1989 First Paperback Cover of The Wolf's Hour.
Author: Robert R. McCammon
Genre: War / Horror
First Appeared: October 1989
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Warnings
This is not a book I would recommend for younger audiences. This book contains detailed violence, sex, and war scenes. It is an action-packed thriller set in the time period of World War II, so it may also contain offense dialogue.
Review: Minor spoilers may be mentioned throughout the review.
Plot
This book switches back and forth between the main character's past and present. The time line changes with every other chapter.
Present Storyline
The story revolves around our main character, Michael Gallatin, a retired English secret agent. He is a man of great mystery and talent, which is exactly why he is picked for a secret mission that involves retrieving classified information from another agent in occupied France. The job sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. The information Michael has to retrieve just might decide the fate of Operation Overlord. It all comes down to Michael stopping the Germans from winning the war. Oh, and did I happen to mention Michael is also a werewolf?
Past Storyline
The past storyline takes you through Michael's major life changing events, such as the death of his family and his transformation and progression of his life as a werewolf.
Character Development
Since there weren't very many characters that stuck throughout the story, I will only be focusing on Michael's character.
Let me start by using Michael's 'past' storyline self. He begins his life as a spoiled child, raised by a wealthy family engulfed in politics. At first, his character comes off as apathetic and lonesome, due to his father not approving of him. After the death of his family members, he is left as the sole survivor. The same day, he is then taken in by a pack of wolves after he is attacked and bitten by one of the pack members. During his the time period of his first transformation, Michael goes through a few perspective changes. Michael changes from being weak and uncertain to determined. Throughout his youth living with the werewolf pack, he learns the importance of education, responsibility, loyalty, survival, and the importance of his self. Now, into the 'current' storyline, Michael undergoes very little change with his character. The only thing that happens with his character in his later years, is that Michael's sense of self is tested several times. Michael always manages to prevail with each test he is given, coming out stronger each time.
Personal Opinions
I'd say it's one of the most original werewolf stories I've ever read. It really doesn't get any better than this. The combination of history and supernatural fiction created an amazingly attractive storyline. Reading about the trials Michael and his comrades faced to survive as a pack and succeed as a team are truly unique to this story. The steamy romance scenes between Michael and his several 'lovers' is different with each new lust, and it certainly pulls in the attention of the audience. However, the best parts, in my opinion, were the violent action scenes. I'm not normally the type to like action-type stories, but the action in this was to good to pass up. The battle scenes were quick and thrilling, but also incredibly detailed. The story also seemed pretty believable, thanks to the detailed descriptions of people and places, along with the WWII theme backing it up. Trust me, it's as realistic as a werewolf novel gets. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a good action-packed thriller. Not to mention it'll please any WWII or lycanthropy junkie out there.
Overall Rating: 9/10
