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Book of Shadows #3
The Wolf Society
When the moon is full, there is no place to hide.
Most mothers tell their children monsters aren’t real. Abigail Jacobs taught her daughter how to kill them.
Anna Jacobs has spent her life hunting the dead at her mother’s side. Now she wants nothing more than to escape the bloodshed before violence consumes her the way it consumed Abigail. But when women begin vanishing from the lakeside town of Burlington, Vermont, Abigail pulls Anna back for one last mystery.
What they find is worse than either imagined.
Beneath the town’s polished respectability lurks an unholy secret society and a terrifying plot threatening the lives of the village children. With the full moon rising and time running out, mother and daughter must rely on their training, their wits, and each other to survive their most vicious foe yet.
But Anna carries a darkness she doesn’t fully understand... and the closer she comes to the truth, the more she fears the most terrifying danger isn’t the creatures stalking the town, but the darkness awakening inside herself.
Fast-paced, unsettling, and loaded with supernatural tension, The Wolf Society blends occult conspiracies and moonlit savagery in a tale of mothers, daughters, and the monsters we’re taught to become.
Most mothers tell their children monsters aren’t real. Abigail Jacobs taught her daughter how to kill them.
Anna Jacobs has spent her life hunting the dead at her mother’s side. Now she wants nothing more than to escape the bloodshed before violence consumes her the way it consumed Abigail. But when women begin vanishing from the lakeside town of Burlington, Vermont, Abigail pulls Anna back for one last mystery.
What they find is worse than either imagined.
Beneath the town’s polished respectability lurks an unholy secret society and a terrifying plot threatening the lives of the village children. With the full moon rising and time running out, mother and daughter must rely on their training, their wits, and each other to survive their most vicious foe yet.
But Anna carries a darkness she doesn’t fully understand... and the closer she comes to the truth, the more she fears the most terrifying danger isn’t the creatures stalking the town, but the darkness awakening inside herself.
Fast-paced, unsettling, and loaded with supernatural tension, The Wolf Society blends occult conspiracies and moonlit savagery in a tale of mothers, daughters, and the monsters we’re taught to become.
- GenresHorrorHistorical Fiction
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2022
124 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Michael Penning
12 books129 followersMichael Penning is a bestselling author and award-winning screenwriter of horror and dark fiction, crafting stories so chilling they could make a ghost shiver. He has been weaving nightmares since before he could finish his own sack of trick-or-treat candy. When he's not conjuring new ways to make readers sleep with one eye open, he enjoys traveling, photography, and brewing beer. He lives in Montreal with his wife and daughter, who have yet to flee in terror. For free giveaways and updates on new releases, visit www.michaelpenning.com and sign up for Michael's newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 30, 2022
4.5/5
The Wolf Society by Michael Penning is book 3 of the Book of Shadows series, and my second favorite after book 1 (All Hallows Eve). Just like the first 2 books in this series, it is basically nonstop action, gore, and violence and in no way for the faint of heart. Trigger warnings also abound in this installment, with the inclusion of rape, so it's definitely not going to be for everyone. I love the team that is Abigail and her daughter Anna, and while they aren't *entirely* likable characters, I love them just the same. They are also both super badass which clearly helps, although there was a lot more weakness shown in the characters this time around.
There are so many things that were truly terrifying about The Wolf Society, and I loved the mix of horror and mystery. This is also a really quick read and on the shorter side since it is under 300 pages. I was so into it that I definitely could have easily read it in a day, and I don't recommend starting unless you have the time to finish! That is unless it's so gory you have to read it in parts which I would completely understand. Penning is such a talented indie writer, and highly skilled at drawing the reader in, so I recommend not missing out on this series! If you can handle extreme gore and triggers, this is for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Wolf Society by Michael Penning is book 3 of the Book of Shadows series, and my second favorite after book 1 (All Hallows Eve). Just like the first 2 books in this series, it is basically nonstop action, gore, and violence and in no way for the faint of heart. Trigger warnings also abound in this installment, with the inclusion of rape, so it's definitely not going to be for everyone. I love the team that is Abigail and her daughter Anna, and while they aren't *entirely* likable characters, I love them just the same. They are also both super badass which clearly helps, although there was a lot more weakness shown in the characters this time around.
There are so many things that were truly terrifying about The Wolf Society, and I loved the mix of horror and mystery. This is also a really quick read and on the shorter side since it is under 300 pages. I was so into it that I definitely could have easily read it in a day, and I don't recommend starting unless you have the time to finish! That is unless it's so gory you have to read it in parts which I would completely understand. Penning is such a talented indie writer, and highly skilled at drawing the reader in, so I recommend not missing out on this series! If you can handle extreme gore and triggers, this is for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 27, 2025
What is Watching From the Woods?
Small backstory:
Abigail Jacobs along with her daughter Anna Jacobs become entangled in a mystery within a small village in Vermont as women are missing and no one knows what has happened to them.
So begins the investigation of mother and daughter as they try to solve the puzzle of the missing women but what they find is beyond their wildest dreams as it seems the women are tied somehow into a secret sect of werewolves!
That is about all I can hand out with a small backstory so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This book is the third installment in the series Book of Shadows. It could be read as a stand alone but to understand the background of the Jacobs family I would read the books in order as there is background information that ties in to previous books.
With this story there was plenty of suspense, mystery, action and lots of twists and turns that lie deep within the story. I actually read half of this book within a few hours as I could not put it down! The author takes the reader and slams them into the story with lots of weaving and spinning tendrils of the words wrapping them around the reader pulling them into his world. Another great book by this author and looking forward to reading the next installment in this series. Giving this book five "Fur & Fang Action stars!
Small backstory:
Abigail Jacobs along with her daughter Anna Jacobs become entangled in a mystery within a small village in Vermont as women are missing and no one knows what has happened to them.
So begins the investigation of mother and daughter as they try to solve the puzzle of the missing women but what they find is beyond their wildest dreams as it seems the women are tied somehow into a secret sect of werewolves!
That is about all I can hand out with a small backstory so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This book is the third installment in the series Book of Shadows. It could be read as a stand alone but to understand the background of the Jacobs family I would read the books in order as there is background information that ties in to previous books.
With this story there was plenty of suspense, mystery, action and lots of twists and turns that lie deep within the story. I actually read half of this book within a few hours as I could not put it down! The author takes the reader and slams them into the story with lots of weaving and spinning tendrils of the words wrapping them around the reader pulling them into his world. Another great book by this author and looking forward to reading the next installment in this series. Giving this book five "Fur & Fang Action stars!
September 29, 2024
Werewolves, Missing Women, and Murder
This story is set in 19th-century Vermont and follows Abigail Jacob's and her daughter Anna as they investigate a series of mysterious disappearances.
As with all of Penning's books, suspense, action, and gore are present. Vivid descriptions of the eerie atmosphere and chilling encounters with supernatural beings create an enjoyable read.
The plot twists and turns are well written and keep you on your toes for the entirety of the book.
Another 5 star read from an amazing author!
This story is set in 19th-century Vermont and follows Abigail Jacob's and her daughter Anna as they investigate a series of mysterious disappearances.
As with all of Penning's books, suspense, action, and gore are present. Vivid descriptions of the eerie atmosphere and chilling encounters with supernatural beings create an enjoyable read.
The plot twists and turns are well written and keep you on your toes for the entirety of the book.
Another 5 star read from an amazing author!
May 13, 2022
This is the third book in the Book of Shadows series. I haven’t read the others and I had no problem following along, so this certainly can be read as a standalone. First of all, I love the author’s writing style. The level of graphic violence was fantastic and terrifying. I honestly was reading with my mouth hanging wide open the whole time. 😂 Definitely not for those with weak stomachs. This book is fast-paced and filled with non stop action. It’s full of suspense and horror. I honestly couldn’t put this one down. The atmosphere is breathtaking and the characters make you feel connected to the story. The Wolf Society really is a lot of fun. Highly recommended for those who love supernatural horror.
May 25, 2022
3.5
This is the third installment in the Book of Shadows series and can be read as a standalone.
In this story we follow Anna Jacobs and her mother, Abigail. Both women are badass and fight the supernatural evil that they come into contact with. The two start investigating a Vermont village where women are mysteriously disappearing. What they encounter is a secret society that is brewing a plot centered around the children of the village.
This is definitely an action packed story! There isn’t a shortage of blood, brutal kills, and descriptive scenes.
I had not read any of the other books in the series and I didn’t have trouble following along with the story. I do recommend starting at the beginning though, just because I think it would allow you to have a fuller picture of the characters and the overall feel of the story.
This book also has a historical fiction aspect included, which I know a lot of people enjoy since it adds a lot to the atmosphere and immersive experience.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone who loves strong women main characters, action packed stories, cults, supernatural horror, and brutal kills.
While this isn’t the typical horror story I usually go for, I did have a lot of fun reading it and enjoyed the ride it took me on!
*I was sent an e-copy of the book by the author for reviewing.*
This is the third installment in the Book of Shadows series and can be read as a standalone.
In this story we follow Anna Jacobs and her mother, Abigail. Both women are badass and fight the supernatural evil that they come into contact with. The two start investigating a Vermont village where women are mysteriously disappearing. What they encounter is a secret society that is brewing a plot centered around the children of the village.
This is definitely an action packed story! There isn’t a shortage of blood, brutal kills, and descriptive scenes.
I had not read any of the other books in the series and I didn’t have trouble following along with the story. I do recommend starting at the beginning though, just because I think it would allow you to have a fuller picture of the characters and the overall feel of the story.
This book also has a historical fiction aspect included, which I know a lot of people enjoy since it adds a lot to the atmosphere and immersive experience.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone who loves strong women main characters, action packed stories, cults, supernatural horror, and brutal kills.
While this isn’t the typical horror story I usually go for, I did have a lot of fun reading it and enjoyed the ride it took me on!
*I was sent an e-copy of the book by the author for reviewing.*
April 4, 2022
I've been eager to read the 3rd installment in the 'Book of Shadows series', the moment I've finished 'Suicide lake'(2nd book).
Once again, Michael Penning was awesome enough to send me a copy of 'The Wolf Society' the third book in the series, for review.
This story follows Anna Jacobs (the daughter of Abigail from Book 2) a ghost-hunting occultism, raised by her mama to slay the monsters others are afraid of.
While Anna is desperate to leave a life of danger and violence behind her, that life catches up as women begin disappearing from the village of Burlington, Vermont.
Mother and daughter team up once again, to solve the mystery and fight a secret society and an unspeakable evil that's threatening the lives of the village children.
A fight that will bring Anna face to face with her own demons and the realization that the most dangerous evil might actually reside within her.
With 'The Wolf Society',the author elevates his story to new levels of greatness as the legacy of Alice moves to Abigail and from her to Anna. Fast paced action, brilliant storytelling, fantastic edge of your seat plot twists and great character development. Did I mention the gorgeous book cover??
'The Wolf Society , is a beautifully written story, that once again ticked all the right boxes: Abundance of mystery and horror, suspense, lore and action, supernatural and occult elements, wonderfully penned characters and tailored up to a spine chilling roller-coaster of an adventure.
Michael Penning does a great job keeping you awake at night, not only because of the lovely horror elements, but because you can't help but keep on reading like your life depended on it.
A great addition to the 'Book of Shadows' series.
This one goes straight to the top 5 for 2022 and the series one of my alll time favorites. There is also a prequel story to the series called 'A Firebrand of Hell ' at the author’s website ( https://michaelpenning.com)
If you are looking for your next spooky read; if you want your heart pumping in your chest from anticipation on what's gonna happen next, if you wanna lose sleep and be happy about it; and if you wanna fall in love with reading again, then dive into this fantastic series the soonest.
'The Wolf Society' is out on May the 25th.
Once again, Michael Penning was awesome enough to send me a copy of 'The Wolf Society' the third book in the series, for review.
This story follows Anna Jacobs (the daughter of Abigail from Book 2) a ghost-hunting occultism, raised by her mama to slay the monsters others are afraid of.
While Anna is desperate to leave a life of danger and violence behind her, that life catches up as women begin disappearing from the village of Burlington, Vermont.
Mother and daughter team up once again, to solve the mystery and fight a secret society and an unspeakable evil that's threatening the lives of the village children.
A fight that will bring Anna face to face with her own demons and the realization that the most dangerous evil might actually reside within her.
With 'The Wolf Society',the author elevates his story to new levels of greatness as the legacy of Alice moves to Abigail and from her to Anna. Fast paced action, brilliant storytelling, fantastic edge of your seat plot twists and great character development. Did I mention the gorgeous book cover??
'The Wolf Society , is a beautifully written story, that once again ticked all the right boxes: Abundance of mystery and horror, suspense, lore and action, supernatural and occult elements, wonderfully penned characters and tailored up to a spine chilling roller-coaster of an adventure.
Michael Penning does a great job keeping you awake at night, not only because of the lovely horror elements, but because you can't help but keep on reading like your life depended on it.
A great addition to the 'Book of Shadows' series.
This one goes straight to the top 5 for 2022 and the series one of my alll time favorites. There is also a prequel story to the series called 'A Firebrand of Hell ' at the author’s website ( https://michaelpenning.com)
If you are looking for your next spooky read; if you want your heart pumping in your chest from anticipation on what's gonna happen next, if you wanna lose sleep and be happy about it; and if you wanna fall in love with reading again, then dive into this fantastic series the soonest.
'The Wolf Society' is out on May the 25th.
May 21, 2022
The Wolf Society is the latest installment in Michael Penning’s Book of Shadows series. This book can be read as a standalone and you’ll have no problem following along. Anna Jacobs has been raised in the family business of ghost hunting and monster slaying and she’s very good at it.
“Suffer no evil to live…isn’t that how you raised me Mother?”
She’s also ready to move on to a different kind of life but gets talked into one more job by her formidable mother Abigail. Women are disappearing from a small town in Vermont and the circumstances are even darker (and bloodier) than they first appear.
I love this series and The Wolf Society did not disappoint! Fearless women, nonstop action, secret societies, dark magic, and supernatural horror: this series has it all. I’m a big fan of complex, morally grey characters with complicated backstories and the Jacobs women have that in spades. The historical details helped set the story in the nineteenth century without distracting from the tension filled tale. This book can be read as a standalone and you will have no trouble following along (but you’re going to want to read them all, trust me). Michael Penning is an amazing storyteller and I highly recommend this one!
“Suffer no evil to live…isn’t that how you raised me Mother?”
She’s also ready to move on to a different kind of life but gets talked into one more job by her formidable mother Abigail. Women are disappearing from a small town in Vermont and the circumstances are even darker (and bloodier) than they first appear.
I love this series and The Wolf Society did not disappoint! Fearless women, nonstop action, secret societies, dark magic, and supernatural horror: this series has it all. I’m a big fan of complex, morally grey characters with complicated backstories and the Jacobs women have that in spades. The historical details helped set the story in the nineteenth century without distracting from the tension filled tale. This book can be read as a standalone and you will have no trouble following along (but you’re going to want to read them all, trust me). Michael Penning is an amazing storyteller and I highly recommend this one!
May 23, 2022
Disclaimer - I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The third installment in the Book of Shadows series, The Wolf Society now takes a look at the infamous Abigail Jacobs' daughter, Anna, who is well on the way to carving out her own name in the world of the occult. Raised by her mother to not only know, but to fight tooth and nail against the paranormal evils that surround them, Anna is a young woman filled with rage and resentment - and the fighting skills to take it out on anyone who crosses her. But as she tries to pull away from her mother, Abigail only works harder to keep her daughter close. And now that they they find themselves in the midst of a dangerous mystery that only they can solve, they must work together one final time to save the most vulnerable victims - the orphaned children.
A fast paced novel that takes place almost entirely in one nightmarish night, The Wolf Society brings the worst of humanity to the foreground. While Anna feels no remorse beating an abuser to a bloody pulp, she begins to feel a darkness inside of her rise up, one that has always whispered in her ear, but now threatens to engulf her entirely. And Abigail, seeing a bloodlust in her daughter's eye that she has always tried to curb, is afraid to lose her daughter all together, and will use all of her darkest magical skills to save Anna's soul, even if it means losing her own.
Once again Penning's writing is superb, not only has he created a badass character like Abigail Jacobs but in her daughter Anna, we see another side and extension that the effect of being a strong willed woman living in such male dominated times can have on a woman's mind and soul. But we are also introduced to Mary, a woman who is fighting for her own daughter's future whatever the cost, and Kitty, an Irish barmaid risks her own life for those around her. In this story there is no shortage of strong and courageous women, whether you agree with their ideologies or not, and otherworldly powers, blood thirsty wolves, and with a bitter fight and high stakes around every corner, you will find it difficult to put this one down before the final page.
The third installment in the Book of Shadows series, The Wolf Society now takes a look at the infamous Abigail Jacobs' daughter, Anna, who is well on the way to carving out her own name in the world of the occult. Raised by her mother to not only know, but to fight tooth and nail against the paranormal evils that surround them, Anna is a young woman filled with rage and resentment - and the fighting skills to take it out on anyone who crosses her. But as she tries to pull away from her mother, Abigail only works harder to keep her daughter close. And now that they they find themselves in the midst of a dangerous mystery that only they can solve, they must work together one final time to save the most vulnerable victims - the orphaned children.
A fast paced novel that takes place almost entirely in one nightmarish night, The Wolf Society brings the worst of humanity to the foreground. While Anna feels no remorse beating an abuser to a bloody pulp, she begins to feel a darkness inside of her rise up, one that has always whispered in her ear, but now threatens to engulf her entirely. And Abigail, seeing a bloodlust in her daughter's eye that she has always tried to curb, is afraid to lose her daughter all together, and will use all of her darkest magical skills to save Anna's soul, even if it means losing her own.
Once again Penning's writing is superb, not only has he created a badass character like Abigail Jacobs but in her daughter Anna, we see another side and extension that the effect of being a strong willed woman living in such male dominated times can have on a woman's mind and soul. But we are also introduced to Mary, a woman who is fighting for her own daughter's future whatever the cost, and Kitty, an Irish barmaid risks her own life for those around her. In this story there is no shortage of strong and courageous women, whether you agree with their ideologies or not, and otherworldly powers, blood thirsty wolves, and with a bitter fight and high stakes around every corner, you will find it difficult to put this one down before the final page.
July 28, 2024
Wow! I'm completely enthralled with this dark witchy series! All of the books have immediately grabbed my attention, but this is my favorite so far. I feel like these are so fast-paced that I might be ruined for anything else. I'm struggling to review these because I absolutely don't want to give anything away. I've gone into the last two books completely blind and I've been delightfully surprised each time. I've read some reviews that call these stand alones, but I do recommend reading them in order.
I've struggled to find horror that I enjoy, but Michael Penning really takes care to set the atmosphere and delivers a creative action-packed story every time! I think the historical aspects of his books really add richness to the atmosphere, mysteries, and creatures of these stories. If you love badass female leads like me, you're going to adore the A Team!
To be fair, there are a few issues with these books. Do they scare me? No, but that's normal for me, and I think horror is especially subjective. There was also an editing error or two in the last two books. Did they interfere with the story? No. By the end of this story, I gave zero thought to either issue. I've been reading these on KU, but I'm going to need physical copies of these. I can definitely see myself returning to these books as a sort of comfort series. That seems weird to say about horror, but perhaps my comfort will be your horror.
I've struggled to find horror that I enjoy, but Michael Penning really takes care to set the atmosphere and delivers a creative action-packed story every time! I think the historical aspects of his books really add richness to the atmosphere, mysteries, and creatures of these stories. If you love badass female leads like me, you're going to adore the A Team!
To be fair, there are a few issues with these books. Do they scare me? No, but that's normal for me, and I think horror is especially subjective. There was also an editing error or two in the last two books. Did they interfere with the story? No. By the end of this story, I gave zero thought to either issue. I've been reading these on KU, but I'm going to need physical copies of these. I can definitely see myself returning to these books as a sort of comfort series. That seems weird to say about horror, but perhaps my comfort will be your horror.
May 25, 2022
I absolutely fell in love with this book. The historical details, the pace of the story, the anxiety I felt as I was facing the werewolves, the complicated mother-daughter relationship, the resentment, rage… I was not reading the book, I was INSIDE the book. Great job, I’m really looking forward to another chapter in the Books Of Shadows series!
November 2, 2023
I’ve never read a series where all the books held the same grip on me. Usually the quality seems to diminish after every installment, but not this book. I really loved it and the other 2 books in the series. The stories are really easy to follow and have enough excitement to make you want to keep reading. 5/5
May 20, 2022
Wow! I had to stop myself from racing through this book. The author has such a gift for description that the reader is pulled in straight away and so completely that the story becomes almost a living thing. It was sooooooo good I wanted to inhale it . The characters are well written and none, in my opinion, were throwaways. Every character brought something to the story, good or bad. I wanted to get to the end to find out what happened but did not want it TO end. I think there are more adventures to be had here and am hopeful that there will be.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
January 29, 2023
4.5 stars. The Book of Shadows series is one of my faves and this was yet another wonderfully gripping horror story!
May 19, 2022
Non-stop thrill ride! This book hooked me from the first sentence and didn't let go until the end. My heart rate is still elevated! Best book in the series so far.
Get your copy ASAP but don't read it at night, near trees/water/wolves... Actually, not really sure of the safest way to read this book.
Get your copy ASAP but don't read it at night, near trees/water/wolves... Actually, not really sure of the safest way to read this book.
May 3, 2022
Wow! All I can say is the third installement of The Book of Shadows series is not one to miss. Michael Penning has once again drawn me into his historical horror-filled world.
In this third installment, we follow our favorite badass, female, necromancer Abigail, along side her daughter, Anna who has taken up the family business of ghost hunting. Together they must discover why women are disappearing from a small Vermont town, and along the way they uncover much more than they bargained for. This is a fast paced, action filled book, that can be read as a stand alone or along with the first two books. Whichever way you choose, you’re sure to be in for a viscerally gory good time.
This was an easy 5 star read for me. I enjoyed it immensely and found it hard to put down. I definitely feel like this book has pulled me out of my long reading slump. I am so grateful to the author for a chance to review this arc of his upcoming novel in exchange for an honest review. Be sure to pick up a copy of The Wolf Society on its release day May 25.
In this third installment, we follow our favorite badass, female, necromancer Abigail, along side her daughter, Anna who has taken up the family business of ghost hunting. Together they must discover why women are disappearing from a small Vermont town, and along the way they uncover much more than they bargained for. This is a fast paced, action filled book, that can be read as a stand alone or along with the first two books. Whichever way you choose, you’re sure to be in for a viscerally gory good time.
This was an easy 5 star read for me. I enjoyed it immensely and found it hard to put down. I definitely feel like this book has pulled me out of my long reading slump. I am so grateful to the author for a chance to review this arc of his upcoming novel in exchange for an honest review. Be sure to pick up a copy of The Wolf Society on its release day May 25.
May 25, 2022
Fast paced , lots of action!!! This is the 3rd installment of Michael Pennings Book of Shadow series. All I can say is it was a thrilling ride that I want to go on again! Haven't read the first two books I wasn't sure how this would go. That wasn't a problem at all as this can be read as a stand alone novel. I will be picking up the first two books now to see how this all started. I would like to thank the author for the advanced copy.
May 25, 2022
I love this series.
In the first book, Alice Jacobs fights against ghosts, witches, and an evil curse to save her daughter, Abigail.
In the second book, Abigail, now grown, battles ancient evil in a remote logging camp.
In this, the third book, Abigail and her daughter Anna find themselves pitted against an enemy that will push them to their limits: werewolves.
These books are horror but also action, and the action never stops. The whole 277 pages is one harrowing experience after another. Abigail and Anna have witchcraft in their blood and necromancy in their souls, but these are weapons hardly even worth mentioning against the brutal strength and rage of a pack of werewolves intent on killing them. There's biting, scratching, shooting, stabbing, burning, bludgeoning. There's blood dripping everywhere.
To add to it all, we have Anna fighting back a darkness that lives within herself at the same time she's battling the hulking lycanthropes. And of course, it's not enough for the wolves to be after Abigail and Anna, no. Their true sights are set on a group of helpless children at the local poor farm.
With sheer determination and grit, the mother-daughter duo will fight long into the night of the Hunter's Moon. They will be aided along the way by a few others - mere mortals with courage and defiance in equal measure.
These stories read like action movies. You can just see the dark forest speeding past as they try to outrun the bloodthirsty wolves, the bright crimson of the copious blood that drips from the creature's snouts. You can practically hear a soundtrack of intense music as you read.
I absolutely love these books. I love the action, the use of classic horror tropes in new ways, the strong but flawed female leads. This series manages to be both heart-poundingly horrific and yet kind of fun at the same time, like sitting in a darkened theater as a kid watching an old horror movie, full of chase scenes and battles of good vs. evil.
The ending of this one leaves things wide open for more books, and that makes me very happy. I don't think we're through with Abigail and Anna and their Book of Shadows just yet.
In the first book, Alice Jacobs fights against ghosts, witches, and an evil curse to save her daughter, Abigail.
In the second book, Abigail, now grown, battles ancient evil in a remote logging camp.
In this, the third book, Abigail and her daughter Anna find themselves pitted against an enemy that will push them to their limits: werewolves.
These books are horror but also action, and the action never stops. The whole 277 pages is one harrowing experience after another. Abigail and Anna have witchcraft in their blood and necromancy in their souls, but these are weapons hardly even worth mentioning against the brutal strength and rage of a pack of werewolves intent on killing them. There's biting, scratching, shooting, stabbing, burning, bludgeoning. There's blood dripping everywhere.
To add to it all, we have Anna fighting back a darkness that lives within herself at the same time she's battling the hulking lycanthropes. And of course, it's not enough for the wolves to be after Abigail and Anna, no. Their true sights are set on a group of helpless children at the local poor farm.
With sheer determination and grit, the mother-daughter duo will fight long into the night of the Hunter's Moon. They will be aided along the way by a few others - mere mortals with courage and defiance in equal measure.
These stories read like action movies. You can just see the dark forest speeding past as they try to outrun the bloodthirsty wolves, the bright crimson of the copious blood that drips from the creature's snouts. You can practically hear a soundtrack of intense music as you read.
I absolutely love these books. I love the action, the use of classic horror tropes in new ways, the strong but flawed female leads. This series manages to be both heart-poundingly horrific and yet kind of fun at the same time, like sitting in a darkened theater as a kid watching an old horror movie, full of chase scenes and battles of good vs. evil.
The ending of this one leaves things wide open for more books, and that makes me very happy. I don't think we're through with Abigail and Anna and their Book of Shadows just yet.
May 25, 2022
I've already read All Hallows Eve and The Suicide Lake so I am quite familiar with Michael Penning's writing. His stories are gripping, nerve wracking and so fast paced that you'll find yourself trying to catch your breath. You'll fall in love with characters with no guarantee that you'll still see them at the end of the book. You'll discover historical places with often heart breaking and bloody pasts. And you will come to appreciate this writer.
The Wolf Society, however, takes it up a notch or ten. This is like being on a non stop roller coaster. You are pulled from chapter to chapter unceasingly and unable to set the book down. If in the last books you chased after your breath, you will, in certain moments, cease breathing in this one. Terrifying all the more because what if? What if they're really out there?
The next time you're enjoying a stroll through the woods and you hear a twig snap, you might have to ask yourself, ''What if?''.
The Wolf Society, however, takes it up a notch or ten. This is like being on a non stop roller coaster. You are pulled from chapter to chapter unceasingly and unable to set the book down. If in the last books you chased after your breath, you will, in certain moments, cease breathing in this one. Terrifying all the more because what if? What if they're really out there?
The next time you're enjoying a stroll through the woods and you hear a twig snap, you might have to ask yourself, ''What if?''.
November 2, 2022
The final book in the Book of Shadows trilogy is The Wolf Society. In this Abigail and her daughter Anna, taught by her mother to be an occultist but wanting desperately to have a life away from it, join forces to battle an evil in a village in Vermont where the lives of the children are in danger but is the darkness in Anna the real enemy? This story has several incredibly courageous women at a time when strength and independent thought was not a celebrated female attribute.
A brilliantly scary ending to the trilogy, they are all fantastic gripping stories but this is the most electrifying and I could not put it down. 5 Stars.
As a whole the writing really transports you to another time and place, it is evocative, spooky and stays with you long after you’ve closed the books. The writer really knows how to press the creepy buttons and the storytelling is excellent. I loved the character of Abigail, who doesn’t love a no nonsense demon battling witch, who drinks, speaks her mind and takes no nonsense from the men around her. I really hope there’s more to come in this series!
A brilliantly scary ending to the trilogy, they are all fantastic gripping stories but this is the most electrifying and I could not put it down. 5 Stars.
As a whole the writing really transports you to another time and place, it is evocative, spooky and stays with you long after you’ve closed the books. The writer really knows how to press the creepy buttons and the storytelling is excellent. I loved the character of Abigail, who doesn’t love a no nonsense demon battling witch, who drinks, speaks her mind and takes no nonsense from the men around her. I really hope there’s more to come in this series!
May 29, 2022
I loved this book, it is a great horror/suspense story, so dark. This story follows Anna Jacobs and her mother, Abigail, both very strong main characters. The descriptions in this book were amazing and will keep you reading. It is a fast-paced read, and the plot is filled with action and suspense. The characters each draw you into their own way to the world created in the book. I liked how you meet the wolves and how their perspectives are presented, and how quickly you see how aggressive they truly are. Personally, as much as I enjoyed the main characters, but I loved Kitty, another strong woman. There is so much to enjoy, I highly recommend you give this book a try. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2023
Sad train wreck
As often happens when an author contracts to write a trilogy the first book
is sensational, the second doesn't measure up and the third is a wreck. All Hallow's Eve was an intriguing read. Penning proved himself to be a very talented story teller, a master of his craft. Suicide Lake would have been a great read if Penning hadn't chosen to weaken his work by employing erotica and slasher qualities. The Wolf Society was a weak attempt at the horror genre. Penning would have been better served if he had not relied so heavily on tawdry erotic and blood and guts scenarios. All of this combined with poor grammar , (never end a sentence with a preposition), earned a two star rating.
As often happens when an author contracts to write a trilogy the first book
is sensational, the second doesn't measure up and the third is a wreck. All Hallow's Eve was an intriguing read. Penning proved himself to be a very talented story teller, a master of his craft. Suicide Lake would have been a great read if Penning hadn't chosen to weaken his work by employing erotica and slasher qualities. The Wolf Society was a weak attempt at the horror genre. Penning would have been better served if he had not relied so heavily on tawdry erotic and blood and guts scenarios. All of this combined with poor grammar , (never end a sentence with a preposition), earned a two star rating.
May 29, 2022
Fast-paced and a real page turner! Abigail and Anna are two incredibly strong women who find themselves in non-stop, action-filled, and terrifying experiences as they fight off evil. Using witchcraft and necromancy skills, they will stop at nothing to keep others safe. But perhaps even more terrifying is the evil that lies within Anna and the strongest battle yet to fight it off. This is the third installment of the Book of Shadows series and just when you think it can’t get any better, Penning succeeds once again in gripping us with fear and excitement.
June 14, 2022
Another great read
Mr. Penning doesn’t disappoint with the third tale in the Book Of Shadows series. Once again I read this with lightning speed because I couldn’t put it down. I am anxiously awaiting the 4th book as I cannot wait to find out what is to come. Well done Mr. Penning. Thank you for keeping my attention.
Mr. Penning doesn’t disappoint with the third tale in the Book Of Shadows series. Once again I read this with lightning speed because I couldn’t put it down. I am anxiously awaiting the 4th book as I cannot wait to find out what is to come. Well done Mr. Penning. Thank you for keeping my attention.
June 13, 2023
Wow!
Abigail has a daughter, Anna, whom is all grown up. She is trained as a necromancer, just like her mother. While out tracking down a monster, she comes across a group of women that have disappeared. When she inquires about these women, everything hits the fan! What a great read! And the ending!! This series keeps getting better! Highly recommend
Abigail has a daughter, Anna, whom is all grown up. She is trained as a necromancer, just like her mother. While out tracking down a monster, she comes across a group of women that have disappeared. When she inquires about these women, everything hits the fan! What a great read! And the ending!! This series keeps getting better! Highly recommend
November 14, 2025
Michael Penning has done it again! These stories are supernatural yet historical. It was very descriptive and transported you to 19th century Vermont. You could feel the tension through the story between mother and daughter as well as with all the supernatural events taking place. Another amazing read! If you are not reading the Book of Shadows series, you should be!
January 18, 2023
Brilliant read
From beginning this book I couldn't put down my eyes were glued to the text. The plot was well written. This is the third one I've read and can't wait for the others thank you
From beginning this book I couldn't put down my eyes were glued to the text. The plot was well written. This is the third one I've read and can't wait for the others thank you
January 21, 2023
excellent
Good fast pace book. Found once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down and time just slipped away. Excellent conclusion to this trilogy however it seems to be left in such a place where another book could be written. I guess we will have to wait and see….
Good fast pace book. Found once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down and time just slipped away. Excellent conclusion to this trilogy however it seems to be left in such a place where another book could be written. I guess we will have to wait and see….
March 10, 2023
Remarkable
Amazing keeps you on the edge of your seat longing for more more please more dare I suggest there's going to be a fourth book? please, I wait and anticipation a great read. Amazing keeps you on the edge of your seat if you don't read this book. There's no hope for you
Amazing keeps you on the edge of your seat longing for more more please more dare I suggest there's going to be a fourth book? please, I wait and anticipation a great read. Amazing keeps you on the edge of your seat if you don't read this book. There's no hope for you
February 20, 2024
Ball 3
This series is really good. Kinda felt like the raunchy sex descriptions were not needed, they didn't add or take away (except personally) from the story. No one in the story is beyond killing!
It is worth the read! I read this book in one day, it was that good!
This series is really good. Kinda felt like the raunchy sex descriptions were not needed, they didn't add or take away (except personally) from the story. No one in the story is beyond killing!
It is worth the read! I read this book in one day, it was that good!
February 3, 2025
The Wolf Society was my personal favorite of the series so far. The author did a great job of keeping the pace high throughout the entire book. Book of Shadows series is one I intend to read in full (and I am not a big reader). Well worth it.
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