Wild Things

by Ian Thomas

While Zoe Freeman had expected her lockdown existence to feature minimal supernatural activity and maximum sleep recovery, she really should have known better. Nothing stops the supernatural. Not a global pandemic, not a national lockdown, and certainly not social distancing.
She patrols nightly checking on her classmates. Partly for reassurance, partly to prevent anything supernatural happening, and partly to maintain a healthy steps-to-comfort-food ratio.
With all the weirdness of the world, Zoe Freeman isn’t really prepared for strange dreams, a prophecy, and online gym class. Will the indignities never end?
Clearly not as there’s a new pack of werewolves in town, her mage-boyfriend is dabbling with dark magic, and a new threat on the horizon that has her mentor/teacher Bailey pretty spooked. Life is turning out to be more eventful than expected and it’s only April.
As the full moon looms and the prophecy is about to be fulfilled, Zoe is going to face her fears, foes, friends, and family. Secrets will be revealed, lives will be changed, and blood will be shed.
Or Covid will do what it does best and cancel all of it.

613 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2022

Reviews

[C.J. Daley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this off a free e-book list that was sent to me! This is a sequel to the novel Empty Gold, which kindle did not tell me anything about, so I didn’t figure it out until around page 230?? I just thought the book was referencing something in the characters’ past to kind of avoid having to have the reader see it all happen ‘on screen’. It was around the 200 page mark where I was like, okay…this is happening too much, what did I miss here?

I strangely read this before/at the same time as/during/ two other reads (Daphne by Josh Malerman https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Goosebumps: Hall of Horrors: Claws by R. L. Stine https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) that all starred young kids/teenage girls. It’s interesting to see how all of the author’s portrayed them and the differences. The novel is in the perspective of 15 YO Zoe. A character that was kidnapped by a cult and sent to hell, however she survived and now has what is called a demon-stain, something that enhances her agility, strength and stamina at night. Oh and it also attunes her to all things supernatural. I think this was well done in terms of being age appropriate, but some of things they talked about seem kind of outdated already? (Candy crush still??)

This was an interesting YA supernatural/urban fantasy-y book. Definitely some spooky feels and some action as well. Werewolves and sirens all over the place. This had a pretty solid group of people represented, which was a plus. But for a book that takes place during COVID, but isn’t “about” it, it’s a very significant mainstay. Frequently mentioned, constant obstacle.

The only gripe I have, is this definitely could have used an additional edit. While not incessant, the errors were definitely much higher than the typical novel. Still didn’t deter my enjoyment though.

[Katherine Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

@ianthomasbooks has a smile/smirk/chuckle and sometimes lol inducing way with words 💖 I love his characters, they're sweet, strong, kind, sassy and feel like different versions of yourself or people you know - he gets people. And despite this being a story about teens in lockdown eventually saving their peer from ascending a werewolf prophecy throne to be some all powerful ruler with a siren for a mother, it's relatable relationships, conflict and drama.

I'm not good with reviews, but I really enjoyed this book. The dialogue is full of wit and banter. The relationships are fun and realistic in a way I admire, and I learn supernatural lore in every one of Thomas' books!