Review: Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: Raised by Wolves
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: 06/08/10
Summary:

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?

Plot: 4 Stars
The idea of a human teenager being raised by wolves, as the title suggests, is a very unique plot twist to the paranormal novels I'm used to reading. Normally, the main character of a werwolf novel is an outsider, has just been turned into a werewolf, or has been their whole life. I really enjoyed the uniqueness of Bryn's situation, especially since she doesn't take anyone's crap. There are a couple aspects that I was a bit skeptical of (mostly involving the bond between Bryn and Chase), as the novel progressed, the author really sold it and my skeptical thoughts dwindled away. I also enjoyed the werewolf lore specific to this novel, especially when it's thrown on it's head by Chase.

Pace: 3.5 Stars
There were a few parts of the plot that moved a bit slower than I would have liked, but for the most part, this novel flowed quite well. As Bryn remembered more of what happened that night with the rogue wolf and put the pieces together as the book progressed, so did the reader. I really enjoy when authors do this, as it flows much better than having a chapter or two of backstory or flashbacks. Time also seemed to pass much more than in most books I've read. A lot of books seem to mash a lot of stuff into about a week's time, but this novel spanned over a couple months (including school ending, and summer beginning) and it gave the novel a very realistic feel.

Characters: 4.5 Stars
All of the characters in this novel are very well thought out and well-rounded. Bryn was a great main character: she spoke her mind, didn't back down, knew what she wanted and how to get it. It takes a really strong girl (I'm assuming) to grow up surrounded by werewolves, and Bryn can definitely hold her own. Callum, the pack's alpha, balanced the pack and Bryn perfectly. Devon is Bryn's best friend who likes musicals and really doesn't fit in with the rest of the wolves. He brought a nice touch of humor to the story, and really was everything a girl could want in a best friend. Lake was an awesome and hilarious female werewolf who loves guns. I wish we could've met her earlier on in the book because she was definitely my favorite character.

Cover: 4 Stars
You can't really see it from the image, but this cover is very shiny. The cover model was a very good fit for this novel. Although we didn't get too much of a description of Bryn, the cover model fits. The background images also work very well. It really resonated with how I envisioned Ark Valley with it's forests for the wolves to run in. Oh course, a werewolf novel wouldn't be complete without an image of the full moon, and I really like how the full moon on this cover isn't a focal point. My only tiny issue is the cover model's somber expression and the overwhelming amount of blue. It gives you the impression of a very somber atmosphere, and although the book has it's ups and downs, I didn't think that the book ended up being as somber as you'd expect.

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own enjoyment.