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A Wolf so Grim and Mangy
A Land of Darkness drowns in despair.
It’s called My Office.
When I’m not typing manifests, I churn out fantasy books no-one reads.
Less Young Adult, more MAD: Middle Aged Disappointment.
So, when I’m gifted a magic book for Secret Santa, I can’t believe my luck.
One miserable ‘Once Upon a Time’ later and I’m marooned on a frozen mountain,
heaving with weirdos, biting each other’s throats.
The Snake’s oily,
The Eagle’s bald,
The Bear’s accident prone,
My ‘Handsome Prince’ is more cheesed off Wolf, busy scratching,
and
I’ve no idea who the Villain is (unless it’s me).
Worst of all…
I’ve no way home and the Mangy Wolf’s got the hots for me.
Growing old is no fairytale.
About the Author
Caroline Noe Lives in London, juggling the writing of science fiction and fantasy novels with her other great love: photography. When she's not scratching holes in notebooks, she can be found standing on her head, straining for the best shot.
It’s called My Office.
When I’m not typing manifests, I churn out fantasy books no-one reads.
Less Young Adult, more MAD: Middle Aged Disappointment.
So, when I’m gifted a magic book for Secret Santa, I can’t believe my luck.
One miserable ‘Once Upon a Time’ later and I’m marooned on a frozen mountain,
heaving with weirdos, biting each other’s throats.
The Snake’s oily,
The Eagle’s bald,
The Bear’s accident prone,
My ‘Handsome Prince’ is more cheesed off Wolf, busy scratching,
and
I’ve no idea who the Villain is (unless it’s me).
Worst of all…
I’ve no way home and the Mangy Wolf’s got the hots for me.
Growing old is no fairytale.
About the Author
Caroline Noe Lives in London, juggling the writing of science fiction and fantasy novels with her other great love: photography. When she's not scratching holes in notebooks, she can be found standing on her head, straining for the best shot.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2022
62 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 28, 2022
'For the ageing, menopausal, snarky and disappointed. We deserve our fantasy too.'
And this one is just... PERFECT.
I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard while reading a book. The full out belly laughter with tears in your eyes and gasping for breath kind. Caroline Noe, if you're ever going to read this little review... you made me laugh so hard I wet my pants!
Your book is bloody brilliant!
Now let me get to the WHY part. (*cracking knuckles, popping bones and getting down to writing*)
But, before I proceed, beware. There'll be quite a bit of irreverent snark, mostly due to 'a grey haired old fart.' grumpy old eagles and a mangy wolf, but truly, much much more.
So if you're looking for young and beautiful, sexy hot smut and first's love perfect kiss, look elsewhere please. Neither this book nor this review are it.
If on the other hand, snarky middle-aged tales are your jam, pull up a seat my friend cause this one's a real treat!
As the blurb aptly warns, A Wolf So Grim And Mangy is the tale of a disillusioned former fantasy believer in her fifties. Her name is Edi (short for Edith), who occasionally wishes she were someone else, doing something else and living anywhere else, because anything would be better than her lonely life and rubbish job.
When she ends up standing on a spot vacated by a toilet wiping dog pee from her ankle with an idiotic map after reading from a weird magic book and is Once Upon A Timed to a stunningly beautiful freeze-your-arse-off mountain in the middle of nowhere, no one can really blame her for cursing the Great Beyond's idea of a cruel joke. I bet you can't read that whole sentence without stopping to take a breath. :D
But back to the book, because I digress - of course our Edi won't find a handsome prince waiting for her on arrival. Because this is a real story and the real deal. She gets a mangy wolf instead. ;)
She finds herself smack down in the middle of a dispute between several clans of shifters with an attitude. And when I say that I mean ALL those shifters. And ALL the attitude. As it turns out, they're in trouble because their youngsters go missing and they need a Chosen Saviour to help sort the mystery out, and keep them off each other's throats. A prophesized Saviour who's 'young and beautiful, with long, sun blond hair to her waist and even her nails sparkle.' Not 'a padded old woman.'
But none of the poor schmucks counted on the curiosity and wits of a modern middle-aged woman. And none of them realised there's nothing more lethal than said pissed off woman on a self-appointed mission. Too bad they didn't get the memo. :D Because when Edi pokes her nose into their business they won't know what hit them. Not only figuratively speaking - just to be clear.
I won't tell you anything else about the plot, because I don't want to spoil, and it's best you go into this the way I did - head on and crash landing - eagle style. You'll get what I mean by this when you read the book. (*slapping duct tape on the mouth to prove a point*) I bet my shiny new Gucci purse that you're gonna love it!
Now where was I? Right! What to expect.
Apart from our Edi, whooccasionally (*cough*) more often than not fumbles around like a walrus in a dinner jacket and gets into trouble faster than you can say chicken.
Plenty of snarling and fur flying, bald eagles and furry missiles, complete with a cartload of snarky fun. Grumpy old eagles nannying mangy wolves into circus outfits whining and whinging in stereo all the way, birds smacked in the mush till the faces are flat and snakes booted in the nuts.... There's a lot more where that came from but you get the gist by now. All around glorious fun!
And at the centre of it all, a wonderful message and a tale as heartwarming as it gets. A tale that poignantly shows it doesn't matter what type of feathers, fur or scales you wear. We are all the same flesh and blood underneath it all and we can all get along if only we give each other a chance. Or if we have a determined Edi boxing our ears to get us there. :D
This book is like a warm fuzzy blanket wrapped around your shoulders on a cold winter day. Not only wickedly fun, but also as sweet as it gets. It's a delightful feel good tale of love and acceptance wrapped up in a big fat package of snarky fun.
And the best part of it all is that it manages to keep it all down to earth and real.
Edi, our MC, is not the cast iron, sword wielding bad arse, but just a regular middle-aged British woman who doesn't know how to give up. Well... she is pretty bad arse if you ask me, but at the end of the day, she remains that 'real-life' middle-aged woman all of us can identify with. You know, the 'my knee's killing me, all my bones ache, the sciatica's throbbing merry hell down my legs' kind of real. And there's no magic spell or potion to cure it.
The wolf remains mangy and eagle stays grumpy, kisses are sloppy and singing kind of sounds 'like an overexcited fox mating with a parrot'.
No one would win any beauty contests or garner thousands of social media likes, everyone trips and fumbles and occasionally fudges up. Royally fudges up that is!
But second chances are given regardless of all that. Love is shared in big bear hugs and furry cuddles. And there's a general feel good vibe leaping from the pages, straight into your heart.
To sum it all up, happy reader style,
A Wolf So Grim And Mangy is humorous fantasy the way it should be written. Hands down the best book I've read so far this year.
Snarky, smart, honest, and wickedly fun.
If you're a fan of the genre THIS IS A MUST READ.
Take a Bookdragon's word for it.
You can thank me later. :)
Happy reading everyone
and remember:
'All we can do is live today and plan for tomorrow, praying it'll be there.'
P.S. - I swear the mere mention of YMCA will have me cracking up for a very long time!
Find this review and more over on my fantasy and romance book review blog The Magic Book Corner
And this one is just... PERFECT.
I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard while reading a book. The full out belly laughter with tears in your eyes and gasping for breath kind. Caroline Noe, if you're ever going to read this little review... you made me laugh so hard I wet my pants!
Your book is bloody brilliant!
Now let me get to the WHY part. (*cracking knuckles, popping bones and getting down to writing*)
But, before I proceed, beware. There'll be quite a bit of irreverent snark, mostly due to 'a grey haired old fart.' grumpy old eagles and a mangy wolf, but truly, much much more.
So if you're looking for young and beautiful, sexy hot smut and first's love perfect kiss, look elsewhere please. Neither this book nor this review are it.
If on the other hand, snarky middle-aged tales are your jam, pull up a seat my friend cause this one's a real treat!
As the blurb aptly warns, A Wolf So Grim And Mangy is the tale of a disillusioned former fantasy believer in her fifties. Her name is Edi (short for Edith), who occasionally wishes she were someone else, doing something else and living anywhere else, because anything would be better than her lonely life and rubbish job.
When she ends up standing on a spot vacated by a toilet wiping dog pee from her ankle with an idiotic map after reading from a weird magic book and is Once Upon A Timed to a stunningly beautiful freeze-your-arse-off mountain in the middle of nowhere, no one can really blame her for cursing the Great Beyond's idea of a cruel joke. I bet you can't read that whole sentence without stopping to take a breath. :D
But back to the book, because I digress - of course our Edi won't find a handsome prince waiting for her on arrival. Because this is a real story and the real deal. She gets a mangy wolf instead. ;)
She finds herself smack down in the middle of a dispute between several clans of shifters with an attitude. And when I say that I mean ALL those shifters. And ALL the attitude. As it turns out, they're in trouble because their youngsters go missing and they need a Chosen Saviour to help sort the mystery out, and keep them off each other's throats. A prophesized Saviour who's 'young and beautiful, with long, sun blond hair to her waist and even her nails sparkle.' Not 'a padded old woman.'
But none of the poor schmucks counted on the curiosity and wits of a modern middle-aged woman. And none of them realised there's nothing more lethal than said pissed off woman on a self-appointed mission. Too bad they didn't get the memo. :D Because when Edi pokes her nose into their business they won't know what hit them. Not only figuratively speaking - just to be clear.
I won't tell you anything else about the plot, because I don't want to spoil, and it's best you go into this the way I did - head on and crash landing - eagle style. You'll get what I mean by this when you read the book. (*slapping duct tape on the mouth to prove a point*) I bet my shiny new Gucci purse that you're gonna love it!
Now where was I? Right! What to expect.
Apart from our Edi, who
Plenty of snarling and fur flying, bald eagles and furry missiles, complete with a cartload of snarky fun. Grumpy old eagles nannying mangy wolves into circus outfits whining and whinging in stereo all the way, birds smacked in the mush till the faces are flat and snakes booted in the nuts.... There's a lot more where that came from but you get the gist by now. All around glorious fun!
And at the centre of it all, a wonderful message and a tale as heartwarming as it gets. A tale that poignantly shows it doesn't matter what type of feathers, fur or scales you wear. We are all the same flesh and blood underneath it all and we can all get along if only we give each other a chance. Or if we have a determined Edi boxing our ears to get us there. :D
This book is like a warm fuzzy blanket wrapped around your shoulders on a cold winter day. Not only wickedly fun, but also as sweet as it gets. It's a delightful feel good tale of love and acceptance wrapped up in a big fat package of snarky fun.
And the best part of it all is that it manages to keep it all down to earth and real.
Edi, our MC, is not the cast iron, sword wielding bad arse, but just a regular middle-aged British woman who doesn't know how to give up. Well... she is pretty bad arse if you ask me, but at the end of the day, she remains that 'real-life' middle-aged woman all of us can identify with. You know, the 'my knee's killing me, all my bones ache, the sciatica's throbbing merry hell down my legs' kind of real. And there's no magic spell or potion to cure it.
The wolf remains mangy and eagle stays grumpy, kisses are sloppy and singing kind of sounds 'like an overexcited fox mating with a parrot'.
No one would win any beauty contests or garner thousands of social media likes, everyone trips and fumbles and occasionally fudges up. Royally fudges up that is!
But second chances are given regardless of all that. Love is shared in big bear hugs and furry cuddles. And there's a general feel good vibe leaping from the pages, straight into your heart.
To sum it all up, happy reader style,
A Wolf So Grim And Mangy is humorous fantasy the way it should be written. Hands down the best book I've read so far this year.
Snarky, smart, honest, and wickedly fun.
If you're a fan of the genre THIS IS A MUST READ.
Take a Bookdragon's word for it.
You can thank me later. :)
Happy reading everyone
and remember:
'All we can do is live today and plan for tomorrow, praying it'll be there.'
P.S. - I swear the mere mention of YMCA will have me cracking up for a very long time!
Find this review and more over on my fantasy and romance book review blog The Magic Book Corner
October 14, 2022
A Wolf so Grim and Mangy – well, what can I say? Other than I loved it. So bored with perfect, perky teenagers saving the world – again – and a beautiful couple falling in love so hard that the fascist regime just gives up – this book was a refreshing splash of cold water to the face.
Edi is middle-aged, falling apart, and bored to tears with her ever-increasing slide into lonely obscurity. Regifted an unwanted magic book in a Secret Santa, Edi finds herself in a different realm where it’s not so much fairy tale and more feeding time at the zoo.
The snake is oily, the eagle is suffering from male pattern baldness, and as for the wolf … Grumpy, mangy, in constant pain from a rheumatic hip, and likely to drop the odd fart or two … he’s certainly no Prince Charming. Discovering that the wolf shifters are embroiled in an ongoing war with the bear shifters (for reasons that no one can quite remember now) Edi realises it’s up to her to be the grown-up in the room. If only her sciatica will let her.
Frantic, fast, and funny, this book breaks the mould and thumbs its nose at all those tedious YA books with convoluted titles, impossibly beautiful young heroines, and moody bad-boy heroes. If, like me, you’re tired of that sort of read and fancy a change, then I highly recommend you run away with Edi and her arthritic wolf – well, limp away because, dodgy hip, you know.
Edi is middle-aged, falling apart, and bored to tears with her ever-increasing slide into lonely obscurity. Regifted an unwanted magic book in a Secret Santa, Edi finds herself in a different realm where it’s not so much fairy tale and more feeding time at the zoo.
The snake is oily, the eagle is suffering from male pattern baldness, and as for the wolf … Grumpy, mangy, in constant pain from a rheumatic hip, and likely to drop the odd fart or two … he’s certainly no Prince Charming. Discovering that the wolf shifters are embroiled in an ongoing war with the bear shifters (for reasons that no one can quite remember now) Edi realises it’s up to her to be the grown-up in the room. If only her sciatica will let her.
Frantic, fast, and funny, this book breaks the mould and thumbs its nose at all those tedious YA books with convoluted titles, impossibly beautiful young heroines, and moody bad-boy heroes. If, like me, you’re tired of that sort of read and fancy a change, then I highly recommend you run away with Edi and her arthritic wolf – well, limp away because, dodgy hip, you know.
September 30, 2022
A fantasy with a difference – laugh-out-loud funny, clever and poignant, all at the same time, this wonderful book challenges the fantasy genre – and wins hands down. The ‘heroine’ isn’t a kick-ass beautiful princess with silken hair and slender fingers – very far from it. The 'hero' isn’t impossibly ‘hot’ and heroic. Rather, they’re real people who’re getting on a bit and wrestling with middle-aged spread and sciatica, or arthritis in the hip and a skin condition that definitely isn’t mange. But fantasy fans will still find great fantasy elements in this fabulous story – people who shift into beasts, birds and reptiles, mysterious disappearances, the threat of war and a mouldering castle, together with the themes of found family, second-chance romance and overcoming prejudice and pride. The story fairly races along, despite the sciatica and arthritic hip, and must have been great fun for the author to write because it was great fun to read. I’m very much hoping there’s going to be more of the same from this talented writer.
September 23, 2022
An absolute delight
Somewhere in the pages I forgot that I was reading a fantasy and let myself get lost in the story as if mangy wolves existed. There was an air of everyday, of realness with Edith despite the impossibilities. Her voice as narrator is warm, humorous and honest and so we believe her and the book is then difficult to put down.
Great plot, great pace, absolutely wonderful characters and a point well made. It is more than what we look like that binds us together. It is and always will be our behaviour. Wolves or bears or even snakes, it is not the shape of our bodies that defines us our thinking and if we are open to trust and to listening we become more willing to push fear away. Getting along then is not so hard at all.
Very, very good reading.
Somewhere in the pages I forgot that I was reading a fantasy and let myself get lost in the story as if mangy wolves existed. There was an air of everyday, of realness with Edith despite the impossibilities. Her voice as narrator is warm, humorous and honest and so we believe her and the book is then difficult to put down.
Great plot, great pace, absolutely wonderful characters and a point well made. It is more than what we look like that binds us together. It is and always will be our behaviour. Wolves or bears or even snakes, it is not the shape of our bodies that defines us our thinking and if we are open to trust and to listening we become more willing to push fear away. Getting along then is not so hard at all.
Very, very good reading.
October 28, 2022
I so loved this book. I haven’t laughed this hard in a long time. A Wolf so Grim and Mangy, by Caroline Noe, is one of the most unique books I’ve read in many years. Ms. Noe expands the title with the phrase, “Growing Old Is No Fairytale.” Yes, it’s a fairy tale, and the protagonist is Edith, an endearing middle-aged menopausal woman, who is thrown into another world where she must survive what seems the inexplicable, while complaining of her aching bones. I adored her and her voice. This quirky and playful tale is both a fantasy and a satire on the entire fantasy genre. It pokes fun and entertains on a big scale. And guess what, it’s also a great adventure and a thrill a minute. It is a fairy tale for all adults who love adventure and a good laugh. There is also a wonderful love story, between Curt and Edith. Curt is a middle aged man of a different nature, a very manly man, but one who changes back and forth into a mangy wolf. I will not tell you more about this other world, one that is well envisioned, its lively inhabitants, what goes wrong (or right) or the villains, (and there are excellent villains) as I don’t want to create any spoilers. Let’s just say that there is as much fantasy and intrigue in this book as in any good fantasy, but with lots of belly laughs and wry humor. And the dialogue! I just loved the dialogue. This was a winner for me: refreshing and delightful.
November 18, 2022
What a joy to read! A WOLF SO GRIM AND MANGY by Caroline Noe was certainly one of the most fun and entertaining books I have read in a very long time.
An epic fantasy of a kingdom of changers - wolfs, bears, snakes and Eagles, and a regular world-weary woman from London. All cleverly woven together by the very talented Caroline Noe into one hilarious, touching and thrilling read.
The author gives us a brilliant cast and fabulous world-building, with a refreshing heroine Edi, who is definitely not your normal young and perky, perfect princess but bored, miserable and middle-aged. After receiving a regifted secret Santa present, a mysterious book, Edi finds herself marooned atop a frozen mountain in a strange land. With her reluctant, grumpy and 'mangy' rescuer, Curt, Edi finds her power of storytelling could be the key to sorting the strife of this waring world.
This book is utterly brilliant and completely unlike anything I have ever read. It's well-written, funny and compelling, with danger, strife, and a refreshing romance.
An epic fantasy of a kingdom of changers - wolfs, bears, snakes and Eagles, and a regular world-weary woman from London. All cleverly woven together by the very talented Caroline Noe into one hilarious, touching and thrilling read.
The author gives us a brilliant cast and fabulous world-building, with a refreshing heroine Edi, who is definitely not your normal young and perky, perfect princess but bored, miserable and middle-aged. After receiving a regifted secret Santa present, a mysterious book, Edi finds herself marooned atop a frozen mountain in a strange land. With her reluctant, grumpy and 'mangy' rescuer, Curt, Edi finds her power of storytelling could be the key to sorting the strife of this waring world.
This book is utterly brilliant and completely unlike anything I have ever read. It's well-written, funny and compelling, with danger, strife, and a refreshing romance.
October 6, 2022
First things first, this is a funny book. It's sarcastic and maybe a little bitter at times, but that's to be expected when the main character is a middle-aged woman with a large bottom 😉 LOL - It's okay, she references it herself enough times!
Seriously though, I don't think I've smiled or chuckled to myself when reading that much in ages.
The world building is great as the MC and the author are both excellent storytellers. I was immediately absorbed by the new world Edi finds herself in, complete with grumpy wolf who you long for her to get with right from the beginning... or at least, I did, anyway! I love Curt! ❤
Actually, I loved all of the characters, even the "baddies." They all felt so real, even though they were strange people who could change into wolves or bears or eagles or snakes! And the youngest ones... awww!
There is a lot of action to keep you reading this exciting book. I didn't want to put it down and so kept squeezing in chapters here and there.
I highly highly HIGHLY recommend this book to fantasy lovers but more particularly to those who are a little older and who long to see an older hero in their books. A hero who is a bit more "real" and like them. You know, with the realistic body shape, the grey hair, someone who's been around the block.
What are you waiting for?
Seriously though, I don't think I've smiled or chuckled to myself when reading that much in ages.
The world building is great as the MC and the author are both excellent storytellers. I was immediately absorbed by the new world Edi finds herself in, complete with grumpy wolf who you long for her to get with right from the beginning... or at least, I did, anyway! I love Curt! ❤
Actually, I loved all of the characters, even the "baddies." They all felt so real, even though they were strange people who could change into wolves or bears or eagles or snakes! And the youngest ones... awww!
There is a lot of action to keep you reading this exciting book. I didn't want to put it down and so kept squeezing in chapters here and there.
I highly highly HIGHLY recommend this book to fantasy lovers but more particularly to those who are a little older and who long to see an older hero in their books. A hero who is a bit more "real" and like them. You know, with the realistic body shape, the grey hair, someone who's been around the block.
What are you waiting for?
September 30, 2022
Great read
If you like fantasy stories with shape shifting wolves, bears, and serpents and a cranky, snarky, outspoken older woman who takes charge then you’ll love this book. Loved Edi and her mangy wolf.
If you like fantasy stories with shape shifting wolves, bears, and serpents and a cranky, snarky, outspoken older woman who takes charge then you’ll love this book. Loved Edi and her mangy wolf.
April 20, 2023
I loved reading Wolf so Grim and Mangy! What a breath of fresh air to read with more truth than I care to admit out loud. I enjoy this fantasy genre featuring midlife and older main characters. Life can be far from perfect and to make it well past middle age takes guts, stamina, and humor just to get out of bed on the best of mornings. Noe has written a relatable fantasy for me.
Edie is thrown an unwanted Christmas gift…a book; but not your run of the mill book. Nope! Hold on, because the action and the hilarity has just begun and rest assured it doesn’t stop till the very last page is turned. A disbelieving, yet hopeful Edie takes a literal leap of faith. Well, it was more a leap of hope than one of faith; but who cares. Both the author and Edie are spellbinding storytellers so just kick back and enjoy the journey.
Magically, Edi finds herself thrown into a freezing cold world filled with wolves, bears, eagles and snakes…oh, my! She’s in the middle of nowhere surrounded by mountains during a hellacious snowstorm and hunted by bears.
The story may seem a little rough around the edges in the beginning, but that’s just Curt’s way, he’ll grow on you. Trust me.
Noe has written a tale of magic for us oldsters who still love fairytales with our own Prince Charming. The story is fast paced, laugh out loud and it just grows on you to where you don’t want it end. I kept rereading the last few chapters with a sigh, a smile…and wondering what if????
I hope this author gives us another grim and mangy wolf story because “growing old is no fairytale”.
A Rollicking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Edie is thrown an unwanted Christmas gift…a book; but not your run of the mill book. Nope! Hold on, because the action and the hilarity has just begun and rest assured it doesn’t stop till the very last page is turned. A disbelieving, yet hopeful Edie takes a literal leap of faith. Well, it was more a leap of hope than one of faith; but who cares. Both the author and Edie are spellbinding storytellers so just kick back and enjoy the journey.
Magically, Edi finds herself thrown into a freezing cold world filled with wolves, bears, eagles and snakes…oh, my! She’s in the middle of nowhere surrounded by mountains during a hellacious snowstorm and hunted by bears.
The story may seem a little rough around the edges in the beginning, but that’s just Curt’s way, he’ll grow on you. Trust me.
Noe has written a tale of magic for us oldsters who still love fairytales with our own Prince Charming. The story is fast paced, laugh out loud and it just grows on you to where you don’t want it end. I kept rereading the last few chapters with a sigh, a smile…and wondering what if????
I hope this author gives us another grim and mangy wolf story because “growing old is no fairytale”.
A Rollicking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 21, 2022
I’ll come right out and say it: I loved this book!
I like a bit of fantasy and I like a bit of comedy, so a combination of the two I knew, even before I read it, would be right up my street, providing the writing and story were good quality. They were. The book had a perfect balance of dryness of sense of humour combined with a plot that romped along at a good pace. Plenty of interesting characters joined in along the way – I loved that there were bears, eagles and snakes with werewolves – but the sassiness of the main character, Edith, was what really hooked me in. Telling the story from her point of view was a masterstroke.
Great fun. A strong recommendation from me to read this book.
I like a bit of fantasy and I like a bit of comedy, so a combination of the two I knew, even before I read it, would be right up my street, providing the writing and story were good quality. They were. The book had a perfect balance of dryness of sense of humour combined with a plot that romped along at a good pace. Plenty of interesting characters joined in along the way – I loved that there were bears, eagles and snakes with werewolves – but the sassiness of the main character, Edith, was what really hooked me in. Telling the story from her point of view was a masterstroke.
Great fun. A strong recommendation from me to read this book.
August 27, 2023
When I was a kid, portal fantasies were my favorite, probably because I desperately wanted to escape my life and go somewhere where I mattered.
I don't feel that way now, but it turns out I still love portal fantasy. I can sympathize with Edi having taken some wrong turns, not living up to her potential and finding herself past midlife with a life she wanted to escape from.
Noe does a beautiful job of setting up her desperation, and making her reactions to the new world she finds herself in plausible. The book is fun, funny and full of heart. She twists the chosen one trope into a you-make-your-own-choices story. Edi's journey is from feeling stuck and helpless to a decider not just of her own fate, but the fate of the world she finds herself in is one I won't soon forget.
I don't feel that way now, but it turns out I still love portal fantasy. I can sympathize with Edi having taken some wrong turns, not living up to her potential and finding herself past midlife with a life she wanted to escape from.
Noe does a beautiful job of setting up her desperation, and making her reactions to the new world she finds herself in plausible. The book is fun, funny and full of heart. She twists the chosen one trope into a you-make-your-own-choices story. Edi's journey is from feeling stuck and helpless to a decider not just of her own fate, but the fate of the world she finds herself in is one I won't soon forget.
October 25, 2022
Captivating story telling
Another terrific story by this author. Humorous yet heartfelt, a mixture of life and make believe that leaves the reader thankful for the story, words and wisdom on the pages.
Another terrific story by this author. Humorous yet heartfelt, a mixture of life and make believe that leaves the reader thankful for the story, words and wisdom on the pages.
October 30, 2022
Hilarious
It's so good to find a book that's not "the chosen one is young and beautiful." I laughed all the way through.
It's so good to find a book that's not "the chosen one is young and beautiful." I laughed all the way through.
February 14, 2023
Loved it
Read in two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed.. especially brought to life by her powers of description. A fairy tale for the menopausal..
Read in two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed.. especially brought to life by her powers of description. A fairy tale for the menopausal..
March 19, 2023
Exciting and Hilarious Fantasy. Hold on to your seat!
I have never read a book like this one. I laughed aloud and often and marveled at the clever wit! Caroline Noe is an intelligent writer — it shows in her hilarity, brilliant imagination, and phenomenal world-building. And I love that it’s written in the first person — living in the protagonist’s head and rolling with her aches and pains and punchy and quirky dry humor was a trip!
The protagonist is Edie, a menopausal woman with a sarcastic cheeky nature who, from the pages of a mysterious magical book, finds herself transported into a fantastical world in the middle of nowhere — a world of adventure, danger, and intrigue. In this fairytale land, she encounters inhabitants of the forest that shift from creature to human. From the charming characters and villains of wolves, bears, eagles, and snakes to the one man you know will capture her heart despite his aloof and cranky nature and shifting into a mangy wolf, you will fall in love with this story.
”A Wolf So Grim And Mangy” has great storytelling ingredients, phenomenal writing, genius, and originality. It stands out as a unique fantasy novel you won’t soon forget. It will keep you turning the pages from the thrills and spills, twists and turns, laughter, and waiting for the much-anticipated love story and heartfelt ending — An easy five stars. Enjoy Edie’s delightful and compelling journey! 🦅🐺🐻🐍📕❤️
I have never read a book like this one. I laughed aloud and often and marveled at the clever wit! Caroline Noe is an intelligent writer — it shows in her hilarity, brilliant imagination, and phenomenal world-building. And I love that it’s written in the first person — living in the protagonist’s head and rolling with her aches and pains and punchy and quirky dry humor was a trip!
The protagonist is Edie, a menopausal woman with a sarcastic cheeky nature who, from the pages of a mysterious magical book, finds herself transported into a fantastical world in the middle of nowhere — a world of adventure, danger, and intrigue. In this fairytale land, she encounters inhabitants of the forest that shift from creature to human. From the charming characters and villains of wolves, bears, eagles, and snakes to the one man you know will capture her heart despite his aloof and cranky nature and shifting into a mangy wolf, you will fall in love with this story.
”A Wolf So Grim And Mangy” has great storytelling ingredients, phenomenal writing, genius, and originality. It stands out as a unique fantasy novel you won’t soon forget. It will keep you turning the pages from the thrills and spills, twists and turns, laughter, and waiting for the much-anticipated love story and heartfelt ending — An easy five stars. Enjoy Edie’s delightful and compelling journey! 🦅🐺🐻🐍📕❤️
May 19, 2023
Unconventional and witty – a wonderful read.
Occasionally I come across a book that I thoroughly enjoy, but leaves me somewhat lost for words as to how to describe it ... A Wolf so Grim and Mangy is such a story.
Packed with sarcastic wit, this unconventional tale is narrated through our main character and heroine, Edi, who gets is zapped through a portal to a parallel world. As a middle-aged woman, jaded by the rut of normal life, she’s endearingly obsessed by her rather ample posterior. Such a posterior is clearly a feature that is attractive to our ‘mangy’ lupine hero, Curt ... and I must congratulate the author here, as rarely has a character been so appropriately named.
The core tale is really the ‘Curt and Edi show’, but there’s so much more in this world of shapeshifting wolves, bears, snakes and eagles - all of which seem to have trouble remembering clothes for when they change into naked human form ... which is rather important in a frozen landscape.
I could go on, but I won’t. It’s a wonderfully unconventional and witty read, and I thoroughly recommend it.
Occasionally I come across a book that I thoroughly enjoy, but leaves me somewhat lost for words as to how to describe it ... A Wolf so Grim and Mangy is such a story.
Packed with sarcastic wit, this unconventional tale is narrated through our main character and heroine, Edi, who gets is zapped through a portal to a parallel world. As a middle-aged woman, jaded by the rut of normal life, she’s endearingly obsessed by her rather ample posterior. Such a posterior is clearly a feature that is attractive to our ‘mangy’ lupine hero, Curt ... and I must congratulate the author here, as rarely has a character been so appropriately named.
The core tale is really the ‘Curt and Edi show’, but there’s so much more in this world of shapeshifting wolves, bears, snakes and eagles - all of which seem to have trouble remembering clothes for when they change into naked human form ... which is rather important in a frozen landscape.
I could go on, but I won’t. It’s a wonderfully unconventional and witty read, and I thoroughly recommend it.
August 11, 2023
I am not a book reviewer and never pretended to be one but I am an avid reader and I know what I like and this book is one of the best I’ve read in a while. It’s fast paced, funny and sentimental and the characters are so likeable. Edi and Curt’s relationship is adorable especially when they’re both being grumpy oldies. I hope this author writes more about all these wolves, bears, snakes and eagles and the only middle aged human in this equation. Such a joy to read! My only grumble is that I wish the pages were numbered properly and not just as percentage. On the other hand I love the cover it just made me laugh and it was what attracted me to this book in the first place. Recommend this book of course.
October 3, 2022
I always enjoy reading books by Caroline Noe. A Wolf So Grim And Mangy did not disappoint, and I found myself grinning and nodding in sympathy and understanding, because growing older isn't all fun and games, and it was totally relatable to read the many challenges it brings in the most light-hearted way. Throw in a believable fantasy world, that only requires a tiny stretch of the imagination that it makes it completely natural for people to turn into wolves, bears, snakes or eagles--then yes, a winner. The plot moves in twists and turns and it kept me glued, and the characters endearing and engaging, that I didn't want the story to end. Alas... But, *side-eyes author*, I'm hearing sequel in the works! Yes!
September 17, 2023
Loved this one! It’s an easy, entertaining, and very funny read that flies along at such a rate there’s hardly a moment to put it down. Because of that I read it in little more than two sittings, which is highly unusual for me.
I’ve always been entranced with the idea of a portal - wardrobe, pathway, or in this case, book - that could whisk me off to a fantasy world, so the story grabbed me straight away. I’m not so keen on the ‘chosen one’ trope but I loved that, instead of some stunningly gorgeous, kickass young thing come to save the world, the protagonist here is a bored, lonely menopausal woman, who’s really adept at snark and sarcasm.
The world she ends up in, with its freezing weather, high mountains and snowdrifts, fire-lit village, and hideous, mouldy castle, is atmospheric and excellently drawn.
This is the fourth novel I’ve read by Caroline Noe
and I find her a consistently good writer. The only thing that I found disappointing in this (and why I gave it four stars instead of five) is a recurring grammatical error that irritated me. That said, I’d happily recommend this book to anyone (but especially to menopausal women dreaming of a second chance at adventure and romance)!
I’ve always been entranced with the idea of a portal - wardrobe, pathway, or in this case, book - that could whisk me off to a fantasy world, so the story grabbed me straight away. I’m not so keen on the ‘chosen one’ trope but I loved that, instead of some stunningly gorgeous, kickass young thing come to save the world, the protagonist here is a bored, lonely menopausal woman, who’s really adept at snark and sarcasm.
The world she ends up in, with its freezing weather, high mountains and snowdrifts, fire-lit village, and hideous, mouldy castle, is atmospheric and excellently drawn.
This is the fourth novel I’ve read by Caroline Noe
and I find her a consistently good writer. The only thing that I found disappointing in this (and why I gave it four stars instead of five) is a recurring grammatical error that irritated me. That said, I’d happily recommend this book to anyone (but especially to menopausal women dreaming of a second chance at adventure and romance)!
October 1, 2022
I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Edith (Edi for friends) is a middle-aged woman who isn't happy. Isn't happy with herself, her work and least of all her coworkers, who look pretty, happy and have success. A gift changes Edi's life and wow, what a change it is.
I laughed out loud so many times, feared for her life, her sanity and rolled my eyes at some of her not-so-smart actions. I love this book, love the story, and most of all Edi and her Mangy Wolf.
Caroline Noe is one of my fav authors.
Edith (Edi for friends) is a middle-aged woman who isn't happy. Isn't happy with herself, her work and least of all her coworkers, who look pretty, happy and have success. A gift changes Edi's life and wow, what a change it is.
I laughed out loud so many times, feared for her life, her sanity and rolled my eyes at some of her not-so-smart actions. I love this book, love the story, and most of all Edi and her Mangy Wolf.
Caroline Noe is one of my fav authors.
October 5, 2022
The wry tone of this book absolutely sparkles as we get plunged into another world with our reluctant heroine Edi. Part portal fantasy, part heroic quest, and part shifter romance, this charming and quirky tale is set in a fairytale land that tilts a bit off-center. Despite the lighthearted tone, Noe manages to cover some serious topics with depth and delicacy. I'm in love with all the zany characters and hope someday to see them again!
October 8, 2022
I am still in stiches!
What a hilarious book. 😂
I love fantasy. And I love good humour (the type the Brits pull so effortlessly out of their knickers). And this book delivers on both accounts. The story is captivating and it flows so well, there is never a lull.
Love the characters. Especially the fact that they are all atypical Fairy-Fantasies makes them even more relatable.
She who usually only reads a couple of pages before shuteye could not stop ploughing throug the story and kept going and going.
You owe me a good night's sleep, Caroline Noe!
What a hilarious book. 😂
I love fantasy. And I love good humour (the type the Brits pull so effortlessly out of their knickers). And this book delivers on both accounts. The story is captivating and it flows so well, there is never a lull.
Love the characters. Especially the fact that they are all atypical Fairy-Fantasies makes them even more relatable.
She who usually only reads a couple of pages before shuteye could not stop ploughing throug the story and kept going and going.
You owe me a good night's sleep, Caroline Noe!
November 6, 2022
A Wolf so Grim and Mangy
I fell in love with this endearing fantasy tale, shot through with acerbic humour and middle age aches and pains.
All the classic features we love from a dark fairy tale - wounded heroes, damaged villains, victims of victims, handsome princes, beautiful feisty heroines and of course a love theme.
But rewind for a second, in this tale we celebrate the wisdom that comes with age, kindness and compromise - even if it comes with sciatica and a dodgy hip.
Hoorah for Caroline Noe, miss this treasure at your peril.
I fell in love with this endearing fantasy tale, shot through with acerbic humour and middle age aches and pains.
All the classic features we love from a dark fairy tale - wounded heroes, damaged villains, victims of victims, handsome princes, beautiful feisty heroines and of course a love theme.
But rewind for a second, in this tale we celebrate the wisdom that comes with age, kindness and compromise - even if it comes with sciatica and a dodgy hip.
Hoorah for Caroline Noe, miss this treasure at your peril.
March 27, 2023
When Edith is gifted a book at the office Christmas party that was meant for someone else, she inadvertently goes on a magical journey to a snowy land. Can a normal-sized woman in her late fifties who wears sensible shoes actually be the chosen one to bring peace among the land's warring factions?
This is a humorous story with all the appropriate fairytale and fantasy tropes that had me laughing out loud. A real mood lifter of a tale.
This is a humorous story with all the appropriate fairytale and fantasy tropes that had me laughing out loud. A real mood lifter of a tale.
April 12, 2023
Loved it!
With the dedication “For the ageing, menopausal, snarky and disappointed. We deserve our fantasy too.”, A Wolf So Grim and Mangy had me hooked! You don’t have to be of my advanced years, however, to enjoy the dry humor and wit which follows in this unconventional fairytale. But don’t go thinking it’s all frivolity! Noe’s endearing characters tug on every heartstring as they share their adventures. A very clever and touching tale.
With the dedication “For the ageing, menopausal, snarky and disappointed. We deserve our fantasy too.”, A Wolf So Grim and Mangy had me hooked! You don’t have to be of my advanced years, however, to enjoy the dry humor and wit which follows in this unconventional fairytale. But don’t go thinking it’s all frivolity! Noe’s endearing characters tug on every heartstring as they share their adventures. A very clever and touching tale.
September 23, 2023
Caroline Noe found a magic book, and used it to transport her readers to a land I'm not going to tell you about, because you need to read your way through this delightful, funny, heartwarming, and, at times, thrilling book. Noe is a master of metaphor and simile. Her prose is simply flawless. The story is imaginative and creative, a whole new spin on a couple of genres. Again, I'm not going to spoil it. Read on! I'm headed for book two now.
June 20, 2023
A fun portal shifter fantasy for the mature mind
It's about time someone wrote a portal shifter fantasy with mid-life characters! And what awesome characters they are. Very well written, too, although with very British English. Teens might not care for this book, but the rest of us should give it a try. I loved it!!
It's about time someone wrote a portal shifter fantasy with mid-life characters! And what awesome characters they are. Very well written, too, although with very British English. Teens might not care for this book, but the rest of us should give it a try. I loved it!!
June 26, 2024
Bless this book and how it's cured my reading slump 😭
January 30, 2024
Incredible Fantasy with First Person Narration
I knew I was going to love this book just from the summary and it did not disappoint. It’s an urban/alternative reality fantasy, written in first person. That was an immediate win, because that narration style is the most submersible for me. The characters were very well written, with distinct voices. The author really draws you in with the way details are casually acknowledged by the main character. It makes everything feel real and believable, and paints the visuals with ease.
The fantasy plot was creative and fun. It didn’t take itself too seriously, didn’t drop too many names or characters at a time, and unfolded in a logical way (and poked fun at itself in moments of “suspension of belief”).
This is the kind of fun escapism you need for a weekend read. With a hilarious main character, grumpy/sunshine romance (except they’re both grumpy, and it’s adorable), and a plot that will keep you up all night to see what’s next!
I knew I was going to love this book just from the summary and it did not disappoint. It’s an urban/alternative reality fantasy, written in first person. That was an immediate win, because that narration style is the most submersible for me. The characters were very well written, with distinct voices. The author really draws you in with the way details are casually acknowledged by the main character. It makes everything feel real and believable, and paints the visuals with ease.
The fantasy plot was creative and fun. It didn’t take itself too seriously, didn’t drop too many names or characters at a time, and unfolded in a logical way (and poked fun at itself in moments of “suspension of belief”).
This is the kind of fun escapism you need for a weekend read. With a hilarious main character, grumpy/sunshine romance (except they’re both grumpy, and it’s adorable), and a plot that will keep you up all night to see what’s next!
December 15, 2022
I loved this book! In fact, I'd go as far as saying that A Wolf So Grim and Mangy is one of my favourite books of the year. It is written with such a fresh and enjoyable voice. The author is perceptive and empathetic and communicates with delightful prose and sharp description that is economical and vivid - the Holy Grail of writing! I giggled throughout the story and INSISTED my husband listen while I read a chapter out loud to him. For the record, he loved it too. More than this, though, the story is tight, and I turned pages, wanting to know what would happen next and how the story would end. I was not disappointed. There is also a lovely message of not judging or profiling people because of where they come from, the colour their skin, their age or gender. It subtle enough that it flows beautifully under the story.
We all know about MG (middle-grade) and YA (young-adult) and NA (New Adult) but this book has carved out a brand new age market - MA (middle-aged). I'd imagine youngsters might not quite get as much out of it as us more seasoned readers, but I'm sure anyone of any age (with the possible exception of young adult readers) would enjoy the delightful writing and story.
This was the first book I've read by Caroline Noe and there are no two ways about it - it will not be the last.
We all know about MG (middle-grade) and YA (young-adult) and NA (New Adult) but this book has carved out a brand new age market - MA (middle-aged). I'd imagine youngsters might not quite get as much out of it as us more seasoned readers, but I'm sure anyone of any age (with the possible exception of young adult readers) would enjoy the delightful writing and story.
This was the first book I've read by Caroline Noe and there are no two ways about it - it will not be the last.
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