By Curtis Jobling
September 2011
Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Age Range: 10
Wereworld Series-Book 1
Source: Library Thing
'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 gums begin to tear, 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?
I didn’t know what to think when I first received this book. The cover art made me think of the Conan, and like, books on my Dad’s bookshelf. But I’m one to try anything, and I’m glad I did. Not only is it a Must Read, but definitely one of the best books I have read thus far this year. The beginning had a slow start, but in the way a storm builds. You can feel the pressure changing in the air, sense the approaching darkness. At the moment everything is quiet, peaceful, but in the back of your mind, you know things are about to shift. You can’t explain it, you just know.
Drew Ferran, knew nothing of the outside world that flowered along the edges of his family’s farm. And he was content with that; living the life of a farmers son, herding sheep. But when Fate, has other plans, there’s nothing you can do about it. Left at home with his mother, while his father and brother head off on an errand, Drew is unaware of the impending danger. That a beast is lurking in the darkness, with the intent to spill blood. A beast, similar to the one Drew, has hidden within himself. Before the night is through, Drew will come face to face with the creature. Not as a boy, but as one himself.
Drew, suddenly finds himself being wrongfully accused, by his very own father, for the atrocious murder of his mother. With his father and brother turning on him, Drew, is left with no other option, but to flee. The life he once knew is forever lost to him now. Entering into a series of life altering events, Drew, will embark on a journey of self discovery. What he learns will shock him. Even more, the world he knew nothing about, is depending on him to survive. For he, is their last hope.
Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf, is an amazing book. Not only did Curtis Jobling, prove that he has supreme world-building skills, but that he is equally talented in developing characters. A rare find amongst fantasy writers, or really any writers. The world he created, Lyssia, is so wonderfully designed, that I found myself envisioning it as a real place. More astonishing than that, are his characters. Each one is not only unique, but Curtis Jobling, has a way of bringing them to life. I love how even the small mentioned characters have development. You continue to remember them long after they’re mentioned, as much as you would the main and secondary characters.
Curtis Jobling, did extremely well, when it came to writing his main character Drew. Drew’s development throughout the story is captivating. Each action, consequence, thought, that Drew, takes or has, shows the depth of who and why he is such a noble character. So many times when faced with difficulty, that would normally cause others to turn away, he silences that inner-taunting voice and stands strong. The best part, is Curtis Jobling, provides us with detailed actions, leading the reader to develop this understanding, rather than just ‘telling’ the reader, who Drew is.
Same can be said for all his other characters. I enjoyed witnessing Drew’s influence and the affect he had on others. How he was able to show Hector, a friend found during the most distressing time, how to live. The way he was able to get under the skin of Gretchen, a snob in everyway possible, and break her down. A character, you enjoy to hate in the beginning, yet find yourself loving in the end. And that is only mentioning few of many.
An even bigger enjoyment, is a twist on the whole ‘were’ species. Curtis Jobling, has given us a wide range of species, of every imaginable animal. The best part, is they don’t shift like we find most ‘were’ species doing in current YA literature, but more like the legends from horror movies. That, I absolutely love more than anything.
I honestly could keep going on and on. With no doubt, this will be put on my Top Shelf. Definitely something I recommend, not just to it’s targeted age group, but something I think all ages and sexes will enjoy. I can’t wait to grab hold of the next book and follow Drew, and others, on his journey throughout Lyssia. A-round of applause for Curtis Jobling.
5 Stars
