MG Monday: Review: Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf by Curtis Jobling

Title: WereWorld: Rise of the Wolf
Series: WereWorld
Author: Curtis Jobling
Publisher: Puffin
Publication Date: 6 Jan 2011

Source: Publisher - Thank you




Synopsis: From Amazon
‘YOU’RE THE LAST OF THE WEREWOLVES SON. DON’T FIGHT IT . . . CONQUER IT.’ When the air is clear, sixteen year-old Drew Ferran can pick up the scent of a predator. When the moon breaks through the clouds, a terrifying fever grips him. And when a vicious beast invades his home, his gums begin to tear, his fingers become claws, and Drew transforms . . . Forced to flee the family he loves, Drew seeks refuge in the most godforsaken parts of Lyssia. But when he is captured by Lord Bergan’s men, Drew must prove he is not the enemy. Can Drew battle the werecreatures determined to destroy him – and master the animal within?

Review:
The first thing that caught my attention with this book was unbelievably the index. The story is set out in different sections which had my imagination questioning the reasoning for this before I even started reading - Would there be mini-stories?  Would it be different points in time? Would it be different characters focalization? Remember this is all before I even started reading the book - the power of the index [ : D ]

Another thing I have to mention about the book before I started reading it, is the beautiful illustrations throughout that are not only eye-catching, detailed and generally gorgeous but really added another dimension to the the story. The chapter heading were visually arresting drawing you into the story even before the words had a chance to.

Written in third person narrative but focalized from Drew's perspective. The use of the third person narrator allows plot hints to be placed surreptitiously into the narrative, different story threads to be created while not distracting from the main theme. The writing is wonderfully descriptive making it easy to imagine the world of Lyssia, for me Curtis Jobling has created an entire mythical world on a par to Middle Earth (well to be completely truthful I found Lyssia actually easier to picture than Middle Earth).

A number of different genres seem to be molded together to create the overall story, the use of fantasy/horror and Gothic imagery provide a powerful and compelling storyline. The imagery is very realistic and relatable. Unfortunately (for me) this also involved a giant serpent - the stuff of my nightmares - thank you so much Curtis *sarcasm*.

The tension builds quickly and doesn't let up for a moment, I was kept flipping the pages with a voracious appetite to know what was going to happen next. After the first few chapters I really felt as if I had bonded with Drew. Such a wonderful character to create within the imagination. You feel for his plight dealing with his unique 'illness'. I practically felt his pain via the vivid description of his transformation and subsequent emotional consequences. The whole ideal that it is what is on the inside that counts really seemed apt applied to Drew. He is charismatic, caring, kind, loyal; what you would class as an all round 'nice guy' even if he is a werewolf. I did keep comparing Drew to Robin Hood, obviously not with the robbery but with the aiding of the oppressed against a tyrannical ruler. Drew's strength of character is amazing and only gets enhanced with the trials and tribulations he has to face. Elements of nature versus nurture enter the story with regards especially to Drew's 'siblings' [ ; D ] Bringing to mind Kane and Abel - brother against brother in the pursuit of power.

All the characters are well-rounded and individually interesting not only for the way in which they interact with Drew. It made me want to know more about their individual stories/history. I wonder if we will in future books????

I have to mention that the inclusion of silver in its traditional context against werecreatures had been given a whole new element in this story.

Without giving away any spoilers I will say the ending was wonderful, maybe I should say new beginning rather than the ending. All the plot threads were artfully woven together providing an engaging conclusion. I am already imagining the movies/video games/action figures/werworld conventions.

I just have to mention that I took the book into the library to read during a free lesson, 3 of the pupils that spotted the book on my desk have already requested to have it reserved for them when it goes onto the computer system, based solely on the cover and the synopsis [ : D ]

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for Trailer Tuesday featuring the WereWorld Trailer and also this weeks Saturday Spotlight a guest post by Curtis Jobling on reading inspirations.