Michael Gallatin #1

The Wolf's Hour

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D-Day is threatened, but one man could rip the heart of the Nazis -- with his bare claws....

He is Michael Gallatin, master spy, lover -- and werewolf. Able to change shape with lightning speed, to kill silently or with savage, snarling fury, he proved his talents against Rommel in Africa. Now he faces his most delicate, dangerous mission: to unravel the secret Nazi plan known as Iron Fist. From a parachute jump into occupied France to the lush corruption of Berlin, from the arms of a beautiful spy to the cold embrace of a madman's death machine, Gallatin draws ever closer to the ghastly truth about Iron Fist. But with only hours to D-Day, he is trapped in the Nazis' web of destruction....

603 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 12,1989

Places
berlin

This edition

Format
603 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published
August 15, 1990 by Pocket Books
ISBN
9780671731427
ASIN
0671731424
Language
English

About the author

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Pseudonyms: Robert R. McCammon; Robert Rick McCammon

Robert McCammon was a full-time horror writer for many years. Among his many popular novels were the classics Boy's Life and Swan Song. After taking a hiatus for his family, he returned to writing with an interest in historical fiction.

His newest book, Leviathan, is the tenth and final book in the Matthew Corbett series. It was published in trade hardcover (Lividian Publications), ebook (Open Road), and audiobook (Audible) formats on December 3, 2024.

McCammon resides in Birmingham, Alabama.

Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
39(39%)
4 stars
30(30%)
3 stars
31(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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A trashy, genre-crossing mess that tells the story of a Russian refugee werewolf who is engaged in a battle against the Nazis while also having sex. I happened to read this during my early teens. At that time, I thought it was rather pervy. However, in hindsight, I'm certain that when compared to a great many later "paranormal" novels, it would seem quite mild.


The concept of a werewolf fighting Nazis is an interesting one, although the way it was executed in this particular piece might not have been the most refined. The addition of the sexual element perhaps added a certain level of shock value at the time, but it also detracted from what could have been a more engaging and serious narrative.


Nevertheless, it's important to note that our perspectives change as we grow older and are exposed to a wider range of literature. What might have seemed scandalous or inappropriate in our youth can often appear relatively tame in comparison to the more extreme and diverse offerings that come along later.

July 15,2025
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As the blurb on the back cover promises, this novel is a thrilling adventure that unfolds towards the end of World War II. In the traditions of the genre, the main hero is a muscular and intelligent alpha-male, and here on top of all that, he's also a werewolf. :) Of course, one shouldn't expect particularly detailed historical accuracy, but in return, the action is abundant. It reminds me of a James Bond movie* that takes place during World War II and is more brutal in terms of graphic violence and kitsch than the others.

It reads very quickly, despite the substantial volume, and the reader remains quite satisfied. As long as one doesn't expect something of the caliber of "Swan Lake", of course! ;)

* In the 1985 Bond film "A View to a Kill", in which the lead role is still played by Roger Moore, there is a character named Dr. Carl Mortner, who is a naturalized Nazi with a former name of Hans Glau and the father of the main antagonist (Christopher Walken) - a product of Nazi genetic engineering experiments. Well, this long preamble serves to mention that in the version released in Germany, Hans Glau is a former Polish communist. ;)

Satisfied 4.5 - mainly because of the good action and decent writing.

P.S. And I'll quietly note with mixed feelings that the werewolf on the otherwise quite eye-catching cover has nothing to do with the one in the book ;)
July 15,2025
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4.5 stars rounded up for GR! This story is truly epic. It stands out as being completely unique in the literary landscape. The plot is not only compelling but also action-packed, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish. It is so much more than just a "werewolf" book. It delves deep into the characters' emotions, their struggles, and their growth. The world-building is vivid and detailed, making it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in this fantastical realm. The author has done an excellent job of creating a story that is both exciting and thought-provoking. Whether you are a fan of werewolf stories or not, this book is definitely worth a read. It will leave you wanting more and eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

July 15,2025
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Not one of his best.


The following review is my personal opinion, based on my own likes and dislikes. It doesn't necessarily represent how others may experience the book.


This story could have been two separate ones. There was just too much going on. There were too many characters and too many plots. It seemed to me that McCammon had too many ideas and couldn't focus on what was truly important and what could have been omitted.


I didn't have any affection for any of the characters. Michael was flat and stereotypical, both in his wolf and human forms. He wasn't even arrogant enough to be called a rake. He also lacked any romantic emotions. He was shallow but sensual. There was no real romance, yet McCammon wrote the sex scenes as if he had only researched the sex scenes in romance novels. The sex scenes were well-written, but they lacked emotion. To be honest, when it came to women, Michael was a bit of a jerk.


Summary:

The bad guys were extremely bad, almost cartoonish. The action was like something out of a comic book and felt like an Indiana Jones movie. There were plot inconsistencies, and serious wounds seemed to heal magically in an unrealistic amount of time.


I skimmed at times and was engaged at others. This book really needs a proper editor.


So, it was just okay. I'm glad I got it on sale for $1.99.


Content concerns:
July 15,2025
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Sexy werewolf!

The concept of a sexy werewolf is both alluring and mysterious. Picture a creature that combines the wildness and power of a wolf with the charm and sensuality of a human.

A sexy werewolf might have a tall and muscular build, with sleek fur that glistens in the moonlight. Their eyes could be a captivating shade of gold or green, filled with a hint of danger and passion.

They might move with a grace and agility that is both captivating and intimidating. Their presence could fill a room, commanding attention and making hearts race.

The idea of a sexy werewolf has been popularized in movies, books, and TV shows, where they are often portrayed as complex and conflicted characters. Some are heroes, fighting to protect the innocent, while others are villains, driven by their primal instincts.

Whether they are good or bad, one thing is for sure: a sexy werewolf is a force to be reckoned with.
July 15,2025
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The movie I just watched was very generic, much like a typical James Bond film.

The characters in it were extremely flat, lacking in depth and complexity. There was no real development or growth for them throughout the story.

However, despite these flaws, I still found the movie to be very enjoyable. The action scenes were thrilling and exciting, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The special effects were also top-notch, adding to the overall atmosphere of the movie.

Perhaps it's because I have a soft spot for this kind of genre, or maybe it's just that sometimes, you don't need a deep and meaningful story to have a good time. Whatever the reason, I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for a fun and entertaining way to spend a couple of hours.

July 15,2025
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\n  “If you make friends with pain, you have a friend for life.”\n

I have always been the kind of person who favored werewolves over vampires in the intense debate about which monster is superior. So it comes as a bit of a surprise to me that I never got around to reading this book until now! Nevertheless, I'm extremely glad that I finally did, because once again McCammon has completely blown my mind.

The combination of history and horror in this book is truly fantastic, and McCammon executes it with such finesse. The way he smoothly integrates Michael Gallatin into historical events makes it almost seem as if these events could have actually occurred. Or, at least, could have happened within the realm of reason, of course. I was completely enthralled by the book from start to finish, and I'm now eagerly looking forward to reading more of McCammon's works. I can't wait to see what other amazing stories and characters he has in store for us.
July 15,2025
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Robert McCammon has always been a source of great entertainment for me, and this particular work was no different.

Primarily a World War II spy novel, it follows Michael Gallatin on a mission to support the allied D-Day invasion by thwarting a Nazi gas warfare scheme. The plot is ingenious, filled with heart-pounding action at every twist and turn. On its own, it would be an excellent thriller, but the added element of Michael being a werewolf makes it truly a keeper.

In the hands of a less skilled author, the combination of a werewolf story and a WWII spy novel might seem cheesy at best. However, McCammon handles it masterfully. Michael's werewolf origin story is told through a series of long flashback sections that not only hold their own but also offer some powerful emotional scenes that blend seamlessly with the events of the spy story. It all comes together beautifully, and despite its considerable length (over 600 small print paperback pages in my copy), I devoured it quickly, completely engrossed throughout.

This is a stand-alone novel, but fortunately, McCammon has provided additional material for us in the form of interlinked short stories collected in a volume called The Hunter from the Woods. I reserved my copy at the library as soon as I finished this book.

I can't wait to explore more of McCammon's work and see what other thrilling stories he has in store for us.
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