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.

Di Toft - Wolven Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review

The first thing you notice about this book, is the fantastic cover that looks great. The holographic image just works so well, it will be a hit with the book buyers. A great credit to Steve Wells, who did the design for the book, as it's in keeping with the story. This is another good quality debut book with a fresh outlook to story writing.
The book starts off when Nat Carver, a young boy, ventures to a farm searching for a dog to be his pet. But he soon finds himself looking at a very strange animal, whose origins sway more to that of Dr Frankenstein than Mr Darwin. The book develops into a really enjoyable read with lots of good story ideas. The horror side to the book was very subtle and will make it more appealing to a younger audience. It encompasses both a humorous and serious side which gives it more depth. All the characters in the book worked well and the depiction of the strange village, Temple Gurney, just gave the story more credence.
It really shows what talented up and coming writers are out there.
The ending delivers a Disney-good feel factor in a magical ending, setting a great adventure for books two and three. This book will go down well with readers who enjoyed Steve Feasey's book "Changeling". I give this book four out of five; I feel the best is to come as the author explores her full potential in the next installment. I am already looking forward to reading this in the near future. A story for the barking mad.


Book synopsis

WOLVEN is a fantasy firmly rooted in the mysterious present. A boy and his eccentric grandparents live near a strange wood - apparently cursed. He longs for a dog - but the dirty ungainly farm creature finally found by his grandfather hardly fits his image of the perfect pet. And it howls in the night. But it's only when his dog starts to grow human ears that he realises that something is seriously wrong. The truth is stranger than his wildest dreams -the boy who appears, alarmingly unpredictably, is a kind of special werewolf in reverse. A noble, almost heraldic breed of WOLVEN - the kings own werewolves from ancient times, who have been in hiding until rediscovered by evil government scientists who are trying to breed werewolves as weapons.

Book Published by Chicken House 3 Aug 2009