Curtis Jobling - WereWorld:Rise of the Wolf - Book Review & Competition

       
Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf – Curtis Jobling


Pages: 418
Publisher: Puffin (Penguin)
Release Date: 6th January 2010
                                       
Anyone who leaves a comment on this blog post will be automatically entered into a free draw, with the chance to win a copy of the book. However, this is only open to residents in the UK. The closing date, and last opportunity to enter, is Monday 24th Jan 2011.


‘YOU’RE THE LAST OF THE WEREWOLVES SON. DON’T FIGHT IT . . . CONQUER IT.’ When the air is clear, sixteen year-old Drew Ferran can pick up the scent of a predator. When the moon breaks through the clouds, a terrifying fever grips him. And when a vicious beast invades his home, his flesh tears, his fingers become claws, and Drew transforms . . . Forced to flee the family he loves, Drew seeks refuge in the most godforsaken parts of Lyssia. But when he is captured by Lord Bergan’s men, Drew must prove he is not the enemy. Can Drew battle the werecreatures determined to destroy him – and master the animal within?
The designer of the children's television series 'Bob the Builder', and model maker for Aardman's Wallace & Gromit, has recently set his sights on writing gripping fantasy stories for the 11+ age. 


The multi-talented Mr Jobling has set his debut book within the imagined world of the Seven Realms. Within this world, Lycanthropes rule the different territories. If you're unfamiliar with this term, the traditional definition is that of a magical power to transform oneself into a Wolf. However, the author has also delved further into this idea and created the powerful "Werelords", who have the ability to change themselves into Wererats, Werestags and Werefoxes. In fact, they are able to transform into a whole host of powerful and dangerous creatures. The transformation from human to deadly beast becomes an important feature of the story, and certainly makes for an exciting and thrilling read.

The book has a fantastic blend of action-adventure, with a great sprinkling of horror-magic stirred in. It is written with skill, and in my opinion, the writing is equal to that of some of the best authors of this genre. The story is traditionally crafted with 'Tolkienesque' dark fantasy moments, including the Wyldermen (who feature early on in the story) and are developed from the dark realms of original fantasy genius. They had me captivated through their gruesome pursuits - I would really like them to be featured in further books. 


Curtis has created a world full of historical detail, which leads you along a path of wanting to know more about the characters, the different places they visit and the built-in folklore. This is seamlessly sewn into the story and gives the reader a sense of authenticity to the plot, which is a great achievement within the complex world that Curtis has built.


The book has a strong sense of good overcoming evil, through the tyrant ruler of King Leopold, and the unlikely hero, Drew. However, his fight to stay alive brings out the beast (or Lycanthrope) within him. The fight for survival helps him to find new friends, who give him renewed strength, in order to equip him for what might be ahead.


The more you read, the more the pace quickens - until the very climatic end, which is not totally predictable, and leaves you clinging onto every word. This book is a cracking start to Curtis Jobling's writing career. This book should do well in the 2011 Waterstone's book prize, as this genre is hot at the moment, and readers just can't get enough to feed their appetite.


Comments

Unknown said…
wereWorld Rise of the wolf sounds right up my street, have only recently got into the wolf thing but the review made me want to read this one in particular. I think Wolves are going to be the Vampires of 2011 :)

Jude Dunn

@jadlgw on twitter
Pagecrawler said…
Fantastic review I've seen the cover for this book many times but never really stopped to see what it was about - assuming it was more of the same werewolf story. Now I know how wrong I was and it sounds like a great read

Thanks

@Pagecrawler on Twitter
Kulsuma said…
On top of the stunning cover, the book sounds fantastic from your great review! I'd love to read it.

k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
Erica Hughes said…
Sounds like my sort of book.
natalie23 said…
Great review, you gave a really good feel for the book and the world it's set in, without giving away the whole plot.
I have wanted to read this since I saw the cover, but when I saw it was aimed at +11 I wondered if it would be a bit too young for me.
Having read your review I am convinced I want to read this book.
Thanks.

natalie23{at}hotmail[dot}co{dot]uk
Angela said…
Would love to read this, sounds like a good read @onions1 on twitter
Carmen said…
Sounds like a great read - the video is so much better if you watch it without the annoying voiceover ;)

@craftywhoopidoo
K said…
Oooooo, sounds a fab book! perfect for both myself & my 12 year old son

@angelsraven
Assassin said…
I look forward to buying this book as I live in Germany. I recently sent my young adult (12-17) werewolf story to an e-book publisher on the same theme, a boy discovers he is a werewolf and...
My story does not cater to vampires.
I expect to get an answer inside a year. Ah well!
Ania said…
I love werewolf stories :)
CazApr1 said…
Ah, I love a book about Werewolves, especially when they're not simply falling in obsessive love all the time...looks like something that would be enjoyed in my School Library :-)
garry said…
WereWorld rise of the wolf is a great book. I could not put it down untill i had read it all.
Anonymous said…
I have already read this book i have the unedited version so i got it for free and it is amazing!!