Review: Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

 Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

June 8, 2010

Egmont USA

From Goodreads:
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?

My Review:
This is probably one of the best werewolf books that I have read to date. In Raised by Wolves, pack dynamics are explored and I was able to what a werewolf pack could be like. There are so many rules and formalities when dealing with the Alpha and those more dominant than you. The characters were beautifully fleshed out and I enjoyed getting to know each and every one of them. I loved exploring the world of werewolves through Barnes' perspective!

Bryn has gone through much in her 15 years of life. Her parents were murdered before her eyes by a Rabid and she would have been hurt right along side them if it weren't for the interference of Callum. He takes her in and makes her one of the pack. That doesn't mean that she will submit to the bond of the pack, though. She holds shields around herself to keep their emotions and feelings away from her. She never completely becomes one of them and for that she is barely accepted among some of the pack. Trouble comes in the form of Chase, a werewolf who was turned by a Rabid. She is upset at the fact that there could be another Rabid running around like the one who murdered her parents and wants information from Chase about the Rabid. She doesn't anticipate the events that come after she meets him...

Bryn is one of my favorite YA heroines. She is not afraid to stand up for herself, even in the presence of her Alpha. She is a strong-willed, head strong girl who doesn't want to lose herself to the complicated world of her pack. She doesn't want to be dominated and have someone force their will upon her. I loved how while she was tough on the outside, there was a softness to her. In Raised By Wolves, Bryn makes many shocking discoveries. She goes through many harsh times. I felt furious for her at a few of the events that involved Callum in the pack. I was shocked at some of the harshness of pack life. I enjoyed seeing Bryn triumph through the harsh times and grow into a beautiful person.


I adored each and every one of the characters in the book! Devon is hilarious! He is into drama and happens to be a metro sexual werewolf! He is such a great friend to Bryn and is there for her whenever she needs him. Chase is a tortured werewolf with whom Bryn develops a connection with. They can relate to each other and start to feel something special with one another after only a few times with each other. Callum is Bryn's Alpha and I have conflicting feelings towards him. While I thought he was a great guy at first, he did some things that made me not so okay with him. While I understand that werewolves have a different mentality, I was still angry at him. Ali is a sweetheart! She is willing to do anything to protect Bryn, even stand up to Callum. Lake is another of Byrn's friends and they have some great times with each other!

Raised By Wolves is a fantastic story of werewolves that I immensely enjoyed! It ends on the perfect note yet leaves me wanting more, more, more! Barnes weaves a spectacular story and has a magical way with words. I have to say, while I wish I had read it sooner, I am glad I waited until now. I have myself a copy of Trial By Fire, the sequel, sitting on my bookshelf and I don't have to wait so long for the next installment!

My Rating: