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
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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This book was recommended to me by several McCammon fans.

They said it was the best, and they were absolutely right!

I have read and adored quite a number of novels by Robert McCammon.

Most of them have a profound impact and are long remembered.

In my opinion, The Wolf's Hour stands out from the rest.

This one is truly a masterpiece.

The novel isn't really what I would classify as horror, although there are elements of gruesomeness.

It is a wonderful blend of action, historical fiction, suspense, romance, and a touch of fantasy.

There was also a bit of erotica.

This one is rather lengthy, but it is extremely worth the read.

It is an enjoyable journey that keeps pulling me back.

It's a book that I highly recommend to anyone who loves a well-written and engaging story.

Whether you're a fan of McCammon or just looking for a great read, The Wolf's Hour is definitely worth checking out.

You won't be disappointed!
July 15,2025
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Werewolves have always held a certain allure for me, and this novel presents a unique "historical" take on them.

However, I must admit that I wasn't entirely convinced. Perhaps it was a bit too gothic and dark for my personal taste. The pacing of the story was rather slow at times, which made it a bit of a struggle to get through.

Thankfully, it would pick up again and regain my interest. The fantasy elements within the novel were indeed quite interesting, but I had some doubts regarding the historical part.

Maybe I was being too harsh in my initial assessment. I think I will give it another try in the near future and approach it with a more open mind. ;-)

Who knows, perhaps I will discover something new and exciting that I missed the first time around.
July 15,2025
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Robert McCammon is an outstanding writer. He has an amazing ability to turn even the most ordinary information, like that on the back of a cereal box, into something highly entertaining. So, when you come across a plot line as unique as a werewolf fighting Nazis, you know you're in for a real literary treat.

Each segment of the story is like a mini-story in itself, and it keeps you completely engaged as you progress through the book. You might think you have a good idea of what's going to happen next, but then, suddenly, BAM! The fight scenes are so incredibly realistic that it feels as if you're actually watching the whole thing unfold on TV (and let's face it, TV is about as realistic as it gets when it comes to fighting).

The plot may seem a bit far-fetched and fantastical at first glance, but there is a strong sense of realism that runs throughout the entire story.

Our protagonist has a bit of a charm similar to James Bond when it comes to the ladies, and interestingly, they don't seem to mind at all.

I'm aware that there are a few more stories in this series out there, but I have this feeling that once I've finished reading them all, I'll still be left longing for more.

"What is the lycanthrope in the sight of God?" What indeed? This question lingers in the mind, adding an extra layer of depth to the already captivating story.

July 15,2025
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Robert McCammon is truly an outstanding writer.

I absolutely adored "The Wolf’s Hour", which was an incredibly brilliant read.

For me, the combination of horror, espionage, classic World War II elements, and adventure makes it a definite win-win.

It has that Brian Lumley "Necroscope" feel to it, except with werewolves instead of vampires.

McCammon is such a vivid and descriptive writer that he really draws the reader into the atmosphere of the story.

I could almost smell the gun oil from the weapons that were fired or the fragrant smell of pine in the forest when Michael was in his wolf form, running through the woods.

I took my time reading this book, savoring every moment, and I really didn't want it to end.

I believe that years later, McCammon wrote a follow-up to this, and I'm determined to find it!

It easily earns 5 Stars.

July 15,2025
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When I was in high school, I had a burning desire to pen a story featuring a werewolf. My friend, with great enthusiasm, recommended that I read this particular book. At that time, I had never even heard of Robert McCammon, so I truly had no idea what to anticipate. However, what I ended up getting was a book that completely captivated me and I simply couldn't put it down.

Wolf's Hour is far more than just a run-of-the-mill werewolf book. Even if you were to view it solely at that basic level, it is still an absolutely fantastic read.

Wolf's Hour is, in fact, as much a World War II novel as it is a werewolf tale. Its main character, Michael Gallatin, is a British spy who just so happens to be a werewolf. This concept alone is an extremely ingenious idea by Mr. McCammon. Gallatin is assigned the crucial task of uncovering a top-secret Nazi plan to halt D-Day. The plot is not only gripping but also thrilling, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. However, some of the absolute best parts of the book are the flashbacks to Gallatin's youth as a werewolf. The world-building that McCammon accomplishes is truly excellent, and his seamless blend of fantasy and history is handled with exceptional skill. The book is also filled to the brim with some truly nasty bad guys - the Nazis - whom I eagerly wanted to see meet an untimely demise.

This was the very first book I read by Robert McCammon, but it most certainly will not be the last. His storytelling ability is that of a master, and this particular work stands out as one of his finest.

Carl Alves - author of Two For Eternity
July 15,2025
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Whenever I pick up a McCammon novel, what I know for sure is that I will be entertained. My introduction to his writing was through Swan Song oh so many years ago. As I read it, I remember thinking more than once that I needed to explore what else this talented author had written.


This was a reread for me. Many years have elapsed since the first time I delved into this story. Once again, Mr. McCammon took control and narrated a truly fantastic tale. And that, my friends, is precisely what it's all about.


The story seamlessly weaves back and forth in time, alternating between Michael Gallatin's past and present. In the present, he is a British Spy striving to thwart Nazi operations during WW II. Interestingly, Michael is also a werewolf. We learn how this came to be through his past as a young boy in Russia.


Imagine if the above paragraph was actually a writing assignment. I would be eager to read the submissions of others. McCammon has done a thoroughly satisfying job. Admittedly, perhaps it's a little wordy, but let's face it, it's 1980's horror, and McCammon stands in a rich and fertile field of literature.


Let him howl!!

July 15,2025
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I'm going to hold off on my full review for now and will come back and edit this once everyone has finished reading. I really don't want to spoil anything for anyone as there are several things that are truly worth mentioning.


I must say, wow! This book truly blew me away. I gave it a full 5 stars. I feel a bit ashamed of myself for underestimating McCammon when I first started reading it. But boy, did he prove me wrong. He really showed me just how talented he is with this work.


I can't wait to go into more detail about all the aspects that made this book so great once everyone has had a chance to experience it for themselves.

July 15,2025
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If Jason Bourne and a rabid Lassie were to have a love child on the set of The Dirty Dozen under the direction of John Woo, this is precisely what you would obtain.

Nazis truly make me sick to my stomach. It's难以置信 that such atrocities occurred not all that long ago. Anytime a Nazi piece of garbage gets killed, I simply can't help but desire to stand up and cheer, and there was no scarcity of such moments in this. Good. Bastards.

Oh yes, and there were werewolves in this as well. It was a bit of a spy thriller/espionagey (yes, that is indeed a word) for me, but I firmly believe it was exactly what it was intended to be, and it's McCammon's work. McCammon!

His writing style is engaging and keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The story is filled with action, suspense, and unexpected twists. The characters are well-developed and each has their own unique personality. The addition of the werewolves adds an extra layer of excitement and mystery to the plot. Overall, it's a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys thrillers or horror novels.
July 15,2025
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Michael Gallatin is a remarkable British spy. What makes him even more extraordinary is that he is also a werewolf, engaged in a fierce battle against the Nazis during World War II. His crucial mission is to unearth the truth behind a sinister German plan known as Iron Fist and nullify it, ensuring that D-Day proceeds smoothly without any hitches.

Robert McCammon skillfully alternates between描绘 Michael's upbringing within a tribe of werewolves in the Russian wilderness and his exciting exploits as a spy. The narrative seems to transport him to all the major theaters of the war. This novel is indeed a rather strange hybrid. The werewolf story offers a captivating and brutally honest exploration of how such a community might exist and how they might confront the inevitable end of their days as they perish one by one. On the other hand, the spy story is a thrilling tale of espionage, filled with flamboyant villains and heart-pounding action.

However, the two storylines have very little connection to each other. I continuously anticipated that Michael's supernatural nature would play a significant role in his mission, especially considering Hitler's well-known interest in the occult. Regrettably, it turns out that the fact our hero is a werewolf has no bearing on his mission. Every scene where he shape-shifts to deal with some peril could just as easily have been written as a scene of super spy competence similar to that of James Bond, without altering the overall trajectory of the story.

Nevertheless, the undeniable fact remains that this book features an excellent lycanthropic coming-of-age tale and a highly engaging World War II spy story. Although I can wish that they were more seamlessly integrated, I cannot deny that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

https://thericochetreviewer.blogspot.com
July 15,2025
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Werewolves, sex, spies, assassins, nazis... man this book had it all.

It was not just a scary book; rather, it was an action-packed thriller that kept the readers on the edge of their seats. McCammon, the author, did include some gruesome scenes throughout the story, which added to the overall horror element. So, whether one found it scary or not, this was still a horror novel that was perfect for a good pre-Halloween read.

As the story progressed, the readers were given glimpses of the protagonist's back-story and his transformation into a lycanthrope. However, the main part of the story focused on him in human form, as an undercover agent. He was striving to assist the allies in their battle against Hitler and his Nazi regime.

I truly thought that this was an entertaining and exciting read from the very first page until the end. Although it might not have been perfect, it was definitely deserving of 5 stars. The combination of different elements such as horror, action, and historical context made it a unique and engaging novel.
July 15,2025
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I was truly anticipating this to be the absolute best werewolf novel that I would have ever had the pleasure of reading. After all, McCammon is such an incredibly fantastic writer. However, to my great disappointment, things did not turn out as I had hoped.

The werewolf portions of the story were indeed excellent and without a doubt worthy of a five-star rating. They were thrilling, captivating, and really brought the werewolf element to life in a vivid and exciting way.

But unfortunately, over half of the book was more along the lines of a spy novel, and that's simply not my cup of tea. It might have been very well done, with all the intricate plots and espionage elements, but I just don't have much interest in the whole James Bond kind of stuff.

Moreover, our protagonist was a little too perfect for my liking. I much prefer my heroes to have flaws, and if possible, fatally so. It makes them more relatable and adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the story.

All in all, this was still a good read. It had its moments of excitement and entertainment. It was just not what I was initially expecting, which left me a bit disappointed.
July 15,2025
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A life that exists beyond the realm of dreams - or perhaps nightmares, depending on one's perspective. Some might label it as an affliction, a disease, or even a curse. However, I choose to call it nobility.

After turning the final page of this magnificent novel, I am in absolute awe of McCammon. What an extraordinary journey it has been! I found myself reluctant to let go, as if I wanted this story to never end. Spanning over 700 pages, not a single passage felt superfluous.

The story follows Michael Gallatin, a Russian-born British spy and werewolf. Dropped behind enemy lines in France during World War II, his mission is to uncover the truth behind a sinister Nazi plot known as 'Iron Fist'. The novel takes us to a plethora of fascinating locations, including Parisian opera houses, German castles that house dark and secretive societies of the Reich, the infamous Falkenhausen concentration camp, deserted Norwegian islands, and even a death train. These diverse settings serve to terrify, entertain, and educate the reader.

A cast of inspired villains lurks around every corner, dogging Michael at every step. One particular favorite of mine was 'Boots', a Nazi soldier so named for his penchant for stamping people to death with his jackboots. Big game hunter Harry Sandler was also a memorable character.

The violence in the novel is brutal and well thought out, with intense action set pieces aplenty. Yet, beneath all this magnificent mayhem and espionage lies a very personal story about a lost soul. Flashbacks provide an insight into Michael's tragic past and his wildly unconventional formative years. These chapters, set in a dilapidated palace in a vast and ancient Russian forest, were by far my favorite parts.

Meticulously detailed and perfectly paced, this monster espionage novel is not only the greatest werewolf story but also the best wartime novel I have ever read. If you haven't yet joined the pack, I would strongly urge you to sign up for duty and add this to your to-be-read list.
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