Thursday, September 23, 2010

Wolf! Wolf!

Never Cry Werewolf

Written by: Heather Davis

Released: August 18, 2009 by HarperTeen


Summary: Shelby’s summer plans go totally awry when her horrible stepmother sends her off to “brat camp” as punishment for one too many broken curfews. Camp is full of spoiled rich kids, obnoxious counselors wanting Shelby to talk about her feelings, and a totally inhumane “no cell phones” policy.


Things start looking up, though, when Shelby meets fellow camper (and son of a rock star) Austin Bridges III. But soon she realizes there’s more to Austin than crush material—his family has a dark secret, and he wants Shelby’s help guarding it. Shelby knows that bad boys get her into trouble…but who is she to turn her back on a guy in need, especially such a good-looking one?

Heather Davis’s debut novel mixes together irresistible characters, a pesky full moon, and a delicious taste of the supernatural.


So, I checked out this book from the library because I wanted something to read and it looked like it wouldn't suck. Luckily, it lived up to my expectations, but only just.

It wasn't horrible. It just wasn't spectacular. I thought that a story about brat camp and weres would warrant more action and adventure, if not, at the very least, drama galore. Sadly, this didn't live up to any of that and of what there was it was greatly watered down and stale.

The characters fell flat for me, and the reasoning behind the main character even getting sent to brat camp left me scratching my head. Sure, there was an evil stepmother and a brainless father, but wouldn't a regular summer camp do the same job? I mean, oh my god she's kissing some boy in the moonlight - a fact which made me think that she was the werewolf at the very beginning - is really terms for being sent to a summer institution where they make you have group therapy. And sing-a-longs. I pitied every character that had to endure that bit of the book. I wanted to rip my own ears off while only reading it...

One thing that I did like was the reference to Little Red Riding Hood in the cover art. I thought that that was rather clever.

In short, this is a slightly-below average paranormal YA book that I really could have not read and not missed anything. However, it kept me entertained and offered a solid few hours of reading something that kept my mind working. So, if you're looking for something to pass the time, you could try this. It's definitely not one of those books that I would actively recommend to friends to read. I'm giving it a 3/10.

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