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The Wolves Are Watching
A fresh, compelling, and eerie exploration of small-town living, stolen children, and wolves that watch in the woods.
The night little Madison disappears from her crib, Luce sees a pair of eyes--two points of gold deep in the forest behind her house--and feels certain they belong to a wolf. Her town, Picnic, Illinois, is the kind of place where everyone knows one another and no one locks their doors. It's not the kind of place where a toddler goes missing without a trace, where wolves lurk in the shadows.
In town, people are quick to blame Madison's mom. But when Luce's English teacher shares an original script about the disappearance of another little girl in Picnic back in 1870, Luce begins to notice similarities that she can't ignore. Certain that something deeper is going on, Luce tracks the wolf she saw into the woods and uncovers the truth about her town: magical animal-women, who have remained hidden in shadows for centuries, have taken her cousin for their own purposes--and they have no intention of bringing her back.
A chilling mystery that weaves elements of magical realism, drama, and folklore into a story of one teen's bravery as she confronts her town's past and tries to save the future.
The night little Madison disappears from her crib, Luce sees a pair of eyes--two points of gold deep in the forest behind her house--and feels certain they belong to a wolf. Her town, Picnic, Illinois, is the kind of place where everyone knows one another and no one locks their doors. It's not the kind of place where a toddler goes missing without a trace, where wolves lurk in the shadows.
In town, people are quick to blame Madison's mom. But when Luce's English teacher shares an original script about the disappearance of another little girl in Picnic back in 1870, Luce begins to notice similarities that she can't ignore. Certain that something deeper is going on, Luce tracks the wolf she saw into the woods and uncovers the truth about her town: magical animal-women, who have remained hidden in shadows for centuries, have taken her cousin for their own purposes--and they have no intention of bringing her back.
A chilling mystery that weaves elements of magical realism, drama, and folklore into a story of one teen's bravery as she confronts her town's past and tries to save the future.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2022
12 people are currently reading
1257 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Lund
3 books90 followersNatalie Lund is the author of the young adult novels, We Speak in Storms, The Sky Above Us (April 13, 2021), and The Wolves Are Watching (Fall 2022). She is a former middle and high school teacher and a graduate of Purdue University’s MFA program. Natalie is a member of SCBWI and is represented by Sarah Davies of Greenhouse Literary Agency. She lives in Chicago with her spouse and a very talkative cat. You can follow her on Instagram or Twitter at @nmlund.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 26, 2025
This had so much potential! The first person point of view really dragged it down. The plot and characters could have been fleshed out more to create a more complex and emotional reading experience. The cover is awesome though!
November 26, 2023
3.5/5 stars, a nice short Halloween-coded read
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group & Viking Groups for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
Initially, the cover for this book made me really intrigued, as it was a really unique cover from things I've seen lately. While I was not able to read this on netgalley before it expired, I am happy that I was able to read it and review it for this October. I think listening to the audiobook also elevated the story, as it made it a lot more obvious when the points of view were switched.
This really wasn't what I was expecting, but mostly in a good way. It really was a unique story, unlike anything I've ever read before, though it was also quite weird. While I didn't mind this there were also times that I had to suspend my disbelief when I wasn't expecting to, I thought this was more just horror. This is supposed to be that, but it was definitely more mystery-leaning for me like a fun and quick Halloween read.
Once again the plot was really unique, but I think overall the characters and everything were pretty well developed for a book of this length. They drove the plot forward very well even if it was a little fast and they were just a touch one-dimensional. This wasn't a problem though as it felt like it was supposed to be a short read, and I did still enjoy it for what it was!
[TW: kidnapping, missing persons, loss of family members, mental health discussions]
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group & Viking Groups for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
Initially, the cover for this book made me really intrigued, as it was a really unique cover from things I've seen lately. While I was not able to read this on netgalley before it expired, I am happy that I was able to read it and review it for this October. I think listening to the audiobook also elevated the story, as it made it a lot more obvious when the points of view were switched.
This really wasn't what I was expecting, but mostly in a good way. It really was a unique story, unlike anything I've ever read before, though it was also quite weird. While I didn't mind this there were also times that I had to suspend my disbelief when I wasn't expecting to, I thought this was more just horror. This is supposed to be that, but it was definitely more mystery-leaning for me like a fun and quick Halloween read.
Once again the plot was really unique, but I think overall the characters and everything were pretty well developed for a book of this length. They drove the plot forward very well even if it was a little fast and they were just a touch one-dimensional. This wasn't a problem though as it felt like it was supposed to be a short read, and I did still enjoy it for what it was!
[TW: kidnapping, missing persons, loss of family members, mental health discussions]
October 23, 2022
This was a decent book. It wasn’t wowowowow my favorite of all time but it was wowowowow I hate it either. Stolen children, a small town with secrets and creepy eyes watching from the woods. I really loved the folklore and the Vila. They are fascinating and made the story! I liked how the author changed the writing style to fit the Vila when they were talking but I did find the writing a bit harder to read when it switched. I enjoyed the mystery aspects of the story.
The characters were okay for me I felt that this story was more plot driven and not as focused on the characters. There was a bit of romance which was fine and decently written. Over all it was a nice atmospheric read perfect for fall when the nights get longer and the shadows get deeper. I wouldn’t say it was horror by any means and would recommend it if you enjoy strange paranormal mystery reads!
Thank you Penguin Teen and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The characters were okay for me I felt that this story was more plot driven and not as focused on the characters. There was a bit of romance which was fine and decently written. Over all it was a nice atmospheric read perfect for fall when the nights get longer and the shadows get deeper. I wouldn’t say it was horror by any means and would recommend it if you enjoy strange paranormal mystery reads!
Thank you Penguin Teen and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 19, 2022
Rating: Solid Book, 3 stars
The Wolves Are Watching by Natalie Lund is a YA, paranormal mystery/thriller in which Luce, a 16 year old girl i Picnic, IL, starts down a strange path when her young cousin, Madison, goes missing. An interaction with her English teacher, starts Luce investigating a pattern of these disappearances over the years, and leads her to uncover the existence of something that the town has always laughed off as a fable: the Vila. The Vila are women who can shapeshift into multiple different forms, and it seems that they have taken Madison for their own purposes. Now Madison is in a race against time to find her cousin before it is too late.
This book was a fun time. It wasn't my favorite, but I didn't dislike it. It was a book that made me want to continue to pick it up and continue reading to see what happened next. I will say that while at first it has the vibes of a horror novel, it gets away from that pretty quickly. It does take place in the weeks leading up to Halloween though, so it is a great seasonal read.
I feel like I was super intrigued by the Vila portions of this book, but I wanted more from it. The ending didn't wrap up in a way that I was fully satisfied with - it's not that it was bad, but it did feel a bit unbelievable. However, the MC is a pretty good teenager to follow in my opinion, and it definitely kept me wanting to know what happened next. There is a C plot of teenage romance, but it is definitely not central to the story, and it doesn't make the MC act foolish.
The characters were fine, but none of them were fleshed out well enough to be particularly compelling. Therefore, this definitely felt plot driven rather than character driven. Not a bad thing, but it is probably the reason that I didn't rate it higher. I love a good plot, but it wasn't fast-paced enough to outweigh the lack of character depth for me.
Overall though, this was an enjoyable Fall read, and I recommend it if you are looking for a paranormal mystery during spooky season. Thank you to James Akinaka at Penguin Teen and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Wolves are Watching releases on October 4, 2022.
The Wolves Are Watching by Natalie Lund is a YA, paranormal mystery/thriller in which Luce, a 16 year old girl i Picnic, IL, starts down a strange path when her young cousin, Madison, goes missing. An interaction with her English teacher, starts Luce investigating a pattern of these disappearances over the years, and leads her to uncover the existence of something that the town has always laughed off as a fable: the Vila. The Vila are women who can shapeshift into multiple different forms, and it seems that they have taken Madison for their own purposes. Now Madison is in a race against time to find her cousin before it is too late.
This book was a fun time. It wasn't my favorite, but I didn't dislike it. It was a book that made me want to continue to pick it up and continue reading to see what happened next. I will say that while at first it has the vibes of a horror novel, it gets away from that pretty quickly. It does take place in the weeks leading up to Halloween though, so it is a great seasonal read.
I feel like I was super intrigued by the Vila portions of this book, but I wanted more from it. The ending didn't wrap up in a way that I was fully satisfied with - it's not that it was bad, but it did feel a bit unbelievable. However, the MC is a pretty good teenager to follow in my opinion, and it definitely kept me wanting to know what happened next. There is a C plot of teenage romance, but it is definitely not central to the story, and it doesn't make the MC act foolish.
The characters were fine, but none of them were fleshed out well enough to be particularly compelling. Therefore, this definitely felt plot driven rather than character driven. Not a bad thing, but it is probably the reason that I didn't rate it higher. I love a good plot, but it wasn't fast-paced enough to outweigh the lack of character depth for me.
Overall though, this was an enjoyable Fall read, and I recommend it if you are looking for a paranormal mystery during spooky season. Thank you to James Akinaka at Penguin Teen and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Wolves are Watching releases on October 4, 2022.
November 14, 2022
So I need to admit that I originally wanted to read The Wolves are Watching for the cover. It’s just the right amount of weird that I was like… WHAT IS THISSSSSSS?
I, like so many people I’m sure, assumed that this was a werewolf story, which I think is what you’re meant to think for parts of it. I was getting Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver series vibes… but that isn’t it at all.
Children are going missing… girls specifically. So when Luce’s baby cousin Madison disappears, she is scared. But then she is magically returned to her crib days later with no rhyme or reason on why this happened. The only thing is, her mother swears that it’s not her baby. The whole town, including her family, treats her like she’s crazy.
A conversation with her teacher leads Luce in the direction of an urban legend in their town and the disappearances of girls every 19 years going back centuries. The town may not believe in the Vila, girls who can shed their human forms and become animals, losing parts of their humanity in return for becoming one with nature and living a much longer existence.
The story unfolds in different timelines, going back and forth perspectives to give us a much broader picture of what’s going on. We find out about the conspiracy that the Vila had a pact with the Mayor and people actually knew this was happening. They leave a changeling behind after the kidnapping, so the parent will be the only person who knows that the baby isn’t the same.
I did really love the plot, the story, and how the supernatural mystery unfolded, but I wish that the characters got as much love. That is literally my only negative about it. I love a great mystery and this is definitely the perfect fall read!
I, like so many people I’m sure, assumed that this was a werewolf story, which I think is what you’re meant to think for parts of it. I was getting Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver series vibes… but that isn’t it at all.
Children are going missing… girls specifically. So when Luce’s baby cousin Madison disappears, she is scared. But then she is magically returned to her crib days later with no rhyme or reason on why this happened. The only thing is, her mother swears that it’s not her baby. The whole town, including her family, treats her like she’s crazy.
A conversation with her teacher leads Luce in the direction of an urban legend in their town and the disappearances of girls every 19 years going back centuries. The town may not believe in the Vila, girls who can shed their human forms and become animals, losing parts of their humanity in return for becoming one with nature and living a much longer existence.
The story unfolds in different timelines, going back and forth perspectives to give us a much broader picture of what’s going on. We find out about the conspiracy that the Vila had a pact with the Mayor and people actually knew this was happening. They leave a changeling behind after the kidnapping, so the parent will be the only person who knows that the baby isn’t the same.
I did really love the plot, the story, and how the supernatural mystery unfolded, but I wish that the characters got as much love. That is literally my only negative about it. I love a great mystery and this is definitely the perfect fall read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
I thought this was a touching story. There’s a very sinister undertone of the way mothers and women are treated throughout history. We’re so quick to be called crazy but so is anyone who dares speak of the supernatural.
I would’ve loved more insight into indigenous culture though. There were glimpses that were largely overshadowed by mothers. I was intrigued by both narratives.
I would’ve loved more insight into indigenous culture though. There were glimpses that were largely overshadowed by mothers. I was intrigued by both narratives.
September 21, 2022
This is the perfect October read--fun & spooky!
January 20, 2023
OK, I admit it, this was my fault - I saw the beautiful, spooky cover and read "shape-shifiting women" and didn't even bother reading an extract before getting it.
Thing is, it's not a bad book but I do believe the cover is somehow... misleading. It gives the impression that it's going to be a dark fantasy/horror story and most importantly, that it's going to be at the very least a YA book. To be honest, I think this is more appropriate for older middle graders/younger teens. The writing style is very simple, and the story is almost too well-constructed and overexplained. It lacks a certain depth and grit that I, once again, think is NORMAL for the audience it's probably targeting.
Long story short, younger kids might definitely enjoy this cute folklore story with some cool shapeshifters and likeable characters (+ the message about how tradition should never be an excuse to perpetuate harmful practices is particularly great). However, if you're older, I don't think this will be really interesting - in the sense that it's definitely written for younger readers and reading it as someone who's older was a little... frustrating? Like picking up a children's book! It's cute but you're not going to get yourself all cozy and read it seriously, are you?
Thing is, it's not a bad book but I do believe the cover is somehow... misleading. It gives the impression that it's going to be a dark fantasy/horror story and most importantly, that it's going to be at the very least a YA book. To be honest, I think this is more appropriate for older middle graders/younger teens. The writing style is very simple, and the story is almost too well-constructed and overexplained. It lacks a certain depth and grit that I, once again, think is NORMAL for the audience it's probably targeting.
Long story short, younger kids might definitely enjoy this cute folklore story with some cool shapeshifters and likeable characters (+ the message about how tradition should never be an excuse to perpetuate harmful practices is particularly great). However, if you're older, I don't think this will be really interesting - in the sense that it's definitely written for younger readers and reading it as someone who's older was a little... frustrating? Like picking up a children's book! It's cute but you're not going to get yourself all cozy and read it seriously, are you?
October 16, 2022
This was a decent book. Stolen children, a small town with secrets and creepy eyes watching from the woods. I really loved the folklore and the Vila. They are fascinating and made the story! I liked how the author changed the writing style to fit the Vila when they were talking but I did find the writing a bit harder to read when it switched. I enjoyed the mystery aspects of the story.
The characters were okay for me I felt that this story was more plot driven and not as focused on the characters. There was a bit of romance which was fine and decently written. Over all it was a nice atmospheric read perfect for fall when the nights get longer and the shadows get deeper. I wouldn’t say it was horror by any means and would recommend it if you enjoy strange paranormal mystery reads!
Thank you Penguin Teen and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The characters were okay for me I felt that this story was more plot driven and not as focused on the characters. There was a bit of romance which was fine and decently written. Over all it was a nice atmospheric read perfect for fall when the nights get longer and the shadows get deeper. I wouldn’t say it was horror by any means and would recommend it if you enjoy strange paranormal mystery reads!
Thank you Penguin Teen and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 20, 2022
RATING: 5/5⭐️
read an e-arc from Net Galley
REVIEW
This was such a fun story! I thought the shape shifters in the forest was such a unique spin on how stories like these go. I know this isn’t the first time a story like this has been told, but this felt so unique and original to me.
I really liked the main character and how independent she was. She also really loved her family. The setting was really cool too. I love anything with a forest setting, and I love how the houses felt so isolated. I thought the lore and the magic was explained really well and I was really satisfied with the reveal of everything.
This story felt so magical and full of suspense until the very end! I was really surprised how much I loved it.
read an e-arc from Net Galley
REVIEW
This was such a fun story! I thought the shape shifters in the forest was such a unique spin on how stories like these go. I know this isn’t the first time a story like this has been told, but this felt so unique and original to me.
I really liked the main character and how independent she was. She also really loved her family. The setting was really cool too. I love anything with a forest setting, and I love how the houses felt so isolated. I thought the lore and the magic was explained really well and I was really satisfied with the reveal of everything.
This story felt so magical and full of suspense until the very end! I was really surprised how much I loved it.
January 18, 2023
I loved this eerie folklore story, animal shifting woman snatching children to save their pack. A girl who will stop at nothing to save her cousin! This book made me sad, and angry but enjoyed that it ended happy! Luce is a brave strong main character that I enjoyed reading and I feel that reflects me a touch. I would do anything to get a loved one back even if no one believed me! It was a great read!
October 15, 2022
I really enjoy the unique fantasy element of this story. Though shapeshifting isn't a new concept I thought it was handled really well. I liked the main character and I thought the writing was well done and well paced. I loved the mystery and I adored the spooky atmosphere. It was a perfect October read!
October 11, 2022
Check out the video I made for this book on TikTok @katherinebichler. Here is the link:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRubDbLE/
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 STARS
This is a YA paranormal mystery/thriller perfect for the fall season. Set in Illinois, a few weeks before Halloween, Luce notices a pair of eyes in the woods outside her house. Then her baby cousin is kidnapped. The baby is returned, but Luce is convinced it isn’t really her. After she discovers the mysterious kidnappings are a pattern around Halloween, she finds out there is something paranormal going on in her town. Can she save her cousin before Halloween?
This was a fast paced spooky read. It was very creative and kept my interest throughout. It had a dash of fantasy too. I wanted a little more at the end to find out what happened to the other kidnapped girls, but maybe there will be a sequel!
I would definitely read more from this author.
Thank you Penguin Teen for the advance reader copy! 🐺🌕🖤
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRubDbLE/
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 STARS
This is a YA paranormal mystery/thriller perfect for the fall season. Set in Illinois, a few weeks before Halloween, Luce notices a pair of eyes in the woods outside her house. Then her baby cousin is kidnapped. The baby is returned, but Luce is convinced it isn’t really her. After she discovers the mysterious kidnappings are a pattern around Halloween, she finds out there is something paranormal going on in her town. Can she save her cousin before Halloween?
This was a fast paced spooky read. It was very creative and kept my interest throughout. It had a dash of fantasy too. I wanted a little more at the end to find out what happened to the other kidnapped girls, but maybe there will be a sequel!
I would definitely read more from this author.
Thank you Penguin Teen for the advance reader copy! 🐺🌕🖤
Want to read
October 4, 2022Cannot wait to read this book! I devour all of Natalie Lund's novels -- her work is so evocative, fresh, and thought-provoking.
March 11, 2023
Okay but the vibes the cover gives makes you think that this could be different vibes wise, but this was super enjoyable and was the right way to kick off the Halloween season.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
October 16, 2022
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/the-wo...
THE WOLVES ARE WATCHING is an intriguing magical realism read that transports the reader to Picnic, a small town with big secrets. Luce is 15 years old and developing a crush on her BFF, Anders. Her life is thrown for a loop when her young cousin, Madison, disappears from her crib at night. The whole town is searching for what could have happened, and everyone moves on when things seem good enough. However, Luce is noticing something strange about it all, and as she searches deeper, she learns about a history of similar disappearances that are possibly linked to the supernatural.
In addition to Luce's perspective, the reader follows Fanya, a mythological creature who can take any form. Her pack lives outside Picnic and distrusts People Only after the ways they have been mistreated in the past. As she also experiences this time before Halloween, her perspectives are also changing and making her question her own past.
What I loved: This is a really compelling read with a bit of mystery around the disappearance of Madison. The reader is brought into it fairly quickly, but the resolution remains uncertain with the story told from both sides. Themes around family, connection between mother and child, maltreatment of mental illness and women, trust, and self-confidence are thought-provoking throughout.
Luce is a compelling character who is in between child and adult, beginning to find her own path and gain confidence in her own decisions. While her mother has rules that she must follow, Luce is charting her own path, but learning how to do so safely and without breaking trust. Luce pays attention to her family and begins to investigate on her own, using the information she has gathered. Her determination and persistence is something that she gains pride and confidence in as the story continues. Her power as well as that of Fanya are growing and adjusting as they come into their own.
Fanya was also a really intriguing character. She does not remember a time before her pack, but as the time to the ritual draws closer, she begins to question what she knows and who she will be. Self-determination and charting your own path are themes that Luce and Fanya have in common, and both perspectives really propel the story forward.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the story with Anders felt a bit confusing in places, and I would have appreciated more background/resolution of the conflict there or to have less of it. It felt distracting from the main story and was a bit tough to fully get into.
Final verdict: Enthralling and mysterious, THE WOLVES ARE WATCHING is a compelling YA magical realism that will keep the reader on their toes.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
THE WOLVES ARE WATCHING is an intriguing magical realism read that transports the reader to Picnic, a small town with big secrets. Luce is 15 years old and developing a crush on her BFF, Anders. Her life is thrown for a loop when her young cousin, Madison, disappears from her crib at night. The whole town is searching for what could have happened, and everyone moves on when things seem good enough. However, Luce is noticing something strange about it all, and as she searches deeper, she learns about a history of similar disappearances that are possibly linked to the supernatural.
In addition to Luce's perspective, the reader follows Fanya, a mythological creature who can take any form. Her pack lives outside Picnic and distrusts People Only after the ways they have been mistreated in the past. As she also experiences this time before Halloween, her perspectives are also changing and making her question her own past.
What I loved: This is a really compelling read with a bit of mystery around the disappearance of Madison. The reader is brought into it fairly quickly, but the resolution remains uncertain with the story told from both sides. Themes around family, connection between mother and child, maltreatment of mental illness and women, trust, and self-confidence are thought-provoking throughout.
Luce is a compelling character who is in between child and adult, beginning to find her own path and gain confidence in her own decisions. While her mother has rules that she must follow, Luce is charting her own path, but learning how to do so safely and without breaking trust. Luce pays attention to her family and begins to investigate on her own, using the information she has gathered. Her determination and persistence is something that she gains pride and confidence in as the story continues. Her power as well as that of Fanya are growing and adjusting as they come into their own.
Fanya was also a really intriguing character. She does not remember a time before her pack, but as the time to the ritual draws closer, she begins to question what she knows and who she will be. Self-determination and charting your own path are themes that Luce and Fanya have in common, and both perspectives really propel the story forward.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the story with Anders felt a bit confusing in places, and I would have appreciated more background/resolution of the conflict there or to have less of it. It felt distracting from the main story and was a bit tough to fully get into.
Final verdict: Enthralling and mysterious, THE WOLVES ARE WATCHING is a compelling YA magical realism that will keep the reader on their toes.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 22, 2022
**Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the eARC in exchange for this review. This in no way changed my rating**
The Wolves are Watching is about Luce and Fanya. Luce is a teenage girl who's cousin, Madison, goes missing one night and who is mysteriously returned the next night. However, Madison is very different from who she was before, leading Luce to believe it isn't really her cousin. Fanya is a fae creature called a vila, a shapeshifter who can change from human to wolf to snake to falcon. The book is told from alternating POVs and is a race against the clock to save Madison before it's too late.
I really liked this one. It was well-paced and just the right amount of spooky. Since the timeline is tied in with the phases of the moon, it was a nice touch to add the moon phase was at the beginning of the chapter to add to that tension and feeling of pacing. That was a small detail but one that drives up the tension and keeps it there until the end.
There is a slight romance aspect to the story between Luce and her best friend, Anders, but it doesn't detract from the overall story about Luce, Fanya, and Madison. I actually thought that Lund did a nice job balancing between the main plotline and the b-/c-plots (Anders & Luce and the relationship between Luce and her slightly overprotective mother). Fanya's POV chapters reminded me quite a bit of the panther chapters in Mindy McGinnis' The Initial Insult, which I also really liked. I think it struck a good balance of being naive without being annoying. The characters in general are very compelling.
Overall, I think this title will appeal to people who are into "fae" books or Fantasy books with creatures like fae, such as The Cruel Prince. I also think it would appeal to people looking for a little bit of a Suspense or Thriller read for the Fall. It was well done with great characters, an interesting mystery to follow, ample tension, a little romance. It has a little bit of something for everyone.
4.5/5 stars
The Wolves are Watching is about Luce and Fanya. Luce is a teenage girl who's cousin, Madison, goes missing one night and who is mysteriously returned the next night. However, Madison is very different from who she was before, leading Luce to believe it isn't really her cousin. Fanya is a fae creature called a vila, a shapeshifter who can change from human to wolf to snake to falcon. The book is told from alternating POVs and is a race against the clock to save Madison before it's too late.
I really liked this one. It was well-paced and just the right amount of spooky. Since the timeline is tied in with the phases of the moon, it was a nice touch to add the moon phase was at the beginning of the chapter to add to that tension and feeling of pacing. That was a small detail but one that drives up the tension and keeps it there until the end.
There is a slight romance aspect to the story between Luce and her best friend, Anders, but it doesn't detract from the overall story about Luce, Fanya, and Madison. I actually thought that Lund did a nice job balancing between the main plotline and the b-/c-plots (Anders & Luce and the relationship between Luce and her slightly overprotective mother). Fanya's POV chapters reminded me quite a bit of the panther chapters in Mindy McGinnis' The Initial Insult, which I also really liked. I think it struck a good balance of being naive without being annoying. The characters in general are very compelling.
Overall, I think this title will appeal to people who are into "fae" books or Fantasy books with creatures like fae, such as The Cruel Prince. I also think it would appeal to people looking for a little bit of a Suspense or Thriller read for the Fall. It was well done with great characters, an interesting mystery to follow, ample tension, a little romance. It has a little bit of something for everyone.
4.5/5 stars
October 28, 2024
Needed to read a book with a wolf on the cover for my ISPY challenge this year, and there's no better time than October to read a spooky book with shape-shifting creatures! The short blurb of the book involving habitual kidnappings and strange creatures in the forest intrigued me, and that cover for the book was absolutely stunning! Love that creepy human hand on the wolf.
The first thing that surprised me when starting this book was getting a second POV, from one of the Vila no less! It was fun experiencing the "only people" world through Fanya, and seeing the culture of her den and how she self-reflected on their process of adding to the coven. The shape-shifting aspect was pretty cool, and I liked how everyone had a favorite form they'd typically take.
The Wolves are Watching feels like it geared towards younger teens, kind of like the early Percy Jackson books in my opinion. Lund did a good job of showing that awkward stage when you're learning to be more of an adult through Luce and her friends, although in my mind they for some reason felt more like middle schoolers? I'm not sure, It's definitely a problem on my end. The amount of adversity Luce had to go through, with everyone doubting her and the looming deadline of the ritual felt so real.
I also loved the tie-in with the in-universe play Picnic's Promise throughout the book, as well as the lore pages that detailed the history of the Vila as well as their customs. The play reminded me a lot of the Salem Witch Trials, and I've always enjoyed when elements from that time in history are used in media. While I have little negative to say about this book, it's still a three for me. I probably will forget about this book, but I did enjoy my time! Perhaps if I were younger this book could've been a stand-out for me, but that's ok!
I'd definitely recommend this to kids in middle to early high school.
The first thing that surprised me when starting this book was getting a second POV, from one of the Vila no less! It was fun experiencing the "only people" world through Fanya, and seeing the culture of her den and how she self-reflected on their process of adding to the coven. The shape-shifting aspect was pretty cool, and I liked how everyone had a favorite form they'd typically take.
The Wolves are Watching feels like it geared towards younger teens, kind of like the early Percy Jackson books in my opinion. Lund did a good job of showing that awkward stage when you're learning to be more of an adult through Luce and her friends, although in my mind they for some reason felt more like middle schoolers? I'm not sure, It's definitely a problem on my end. The amount of adversity Luce had to go through, with everyone doubting her and the looming deadline of the ritual felt so real.
I also loved the tie-in with the in-universe play Picnic's Promise throughout the book, as well as the lore pages that detailed the history of the Vila as well as their customs. The play reminded me a lot of the Salem Witch Trials, and I've always enjoyed when elements from that time in history are used in media. While I have little negative to say about this book, it's still a three for me. I probably will forget about this book, but I did enjoy my time! Perhaps if I were younger this book could've been a stand-out for me, but that's ok!
I'd definitely recommend this to kids in middle to early high school.
January 25, 2025
I genuinely don’t say this to be mean, but this felt like it was written by an older child or young teen. It is eerily reminiscent of stories my childhood best friend and I used to write. The technically correct yet clumsy writing, the predictability, the way things are revealed almost immediately after being set up, our young selves impatient to get to “the good parts”… it’s all there. Some people might find this charming. I did not.
The book also suffers from a muddled target demographic; the writing style feels much more suited to younger audiences. And while I absolutely love the cover - it’s why I picked up the book in the first place - it feels way too ominous for the contents. Kids’ books can and do have scary covers, but they tend to have a campy quality to them, brighter colours, big goopy letters, think “Goosebumps”.
On that note, I would still have judged this book harshly if it were explicitly aimed at children. I didn’t get any of the horror or mystery elements. It’s hard for me to articulate why, and I don’t particularly want to reread a childhood horror book for comparison, but off the top of my head, losing a child is a very adult fear. Additionally, the switching POVs revealed who the Vila were from the beginning, which automatically removes any sense of mystery or fear of an unknown.
Finally, this is a nitpick but I felt I had to add it: it bothered me how phones are so present in the story, from text messages being transcribed, to the virtual map and pins, and the flashlight function being used in the forest, but then nobody thinks to take a picture or video of the Vila to prove their existence. It’s like the author had to include them for the modern day and forgot they existed when they could impact the plot.
The book also suffers from a muddled target demographic; the writing style feels much more suited to younger audiences. And while I absolutely love the cover - it’s why I picked up the book in the first place - it feels way too ominous for the contents. Kids’ books can and do have scary covers, but they tend to have a campy quality to them, brighter colours, big goopy letters, think “Goosebumps”.
On that note, I would still have judged this book harshly if it were explicitly aimed at children. I didn’t get any of the horror or mystery elements. It’s hard for me to articulate why, and I don’t particularly want to reread a childhood horror book for comparison, but off the top of my head, losing a child is a very adult fear. Additionally, the switching POVs revealed who the Vila were from the beginning, which automatically removes any sense of mystery or fear of an unknown.
Finally, this is a nitpick but I felt I had to add it: it bothered me how phones are so present in the story, from text messages being transcribed, to the virtual map and pins, and the flashlight function being used in the forest, but then nobody thinks to take a picture or video of the Vila to prove their existence. It’s like the author had to include them for the modern day and forgot they existed when they could impact the plot.
March 12, 2023
Maybe my standards are low from having read a lot of bad books lately, but the fact alone that this one was well-paced and understood that a cover blurb oughtn't tell you more than 33% of the story? A RELIEF as much as a good book!
This is a quick supernatural thriller. Luce, the main character, is determined, empathetic, sometimes moody. She's a good daughter who sometimes can't be honest or even get along with her mom, a well-done dynamic that shows both as flawed but relatable. She's a loyal friend who'd like to be something more with her neighbor Anders, and I found their romance cute.
Luce's research into her missing cousin doubles as a history project in a pretty cool way. She's only 15, after all, it stands to reason she wouldn't know how to investigate supernatural events that most people won't even acknowledge. I liked the way she kept a list of questions to answer as the mystery unfolded.
Fanya's POV chapters were a surprise! I didn't expect the Vila to show up, at least not to be confirmed, until about a third of the way in; instead, the second or third chapter (not sure which) is from the perspective of a shapeshifter. As a result, not only was the author able to include the "monster"'s perspective, she included pieces of their history. Fanya's use of language was interesting, too, Lund does a great job of differentiating between the two speakers.
So... here's something really cool. This is a mystery/thriller/supernatural/shapeshifter/kidnapping story, yeah, but it's all about love. It was just... nice :)
This is a quick supernatural thriller. Luce, the main character, is determined, empathetic, sometimes moody. She's a good daughter who sometimes can't be honest or even get along with her mom, a well-done dynamic that shows both as flawed but relatable. She's a loyal friend who'd like to be something more with her neighbor Anders, and I found their romance cute.
Luce's research into her missing cousin doubles as a history project in a pretty cool way. She's only 15, after all, it stands to reason she wouldn't know how to investigate supernatural events that most people won't even acknowledge. I liked the way she kept a list of questions to answer as the mystery unfolded.
Fanya's POV chapters were a surprise! I didn't expect the Vila to show up, at least not to be confirmed, until about a third of the way in; instead, the second or third chapter (not sure which) is from the perspective of a shapeshifter. As a result, not only was the author able to include the "monster"'s perspective, she included pieces of their history. Fanya's use of language was interesting, too, Lund does a great job of differentiating between the two speakers.
So... here's something really cool. This is a mystery/thriller/supernatural/shapeshifter/kidnapping story, yeah, but it's all about love. It was just... nice :)
October 4, 2022
The Wolves are watching is an atmospheric novel, with overtones of mystery, thriller, and paranormal creatures, the story takes place 2 weeks before Halloween, so it's a good idea to read it in the fall.
The chapters are divided between Luce, a human teen, and Fanya, a supernatural creature.
Luce lives right on the edge of a forest, one night she sees yellow eyes shine, the next day her baby cousin disappears, to appear two days later, the problem, both the mother and Luce see something strange in the child and do not believe that she is the real Madison. Could she be a changeling?
The written style feels like magical realism, it's inspired by Slavic mythology.
Luce investigates the disappearance of her niece, there is a local legend of another disappearance centuries ago, but she finds more, every few decades, girls have disappeared, and when they appear the parents do not believe that they are their daughters. To search for answers, Luce will enter the forest and that is where she will run into Fanya.
Fanya is a Vila, a shape-shifting nymph, her usual form is a wolf but she can also transform into a bird, a snake, and a human.
It's a fast-read novel, it keeps you in suspense, Luce has to save her cousin before Halloween. Luce and Fanya are likable characters; Luce is brave and Fanya wants to understand humans and understand who she is.
The chapters are divided between Luce, a human teen, and Fanya, a supernatural creature.
Luce lives right on the edge of a forest, one night she sees yellow eyes shine, the next day her baby cousin disappears, to appear two days later, the problem, both the mother and Luce see something strange in the child and do not believe that she is the real Madison. Could she be a changeling?
The written style feels like magical realism, it's inspired by Slavic mythology.
Luce investigates the disappearance of her niece, there is a local legend of another disappearance centuries ago, but she finds more, every few decades, girls have disappeared, and when they appear the parents do not believe that they are their daughters. To search for answers, Luce will enter the forest and that is where she will run into Fanya.
Fanya is a Vila, a shape-shifting nymph, her usual form is a wolf but she can also transform into a bird, a snake, and a human.
It's a fast-read novel, it keeps you in suspense, Luce has to save her cousin before Halloween. Luce and Fanya are likable characters; Luce is brave and Fanya wants to understand humans and understand who she is.
October 4, 2022
When they said this book was fresh, compelling, and eerie, they weren't lying. Natalie Lund is one of my favorite authors, so I wasn't surprised I loved it. With a mixture of folklore, mystery, and creepiness, The Wolves are Watching will forever be one of the most compelling novels I have ever read.
These new batch of pandemic books are hitting the shelves and they are wrought with the sense of isolation and fear we all felt. A pattern of disappearances has Luce investigating the strange phenom of missing children that return...changed. Enter the Vila, shapeshifting women who can change into humans, wolves, falcons, and snakes. They're not particularly vicious, but their agenda does not coincide with the humans whose children they take once almost every decade. Luce soon teams up with a Vila named Fanya to help return Luce's real cousin to her family.
I was afraid this was going to turn into a Shiver-type novel, but I was pleasantly surprised how little the romance with Luce's best friend took center stage. I enjoyed the balance between Luce's social life and the mystery surrounding the town of Picnic.
This is a great Fall read if you're looking for something atmospheric and unique.
These new batch of pandemic books are hitting the shelves and they are wrought with the sense of isolation and fear we all felt. A pattern of disappearances has Luce investigating the strange phenom of missing children that return...changed. Enter the Vila, shapeshifting women who can change into humans, wolves, falcons, and snakes. They're not particularly vicious, but their agenda does not coincide with the humans whose children they take once almost every decade. Luce soon teams up with a Vila named Fanya to help return Luce's real cousin to her family.
I was afraid this was going to turn into a Shiver-type novel, but I was pleasantly surprised how little the romance with Luce's best friend took center stage. I enjoyed the balance between Luce's social life and the mystery surrounding the town of Picnic.
This is a great Fall read if you're looking for something atmospheric and unique.
October 7, 2022
Book Review…The Wolves Are Watching by Natalie Lund
The night little Madison disappears from her crib, Luce sees a pair of eyes, two points of gold deep in the forest behind her house and feels certain they belong to a wolf. Her town, Picnic, Illinois, is not the kind of place where a toddler goes missing without a trace, where wolves lurk in the shadows.
In town, people are quick to blame Madison's mom. But when Luce's English teacher shares an original script about the disappearance of another little girl in Picnic back in 1870, Luce begins to notice similarities. Certain that something deeper is going on, Luce tracks the wolf she saw into the woods and uncovers the truth: magical animal women have taken her cousin for their own purposes and they have no intention of bringing her back.
This was an nice read! It's a well paced story with that spooky feel making it a good read for the Halloween season. I liked the main characters Luce and Fanya and the mystery of the plot. There was enough mystery that I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next. But if you're looking for a book that has some magic, a whole lot of suspense and a touch of romance then you will like this one! Thank you Turn the Page Tours and Natalie Lund for sharing this book with me!
The night little Madison disappears from her crib, Luce sees a pair of eyes, two points of gold deep in the forest behind her house and feels certain they belong to a wolf. Her town, Picnic, Illinois, is not the kind of place where a toddler goes missing without a trace, where wolves lurk in the shadows.
In town, people are quick to blame Madison's mom. But when Luce's English teacher shares an original script about the disappearance of another little girl in Picnic back in 1870, Luce begins to notice similarities. Certain that something deeper is going on, Luce tracks the wolf she saw into the woods and uncovers the truth: magical animal women have taken her cousin for their own purposes and they have no intention of bringing her back.
This was an nice read! It's a well paced story with that spooky feel making it a good read for the Halloween season. I liked the main characters Luce and Fanya and the mystery of the plot. There was enough mystery that I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next. But if you're looking for a book that has some magic, a whole lot of suspense and a touch of romance then you will like this one! Thank you Turn the Page Tours and Natalie Lund for sharing this book with me!
March 11, 2025
Looking at the title and summary, I was expecting this to be in the horror genre, but it really wasn't spooky. Instead, it's about making your own way in the world, breaking rules when necessary, and doing it all for a familial love. Honestly, I adore how none of these things would have happened if Luce didn't love her little cousin, if Cindy didn't love her daughter, if Fanya didn't love the mother she half-remembered. It was really refreshing not to have the plot fall on the sword of romance.
The chapters are split between Luce and Fanya. Fanya's chapters were initially very jarring to read as her thoughts didn't feel very human. The way Fanya describes hair as fur, humans as People Only, and her comparisons to the world through an animals eyes were fascinating. As the book went on, I stopped feeling as jarred by her narration. Either Fanya's thoughts became a little more human or I grew to understand her better and both are excellent!
The changeling aspect was a nice surprise and I do love a good changeling story. The fact that most of the mothers realized their children weren't their children and had to live through that to the point of becoming an urban legend (the Wailer) was pretty sad.
Despite not being what I expected, I still enjoyed this a lot. 4/5
The chapters are split between Luce and Fanya. Fanya's chapters were initially very jarring to read as her thoughts didn't feel very human. The way Fanya describes hair as fur, humans as People Only, and her comparisons to the world through an animals eyes were fascinating. As the book went on, I stopped feeling as jarred by her narration. Either Fanya's thoughts became a little more human or I grew to understand her better and both are excellent!
The changeling aspect was a nice surprise and I do love a good changeling story. The fact that most of the mothers realized their children weren't their children and had to live through that to the point of becoming an urban legend (the Wailer) was pretty sad.
Despite not being what I expected, I still enjoyed this a lot. 4/5
October 14, 2022
This was good! You know when you find yourself reading and loving the writing style, and then look up the author and connect the dots that you really liked their previous books. Well this was exactly what happened this time around. I found myself in a comfort read.
Now, this read is not comforting. But the style the story is presented is. It is atmospheric with folk lore vibes. Small town, feminist, strong female leads, and lots of myths. It isn't one sided, as we have a POV of one of the "villains" if you may.
So, what is this story about? It is about a girl determined to save her baby cousin from kidnapping. As she finds out, the kidnappers aren't your regular, sinister people - it's a mythological creature that can turn itself into wolf/owl/snake. The MC digs deeper into the lore and the story behind it, to find herself that this story has been buried and looked over as no one wants to deal with the reality.
I liked it, it had good spooky vibes, and I really liked Fanya's ARC. There's something about a girl figuring out there's more to the world than what she has been taught.
Now, this read is not comforting. But the style the story is presented is. It is atmospheric with folk lore vibes. Small town, feminist, strong female leads, and lots of myths. It isn't one sided, as we have a POV of one of the "villains" if you may.
So, what is this story about? It is about a girl determined to save her baby cousin from kidnapping. As she finds out, the kidnappers aren't your regular, sinister people - it's a mythological creature that can turn itself into wolf/owl/snake. The MC digs deeper into the lore and the story behind it, to find herself that this story has been buried and looked over as no one wants to deal with the reality.
I liked it, it had good spooky vibes, and I really liked Fanya's ARC. There's something about a girl figuring out there's more to the world than what she has been taught.
February 28, 2023
This book was not what I expected. I am an avid werewolf fan and I seek out books that contain wolf imagery and themes of change and nature. This book does deliver those themes but through more fantastical elements than the gritty, darker ones I normally read. To be honest, it was a nice break.
SPOILERS AHEAD
"The Wolves are Watching" is more on the whimsical fantasy spectrum than horror fiction or mystery fiction. I found myself wanting more of the 'changelings' perspective. How they lived before they migrated, how they led their lives and their viewpoint on different topics. The duel perspective has much potential and I believe it could have been utilized more.
Furthermore, the main character, Luce, was very irritating. I do not enjoy teen drama and angst which is a large part of Luce's story arch. Her reaction to her friend's genuine worry and hesitance to believe her theory about the changelings, is very self centered and a little petty. Though this is my own bias, and since this book is written for a YA audience, I will give it a pass. (lol)
Overall, it was a good story and I did enjoy the read.
SPOILERS AHEAD
"The Wolves are Watching" is more on the whimsical fantasy spectrum than horror fiction or mystery fiction. I found myself wanting more of the 'changelings' perspective. How they lived before they migrated, how they led their lives and their viewpoint on different topics. The duel perspective has much potential and I believe it could have been utilized more.
Furthermore, the main character, Luce, was very irritating. I do not enjoy teen drama and angst which is a large part of Luce's story arch. Her reaction to her friend's genuine worry and hesitance to believe her theory about the changelings, is very self centered and a little petty. Though this is my own bias, and since this book is written for a YA audience, I will give it a pass. (lol)
Overall, it was a good story and I did enjoy the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
Mystery and folklore!
Luce’s cousin goes missing from her room one evening and it’s devastating her family. Luce, 15, had seen yellow eyes in the woods behind her house in Picnic, Illinois for a few nights before her cousin Madison went missing and she thinks the eyes might be a clue to finding her. Luce’s and Anders’ teacher assigns a historical research paper and Luce chooses to research the local history of missing girls. A girl has gone missing every nineteen years and she returns a few days later but the mother always claims that the returning girl is not her daughter. When Madison returns, her mother and Luce know that it’s not really her and she’s determined to find the real Madison despite the dangers it puts Luce in.
Likes/dislikes: The story started out simplistically but grew with more depth. I like the paranormal mystery behind the missing girls. Andres is an endearing character. I appreciate the message of independence and the message that you also need others in your life.
Mature content: PG for a gentle kiss and a brief kiss.
Language: R for 17 swears and 1 f-bomb.
Violence: PG-13 for child abduction.
Ethnicity: Predominantly white.
Luce’s cousin goes missing from her room one evening and it’s devastating her family. Luce, 15, had seen yellow eyes in the woods behind her house in Picnic, Illinois for a few nights before her cousin Madison went missing and she thinks the eyes might be a clue to finding her. Luce’s and Anders’ teacher assigns a historical research paper and Luce chooses to research the local history of missing girls. A girl has gone missing every nineteen years and she returns a few days later but the mother always claims that the returning girl is not her daughter. When Madison returns, her mother and Luce know that it’s not really her and she’s determined to find the real Madison despite the dangers it puts Luce in.
Likes/dislikes: The story started out simplistically but grew with more depth. I like the paranormal mystery behind the missing girls. Andres is an endearing character. I appreciate the message of independence and the message that you also need others in your life.
Mature content: PG for a gentle kiss and a brief kiss.
Language: R for 17 swears and 1 f-bomb.
Violence: PG-13 for child abduction.
Ethnicity: Predominantly white.
October 3, 2022
This was exactly what I was craving for a spooky atmospheric read. It takes an exploration into small town with secrets and stolen children.. and the wolves in the woods who are always watch.
Luce sees golden eyes from the forest, the same eyes that are there when children go missing. The town is so quick to blame others, especially the moms who children are gone. But really there’s a mystery surrounding Picnic, Illinois. There’s something definitely strange going on in the woods so she decides to travel deeper than she should. There she learns the town is woven in magic and a chilling folklore that is too unreal to be true.
This story has a lot of small town mystery and intrigue. We have Fanya who is actually a shapeshifting Fae who takes children for a reason, which you’ll learn reading. The story is told in Luce and Fanya’s point of view and this fast pace plot to save Luce cousin before it’s too late.
It’s a mystery fantasy with a lot of suspense and magic and was perfect read blended into one. It’s the type of story I get drowned in.
Luce sees golden eyes from the forest, the same eyes that are there when children go missing. The town is so quick to blame others, especially the moms who children are gone. But really there’s a mystery surrounding Picnic, Illinois. There’s something definitely strange going on in the woods so she decides to travel deeper than she should. There she learns the town is woven in magic and a chilling folklore that is too unreal to be true.
This story has a lot of small town mystery and intrigue. We have Fanya who is actually a shapeshifting Fae who takes children for a reason, which you’ll learn reading. The story is told in Luce and Fanya’s point of view and this fast pace plot to save Luce cousin before it’s too late.
It’s a mystery fantasy with a lot of suspense and magic and was perfect read blended into one. It’s the type of story I get drowned in.
June 15, 2023
This is a small town contemporary thriller where children are being stolen and wolves are lurking in the forest. Picnic, Illinois is described as a place where you don’t need to lock your doors, not the kind of place where toddlers go missing. Luce, who saw a pair of eye in the forest behind their house the night Madison As she digs deeper about this disappearance, she discovers a secret about her town: the existence of magical-animal women who have remained hidden in shadows for centuries, have taken her cousin for their own purposes--and they have no intention of bringing her back. This was a great atmospheric read, perfect for fall, especially with the small town setting and secrets and mysteries uncovered. I enjoyed following the main character - I found her smart and level-headed. Her own growth was also enjoyable to read. I also think the exploration of family and community was well done, goes missing, starts to see patterns after reading an article about another girl who went missing in 1870.Â
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