Review: Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blurb: 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?

Review: Raised By Wolves was a compelling read. I'd heard some great things about this book and sure enough, it didn't disappoint me. Ms. Barnes spun a terrific story which had almost every element you can ask for in a werewolf fiction novel.

The protagonist, Bryn, was funny, quirky and independent. The author captured a 15 year old's thoughts perfectly. She was rebellious and yet wasn't completely stupid. Her curiosity and that fire to get all the answers she wanted was quite intriguing and from the moment I started this book, I knew I was gonna like this girl, reckless as she was.
Still, there were some things about her which also annoyed me. So many times, she acted without thinking and even after knowing her actions might put her and her caretaker at risk, she didn't stop. Of course the story wouldn't have moved forward if she hadn't done something to trigger the fire but that didn't stop me from thinking she was very much selfish.

Things always seemed to go on extreme with Bryn. From the beginning nothing or everything seemed to be her motto. Which is exactly why I wasn't that surprised with the abrupt manner Chase and Bryn connected. And the only reason I actually liked the quick way they became together was because the author described those feral, wild werewolf emotions perfectly. It made sense and thus, I was okay with it.

What I was not okay with was Bryn's selfish side peeking through again and again in the story. I mean, once is fine, twice is still okay but again and again just makes it annoying. I really hope Bryn grows a little more mature in the next book.

As for the story, I really couldn't have asked for more excitement in a novel. The execution was absolutely fab and the characterization went well with the story. There was a pretty awesome action scene and Bryn's fun side kept her POV interesting through and through.

All in all, if you're a werewolf fan like me and are looking for a great werewolf YA read, Raised By Wolves is perfect for you!