Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

Obtained: BEA
Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Romance
Series:
1. Raised by Wolves
My Rating:

Story:
Bryn was only 4 when her parents were brutally murdered by a Rabid werewolf she fearfully refers to as the Big Bad Wolf.  Even now, years later, she still seizes up in fear whenever she is around weres who are closer to their wolf side as opposed to their human side.

Callum, the alpha who marked Bryn as his, only has said young girl's best interests in mind.  Which is why, when a new "threat" enters the wolf pack's territory, Callum makes strict orders that Bryn will not discover what this new presence is.  Bryn, however, will not take this order lightly.  Even if it kills her, she is determined to discover what the entire pack is hiding from her.  But when she finds out what it is, will she ultimately regret her actions...?

My Opinion:
I read this book in one night.  As you all have seen recently, I am slightly biased when it comes to werewolves.  I pretty much love any were story I have the fortune of stumbling upon as long as it is well written, entertaining, and convincing.  In some ways, while I am biased, I'm also more critical of these types of stories due to my... adoration for these furry creatures.  When an author captures the mannerisms of a werewolf (the social, the physical, their hierarchy system, etc) and explores it successfully, that, in my eyes, is a wonderful book. 

All of the characters in Raised by Wolves are so vivid and unique, you can't help but love them all.  Bryn is a spunky human being, holding her own amongst her werewolf "relatives".  Her best friend Devon will randomly burst out into show-tunes and is like the big brother I wish I had.  Lake is a crazy female werewolf in love with guns.  Chase is the mysterious and harassed love interest.  Callum was that alpha I wish I could date.  And finally, Lily and Kate are two young werewolves who are so cute and adorable that I wish they were real so I could hug and love them!

Jennifer has a knack for not only creating unique and awesome characters, but also creating heart-thumping, glued-to-your-page action scenes.  She had a unique voice throughout the book, and a plot that I thought was also unique.  The ending of the book was something that I did not expect to have happen, which is always a plus in my eyes.  If I have a pretty good hunch of the direction/what will happen for a book, it's less exciting for me.  This plot, however, kept me on my toes from the first page all the way to the last.  I must admit, though, that one part with the four friends being able to connect was perhaps a bit too convenient, but I still enjoyed it.

I absolutely loved the way she described interactions betwixt the wolves.  Like I said earlier, one of my favorite aspects to a great werewolf story is the exploration of the animalistic interactions they have between each other.  Raised by Wolves does a wonderful job of doing that.  There are some scenes that will make you feel warm and fuzzy due to the cuteness factor alone.  If you don't like Lily and Kate, I don't know what's wrong with you.

If you're a fan of werewolf stories, and don't mind reading YAs, then I definitely suggest checking out this new title.  If you're a YA fan, you'll adore this story, even if werewolves aren't your favorite of the immortals.  Bryn's character developed fully throughout the tale, transforming from a young, immature child into a naturally responsible leader.  As for the rest of you who don't care much for werewolves or YAs, well, I suggest reading it anyway for the suspense, humor, and cuteness factors.  Plus, Callum's awesome.  What more can you ask for?

---

• Hardcover - 432 pages
• Price: $17.99
• ISBN-10: 1606840592
• ISBN-13: 978-1606840597
• Released: June 8, 2010
• Jennifer L Barnes' Website
• Buy it at Egmontusa.com
• Buy it at Amazon.com