Raised by Wolves, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The cover of Jennifer Lynn Barnes' novel Raised by Wolves features a promotional quote from Melissa Marr describing the book as “[quite] simply, the most compelling YA werewolf book out there.” One wonders if Ms. Marr has ever read Annette Curtis Klause's shorter, sleeker Blood and Chocolate, but there's no denying that Raised by Wolves is compulsively readable, with the kind of heroine who could (and probably would) kick Edward Cullen's pointy teeth in.

15-year-old Bryn is human, but she's also the adopted ward of the most powerful werewolf in North America. She has lived according to pack law since childhood, but she's never quite accepted the rigid hierarchy of her adopted family. So when she finds a half-sane teenage werewolf locked in her guardian's basement, she can't help but chafe against the pack's ask-no-questions policy—even if it means leaving the people who have protected her for years.

The pace of Raised by Wolves moves swiftly, the supernatural politics are satisfyingly twisted, and the constantly shifting dynamic between the fiercely independent Bryn and her mysterious guardian is fascinating. (Their relationship gives off the kind of half-protective, half-kinky vibe sure to inspire a thousand “Rated-M-for-Mature” fanfics.) Bryn's “official” love interest is less interesting, although I suppose it's possible he'll be redeemed in future installments.

According to Ms. Barnes' website, the sequel to Raised by Wolves will be released next summer. I'm looking forward to it, but in the meanwhile maybe someone will get started on those fanfics...