The Call of the Wild Werewolf

Merlin's Hoods #3

by Carl Waters, Jack London

Deciding to leave his easy life in Santa Clara Valley, Buck Miller, the son of a wealthy judge and raisin farmer, pursues gold riches in the Klondike. Before he reaches his destination, Buck is kidnapped by vampires, turned into a werewolf, and forced to work as the vampire's sled dog.

Now, in an unfamiliar place and in an unfamiliar body, Buck must learn to survive more than just the brutal weather. With attacks from vicious werewolves and abuse from his masters, will Buck be able to regain his humanity or will he spend the rest of his days living as a wolf?

WARNING!!!

This a mashup story. It combines Jack London's classic, The Call of the Wild, with the werewolf mythology in my Merlin's Hoods world.

It is in the same vein as Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith's mashup novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Instead of adding zombies, I've added werewolves and vampires.

Mashup stories are a creative novelty. The idea is to create a new story by adding as few words to the original story as possible. So, most of the words in this story are Jack London's.

I love werewolves and the protagonist, Buck Miller, is a powerful werewolf in my Merlin's Hood world. This is his origin story.

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal

178 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Get Carl Water's novella, Little Red Riding Hood: Werewolf Slayer for free at: www.BrightSons.com/RG1

Carl Waters, born and raised in Miami, Florida, grew up reading comic books and dreamed of being a new kind of superhero. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he now lives with his daughter.

Waters never forgot his childhood dreams, which over the years transformed into a desire to create new heroes, particularly African-American male heroes, through writing. His debut offering is Burning Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the first book in a series that reimagines Harriet Beecher Stowe’s classic novel, featuring strong characters who break out of the old stereotypes.

Reviews

[Emilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A call to readers

Well, this book was surprisingly better than I thought it would be. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but it wasn't a book as deep as this turned out to be. And this was only a novella! I would definitely read full length novels by this author.

The writing was good. I loved the voice the author created. It truly felt animal-like and at times this scared me because I could feel myself thinking as he did and understanding why he made these volatile choices. It was incredible how normal these animal musings felt. For all I know this story could have been written by Buck himself. In addition, I loved the classic feel of the writing. It reminded me of stories by Jane Austen (who I love) and George Orwell (who I also love). It was perfect!

The plot itself was also engaging. I'm going to be honest here I've never read The call of the Wild by Jack London so I have nothing to compare it to. Regardless, it was a great story. The change in Buck was interesting to read about. It was subtle at first, but it wasn't long before he became fully beast. I loved how it all felt normal, meaning he didn't seem to question his changes or view them with a human perspective. He was all beast.

There isn't much to say about the characters since Buck doesn't really talk about them enough for them to be fleshed out, but I don't think that is a bad thing. This is told from an animals point of view therefore they wouldn't pay enough attention or care enough to form complicated opinions. To them it's will they kill me or not.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. My only criticism is I don't think the werewolf aspect was played out enough. If you want something new and different give this one a try. Enjoy!

***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.***

[Sheetal Dash · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**

Let me begin by saying that I haven't read the original book by Jack London.So, it's a book about a person named Buck Miller who turns into a wolf and what follows is the story from his animal point of view. As such, it doesn't seem like something that would appeal to anyone but a preteen. But the fact of the matter is this is a great story, full of rich characters, a deep understanding of things and it can reach moments of depth and profundity.The style of the book is simple but it is so exquisitely written that it caused me to sit still during some moments. Mr. Waters is a genius when it comes to writing because there were times when I forgot that this was actually written by a person as I was deeply absorbed in the wolf's narration. I found the book lovely, lyrical, and sometimes achingly sad. Buck's transition and desperate struggle to hold onto his humanity is incredibly poignant, and his heartrending relationship with Joan is deeply emotional and sweet. As I have already mentioned, I found it to be beautifully written, tragic, and a gorgeous take on werewolf lore though not being a typical werewolf story. If you are looking for a story having all the traditional, quintessential werewolf elements and minute werewolf details, this is not the one.That is what I liked most about the book.

[Pavitra (For The Love of Fictional Worlds) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The review was first posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds

I received a physical copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Let me be honest right of the bat - I have never even read the original classic by Jack London. It's only recently that I have gotten in the swing of all things classic - so I have a feeling that I just might be reading the original as well soon (not to mention, I just found these amazing Scholastic editions of classics that I am dying to get my hands on!) :P

This is also only a novella which is quite a shame - this author is pretty brilliant when it comes to writing - as in it was the writing I fell for rather than the story - because the writing made the characters all the more realistic for me!

Told in the POV of Buck - this narrative sucked me in from the start and since I had nothing to compare it to, felt all the more realistic. The changes that Buck went through were so subtle that I honestly didn't realise that there were any changes occurring.

The animalistic part of Buck felt like a part of him, as if he was already an animal from the start and that to be very honest, was a brilliant move by the author! Such simplistic view of the world as seen through Buck's eye, was absolutely mindblowing!

While I could have given it a higher rating - I did not simply do so only because I haven't actually read the Classic - And the fact that it is a 4 star book on it's own is an indication of the book itself!

As for the author, I have a feeling if I loved a novella by him, I am definitely going to love a full length novel by him and I can't wait to read more of his work!

[Eccentric Editions · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book! An adventurous read about Buck's life from human to werewolf and his survival through the hardships of being a were-dog and learning about this life along the way. The author is new to me and liked the writing as it drew me into the story.
I've not read Call of the Wild by Jack London. Hope this book has changes cuz it wouldn't be cool if it is same. But the writing is good so ain't complaining. Will update on my thoughts on comparison between the books and will edit the review.
I got the book in exchange of an honest review.

[Liza · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was asked to read this book and give an honest unbiased review. If my comments seem harsh they are not meant to be however I feel that quite a bit of this book was taken from the original, sometimes what seems nearly word for word.
If you have ever read Jack London's Call of the Wild, then don't read this book.
The reason I say that is because it is practically the same, and you will prob find yourself a little disgusted with what appears to be a rip off of the original.
However if you have never read Call of the Wild then go ahead and read the book. It is a fantastic story and will touch your heart in places.
In all honesty it's a shame the author did not take his idea and make his own story, it would of made for a better read in the sense that it would of been his own idea, and I would prefer that to this mix of old and new.
I hope the author will take his ideas and the inspiration gained from the classics and come up with his own original story.

[Cassandra Wilson-Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review*
I always love books that can pull my emotions out and this book does. There were moments of laughter, tears, anger, and peace throughout the journey with Buck. Buck went through so much in his life that at times it was hard to keep up but I was happy to continue the ride. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves wolves, books with a history feel to them, or anyone who is looking for something new.
The only problem I had with the book is some of the characters speak with accents and I had a tough time deciphering what they were saying.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**
Buck Miller was 20 and lived with his parents. His dad was the judge. Buck one day would inherit his father's estate. LaZanna Nera is a cabal of vampires that control the gold rush. Buck is a trite egotistical but he planned to marry Ysabal Lawrence. Buck decided he wanted to go to the Klondike and try his hand at finding gold. Buck had been kidnapped by vampires who used dogs to make more dogs. 1 out of 6 survived the bite.
I just couldn't get into this book. This remake of a classic just didn't gel for me.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story about a man, his fears and vampires! Set on a good historical background, a man searches a way to save his loved ones, his life and soul. Reccomended to those who want a good paranormal story. :)

[Ash ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book that didn't appeal to me but don't let that stop you from reading it

[Joann(san diego shutterbug) · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this book. and old classic with a new twist. after receiving this book as part of a giveaway the author was doing I was not sure I was going to love this book as I couldn't imagine how it could take an old classic and modernize it. I am glad I didn't go into this thinking this was going to be like all other vampire/werewolf stories. It showed the strong will of Buck( the main character) and his willingness to make it on his own without his father's fortune and then his willingness to survive after he became a werewolf. It was cool how they made it into somewhat of a love story. The love he had for Joan was a lot more than it was for his girlfriend before he was turned into a werewolf. Joan loved buck for him ( not knowing how he was a man trapped in a wolves body) His girlfriend prior to him being turned into a werewolf seemed more out of who his father was. I was expecting that after buck and Joan got settled somewhere that he transform back into a male and win her over that way. I was very sad to read that Joan had gotten killed while he was away. He promised his girlfriend before he left that he was going to be a success on his own and that is what he did in his own way. He became the Alpha male of his pack. Reading this book reminded me why I loved the old classic. This defiantly was not your "a" typical werewolf book. it had romance and action and adventure.
He became the man he knew he would always become. Strong willed, a leader, and a gentleman. And he did it in his own way. It started with him wanting to go to California to take part in the gold rush, cause he knew he could make it on his own & and when he was transformed into something else he made the best of a bad situation. He was feared by men and with that strong will he was able to not go mad as the book puts it. He kept his heart in the right place and persevered. It may not have been as a man but he still did it on his own terms. Great book. Good for somebody that liked that old classic and wants to see a new twist on it.

[Oh My Bookness · Rating 4 out of 5]

In order to do a proper review of The Call of The Wild Werewolf by Jack London and Carl Waters, first we need a little background on the classic novel The Call Of The Wild by Jack London, published in early 1903 in The Saturday Evening Post and soon after selling the book rights. Jack London, a social activist and Journalist told his critics "that mans actions are the behavior of of their animals" and he would show this in The call of The Wild.

For those who do not know Jack London's Call Of a The Wild and for those who do, you will enjoy this book. It keeps the underlying message London was trying to send. While keeping characters names and the basic storyline with a twist, Carl Waters creates almost what seems a new story with changing as little of the original story as possible. Though he managed to create what seems to be a whole new story, a sci-fi thriller, very little of the original story has been changed! Amazing it is, because the story draws you in just as the original does and you can't help but continue even when you want to put it down to give your eyes a rest. Now don't get me wrong there are plenty of twist to keep you on your toes at all times with werewolves and vampires. It may sound cliche but in the setting of this story, the way it is written and the characters developed throws cliche right out the door into a intriguing story that would make Jack London proud because if you don't know the original story, it will be hard for you to tell where the original begins and ends and where the new starts in and out.

[D.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carl Waters described his book as: "a mashup story." and says i combines Jack London's classic, The Call of the Wild, with the werewolf mythology in his Merlin's Hoods world. I asked for a review copy more because my 12 year old was desperate to read it than out of any huge desire to read a story about werewolves. Much to my surprise, after the first couple of chapters I was swept away by the story which is told from the point of view of a man who has been changed into a werewolf though bad luck rather than any desire to become one. The reader is shown the pain of his transition and I felt in touch with every emotion he experienced at that point and throughout the remainder of the story. I will definitely be looking to read more of Carl Walter's writing.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

A recreation. I am not a huge fan of the book. It offers too much in the way of a tale and has so much going on that it takes from the book. It is like taking a lot of different worst case scenarios that could happen to a character in that setting and placing it into chapters for the readers to sort and deal with. When a vampire and werewolf etc are smashed into one book, for me it was just a bit too much. Now would I recommend reading this? Yes, because every book deserves the right to be read and some people will fall in love with the roller coaster of emotions and plots.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of The Call of the Wild Werewolf from co-author Carl Waters.

I unfortunately never read The Call of the Wild by Jack London so I cannot speak to which sections were from London and which were from Waters.

I found the book highly entertaining. I enjoyed reading the book from the werewolf's point of view. It was interesting to read how he was broken and remade stronger than ever. I also enjoyed reading that the werewolf was able to show loyalty which is sometimes rare in stories of werewolves.

All in all I highly enjoyed this story. I may need to read my copy of The Call of the Wild just so I have something to compare with.

[iamjenai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read The Call of the Wild by Jack London so I cannot comment on this being a mash up of that book.

The Call of the Wild Werewolf is different from the werewolf books I've read in the past, this didn't have the usual paranormal stuff/feel, it's like a serious werewolf book. Surprisingly, I liked Carl Water's idea here, how a werewolf is made/turned, how they feel being trapped in an animal body, etc. Buck's story is relatable, I can feel his sorrow as a man and as a werewolf. Although some parts dragged on, I still enjoyed reading his journey to conquering his fears and achieving his dreams.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite the interesting read. I admit I had anticipating a different ending all the way through the book, even up to the end. Despite it not ending the anticipated way, the book was complete and whole and sucked me in. Now that I've finished it, I'm actually sad this isn't a series. I'd list this among my favorites that'd I'd reread.

I wasn't a fan of "The Call of the Wild" by London when I was younger, BUT after reading this spinoff, I actually want to read it again. Granted, the original probably still won't make my favorites list, but it'd be great to read with an older mindset and with this story looping in the background.

This book is worth your time.

[Iesha (In east shade house at...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Call of the Wild Werewolf is an rather creative story that centers around werewolves. I've read numerous werewolf stories, and I must say that Jack London & Carl Waters did an excellent job in creating a story that isn't centered around werewolf from a humanoid perception. After reading the first chapter, I was hooked! It's not everyday that one comes across a werewolf stories that's unique in every aspect. (My personal opinion) I don't want to add spoilers here, but this is one story packed with some werewolf action. Overall, I think the book is a great read for any werewolf reader fan.

[Kristine Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think of this book like the meme that's going around that says "type the last thing you did and then add 'because I'm Batman' behind it." It's Jack London's nearly complete text of The Call of the Wild, but it's been appended. Very little of London's writing has been changed, but author Carl Waters has added enough that a paranormal spin has been placed on the story -- and it works. Full review on Hall Ways http://kristinehallways.blogspot.com/...

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich in vivid descriptions of natural beauty, heartbreaking cruelty and desperate survival this is an exciting new retelling of the Jack London classic call of the wild where the main character Buck Miller is kidnapped and turned into a werewolf to meet the demand for sled dogs for the Alaskan gold rush.

[Raina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given the book for an honest review.

I did enjoy the journey of Buck from man to wolf to werewolf. Even though the story is short it did feel like it dragged in some spots.

This is not the normal werewolf story. It does bring a fresh take to it. I think the vampires in it could of been taken out or had more to do with the story.

[Susan Csoke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Buck Miller through his turmoils at the hands of Vampires. The son of a wealthy judge > Buck is kidnapped and turned into a werewolf.. He is brutalized into pulling sleds, which nearly kills him. THANK YOU GOODREADS FOR THIS FREE BOOK

[Bookdragon94 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of mashup novels, werewolves, and vampires I was instantly intrigued by this story. It does not let you down. This tale will sweep you up in the beginning and carry you until the end on a marvelous journey. So, if you are ready, dive in!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never read The Call of the Wild, so I can't honestly say whether or not it was a good retelling. I mean, I actually liked the book. I thought that it was filled with adventure, and I enjoyed the complexity of the plot. Overall, it was a good book and I enjoyed reading it.

[Mike Porch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how it's not a traditional werewolf story. Look forward to reading more titles in the future. Thank you for the copy.

[Bookishwives · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. Really enjoyed it! Full review over here: https://bookishwives.wordpress.com/20...