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Lycaon's Fire
A small town hides a savage mystery someone is killing to protect.
A mild-mannered drifter carries a deadly secret that leaves slaughter in his wake.
They clash at a remote bus stop on the way to nowhere, with time to kill.
* * * * *
The legend of the flesh-eating wolf-people that live in the mountains has preyed upon a remote Montana town for years. People go missing, presumed dead, suspected eaten alive. Though the myth is considered silly superstition to most residents, someone or something is killing to protect the truth.
A mild-mannered drifter named Merrick, a haunted man with his own brutal, deadly secret, passes through the town, accidentally setting in motion a chain of events that will bring the town’s bizarre mysteries to light. When a fearless and feisty young waitress named Kat offers her help, she and Merrick fall into the murderous crosshairs of entities who eliminate anyone that threatens their agenda.
On a forested mountain, far from anyone who can hear them scream, Merrick, Kat, and their allies are hunted in an unholy ritual, where the game is survival and the prize is life. But not all who are hunted are easy prey. Something else that no one counted on, something powerful and savage that can kill with the swipe of its clawed hand, also stalks the mountain.
In the light of the sacrificial fire, the bloodthirsty hunters will face an unfathomable killing machine in a showdown that pits monster against monstrosity.
-- Book 1 of "Merrick, The Drifter" series --
A mild-mannered drifter carries a deadly secret that leaves slaughter in his wake.
They clash at a remote bus stop on the way to nowhere, with time to kill.
* * * * *
The legend of the flesh-eating wolf-people that live in the mountains has preyed upon a remote Montana town for years. People go missing, presumed dead, suspected eaten alive. Though the myth is considered silly superstition to most residents, someone or something is killing to protect the truth.
A mild-mannered drifter named Merrick, a haunted man with his own brutal, deadly secret, passes through the town, accidentally setting in motion a chain of events that will bring the town’s bizarre mysteries to light. When a fearless and feisty young waitress named Kat offers her help, she and Merrick fall into the murderous crosshairs of entities who eliminate anyone that threatens their agenda.
On a forested mountain, far from anyone who can hear them scream, Merrick, Kat, and their allies are hunted in an unholy ritual, where the game is survival and the prize is life. But not all who are hunted are easy prey. Something else that no one counted on, something powerful and savage that can kill with the swipe of its clawed hand, also stalks the mountain.
In the light of the sacrificial fire, the bloodthirsty hunters will face an unfathomable killing machine in a showdown that pits monster against monstrosity.
-- Book 1 of "Merrick, The Drifter" series --
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2021
102 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Schanz
12 books230 followersI've been writing stories since I was 11 years old when I decided my cool Dungeons and Dragons character needed to be the subject of an epic novel. Never did get that one done, but kept the fire burning ever since. I became a visual artist, the last 20 years working as a computer animator. I make other writers and directors dreams come true, making their bad stories look good on screen.
So, I wondered... could I do any better? I find that writing books is my passion, the thing I like to do even when all other choices are available. I only hope enough people find the stories worthwhile. I would love to keep doing it as a profession one day.
Thanks for reading!
No A.I. used to create my stories.
*Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0836HY841
*Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/jeffschanzau...
Twitter - https://twitter.com/jeff_schanz
So, I wondered... could I do any better? I find that writing books is my passion, the thing I like to do even when all other choices are available. I only hope enough people find the stories worthwhile. I would love to keep doing it as a profession one day.
Thanks for reading!
No A.I. used to create my stories.
*Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0836HY841
*Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/jeffschanzau...
Twitter - https://twitter.com/jeff_schanz
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 6, 2021
This is an interesting twist on the werewolf tale.This book is fast paced and gripped me right from the beginning. The characters, both the good guys and bad were well written and the heroes Merrick, a drifter with secrets of his own, and Kat, a take no nonsense waitress, really made me root for them. I highly recommend this book.
April 19, 2022
**I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Damn!!! What. A. Book!
En serio, no exaggeration. I loved each and every word and am definitely going to put this down under my 're-read anytime' shelf. I was hungering for some new blood to pull me out of my reading slump, and this couldn't have come at a better time.
The story began with such innocuous characters, very quickly everything changed its tune. It's pretty descriptive, all the fight scenes (and, there are a lot) play like a picture in the mind. I could probably describe the town of Templetown to a T. Somewhere around the middle, the pace seemed to slow a little. I broke away at that point to resume later.
One of the main characters, Kat, had a dream, to travel like a free spirit. Especially, in Europe, 'A continent of incredible history, culture, and awe-inspiring sights ...' - reading this part felt like Holy Shit! That's me, dude, that's my dream too. This was so uncanny, like plucked from my mind and put into the story. Or maybe, my dream isn't as unique as I fancied it to be.
From the title, I was expecting an entirely different fantasy story than what the pages presented. Even as I was living it, there was this thought in the back of my mind like exactly how in this whole urban scenario was the title going to fit in. Gotta hand it to the author, it was all brought together pretty neatly.
I came across so many new(or, at least new for me :D) words. Relished the chance to add to my vocabulary.
I hope the author decides to continue with the series. Although, either way, I felt at peace with the ending. I definitely would like to know more about how Merrick came to be how he was and did Kat finally go on that trip as she wanted and if both of them will ever meet again, and maybe, if the town of Templeton continues as the setting, then the secret of the werewolf mountain. On the off chance that this story stops here, I loved this book as is.
I loved Merrick's character, at times humorous and at times sarcastic in his inner monologue. And Kat was awesome.
If you love urban fantasy, you should definitely check this one out!!
Damn!!! What. A. Book!
En serio, no exaggeration. I loved each and every word and am definitely going to put this down under my 're-read anytime' shelf. I was hungering for some new blood to pull me out of my reading slump, and this couldn't have come at a better time.
The story began with such innocuous characters, very quickly everything changed its tune. It's pretty descriptive, all the fight scenes (and, there are a lot) play like a picture in the mind. I could probably describe the town of Templetown to a T. Somewhere around the middle, the pace seemed to slow a little. I broke away at that point to resume later.
One of the main characters, Kat, had a dream, to travel like a free spirit. Especially, in Europe, 'A continent of incredible history, culture, and awe-inspiring sights ...' - reading this part felt like Holy Shit! That's me, dude, that's my dream too. This was so uncanny, like plucked from my mind and put into the story. Or maybe, my dream isn't as unique as I fancied it to be.
From the title, I was expecting an entirely different fantasy story than what the pages presented. Even as I was living it, there was this thought in the back of my mind like exactly how in this whole urban scenario was the title going to fit in. Gotta hand it to the author, it was all brought together pretty neatly.
I came across so many new(or, at least new for me :D) words. Relished the chance to add to my vocabulary.
I hope the author decides to continue with the series. Although, either way, I felt at peace with the ending. I definitely would like to know more about how Merrick came to be how he was and did Kat finally go on that trip as she wanted and if both of them will ever meet again, and maybe, if the town of Templeton continues as the setting, then the secret of the werewolf mountain. On the off chance that this story stops here, I loved this book as is.
I loved Merrick's character, at times humorous and at times sarcastic in his inner monologue. And Kat was awesome.
If you love urban fantasy, you should definitely check this one out!!
November 17, 2021
Damn good.
I love an uncomplicated monster story. We've got corrupt officials, entitled townsfolk with delusions of grandeur, a down to earth woman and a drifter with one hell of a condition. It all adds up to a good, gory, story. There is no cliffhanger and no overly convoluted plot. I'm adding this series to my TBR pile.
I love an uncomplicated monster story. We've got corrupt officials, entitled townsfolk with delusions of grandeur, a down to earth woman and a drifter with one hell of a condition. It all adds up to a good, gory, story. There is no cliffhanger and no overly convoluted plot. I'm adding this series to my TBR pile.
April 2, 2021
What a ride! Jeff Schanz's Lycaon's Fire has it all. Great characters, a story that will suck you into the world in which it sits, and an adrenaline rush that will keep you shaking long after the closing lines. Merrick is not like the typical heroes of books. Lean, lanky and not quite comfortable in his own skin - literally. Kat suffers no fools and can hold her own in a fight - and proves it. There are plenty of bad guys, enough good guys, and a satisfying ending - or is it - to make this a great read. I highly recommend this well written book.
May 31, 2021
Very different and very good!
Hoping this will become a series of At least have a part two. Enjoyed the characters so much and love Merrick beast. Enjoyed the beauty and the beast twist. Please consider a sequel.
Hoping this will become a series of At least have a part two. Enjoyed the characters so much and love Merrick beast. Enjoyed the beauty and the beast twist. Please consider a sequel.
May 17, 2023
5☆☆☆☆☆
Action packed horror at its best. People go missing every year....but is it the Werewolfs or something much more sinister? I'm looking forward to more of Merricks story.
Description...
Action packed horror at its best. People go missing every year....but is it the Werewolfs or something much more sinister? I'm looking forward to more of Merricks story.
Description...
October 17, 2021
Awesome twist on werewolf stories
I really liked this story because it was different than most werewolf stories,anything that I've ever read before. It was different but believable. Believable, as far as a werewolf story can be. Metrics was such a good person even after what was done to him and stolen from him. I'm hoping Jeff schanz adds more books to this series. So much more could be added to merricks story. This is a definite page turner.
I really liked this story because it was different than most werewolf stories,anything that I've ever read before. It was different but believable. Believable, as far as a werewolf story can be. Metrics was such a good person even after what was done to him and stolen from him. I'm hoping Jeff schanz adds more books to this series. So much more could be added to merricks story. This is a definite page turner.
July 24, 2021
Wow
What an awesome story. I love how the characters came together. The action had me on the edge of my seat. I wanted more when I finished. I can't wait to read more from Jeff Schanz.
What an awesome story. I love how the characters came together. The action had me on the edge of my seat. I wanted more when I finished. I can't wait to read more from Jeff Schanz.
October 6, 2021
Great werewolf novel with a fresh plot!
I can’t remember the last time I read a novel with a drifter as the protagonist. The characters were well drawn, and most were sympathetic to some extent. The book starts with action, and keeps up the pace.
I can’t remember the last time I read a novel with a drifter as the protagonist. The characters were well drawn, and most were sympathetic to some extent. The book starts with action, and keeps up the pace.
August 2, 2022
Awesome!!
Great book! The people in it you could love and hate, they seemed so real. You have to connect with Merrick and Kat. They go through so much together. Merrick has been through hell. This book has everything.
Great book! The people in it you could love and hate, they seemed so real. You have to connect with Merrick and Kat. They go through so much together. Merrick has been through hell. This book has everything.
November 22, 2021
Enjoyable Reading
I really enjoyed this book. I found the characters interesting. I felt sad when it ended and can't wait to read more. It is a werewolf book with a twist.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the characters interesting. I felt sad when it ended and can't wait to read more. It is a werewolf book with a twist.
February 14, 2022
Well written and fast paced
I liked the characters and the story line was a different "werewolf" novel. Looking forward to Jeff Schanz's next book.
I liked the characters and the story line was a different "werewolf" novel. Looking forward to Jeff Schanz's next book.
June 10, 2022
action packed from page one on to #2 now.
May 4, 2021
This book is a wonderful combination of action, adventure, myth and the supernatural. These elements are woven together cleverly and they keep the reader on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. As with his other books the author continues to use his wonderful talent for description to make everything so vivid, that it’s almost like watching a film in your mind as you read. He brings action scenes to life and makes it very hard to stop reading or put the book down. I have a habit of finding female characters written by men to be stereotypes or 1 dimensional but this is not the case with Kat. She is beautifully created and I love her strength and resilience. My favourite thing about her, other than the fact that she’s amazing, is her feisty, brave and loyal nature. There are other fascinating supporting characters such as Max and Sheriff Kind who help make the story richer and deeper. Then of course there is Merrick, he’s a fabulous character and his journey is both fascinating and nerve racking. I really enjoyed the concept of good versus evil and what causes someone to go there. I don’t believe in spoilers so I’m not going to say anything else. Enjoy the twists, turns and unexpected moments in the book because just when you think you’ve figured something out, everything changes. I really loved reading this book.
July 10, 2021
I loved this story about a drifter fleeing the people who experimented on him. When a lack of funds for a longer bus trip lands him in a diner in Templeton Montana, the kindness of pretty waitress will change both their lives and the town itself.
This one's a little bit science, a little bit paranormal, a generous chunk of romance and all the edge-of-your-seat, thrill a minute action and suspense you could wish for. The book is full of good guys, underdogs and some of the nastiest, most selfish and brutal villains I've encountered recently, all of which makes it a great read you won't want to put down.
This one's a little bit science, a little bit paranormal, a generous chunk of romance and all the edge-of-your-seat, thrill a minute action and suspense you could wish for. The book is full of good guys, underdogs and some of the nastiest, most selfish and brutal villains I've encountered recently, all of which makes it a great read you won't want to put down.
May 5, 2023
Good!
An excellent series (I only read the first two, as the last one isn't out yet). The author seems like he's really good at using clichés themes and turning them into his own special sauce!
First book I read from him was about time travel. Then, this one is about “werewolves“. But, as with the time travel, he doesn't take the usual road. He's pretty good at “reinventing the wheel” (I'm not sure it is the good expression, as I'm not a native english speaker). But, anyway, he knows how to create a real suspense, make you want to turn the pages, he makes the kind of book that you don't want to put back before you reach the end!
An excellent series (I only read the first two, as the last one isn't out yet). The author seems like he's really good at using clichés themes and turning them into his own special sauce!
First book I read from him was about time travel. Then, this one is about “werewolves“. But, as with the time travel, he doesn't take the usual road. He's pretty good at “reinventing the wheel” (I'm not sure it is the good expression, as I'm not a native english speaker). But, anyway, he knows how to create a real suspense, make you want to turn the pages, he makes the kind of book that you don't want to put back before you reach the end!
April 21, 2021
I have to admit I have never read any of this author's books until this one recently. I also have to admit this book genre is out of my normal go to book genre. That being said, I read the book twice! Yes, you read that right, I read this book twice! I felt like first time I just kinda read through the book and didn't soak everything in. There are some foods that taste way before day after. This book was definitely better second time around! There are definitely some characters in this book that I really loved but also some characters I truly truly hated. This book is a page-turner!
June 29, 2021
Excellent novel
Absolutely wonderful read. Great characters, exciting action, clever twists, and a wonderful story.
It has elements of Greek mythology, the Marvel universe, science fiction, thriller and horror. A fantastic mix that glues you to the page and makes this a very hard to put down book. I'm usually a quick read but I literally devoured (pardon the pun) this book in just a couple of days. It's is that good.
Whether for a horror thrill or as a police story with supernatural undertones, his is a must read. Highly recommend.
Absolutely wonderful read. Great characters, exciting action, clever twists, and a wonderful story.
It has elements of Greek mythology, the Marvel universe, science fiction, thriller and horror. A fantastic mix that glues you to the page and makes this a very hard to put down book. I'm usually a quick read but I literally devoured (pardon the pun) this book in just a couple of days. It's is that good.
Whether for a horror thrill or as a police story with supernatural undertones, his is a must read. Highly recommend.
July 5, 2021
Highly recommend this one - one of the best stories I have read this year. Very well woven and unique tale that I became totally immersed in. Full of action, drama, intrigue, emotions, danger, twists, and suspense. Loved the intensity. Some interesting humor and sarcasm throughout the book; also great portrayal of family, friends, and even strangers supporting each other. Great ending. Good and evil at its best.
July 6, 2021
this book was just wow! lots of action. theres something going on this town with people thinking there are flesh eating wolfs. than a man comes to town just wanting to pass through only some dont want him to leave while others want him dead. you must read to find out what happens.
July 12, 2021
Action, new breed of werewolf adventure
I enjoyed the action and adventure of Merrick. How he realizes that not people are going to treat you as nothing because of the way you live. I truly hope to read more about Merrick and the woman and friends he cares deeply about in the future.
I enjoyed the action and adventure of Merrick. How he realizes that not people are going to treat you as nothing because of the way you live. I truly hope to read more about Merrick and the woman and friends he cares deeply about in the future.
July 13, 2021
Okay so I read other books by this author to but Dam this one I couldn't put down. I Hella loved it and I highly recommend it. Five star book. Kept me pulled into it and yes it's a dark book but Hella good one.
July 27, 2021
Has science really progressed
A loner, totally alone. That's what he was. Then he found the town, and her.
A great read.
Can it really happen? That's a question we don't really want to know.
A loner, totally alone. That's what he was. Then he found the town, and her.
A great read.
Can it really happen? That's a question we don't really want to know.
November 22, 2023
Great read
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I hadn’t heard of the author before reading it but it was well worth it. Just liked everything about it. Read it
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I hadn’t heard of the author before reading it but it was well worth it. Just liked everything about it. Read it
August 4, 2023
A unique perspective on werewolves. Well written and intriguing characters. Full of action and suspense. Covers some topics I would consider edgy or even call taboo that made me think of today’s political society. All in all a great read.
June 30, 2021
Great book couldn’t put it down! Hopefully we can follow more of Merrick ‘s story line!
Read
June 5, 2021Mr. Schanz is brilliant.
This twist on werewolves I couldn't put it down.
Kat is so brave and loyal and isn't your typical woman.
I really liked Max who reminded me of so many people.
Merrick, he’s a fun character. His journey is both fun and a little nerve racking but it makes for an fantastic story.
This story was well written and kept my interest throughout the whole book.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a fantastic read.
This twist on werewolves I couldn't put it down.
Kat is so brave and loyal and isn't your typical woman.
I really liked Max who reminded me of so many people.
Merrick, he’s a fun character. His journey is both fun and a little nerve racking but it makes for an fantastic story.
This story was well written and kept my interest throughout the whole book.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a fantastic read.
September 27, 2021
Good read
It was very interesting to read the suspense was there and also the Gore I'll admit it was slow at the beginning but immediately got good
It was very interesting to read the suspense was there and also the Gore I'll admit it was slow at the beginning but immediately got good
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews