It takes a truly remarkable writer to accomplish this feat:

Compose an espionage narrative about a British spy who is engaged in a frantic race against time to uncover the secret that the Germans are plotting to undermine the Allied Invasion of Europe. Now, factor in the twist that he is a werewolf, yet manage to make the entire concept not sound absurd.

Yes, it does initially sound really far-fetched, and the front cover of my paperback does little to change that perception.

However, it actually works wonders! Of course, it helps if you are the kind of reader who can set aside disbelief and simply relax and relish the story.

For the most part, the novel alternates between the espionage storyline and Michael's childhood as a werewolf and his development into a man-beast. I found his coming-of-age chapters more engaging than the espionage segments, but not by a significant margin: the entire novel was highly entertaining. If I have one minor complaint, it is that I felt the story was a bit lengthy at 600 pages. I was more than ready for a conclusion by around 500 pages. And, indeed, there was a moment when the villain, having our hero in his clutches, makes the clichéd blunder of completely revealing the big secret and how they are going to carry out their plan, Mwahahaha!

Oh well, this is pulp fiction, and it's all about having fun, so that's what it is. It's enjoyable stuff, and I doubt anyone interested in reading this would expect to take it too seriously. So there you have it.

Incidentally, thanks, Robert, for including Canadians in the Normandy D-Day Invasion. Too many Americans seem to forget that we were also there.

A Fun WWII Werewolf James Bond Hybrid

In the world of fiction, there are often unique and exciting combinations that capture the imagination. One such fascinating concept is that of a WWII werewolf James Bond hybrid. Imagine a character who possesses the stealth and charm of James Bond, but also has the supernatural abilities of a werewolf. This hybrid would be a force to be reckoned with during the chaos of World War II.

He could use his werewolf strength and senses to infiltrate enemy lines undetected, gathering crucial intelligence for the Allied forces. His Bond-like suave demeanor and quick thinking would allow him to charm his way out of dangerous situations and outwit his opponents. With his unique set of skills, this hybrid would be a key player in the fight against the Axis powers.

The idea of a WWII werewolf James Bond hybrid offers endless possibilities for thrilling adventures and captivating stories. It combines the excitement of a classic spy thriller with the supernatural elements of a werewolf tale, creating a truly one-of-a-kind fictional character.

Wolf, Yes...Werewolf, No!

This is a captivating story that weaves together multiple themes. It delves into the realm of war, where the characters face the harsh realities of conflict. Love and duty collide, testing the loyalties of the individuals involved. Hate and violence rear their ugly heads, adding a layer of intensity to the narrative. Sacrifice and revenge are also prominent, as the characters make difficult choices in the face of adversity.

However, one might be surprised to learn that there are not many werewolves in this story. Fortunately, this doesn't matter. The absence of werewolves doesn't detract from the overall quality of the tale. Instead, it allows the other elements to shine through and capture the reader's attention.

Overall, this story earns a solid four stars. It has a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and a unique blend of themes that keep the reader engaged from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of war stories, love stories, or tales of revenge, there's something in this story for everyone. ✨✨✨✨

The Wolf’s Hour is, in essence, two distinct stories. In fact, I would even assert that this novel might have originated as two completely separate concepts before being forcibly combined into its final shape. I possess no确凿证据 to back my admittedly rather tenuous claim, yet at some point during this review, I’ll endeavor to explain why I believe this could be the case.

The main plotline showcases our hero, Michael Gallatin (originally born and raised in Russia as Mikhail Gallatinov, and now, after a slight name alteration, a British secret agent), racing across war-torn Nazi-occupied Europe as he endeavors to solve the mystery of ‘Iron Fist’, a super-weapon that imperils the success of the Allies’ D-Day offensive. But Michael has a hidden trump card up his sleeve: not only is he a super-special, super-secret agent, but he’s also a werewolf. I wager you didn’t anticipate that. He embodies the archetype of the ‘alpha male’: rugged and audacious; strong, brave, and astonishingly handsome. The females, both canine and human, are smitten with him. Ahem. He’s essentially a combination of James Bond and Rin Tin Tin.

I truly thought this was going to be a parody. I really, really hoped it would be a parody because I fail to see how anyone could take the above premise seriously. Regrettably, McCammon presents it as straightforwardly as possible, and the plot devolves into a comic book farce with ridiculously exaggerated Nazi villain stereotypes, including (but not limited to) the mad doctor, the cold, calculating colonel (whose arrogance and overconfidence, of course, lead him to disclose the details of his nefarious plan), his brutish, tank-like bodyguard, and a psychopathic big-game hunter/assassin. Additionally, we’re treated to the attractive (and very forward) lady resistance fighter and the beautiful double agent (who also happens to be a famous actress). Even Hitler makes an appearance in a scene that seemed to be lifted directly from a Mel Brooks movie.

Fortunately, we have the promise of some lycanthropy action to alleviate the humdrum monotony of the plot, right? Actually, not really. During the WWII action-adventure segment of the story, Michael only transforms (since he can transform at will, of course - none of that old-fashioned full moon nonsense here) as a means of escaping seemingly ‘inescapable’ situations: the werewolf is really only utilized as a plot device to extricate the protagonist from a tight spot.

However, as mentioned, this is a novel of two stories. The second, and in my view, far superior story, relates the tale of young Mikhail, orphaned during the Russian revolution and ‘adopted’ by a pack of werewolves. We follow Mikhail through the years as he matures into adulthood, living in the Russian wilderness and learning to understand the laws of nature that govern the lives of his new family. These sections, quite frankly, verge on being utterly brilliant - but they don’t blend seamlessly with the rest of the novel.

There is very little overlap between the two stories, and the references that are occasionally made to Michael’s past life feel rather contrived and at odds with the remainder of the prose. It’s a pity because McCammon’s writing is never subpar; he knows how to make the chapters flow, and as such, this was a very easy read. But there were far too many cringe-worthy moments for me to rate this book any higher than passable.

I’ll definitely give McCammon another chance, but fans of Jack Higgins or Ian Fleming are likely to get much more enjoyment out of this particular novel than I did.

This book is fabulously entertaining, offering an exotic blend that defies easy categorization.

It combines elements of the paranormal, a thrilling war backdrop, and a captivating romance.

The paranormal aspects add an air of mystery and the unexpected, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

The war thriller component provides intense action and a sense of danger, making the story pulse with excitement.

And the romance, oh, the romance! It is beautifully developed, tugging at the heartstrings and adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative.

Overall, this book is a must-read. It offers a unique and engaging reading experience that will appeal to a wide range of readers.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a book that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

What is the lycanthrope, in the eye of God?

Let me begin by emphasizing my eternal love for werewolves. The lore of lycanthropy is one of my all-time favorite topics to explore. So much so that I even enrolled in a college course dedicated to it. I am constantly on the hunt for high-quality lycanthrope novels, and I have to say - this is among the very best werewolf tales I have ever read.

Another beloved literary setting of mine is World War II. McCammon combines the two so exquisitely, and wartime Europe serves as the ideal backdrop for telling Mikhail/Michael's story. What always enhances werewolf stories is when we can identify with both the wolf and the man. As always, McCammon writes as if he is sharing the story of a dear friend, and he was there throughout. As I tweeted, finishing this book felt like parting ways with my closest friend. Fortunately, there is another book that continues Michael's journey, and I will be devouring it right away!

This is probably my favorite among all the McCammon books.

How can one go wrong with a thrilling plot that features a werewolf master spy engaged in a battle against the Nazis? The answer is simple: you can't.

It offers pure pulp entertainment at its finest.

Some might be quick to dismiss it as mere trash, but they simply lack the understanding and enlightenment to appreciate its unique charm.

This book takes readers on an exciting adventure filled with action, suspense, and unexpected twists.

The concept of a werewolf as a master spy adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to the story.

Against the backdrop of the Nazi regime, the conflict becomes even more intense and captivating.

McCammon's writing style brings the characters and the events to life, making it a truly engaging read.

Whether you're a fan of horror, espionage, or simply enjoy a good adventure story, this book is sure to satisfy.

So, don't let the opinions of others deter you from experiencing the pure pulp fun that awaits within these pages.

James Bond, move aside. You are no match for Michael Gallatin - a spy and a werewolf.

This thrilling page-turner had me completely engrossed, reading well into the wee hours of the morning. It is yet another remarkable success by one of my all-time favorite authors.

The story of Michael Gallatin combines the excitement of espionage with the mystery and danger of being a werewolf. It takes the reader on a wild ride through a world of international intrigue, secret missions, and supernatural abilities.

The author's writing style is engaging and captivating, making it impossible to put the book down. The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

If you're a fan of action-packed thrillers with a supernatural twist, then this book is definitely for you. It's a must-read that will leave you on the edge of your seat and hungry for more.

I listened to the audio book.

Positives:

1. The narration is truly amazing. I have a great affection for his accents, which add a certain charm and authenticity to the story.

2. The premise of the book is really cool. The idea of a Nazi killing werewolf sounds extremely badass in theory. It immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them eager to find out what will happen next.

3. Furries will surely love this book. Woof!

Negatives:

1. I have the feeling that this book is very much a reflection of the time it was written and doesn't hold up as well in today's context. The premise eventually devolves into a situation where the main character is basically a James Bondesque super soldier who has affairs with any strong woman he comes across. This kind of portrayal seems rather clichéd and outdated.

2. Every side character in the book seems to lack significance. You might like an interesting side character, but they will quickly meet their demise. In the end, no one but Michael matters or survives. This makes the story feel rather one-sided and less engaging.

3. The sex scenes in the book are pure cringe. Let me give you an example: A middle-aged werewolf lady grooms a young 14-year-old Michael so she can acquire his "seed". :^) This kind of description is not only inappropriate but also makes the reader feel uncomfortable.

4. The take on werewolves in this book seems rather weak. There really are no downsides to being a werewolf in this universe. They are faster, stronger, more intelligent, and more aware. This really contributes to Michael's invulnerability, making the story less challenging and exciting.

I could continue to list more points, but you probably get the idea. My biggest takeaway is that this author has definitely improved over the years. His most recent works are far superior to this one. I would recommend giving this book a shot and seeing what you think for yourself, but for me, this one was definitely a big yikes.

This was so good!

Thanks to Goodreads friends for recommending it.

Lots of action and violence for a werewolf spy in WWII.

The story follows a werewolf who has been recruited as a spy during the chaotic times of World War II.

He finds himself in the middle of intense battles and dangerous missions, using his unique abilities to outwit the enemy.

The action scenes are vividly described, making it easy for the reader to imagine the chaos and destruction.

The violence is not for the faint of heart, but it adds to the authenticity of the story.

Overall, this is a thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys action-packed historical fiction with a supernatural twist.

Top notch action and adventure awaits within the pages of this remarkable novel! It is far more than a typical spy or secret agent tactical thriller. What sets it apart is the added duality of a werewolf origination story, which delves into how lycanthropy was ingeniously used to repel the Nazi invasion of Europe.

After recently reading The Listener and being quite impressed (as detailed in my review), I was extremely excited to get my hands on this novel. Although I'm not a huge fan of military or war stories, my passion for cryptids drew me in. And I must say, this work balanced the two elements masterfully. The writing is excellent, the pace is fast, and the tension is palpable throughout.

However, my only criticism lies in the wholly unnecessary sex scenes. Gallatin was already portrayed as a ladies' man, but these details added nothing to the overall story and could have easily been edited out.

This novel can be described as a combination of The Bourne Identity, Jack Reacher, and the Werewolf of London. While it is the first in the Gallatin series and is of good quality, I find myself having little interest in seeking out the sequels. So, can I recommend this book to others? Well, probably not.

What is the soul of a lycanthrope in the eyes of God? This question lies at the heart of this remarkable work, which is far more than just a werewolf story. We journey with Michael Gallatin, the tormented protagonist. From his tragic and violent childhood, he grows up in a pack of werewolves. Later, he embarks on adventures as a uniquely skilled spy for the Allies in World War 2. This novel is a masterful blend of a coming-of-age tale, a traditional horror story, and a thrilling historical spy thriller. It excels in all three aspects. The spy story is exciting, making us race through the pages. Meanwhile, we feel Michael's pain as he grapples with an existential crisis, trying to find his place in the universe, caught between two worlds and the slippery concepts of good and evil. The historical elements are entirely believable, making us feel the cold of the forests. What makes this novel truly special is that the werewolf element never overshadows the story of Michael Gallatin, the man. His lycanthropy is just one aspect of his tremendously interesting character. And the novel is filled with a cast of interesting characters, both good and evil. From start to finish, it's a fantastic story. Five stars and the highest possible recommendation.