TTT: For Those Who’ve Never Read About Werewolves

I’ve been on a werewolf-high the past few books. I don’t know if it’s because I’m subconsciously picking up books with werewolves in it, or if it’s just a coincidence that books involving lycanthropy has been popping up on my reading list. As I’ve told my friend the other day, I’m seriously re-considering my opinion on werewolves in general (wherein my opinion was based on Jacob Black from Twilight and thus not-so-good–though don’t get me wrong, I actually enjoyed portions of the first two books in Meyer’s series).

So yes, specific type of fantasy/supernaturalness here we go!

Top Ten Books I’d Give to Readers Who Have Never Read About Werewolves

Moon Called (Mercy Thompson #1) – Patricia Briggs
So I actually just started this series last week and finished Moon Called within a few days. I don’t know why it took me so long to get acquainted with Mercedes Thompson and her world, but I’m glad I actually did! Also, Mercy is a were-coyote with an extended family of really awesome werewolves, and two potential love interests that are just Alpha-delicious. (It also came to my attention that the series has a graphic novel adaptation as well! Kyaaaah I want!)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3) – J.K. Rowling
Well, I’d probably recommend starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone of the series, because HP is meant to be started from the very beginning. Still, it’s in PoA that we are introduced to Rowling’s werewolves for the first time. It’s also my favorite book of the series, so of course I was going to recommend it!

Sisters Red – Jackson Pearce
Retold fairy tale in a YA urban fantasy setting? Game on. I wasn’t particularly gung-ho on this because I saw what happened when movies YA-fied Little Red Riding Hood, and I hated it. That said, I enjoyed this book, particularly on how Jackson Pearce personified Red Riding Hood into a sister duo with highly specialized werewolf-fighting skills. Talk about badass.

Fables: Legends in Exile (Fables Vol. 1) – Bill Willingham
This one’s a graphic novel series that focuses on retelling fairy tales. Again, this is also a modern take within an urban environment, though I wouldn’t say this was done in a YA fashion. While the series doesn’t necessarily focus on Bigby Wolf (the werewolf in question), I’d say at least the first several volumes give the badass wolf some storytime.

The Silvered – Tanya Huff
Werewolf romance isn’t new, there’s a whole lot of that in paranormal romances the world around. But I did love this book because it was mostly a focus on a magic system, a rescue mission, and a world of strife. The werewolves have interesting bonds with humans, and their powers aren’t so much a disadvantage but a gift used to its highest potential (unless, of course, you’re someone from the Empire, in which all werewolves are deemed abominations…but that’s a different story).

Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1) and Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School #1) – Gail Carriger
I recommend both because technically they utilize the same world. I will say, however, that Soulless had more of a focus on the supernatural beings, much more so than E&E would. That said, Gail Carriger writes wonderful supernatural characters. And for those wanting a bit more brevity in their stories (without sacrificing depth), I’d definitely go with either book.

Fool Moon (The Dresden Files #2) – Jim Butcher
Admittedly, I read this story as a graphic novel adaptation by Mark Powers and Chase Conley, not the actual book. The first book in Butcher’s The Dresden Files is actually Storm Front, but while I liked book 1, I actually am more fascinated with the werewolf-on-werewolf crime of Fool Moon. Honestly, I don’t think you really need to read the first book to figure out that Harry Dresden is a wizard, but that’s just me.

Hounded (The Iron Druid Chronicles #1) – Kevin Hearne
Hounded is one of the more hilarious and awesome urban fantasies I’ve come across. Atticus, being a druid, has had several connections with the mystical creatures living in the modern world. In fact, one of his friends is Hal Hauk, who also happens to be his daytime lawyer and occasional sparring partner, Hal being a werewolf and all. I like Hal and his pack, they’re very thorough.

Blood and Chocolate – Annette Curtis Klause
One of my very first werewolf books! I probably would not put this in such high esteem today if I reread it again (it being a YA with an incredibly annoying love triangle), but considering this book practically got me into an argument about the merits of the wolf pack in stories with a friend, I would probably say this story stuck with me for a while.

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I’m pretty sure there are other really popular werewolf books out there, and seeing as I’ll probably make quick work (by quick, I mean by the end of the year) of the Mercy Thompson series, feel free to send me werewolf book recommendations if you have any I might try them out! 🙂