World War II and werewolves combined together in an amazing story.

Well, I couldn't enjoy it more. It was truly a captivating blend that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

This is the second McCammon book for me after Swan Song. And I'm starting to get hooked to this guy.

Both novels, though on the long side, were enjoyable and intrinsic. There was enough attention given to details and surroundings without being excessive.

The characters were colored vibrantly, making them come alive in my imagination.

I found myself fully immersed in the worlds that McCammon created, experiencing the emotions and adventures of the characters as if they were my own.

MiM

Fantastic!! 5 stars!


The Wolf’s Hour is an absolute masterpiece that flawlessly combines the elements of fantasy, historical fiction, and intrigue. Set during the tumultuous era of World War II, the story follows the captivating journey of Michael Gallatin, a British secret agent with a rather extraordinary secret - he's a werewolf. Yes, you heard that right. While it might initially sound absurd, Robert McCammon manages to make it work brilliantly.

McCammon crafts an action-packed plot filled with vivid descriptions and horrifying details that transport the reader right into the heart of World War II. He expertly weaves together this historical setting with a complex and ruthless character in Michael Gallatin, who constantly struggles with his past and the inner beast within him. I absolutely loved Michael Gallatin. What a fantastic main character!

In The Wolf’s Hour, Michael Gallatin is tasked with infiltrating Nazi-occupied France to gather crucial information on a new and terrifying weapon being developed by the Germans. This weapon has the potential to change the entire course of the war, stalling and even destroying the Allies during D-Day. I was completely enthralled with every aspect of this book, from the vibrant city atmosphere and the Nazi-occupied streets of Paris, to the dark and dense forests of Russia.

All the secondary characters are equally fantastic, adding depth and richness to the story. The action sequences are so intense that they feel like they've been lifted straight out of a Mission: Impossible film. And the werewolf elements are detailed and believable, further enhancing the overall allure of the book. This book was impossible to put down and I’m so happy to finally get to this one!!

A Russian werewolf, a creature of mystery and legend, finds itself thrust into the chaotic world of World War II. In a strange turn of events, this werewolf undergoes a transformation not only in its physical form but also in its allegiances. Somehow, it manages to become a British spy. The werewolf, with its enhanced senses and stealthy abilities, proves to be a valuable asset to the British intelligence agency. It infiltrates enemy lines, gathering crucial information and reporting back to its handlers. Its unique nature allows it to move undetected in the shadows, avoiding detection by the enemy. As the war rages on, the Russian werewolf-turned-British spy plays a vital role in the Allied efforts, using its powers to help turn the tide of the conflict.

The Wolf's Hour by Robert McCammon is an absolute powerhouse of a novel. It is filled to the brim with action, adventure, and horror, creating a unique and thrilling reading experience. The story poses a fascinating premise: what if a super spy was also a werewolf? Set during World War II, it follows the mission to stop a Nazi plot to release chemical weapons. McCammon's take on the werewolf genre is refreshingly new, even though the novel was written in the 80's. In this world, a werewolf can change at any time, the body is always hot due to the underlying werewolf skin, and the person must balance a human and wolf diet. Moreover, each time spent as a wolf causes the human body to age more rapidly. The pacing of the novel is a masterclass, with an interesting background and intense action that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The story seamlessly mixes werewolf horror with the action and adventure of Indiana Jones and James Bond, adding a touch of spice with the character's similarities to Bond and the inclusion of some seduction and sex scenes. The ending is action-packed and satisfying, although there are two scenes midway through the book that rival it in terms of excitement. One is a 25-page train sequence that is a nail-biting cat-and-mouse game, and the other is a brutal wolf fight over territory. The novel is a historical fiction, taking place in Russia, France, Berlin, and England before D-Day. It not only focuses on the mission to stop the Nazis but also delves into the backstory of how the hero spy was turned into a werewolf as a child and grew up in a wolf pack. I read this novel 13 years ago and it remains one of my favorites. It has held up extremely well upon reread, and McCammon is truly one of my absolute favorite writers. The Wolf's Hour was published on October 12, 1989.

Plot Summary: Michael Gallantin, an English spy, has been off the radar since a mission in Africa went wrong and an asset was killed. But he is no ordinary spy - he is also a werewolf who can change at any moment, not just with the cycles of the moon. We see him use this ability early on to escape a harrowing first mission. After being off the grid for two years, he is recruited back into service by a spy division that knows his secret and how he can assist with their mission. Michael was born in Russia and at 8 years old, he was bitten by a werewolf on the day his family was murdered. He survived in the woods for 9 years until he was discovered. His new mission requires him to speak Russian and gather information about a chemical weapon that the Nazis possess and their plans to use it.

What I Liked: The pacing and story structure of The Wolf's Hour are magnificent. If I were to attempt writing a novel, I would definitely follow this structure. The transitions back to the flashbacks are seamless, and the 600-page book feels more like a 300-page one due to its excellent pacing. The flashbacks are just as engaging as the main story. The spy scenes are incredibly tense, especially one where an intrepid Nazi officer suspects that Michael is not who he claims to be and constantly tries to trap him, reminiscent of the bar scene in Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Bastards. The train sequence is my favorite in the book, reminding me of the opening of Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. It is a non-stop action and adventure-filled cat-and-mouse game. The berserker wolf fight is intense, and although we know Michael survives, the fate of his pack is uncertain. The scene where Michael gets a head injury as a wolf and has to remember he is human again to save his friends is also a great moment. I love the original werewolf rules that McCammon has created, and the spicy scenes add an extra layer of interest.

What I Disliked: I would have liked to know if Michael's son survived. It would have made for a great story if he was raised by Russian hunters who were hunting the werewolves. The ending was good, but I felt that the train sequence and the berserker wolf fight overshadowed it. At the beginning of the scene where Michael is with the wolf pack, I was confused and overwhelmed as it was difficult to distinguish who was who. However, the book does eventually clarify this.

Book Recommendation: The Wolf's Hour is an outstanding novel that I highly encourage everyone to read. It is a shame that it is out of print, but my wife was able to find a copy for me on eBay. The digital version is usually inexpensive. It is truly a pity that more people are not aware of this book or the incredible writing of Robert McCammon. If you are looking for a good action adventure book with elements of horror and a touch of spice, then The Wolf's Hour is the perfect choice.

Rating: The Wolf's Hour by Robert McCammon receives a rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Ranking: I have read most of Robert McCammon's novels, but since starting my blog, readingwithmyeyes, I have only read 4. I will rank these 4 from favorite to least favorite: 1) The Wolf's Hour, 2) Speaks the Nightbird, 3) Stinger, and 4) The Queen of Bedlam.

A thrilling, action-packed, horror-infused, war-torn, and romantic book awaits. It is astonishingly long, as if at least two books have been seamlessly merged together. Initially, I had a strong inclination for the story to remain firmly on the World War II plot line, rather than veering towards the narrative of growing up as a werewolf. However, as I delved deeper, I found myself thoroughly enjoying every aspect of it. It is truly a wonder that a movie has not yet been made from this remarkable work, as it possesses all the essential elements to become a blockbuster hit.

Highly recommended, along with other outstanding works such as Swan Song, Boy’s Life, Mine, Stinger, The Five, and Gone South (the books of McCammon that I have had the pleasure of reading thus far). Each of these books offers a unique and captivating experience, transporting readers into worlds filled with excitement, mystery, and emotion. Whether you are a fan of horror, war, romance, or simply a great story, these books are sure to satisfy your literary cravings.

When I discovered "The Wolf's Hour" by Robert R. McCammon in the basement of an antique store, on a dusty bookshelf, beneath an orange, glowing light, I initially thought it seemed like a lighthearted, werewolf vs. Nazis kind of book. So, without hesitation, I purchased it. I envisioned it as a fun read to share with my friends and perhaps jokingly label it as a masterpiece. However, what I would later come to realize was that it was far more than that and even sparked my fascination with Paperbacks From Hell.

I have never been one to judge a book solely by its cover, yet I often find myself drawn to collecting books simply because of the captivating cover art. Rarely does a horror novel with subjectively excellent artwork also contain a truly outstanding story within its pages. Fortunately, this particular book was an exception.

Yes, it does have its share of werewolves vs Nazis, but it offers so much more. At its essence, it is a story of family, loss, and survival, intertwined with all the elements I was hoping for. Michael Gallattin is a character that readers not only root for but also perceive as a believably conflicted human being as he endeavors to prevent Doomsday and uncover the secret of "Iron Fist," a highly secretive plan devised by the Nazis.

Although there are some horror elements in this book, very little is related to the wolf. Most of the horrors revolve around the war. Regarding the war and his pre-war origins, the story delves into some truly poignant aspects, which I will refrain from elaborating on to avoid spoilers.

The writing in this book is truly remarkable. Throughout Michael's journey on the enemy lines, you can't help but feel nervous, as if he is genuinely surrounded by danger and not just facing a couple of easily defeated adversaries. I found myself experiencing a range of emotions, from sadness to excitement, and even moments of laughter, as I grew to love the characters. If a book can have such an impact on me, I consider it to be a well-written and outstanding piece of literature. This book transitioned from being a lighthearted joke to being unironically regarded as one of the best books I have ever read. Therefore, I would highly recommend it.

If James Bond weren't just a regular spy, but instead a remarkable Nazi hunting, werewolf spy during World War II!

This concept immediately grabs the reader's attention and fills the imagination with thrilling possibilities.

Imagine Bond, with his suave charm and extraordinary skills, not only infiltrating Nazi strongholds but also facing off against supernatural werewolf threats.

The combination of the espionage genre and the added element of the supernatural creates a unique and captivating story.

It would be a book filled with heart-pounding action, intense suspense, and unexpected twists.

The idea of Bond battling both human and non-human enemies during the chaos of WWII is truly exciting.

This book has the potential to be a real page-turner, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

It sounds like an absolute must-read for fans of adventure, espionage, and the supernatural.

So good!

This is still, to date, one of my all-time favorite novels. McCammon has crafted some truly remarkable tales, but this particular one holds a special place in my heart. I can (and have) read it countless times, never tiring of its engaging narrative.

It's like a unique blend where 007 meets the Wolf man, or rather, 007 IS the Wolf man. McCammon skillfully weaves the story, taking the reader back and forth between the thrilling world of WWII espionage, a personal vendetta that adds depth and intensity, the exciting 007 spy action, and the mysterious realm of werewolf Russian heritage.

As much as I would dearly love to read a sequel, I'm also cautious. I don't want the magic and fun of the original to be squandered. If you're in the mood for a great werewolf novel that offers an interesting twist on the traditional WWII or spy novels, then look no further. This is the book for you.

I simply can't find the words to fully express just how much I freakin' love this book. It's a literary gem that keeps drawing me back, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable reading experience.

Shame on me that I've never read one of the greatest masters of speculative fiction - Robert McCammon.

The Swan Song is perhaps his best known work - apparently rivaling The Stand (Stephen King - will always be the greatest storyteller ever for me!) as one of the best written post-apocalyptic literary works.

However, The Wolf's Hour, which recounts the pulse-pounding harrowing adventures of a master-spy behind enemy lines during WW-II - who is also a werewolf - is so much pure pulp fun that it's irresistible and should count right up there on the top of the shelf!

Robert's portrayal of Michael Gallatine - a super-spy enlisted with the British Secret Service and also a Werewolf - as a powerful Captain America pitted against the demented power-crazed absolutely evil Nazis - reads like an epic.

There is nail-biting action, heady adventure, underplayed romance, lots of sex and hell, and brilliant behind-the-lines espionage. It's got it all and Robert brings it all together in a book set against the perils of a world-war with the fate of the Allied Normandy invasion hanging on the courage and deeds of this super-spy werewolf.

You might be tempted to dismiss the premise as pulpy and seemingly comical & impossible - rolling in the tale of a werewolf into a WW-II super-spy story. But trust me, the character of Michael is so powerful and portrayed with enough grounded realism that you cannot help but relate.

Michael Gallatine - born Mikhail Gallatinov into an affluent Russian family - loses his family during the bloody Russian revolution - only to gain another in the wilderness. A pack of werewolves that gradually becomes his own as he realizes the changes inside of him.

The intermittently placed flashbacks give us a lot of detail into the man/wolf that Michael grows into. Conflicted and vulnerable with an impeccable sense of honor and righteousness, Michael slowly realizes over time that he is the answer to that question which his mentor and Godfather asked him repeatedly.

What is a lycanthrope to God? The answer as Michael realizes deep into the book drenched in enemy's blood, is that he is a God's avenger. [ "Hell had shining green eyes and a sleek, muscular body covered with grey-streaked, black hair. Hell had white fangs and hell moved on all fours." ]

After having lost a good friend in Egypt during the North Africa raids between the Allied powers and Germany, Michael is lying low in his Wales countryside home. But new intel talks of a super-weapon being developed by the Nazis in secret and the whole Allied Invasion of the German coast of Normandy hangs in balance. And thus the fate of the whole world war-II.

Michael comes out of retirement and takes up this new mission - starting with a rendezvous with a double-agent in the Nazi-occupied Paris to extract the intel. The mission leads him deep behind the enemy lines - racing and dodging bullets and bombs on the streets of Paris to the country-sides of Berlin and then onto a god-forsaken cold stormy island off the coast of Norway.

McCammon is a masterful writer of suspense and horror - to which we are treated more than once as he pulls Michael through impossible situations with the odds stacked high against him. It's absolutely crackling story-telling - often enough veering into territories of disbelief - making me shout, "No way" but seeped in enough realism to make me want to believe. It's a tight dance but McCammon pulls it with effortless elan. It's bloody downright entertaining and that is the high point of the story.

The narrative is split into several parts - each detailing one mission and also alternating with Michael's past ( which too by the way is riddled with masterful suspense and enough pulsating adventure to read as a standalone!) all leading to the overall mission of uncovering what is that the evil Nazis have been planning to contain the Allied invasion.

Funnily enough - McCammon brings in actual historical figures like Hitler and Churchill into the narrative but all goes with the flow.

Overall - a harrowing masterful tale of world-war espionage that features a British superspy who is also a werewolf - is riveting storytelling at its best. Guaranteed to thrill your senses if you like those war-stories. If you are of the new generation and think Inglorious Bastards is the best world-war movie ever made, then heck no. This book is way more fantastic! It's pulp and it's pure gold-rated fun. Go ahead and read this book!

I really wanted to despise this novel. The concept seemed so utterly silly: a British werewolf spy engaged in a battle against the Nazis? It was like asking me to pair crackers with cheese when I preferred something more substantial. The fact that this book has received almost unanimous praise and is often regarded as one of Robert McCammon's finest works was, to my mind, a bit of a disgrace. How could it possibly compare to the masterpieces like "Boy's Life" or "Swan Song"?

What makes "The Wolf's Hour" succeed is McCammon's excellent writing. He has a remarkable ability to engage the reader from the very beginning and keep them hooked until the end. Moreover, this is one of his lengthier stories, which allows for a fully developed world. What I found most fascinating were the chapters that detailed the lead character's成长历程, his tragic childhood, and his struggle to come to terms with his newly discovered paranormal abilities. The present-day story of spying for the British to thwart the Nazis didn't quite capture my attention to the same extent, as I'm not a big fan of war or spy/adventure stories. Nevertheless, it was still engaging enough to hold my interest.

Despite the fact that this book is overly masculine and a bit too male-oriented in certain aspects (the fact that almost every female character is judged solely by her attractiveness to Michael did not go unnoticed by this reader), I couldn't rate it any lower than 4 stars due to McCammon's extensive research into the era and the sheer scope of the tale. Will I ever pick it up again? Hmm... probably not. But I have to admit that I'm a fan.

I was most engaged with the flashbacks in the story. They really added depth and interest, making me eager to know more about the characters' pasts. On the other hand, I was less-so with the actual spy-action. It didn't quite capture my attention as much as I had hoped.

However, I must say that the WWII train scene was truly something. It was both ridiculous and awesome at the same time. The chaos and excitement on the train were vividly described, but it did feel a tad anti-climatic towards the end.

All-in-all, this is a solid classic novel. It takes the werewolf legend and presents it with a fun twist, making it a unique and enjoyable read. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or supernatural tales, this book has something to offer.

I have been listening to the book in the full cast version.

It is an interesting experience.

I must admit that I have a weakness for McCammon, not necessarily for the subjects he writes about, but rather for the quality of his writing.

His words have a way of drawing you in and making you feel as if you are right there in the story.

The full cast version adds an extra layer of depth to the listening experience.

The different voices and accents bring the characters to life and make the story even more engaging.

It's like watching a movie in your mind.

I find myself completely immersed in the story, forgetting about everything else around me.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery or a heartwarming drama, McCammon's writing always manages to touch my emotions and keep me on the edge of my seat.

I can't wait to listen to more of his books in the full cast version.