One Werewolf Life to Live (The Last Werewolf – A Book Review)

The Last Werewolf (Bloodlines Trilogy #1)

Author: Glen Duncan

Published: 2011

My Rating:

Rated W for a werewolf wrought with depression and

It’s official. You’re the last. I’m sorry.

Jacob Marlowe has lost the will to live, especially after learning he’s the last werewolf ever. For the last two hundred years, he’s wandered the world alone and been enslaved to his wolf side. But, as Jake is ready to commit suicide and is even counting down the days, a murder and a chance meeting change everything. Suddenly, he’s ready to truly live…and possibly even love.

Though it was enigmatic and even exotic, I was not into this as much as I’d been hoping I would be. I’ve always loved the “broody supernatural being” trope. The added “last one on earth” can yield interesting results. Neither saved this book for me. This tale, though it proved that vampires aren’t the only ones that get love stories, was lethargic.

As the last werewolf alive, Jacob is contemplating offing himself before hunters can make sport of him. That came to a screeching halt when he learned he really wasn’t the last one. A sudden and remarkable reason to live has arisen within him. Tallulah, a new female werewolf is discovered. Jacob won’t let her be hunted for sport. Not when he wanted to hunt her down to keep for himself. This was another shot at life for him.

The approach to what loneliness can do was dramatic but well-written. Being alone can be empowering but it can also be the exact opposite, especially in Jacob’s case. Duncan’s ability to showcase that was a tragic reminder. I did find it powerful that he didn’t leave Jacob like that. He gave him some purpose. Well, he gave hm a tail to chase. LOL.

There were some humorous bits in this book. My favorite had to be when vampires were brought up and confirmed to be a part of this world. The quips on the side were delightful cracks in this modern gothic tale that was filled with dread, tragedy, and rampaging.

Still, all the small things weren’t enough to keep my attention. This book just didn’t keep my attention. Many times, I drifted elsewhere: the tv, my phone, out the window. This book was slow-going and just not for me regardless of how great the storytelling was amid realistic imagery and world-building. All the blood, gore, and sex that’s typical of the supernatural lifestyle and genre didn’t even draw me in like it usually does. Maybe it was because of the pacing and lack of action or angst.

Overall

This just didn’t the spot for me. I don’t know why. I love the broody type and werewolves are in my niche. There were many great lines. The spiciness was subtle and amusing. Still, I struggled and grew bored with this one.

This won’t go to the donation pile. I plan to give it another shot one day.

Quotables:

“Henceforth you will endure, without love. You will kill, without love. You will live, without love. You will die, without love. Doesn’t sound like much of a proscription, does it? Try it for a couple of centuries.” (p. 89)

“Reader, I ate him. About three hours after resolving I wouldn’t.” (p. 133)

“Werewolves are not a subject for academe, but you know what the professors would be saying if they were. ‘Monsters die out when the collective imagination no longer needs them…’” (p. 142)

“When you need a plan and don’t have one a retarded giddy indifferent faith takes over. Improv comics know this, criminals, soldiers, too. Self dissolves into the flow and will reassemble on the other side of the job—or not. Either way you’re doing it. Either way you’re in.” (p. 170)

More to come soon…

-K.

Song Today? Hurt by Nine Inch Nails.