, because it is indeed, not a werewolf story. However, I can see some readers taking this title to be a facetious joke. However, Raul himself (and the others like him), are not werewolves; they’re shapeshifters. They don’t prey on humans or retain human like features; they are completely and totally that creature. Young tweens might be disappointed to find this out, and especially disappointed if they wanted werewolf blood and gore. As far as the content, I can also forsee this as being a problem. Young tweens might see the title and the badass (but gorgeously illustrated) cover and think WEREWOLVES! BLOOD! GUTS! ENTRAILS! GORE!. And they’ll probably be sorely disappointed to find out that there’s none of the above mentioned. It’s about finding where you belong and the process of growing up rather than a straight up tween slasher book as some readers might be expecting.
Vague Popularity Chain: In the book and synopsis, Raul says that he is the unpopular kid on his school, that no one really talks to him, no one really likes him. The usual things a kid would say if they’re are unpopular. But in reading the book, I kind of didn’t get that feeling at all. I considered him more of a floater and voluntary loner than truly unpopular kid. And from the writing, the author couldn’t seem to make up her mind, either. None of his so-called antagonists do any… well, antagonizing.
Oh, Mother Dear: One of the main storylines has to do with Raul’s family. Coming from a semi-broken home, his mother suddenly disappeared one when he was little with no inkling as to where she might be. Much to the dismay of readers, you’ll figure out the mystery pretty quickly, which means the main part of the storyline is solved within the first hundred pages. For me, this made me unmotivated to pick it up from then on out. Furthermore, I also felt that while the author wrapped up most of the mysteries and burning questions just fine, she dragged them out longer than they needed to be with unnecessary filler. But the one mystery she didn’t fully solve involves his mom, which is kind of frustrating.
************************
As Raul himself states, this is not a werewolf story. And he’s right; it’s not a werewolf story. Instead, it’s a story about the pangs of first love, the pain of not belonging, and the optimistic hope of things getting better. With an easy writing style and sharp wit, the author takes you on a bittersweet tale of magic woods, shapeshifting creatures, and the power of believing not only in others, but in yourself.
Synopsis: There’s a tween wolf in the closet, and it most definitely doesn’t want to be let out to breathe. Navigating boarding school is hard enough; but when you have a were-cougar who’s also trying to kill you, it just doesn’t make things any better.
Pros:
I’m Just a Tween and It’s Kind of a Nightmare: I remember what it was like to be a tweenager. Oh, those awkward years of adolescence when you’re too old to be considered a kid but too young to be considered a teenager and be ‘In the know’ of adult conversations. When you might really like someone but in all your awkward tweenage glory often end up looking like a total klutz in their presence. How you want desperately to be taken seriously, but the adults still treat you like you’re in kindergarten. In this sense, the author did an outstanding job with the narration of Raul. With the help of his casual style narration, you’ll be taken back to when you were in middle school just trying to figure things out. His brutally honest take on friendships, family, and the pangs of first love resonated with me as a reader, and I definitely think that a tween reader will immediately identify with him. The interactions he had with his friends and teachers were much more interesting to read about than the werewolf story line.
Miss Trunchbull, Meet Your Opponent: I thought Miss Trunchbull from Matilda was bad. But she’s nothing compared to Turnball, who with his name, might her second cousin twice removed, is the PE teacher at Raul’s school. And he’s a fucking nightmare. He reminds you of all the reasons you hated gym class in middle school. He actively picks on kids and makes their life a living nightmare, including Raul’s. Even though he’s hiding secrets of his own (and very big ones at that), it doesn’t make him any less despicable.
And They Called It Puppy Love: I don’t usually ship couples in middle grade novels because there really is no romance to speak of sometimes. But damn, the pangs of first love are extremely clear in this book, and I was fully on board with this ship. Raul has a helpless crush on Mary Ann, the smartest and prettiest girl in the entire school. If he can ever get out of the dreaded friend-zone that is. Their relationship reminded me a lot of Stiles and Lydia from Teen Wolf, which made me even more fond of them as a pair. Even when Mary Ann could be a bit of a stick in the mud snooty pants, I still shipped them (and that’s a true ship, y’all).
Cons:
There Is No Tween Wolf in the Closet…: The title of this book is actually kind of accurate, because it is indeed, not a werewolf story. However, I can see some readers taking this title to be a facetious joke. However, Raul himself (and the others like him), are not werewolves; they’re shapeshifters. They don’t prey on humans or retain human like features; they are completely and totally that creature. Young tweens might be disappointed to find this out, and especially disappointed if they wanted werewolf blood and gore. As far as the content, I can also forsee this as being a problem. Young tweens might see the title and the badass (but gorgeously illustrated) cover and think WEREWOLVES! BLOOD! GUTS! ENTRAILS! GORE!. And they’ll probably be sorely disappointed to find out that there’s none of the above mentioned. It’s about finding where you belong and the process of growing up rather than a straight up tween slasher book as some readers might be expecting.
Vague Popularity Chain: In the book and synopsis, Raul says that he is the unpopular kid on his school, that no one really talks to him, no one really likes him. The usual things a kid would say if they’re are unpopular. But in reading the book, I kind of didn’t get that feeling at all. I considered him more of a floater and voluntary loner than truly unpopular kid. And from the writing, the author couldn’t seem to make up her mind, either. None of his so-called antagonists do any… well, antagonizing.
Oh, Mother Dear: One of the main storylines has to do with Raul’s family. Coming from a semi-broken home, his mother suddenly disappeared one when he was little with no inkling as to where she might be. Much to the dismay of readers, you’ll figure out the mystery pretty quickly, which means the main part of the storyline is solved within the first hundred pages. For me, this made me unmotivated to pick it up from then on out. Furthermore, I also felt that while the author wrapped up most of the mysteries and burning questions just fine, she dragged them out longer than they needed to be with unnecessary filler. But the one mystery she didn’t fully solve involves his mom, which is kind of frustrating.
************************
As Raul himself states, this is not a werewolf story. And he’s right; it’s not a werewolf story. Instead, it’s a story about the pangs of first love, the pain of not belonging, and the optimistic hope of things getting better. With an easy writing style and sharp wit, the author takes you on a bittersweet tale of magic woods, shapeshifting creatures, and the power of believing not only in others, but in yourself.
July 20, 2016
Raul is a quiet boy, who lives at a boarding school in the northwest. The story unfolds little by little, releasing interesting tidbits about Raul, his teachers and classmates. He has had a tough life, and between his mom's leaving and his dad's distance, it is even harder at school. The weaving of relationships is well done here, and the gradual revelation of the magic of the woods gives just the right amount of anticipation. I enjoyed seeing the characters at the school develop, and learn who was and was not trustworthy through Raul's interactions. I recommend this mix of mystery and fantasy for readers in grades 4 through 7.
February 27, 2017
This book is sooooooo cute. I loved every single part of it. Raul's voice makes for a great narration, and I just can say that it's a great and magical MG.
Raul's friends are wonderful and I loved how they built the concept of family and friendship in the book. I really can't say more about it without entering a loop, but suffice to say that if you love fantastic MG you should definetly pick this book up. The atmosphere, the plot and the characters are so lovely and I couldn't put the book down.
Raul's friends are wonderful and I loved how they built the concept of family and friendship in the book. I really can't say more about it without entering a loop, but suffice to say that if you love fantastic MG you should definetly pick this book up. The atmosphere, the plot and the characters are so lovely and I couldn't put the book down.
February 20, 2018
This is not a Werewolf Story was awesome, I mean one was chapter was kinda scary and overtime the book was gets better and better and I would had stoped read the book but no because is just so interesting and the cover is awesome and i picked out this book by is cover and I thought it would boring!! But I was wrong. You that is reading this review should just leave and go the library and get this book because it was my favorite book of all time and the main character name is Raul By the way.
Want to read
August 26, 2016DNF @ pg 135
I was into the premise of the lone strange at the lone strange boarding school, but then the book got weird in a direction where I found myself not caring about what happened next. definitely a book best for readers who are comfortable inside middle grade fantasy
I was into the premise of the lone strange at the lone strange boarding school, but then the book got weird in a direction where I found myself not caring about what happened next. definitely a book best for readers who are comfortable inside middle grade fantasy
October 26, 2025
I absolutely LOVE, this book. It reminds me of books I’ve written and rewritten in my head since I was ten. dreams that felt like waking and being okay if happiness is fleeting. I can’t wait for the prequel and sequel. Absolutely recommend it to anyone of any age.
September 5, 2017
This is Not a Werewolf Story by Sandra Evans sparkles with magic and mystery but it also possesses the sharp glint of danger and adventure.
The protagonist Raul protests too much about not being a Werewolf to be trusted, but his denial at the outset of the book and slow parsing out of details regarding his unusual condition contribute to the fun and suspense of the story. This is a clever first-person account of a boy who has faced more than his share of adversity attending a very special school located next to a perilous but enthralling Woods. Reminiscent of one of my favorite YA books, Holes by Louis Sachar, the quirky cast of supporting characters (a slippery snake named Gollum, Mr. Tuffman the sadistic gym teacher, the clever and fetching Mary Anne, Mean Jack who aspires to be a mobster, etc.) engages the reader in this debut novel.
I especially love finding books I can recommend to middle school and high school boys. This is Not a Werewolf Story is a rip-roarin’ thrill ride for young readers that will leave them wanting more. Hopefully, Evans has a sequel in the works.
June 1, 2019
Beautifully weird and wonderfully quirky, This is Not a Werewolf Story leads you on a path that you think you know, before turning you around and showing you that you didn’t know the whole story at all. The characters are charming and pleasantly complex, and the constant theme of choice vs complacency, as well as the constant undercurrent of “you will never know the whole story” make it a surprisingly real and impactful tale. Paced carefully with deliberate high speed mysteries and soft, touching moments, this books plot wraps up beautifully in a way that both leaves you warmly satisfied, and insatiably curious.
You will never know the full story, and that is okay. You know enough to choose how you wish to act.
You will never know the full story, and that is okay. You know enough to choose how you wish to act.
September 28, 2022
This middle grade book was weird, it started ok, I had no idea what was going on and the character wasn’t telling much. However, those first chapters are there to set the ambiance more than anything, they’re there for you to know the forest, the magic, and the very strange concept of shape shifting. As the title says, this is technically not a werewolf story, it’s definitely not the kind of werewolf the characters describes… but as far as I’m concerned it classified as one (I’ve seen many different types of werewolves stories).
Once I was halfway through the book the story picked up really fast, a bunch of secrets starting pouring out from my characters, treason was happening and I found myself unable to stop. It is highly predictable for adults I think, so there weren’t that any surprises, but for kids who are the intended audience this is a fantastic adventure with magic, friendship, and bravery. It’s a story about discovering how you fit in, how friendship works, that it’s ok to be angry and make mistakes so long as you own up to it, and a lot doing the right thing. It was very good, and the thing that I least expected was that it’s a sort of retelling of an old Medieval French text.
Once I was halfway through the book the story picked up really fast, a bunch of secrets starting pouring out from my characters, treason was happening and I found myself unable to stop. It is highly predictable for adults I think, so there weren’t that any surprises, but for kids who are the intended audience this is a fantastic adventure with magic, friendship, and bravery. It’s a story about discovering how you fit in, how friendship works, that it’s ok to be angry and make mistakes so long as you own up to it, and a lot doing the right thing. It was very good, and the thing that I least expected was that it’s a sort of retelling of an old Medieval French text.
March 2, 2023
I’ve been meaning to read this for years and just now got around to it. I loved this story and I only wish I had read it when I was younger. (I think if I did I would’ve given it 5 stars). I really enjoyed reading how Evans took an old story and transformed it into something new. The characters were very interesting and overall this was a very fun read.
September 13, 2017
In the end of the book the plot comes together Raul figuring out that Mr. Tuffman is the cougar and he eats white animals (spirit animals) to become immortal. In the end we also figure out that Mr. Dean is an eagle and his second self is his human form so he is an animal that might be trapped as a human. (This doesn't make full sense since he needs to lose his clothes to become a human but his "changing area" might be to far away).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2016
Raul goes to boarding school. He doesn't belong to any groups and doesn't have many friends there. He looks after the little kids at school and tries to stay out of trouble with his vicious gym teacher. Every student at Raul's school goes home for the weekend. Raul has a secret though. He pretends to go while he's actually staying. The reason for that is a beautiful white wolf. When they run he feels like he's home, which is why spending his weekends outside is so appealing.
Something changes for Raoul at school. He finally makes a friend, so he has the chance to share some of his life. He has a crush on a girl and there is a student who might be nicer than he seems. Is there someone Raul can trust with his secrets? He runs with a wolf and transforms, but he isn't a mean beast that kills and only comes out when there's a full moon, so he's certain he isn't a werewolf. What happens to him during the weekends and who is the white wolf that's always waiting for him?
This Is Not a Werewolf Story is a fun book filled with beautiful words and wonderful magic. I immediately loved Raul. He's strong and resourceful and he's terribly brave. His father isn't good at taking care of him and his mother has left them, which is why he ends up at the boarding school. His existence is pretty lonely, but he makes the best of it. He doesn't have friends, but in the forest that doesn't matter, then he feels like he's found his right place in the world. The deep connection he has with the wolf is unique, which is something I liked very much. I also loved that the school is fabulously peculiar and I enjoyed reading about the teachers and the students.
The inspiration for This Is Not a Werewolf Story comes from old folklore tales and I enjoyed what Sandra Evans has done with that information. She's skillfully used the amazing elements and turned them into a fascinating modern story. I absolutely loved that she's written her book with the help of her son, that makes it extra special. It's clear that there's much love and appreciation for the topic. I really enjoyed reading the vivid descriptions of Raul's adventures and his surroundings. The ending of the story is surprising and I liked the angle Sandra Evans has chosen. This Is Not a Werewolf Story is a fantastic book for both children and grownups.
Something changes for Raoul at school. He finally makes a friend, so he has the chance to share some of his life. He has a crush on a girl and there is a student who might be nicer than he seems. Is there someone Raul can trust with his secrets? He runs with a wolf and transforms, but he isn't a mean beast that kills and only comes out when there's a full moon, so he's certain he isn't a werewolf. What happens to him during the weekends and who is the white wolf that's always waiting for him?
This Is Not a Werewolf Story is a fun book filled with beautiful words and wonderful magic. I immediately loved Raul. He's strong and resourceful and he's terribly brave. His father isn't good at taking care of him and his mother has left them, which is why he ends up at the boarding school. His existence is pretty lonely, but he makes the best of it. He doesn't have friends, but in the forest that doesn't matter, then he feels like he's found his right place in the world. The deep connection he has with the wolf is unique, which is something I liked very much. I also loved that the school is fabulously peculiar and I enjoyed reading about the teachers and the students.
The inspiration for This Is Not a Werewolf Story comes from old folklore tales and I enjoyed what Sandra Evans has done with that information. She's skillfully used the amazing elements and turned them into a fascinating modern story. I absolutely loved that she's written her book with the help of her son, that makes it extra special. It's clear that there's much love and appreciation for the topic. I really enjoyed reading the vivid descriptions of Raul's adventures and his surroundings. The ending of the story is surprising and I liked the angle Sandra Evans has chosen. This Is Not a Werewolf Story is a fantastic book for both children and grownups.
December 9, 2016
This is a review about a story that is not about a werewolf. It is about Raul, a boy that lives in a boarding school of sorts where all the kids go home during the weekend. While everyone else is with their parents, Raul is searching for answers to who his mother was. This leads him on a great adventure that teaches him that there is more to people that just what you see.
Raul is a loner that sneaks off to the woods every weekend where he turns into a wolf. While he is a wolf, he has White Wolf that plays with him and shows him how to be a wolf. During the week, he spends his time at a boarding school with other kids. His teachers all seem a little on the strange side. The P.E. teacher seems to be out to get him. The dean/science teacher is obsessed with the woods and lighthouses. And the history teacher is obsessed with the history of spirit animals. All this combines to make for quite an interesting time for Raul. And that’s not including all the other students.
Honestly, while reading this I thought that it was going to be stupid. I am happy to say that I was sucked into the story after a few pages. The characters are memorable and all have their own quirks. The ending was awesome and unique. I actually did not see the story ending the way it did. This is a great read and I say everyone should read it at least once. I like it so much that I can’t stop telling my spouse and teenage daughter to read it as well.
Raul is a loner that sneaks off to the woods every weekend where he turns into a wolf. While he is a wolf, he has White Wolf that plays with him and shows him how to be a wolf. During the week, he spends his time at a boarding school with other kids. His teachers all seem a little on the strange side. The P.E. teacher seems to be out to get him. The dean/science teacher is obsessed with the woods and lighthouses. And the history teacher is obsessed with the history of spirit animals. All this combines to make for quite an interesting time for Raul. And that’s not including all the other students.
Honestly, while reading this I thought that it was going to be stupid. I am happy to say that I was sucked into the story after a few pages. The characters are memorable and all have their own quirks. The ending was awesome and unique. I actually did not see the story ending the way it did. This is a great read and I say everyone should read it at least once. I like it so much that I can’t stop telling my spouse and teenage daughter to read it as well.
December 15, 2017
Evans, Sandra This is Not a Werewolf Story, 336 pages. Atheneum Books For Young Readers (Simon & Schuster) 2016. $16.99. Language: G (0 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13.
Shortly after the disappearance of his mother, Raul is sent to live in a boarding school during the week until his dad is able to come to grips with their new reality. As Raul's dad's visits become more and more sporadic and finally stop, Raul decides it's time to take control of his own life and not be left to the whims of others. Pretending his dad is meeting him at the bottom of the school drive, Raul slips out and spends his weekend hiding out in White Deer Woods. It is here he discovers an old lighthouse and a secret about himself that only the magic in White Deer Woods could awaken. As Raul tries to navigate school, friends, and a teacher who is bent on making his life miserable, the woods become his solace. It is in the woods that Raul finds the comfort and answers he has been searching for.
Evans re-telling of the french folk-tale "Bisclavret" is a unique blend of magic and mystery. The story tackles the subjects of bullying, betrayal, friendship and forgiveness without it feeling forced. It's well defined characters, heinous villain, and lots of plot twists make this a great book for adventure readers.
EL, MS -ESSENTIAL. Gina, Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Shortly after the disappearance of his mother, Raul is sent to live in a boarding school during the week until his dad is able to come to grips with their new reality. As Raul's dad's visits become more and more sporadic and finally stop, Raul decides it's time to take control of his own life and not be left to the whims of others. Pretending his dad is meeting him at the bottom of the school drive, Raul slips out and spends his weekend hiding out in White Deer Woods. It is here he discovers an old lighthouse and a secret about himself that only the magic in White Deer Woods could awaken. As Raul tries to navigate school, friends, and a teacher who is bent on making his life miserable, the woods become his solace. It is in the woods that Raul finds the comfort and answers he has been searching for.
Evans re-telling of the french folk-tale "Bisclavret" is a unique blend of magic and mystery. The story tackles the subjects of bullying, betrayal, friendship and forgiveness without it feeling forced. It's well defined characters, heinous villain, and lots of plot twists make this a great book for adventure readers.
EL, MS -ESSENTIAL. Gina, Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
June 5, 2019
This book has sad, intense parts but it is also really cute, happy, and heart warming in many parts too. I finished the book with a feeling that Raul and and his loved ones will finish working everything out for the good - and maybe my family (with its issues right now) will find a way to heal itself and work everything out for the good. This book was realistic with its ending - it won't promise your kids silly things like how everything is 'perfect' now that its reached its resolution. What it will do is show them that things got better for the character as they worked for it, and that it is possible to find happiness while working towards a better future.
Also I was cheering Raul on and giving him major life advice while on that journey with him. He's a fantastic character and I'm sure many readers will love him. This book has wonderful characters that warm your heart even when other characters are breaking yours by breaking your beloved character's heart.
One more thing, this book was an engaging read all the way through. There were no boring stretches where the reading was a grind to get to the good bits. Well done!
Also I was cheering Raul on and giving him major life advice while on that journey with him. He's a fantastic character and I'm sure many readers will love him. This book has wonderful characters that warm your heart even when other characters are breaking yours by breaking your beloved character's heart.
One more thing, this book was an engaging read all the way through. There were no boring stretches where the reading was a grind to get to the good bits. Well done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2018
The story: Raul is a loner at his boarding school, saying little to anyone and living for the weekends, where he can disappear into the woods and meet up with his mother. People just wouldn't understand about his mother being a wolf (or him either). Little do they know that a notorious hunter of spirit animals is on her trail, and that Raul himself could be the one that leads him to her.
June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity PG; Substance abuse G; Magic & the occult PG; GLBT content G; adult themes (parental abandonment; evil-doing by trusted adults) PG; overall rating PG.
Liz's comments: This was an intelligent, interesting story but it's hard to know how to target it, because it really ISN'T a werewolf story--so its usual audience of blood-thirsty boys is kind of a non-starter. Hand it to kids who like the whole Spirit Animals concept and series by Brandon Mull, and to kids who like a story about a boy who does his best to fix his own mistakes.
June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity PG; Substance abuse G; Magic & the occult PG; GLBT content G; adult themes (parental abandonment; evil-doing by trusted adults) PG; overall rating PG.
Liz's comments: This was an intelligent, interesting story but it's hard to know how to target it, because it really ISN'T a werewolf story--so its usual audience of blood-thirsty boys is kind of a non-starter. Hand it to kids who like the whole Spirit Animals concept and series by Brandon Mull, and to kids who like a story about a boy who does his best to fix his own mistakes.
June 8, 2019
Raul has always sort of looked out for the littler kids at the boarding school where he spends his weeks, but he doesn't exactly have friends. On the weekends, when everyone else's parents pick them up and take them home, Raul heads into the woods. Because he has a secret. Recipe cards and fishing rods. Lighthouses and Olympians. Territory and talking deer. White Wolf and One of Our Own.
A vivid cast of ordinary misfits whose lives intersect on the edge of White Deer Wood. Some of this is slice-of-life, about surviving gym class and boarding school. Some of it is coming-of-age, learning-to-trust, facing-your-fears, finding-yourself. And some of it is pure woods magic. I will always love lyrical storytelling with this kind of depth.
If you enjoyed Serafina and the Black Cloak, this may appeal.
A vivid cast of ordinary misfits whose lives intersect on the edge of White Deer Wood. Some of this is slice-of-life, about surviving gym class and boarding school. Some of it is coming-of-age, learning-to-trust, facing-your-fears, finding-yourself. And some of it is pure woods magic. I will always love lyrical storytelling with this kind of depth.
If you enjoyed Serafina and the Black Cloak, this may appeal.
November 7, 2016
First, Raul's mom disappeared, then he was sent to a boarding school and his father stopped visiting...and Raul stopped talking. But he has a secret: on the weekends he goes into the magical White Deer Woods near the school, and there he isn't alone. Unlike many fantasy books, Raul has a number of supportive (if sometimes clueless) adults around him, as well as the mysterious and mean PE teacher. Why does Mr Tuffman have it in for him so much? And is the popular new kid really his friend? Also unlike many fantasy books, this is really about Raul in his search for truth and love and family and friendship.
August 18, 2016
Good book, esp. for young readers, with plenty of adventure and mystery. You think you know the answers for sure but you're also kept second-guessing everything. Nothing overly amazing though, it won't exactly be at the top of my recommendation list.
September 25, 2016
Really good. This deeply thrilling novel has a unique original story and plenty of twists. The writing is good and I hope there is a sequel. A must read for people who want to be authors or who just love reading.
Want to read
September 30, 2016I won this about a little over a month ago and just received the end of last week. I am very excited to read this to my boyos! <3
October 12, 2016
This actually IS a werewolf story. But not in the usual sense.
August 20, 2019
Enoyable fantasy/adventure about one special student at a private boarding school trying to save his mother from an evil teacher.
September 15, 2017
Raul’s mom leaves him and his dad without a trace when he’s a very young boy. Distraught, lost and numb, Raul’s dad becomes more and more checked out as a parent, eventually he seems unable to carry out even the most basic of parenting skills. Finally, one day a social worker is called in, and when she sees the condition (or lack thereof) of Raul’s care, she recommends that Raul be sent off to a boarding school where Raul can be educated and taken care of during the week.
But the recommended boarding school is no run of the mill place! Named “One Of Our Kind” boarding school, it looks like a castle, complete with stone edifice, turrets, and secret rooms. The school sits on the tip of a “letter M” shaped cliff, high above a wide beach and the hushed, haunted White Deer Woods.”
Every Friday, all the parents show up to cart their children, grandchildren, etc. off to the city for the weekend. For a while, Raul’s dad comes to pick him up too…but one week he does not, and Raul decides to tell a fib to the master of the school Dean Swift that his dad’s car can’t make the hill, so he’s to wait for him there. Out of the way, and out of sight, Raul waits until everyone has left for the weekend and turns back, sneaking through a window and having the school to himself for the weekend. But it turns out he spends very little time of these weekends at the school…and that is the biggest part of Raul’s secret.
I loved how Evans gradually reveals Raul’s secret. Every time the boy gets a shiver down his spine, every time he get goosebumps he can’t explain, and every time he finds his supernatural superpowers increase…he’s closer to the truth about the other half of himself. And the reader comes deliciously closer to finding out about Raul’s secret…
Aside from the excellent “Raul Storyline” are the other cast of characters that are wonderful creations of Evans’s imagination. There’s Dean Swift, the benevolent, compassionate school master who’s not without his own share of secrets. The sadistic, cruel, slightly insane physical education teacher, and long ago Olympian, “Tuffman.” The young “mobster in training” Mean Jack, the oversized, oversensitive kid “Little John”, the “littlest of little” Sparrow and the girl Raul loves…”Mary Anne” in all her cinnamon and honey aroma glory. She’s pretty, smart and occasionally shows she’s got more guts than almost everyone at “One of Our Kind” boarding school.
But my favorite character has to be Ms. Tern. She loves to read and there’s almost always a book in her hand, but she’s like no other bookworm I’ve ever known…read the book and you’ll see!
Congratulations to Sandra Evans on writing this unforgettable story, and for having the courage and determination to see it published so we all could enjoy it!
But the recommended boarding school is no run of the mill place! Named “One Of Our Kind” boarding school, it looks like a castle, complete with stone edifice, turrets, and secret rooms. The school sits on the tip of a “letter M” shaped cliff, high above a wide beach and the hushed, haunted White Deer Woods.”
Every Friday, all the parents show up to cart their children, grandchildren, etc. off to the city for the weekend. For a while, Raul’s dad comes to pick him up too…but one week he does not, and Raul decides to tell a fib to the master of the school Dean Swift that his dad’s car can’t make the hill, so he’s to wait for him there. Out of the way, and out of sight, Raul waits until everyone has left for the weekend and turns back, sneaking through a window and having the school to himself for the weekend. But it turns out he spends very little time of these weekends at the school…and that is the biggest part of Raul’s secret.
I loved how Evans gradually reveals Raul’s secret. Every time the boy gets a shiver down his spine, every time he get goosebumps he can’t explain, and every time he finds his supernatural superpowers increase…he’s closer to the truth about the other half of himself. And the reader comes deliciously closer to finding out about Raul’s secret…
Aside from the excellent “Raul Storyline” are the other cast of characters that are wonderful creations of Evans’s imagination. There’s Dean Swift, the benevolent, compassionate school master who’s not without his own share of secrets. The sadistic, cruel, slightly insane physical education teacher, and long ago Olympian, “Tuffman.” The young “mobster in training” Mean Jack, the oversized, oversensitive kid “Little John”, the “littlest of little” Sparrow and the girl Raul loves…”Mary Anne” in all her cinnamon and honey aroma glory. She’s pretty, smart and occasionally shows she’s got more guts than almost everyone at “One of Our Kind” boarding school.
But my favorite character has to be Ms. Tern. She loves to read and there’s almost always a book in her hand, but she’s like no other bookworm I’ve ever known…read the book and you’ll see!
Congratulations to Sandra Evans on writing this unforgettable story, and for having the courage and determination to see it published so we all could enjoy it!
February 6, 2020
This story starts out really cheesy and slow but I had to give the author credit for making the main character sound like a real kid. I thought to myself "this author understands kids really well." which impressed me. It sounded like a kid wrote it, which is why a lot of the humour or descriptions sounded very odd and random. The humour was very cheesy and immature, further making me wonder "did a kid write this?" so I wasn't at all surprised to find out the author AND HER 9 year old son wrote it together. Cute! I love that idea!
The beginning started out slow and seemed to take forever. I wondered if I could make it through the book because it just sounded like a typical, everyone at the school is cruel, Annie type of story, with crushes, bullies, dumb little annoying kids, and mean teachers and the stupid no snitching rule that of course creates more drama than there needs to be in every school story out there. At first I was worried I bought another story I would end up having zero interest in.
Then slowly things got weird. At first I thought it was just the kids imagination going wild. Or taking weird interpretations from things their teachers said like kids often do. As the story progressed and things got weirder and weirder I began to question reality, no longer understanding or able to predict what was going on. When the story of the orca part came I thought it was really random. I guessed it somehow had meaning but it seemed so random and distant from the rest of the story I couldn't figure out how it fit in. Actually this is how most of the story felt to me. like I was scrambling around trying to figure out how the heck things fit in with the story. By 3/4 of the book I was so hooked. it took a long time to get hooked but once I was hooked, I was absolutely hooked. I wanted to know the recipe card secret. I wanted to know why his mom was hiding. The story, at first so random and cheesy, took a darker turn. and as I flipped through pages and pages, it only became darker and darker. things you would never expect began to happen. it felt like I was in a random dream that was slowly turning into a nightmare, that's how it felt.
I liked Mr. Tuftman. I felt sorry for him. he was an interesting character that was totally unique from any other character I've ever read about. I also liked Mean Jack. I guess I liked all the characters I wasn't supposed to like, but that's because they were hard to figure out. they were puzzles and didn't fit into the stereotypical personalities everyone uses. mean Jack actually had a conscience you saw bits and pieces of throughout the story.
Sparrow on the other hand was annoying, I had a hard time getting a feel for Vincent's personality, and finally, ended up hating Mary Anne by the end. I would say I was indifferent to her for most of the story but when she lashed out that one time, it was totally uncalled for and unfounded. wow someone makes ONE mistake and all her niceness goes out the window. doesn't even wait for Ralph to realize what he did before she's all over him like a rabid animal, and ironically, isn't thoughtful enough to take into consideration that he has a concussion, and that that influences his mood. Nope. no mercy for Ralph. and that snipe she made about everyone else in the school being a bunch of primates and thinking he was different really showed her true character. anyone who has flaws is less than human to Mary Anne. she's clearly above everyone else. and the instant someone makes a mistake or messes up or shows a flaw is the day that that person becomes less than human to Mary Anne. for considering herself a novelist, she sure has a warped view of people, despite writing about them all the time. If anyone needs counseling about their views on life, it's Mary Anne. She actually doesn't deserve Ralph at all, who constantly gives other people second and even third, even fourth, etc. chances. Ralph, who actually tries to understand why other people do the things they do, no matter how cruel and uncalled for. Anyway, enough my hatred for Mary Anne.
Mr. Tuftman never did make sense to me. Even after the story was over, I never quite figured him out. Why was he off hunting Cougars when he had no reason to? that prank should have never worked on him. Why was he so sad that Bobo was dying even though he's the one who did it? Why did Tuftman think he was the victim of the person he was trying to kill? he never struck me as a sinister man. why did he sometimes really seem like he felt bad about what he did and try to justify it to Ralph like he felt like he needed to? I had so many questions about Mr. Tuftman by the time the story ended that I feel like he could have a novel about his past and how he became to be what he is. he is probably the most interesting character in the book.
I don't think this is the type of story you can read a second time, because it's mainly a puzzle or a mystery book, and there isn't really much to it other than that. it makes an amazing first read but since I know who the culprit is and what ends up happening, despite loving the story I don't think I could ever read it a second time unless I was reading it TO someone else who hadnt read it before. that's the problem with mystery books though.
Throughout the story I felt like Ralph and his mother acted more like foxes than wolves. at least until the end anyway. Not to mention that on the cover, Ralph LOOKS like a little white Arctic Fox.
It was almost too convenient when Ralph's dad found him as a wolf. So I thought it was a nice touch that the ending still had some loose ends that never got solved. not only does it feel more real and magical that way, but sometimes I think you need a little sad with happy to have that feeling of hope. things are still not perfect. The story is still not over. but there is hope still. there are still so many things the author could explore if she ever wanted to write another book. I want to know more about his mother. so she wasn't a rotten cook after all, but what IS she rotten at? What is she like as a human? Why didn't Vincent want any part of the magic in the forest? Was he honestly cruel enough to want Ralph "put down" as a wolf? that takes Vincent to a whole new thing. He's not just a liar and a coward, he's a possible murderer.
Why did Vincent get to know Ralph's secret, but not Mary Anne or the Dean or Sparrow? Why keep it a secret at all? he could easily have proved it to everyone if he transformed in front of them.
finally, I like the idea that to change he needed a special recipe. The whole friesnel lens thing felt strange but I like the clothes and oven idea, it was very unique and creative to the story. Overall the story felt both eerie and magical, random, and dark. in the end nothing felt random anymore, all the little random things had some kind of significance, which is why I love this book.
The beginning started out slow and seemed to take forever. I wondered if I could make it through the book because it just sounded like a typical, everyone at the school is cruel, Annie type of story, with crushes, bullies, dumb little annoying kids, and mean teachers and the stupid no snitching rule that of course creates more drama than there needs to be in every school story out there. At first I was worried I bought another story I would end up having zero interest in.
Then slowly things got weird. At first I thought it was just the kids imagination going wild. Or taking weird interpretations from things their teachers said like kids often do. As the story progressed and things got weirder and weirder I began to question reality, no longer understanding or able to predict what was going on. When the story of the orca part came I thought it was really random. I guessed it somehow had meaning but it seemed so random and distant from the rest of the story I couldn't figure out how it fit in. Actually this is how most of the story felt to me. like I was scrambling around trying to figure out how the heck things fit in with the story. By 3/4 of the book I was so hooked. it took a long time to get hooked but once I was hooked, I was absolutely hooked. I wanted to know the recipe card secret. I wanted to know why his mom was hiding. The story, at first so random and cheesy, took a darker turn. and as I flipped through pages and pages, it only became darker and darker. things you would never expect began to happen. it felt like I was in a random dream that was slowly turning into a nightmare, that's how it felt.
I liked Mr. Tuftman. I felt sorry for him. he was an interesting character that was totally unique from any other character I've ever read about. I also liked Mean Jack. I guess I liked all the characters I wasn't supposed to like, but that's because they were hard to figure out. they were puzzles and didn't fit into the stereotypical personalities everyone uses. mean Jack actually had a conscience you saw bits and pieces of throughout the story.
Sparrow on the other hand was annoying, I had a hard time getting a feel for Vincent's personality, and finally, ended up hating Mary Anne by the end. I would say I was indifferent to her for most of the story but when she lashed out that one time, it was totally uncalled for and unfounded. wow someone makes ONE mistake and all her niceness goes out the window. doesn't even wait for Ralph to realize what he did before she's all over him like a rabid animal, and ironically, isn't thoughtful enough to take into consideration that he has a concussion, and that that influences his mood. Nope. no mercy for Ralph. and that snipe she made about everyone else in the school being a bunch of primates and thinking he was different really showed her true character. anyone who has flaws is less than human to Mary Anne. she's clearly above everyone else. and the instant someone makes a mistake or messes up or shows a flaw is the day that that person becomes less than human to Mary Anne. for considering herself a novelist, she sure has a warped view of people, despite writing about them all the time. If anyone needs counseling about their views on life, it's Mary Anne. She actually doesn't deserve Ralph at all, who constantly gives other people second and even third, even fourth, etc. chances. Ralph, who actually tries to understand why other people do the things they do, no matter how cruel and uncalled for. Anyway, enough my hatred for Mary Anne.
Mr. Tuftman never did make sense to me. Even after the story was over, I never quite figured him out. Why was he off hunting Cougars when he had no reason to? that prank should have never worked on him. Why was he so sad that Bobo was dying even though he's the one who did it? Why did Tuftman think he was the victim of the person he was trying to kill? he never struck me as a sinister man. why did he sometimes really seem like he felt bad about what he did and try to justify it to Ralph like he felt like he needed to? I had so many questions about Mr. Tuftman by the time the story ended that I feel like he could have a novel about his past and how he became to be what he is. he is probably the most interesting character in the book.
I don't think this is the type of story you can read a second time, because it's mainly a puzzle or a mystery book, and there isn't really much to it other than that. it makes an amazing first read but since I know who the culprit is and what ends up happening, despite loving the story I don't think I could ever read it a second time unless I was reading it TO someone else who hadnt read it before. that's the problem with mystery books though.
Throughout the story I felt like Ralph and his mother acted more like foxes than wolves. at least until the end anyway. Not to mention that on the cover, Ralph LOOKS like a little white Arctic Fox.
It was almost too convenient when Ralph's dad found him as a wolf. So I thought it was a nice touch that the ending still had some loose ends that never got solved. not only does it feel more real and magical that way, but sometimes I think you need a little sad with happy to have that feeling of hope. things are still not perfect. The story is still not over. but there is hope still. there are still so many things the author could explore if she ever wanted to write another book. I want to know more about his mother. so she wasn't a rotten cook after all, but what IS she rotten at? What is she like as a human? Why didn't Vincent want any part of the magic in the forest? Was he honestly cruel enough to want Ralph "put down" as a wolf? that takes Vincent to a whole new thing. He's not just a liar and a coward, he's a possible murderer.
Why did Vincent get to know Ralph's secret, but not Mary Anne or the Dean or Sparrow? Why keep it a secret at all? he could easily have proved it to everyone if he transformed in front of them.
finally, I like the idea that to change he needed a special recipe. The whole friesnel lens thing felt strange but I like the clothes and oven idea, it was very unique and creative to the story. Overall the story felt both eerie and magical, random, and dark. in the end nothing felt random anymore, all the little random things had some kind of significance, which is why I love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2020
This is Not a Werewolf Story is in fact, not a werewolf story, but the story of a boy named Raul. Raul has secrets to hide, and is very quiet, and closed off to other people, because he thinks people will outcast him if they find out.
“Talking is useless. One minute everyone says they love you and the next minute they forget all about you. Nobody listens, everybody lies.” (Evans, p.12)
I think the main strength of this book is Raul’s character development. At the beginning, he just wants to go through his week as quickly as possible so he can go into White Deer Woods and be in his “second skin,” which is a wolf. However, when he gets stuck in his second skin, he starts to think about other people. Raul thinks about how his friends will feel when they learn that he could be gone forever. He even thinks about his dad, who he rarely talked to or saw while he was in school. Later in the book he learns to trust people, he learns that people care for him, and that he’s not alone.
“‘I love you,’ my dad says when he picks me up, Sometimes he just says it when we are opening a can of soup for dinner. I was wrong before. Words matter. Those words my dad says matter to me.” (Evans, p.333)
I know that some people hide things, because they feel that they’ll get bullied, or they’ll be left out, I’ve done it a few times. I recommend this book because while it is mainly in first person, it’s not a character being in his/her head the whole time. Raul narrates his actions, and the things happening around him, such as what he sees and hears. This is Not a Werewolf Story is a book for readers who enjoy the action, but still want to understand the character.
“Talking is useless. One minute everyone says they love you and the next minute they forget all about you. Nobody listens, everybody lies.” (Evans, p.12)
I think the main strength of this book is Raul’s character development. At the beginning, he just wants to go through his week as quickly as possible so he can go into White Deer Woods and be in his “second skin,” which is a wolf. However, when he gets stuck in his second skin, he starts to think about other people. Raul thinks about how his friends will feel when they learn that he could be gone forever. He even thinks about his dad, who he rarely talked to or saw while he was in school. Later in the book he learns to trust people, he learns that people care for him, and that he’s not alone.
“‘I love you,’ my dad says when he picks me up, Sometimes he just says it when we are opening a can of soup for dinner. I was wrong before. Words matter. Those words my dad says matter to me.” (Evans, p.333)
I know that some people hide things, because they feel that they’ll get bullied, or they’ll be left out, I’ve done it a few times. I recommend this book because while it is mainly in first person, it’s not a character being in his/her head the whole time. Raul narrates his actions, and the things happening around him, such as what he sees and hears. This is Not a Werewolf Story is a book for readers who enjoy the action, but still want to understand the character.
April 13, 2023
Regardless of the title this does fall under the category of "werewolf stories" for me. the first person made it difficult for me to enjoy the story but for a juvenile adaptation of Bisclavret it was good. I appreciate the perspective the author brought to the adaption but I feel like it was attempting to "fix" facets of the original for the convenience of added plots and themes.
The author did do a great job balancing magic and disappointment distrust and betrayal in clever ways. if you're looking for an easy read with with a appreciation for magic through out its an excellent pick.
I don't particularly understand why the author chose to make such a hard pivot from the traditions it references heavily (werewolves specifically- they equate werewolves to monsters and the way the main character holds multiple forms/identities should NOT be included in the category) I understand this is of particular interest to me and not to most readers as I make a study of cultural stories and tradition s of werewolf stories(why I picked this book up) but it should be noted for readers who would be drawn to the book along the same vein.
Doesn't ruin the story in a large way but for my perspective going into it i was disappointed as it is a rare find to see a book so notably recommended on its connections to werewolf stories and traditions (especially Bisclavret!) only to wholly make an internal point to have it adamantly stated that that is NOT what this is.
Disappointing but good especially if you aren't coming in with any hopes around the over arching subject matter
The author did do a great job balancing magic and disappointment distrust and betrayal in clever ways. if you're looking for an easy read with with a appreciation for magic through out its an excellent pick.
I don't particularly understand why the author chose to make such a hard pivot from the traditions it references heavily (werewolves specifically- they equate werewolves to monsters and the way the main character holds multiple forms/identities should NOT be included in the category) I understand this is of particular interest to me and not to most readers as I make a study of cultural stories and tradition s of werewolf stories(why I picked this book up) but it should be noted for readers who would be drawn to the book along the same vein.
Doesn't ruin the story in a large way but for my perspective going into it i was disappointed as it is a rare find to see a book so notably recommended on its connections to werewolf stories and traditions (especially Bisclavret!) only to wholly make an internal point to have it adamantly stated that that is NOT what this is.
Disappointing but good especially if you aren't coming in with any hopes around the over arching subject matter
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2021
This was cute if a little slow. I kept expecting some really cool twist at the end Something twist worthy, but it never got there. It played out exactly like you thought it would.
That makes it a little slow. The way Tuffman is dealt with was disappointing. Ms. Tern's end was disappointing. I liked Raul, I liked Sparrow.
The relationship with Mary Anne didn't add to the story, and for a coming of age story, she had no role to play.
I also struggled with everyone's total gullibility. Tuffman says he is an uncle . . . and everyone immediately believes it. Raul believes it, the Dean believes it, everyone just assumes he is telling the truth. The ending only works because everyone immediately believes Vincent, who is a known liar, is all of a sudden telling the truth about magic. Mary Anne turns on Raul at the drop of a hat. Vincent turns on Raul at the drop of hat. Everyone is so wishy-washy in their emotions.
This book was okay, but it was nothing to get super excited about.
That makes it a little slow. The way Tuffman is dealt with was disappointing. Ms. Tern's end was disappointing. I liked Raul, I liked Sparrow.
The relationship with Mary Anne didn't add to the story, and for a coming of age story, she had no role to play.
I also struggled with everyone's total gullibility. Tuffman says he is an uncle . . . and everyone immediately believes it. Raul believes it, the Dean believes it, everyone just assumes he is telling the truth. The ending only works because everyone immediately believes Vincent, who is a known liar, is all of a sudden telling the truth about magic. Mary Anne turns on Raul at the drop of a hat. Vincent turns on Raul at the drop of hat. Everyone is so wishy-washy in their emotions.
This book was okay, but it was nothing to get super excited about.
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