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Wild #1
Wild Evolution
Colorado rancher Dan Tucker defends his livestock against a mutant wild dog attack in a kill or be killed battle. When he takes the head of the animal in to be tested for rabies, he discovers he has the head of a man instead. Now he is forced to cover up a self-defense killing, because no one would believe he killed a wild dog when he has a human head. A werewolf by contamination, Dan finds himself quickly losing control. With all his senses heightened, including his passion for the wild, he finds a new love interest and has a chance at the life he wants. But that seems impossible with the bodies piling up and his former best friend, a county sheriff's deputy, determined to prove him guilty of murder.
- GenresHorrorMysteryParanormal
188 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2009
1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
C. Fern Cook
9 books19 followersC. Fern Cook started out as a freelance writer in the late 90's doing articles for how-to and inspirational markets.
"Wild Evolution" is the first book in her paranormal thriller Wild Series.
Set in the Colorado Rockies were she worked as a patrol officer, the law enforcement characters and the crime scene investigation techniques are based on her real life experiences.
Wild Justice, the second in the Wild series is available on Kindle or smashwords.
"Wild Evolution" is the first book in her paranormal thriller Wild Series.
Set in the Colorado Rockies were she worked as a patrol officer, the law enforcement characters and the crime scene investigation techniques are based on her real life experiences.
Wild Justice, the second in the Wild series is available on Kindle or smashwords.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 9, 2010
I had a hard time getting into this book at first. I felt like the descriptions and characters were lacking depth and details. For example, in the very first scene, Dan (the main character) is attacked by a “mutant” dog. That’s it – mutant. I would’ve loved to have a more powerful description of the beast - something to really grab my attention and force me into the moment. There was potential in that first scene to really snag the reader but it just didn’t. Getting to know Dan was no better. I don’t feel like I got to know him very well and what I did learn about him I didn’t like. His love interest, Angela, was also a thin character that I feel no affection for.
Once the investigation really gets underway with Officer Rodriguez the story captured my interest. I stayed up (way too) late finishing the last half of the book. Cook really excels at describing the investigation, crime scenes, and thought processes of a good cop. I found myself cheering for Rodriguez and really felt for him as he tried to do his best despite not having the support of his sheriff and detective.
Despite the less than stellar beginning I really enjoyed the book. Had as much detail and attention been put towards the paranormal elements of the story as the detective elements this would’ve been a wonderful book and easily 4 stars. As is, I have to give it 3 stars.
As the book was coming to an end I was wondering how it was going to be wrapped up quickly enough. It wasn’t! I have started noticing more and more authors using non-endings or cliff hanger endings to encourage readers to read their next book. This annoys me. I pick up a book to enjoy that book and have problems feeling like I have to commit to the entire series in order to enjoy each book. I have some leniency for authors using this trick later on in the series (to a point) but I don’t think it’s at all okay in a first book. I understand wanting to leave an opening for a series but the there needs to be some sort of resolution of the plot. This really didn’t have anything wrapped up by the end. There was progress but in the end it felt stunted. It may just be that the reader needs to view the first two books as parts 1 and 2 of the same story. So I guess technically my rating should be 2.5 but we’ll round up and give the author the benefit of the doubt and hope there is a better resolution in the second part.
Once the investigation really gets underway with Officer Rodriguez the story captured my interest. I stayed up (way too) late finishing the last half of the book. Cook really excels at describing the investigation, crime scenes, and thought processes of a good cop. I found myself cheering for Rodriguez and really felt for him as he tried to do his best despite not having the support of his sheriff and detective.
Despite the less than stellar beginning I really enjoyed the book. Had as much detail and attention been put towards the paranormal elements of the story as the detective elements this would’ve been a wonderful book and easily 4 stars. As is, I have to give it 3 stars.
As the book was coming to an end I was wondering how it was going to be wrapped up quickly enough. It wasn’t! I have started noticing more and more authors using non-endings or cliff hanger endings to encourage readers to read their next book. This annoys me. I pick up a book to enjoy that book and have problems feeling like I have to commit to the entire series in order to enjoy each book. I have some leniency for authors using this trick later on in the series (to a point) but I don’t think it’s at all okay in a first book. I understand wanting to leave an opening for a series but the there needs to be some sort of resolution of the plot. This really didn’t have anything wrapped up by the end. There was progress but in the end it felt stunted. It may just be that the reader needs to view the first two books as parts 1 and 2 of the same story. So I guess technically my rating should be 2.5 but we’ll round up and give the author the benefit of the doubt and hope there is a better resolution in the second part.
March 3, 2010
I usually have a rotation consisting of a handful of books and magazines that I read at the same time. Wild Evolution is the first book in a long time that I just couldn't put down. I finished it within hours! C. Fern Cook is an excellent writer that engages the reader. It all started with the adrenaline rush from the first scene. I can also feel the testosterone build-up as the main character changes. I had to stop myself and ask who exactly is Cook. Oh yeah, she was a real patrol deputy. That explains her understanding of violence and her ability to be very descriptive and include lots of detail.
As someone who spent years in Colorado and visited small Colorado towns, I recognized the realism Cook put into her writing. The scenes in the café were so on the spot that I could almost smell it. I could swear that warning I got years ago for not making a complete stop was from one of the law enforcement officers she described.
It's hard to find someone who can write an exciting tale and also write romantic scenes. Unlike cheesy male-female interactions written by male authors, Cook definitely gets it. I can see a small town man and women relating to each other the way two of the characters do.
The ending caught me by suprise that I almost fell off a clift. Too bad I don't have the second book in C. Fern Cook's Wild series. I can't wait to read it!
My only complaint is Penumbra Publishing did a poor job of copyediting this book. Even though I was in leisure-reader mode, I found almost a dozen errors. Imagine what a talented focused editor would have found. But hey! That obviously didn't detract too much from the story; otherwise, it would have been thrown into the rotation.
As someone who spent years in Colorado and visited small Colorado towns, I recognized the realism Cook put into her writing. The scenes in the café were so on the spot that I could almost smell it. I could swear that warning I got years ago for not making a complete stop was from one of the law enforcement officers she described.
It's hard to find someone who can write an exciting tale and also write romantic scenes. Unlike cheesy male-female interactions written by male authors, Cook definitely gets it. I can see a small town man and women relating to each other the way two of the characters do.
The ending caught me by suprise that I almost fell off a clift. Too bad I don't have the second book in C. Fern Cook's Wild series. I can't wait to read it!
My only complaint is Penumbra Publishing did a poor job of copyediting this book. Even though I was in leisure-reader mode, I found almost a dozen errors. Imagine what a talented focused editor would have found. But hey! That obviously didn't detract too much from the story; otherwise, it would have been thrown into the rotation.
May 14, 2010
Wild Evolution is a fast and entertaining book. Everything was described with such details that it felt like you were right there in the scene. Her descriptions of Colorado’s scenery were so beautiful that it made me want to pack my bags and go hiking. In addition, the police investigation was realistically portrayed due to her experiences as a patrol deputy.
My only issue with the book would be the characters. It was difficult for me to like any of the characters especially the main character, Dan. There were times where I hated Dan and even though I knew his aggression was the result of the attack by a werewolf, some of the things he did and say were so cruel that it was hard to like him. At other points, I sympathized with him and felt sorry for him. The problem was that every time I started to see his humane side and started to feel sorry for him, he would do or say something that would make me dislike him again. I really wish his character was more developed where I could see his progression and see that he’s grown and improved.
Even though her books contained a lot of details and the descriptions were wonderful, I felt like her characters could have been more fleshed out and developed. Many of her characters were very flat and it was hard to connect with them because I just didn’t know enough about them.
Despite the poor character development though, the book was quite enjoyable and I’m eager to read the second book in the series.
My only issue with the book would be the characters. It was difficult for me to like any of the characters especially the main character, Dan. There were times where I hated Dan and even though I knew his aggression was the result of the attack by a werewolf, some of the things he did and say were so cruel that it was hard to like him. At other points, I sympathized with him and felt sorry for him. The problem was that every time I started to see his humane side and started to feel sorry for him, he would do or say something that would make me dislike him again. I really wish his character was more developed where I could see his progression and see that he’s grown and improved.
Even though her books contained a lot of details and the descriptions were wonderful, I felt like her characters could have been more fleshed out and developed. Many of her characters were very flat and it was hard to connect with them because I just didn’t know enough about them.
Despite the poor character development though, the book was quite enjoyable and I’m eager to read the second book in the series.
October 20, 2010
This was a difficult story to get into, though a wonderful idea. My issues have nothing to do with plot. I felt that the entire book was too forced. I found the dialogue to be stilted and very unrealistic. This detracted more than anything from the story. The present tense also threw me off. Sentences were repetitive and structured awkwardly. This may be a good book for werewolf fans who are not as nitpicky as me.
June 13, 2010
Won this from First Reads.
I'm really enjoying this book. Although the cover is slightly dreadful, the plot isn't bad. The writing is slightly flawed at times, but for the most part bearable.
The premise is certainly original, the idea of an accidential murder and the consquences of that single act on the human mind and how that affects relationships with others.
An interesting read. Will expand on review soon.
I'm really enjoying this book. Although the cover is slightly dreadful, the plot isn't bad. The writing is slightly flawed at times, but for the most part bearable.
The premise is certainly original, the idea of an accidential murder and the consquences of that single act on the human mind and how that affects relationships with others.
An interesting read. Will expand on review soon.
October 12, 2025
It’s hard to keep a secret in a small town.
The mystery storyline was exciting and well-paced. One of the things I appreciated the most about it was that it was told from the killer’s point of view which isn’t something I’ve seen very often in this genre. This was a refreshing way to explain why someone might commit such a crime and what goes through their mind as they hide the evidence afterwards. There were so many twists and turns that I was never quite sure what to expect next. If the author is willing, I’d like to review the rest of the books in this series to see if my guesses about future events are anywhere close to being correct.
It would have been helpful to have more descriptions of the characters and settings. I struggled to imagine what many of the scenes looked like because of how little time was spent discussing what it would be like to stand in the middle of them and look around. This is something I’m saying as a reader who can generally easily picture a scene if I’m given a few details to work with, and I would have chosen a higher rating if this were easier for me as I was reading. The plot itself was exactly the sort of mystery I am drawn to.
Dan wasn’t immediately, much less entirely, aware of how he was changing after being bitten which made it even more interesting for me as a reader to take note of both the things he had noticed were different about himself as well as the ones that he seemed to be overlooking based on the descriptions of his personality and habits that were provided. Honestly, this is one of the best things about werewolf tales in my opinion because of how many different ways a plot can develop as someone slowly or quickly transforms, so I was glad to see it included here.
Wild Evolution kept me guessing.
The mystery storyline was exciting and well-paced. One of the things I appreciated the most about it was that it was told from the killer’s point of view which isn’t something I’ve seen very often in this genre. This was a refreshing way to explain why someone might commit such a crime and what goes through their mind as they hide the evidence afterwards. There were so many twists and turns that I was never quite sure what to expect next. If the author is willing, I’d like to review the rest of the books in this series to see if my guesses about future events are anywhere close to being correct.
It would have been helpful to have more descriptions of the characters and settings. I struggled to imagine what many of the scenes looked like because of how little time was spent discussing what it would be like to stand in the middle of them and look around. This is something I’m saying as a reader who can generally easily picture a scene if I’m given a few details to work with, and I would have chosen a higher rating if this were easier for me as I was reading. The plot itself was exactly the sort of mystery I am drawn to.
Dan wasn’t immediately, much less entirely, aware of how he was changing after being bitten which made it even more interesting for me as a reader to take note of both the things he had noticed were different about himself as well as the ones that he seemed to be overlooking based on the descriptions of his personality and habits that were provided. Honestly, this is one of the best things about werewolf tales in my opinion because of how many different ways a plot can develop as someone slowly or quickly transforms, so I was glad to see it included here.
Wild Evolution kept me guessing.
July 24, 2018
I've been waiting to read this book for years. It's extremely difficult to find in libraries so I bit the silver bullet and bought it on Amazon. It didn't live up to the hype. Maybe back in the day this was groundbreaking fiction and paved the way for today's tales but I wanted much more from it.
Still worth picking up - it's a quick read.
Still worth picking up - it's a quick read.
October 24, 2010
A review copy was provided by the author.
This was definitely not a "normal" werewolf story. I don't know if it is my lack of reading werewolf stories, but I don't ever remember reading a werewolf story in which the reader is let into the mind of the werewolf while he/she is in werewolf form. Most of the ones I've read the person is not "conscious" of their actions while they are in wolf form. I really liked that angle in this one. But like I said, don't know if it is my lack of experience with the genre or if it is a new way of writing.
Being an animal lover I really enjoyed Dan's connection with nature and animals. Even in his wolf form he is aware of other animals and is careful of his actions. The pain that was caused to him and his dogs in the beginning of the book is brought back to memory a few times. And while it was sad and difficult to read (I cry while watching ASPCA commercials) it really made me like Dan as the main character. I think without that "link" to him I would have easily been able to find him despicable. Even knowing that it wasn't really him it was the change from becoming a werewolf that made him so rude sometimes, I still could have easily disliked him.
I liked Angela, she reminded me of me. She was a warm and caring person and she was willing to put up with Dan and his behavior because she is in love with him. I'm the same way with people, loyal to a fault at times. While she wasn't a huge focus in this first book I'm hoping that she has a larger part in the rest of the series.
Like I said earlier, I haven't read many paranormal stories so this may be a lack of experience on my part but I thought this was a very different take on the normal paranormal story. It was refreshing to read. And once I got the time to really sit with the book it was a very fast read.
This was definitely not a "normal" werewolf story. I don't know if it is my lack of reading werewolf stories, but I don't ever remember reading a werewolf story in which the reader is let into the mind of the werewolf while he/she is in werewolf form. Most of the ones I've read the person is not "conscious" of their actions while they are in wolf form. I really liked that angle in this one. But like I said, don't know if it is my lack of experience with the genre or if it is a new way of writing.
Being an animal lover I really enjoyed Dan's connection with nature and animals. Even in his wolf form he is aware of other animals and is careful of his actions. The pain that was caused to him and his dogs in the beginning of the book is brought back to memory a few times. And while it was sad and difficult to read (I cry while watching ASPCA commercials) it really made me like Dan as the main character. I think without that "link" to him I would have easily been able to find him despicable. Even knowing that it wasn't really him it was the change from becoming a werewolf that made him so rude sometimes, I still could have easily disliked him.
I liked Angela, she reminded me of me. She was a warm and caring person and she was willing to put up with Dan and his behavior because she is in love with him. I'm the same way with people, loyal to a fault at times. While she wasn't a huge focus in this first book I'm hoping that she has a larger part in the rest of the series.
Like I said earlier, I haven't read many paranormal stories so this may be a lack of experience on my part but I thought this was a very different take on the normal paranormal story. It was refreshing to read. And once I got the time to really sit with the book it was a very fast read.
August 18, 2010
If you are interested in CSI meets Mr. Werewolf...the “Wild” series is for you!
Dan Tucker is a hard working rancher in the Colorado Rockies making ends meet until one evening a nightmarish event occurs changing his life and those around him forever. Hearing a commotion in the barn, he rushes in to see his dogs and horses have been ripped apart by what Dan glimpsed to be a huge wild dog. As he rushes to comfort his beloved dying dog, the wild beast suddenly springs from hiding and attacks Dan before it is killed. Removing the head of the animal, Dan places it in a cooler to take to town the next day for examination and exhaustedly goes to the house to nurse his wound and fall into bed. The following day, Dan will have the shock of his life and the beginning of a new one he could never have dreamed possible.
Having read the first two books in the “Wild” series, #1-“Wild Evolution” & #2-“Wild Justice”, I really look forward to reading the third installment. What will happen to Dan and his new bride, Angela, and how will he come to grips with this new, dangerous and raging power he never asked for but must learn to control if his marriage, sanity and very life, as well as Angela’s, are to survive? Native American lore of ‘skinwalkers’ and a disclosure about Dan’s heritage are introduced at the close of “Wild Justice” as is another cliffhanger-type ending begging the reader to latch on to #3 in the series.
The author, C. Fern Cook, a former patrol officer in the Colorado Rockies brings her love of the land and wildlife plus a background in crime scene investigation to the fore in penning her ‘Wild” series. Her descriptions of police work at accident sites and during crime scene investigations are evidence that Ms. Cook knows her stuff adding a touch of reality to an otherwise otherworldly tale.
Dan Tucker is a hard working rancher in the Colorado Rockies making ends meet until one evening a nightmarish event occurs changing his life and those around him forever. Hearing a commotion in the barn, he rushes in to see his dogs and horses have been ripped apart by what Dan glimpsed to be a huge wild dog. As he rushes to comfort his beloved dying dog, the wild beast suddenly springs from hiding and attacks Dan before it is killed. Removing the head of the animal, Dan places it in a cooler to take to town the next day for examination and exhaustedly goes to the house to nurse his wound and fall into bed. The following day, Dan will have the shock of his life and the beginning of a new one he could never have dreamed possible.
Having read the first two books in the “Wild” series, #1-“Wild Evolution” & #2-“Wild Justice”, I really look forward to reading the third installment. What will happen to Dan and his new bride, Angela, and how will he come to grips with this new, dangerous and raging power he never asked for but must learn to control if his marriage, sanity and very life, as well as Angela’s, are to survive? Native American lore of ‘skinwalkers’ and a disclosure about Dan’s heritage are introduced at the close of “Wild Justice” as is another cliffhanger-type ending begging the reader to latch on to #3 in the series.
The author, C. Fern Cook, a former patrol officer in the Colorado Rockies brings her love of the land and wildlife plus a background in crime scene investigation to the fore in penning her ‘Wild” series. Her descriptions of police work at accident sites and during crime scene investigations are evidence that Ms. Cook knows her stuff adding a touch of reality to an otherwise otherworldly tale.
June 16, 2010
The present tense telling of this story was a little strange, but I enjoyed reading it nonetheless. In my opinion, the best part of the book was trying to figure out all along if Dan Tucker was a good person or a bad person. I didn't really reach a conclusion, though it seems apparent that he is intended to be a good person.
There were some spelling errors and things in the Kindle edition that I read that turned me off a bit, but those aren't really pertinent to the story. Cook did a good job of creating a realistic setting for the story due to her familiarity with the actual places that make up that setting.
I personally could have done without the "sex scenes" in the book, although there were only a few of them and they were pretty short. To me they almost felt forced and a bit out of place in a story that I considered to be more of a decent thriller in a rural setting than anything of a romance. I never could quite figure out the relationship between Dan and Angela in general, but it wasn't crucial because the story was really about Dan anyway. His relationship with Angela is only one of many that together make up an interesting web of intrigue.
For me, that's what made this story enjoyable. Trying to understand how Dan interacts with other creatures, human and animal, given his situation is what kept me interested in this story right up to the end. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a fairly quick and unique read. It's unique in the sense that I'm not sure how to categorize it. I'm definitely looking forward to reading Wild Justice next.
There were some spelling errors and things in the Kindle edition that I read that turned me off a bit, but those aren't really pertinent to the story. Cook did a good job of creating a realistic setting for the story due to her familiarity with the actual places that make up that setting.
I personally could have done without the "sex scenes" in the book, although there were only a few of them and they were pretty short. To me they almost felt forced and a bit out of place in a story that I considered to be more of a decent thriller in a rural setting than anything of a romance. I never could quite figure out the relationship between Dan and Angela in general, but it wasn't crucial because the story was really about Dan anyway. His relationship with Angela is only one of many that together make up an interesting web of intrigue.
For me, that's what made this story enjoyable. Trying to understand how Dan interacts with other creatures, human and animal, given his situation is what kept me interested in this story right up to the end. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a fairly quick and unique read. It's unique in the sense that I'm not sure how to categorize it. I'm definitely looking forward to reading Wild Justice next.
September 2, 2010
Dan Tucker is attacked but what looks like a mutant canine but is actually a "skinwalker" or werewolf. After this transformation his reactions to everyday emotions becomes more heightened. His attraction to Angela becomes more apparent. His dislike for his neighbor who abuses his dog turns to hate, especially after he subdivides his property for big city folks to move onto. Dan's best friend Deputy Tony Ramirez starts to become suspicious of him when his neighbor disappears.
Really not sure if Dan is a good guy or just an overzealous tree hugger who kills off anyone that steps on a flower. But seriously, storyline is original but the writing is a little rough and needs some fine tuning. There are some pretty gruesome scenes but I was genuinely impressed with the overall story. Besides a few typos (which I would expect in an ARC but not in published work) it was a good read. I do look forward to reading book 3 to see how Ms. Cook's writing style progresses and also how Dan and Angela's story grows.
Really not sure if Dan is a good guy or just an overzealous tree hugger who kills off anyone that steps on a flower. But seriously, storyline is original but the writing is a little rough and needs some fine tuning. There are some pretty gruesome scenes but I was genuinely impressed with the overall story. Besides a few typos (which I would expect in an ARC but not in published work) it was a good read. I do look forward to reading book 3 to see how Ms. Cook's writing style progresses and also how Dan and Angela's story grows.
October 14, 2010
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads. Unfortunately, I just was not able to finish this book. The sentences did not flow. It felt like I read a lot of sentences that were similar to this: "He went to eat a bagle. He asked how she was. He didn't like the storm."
I started it quite a while ago and stopped because I was not enjoying it. It looked like the storyline could have been interesting, but the writing was bad. I looked at it again last night to figure out what to do with the book. I read a few sentences here and there in the book and saw that the choppy sentences prevailed throughout. When there are just too many good books out there to read, I can't force myself to read anymore.
I started it quite a while ago and stopped because I was not enjoying it. It looked like the storyline could have been interesting, but the writing was bad. I looked at it again last night to figure out what to do with the book. I read a few sentences here and there in the book and saw that the choppy sentences prevailed throughout. When there are just too many good books out there to read, I can't force myself to read anymore.
May 31, 2010
I hate to say anything bad about a book, so let’s start with the good. I was sucked in the story enough to really want to know how it would end; it was a good mystery type story with a twist ending. I did however have a very hard time with the characters, there was little info and I didn’t like the main person, he was kind of a jerk. I also add that even though I didn’t expect that ending I wasn’t really happy with it.
May 14, 2010
I really tried getting into this book but I found myself not disinterested but just not getting the hang of it. It is written beautifully with twists and turns every few pages but there was just something about it that I couldn't get a grip on. I apologize to C. Cook since she went to the trouble of sending me a digital copy, but I have to say what I think. If you are a diehard horror and sci-fi fan, give this book a shot. Maybe that is what I was missing - no real tie to these kinds of books.
May 18, 2010
Interesting entry in the werewolf genre.
I enjoyed the story and characters but the third person narrative was hard to get use to. At first I thought the story was going toward a "Crime and Punishment" theme but then the story took an unexpected twist that leaves me waiting for the next book in the Wild series.
I enjoyed the story and characters but the third person narrative was hard to get use to. At first I thought the story was going toward a "Crime and Punishment" theme but then the story took an unexpected twist that leaves me waiting for the next book in the Wild series.
June 26, 2010
Loved this book. It was intense from beginning to end. It had me guessing to the last page. It was defenitly hard to put down. It was sorta Stephen King meets Twilight but all it's own and so much better!
June 19, 2010
The book grabbed me from the first chapter. This book is not your typical shifter book. This one looks more into the everyday struggle of a man and how one encounter can effect the rest of his life. I loved how the author was able to stay true to the realistic description of the scenery.
January 7, 2010
Awesome work Ferns book is a wonderful read will be adding to my keeper and reread shelf
December 23, 2009
Very different take on the werewolf theme, a lot of psychological suspense and interesting look into crime scene investigation. Can't wait to read the next in this series!
June 17, 2010
I won this book on Goodreads!!!!!!
May 25, 2010
Loved the book. I didn't want to put it down. Exciting, great unexpected ending; cant wait to start the second book.
December 2, 2010
Awful, just awful. Poorly written, cardboard characters, just painful to read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews