The Wolf King

The Wolf King, Book #1

By Lauren Palphreyman

ISBN# 9798853931916

Author’s Website: laurenpalphreyman.com

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Review

There is a war that has been raging for years between the humans and the werewolves, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Aurora is the human princess of the Southlands.  And, her father has brought her to Sebastian’s castle as they are to soon be wed.  It is not a relationship of love, but for political gain for her father, the king.  Her father does not love her, but has trained her to be the perfect living doll, always do what is expected and to always reflect well on him.

Aurora’s betrothed has a kennel of captured Werewolves that he has fight for his entertainment.  And, he has put some in the ring for them to watch.  However, Aurora cannot stay quiet when she sees the big alpha against a young boy.  It’s an unfair fight and the boy is about to be slaughtered by the big beast.  Sebastian agrees to let the boy live as a wedding gift to her.  However, her display of compassion embarrasses her father and angers her husband-to-be.

That night it becomes clear that the wolves were not bested by Sebastian’s men. They had allowed themselves to be taken in an orchestrated plot against the humans.  And, before they leave the alpha comes and takes the princess with him.

Aurora has been saved from a marriage to a horrible man, but she is now at the mercy of her enemies.  They want to use her to get back a sacred relic that is believed to have the power to allow them to shift at any time; instead of only at the full moon.  Can Aurora use the situation to gain knowledge of the wolves and save herself from the marriage her father arranged?  Or will she die at her enemies’ hands? And, what happens when she realizes the wolves aren’t as horrible as she had always believed?  And, one wolf in particular is awakening a hunger she never felt before.  Will he be able to keep his promise to protect her or will it go to crap before their very eyes?

I found this story to be interesting.  The humans were quite horrible in this book and it made you realize that the supposed brutes were not the most savage in this tale.  Sebastian was an awful person, and he knew that no matter what he said or did that his new bride would have to endure it.

I enjoyed Callum.  For being part of such a savage race, he showed more respect and tenderness than anyone from Aurora’s own life or family.  It’s easy to see why she started to grow feelings for the big oaf.  The story and Callum, in particular, did have a bit of a Scottish Outlander vibe.

There were a lot of politics and games being played among the wolves as well.  And a certain dark wolf that seemed to know way too much about Aurora and the Southlanders.  Blake did not keep it a secret that he was playing a game and encouraged Aurora to play along with him.  Although he would not divulge, what the game was or what the rules entailed.  He was definitely the most intriguing character in the novel and was clearly the puppet master of everyone involved. Now that his game has been outlined for us, I’m interested to know how it all plays out.

Overall, I really did enjoy this book.  I felt it did drag in places and could probably have been trimmed down to avoid some of that.  Otherwise, I really have no complaints about this novel.  It was an enjoyable read and a story that is a bit different than others I have read.