ARC Review: A Wolf Apart (The Legend of All Wolves #2) by Maria Vale

Flora Reviews… A Wolf Apart by Maria Vale. Book 2 in her uniquely original urban fantasy series, The Legend of All Wolves. My thanks to the publisher – Sourcebooks Casablanca – for sending me a pre-publication copy to review.

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Read: 31^st July – 3^rd August 2018

I feel that A Wolf Apart is closer to the urban fantasy genre than a classic paranormal romance due to its grittiness, how it is written and some of the content within its pages.

Ms Vale was a début author in 2017 and I have been impressed with her writing style; it feels graceful, powerful and very easy to read. I find her stories intelligent and well researched and I enjoy her prose; the way she weaves known wolf behaviours, Norse mythology and archaic languages into her books is inspiring. A Wolf Apart lived up to my expectations.

I’m enjoying the different perspective that this werewolf series is coming from. They’re born wolf cubs, have to learn how to wear a human “skin” and fit in with the human world. Book 1 – The Last Wolf – focused on life of the Great North Pack and its home territories through the eyes of Quicksilver Nilsdottir. A runt who was struggling to make a life for herself at the bottom of the hierarchy. A Wolf Apart shows us what life is like for Elijah Sorensson, Silver’s complete opposite. He’s an Alpha of his age group who doesn’t live in Homelands but in New York City as an Offlander. Elijah is tasked with serving the Pack’s interests in the human world.

A Wolf Apart (like the previous book, The Last Wolf) is unlike any book I’ve read before. It’s told from a first person point of view by our male protagonist, Elijah Sorensson. He’s Alpha of the 9^th Echelon (the age group to which he was born) and a ruthless New York lawyer. I wasn’t sure whether I would like Elijah at first. He seemed to be everything I detest in a man – domineering, slick and ruthless. However as the story unfurled I quickly understood why Ms Vale chose him. Elijah Sorensson became captivating, I enjoyed seeing the world through his eyes and I loved his inner dialogue. My heart ached, I shed a tear or two, I chuckled out loud and growled with frustration at some of his thoughts and actions. Loving how his journey evolved and how he grew during this book.

Stories are more enjoyable for me when the female protagonist is intelligent, resilient and independent. I wasn’t disappointed here. Thea Villalobos earned my respect very quickly and I really liked her. We never hear her inner dialogue. However her actions confirm that she doesn’t suffer fools. She has a cool wit, is loyal, has a big heart and has plenty of spirit. In short, she’s got gumption!

I was so gripped that I couldn’t stop reading last night; midnight came and went! I enjoyed the twists and turns that Ms Vale sprinkled throughout her tale. Liking the fact I wasn’t ever really sure how, or if, she would resolve things. I couldn’t help turning the page to find out to find out what would happen next. I’m happy to confirm that there’s no life-or-death situation type cliffhanger at the end of this book. Woop!Woop! (‘cause you all know how I feel a about cliffhangers). I’m looking forward to finding out where Ms Vale takes us – and the Great North Pack – in book 3.

No. I wouldn’t change a thing. Even the more harsh aspects of this story that are harder to read, played an important role.

Ms Vale weaves any pertinent information seamlessly into this tale from book 1. However this is a series and jumping straight in you may miss some subtle aspects of A Wolf Apart. For example knowing the existing characters, understanding the dynamics of Pack relationships and hierarchy.

I really loved this book. A Wolf Apart has everything that I look for in a 5 star book; adventure, some mystery, action, great characters, a little humour and even a sprinkling of romance.

This series has a unique spin on werewolf tales. It feels so much more believable than the majority of paranormal romances on the market. I’m completely invested in the Great North Pack and the characters I’ve met so far. The Legend of all Wolves series is an unexpected find and I can’t recommend the books enough.

I’d recommend A Wolf Apart to readers who enjoy urban fantasy adventures centred on relationships – both family and romantic.

Has my review of A WOLF APART (THE LEGEND OF ALL WOLVES #2) encouraged you to find out more? Click on any of the links below to check out the book yourself. Keep reading to find out more about the series and Maria herself.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review about A Wolf Apart. To read the other stuff I’ve posted about The Legends of All Wolves series, click HERE.

Flora x