The Wolf's Cry

The Semei Trilogy #1

by Natalie Crown

She is his weakness.
And she will ruin everything.

Kammy Helseth's idea of adventure never amounted to more than getting a boat across to the mainland and finally escaping to London. That was until she stumbled through the mouth of the forest into a world beneath our own, the world of the Semei.

Her only wish is to find her way home but when Jamie, her best friend, is taken into this new world of shapeshifters and Crystals she has no choice but to stand up to her fear and to remain beneath the surface. Hunted by Bagor, King of Alashdial, and those that are loyal to him, Kammy finds herself in the company of a group of outlaws led by Jad, a Prince with a bitter past and a similarly bitter demeanour.

They overcome age-old prejudice to find a way to work together. But Bagor knows a secret about the Crystals that threatens to change everything. Kammy and Jad must find a way to thwart the king and to save Jamie, but that is just the beginning. For Kammy is in possession of a Key and the fate of countless lives, both human and Semei, may rest in her hands.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Fiction

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2013

About the author

Natalie Crown has been writing fantastical tales since floppy discs were still a thing and she still owns one with Nat’s Story scrawled over it in purple gel pen. Growing up in the English countryside meant that she had a lot of free time to spend devouring books, playing video games, and scribbling her way through countless notebooks.


Now living in the south of Italy, Natalie spends her mornings drinking coffee and writing tales of magic and monsters, before teaching energetic Italian children English in the afternoons. Having lived with a chronic illness her whole life, and being clinically blind in one eye, she’s excited to fill said tales with disabled protagonists that are more than their afflictions.

Reviews

[Paulina (aspiringliterati) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am feeling absolutely surreal writing this because it wasn't that long ago when I got a peek at this novel before it got published and here it is, floating on the waters of goodreads itself! If I am feeling this excited, then I can't even begin to imagine how Natalie herself must feel. THIS IS HUGE! She's an amazing writer, one of those unleashed enthusiastic spirits with an amazing way with words. In this particular fantasy piece she created an alternate haunting world from a scratch and filled it with relatable and very loveable characters; and all that after the likes of Tolkien, GRRM or Friedman. I read my eyes out, read at lectures, read in the metro, read when I should have been studying. It's an easy read but it stays with you, demands of you to read the sequel as fast as one gets published, it puts things up to discussion and that is how I know this book is really worth reading. What I loved about Natalie's writing especially was that in her descriptions of the characters, she left room for the reader's imagination. She doesn't put ideas into your head, nor tells you to think someone 'beautiful' because if that someone in fact is 'beautiful', then you will get there by yourself. Many of YA writers forget to address their fans/readers in a respectable intelligent way as one fellow book lover should treat the other one. Natalie's book is the contradiction of pushy and obvious. Give it a try and you won't regret it.
I cannot wait to see this book become a huge success it deserves to be and to see Nat's name put on posters and banners all around Europe's (and other countries) bookstores. So, hey you, YOU! -- go get the book!

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular YA paranormal fantasy that’s beautifully haunting and unforgettable!

I was so impressed by this undeniably sensational story, which kept me awake reading into the early hours of the morning. Totally transfixing and compelling; this intriguing tale grabs hold and doesn’t let go. With touches of brilliance that you would find in Tolkien, George RR Martin or Feist the elements of classic fantasy seep through the pages, underpinning the paranormal/ Wolf touches that are much more modern and contemporary. This book is a vibrant fusion of classic fantasy and Young Adult paranormal, with such unique singularity that I highly commend the author for her accomplished writing. The likable, individualistic characters are so interesting that their personal stories and journey captures the imagination; to excite and enthral! As soon as I clapped eyes on the cover I was drawn to this eye-catching book, which I just HAD to read.
Fans of Twilight or Shiver will simply love this Wolf story with a twist…a shape shifting story of multilayered intricacy and inspired concepts.

Kammy Helseth enters the enchanting, magical world of Semei and nothing is ever the same again –
When her best friend Jamie is lost in this queer world of shapeshifters and crystals, she knows that she must remain…
Hunted by Bagor, King of Alashdial, and those that are loyal to him, Kammy finds herself in the company of a group of outlaws led by Jad, a Prince with a bitter past and a similarly bitter demeanour.
They overcome age-old prejudice to find a way to work together. But Bagor knows a secret about the Crystals that threatens to change everything. Kammy and Jad must find a way to thwart the king and to save Jamie, but that is just the beginning. For Kammy is in possession of a Key and the fate of countless lives, both human and Semei, may rest in her hands

Natalie Crown’s first instalment of the Semei trilogy is a phenomenal achievement of epic proportions that was totally unexpected and wonderfully imaginative. I cannot thank the author enough for providing me with an e-copy of her book to read and review, as it was an addictive read that transported me to another world for a moment in time – a moment that will last forever! I am so excited about this terrific new YA trilogy, with book 2 going at the top of my ‘to-read’ list as soon as it is released. I would highly recommend this fantastic fantasy!

5 STARS!!

[CCAM&GZM · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a while I didn’t find a book that gave me so much pleasure reading it! And that's not because I like the shapeshifters / wolves, young adult or fantasy genre, but because the author manages to tell a good story, in which the happiness and the terror are intertwined, the despair and the hope coexist, your friends can be hostile and your enemies act like friends, in which the growing-up of the characters occurs gradually. I like to think that the starting point of this maturity is introduced as a tribute to Alice in Wonderland. (There is another subtle parallel regards the existence of another world, but I leave you to discover it for yourself).

'Could a human...dig deep enough to find this place?' 'I don't think it would work that way. The divide between the worlds is more than a physical one.'

It’s a believable fantasy world that makes you wish to be a part of it. A world whose presentation does not bore you during a lot of pages, but it is ample enough for you to perfectly imagine it while leaving your imagination to color it at will.

And the author's imagination was also at its peak when she created the characters. Frustrations and hopes, the uncertainty and determination of the main characters are handled with mastery, the extremes being found in each of them, drawing strong characters whose vulnerability makes them real... human. The author manages to create tension in their relationship and will make it remarkable through suggestions and actions, nothing overt, nothing provided for free to the reader whose interest will be kept alert by the existence of other relationships...

"The run had brought a glow to her cheeks and he found himself wanting to smile just looking at her. There, again, loomed Ania in his mind."

The secondary characters are varied and treated with the same attention as the main ones. They highlight the main characters without losing themselves and without diminishing their importance. Their past and experiences bring consistency to the main line of the story, motivating it and also bringing new and new possibilities. Possibilities that can change the story or alter the fate of the heroes and that are successfully used by the author.

"It does not matter how our lives came to be, it is what we do with them that is important."

Unknowns and mysteries, secrets and contradictory statements, danger and confrontations, unexpected actions and violent ostensive, prejudices are shown in light and shadows, and lofty goals can hide personal, mean interests, the wrongdoing may mislead, and the love (not just for power) plays a decisive role. We find love at every turn. Whether it is between two lovers, or it’s the one for friends, family, for country or for the world you belong to, and even for the righteousness, whether is already lost or it is just rising, it is one that affects everything.

In conclusion, The Wolf's Cry brings in a fast pace: love and friendship, unexpected and twists, hope and despair, risky adventure, petty or noble goals, handling and real feelings, fantastic and real .. and a subtle environmental message.

I could say much more, but the risk is high to give spoilers, so I will just recommend it to you. I cannot wait the next two volumes!

"Remember to purr next time"

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wolf's Cry is incredibly unique and creative. Filled with fascinating characters, incredible journey's and a world that will have you awe, it was certainly a book that will stick in my memory for a very long time.

We start out with Kammy on an island in England. We see she's desperate to get away and we see what she goes through each day. We're by her side when she discovers a burrow which leads to another world. Things go awry quickly and terrified Kammy is sent on an unforgettable journey where she is introduced to a new world and new friends. Sometimes fueled by desperation and other times fueled by the need to do right, she quickly learns more about this world and soaks up everything she can about it.

Kammy is a great character and while initially I had thought I might get annoyed at her because she seemed like she might be the sort that just screams in horror and denies the magic around her. That ended up not being the case at all. Because it's all life or death in the beginning and she's desperate to be safe she has to quickly accept what she sees and move on. In this world the people are shapeshifters. It seems like that would give this more of a paranormal feeling, but that wasn't the case at all. It definitely felt fantasy, and I suppose that's because we are in this other world that is very fantasy'ish.

The world was fantastic! I felt like it was explained just enough to be able to picture and imagine it. Any questions I had were answered by the end though I realize that I'm curious about how large it is. I'm guessing that's something we'll find out as the series continues. But the world, to me, was brilliant and I'm anxious to discover more of it.

All the secondary characters were fantastic. While Kammy is definitely the main character we did get brief periods where we are with the others and see more of how they think and what's going through their heads. It was nice to see the other perspectives and know what was going on elsewhere.

There's not really a romance in this book, but I feel like there's one possibly developing. Right now they are finding their footing as friends but it seems there's a layer of something there that I believe will become a romance. Maybe once things are more figured out and they are able to stop running for their lives.

The ending has me very eager to read the next book! It's not really a cliffhanger, but very close to one. And it got those emotions going! I'll definitively be anxious to see where things go next.

This is a clean read, appropriate for the younger and the older. The characters are older teens though.

You can find this review, and others like it, on my blog at http://www.candacesbookblog.com

[Alaa Burghle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading Natalie's first novel. This book is a very well written and thought-out story and alternate world with very interesting characters with intriguing personalities and storylines.
I cannot wait to see this book be a huge success and to see even more novels out by Natalie Crown.

[Thibaut Nicodème · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review on my blog, the Snark Theater.

I'd put the actual rating at 3.5 stars, but I can't honestly round it up to 4, so I'll have to round it down instead. To break it down into simple points:

-The plot is pretty good, but pacing has some issues (two false starts and a fake-out ending). I liked the ending, I liked the blend of genres that the book achieved, and I regret that, when the actual plot finally got started, it fell into a generic low fantasy "keep the McGuffin away from the bad guys" situation.

-But that gave the characters room to breathe, which is for the best. All four protagonists have a clear arc and a clear role in the plot (although one of those arcs doesn't progress, though I assume it will later on in the series). More importantly, we have a power trio which isn't forced to include our newcomer protagonist, instead being formed of three long-time friends, who have a very natural, very strong dynamic in how they interact with each other and with said newcomer protagonist. Basically I really liked the protagonists.
The supporting cast…is more difficult to talk about. They're not bad, per se, but they don't get enough attention for me to say anything. Still, of all of them, only two (the big bad's lieutenants) really felt one-note, so I'd say it's pretty good regardless.

-The world building is…a little confusing a times. There are good ideas there, so I'm not sure if it's the execution or just a lack of work, but basically I still have more questions than answers about some really basic aspects of the world. Most infuriating is that the Semei are stuck in a medieval stasis, and it's never even so much as addressed. Unless they're not and I imagined it? I don't know, but to me, any setting where the only form of transportation is walking feels medieval.

So, basically, it's a good book with a lot of potential, but also a few rough edges.


Disclaimer: the author provided me with an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay for anyone who knows me they know I love wolf stories. I just love the whole idea of shape shifting and having another world to live in. So when I saw this book was going on tour I just had to read it and let me tell you something I was entranced in a world like no other. Not only does it have wolves but other magical things are happening in this story that grabs you and draws you in and youy have no choice but to keep reading because you need to get to the end.

Kammy just wants to get away from home in London. She is tired of all the things going on around her and she just needs a break before she breaks. So she takes a boat ride and ends up getting her wish. You know the saying be careful what you wish for because Kammy is about to enter a world that is not reality or her reality until she is dragged into a world of wolves and magic. After being in this world she wants out but her best friend is kidnapped and brought into that world and Kammy will have no choice but to save her best friend.

Kammy knows she has no choice but to rescue Jamie because the evil king Bagor wants something that Kammy has and she has no idea what it is but she is about to find out that she is the key that Bagor wants and he will stop at nothing to have it. Thank God Kammy makes friends with Jad who will stop at nothing to save his world and rid it of Bagor. Jad has a huge chip on his should and rightfully so seeing as he has gone through hell and back and he wants to get revenge and soon he will get it. But can he save Kammy and her best friend Jamie in the end or will Kammy be the savior????

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!
***Received the ebook for an honest review

The cover is absolutely beautiful. I have wanted to read this book since I saw the cover reveal. This cover has everything to attract me :)

This is the first book in the series. While building the story, there are some slow parts, but this happens sometimes :) There are some great exciting parts too.

I'm not sure what I think of Kammy and Jad. I like them both, but sometimes you want to slap them and ask what they are thinking...just like some kids.

Okay the ending does sort of leave you hanging and wondering what is going to happen next. What will Kammy do and learn next :)

I really like this world, and I've never read a shapeshifter story like this one before which is always cool. Authors amaze me with their creativity :)

This is definitely a series I'm going to keep my eye on, and hopefully, I can get a print copy in the future to share with my students as well. I think if you love shifters and YA that you will want to read this book :)

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, the actual rating I'm going with is more like 3.5 stars. I did thoroughly enjoy the premise behind this novel. When I originally signed up to review this book, i thought it was going to have "werewolves" in the sense that we think of werewolves..you know what I mean..Twilight, Underworld..you get what I mean???

So we meet Kammy Helseth, a young girl who's mother recently passed from disease. She's always been an outsider, never really quite fit in. She has one friend, Jamie, who is an absolute DOLL! One fateful night, she goes for a run..in the middle of a storm no less..to her mum's old, favorite spot. She sees the opening to a cave that she hadn't seen there before. So, like any curiosity killed the cat tale, she meandered her way inside of the cave and into a whole new world of..*drum roll please!* SHAPESHIFTERS!

She is thrown into a whirl wind of new experiences and new friends..or enemies..We meet Jad, a bitter, yet sweet bundle of, "I just want to punch you in the face because you are so overwhelmed with self pity", a guy....a bit much?? Along with Eric and Tayah. These three friends, total opposites of each other, but stand by each other through thick and thin....

They have to find a way to restore Jad's name, defeat King Bagor and essentially save themselves and the city of Alashdial.

The the whole first half of the book, I have to say, was very slow to start. I had a hard time really getting in to it. It wasn't till about 60% of the way that I really started to have a feel for the characters, a feel for the setting and appreciate them both. That was it's biggest downfall, to me. Though, I will tell you, the last two chapters..WHAT?! So..as with most things, when I start the beginning of a series, I almost ALWAYS have to know what happens next. Therefore I will be looking forward to book two in this trilogy: The Lion's Pride due to be out December of 2014.

Ok, for the characters, I just have to be honest...I did not like Kammy one bit in the beginning. Yea, she was different, but she really had no...umph about her. She was mild, meek and timid. Yes, I get why this was done, it was something for her to overcome. I can commend Natalie on this, but that was another reason for the slowness in the beginning.
Jamie on the other hand, her best friend in the novel. I have to say he was my absolute FAVORITE character in this novel. No he's not a main character, but he's hella good side kick and Kammy's rock! Just take a look

"'You don't own this beach, despite the fact that you spend most of your miserable existence here.' Kammy's flush deepend."...."Always here for you, freak."
"Fii had only pointed it out as some sort of joke, not knowing, as Kammy did, how much Jamie loved a good joke. He wore the rainbow striped piece with pride and Kammy loved him for it."

Oh, I can't help it, Jamie was just so fun, loving and better yet fun-loving! He always had a cheerful gleam about him and it just made him the most loveable character there was..in my opinion. But my absolute favorite quote of his,

"So you stamped your feet and had a tantrum, who cares?"
There's more too it than that, but that's all I'm going to share, don't want to give anything away now do we??

The pictures painted of the different cities within this "otherworld" were absolutely beautiful. I would love to see Alashdial and Emire. I could really picture myself there, going through the motions with the characters.

Once I got into the bulk of the story and the action, I couldn't stop flipping the pages. I have the same problem with most first books in series, I almost never like them because there is so much back-story and things you need to know before the story can progress. Getting to know the characters, understanding how they act, why they do the things they do, getting yourself emerged in the setting and becoming a part of the world that the author creates, it takes time. That time that I'm always trying to rush through *One of my own self flaws that I really need to work on!* Give it a chance...Dive into the world of the unknown created by Ms. Crown and you'll find yourself emerged in a beautiful surrounding..You won't be disappointed!

I will leave you with this...

"You are his weakness and you will ruin everything"

Dun..dun...dun...Ahh I have to know what happens next! December can't come soon enough!!!

[Nay Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Received a copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.**

Gave this a 4.5 stars.

The Wolf's Cry is an interesting take on Shape-shifters. This is my first shape-shifter book and I enjoyed it with all the drama, action, killing and secrets uncovered. Kammy was a strong character that I grew to love. I admit, when I read about her while in Daleswick I completely wished she would stop being a total cry baby and just get some confidence for herself, but as her journey in the world of the Semei picked up she became a spunky, strong character.

Natalie did an amazing job as far as world building goes. I totally felt like I was sucked into the world of the Semei. The character development was outstanding. I loved how all her characters were unique and connected by something.

As stated above, Kammy was an awesome character. She totally rocked. I love her growth throughout the novel. Finding out who she really was and more about her family line made her all the more interesting. I loved Jad, Eric and Tayah. At first Tayah seemed like a true bitch to me, but I grew to like her attitude and how she acted. Eric was totally loving! I loved him to pieces. He was fun, caring and always friendly to Kammy even though she was human. Jad was such a serious guy from start to finish. He seemed like he never really loosened up. I did like how he saved Kammy from the start, but his attitude towards her was insane.

Ria is just as Tayah is, but more on the "I'm going to kill you" bitchy side. I did however, love the show of heart and love she had for Tayah towards the end when before Bagor made her decide. She showed slight affection and love for his sister. Bagor -- ugh, I totally wished he would just freaking die. I swore he was the nicest person when he first spoke to Kammy when she arrived at the Palace, but once Eric and Tayah would not give him the Key he went back to King asshole. What he did to his own family tore my heart. Bagor was the perfect villain to this story.

I did not like the way Fii died! And what Bagor did to Kaitlyn was not cool at all. I enjoyed learning about Mary aka Marianna, Kammy's mother and how she was Simbassi - one of the five royal blood lines. That would explain why she always went in the forest near the gate. To grieve.

This book was totally a great one that was unexpected and I think I need to read more about shape-shifters now.

That cliffhanger…OMG -- I need the next book like right now! No questions asked!

[Wattle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

3.5 stars out of 5.

The premise of ‘The Wolf’s Cry’ is an interesting one. Semei live below the surface of the Earth, in a world that is like our own, but also a bit different. This world is powered by five crystals which provide daylight and…well, life, I suppose (there is no sun or stars). Pretty neat, right? Kammy accidentally stumbles into their world and after a bit of trouble ends up with a group of three friends, Jad, Eric and Tayah.

Natalie Crown has created a really interesting world beneath the surface of our own. I loved the idea of how it was powered and that they had their own cultures and myths. It was really neat to visit the two cities that we did, and see their differences and similarities on the page. I don’t think I’d like living in a world where there was no stars (just imagine, the horror!) but the simplicity of it all made me think it’d be neat to live without all our technology sometimes. Who needs Google when you have a giant library!

Once things got into the main action of the plot (aka: when things get dangerous) the pace really picked up and I much preferred the second half of the book to the first - I had some trouble engaging with the characters (I enjoyed the plot, but they baffled me a bit) but once it got more than half way they seemed much more defined.

I think the next book will be really interesting to see how things develop with Jad and Kammy’s stories. Eric and Tayah are also both solid characters, and I’m looking forward to reading more about them as well.

[Mary Geletka · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a wolf on the cover, I was not sure what The Wolf’s Cry would have in store for me. Unfortunately, the Twilight series has ruined for me all forms of Vampires and Werewolves novels, and I wanted to avoid another creepy romance layered with fantasy elements to justify it. But to compare Crown’s book to that of Twilight, or any other book for that matter, would be a horrible injustice to her craft and skill. Crown paints a world rich with creative world-building, with antiquity and magic. So much so, I’m prepared to scour a forest for a gate to take me there. The book also features brilliant characters who I built connections with throughout the story. While a few side characters felt as though they fell into obscurity as the story progresses, they remained as memorable as the main characters throughout the book, as they have established their own personalities and possible importance in the future. And please don’t get me started on the concept! Crown reimagines a legend that is internationally known and finds a new and interesting way to tell it.
Honestly, I’ve become obsessed. Obsessed with the concepts, the characters, this new world. When I reached the final page, I was disappointed. No, not by the book itself, but because the story is over for now. For the past few days, all I have wanted to do was wrap myself in these words and read the book over and over again. That being said… if my grades or sanity have taken a hit from this past week, I will be looking at you, Ms. Crown.
The Wolf’s Cry is a brilliant novel, and I am truly excited for the next installment.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Read the full novel for FREE on Wattpad - https://www.wattpad.com/myworks/42513... )

Wow, how time flies.

I finished writing this book about three years ago. In that time, I believe (I hope...desperately) that I have become a much better writer.

It makes looking back on The Wolf's Cry really strange. I'm still very proud of it. I still love the world and the characters (and I am absolutely 100% going to finish the series - just in case all two of my fans are worried), and I still think there is enough quality within the book that most people would enjoy it (but wow, would I rewrite some parts!).

Yet, when people (prompted by my family and friends telling them I write books!) ask me what I've written - I cringe a little that this might be their introduction to me as an author. Is that bad?

So, I've decided to upload the entire novel to Wattpad. That might seem like odd logic, but I do still really want people to read it. The sequel is an improvement for one thing, and I'm going to make the final book as explosive as I can. This way, I feel a little less guilty encouraging people to read it - because at least you don't have to pay!

I suppose every writer/author looks back on their work a few years down the line, and sees things that they would change. So I'm sure I'm not alone in this.

Anyway, that's the end of my ramble. If you want to read The Wolf's Cry for FREE head on over here: https://www.wattpad.com/myworks/42513...

[Ginny Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Kammy, is a character that I enjoyed. She isn’t whiny or over the top. She is seventeen and full of dreams of adventure. She desires to enjoy more of life than what the Isle of Daleswick provides. The only problem is that she is also full of fears and doubts and it is those things that keep her from experiencing more.

It isn’t far into the story that Kammy finds herself in a world beneath our own. Her character and strength is tested as she struggles to survive and keep those she loves from harm. There are family secrets, new friends, and danger around every corner.

The Wolf’s Cry is a terrific read that leaves you anxious for more. It is a book that I really enjoyed and feel confident in recommending to those that enjoy young adult fantasy.

It is a story, and to many it is no more than that. Do you know what I think? I think that people may believe what they want to believe as long as they are driven to do good. You see, morality is what is truly important. It does not matter how our lives came to be, it is what we do with them that is important. –Fii speaking to Kammy in The Wolf’s Cry by Natalie Crown

My Book Source: Book Tour Review Copy
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Skaistė Girtienė · Rating 4 out of 5]

The scenery and emotions portrayed in the beginning of the book caught my attention. It had some sadness and yet it was nice, kind of poetic. I liked the mood it created. I got interested in the thoughts of the main character and I wanted to know her better, to see what her life was before and what would it be now.

At first it took me some time to get immersed in the story. Later on there started action along with dangers and secrets. I became curious what would happen next, what lays ahead for Kammy, how would she deal with troubles coming her way. There came more characters and bit by bit I grew fond of them too. I wanted to know more about them and about this new world they live in. There came event after event and it lead to bigger events. The tension grew and complications arised as story unfolded and I felt more and more intrigued by each chapter. I barely noticed the time passing by as I read it.

I liked this first book and I'm eager to know what events and secrets next book would bring, what would happen to the characters I started to care about, how would they deal with the bigger challenges they would have to face.

I have received the book free from the David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! group and the author in exchange for a honest review.

[kynndra-jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free for a honest review. 4.5 stars

So, I have been waiting to read this book for quite some time. Now when I saw it was being offered as a Read for Review I could not pass up the chance. This novel was better than I was expecting, if I am being completely honest. It truly was a pleasant surprise when I actually delved into this book because for one, it was absolutely original and new. It sang a new song with a new tone.

The characters had a perfect balance of personality - they each had their own voice, and were very distinguishable from the next. Sometimes, a book for me is destroyed if I can't relate to the characters; however, this was not a problem with The Wolf's Cry. I admit, I am a avid fan lover of werewolves, but sometimes the story can get repetitive with the paranormal genre.

Natalie Crown successful created an entirely new world with flawlessly beautiful characters. My only complaint is that there are some parts where the writing didn't flow flow for me - though this didn't alter the story in any way. Overall, I am very pleased with this book and I cannot wait to read the second book of The Semei Trilogy.

Thank you!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little does she know it, but Kammy's life is about to change drastically. While out for a run to her favourite place in the woods, Kammy's discovers a tunnel, but this is no ordinary tunnel, it will introduce her to the world so Semei.

Follow the adventures of the characters and friends in the book, Tayah, Eric and Jad. They are a little miffed to have a human in their midst, until they get to know her and then they are willing to put their lives on the line to help save her friend from Bagor's evil clutches.

This is a wonderful fantasy novel that shows friendship isn't selective, I love the twists in the plot that make you want to read on .i loved reading this story and can not wait for number 2.

This novel was gifted to me by the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.

[Keeley Mchale · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next big name in Fantasy fiction
The Wolf's Cry brings an original and wondrous fantasy world full of excitement, tension and emotion which I haven't known since I finished the Harry Potter series :) Kammy and her friends are brilliantly layered and inventive characters whose quest you can really sympathise with and become absorbed in! Bagor's character is both evil and puzzling and makes for a wonderful villain!
I loved the story from the first page to the last and can't wait to read the next instalment in the trilogy!
The Semei Trilogy is

[Gautirya Muralietharan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book in return for a honest review

can i just say that i really liked this book, i thought it was different with a great plot and the different creatures. I really liked how it had a little bit of everything for all readers. The only things i can pick on are that maybe going a bit more onto character development, and possibly going a bit further with the writing style. Yet i that it was a very good book that has the potential to go very far.
:)

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wolf's Cry is an incredible fantasy book that I could not put down. It is extremely well written and the relationship between characters, as well as the depth of the plot, ensures that you are captivated throughout. The best part of the book is that it has been so creatively written that vivid images leap off the page and even now, I can envisage everything from the Semei world.

[Neill Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kammy Helseth lived on the Isle of Daleswick off the east coast of England with her grandmother, Irena, but she longed to travel to the mainland. One stormy day she went for a run in the woods and discovered a small tunnel leading to a field bathed in sunlight containing a threatening woman. She managed to escape back to the storm and her home but her life had changed dramatically. As she begins to explore this new world she learns the way of the shapeshifting Semei people she met and their fight to regain control of their government from a usurper who plotted their capture and possibly their death. The more involved she became with the Semei world the more she felt compelled to work with her new friends to overcome the tyranny of their enemy. I enjoyed it a lot and recommend it.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually give it 4 1/2. Maybe one day I will be able to learn how to do the half on GoodReads someday soon :)
I really enjoyed reading this book. It turned out to be something different than what I expected. I was pleasantly surprised! When I saw the book come up for review, I jumped at it. To tell you the truth I didn't even read the description until after I got the book. The cover is what grabbed me. I know that probably sounds silly, but it was so beautiful, and I thought it would be about wolves. Well, lets just say it was kind of about wolves, but not like I expected. It was so much more.

I love the idea that it is about shape shifters, and not ware wolves, and vampires. I love ware wolves and vampires, but this was something new and so fun.

When Kammy goes for a run to "clear" her head she finds herself at a place her mother use to take her. It was their special place. While sitting on the log she realizes there is a tunnel behind her so she enters, and what she finds is a whole "new" world, that doesn't seem to take to well to humans. She ends up being put in prison and when the walls begin to move, and she sees dirt coming out of one of the bricks, she is surprised to find a mouse burrowing through the dirt. When it enters Kammy's cell it turns into a man. Eric enters Kammy's cell and Kammy's life will never bee the same after that. Eric helps Kammy escape while also freeing his friend Jad from the same prison. Eric and his friends help Kammy return home. Then Kammy's best friend Jamie is kidnapped and the only way to help him is to return to the world between the earth, and return to Eric, and his outlaw friends. Kammy knows that the feud between her friend Jad, and Bagor, the leader of Alashdial is important to her new friends, but rescuing Jamie is more important to her. On the journey to find Jamie, Kammy finds out she is actually one of them. She is a Semei. She finds out that Jad and Bagor are family. She finds out that Tayah and the woman from the woods are sisters, and then Kammy finds out she is also part of this world.

When family relationships are uncovered it was so interesting. I didn't expect some of the things that happened, yet wasn't surprised with some of them either. I love that Kammy is so passionate about her friend, and is willing to do anything she can to get him back. Even in a world she knows nothing about. She is willing to risk her life to get Jamie back.

When Kammy is captured again by Bagor, he tells her a different story about how the feud between Jad and he began. I am still wondering who to believe. I cannot wait for the rest of this series to see who ends up being the "real" bad guy. I was drawn in by Bagor's story of the events, but cannot tell if it is real or not. That to me, makes it a good story. I still cannot figure out if I am going to like Bagor or not. To me right now it seems as though there may have been a huge misunderstanding, but who knows. There are so many unanswered questions, which I guess is what the author is going for, so as to draw us into the rest of the series. Well, lets just say, it worked on me!

I am hoping to learn more about how the feud began. Where Kammy fits into the ending :), like will she embrace her new life, or will she cling to the life she has always known? There is one character in the book by the name of Welm, and I hope that he has a bigger role in the next book. I have a feeling there is way more to him than meets the eye.

I love the adventure in this book. I love the idea of shape shifting. I love that it seems to be in a world that is so close to ours. This books was exciting, interesting, and kept me on the "edge" of the page! I am anxiously looking forward to the rest of the trilogy.

[Doroty Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wolf's Cry is the remarkable new Ya fantasy debut by Natalie Crown.

Kammy 18,is an outcast in her village who spends her time skimming rocks on the shore and daydreaming about packing her bags and leaving to a faraway place, preferably London.

The only people close to her are her Gran, her boss Harry, and her bestest beastie in the world, Jamie.

Everything changes when she curiously crawls into a rabbits hole not knowing it's a door to another world.

She is taken to Seimei, a world just under the earth layer, where a race of shape-shifters dwells.

Things spiral out of control, and now she must do all it takes to save those close to her.

This Book!!!

I never thought I would love it so much. Semei really grew on me.

The unbelievable tales, the characters and in the middle of everything, Kammy and her friends.

The Seimei wanted a war against humans and she was stuck in their world;

a world so ridiculous it did not even have a sun.

Kammy is...hmm, I think she is still finding herself, her strength and her resolve.

In the first half of the book I honestly thought she was gonna end up like the typical textbook young adult heroine, wishy-washy,dull and whiny.

But her trip to Seimei changed her, and i think the author wanted to portray that change.

It was a test. When the stakes are high, and the life to be saved is not her own, how would she react.

And she did it perfectly. She truly found her resolve. I loved the fact that she wasn't reckless, she is very aware of her limitations, instead she focuses on the things she does best.

She went with the decisions of the team because she knew they indeed know best, having the home advantage.

Jad the male hero,pretender to the throne, has the typical broody, unkind personality on the outside, but unbeknownst to him, everyone senses his the thoughtful and gentle persona, and teases him for hiding it (Eric)

He wants to overthrow the current king and take what is rightfully his, but he also wants his friends to be safe. and fears for the consequences that would befall them should he fail. I loved how conscious he was of Kammy, genuinely curious of what makes her tick.

I enjoyed seeing the gradual process of the change of his affections for her.

Eric, Tayah, and Jamie where such great characters, they really rounded up the story and made it even more interesting. Especially the comic duo Eric-Jamie.

When have I ever lost my cool? I’m unflappable, me.’

‘When have you ever been kidnapped by a race of shapeshifters and taken into another world?’

Jamie paused, ‘Fair point, yet here I kneel, unflapped

Finally, a villain with substance who is not black and white.

Bagor is a typical text book politician all sweet and mellow on the outside, and sour and rotten on the inside.

At some point I truly wondered if he is indeed the bad guy. (that's how good he is!)

The ending was a cliffhanger, it destroyed me,ripped my hear out and tore it to pieces.

Damn it, I wanted the second book right that second!


Things I'm yearning for in the second book

MORE Jamie, there is a need for more Jamie. I laughed my ass off whenever there was a scene with him.

He made very bad situation somehow lighter.

More Eric, I realise that the game has changed for him, and he will have it though in the second book, I just hope he will overcome it!

Tayah, I want to see a little more character development and maybe a closer interaction between her and Kammy. And more of her back-story.

More Semei history.

To recap; Natalie Crown wrote one of the best young adult fantasies this year.

She created a captivating world full of wondrous places and its mind-boggling inhabitants.

I'm looking forward to the future.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

(This review can also be found on my book review blog -Spare Reads-)

A copy of the book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

The Wolf's Cry is the debut novel by indie author Natalie Crown. It is a truly unique adventure that draws us all into the wonders of the underworld. To be honest, I was initially expecting a paranormal fantasy about the good ol' werewolves due to the title and cover, but in reality, The Wolf's Cry offers something much more exotic and compelling than the somewhat overused setup. Don't get me wrong, werewolves are great, but shapeshifters? Well, those are creatures of real fascinations.

For our protagonist Kammy Helseth, life can not get any more boring or uneventful than it already is. Constantly dreaming about leaving her small and secluded hometown behind, Kammy is an outcast. It is one of those days when her life takes an unexpected turn, and Kammy finds herself wound up in a dangerous new world beneath her own - the world of the Semei. Despite her own disbelief, her ties to the world underneath appears to be more than she originally anticipated. Tangled among the conflicts and secrets in the Semei world, Kammy can no longer run and hide; She must embrace the dire circumstances for she has to save her friends from the world above, as well as from the world beneath.

As shocking as it may sound, Kammy and I did not get off on the right foot. She seemed far too weak and helpless for my liking at the beginning of the story. However, it is precisely the striking contrast of her early vulnerability and her later fiery demeanor that made me realize the tremendous amount of growth she has gone through. I can't help but sympathize with her and admire her for the strength she showed me when faced with threatening prospects. Her friendships with her Semei companions are the center of the focus in the story as there isn't any romantic tension present, but I suspect something delightful would soon sprout out in their future endeavors.

Among all the things I liked in The Wolf's Cry, worldbuilding is unquestionably the one I savored the most. Here, I must take the chance to praise Crown's dazzling imagination for creating such a gripping fantasy world with an absorbing history of its own. I particularly enjoyed the brief explanations of the origin of the Semeis. Although slightly predictable, it helped me make connections of all the hints Crown has dropped along the story to decode the mysteries left unresolved.

Last but not the least, I should give fair warnings to those who wish to join me on this ride that the first half of the book may be a bit slow paced. You will probably find yourself bored over a couple of chapters or starting to skim through paragraphs, but trust me, it is all worthwhile.

[Brea Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover and title of The Wolf’s Cry suggests something paranormal with werewolves, but it’s defineltly closer to fantasy rather than paranormal, don’t be fooled! In The Wolf’s Cry, we are taken into another world of shape shifters under our current world. This, among other things, I loved, but I did have a few concerns with connecting to characters and the pace of the plot.

One of the best parts of The Wolf’s Cry is the world building. In my mind’s eye I have a fair idea of what the world looks like from a Semei’s (shape shifter’s) point of view. There were a few times during the book that I wished there were more descriptions, but otherwise I believe this was done really well!

Another thing I liked about this book was the plot. You could tell through reading that it was well planned. I liked that the climax was strong and included lots of anticipation. Despite this I feel as though the plot was jumpy. Some parts I could barely get through, while others sped by in a blur. The purpose of the plot also wasn’t very clear until a quarter way in, where we began to see another perspective.

I liked how the book included more perspectives where necessary. It was mostly Kammy, the female lead and Jad the male lead. I think it would be interesting to include someone who follows the villain in the book, because for me, him and his motive’s were vague. A major problem I did have with the characters though, is that Kammy was not characterized very well. I couldn’t really connect with her as much as I would have liked.

Despite this, I did feel that every other character was developed and dished out. This includes Tayah, Jamie, Fii, Jad – all of them. What Kammy lacked, these characters had, which almost makes up for it.
I liked how mysteries in the book were released slowly, though I did feel that Kammy’s situation was a little predictable, and her response to the revelations about her felt a little off and unnatural. This coulbe be because I didn’t really understand her. Also, sometimes the dialogue felt very jumpy and unnatural, though this was rare and I’m just nit picking.

I do think that Crown has demonstrated relationship and friendship dynamics amazingly in The Wolf’s Cry. I believed in every relationship shown and how their actions reflected this. Per chance, these dynamics did add to the overall storyline immensely.

Overall, I did enjoy The Wolf’s Cry. Despite how I feel about Kammy and the plot pace, the last half of the book I read without disturbance or any other thought other than just enjoying the story. I found myself shipping for Jad and Kimmy, getting teary and emotional, and just hanging to see what happens next! Can’t wait to see what the 2nd installment of The Semei Triolgy brings. I recommend the Wolf’s cry to any young fantasy reader!

[Stephani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wolf’s Cry was more then I could ever imagine. I short of knew the book was gonna be good cause of the summery but I just couldn’t wrap my head around how epic and amazing the story really was. It just blew my mind how good it was and shocked that this book isn’t huge. I feel like everyone should read this book.

Threw out the whole book I was shipping Jad and Kammy hardcore. Noting really happens between them two but I just kept hoping for that kiss but sadly I didn’t and it really just frustrated me. You knew they have thing together but neither one of them over make that move or hint to it. Maybe it’s because both are just so oblivious to the matter or maybe it’s because people like me to squirm.

I did like how it wasn’t this huge cheesy love story and it mostly surrounds the overall plot of the story and wasn’t rushed. But I just needed something for my poor little fan-girl heart. Of course knowing how this series is going I will get that hopefully soon and then I will jump and the air and sequel. I need Kammy and Jad action or I might just lose it.

The Characters in the book was just amazing. I just love how the story doesn’t surround the life of just one character even tho Jad and Kammy where the main of the story but you really got to understand all the other characters and get that connection and without that you would lose that importance to the story they bring.

The story does get a little fast paste and slow downs but it always has something going on in the book that will have you always wanting more to the story. It was such a great concept and a very unique story line. There is just so much action that always kept the heat pumping. And then Plot twists that will give you a heart attack and question the overall story.

I really am shocked this book isn’t well known and huge in the book world. It has everything that makes a great story, Amazing Characters and Unique Plot. The story is epic and stays epic to the beginning to the end. The ending will make you rage for more on it’s HUGE freaking cliff hangar that still has my mind going crazy. I really do see this Author rising in the world and I wouldn’t be suppressed seeing more people reading her work. I TOTALLY recommend this book.

Overall: Powerful Characters and a Epic adventure. The book is so much more then meets the eye. I overall loved the book but just so annoyed that Kammy and Jad never kissed and it just freaking makes me fan-girl flipping crazy.

[Missie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wolf’s Cry by Natalie Crown was a really interesting YA fantasy. I would have to say it is definitely one of those books where the cover is deceiving. I would have never picked this off the shelf, nor thought the book was going to be something I would have enjoyed from the cover.

Likes:

Natalie did an amazing job with the world building. She created a whole population of shape-shifters that live below Earth’s crust. They survived on crystals, which in turn made them rely on the human race not to pollute the surface and kill the crystals that support them.
I enjoyed the MC Kammy, she was relatable and well-written. She felt different but really wasn’t on the outside, but she was teased and had low self-confidence.
The side characters, Eric, Jad, Tayah and Jamie were interesting, had unique personalities and were great supporting characters. They brought the tough, funny and sensitive emotions to the story.
The villain was amazing. He was both awful and appealing at the same time, for a few brief seconds you start to hope that he really isn’t evil. I always think it takes an amazing writer to make you care, even briefly, for a villain who you should immediately hate.
The series is going to have some great places to go. The Wolf’s Cry was awesome because you had a full plot and climax, it definitely did not feel like a “lead up” book to the rest of the series, which seems to be written a lot lately.

Gripes:

The beginning was not well done. The author needed to get into Kammy’s head and show that she was feeling as an outsider, but it just seemed off and thrown into the story. I think Natalie was having trouble getting the lead up to go into the Semei world. I can totally understand this, and once they were in the Semei world was amazing.
I am not sure if it was just in my digital copy, but the POV changed between Kammy, Jad and Eric within the story, but there were no page headers stating the swift.

For more reviews visist
A Flurry of Ponderings

[Valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book and I can’t think of a single reason why anybody who likes fantasy would not love it. There are well thought and very loveable characters, with interesting, sweet, emotional and funny interactions between them. While reading you can’t help but feel and care for all of them, even the minor ones. There is a plot unfolding little by little, with every chapter giving you just the right amount of informations but also leaving you wanting to know more. It’s a great balance, one that allows the readers to get invested in the story and urges them to fantasize about it. And then there is a fantastic and original setting, which is one of the things I liked the most about this book. A good part of it takes place into an imaginary world, described in such a clever and creative way that totally captivated me. I found myself eager to discover everything about that fascinating reality, its inhabitants, its rules and its secrets. And I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest. I still have a lot of questions but it’s pretty normal, this is after all a book series. This first installment sets up some very good bases for its sequels, both plot-wise and characters-wise and I can’t wait to read what happens next! On a final note, there is a scene towards the end that gave me some serious Shire vibes and that image won’t leave my mind anytime soon.

[Sumit Wadhia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review contains SPOILERS FOR PRINCE CASPIAN and THE SUBTLE KNIFE.

A well thought out world and characters, with sections that match the peaks of YA fiction. One particular moment found in the latter half of the first part got me just as excited as when Nikabrik tries to convince Prince Caspian to bring back the White Witch, or in The Subtle Knife when Will and his dad's reunion ends in tragedy. It's from then on that it hits its stride; so much so that it's hard not to read it in big hungry chunks.

There's so much scope in this first book that I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy and explore the land of the Semei even more.

[Lydia Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Wolf's Cry. I found myself unable to put the book down, as I fell in love with the story. I came to love the characters and the world that Natalie Crown created. Both the charters and the world were well thought out and I could picture in my head the story so perfectly.

When I turned the last page, I was sad that the story had ended. That being said I cannot wait for the next book to come out.