Rabid Reads

Reviewed by Rabid Reads: http://rabid-reads.blogspot.com/2011/05/arc-review-wild-by-naomi-clark.html

Wild does a great job of modernizing werewolves while also addressing a difficult topic in today's society: addiction. Naomi Clark's shifters have a few unique characteristics that really make this book stand out in the genre. Although, at times I did find myself getting annoyed with Lizzie, the main protagonist. The ending left me feeling hopeful that the next installment will be one to watch out for.

I enjoyed the way that the werewolves are divided into two categories. The Kurtadam are werewolf royalty, born into the life and raised with the motto "Human first, werewolf second". While the Vargulf are made and because of that distinction the two groups don't mix. Something different happens to the Vargulf's victims when they get carried away and kill. It's a fun surprise that really takes this book to the next level. I particularly enjoyed the parts where Lizzie is internally battling with her wolf. Her emotions are so palpable and I felt like I had my own furry side. It gave me shivers!

I developed a love/hate relationship with Lizzie. Admittedly, her life hasn't been a walk in the park but I found it hard to feel sorry for her because most of her problems are a result of bad choices on her part. I found it impossible to sympathize with her because she dug the hole herself. At first I enjoyed the addiction aspect of the storyline; it presented me with a POV that I don't often come across in my reading. But, after a while I found that it took over and that the rest of the tale fell to the sidelines. I wanted to slap Lizzie for being so weak and unable to take care of herself. She keeps jumping from guy to guy as though she's incapable of being alone. That kind of weakness in women really irks me. Maybe I just don't understand where she's coming from.

I'm curious to see what Clark will do next in this trilogy. After the way that this book ended, I expect Lizzie to be on the straight and narrow in book 2. If that turns out to be the case, I'm anxious to read the next installment; if not, I might have to pass. I loved the werewolves in Wild but Lizzie's drug addiction was too all consuming in my opinion. Still a great read and the start of a promising trilogy.