Wolf Blood

by N.M. Browne

A Celtic warrior girl is held captive and enslaved by a rival tribe. When fever takes her only friend, she knows she must escape, but she runs straight into the path of two Roman foot soldiers. Thinking they will kill a warrior instantly, the girl disguises herself as a beggar and asks to share their fire. Using her gift as a seer she discovers that one of the soldiers is not what he seems. Celtic blood courses through his veins too, but there is something else. He is a shapeshifter - a Versipellum. He shares his soul with that of the wolf. The girl needs to reach the leader of her dead friend's tribe, and the boy must escape the Romans before they discover his true nature. Their only chance of survival is to help each other. But what will happen when their powers are combined?

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Paranormal, Fiction, Magic, Supernatural

282 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2011

About the author

I was born in Burnley, Lancs (England) and lived not too far from Pendle Hill - the haunt of witches and all manner of strangeness. This may have had an effect on my imagination.

My father was a painter and teacher and my mother was a teacher too. Both were Welsh and this has probably had an impact on my imagination too. The whole family headed for Wales every holiday so that even now Wales is inextricably linked with long car journeys, holidays, family and general happiness.

I still support Wales rather than England in most things, particularly rugby, much to my husband's annoyance. I have one sister (a very good painter), one husband, four children, one (mad) dog, a bearded dragon and eight nieces and nephews. I live in South West London.

I believe passionately that education is a good thing and just wish that mine made more impact on my thinking. I went to Edge End High School then Nelson and Colne Sixth Form College, both in Lancashire. After an uneventful 'gap year' – trying and failing to get to grips with accountancy, retail (the Co-op bra department) and pharmaceuticals ( the pharmacy at Burnley General Hospital,) I went to New College, Oxford to read Philosophy and Theology and then to King's College, Cambridge to learn how to be a teacher. I taught - briefly - before going back to college – this time to Manchester Business School to get an MBA. After that I worked for an oil company as a kind of all-purpose executive person, but left before I learnt anything that might have been useful either to the company or to me.

When I was seven I knew exactly what I wanted to be but I forgot all about it until some time after I had my second baby when I suddenly remembered that I had always wanted to be a writer. I was lucky enough to be on a corporate career break at the time and my broken career never got mended. Writing is the best job I've ever had.

--N. M. Browne was born in the North of England to Welsh parents. This background inspired a fascination with all things Celtic and an interest in how earlier societies survived the bleakness of a northern winter. Ms. Browne lives in London, England and is the author of Hunted (Bloomsbury 2002).

Reviews

[procrastination and escapism · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite thing about this is the writing style itself. I also liked the atmosphere, mood and setting. As in, I love the forest and rain and snow, the gloom and the Wild Weird, the sacred rivers and the land imbued by the old gods. It was interesting to learn a bit about Celtic mythology!

The she-wolf deserves better though. From everyone.

Also, to be honest, I think I prefer Trista and Morcant as friends who have bonded through trauma and traveling a long tumultuous journey together and protecting each other for survival, rather than as romantic.

But I enjoyed the journey, very fast-paced and action-packed. Still, my favourite part is the writing style; it suited the mood/atmosphere perfectly. Lots of simple but profound lines too. I preferred this writing style by far to the writing style of 'Shadow Web' by the same author.

A very fitting read for rainy days, Halloween, autumnal weather, gloomy overcast skies, etc.

[Maryanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic, spellbinding book about a Celtic warrior girl and her shapeshifter wolf companion. Beautiful landscapes, wild battles, magic, druids and mythology. I'm desperately hoping there is a sequel!

[Echo's Journey Through Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

A Celtic warrior girl and a wolf shape-shifter with Celtic blood in his veins combine their powers to fight against their enemies. This is also about survival and how much you are willing to do for freedom.

I became intrigued in this story right from the beginning. It goes almost straight into action and doesn't drag on even once, it's pretty fast paced throughout the whole book. The world is very interesting. I loved how Roman and Celtic history, mythology and magic are combined together in this amazing way. The battles and everything totally got me hooked.

I liked both Trista and Morcant as characters but you don't actually really get much of a character development or anything, this focuses more on the plot. I didn't mind that at all because it's done in a really good way. There isn't really a romance either which was actually pretty refreshing. I don't think it would've been a right time for that anyway as there's a lot going on.

I loved that this has a quite unique take on the usual werewolf myth. Morcant isn't drawn only to the human but an actual wolf. Usually the werewolf's mate is the human in the story and they fall in love but it's not like that in this. The wolf in him is drawn to the actual wolf who is his mate and then the human side is more drawn to Trista, and he is in his wolf form most of the book. It's very interesting and nothing I've come across before.

The writing is good as well and I loved how it's all described. I really enjoyed this story and I'm so glad I randomly discovered this book!

"I am Trista still. I can light fires and prophesy and fight as well as any man. If I must manage without Morcant, I can and will."

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really want to try to write a short one, like those twitter ones, but oh it is hard!

So, not the best of books, but, it was easy and nice and I just kept on reading. It was good, nothing dramatic and the end felt open in a way. Mostly cos I know the Romans will win so, sucks being you guys.

Why they let their Seeress into battle I do not know. Shouldn't she be protected? And couldn't she have used that status as a slave?

Then there is Morcant, who has another side and ha, yes he sure did that thing...man, that was weird.

FIne, I can not do really short.

So two people fleeing. Romans everywhere. Clans fighting. I would have liked a deeper depth into this world, and maybe an adult version of it as it now was pretty tame. But it was good.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this. I love reading historical fiction, especially around Roman Britain.
Parts were confusing however, mainly Moracant's change of perspective.

[TheBookAddictedGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slave girl, former warrior and current seeress called Trista escapes from the tribe that captured her during war. Disguising herself, she flees, knowing that the “shining men” will destroy the settlement before the night is over. As she runs, she meets two Roman soldiers, one of whom is Morcant, a shapeshifter. Staying with him could mean her own death, for she knows little about the wolfmen: only that when Morcant changes, the softness leaves his eyes. But travelling without him is just as dangerous, and perhaps more foolish. A war is brewing between the Celtic tribes and the Roman legions. Could the two unlikely companions use their powers to protect their people? Or, more importantly, can they even protect themselves?
What struck me most about Wolf Blood was the brilliant mythology. A blend of Celtic and Roman legends made this the most original and intriguing werewolf story I have ever read. The world was vibrant, real and absolutely superb, full of amazing shadow creatures, Druids, magic and many Gods. Browne’s writing was also incredible: a perfect blend of descriptions and gripping, short sentences.
Her characters were also remarkable. The strong, brave Trista, who I liked instantly, is a seeress, but she is also one of the best warriors I’ve read about. Her independence was the best part of her: you read so many paranormal books with a weak, helpless lead girl. A warrior was really quite refreshing. Well, then again, I liked the vulnerable side of her as well. She’s been damaged by her time as a slave and the darkness of her visions, saying herself that “the gods bless me with knowledge of their darker intentions”. Her travelling companion, the shapeshifter, (a Versipellum) was called Morcant. He’s half-Celtic, half-Roman, who just so happens to share his soul with a wolf. His personalities vary, depending on whether or not the wolf is awake. So he goes from being a gentle, almost shy, man to being a warrior with fierce, animalistic instincts, and then to just pure wolf. This in itself is a completely new take on the myth. A shadow wolf: a smashing together of two lives, two worlds, two souls. Just... phenomenal.
Wolf Blood was split between the two’s POV, another thing I loved. It gave me an insight into both their worlds, so different yet so entwined. What was even better – and is even harder for an author to do – was that the voices of the two characters were unique and easily distinguishable. There was no confusion over whose chapter was whose, even if it wasn’t specified.
Yet another incredible point of this story was the action. Now, I’m not one for mindless, useless, badly written violence. But when it’s set out and described as wonderfully as it is in Browne’s book... it is just breathtaking. There was no needless killing, just pure, brilliant action that made the adrenaline pump through my body. I could feel the sword, the power, and I knew then that this was a magical story. The magic was made even more powerful by the creatures inhabiting the world. Wild Weird, three-headed women... I can barely describe how marvellous all this was. So... read it, find out for yourself!
I read this in a matter of days, and I really do recommend it to everyone who likes paranormal stories, and even those who don’t. This is an incredible, new, outstanding take on a genre I love. I just wish all stories were as magical and wonderfully built as Wolf Blood. Or, failing that, for there to be a sequel!

[Manda Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a while, a book comes along that blows me out of the water. "Wolf Blood", a young adult novel by NM Browne is one of those, tho' it shouldn't be surprising because I devoured each of Browne's 'Warrior' series in a couple of sittings and loved them: this is children's writing at its best: literate, engaging, straightforward, yet with characters that come alive in the early pages and grow throughout.

WOLF BLOOD is a werewolf novel - if it's for teens at the moment, it seems it has to have either a vampire or a werewolf, but this one is different. It's set in first century Britain, for starters, and, along with a strong sense of historical time and place, it has all the sense of old magic that wove so strongly through the stories of Rosemary Sutcliff and Mary Stewart. This is a real magic, an earthy, stone-solid, god-drenched magic that adheres to the rules we all know of such things, and yet is new enough to be different.

The story follows the fortunes of Trista: warrior girl and seer of the Brigantes, who has been made a slave of the Parisi. We join her the night her friend, Carys, dies of fever, and she is free to escape her serfdom. Freedom doesn't last long, before she bumps into - almost literally - a pair of legionaries from the XIth legion (long before it disappeared and presumably some time before the Boudica's warriors destroyed it - I suspect that might come in a subsequent book). She might be in trouble but that she recognises something different in one of the men, a Briton (in this book, they are Kelts) called Morcant - he's a shape shifter, but not one of the current TV form, there is 'no cracking of bones nor straining of tendons, just this noiseless swapping of forms' that becomes more frequent as he is needed more.

As is the convention, he doesn't know it and doesn't like it, but soon after their escape, he steps off the conventional track and starts taking a life of his own. Trista's visions combined with Morcant's wolf-self make a formidable pair, however much she doesn't admit it, and their trials as they endeavour each to be true to her or him self make up the bulk of the book. History weaves through with Caradoc (Caractacus in this book) and Cartimandua of the Brigantes joined in their fateful struggle, but we are concerned with the smaller people, the chieftains and tribal druids, and the grey, shifting Wild Weird that Trista can see when she wears a particular arm ring.

The book isn't long - 282 pages (I read it on a 3 hours train journey - half on the way up, half on the way down) and it's perfect for the kind of young adults who have loved Sutcliff or even Alan Garner's "Weirdstone of Brisingamen" - the magic is not as fantastical, but it holds to the same truths. It's perfect, too, for adults who read these books in their childhood and have always yearned for more: these are the books you wish had been around as a child.

[Jade Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original review at http://inkscratchers.blogspot.com/

I have to admit that I was sent this by Bloomsbury at the very beginning of this month and I've been putting off reading it since then, I've been picking it up, reading a few pages and then putting it down, not because it's a bad book but because I just haven't really been absorbed and because I kept getting other books that I wanted to read instead. Today I sat down and told myself that I was not reading anything else until I finished Wolf Blood. Now that I've finished it I'm sort of annoyed at myself that I put it off for too long.


Wolf Blood is a book that takes teen fiction to the basics; a hero, a heroine, an adventure and a bit of fantasy. The book was simple and unique in the market that we have for teen and young adult fiction now and that in itself was great. The book takes place in the first century, but don't let that put you off because, despite the narration having hints of that historical and tribal concept, the writing itself is modern. The author has obviously done their research as well because the story was convincing for that time.


The characters are great, Trista is a strong heroine, she is a warrior and I would compare her to Katsa in Graceling in how kick-ass she is, Morcant is sweet and tough and really comes off as a convincing Roman soldier. The story is told in the point of view of both of them through switching between chapters and I could tell the difference between the voice of each character. Many of Morcant's chapters are told through his eyes as a wolf and I like this twist, we could really see the loyalty and strength of the wolf that seemed so convincing.


One massive problem was that I wasn't really absorbed until about the middle of the book and while I would still recommend this book I do point out that i myself struggled to get interested in the book, the pacing until about halfway through was really slow going and I found this hard to deal with.


Overall a fantastic twist on the werewolf story with convincing setting and characters, despite a few pacing issues.



Overall rating: B-

[Passant · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book started slowly and was confusing at first however soon enough i started enjoying it and couldn't put it down.
until now i m still wondering on giving it a 3 or 4 stars since i found the end open to many unanswered questions and didn't satisfy me, but other than that i would have given it a 5 stars the writing was brilliant and the adventure breathtaking!

[Selah Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had an okay story, but it just didn't seem to flow right, and it could have been much better written. And the ending seemed very insecure, like the author didn't really know what they were doing. As I said, it could have been written better.

[Adele Broadbent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in the First Century AD, the story is told in two viewpoints – one of Trista, a warrior girl who has visions of the future, and one of Morcant – as a man, and a wolf. The language of this story draws the reader into a world of swords, spears and shields – and powerful forces that drive them.

[Crish Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This book offers a unique perspective and an engaging narrative that keeps readers captivated. The characters are well-drawn, and the storytelling is immersive. While the themes may vary, the book ultimately provides a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of human experiences. It's a worthwhile read for anyone looking to explore different worlds, ideas, and emotions through literature."

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review can be read at: http://mostlyreadingya.blogspot.com/2...

Wolf Blood promises a lot and I was really looking forward to getting stuck in, but I was also apprehensive about whether it could deliver. N. M. Browne has written many wonderful books and is well versed in Ancient history and myths, so I was confident that she could produce something truly great.

However it did take me a little while to get into Wolf Blood and it wasn’t until about half way through that I began to find it difficult to put down. That is not to say that I didn’t enjoy the book. I loved the setting, the way that history and myth was woven together and yet still had the cutting edge of reality. I grew very attached to Trista and Morcant, as well as many of the other characters that they encountered and I felt their fear, their hatred and their passion as they fought against their enemies and for their own survival in a harsh landscape and time period. But at the same time I spent a fair amount of the novel wondering what was really going on. What was the point? I know the history of the time, I knew what the characters wanted and yet I still felt unclear as to where the story was heading.

There were times when I felt dissatisfied simply because I wanted to know more, and sadly there were some points that were never touched upon. I was left wanting to know exactly how Morcant is able to change into a wolf. I understand the pagan beliefs and Druidry, and that he is viewed as having a gift, but we are left knowing nothing about his life before he became a Roman soldier. Who were his clan? How did he get to this point? It is suggested several times that he is an outcast, but other than that there is very little explanation. Trista’s gift is also never really explained except that her father was gifted too and trained by Druids for some time.

Overall Wolf Blood is amazing. I felt that the beginning wandered for a little while but the writing and imagery is beautiful and compelling enough to keep you reading. The action is precise and you can almost hear the warriors battle cries and the sound of swords singing through the air as they fight. Myths and reality are warped and woven together creating a magical and believable world that is familiar and yet foreign at the same time. I adore the descriptions of the landscape, especially as we see everything through both Trista and Morcant’s human eyes, and Morcant’s wolf eyes too.

One thing that really stood out to me was Trista. She is a strong female character in the truest sense of the word. A warrior brought up to not be sentimental but to be controlled and reserved. To listen, think, and fight. But there is a softness to her and we are treated to rare glimpses as she becomes closer to Morcant and as she encounters other tribes who welcome her as a family member. Trista has seen hard times but she is not bitter or self-pitying, and it is this that I particularly like about her. As a warrior there is no time to feel sorry for yourself but N. M. Browne neatly avoids making Trista too cold and stoic.

Morcant is also complex. With his human and wolf sides fighting for supremacy over him, he is a man divided. As a human he is endearing, hard working but because of his wolf side he is a little unreliable at times. The wolf in him is powerful, strong, loyal and intelligent as it knows the forest well and is closer to the ghostly otherworld that surrounds them that is hidden to most. Morcant struggles to control the wolf but even when he is in his more wild form he is still faithful to Trista and always there when she needs him.

Most of all I loved their relationship. Unlike so many books out there for the Teen and YA audience this is not a hot and heavy romance or an angst ridden thriller. They meet as strangers and there is no spark, no moment where Trista feels breathless or swept off her feet. She has more important things to worry about. They are thrust together through unfortunate circumstances and over time they grow to be closer, to be friends. It is not until Morcant is a wolf and strays from her side that Trista starts to realise that she misses his company. I was so happy to find a realistic relationship, especially in a fantasy novel. Right up to the end their relationship is simmering below the surface and it is perfect. There are no huge declarations of love, which to be honest would not go down well when you’re surrounded by Romans, but as a reader you know that they care deeply for one another.

The few issues that I have with Wolf Blood are not big problems and did not spoil the plot or hinder my overall enjoyment of Wolf Blood, but they are small things that nagged at the back of my mind as I read. I can only hope that there will be a sequel to tie up some loose ends and carry on the fantastic story. I was not ready for the story to finish and I found myself dreading turning the page in case it was the last. I would recommend Wolf Blood to anyone with a penchant for fantasy realism, historical novels or love werewolves but are tired of what is currently on offer. I would definitely recommend Wolf Blood to anyone who loves reading.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good. There were a few grammatical and spelling errors and Trista never seems to slow down, but I love the history and the gods and spirits that are added into the action-packed story.

[Andries van Wyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very pleasant story. I love the characters and which there was more. A bit of a disappointing end though.

[Ameela Shabir · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was extremely good I really liked it also the girl was good
I don't think it would be good if people are scared of that kind
of THINGS

[Faith Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s very different from what I’ve read in the past and it was very interesting and fun to read.

[Jacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's taken me a while to get to read Nicky Browne's 2011 book from Bloomsbury, Wolf Blood. I held off while I was revising my magic pirate book because I knew she had a wolf shapechanger in her story and I didn't want to be unconsciously influenced when writing my wolf shapechanger. With the current popularity of werewolf books in urban fantasy it's hugely refreshing to find a werewolf that's very different from all the hunky, hairy beasties as seen in the Kitty books and even Patricia Briggs' excellent Mercy Thompson books (which I love BTW.) And Browne's book is hardly urban.

Set in first century Britain as the Roman legions are advancing, It's beautifully and engagingly drawn with a tight focus on the two main characters, Trista, a British warrior seeress, and Morcant, half-British, half-Roman and as the story begins, a soldier in Rome's army. But that's about to change because Morcant, although he may not know it or like it, is a wolf shapechanger. The point of view, told in first person, shifts between Trista and Morcant though Trista tells at least two thirds of the tale.

It opens with Trista, a trained warrior woman, currently a slave of a rival tribe where she disguises her combat skills and bides her time until she can escape. Free at last Trista stumbles through the dangerously cold winter night and, exhausted, comes across two Roman soldiers, one of whom is Morcant. Trista can see the wolf, but Morcant is unaware of what he is until things come to a head. With the wolf inside him free and getting stronger, Morcant can't return to his legion so the two go on the run together, uneasy companions at first, fearing both Roman and British.

There's plenty of action and a fair amount of bloody carnage as Trista and Morcant battle their way through dangerous situations to reach Caratacus, leader of the British, and take a stand against the Romans. The plotting is tight and exciting, but it's the characters and developing relationship between Trista and Morcant that's at the heart of this story. Trista has been damaged by her dark visions, the loss of her husband in battle and her subsequent captivity and ill-treatment. Morcant, although legally a citizen of Rome, is neither accepted by his father's people nor his mother's. As a shapechanger people fear him and as a wolf he's also outside the pack. Trista and Morcant have more in common with each other than with anyone else, though their road isn't smooth.

I think this is supposed to be for the 10 -12 age range, but it reads more like a YA. Though this isn't unusual as N. M. Browne's other excellent historical fantasies, (Warriors of Alavna etc.) similarly read 'older' to me. This is beautiful, literate and very focused writing with a remarkable amount of realistic detail and absolutely believable magic. The description, while never laboured, is so sensual that you can almost taste and smell this book.

I've recently re-read Rosemary Sutcliff's Eagle of the Ninth trilogy and N. M. Browne is easily the modern day inheritor of Sutcliff's historical-literary crown.

[Rosina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not even overly into Romans or Celts or Werewolves, but reading the synopsis of this book, I was like 'I MUST OWN YOU.' I am so glad I followed my gut. This was brilliant and has instantly made it's way into my favourites. From page one, I was sucked into this and I never wanted to stop.

For all you Katniss lovers out there, I think you'll adore Trista like I did. She was an amazing heroine. She's a trained warrior, so of course she's a bad ass. Similarly to Katniss, survival is her number one goal, so you don't have to worry about any whining from her. She starts off a little cold, as she's used to just killing and looking after herself, but that changes when Morcant comes into the story. Now, this isn't some love at first sight story. She doesn't see him and start gushing. Instead, she sticks with Morcant simply so they can help each other survive. As the book progresses, she realises she enjoys his company. It's a lovely, slow burning romance, so subtle it's hard to label a romance. It's more like a bond that develops. Trista also encounters some other great people on her journey, and though they're not in the book too long, they open up Trista's heart even more and show her what it's like to be cared about. Yes, of course, I got a little teary at times. It was just so sweet, okay? Morcant was great as well. He's more unsure than Trista, and when he's in human form he relies on Trista quite a bit. When he's in his wolf form, however, he often comes to Trista's aid. It was great having a partnership where they help each other out equally, rather than one being totally dependant on the other.

The story is told from both Trista and Morcant's POVs, but the majority in Trista's POV. Sometimes I wanted a little more Morcant, but on the whole, I was happy with the divide. Without getting too spoilery, Morcant spends quite a bit of time in Wolf form as well, which meant not as much interaction with Trista as I'd have maybe liked, but it wasn't a big deal. I thought the writing was really good. Very atmospheric and I really felt like I was there with Trista. My only real complaint would be that the book was too short! I wanted more, damn you! I'm hoping there's a sequel or I might go crazy.

I highly recommend this to anyone who likes strong heroines, historical stories with a twist of paranormal, and romance that isn't totally in your face. I give it a 5/5.

[Sarah Mayor Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1st Century Britain it's the story of Trista a Celtic warrior girl who has second sight. She is captured by a rival tribe and forced into slavery. She escapes, but runs right into two Roman soldiers. One of the soldiers, Morcant, is half Roman and half Celtic – he’s realy caught between two cultures and it turns out that he is a shape shifter – a wolf man.

Trista and Morcant team up and Trista really helps Morcant come to terms with his true nature. It is a different take on werewolf myths.

What I loved about this book was the tension between the two of them. It develops into a love story, but with a twist as Morcant becomes more and more a wolf until he becomes trapped in his wolf form and takes a she wolf as a partner. The shapeshifting elements were very convincing ( and I'm not big on shapeshifting - nor werewolves).

The descriptions of 1st Century Roman Britain, including fascinating historical detail about Roman and Celtic warfare, were fantastic, as were the memorable characters. The Celtic warriors were so loveable - they were fabulous.

If you're a Highlander fan, or loved Braveheart, then you'll really enjoy this book.

[♥ Ashleigh ♥ Contrary to popular belief I'm not actually mad! · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’v been picking up such good books lately and this book was no exception, i quiet enjoyed the characters, the main character was fantastic and had some interesting problems that she struggled to get over. Though i couldn’t help but feel sorry for Trista when it came to Morcant, he clearly choose the wolf but i suppose you cant control who you fall for.

The two different POV were great, and gave the book more insight and depth.

The fighting and brutality in this book was incredible, i like that the author didn’t skip all the nitty gritty stuff. I think its a bit ridiculous when a book is based in the old ‘bad’ days where people where constantly dying of something or another and it always seems dumb when the author try’s to make it seem better than what it was.

Gar and his family was fantastic, plus the old druid was pretty surprising as well.

I look forward to seeing what happens next with this bunch of characters.

[Ann-Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Its as if ive been reading a book that was only 60% done. Both with the editing and the ending. I did not like the language, especially the language used when Morcant was a wolf. (Example "man stink")
And the whole deal with the she-wolf was to silly. Theres a lack of background story and explanations throughout the book which makes me give a damn about the characters and it makes me confused as to which side every fighter is on and why. I didnt like the puns either.. "sheepish as a wolf can look" and "wolfish smiles".

I hate giving bad ratings but I cant help it. This wasnt my cup of tea.

[Julz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the journey of Trista, a Celtic warrior girl and also a seeress and Morcant, a Roman soldier who is also a shape shifter during the Roman invasion of Britain. I really enjoyed this story and the way that it progressed. I found myself engrossed by the world created by N.M.Browne but I felt that this book was leading to more than the book presented at the end. If there is a second book that ties up what happens to the orphaned baby, the king(a great character which was continually presented to us but never really developed), the she-wolf and the two main characters, this is a great start to a trilogy but on it's own it felt a little underdone.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Wolf Blood. The characters behaved in ways that made sense to me which I really liked(very few book characters make sense to me). I liked the setting and the manner of the descriptions was that I could hold a picture of what was happening in my mind and pick up the picture without many differences when I started reading it after I put it down. I did not care for the way it was a version of the the King Arthur story and that a couple of the plot points kept recurring. Some of the religion/magic stuff seemed a bit whacked out and overdone to me. Overall it was a good book but I will probably not reread it (especially since it was an inter library loan and it's a hassle to acquire.)

[Teri Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I struggled for a while what to rate this and what to say, but think it comes down to three words: gory but good.
I decided to read this as it is up for the Sussex Amazing Book Award next week, but had misgivings: I'm not generally into historical, and I'm not good with gore, and this one has plenty of gruesome battle scenes.
Yet....I kept reading it. I found the story and characters really gripping, and loved her take on werewolves. I was also really intrigued by the Druids.
Is there a book 2 on the way? More, please!

[Danelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did really like this book, though it was confusing and I couldn't understand some parts.
The story line was interesting and it set a whole new perspective for me about werewolves.
And I liked the strong female role, someone who could take care of herself in a fight, and didn't take any kind of sh** from anyone. It was nice, refreshing if you may, from the female characters in teen books now. How they are depended on other people too much.

[Kat Gale]

The great thing about Celtic history is the difficulty in separating it from Celtic myth, and this historical/mythological account of the Celtic-Roman war that took place in Wales 45-50 A.D is both. Told from the perspectives of a warrior girl who is also a seeress and a soldier who is also a shapeshifter, the novel blends historical fact with Celtic myth into a compelling story of survival, determination, and hope.

[Christine]

Th characters while not being unique were different in construction hat others may assume. The wolf man was not a stereotypical shifter. He felt and was alone out of his element, totally out of his comfort zone, confused and made son gave mistakes hat almost cost him his soul as well as his life. The Same can be said for the seer character, who saw for all except herself, only that turned out to be not totally accurate.
Th book was a bit long winded even with a lot of fight scenes.

[JoBird · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great adventure to go on. This book is filled with strong well written characters and amazing world building. At times I had trouble getting into it only because I had to stop and start it so much with work. I think it would be a book best read in one or two sittings. I really enjoyed the magic that took place in the story. And the cover art, I just love it.

[Kim]

I just didn't finish. I always try in my best of my ability to give every book a chance, and to reach the last page come hell or high water, but I don't know why my determination wavered for me in this book. It isn't as bad as some books I've been patient with, but something just didn't connect with me. Maybe I'll come back for it later? Hopefully.