In 1999, a spate of vicious attacks in rural Maryland lead the authorities to believe that a rabid bear is on the loose.
Meanwhile, Congressional staffers Peter Brunnen and Angie Fontaine stumble upon information about a powerful congressman, who has eyes on the White House and a dark secret that has propelled him into power.
The two soon become the target of Congressman Louis Garrou, who is willing to sacrifice anyone and anything that could pose a threat to him and his goals.
Racing against time, can Angie and Peter stop him, or will they be silenced forever?
This was just too gory for me. Also, it didn't draw me in and make me want to keep reading. At some point I skipped to the end and learned what I needed too. I'm sure the story is fine, but I didn't read the middle so I can't be sure.
People always say, "this book is unlike anything I've ever read" and I've said it myself on numerous occasions, but All-American Werewolf really is unlike anything I have ever read...
Antonio Ricardo Scozze took the tale of the werewolf and turned it into a story full of darkness, political scandal and what happens when evil prevails. Or does it? I'll let you come to that conclusion on your own because that ending was intense. And that is putting it delicately.
I've been sitting on this review for two days hoping that I could come up with the right words to do this story justice, and I just can't. There is nothing I could possibly say that would make this story sound even better than Scozze made it.
There was so much lore in here that surpasses just the werewolf aspect including the cunning women and all that can entail not to mention demons which I found to be a nice nod to where this story ended up.
If there was a way for me to elegantly say how thoroughly I enjoyed this book I would, but I just can't, I've been stumped and that is not something I am used to.
I look forward to reading more works from this author in the future and I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that we haven't seen the last of this world that I have kind of become obsessed with.
I'm always leery about selecting books about werewolves because it's rare that I can find a werewolf tale with enough of a twist to make it fresh and interesting. I accepted All-American Werewolf, however, because it seemed like Antonio Ricardo Scozze managed to put a new spin on the trope, and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. Even if you roll your eyes when you hear of a new werewolf novel, you may enjoy All-American Werewolf, especially if you like books that feature political power plays, dark conspiracies, and some elements of cosmic horror. I was a bit worried that the political aspects of the work would weigh the story down too much, but that wasn't the case at all. There was just enough political intrigue to be interesting, not tedious, and it was used well as a tool to show the coven's evil and the extent of its reach.
My favorite part of All-American Werewolf was how there was still a shred of hope that the light would prevail despite how the coven's power made the odds feel nearly insurmountable. Detailed descriptions put me right in each scene, and the characters' depth and development were spot-on. This book certainly didn't lack horror elements and violence, but the violence wasn't the sole focus of the story. Because Scozze took the time to share the effects such elements had on the main characters, I sympathized with them more easily, but all the introspection slowed the pacing. So did the occasional awkwardly worded sentence. Even so, I had a hard time putting this one down, and I enjoyed the curveballs Scozze threw. In conclusion, I recommend All-American Werewolf to anyone looking for a more original, thought-provoking werewolf story with a deeply disturbing premise.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital review copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
Trigger Warning: This is an adult work that contains strong gore, graphic violence, murder, and a scene of child sexual abuse (not detailed).
Meet congressman Louis P. Garrou. Priviledged, wealthy, handsome, charming… and oh yes, a werewolf. Running for congress and with one eye on the White House, Garrou is willing to do anything (and anyone, wink wink) to achieve his goal. Congressional staffers Peter and Angie make themselves a target of the congressman and what follows is a book filled with savagery goodness, reaching a climactic ending. Now, this isn't a 'Oh I'm cursed and I hate what I've turned into' werewolf, like in 'An American Werewolf in London'. Nor is it even a 'I want to peafecefully coexist with humanity but I kinda like my bestial side as well' werewolf like in 'The Howling'. This is a truly, completely evil monstrosity. Then again, as a human, Garrou is a bit of a douchebag as well. This book 'strays' from the typical werewolf-lore by adding a lot of elements from the, well, dark side. I'm not usually one for witches, demons, etc., at least not in relation to werewolves, but in this book, I didn't. Hell, I actually enjoyed it, to be honest. The ending is satisfying and frustrating at the same time. It's a rollercoaster ride, and although a few (minor) questions remain – there's even room for a sequel – but it would work the way it is as well. All in all, it was thoroughly enjoyable. I've read a few reviews that mentioned it had too much filler. Honestly, I couldn't detect it. Certainly, there's a few pages on politics and such, but considering the background of the story, that's to be expected (and quite enjoyable, really). Definitely worth a read.
This is a nightmare made real. When Peter injures a werewolf, it hunts him. Antonio Scouse has created a book guaranteed to give you nightmares. Forget the nice werewolves of other books this one is a demon out for revenge! Glad I read it in the daylight!! I liked it!