Dick Wybrow is a Canadian author. His novels are mainly set in the US, where he grew up. A former stand-up comedian, Wybrow is a humor writer who crafts thrillers that incorporate elements of suspense, horror, mystery, science fiction and fantasy.
At the age of six, Dick was given his first book by his father. It was Wind in the Willows. Naturally, that put Dick off reading for several years.
After discovering Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, the love of reading returned. And with it came the compulsion to get lost worlds like Douglas had created.
Dick lives in Auckland, New Zealand with one wife and two cats.
They had tried to create the ultimate killing machine. The perfect hunter. Kane embodied that.
Well, that's that. We finally got through the 5-book "Wolfwere" by Dick Wybrow. And overall, I found it to be a very readable, often somewhat to even on rare occasions a very exciting though uneven series based on an exceptionally interesting premise. Is that enough adjectives yet? Hm, we'll see. Unfortunately, "Kane Unmanned" for me is the proverbial example of going out "not with a bang but a whimper" as I found the overall pacing of this last chapter to have almost stumbled along to the conclusion rather than providing any fast and furious last minute thrills. It was certainly for me the least tense instalment of the pentalogy and I found many of the 'final scenes' with especially our villains to be silly at best. I would even stress that the concepts behind what ultimately Janus or even Dr. Hammer wound up doing or in particular what they wound up BEING had me shaking my head in both disbelief and disappointment. That was supposed to be a howl. A terrifying display of my dominance and power. It was not.
And as I've documented with my reviews now up to 5 times, Wybrow has a tendency to structure his stories in a way I find more frustrating than enlightening or perhaps better said enthralling. The short chapterlets - 389 pages (including the huge blanks after providing chapter numbers and often full blank pages after each) for 70 chapters gives under 6 pages a pop. To say the pacing suffers when ANY author does this would be an understatement. Okay, perhaps this time I do have to confess that some of the conceptual issues I mentioned above were a real surprise (not OH WOW! but more oh, wow...), but then again, that's obviously not always a positive. I'll be blunt: the first half of this book dragged like a puppy scraping it's butt across the carpet and the second half just had me feeling an unwelcome sense of déjà vu. I mean, breaking into another facility (gosh, have we seen that happen before?) and dealing with whatever version of Keystone Kops showed up, even with the witty banter that Edgar and Connie provided (and then *poof* they were gone! he sang in full Hee Haw glory) was so extremely "been there, done that", it was painful. Those with wolf hearts laugh at pain! Still, I think I may have a tiny boo-boo.
Plus in terms of action, this book takes a looooooong time until it hits anything above what I'd call a nice loping stride. There are really no sections that provide the kind of breathless action we saw previously at places like the zoo or in Mexico at the old convent when so much went boom, splat and kablooie even. And sadly, there's no kind of big final battle scene with any of the werewolf or wolfwere types we've come to know and love and/or despise. In fact, if you're here for either of those, you're going to have to wait a long time as well. Even if we're all very, very clear that this is not a werewolf story, the whole glory behind being able to change into various dogs and eventually a wolfman, well, thing should have been part of the whole Closing Ceremonies, n'est-ce pas? But no, hey, just heading down the road in an old '76 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am will just have to do. Yee haw, y'all (hm, maybe I should have focused more on that whole country variety show angle). Hi, it’s just me, sneaking around. Come get me!
Overall, I'd rank this series just under 4 stars simply because I don't think 3 stars reflects the full entertainment value I got out of it. I did enjoy reading these books no matter how flawed I would argue they each were in their own way. And we = me has to remember that I also waited anxiously for several months for this finale to be delivered. OK, maybe having accidents in a mini-sub is no longer politically correct after the Titan disaster (had to love the "The fish finder pinged enthusiastically: Possible bass!" bits though!) but at least the bloody hippies were happy at the end, right dudes? Did I get what I wanted out of this last hurrah? No, but just because I wish it had been done differently doesn't mean others won't just eat it up. So, I guess… bon appétit?
Kane is a wolf after my own heart. Emelda is a brilliantly written heroine. If you’ve come this far (to book 5 - Kane Unmanned), then you will find yourself renewed by the audiobooks. Kane’s french Canadian accent is so endearing. And Emelda Thorne’s voice has perfect American balance to Kane’s accent. If you’ve noticed I am not talking about the plot, (every book is a nonstop rollercoaster ride) it’s because it’s the 2 characters that I just love and I don’t want to leave them. Dick Wybrow, you made me laugh out loud every day I and in the final book you made me cry. Bad wolf dad!
But wait, I just learned there are two more to read!!! Good wolf dad, good boy!!!
Well, this is the end. Kane and Emelda are wrapping up the last bit. It's so bittersweet, as these characters have become family. It is a very amusing read and hits all the proper notes. I really enjoyed it and had a fun time reading. The ending...well, it wasn't what I pictured, but it was true to the characters and their growth, so I have no issue with it. Regardless, it was a very good read and proper ending. If you haven't read the others and see thus, please start from the beginning. This series was very well done and has an interesting take on the element if a werewolf.....or wolfwere. Bravo dear author.
Wow, this ride was definitely a crazy one !!!!! In this final adventure of Emelda and Kane, I must admit , I was sad. Guess that's why it took me a minute to get back into the groove . But then I Did !! Emelda and Kane are after the Super soldiers that were made from his DNA. What they find is something completely different . When the end does come , I was like , " Huh ???!!! " . Lets just say that Emelda and I are completely different people. Great series that I'm glad to have read . Lots of laughs , and tears later , I will Always remember this book !!!
I have laughed, cried, and been anxious throughout these 5 amazing books. These wonderful characters have become an inspiration and obsession for me. When I'm not reading, I'm thinking about parts I've read. Ex. Kane, the pug, I chuckle everytime I think about it. Or, Kane, the schnauzer, and the battle with the car. I will always remember this series. If there's one series that someone hasn't read then I highly recommend reading this one. Lots of life's lessons can be learned from Kane and Emelda.
This is the fifth and final book in the series. It is a bittersweet reading knowing that Emelda and Kane’s story has reached its conclusion. A lot gets resolved here and there is a glimmer of hope that maybe just maybe we will get to see these characters again. The series is thrilling, disturbing and also laugh out loud in places. Kane’s perspective on humanity is very unique and his observations sometimes hilarious other times very deep and always insightful.
I can't believe Emelda and Kane's adventures are over. This book had just as much action as the previous books. I loved seeing Kane and Emelda reunited and fighting side by side. Denny is hilarious as the unofficial tech guy. The fact that Emelda went through all of this as a mere human is admirable. She is just as tough as Kane,and she is not wolf. The ending was kinda bitter sweet, but I'm happy with how it all turned out. Still something tells me we haven't seen the last of that 6'5" French Canadian wolfware, or Emelda.
I have enjoyed this saga all the way through! Your manwolf was such an endearing character, with the heart of a lion and the soul of a saint! I did want to kick Emelda for never telling Kane that she loved him, but Kane knew. The money thing, not so much enjoyable. I was hoping she would set up a huge trust to buy lots of land for a true wolf sanctuary but I am happy she found herself. Thank you
Kane and Emelda are after Dr. Hammer, who was bitten and turned into a monster, before she can turn more humans. They are also hoping they can find a way to get Kane turned back into a wolf so he can go back to his pack. I loved this series, there is a ton of humor it it and plenty of action. The concept was also very different from other books in this genre. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
Loved the series and not too disappointed by the ending. I too think Emelda should a kept some of that money...lolol. Folks you must start at the beginning and read all 5 in this series. You will laugh, cry , worry and wonder but you will not be disappointed. Dear Kane , hope you and wolf wife are happy and make many cubs. Thank you Mr. Wybrow. Think I'll read some of your other books now.
Sad to see the series end , was surprised at the ending , I wish Emelda had kept at least some of the money I do understand she was trying to do good with it but….. I’m really hoping perhaps Kane and Emelda have a chance to meet up again somehow perhaps she could help Kane save his pack or something, I really didn’t want this to end ( maybe Kane can let her know he’s still human inside) I really don’t want their friendship to end
This series is so much fun. The action keeps you on the edge of your seat and the characters really breathe on the page. Although I hate for the series to end, this was a satisfying conclusion to Kane and Emelda's story.
But wait! Just when I was being sad to say goodbye to these friends, I hear that the series is being resurrected. The big French Canadian wolfwere gets a part deux! I've already bought the next book and it's quickly floating to the top of my TBR stack.
I loved these books and had to wait months for the fifth to be released. Agony! I loved the many characters and I hated having to let them go with the end of the series. The wit and banter often had me laughing out loud, getting leery looks from people near me. I��ll definitely to looking for more from this author.
This is one of the best series that I have ever read. And that's saying something, I read A LOT! The characters are three dimensional, compelling and funny! Laugh out loud funny. This series is not about werewolfs (or wolf weres) It is a story of friendship and growth.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS SERIES. THE 2 MAIN CHARACTERS WERE THE BEST, THEY PLAYED OFF EACH OTHER SO WELL AS BEING HUMAN AND THE OTHER NOT BUT ACTED LIKE HE WAS. THE ENDING WAS UNDERSTOOD, BUT SAD AND HAPPY AT THE SAME TIME. (SPOILER) I WOULD HAVE KEPT SOME OF THE MONEY, BUT IT WAS UNDERSTOOD WHY SHE DIDN'T. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM AGAIN SOMETIME IN A STORY.
Just finished the final book! I truly loved Emelda and Kane and their adventures. I was wondering the whole time, how will this big adventure end? When I thought Kane had died, I was so sad, then boom, the twist to the plot, wow!I love happy endings!
A different twist on paranormal, werewolf, quirky heroine, evil genius planning world domination trope. Sometimes humorous, sometimes terrifying, sometimes so sweet my heart hurt. Kane and Emelda are a pack of two who will keep you enthralled for the entire 5 book series. Highly recommended by me.
The story throughout the series is engaging. The characters are interesting and feel 3 dimensional. There banter is amusing and genuinely funny. My only criticism is that Emrlda started saying 'man' a lot, somewhere around Book 3 which was annoying, but it tapered off by Book 5.
Kane and Emelda will be in my heart for the rest of my life, what a wonderful story and so well written. I love to stumble across a tale that is unique and this is just that and the fact that Dick Wybrow is such a talented writer makes it one of the best stories I've ever read.
Super disappointed with the money situation. A nice big new car and money transferred into an account to realize your dream and deciding to give the rest away to different people and charities would have been superior. No one goes to California in a beater car with no money unless they are going to work in Porn or the streets 🤣 Bad choices
Even if this is not the end of their tale this is the end of this one. The bow is wrapped up so pretty. Sad that they part ways, but happy that he gets back to his pack. Did it really have to be Charlotte's. I mean come on, gave me the willies all night! Any way down to brass tacks. Great book, great series, superb author!!!
These novels have been greatly entertaining, tensely exciting, and in the end, very satisfying. I held my breath so many times, chuckled quietly several times, and even shed a tear or two. Wonderfully written and developed, Kane and Emelda are characters you will never forget!
Very sad and very funny all at the same time. Loved the entire series. Had a hard time putting this down to get anything else done. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Wybrow.
This was such a fun and unique series to read! It has action and adventure, comedy, friendship, and drama. The whole wolfwere thing is so different from the norm, but it really works because these books are so well-written. I truly enjoyed all 5 books and I highly recommend reading them.
This entire series has been created perfectly . Kane and Emeldas story was a reading experience I didn't want to end. Both triumphant and sad. 5 stars doesn't seem like enough.
All 5 of these books were enjoyable and made me start reading the next one as soon as I finished the present one ... If you know what I mean. I will miss Kane and Emelda and in a strange way I will miss Marata too. Read the books and see if you understand why.
The only thing I didn't like is that its over!!!! I read these on Kindle Unlimited, but this is one I will read again . . . and again. I'm going to miss Kane and Emelda.
Great series. Lots of fun and action. I’m so very sad this is the end of Emelda and Kane. Was hoping Mr. Wybrow would continue their story but looks like that won’t happen, at least for now. Happy Reading :)
Action and humor abound in this final installment of the Wolfwere series. Will Kane finally return to being a wolf? Will Emelda find peace with herself? All will be answered in this great book.