Book Review: Howl at the Water

Reviewed by Alexandria Ducksworth

Werewolf lovers will be overjoyed with the dynamic worldbuilding of this urban fantasy.

Howl at the Water is a fast-paced fantasy that follows a human girl named Sierra who was raised in the Rose Moon wolf pack after her parents were murdered by rogue werewolves.

Now it’s almost prom at Sierra’s school. She wishes dearly to be with her childhood friend Xayden, but he already has plans to go out with his pretty and popular girlfriend. It’s hard being around a person you love when they love somebody else, especially when rumors say this girl might be Xayden’s destined Luna (or pack queen).

Things take an eventful turn the closer they get to prom and Xayden’s 18^th birthday. Rogue werewolves start attacking all those close to Sierra, and long-time secrets come to light. And it turns out—maybe Xayden has feelings for her after all. Since he is destined to become the next Alpha after his father, whoever becomes his mate will be his Luna. Maybe there’s a chance she could be it. After all, a human has become a wolf’s pack queen before.

Howl at the Water is a satisfying fantasy world filled with relatable teen moments.  The prom is a rite of passage. This high school romance story is a touching one and one that teens will really attach to. The book also discusses the trouble of not fitting in. We all want to be part of a pack, don’t we? Even though she grew up with her pack, she was still left out from most wolf-related activities. She wants to be involved more—to be truly part of the wolf community. Teens are going to appreciate this conversation too.

Howl at the Water does such an excellent job introducing the werewolf social order without beingextensive and overwhelming. The members of the Rose Moon pack come in many different positions: Alphas, Lunas, Omegas, Betas, and so on. The titles, the mannerisms, the world—Torrellas makes it all as authentic as possible. The wolves worship a Goddess that we know little of, and it turns out to be an alluring mystery that I can’t wait to uncover in upcoming stories.

Howl at the Water is an adventurous teen fantasy that makes for a promising series opener. A page-turning plot, an engaging romance, surprising reveals—readers will be eagerly anticipating what will come of (and between!) Sierra, Xayden, the Rose Moon pack, and their enemies. There’s always something to discover in this fascinating fictional world.

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