Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Released: June 2010

Publisher: Egmont

Pages: 418

Copy provided by: Bought

Summary: Goodreads

Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two. But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs. But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

I liked this book. It just wasn't the usual type of werewolf story and I really enjoyed that. I think it was more primal, more about family, or 'pack', and what it means to be part of one. It's not a conventional love story either. That part of the story is different, not what I was expecting, but no less enjoyable for all that.

Bryn is a very strong character, a human who has been brought up in the middle of a werewolf pack. I loved the way that she didn't whine about her life. She accepted it and was determined to get revenge on the 'Rabid' that killed her parents. She sets out to do this with the help of her friends, Chase, Devon and Lake. I found Chase's character a little unformed, but I suspect he will be fleshed out in future books. That's not to say I didn't like him, I just felt that there was more to him than we found out in the book. (He's the one who 'got bit'.)

Lake is one of only 5 female werewolves in the US and is therefore 'special', but basically that just means 'kick-ass'. I loved her no-nonsense attitude.

'Anyone else probably would have balked at my bluntness,but Lake just twirled her blonde hair around her right index finger and nodded. "Google?" she asked.'

I have to say tho' that my favourite was Devon. What's not to love about a 6' 4" protective werewolf who loves Armani and show tunes? Don't ask - just read!

'"Remind me again - is this the grounding that kept you from going with me to see the delightfully horrendous film adaptation of my seventh-favorite Broadway musical, or the grounding that came about because you almost got yourself killed? And didn't bother to bring me along? Hmmmmm?"' (p 66)

'Raised by Wolves' is exciting, compelling, well written and just dowright great. Do yourself a favour and go out and find a copy. You won't regret it.

PS Not a vampire in sight!

PPS. The second book in the series 'Trial by Fire' is due out Summer 2011