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Wolf Pack #1
Wolf Pack
Winner of the prestigious Aurora Award and Silver Birch Award, WOLF PACK is the inspiration for the hit show on Paramount+
Nothing gets between a wolf and its pack…
Most of the time, Noble, Argus, Harlan and Tora are like any other teenagers. Prowling the halls of their high school in search of new crushes and true friendships, all while trying to keep up their grades. Except these teens are anything but ordinary…
Discovered as wolf cubs in the wilderness of Redstone Forest, the pack knows their adoptive parents are the only humans they can trust with their shape-shifting secret. So whenever the siblings want to wolf around, they race to the forest to run—and relish their special bond. Until the terrible day a TV crew films their shocking transformation—and Tora is captured by a scientist determined to reveal her supernatural abilities to the world.
Now the brothers will do anything to get their sister back. Even if it means taking their powers to a whole new level by becoming werewolves for the very first time--something their parents warned them never to attempt. But once the teens go to the dark side, will they ever make it back to the only life they’ve ever known?
Praise for Wolf Pack
“A well-plotted story. The plot moves quickly enough to hold interest and may appeal to reluctant readers.” — School Library Journal
“WOLF PACK is a thrilling ride from start to finish.” — Canadian Children’s Book News
“[A] great book to recommend to reluctant readers. ... WOLF PACK is a winner of the Aurora Award, Canada’s highest award for achievements in the fields of science fiction and fantasy. Recommended for YA and school library collections.” — Monster Librarian
Nothing gets between a wolf and its pack…
Most of the time, Noble, Argus, Harlan and Tora are like any other teenagers. Prowling the halls of their high school in search of new crushes and true friendships, all while trying to keep up their grades. Except these teens are anything but ordinary…
Discovered as wolf cubs in the wilderness of Redstone Forest, the pack knows their adoptive parents are the only humans they can trust with their shape-shifting secret. So whenever the siblings want to wolf around, they race to the forest to run—and relish their special bond. Until the terrible day a TV crew films their shocking transformation—and Tora is captured by a scientist determined to reveal her supernatural abilities to the world.
Now the brothers will do anything to get their sister back. Even if it means taking their powers to a whole new level by becoming werewolves for the very first time--something their parents warned them never to attempt. But once the teens go to the dark side, will they ever make it back to the only life they’ve ever known?
Praise for Wolf Pack
“A well-plotted story. The plot moves quickly enough to hold interest and may appeal to reluctant readers.” — School Library Journal
“WOLF PACK is a thrilling ride from start to finish.” — Canadian Children’s Book News
“[A] great book to recommend to reluctant readers. ... WOLF PACK is a winner of the Aurora Award, Canada’s highest award for achievements in the fields of science fiction and fantasy. Recommended for YA and school library collections.” — Monster Librarian
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2004
111 people are currently reading
1390 people want to read
About the author
Edo Van Belkom
72 books54 followersBram Stoker and Aurora Award-winner Edo van Belkom is the author of over 200 stories of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. As an editor, he has four anthologies to his credit that include two books for young adults, Be Afraid! (A Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book of the Year finalist) and Be Very Afraid! (An Aurora Award winner — Best Work in English). Born in Toronto, van Belkom graduated from York University, then worked as a daily newspaper sports and police reporter before becoming a full-time writer. Edo van Belkom lives in Brampton, Ontario, with his wife Roberta and son Luke.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Want to read
July 22, 2022Gotta read this series now that Sarah Michelle Gellar is part of the cast.
January 27, 2023
I learned about this book because of the new Paramount+ show. It's been advertised alongside the Teen Wolf reunion movie, so OF COURSE I had to give it a shot.
The show premiered last night and I managed to get 60% of the book read before the premiere. I had big feelings going into it that they would be nothing alike. And boy was I right! The pilot was great, I can't wait to finish the season! The book, while cute, was less compelling.
I know that I never would have picked this up if it weren't for the Teen Wolf of it all. This is a middle grade book wrapped up in a YA package. And with none of the nostalgia of having read it when I was younger, I didn't have much connecting me to the characters.
In saying that, for what it is, it's good. But what it is, is a coming-of-age story and a vaguely environmentalist manifesto. Werewolves are cool. I love a good werewolf, and these werewolves are cool. Their origin story is really cool. But I felt like I was dropped into the third or fourth book in a series. Like why does everyone just throw around the word lycanthrope like it's the preferred term when you see a teenager turn into a wolf for the first time ever? But it was short and sweet and ultimately decent.
The show premiered last night and I managed to get 60% of the book read before the premiere. I had big feelings going into it that they would be nothing alike. And boy was I right! The pilot was great, I can't wait to finish the season! The book, while cute, was less compelling.
I know that I never would have picked this up if it weren't for the Teen Wolf of it all. This is a middle grade book wrapped up in a YA package. And with none of the nostalgia of having read it when I was younger, I didn't have much connecting me to the characters.
In saying that, for what it is, it's good. But what it is, is a coming-of-age story and a vaguely environmentalist manifesto. Werewolves are cool. I love a good werewolf, and these werewolves are cool. Their origin story is really cool. But I felt like I was dropped into the third or fourth book in a series. Like why does everyone just throw around the word lycanthrope like it's the preferred term when you see a teenager turn into a wolf for the first time ever? But it was short and sweet and ultimately decent.
February 4, 2023
no me ha gustado mucho. Juvenil pero muy soso, nada cuidada la historia, los personajes planísimos y los femeninos super marginados (con lo poco que salen las tres únicas mujeres de la historia). Definitivamente no voy a seguir con la saga, ya veremos que tal pinta la serie que por lo que llevo viendo poco y nada tiene que ver con el material original.
July 30, 2010
I was fortunate enough to win a copy of this book through Library Thing. It is a very quick read geared towards young adult readers aged 9-12. The setting is British Columbia and the main character is a Park Ranger named Garrett Brock who finds 4 abandoned wolf cubs after a devastating forest fire. He brings them home and sets them up in the garage & has his wife Phyllis go check on them. She shrieks and calls out for her husband to come see what was left in the box, not 4 wolf cubs but 4 babies. These are no ordinary wolf cubs; they can morph and change into werewolves, having both wolf and human qualities. Garrett and his wife adopt the children and raise them as ordinary kids.
Fast forward fifteen years later and the kids trying to survive at school with their special abilities. The kids: Noble, Argus, Harlan, and Tora like to roam the woods and change into wolves and perfect their abilities. Unbeknownst to them, an evil Geneticist witnessed their transformation and has it on tape. Eventually, Tora is kidnapped and the brothers must ban together to figure out a way to outsmart the Doctor and get their sister back.
With only 181 pages, this book is a very quick read and younger children would love this book. I was impressed that this book is Canadian and also made with recycled material & is printed on acid free paper. I cannot wait to start the second book I received.
Fast forward fifteen years later and the kids trying to survive at school with their special abilities. The kids: Noble, Argus, Harlan, and Tora like to roam the woods and change into wolves and perfect their abilities. Unbeknownst to them, an evil Geneticist witnessed their transformation and has it on tape. Eventually, Tora is kidnapped and the brothers must ban together to figure out a way to outsmart the Doctor and get their sister back.
With only 181 pages, this book is a very quick read and younger children would love this book. I was impressed that this book is Canadian and also made with recycled material & is printed on acid free paper. I cannot wait to start the second book I received.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2024
The premise sounded interesting to me, but the book fell short of expectations. The characters weren’t well developed and I had trouble engaging with them or caring what happened.
July 12, 2025
da amante di teen Wolf a me è piaciuto , forse poteva essere sviluppato meglio con una fine un po' più "wow" e meno scontata però molto carino
February 18, 2023
2.5✨. I read this because of the tv show, not gonna lie. But, it has nothing to do with it??? Like a couple characters' name and that’s it. I don’t know if I'll keep reading the series to be honest. The tv show, though? 10/10 so far.
September 12, 2023
There has to be better out there
First, yay for a book based in Canada. Double-yay for a voice actor pronouncing ‘sOREry’ correctly, though no one said, ‘eh’ once.
Now for the bad: This book was written in 2004 (I think), but even then, two of the book's four female characters are utterly useless. Phyllis (the mother) is only capable of baking and worrying. Tora is every bit the 'Damsel in Distress’, and the remaining two are such minor characters that their lack of complexity is entirely permissible. The remaining - all male - characters are equally two dimensional. You have the dumb brute, the charismatic leader, the nerdy tracker/hacker, and the paternal protector all facing off against an un-remorseful mad scientist singularly focused on becoming rich.
The writing was more uninspired than poor, but overall it felt written out of necessity rather than passion or indulgence. The complexity was appropriate for younger readers with only one over-explanation after the word ‘lynx’. The humor was low brow with the only comic relief being scatalogical in nature. The book doesn’t have any official plot holes, but there are several things that lacked introductions (e.g. out of the blue, the children randomly refer to their ability to morph as ‘the taint’.) or full explanations (e.g. Why do the children believe silver is deadly to them without any experiential knowledge?).
For me, the more unfortunate part is always lost potential. This book captures a high intensity moment of the characters’ lives, but does nothing to expand on the characters’ respective actions and the subsequent plot elements. For example, why not explore the first episodes of changing and how the family kept this secret from the rest of the town? Why skip 15 years of the main character’s lives, making the rationales for their respective personalities a mystery? Why not explore the characters’ bizarre behaviours through the lens of Tora’s crush, letting the reader experience the connection and reason why said 'crush' might make a good ally? I have no idea.
In truth, I haven’t read much in this genre, but there has to be better out there. I encourage you to go find it.
First, yay for a book based in Canada. Double-yay for a voice actor pronouncing ‘sOREry’ correctly, though no one said, ‘eh’ once.
Now for the bad: This book was written in 2004 (I think), but even then, two of the book's four female characters are utterly useless. Phyllis (the mother) is only capable of baking and worrying. Tora is every bit the 'Damsel in Distress’, and the remaining two are such minor characters that their lack of complexity is entirely permissible. The remaining - all male - characters are equally two dimensional. You have the dumb brute, the charismatic leader, the nerdy tracker/hacker, and the paternal protector all facing off against an un-remorseful mad scientist singularly focused on becoming rich.
The writing was more uninspired than poor, but overall it felt written out of necessity rather than passion or indulgence. The complexity was appropriate for younger readers with only one over-explanation after the word ‘lynx’. The humor was low brow with the only comic relief being scatalogical in nature. The book doesn’t have any official plot holes, but there are several things that lacked introductions (e.g. out of the blue, the children randomly refer to their ability to morph as ‘the taint’.) or full explanations (e.g. Why do the children believe silver is deadly to them without any experiential knowledge?).
For me, the more unfortunate part is always lost potential. This book captures a high intensity moment of the characters’ lives, but does nothing to expand on the characters’ respective actions and the subsequent plot elements. For example, why not explore the first episodes of changing and how the family kept this secret from the rest of the town? Why skip 15 years of the main character’s lives, making the rationales for their respective personalities a mystery? Why not explore the characters’ bizarre behaviours through the lens of Tora’s crush, letting the reader experience the connection and reason why said 'crush' might make a good ally? I have no idea.
In truth, I haven’t read much in this genre, but there has to be better out there. I encourage you to go find it.
August 15, 2023
I think this was an Audible Book of the Day and that is how it ended up in my library. It was a very quick and easy read/listen that had a completed story arc at the end of the book. This is definitely a YA book, but it tells you that in the summary - or implies it I think, so there is nothing wrong with that.
Apparently, it is also a series on one of the streaming services but I hadn't ever heard of it, so everything was new to me.
For the most part, it is a cute story. It revolves around 4 adopted siblings who also happen to be wolf shifters. They are found in the woods by a park ranger after a fire kills the wolf parents. This story was very superficial. In other words, the descriptions, the world building, the characters - they were very top/surface level. There wasn't too much time spent on developing any of these things past the very top level.
With that being said, it still was entertaining. Realistic or believable? I mean within the existing expectations of the canon shifter world. Well, that one was a bit lacking. If you thought too hard about some of the situations the characters found themselves in and the way they went about reacting to it - well, then things were not as solid.
But, it was a quick and entertaining way to spend a couple of hours. That is always a positive.
Apparently, it is also a series on one of the streaming services but I hadn't ever heard of it, so everything was new to me.
For the most part, it is a cute story. It revolves around 4 adopted siblings who also happen to be wolf shifters. They are found in the woods by a park ranger after a fire kills the wolf parents. This story was very superficial. In other words, the descriptions, the world building, the characters - they were very top/surface level. There wasn't too much time spent on developing any of these things past the very top level.
With that being said, it still was entertaining. Realistic or believable? I mean within the existing expectations of the canon shifter world. Well, that one was a bit lacking. If you thought too hard about some of the situations the characters found themselves in and the way they went about reacting to it - well, then things were not as solid.
But, it was a quick and entertaining way to spend a couple of hours. That is always a positive.
August 30, 2023
The Review
This was an exhilarating and fantastic take on the werewolf lore. The fast pace of the narrative and the exploration of themes such as family and environmentalism were very prominent in this narrative, as was the detailed imagery that brought these transformations to life. The unique take on the change from a wolf into a werewolf and the dangers that lurk within that transformation were so great to see come to life on the page.
Having not seen the show and being fresh to this series, I was so enthralled with this incredible cast of characters. The fierce loyalty of the brothers to their sister and their adoptive parents' struggles to keep their children safe while trying to understand their unique physiology was so rich and compelling to get into. The heart and emotional connection the author makes between the reader and the characters is heartfelt.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, entertaining, and thrilling, author Edo Van Belkom’s “Wolf Pack” is a must-read children’s and YA fantasy horror novel you won’t want to miss. The incredible mythos the author brings to life and the sensational character arcs get the start of this fantastic series to life perfectly.
This was an exhilarating and fantastic take on the werewolf lore. The fast pace of the narrative and the exploration of themes such as family and environmentalism were very prominent in this narrative, as was the detailed imagery that brought these transformations to life. The unique take on the change from a wolf into a werewolf and the dangers that lurk within that transformation were so great to see come to life on the page.
Having not seen the show and being fresh to this series, I was so enthralled with this incredible cast of characters. The fierce loyalty of the brothers to their sister and their adoptive parents' struggles to keep their children safe while trying to understand their unique physiology was so rich and compelling to get into. The heart and emotional connection the author makes between the reader and the characters is heartfelt.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, entertaining, and thrilling, author Edo Van Belkom’s “Wolf Pack” is a must-read children’s and YA fantasy horror novel you won’t want to miss. The incredible mythos the author brings to life and the sensational character arcs get the start of this fantastic series to life perfectly.
October 26, 2023
Fun Romp in the Woods
First, if you're not the kind of reader that can suspend your belief for a novel, you can quit now... this one isn't for you.
For the rest of us who love a good shifter novel and won't pick details apart, this is a fun and adventurous YA read. The main characters are great, which is something you don't usually find in a novella. At only 4 hours long it can be tough to develop characters because the readers want to get to the action. As for that action, there's plenty of it. It's chaotic but not heavy with the gross-out factor. In fact, the entire book is very youth-friendly and clean.
It was an enjoyable listen, and I'll be going after the others in this series soon.
First, if you're not the kind of reader that can suspend your belief for a novel, you can quit now... this one isn't for you.
For the rest of us who love a good shifter novel and won't pick details apart, this is a fun and adventurous YA read. The main characters are great, which is something you don't usually find in a novella. At only 4 hours long it can be tough to develop characters because the readers want to get to the action. As for that action, there's plenty of it. It's chaotic but not heavy with the gross-out factor. In fact, the entire book is very youth-friendly and clean.
It was an enjoyable listen, and I'll be going after the others in this series soon.
August 17, 2023
DNF
I originally started reading this book because of the show on Paramount Plus but the book was nothing like the show :( This book is meant for a much younger audience than what the show is for. There are only very minute items that are in the book that are in the show. I couldn't get into this book because of the writing. It was just too young for me and I couldn't get over it. I wanted to know more about the kids and why they were werewolves and how it affected their lives but most of it had to do with what I pictured as the dog catchers from Homeward bound or any other evil dog cather movie team. I just couldn't make myself finish it.
I originally started reading this book because of the show on Paramount Plus but the book was nothing like the show :( This book is meant for a much younger audience than what the show is for. There are only very minute items that are in the book that are in the show. I couldn't get into this book because of the writing. It was just too young for me and I couldn't get over it. I wanted to know more about the kids and why they were werewolves and how it affected their lives but most of it had to do with what I pictured as the dog catchers from Homeward bound or any other evil dog cather movie team. I just couldn't make myself finish it.
October 22, 2024
Was a bit to young for me, thought it’d be similar to the tv series but I was disappointed how different it was. That’s no fault of the author more so the writers of series especially since it got cancelled for seasons 2 I wanted to read the books😭
It’s more a 3 star and I could possibly read the next books but for the price of them I have no desire to do so currently. But a really good kids read, was definitely missing something tho I’m putting it down to being the first book in the series and that in most cases is the “worst” in the series.
I have 2 star because it’s not my age group and how I rate my other books I can’t bring myself to put it at a 3 star.
It’s more a 3 star and I could possibly read the next books but for the price of them I have no desire to do so currently. But a really good kids read, was definitely missing something tho I’m putting it down to being the first book in the series and that in most cases is the “worst” in the series.
I have 2 star because it’s not my age group and how I rate my other books I can’t bring myself to put it at a 3 star.
February 4, 2023
"Wolf Pack" received THREE stars.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
May 30, 2023
Good quick read. Like others I came to the book after seeing the Paramount+ series. I had high expectations since I enjoyed the TV show and usually the book is better. The series is for more of a teen/adult audience. The book is probably a good foray in werewolf drama for the grade 4-8 crowd. I was a little disappointed. For that late elementary to middle school crowd it is probably intriguing and interesting.
December 8, 2023
This was one of my favourite books when I was younger, and set me up for a lifelong love of lycanthropes. One of the best depictions of werewolves in any media. Some very minor grammar mistakes. As a YA novel, it’s a bit of a juvenile read when reading as an adult. Has a very satisfying and clever ending that works perfectly for the story. The protagonists are very unique, sometimes to an overly intense degree.
February 4, 2023
This was a fun little story and I’m excited to read the other three books! It’s funny to me how often you realize the characters end up doing things naked because they don’t have their clothes when they transform into werewolves. I’m excited to see what Paramount+ does with their tv series inspired by the book series too!
April 24, 2024
This was a fun story about a man. who discovered a pack of baby wolves and brings then home to nurse them back to health only to find out they are babies also. He and his wife must do what they can to protect them. While there are others that see on a camera the now teenagers change into wolves and are set on trapping them and catching them.
Want to read
March 5, 2023Not gonna lie, I added this because of the show!
I've read that the show and the books are nothing alike but still I think I'm going to give it a shot since I'm quite obsessed with the show.
We'll see how it goes.
I've read that the show and the books are nothing alike but still I think I'm going to give it a shot since I'm quite obsessed with the show.
We'll see how it goes.
March 14, 2023
I felt like this was the perfect werewolf story to introduce the middle school/high school audience into the fantasy world. It was packed with action and realistic decisions instead of a lot of drama like most older YA fantasy. I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
April 17, 2023
Book to show?!
So after seeing the shows first episode's I had to look for the books, am a little disappointed that it hasn't followed the book story line but that's Hollywood for you. But I have actually enjoyed both show and book so far. on to book #2 or finish the show first??
So after seeing the shows first episode's I had to look for the books, am a little disappointed that it hasn't followed the book story line but that's Hollywood for you. But I have actually enjoyed both show and book so far. on to book #2 or finish the show first??
June 12, 2023
An interesting start to the book series to be sure. The dialogue is engaging but at times it seems like the story drags on. And sometimes the characters could be fleshed out a little more. They seem very one-dimensional at times.
July 19, 2023
This was the first book I have read by this author. I watched the series Wolf Pack and found out it was based off the books, and just had to get it! I was not disappointed and I will be reading the rest in the series and exploring more books by the author. I highly recommend!
January 12, 2024
wow so good
Very funny and scary. It starts right away and you dive right in. Love the narrative and the character development. Totally different than the paramount show so it makes a great read well not entirely different
Very funny and scary. It starts right away and you dive right in. Love the narrative and the character development. Totally different than the paramount show so it makes a great read well not entirely different
May 21, 2025
It was an ok read.
Could have been so much more - I expected a lot more after the tv series.
By no means is it a bad book, I might even read the next if I need a short, quick read though it's no where near the top of my TBR list.
Could have been so much more - I expected a lot more after the tv series.
By no means is it a bad book, I might even read the next if I need a short, quick read though it's no where near the top of my TBR list.
March 11, 2023
Easy reading for young adults who enjoy Werewolf stories. Having watched the first season on TV, the book, which is different on so many levels, was a fun read. Recommend it for preteens and teens.
March 27, 2023
Short and quick. The TV series does not follow the book.
May 25, 2023
I wish I had liked it more.
July 18, 2023
read this series when I was a kid and I absolutely loved it, maybe I'll reread it one day when I get the time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews