The Devouring Wolf by Natalie C. Parker

Abstract

Reviewed by: The Devouring Wolf by Natalie C. Parker April Spisak Parker, Natalie C. The Devouring Wolf. Razorbill, 2022 [288p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780593203958 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593203965 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 4-6 Riley has been waiting for years for her transformation into a werewolf and it is finally time—everyone in her pack transforms by the time they turn twelve. Disappointingly, however, her birthday comes and goes with no howls and no romps in the night because Riley and four other kids never turn. While the adults spin their wheels trying to figure out why, the five kids decide to look for answers on their own, harnessing their new telepathic abilities to discover that the legendary Devouring Wolf is taking the wolf souls of other kids as yummy little snacks to gain power. The different identities, life experiences, and approaches to emergencies of the diverse pack members are all needed to defeat the Devouring Wolf, who is on a vengeful hunt after breaking out of a magical stone prison. Inspired by high expectations from one of her moms, Riley wants so badly to be a leader that she's not always able to accept that even a pack alpha may need help or support. While her struggles to figure out when to lead and when to follow anchor the emotional focus, this is truly a study in how the five kids all use what is unique about each of them to save wolf-kind. Final illustrations not seen. [End Page 362] Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois