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Book Review: We Were Wolves by Jason Cockcroft

  * I am reviewing this book which I was gifted for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *


Title: We Were Wolves
Author: Jason Cockcroft
Publisher: Andersen Press
Source: Kaleidoscopic Tours

(Bookshop UKHiveGoodreads | Storygraph)


Book Summary:

'A truly original and affecting piece of work. Unsettling but beautiful, sparse but packed with heart, it’s a real invasion of the senses' Phil Earle

'Yearning regret punctuated by glimpses of real companionship and pure dread. What a joy to see Jason’s pictures matched by such an unsentimental but tender story' Geraldine McCaughrean

Boy lives in a caravan on his own in the woods. His dad, John, is in prison and promises to get out soon. All the boy needs to do is survive alone for a little while longer.
But dark forces are circling - like the dangerous man in the Range Rover, who is looking for his stolen money. And then there are the ancient forces that have lain asleep in the woods for an age...
 

Book Review:

We Were Wolves has been on my radar for a while so when I was allowed to review it as part of the tour I jumped at the chance.
While it did take me a while to get into the book as it was a little confusing to work out what was going on, I got the hang of it. As they say, the ball was rolling. The actions do get going and I think that Jason Cockcroft does make you invested in the story especially with Boy and Mol. What can I say I am always up for a dog character.
The story also takes us into a unique setting, which is part of the inspiration behind the Instagram post. The outside setting is one that I don't really see in YA and it was interesting to see a character who lives by non-traditional means.
I enjoyed the way the actions picked up in the halfway mark and this definitely made me more engaged with the story. At the core is a story of toxic relationships, especially with a father and son. Jason Cockcroft definitely made me emphasise Boy throughout the story which is a talent to his writing.
Obviously, a review of this book would not be complete without mentioning those illustrations. They are so beautiful and I loved them. They definitely gave me A Monster Calls vibes but I think this is just the black and white.
I do, however, think if you liked one then the other may just be your cup of tea. I do recommend the book and I can't wait to see what Jason Cockcroft does in the future.
The Verdict:

Highly imaginative and entertaining, We Were Wolves is a great read which bridges the gap between middle grade and YA reads.

Have you read We Were Wolves? If so, what did you think? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments.

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