What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wolves of Dynamo
Thirteen-year-old Eileen MacCormick has always called Dynamo City home. Its bustling streets, imposing Cathedral, and enveloping forest fascinate her, giving her solace after the death of her father. But after moving closer to the forest she finds so comforting, she discovers that it hides a dark, magical world. Eileen's life changes irrevocably when she crosses paths with a murderer who is terrorizing the city. Heartsick, she finds herself drawn back to the forest where an enclave of mysterious wolves reveal themselves to her. Eileen is shocked to learn she can communicate with the wolves and outraged when the ancient animals demand she lure the murderer to the forest. How can these creatures ask this of her? How can a thirteen-year-old possibly catch a killer? Bewildered by her role in this new magical world, and by the wolves' extraordinary request, Eileen must battle her sorrow and find courage as she begins the most dangerous and incredible adventure of her life.
304 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2016
2 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Gareth S. Young
3 books167 followersGareth S. Young was born and raised in Scotland, but has now lived for more than 15 years in the American Midwest. This has played havoc with his accent.
In 2010, he published his first full length story, a mystery/suspense novel called Monsters.
In April 2013, his short story "The Orange-headed Serpent" was published in the Orange Karen Anthology.
In 2016, he published his second full length novel, The Wolves of Dynamo, part one of an audacious YA urban fantasy series.
Other upcoming works include Persephone, the much anticipated follow up to Monsters, and part two of the Dynamo City saga.
In 2010, he published his first full length story, a mystery/suspense novel called Monsters.
In April 2013, his short story "The Orange-headed Serpent" was published in the Orange Karen Anthology.
In 2016, he published his second full length novel, The Wolves of Dynamo, part one of an audacious YA urban fantasy series.
Other upcoming works include Persephone, the much anticipated follow up to Monsters, and part two of the Dynamo City saga.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 10, 2016
A well written Young Adult Fantasy book that licks along at a good pace. Difficult to put down as I was always anxious to find out what happened next. Good characterisations and understandable conflicts between the sometime tragic events affecting a thirteen year old girl and the adults who appear as good, strange or, sometimes, even scary protagonists. The world in which the author has placed Eileen is a grand mix of urban realism in Dynamo City with its reflections of crime and hidden heroes and villains. All the while it is surrounded by the fantastical imagery and action that takes place in the Forest. And there are some truly mysterious characters, not to mention the Wolves themselves. All in all, it is what used to be called a ripping good yarn and can be enjoyed by all ages. I understand that this is to be the first in a series of such stories. This one certainly leaves you wanting more as the Author cleverly leaves a number of doors open for the future of Eileen and her fellow travellers on this strange and addictive journey.
I also read this author's other publication, Monsters, a crime thriller. In both books he displays a good talent in painting his key characters, making the reader identify with and happy to travel along on their journeys.
I look forward to more of both.
I also read this author's other publication, Monsters, a crime thriller. In both books he displays a good talent in painting his key characters, making the reader identify with and happy to travel along on their journeys.
I look forward to more of both.
February 15, 2016
Eileen is a little bit of all of us. Her life contains sprigs of tragedy, heartache, unanswered questions, and enough curiosity to delve her into danger without looking both ways.
Gareth S. Young surprised me with this tale. Not because of how well written it is, but because of unexpected elements not usually included in a typical urban fantasy novel. All the crucial elements were present and then we're introduced to characters which immerse us in fantasy including mythical creatures, vigilant superheros, and murderous mystery.
Regardless of genre specifics, The Wolves of Dynamo includes a cast of lovable characters you wish existed as well as easily hated characters who you still strive to find out everything about.
Gareth S. Young left me wanting the next book immediately and wishing I didn't have to wait.
Gareth S. Young surprised me with this tale. Not because of how well written it is, but because of unexpected elements not usually included in a typical urban fantasy novel. All the crucial elements were present and then we're introduced to characters which immerse us in fantasy including mythical creatures, vigilant superheros, and murderous mystery.
Regardless of genre specifics, The Wolves of Dynamo includes a cast of lovable characters you wish existed as well as easily hated characters who you still strive to find out everything about.
Gareth S. Young left me wanting the next book immediately and wishing I didn't have to wait.
May 12, 2016
I received a copy from the author for an honest review. Full review here : http://www.chocomeiske.com/2016/05/02...
The plot was interesting and innovative and I can't wait to read the sequel which I'm expecting big things from.
The plot was interesting and innovative and I can't wait to read the sequel which I'm expecting big things from.
January 31, 2019
‘The Wolves of Dynamo’ is a modern fantasy that will appeal to audiences who enjoy the current Golden Age of Television, whilst also harkening back to serials of Silver Screen Hollywood. The novel distils the best from the aforementioned and combines it with the modern archetype of the hero.
This book introduces a post-industrial, urban city: Dynamo City. It is a place steeped in magic and mayhem, heroes and villians. The main protagonist is a thirteen year old girl named Eileen MacCormick, and through her (often) tragic story the reader is led through the streets and taken into the wilds of this dark, predatory city.
Essentially, this is a murder plot. But in its telling, there are revealed many unusual truths and characters who have one foot in reality and another in an all too real, parallel fantasy.
The novel retains an innocent quality which lends itself well to the main character's journey. It makes the magical reality accessible. There is a lot to digest, however the narrative skips along at a quick pace ensuring that the plot never gets bogged down. The story flows well, and the author makes use of efficient chapters.
Eileen, straddles childhood and adulthood, so her own narrative personifies the Dynamo City. The city is spliced down the middle, between the mundane and the mystical; good and evil. Eileen is both child-like and adult; she is innocent and yet knowing; placid and bullish. It is through her that the central themes of the story (progression, growth) are presented.
I enjoyed ‘The Wolves of Dynamo’, its characters and mise en scene. Everything was well fleshed out without overloading the novel. And there is a real sense that there is still more to come.
This book introduces a post-industrial, urban city: Dynamo City. It is a place steeped in magic and mayhem, heroes and villians. The main protagonist is a thirteen year old girl named Eileen MacCormick, and through her (often) tragic story the reader is led through the streets and taken into the wilds of this dark, predatory city.
Essentially, this is a murder plot. But in its telling, there are revealed many unusual truths and characters who have one foot in reality and another in an all too real, parallel fantasy.
The novel retains an innocent quality which lends itself well to the main character's journey. It makes the magical reality accessible. There is a lot to digest, however the narrative skips along at a quick pace ensuring that the plot never gets bogged down. The story flows well, and the author makes use of efficient chapters.
Eileen, straddles childhood and adulthood, so her own narrative personifies the Dynamo City. The city is spliced down the middle, between the mundane and the mystical; good and evil. Eileen is both child-like and adult; she is innocent and yet knowing; placid and bullish. It is through her that the central themes of the story (progression, growth) are presented.
I enjoyed ‘The Wolves of Dynamo’, its characters and mise en scene. Everything was well fleshed out without overloading the novel. And there is a real sense that there is still more to come.
July 25, 2017
I received this book free in exchange for my honest review.
I read this book today while my husband worked on Derby Cars and It was such a quick and easy read that I started on another book before he was completely finished. Eileen is so real and has so many traits that I can relate to. The setting of Dynamo City is so strong and surreal. The Imagery was written beyond belief. I couldn't put this book. It went at a steady pace without having any real "Down" times. The stories being read about the princess Aellyra were even well written. I feel like so many different ages would be impressed with the varied sentences, vocabulary and the great use of imagery and descriptive words. Would read again and again.
I read this book today while my husband worked on Derby Cars and It was such a quick and easy read that I started on another book before he was completely finished. Eileen is so real and has so many traits that I can relate to. The setting of Dynamo City is so strong and surreal. The Imagery was written beyond belief. I couldn't put this book. It went at a steady pace without having any real "Down" times. The stories being read about the princess Aellyra were even well written. I feel like so many different ages would be impressed with the varied sentences, vocabulary and the great use of imagery and descriptive words. Would read again and again.
September 6, 2017
This book arrived unexpectedly in the mail – I believe it was from a Goodreads Giveaway, but I was never notified I’d won one. It’s even signed by the author!
I am….a little puzzled on how I feel about this book. It has a bit of a confusing, dream-like quality to it, which fits the book, but left me a little less than satisfied. It always felt like I was forgetting details, or like the book assumed I knew things about the world that I didn’t. (Much like many dreams.) The plot was unique, the characters could have used more depth, the division between forest and city was indistinct, and the conclusion was unsatisfying. It could have been very good, but I think it needs a lot more polish.
The physical book itself felt like an ARC, even though it’s not. I think it’s the simplistic cover and the typesetting. It just doesn’t feel – finished. Like much of the book. I’d give this a pass, but I might be interested in future writings by the author, if his style matures and his editor improves.
See all my reviews at Goddess in the Stacks
I am….a little puzzled on how I feel about this book. It has a bit of a confusing, dream-like quality to it, which fits the book, but left me a little less than satisfied. It always felt like I was forgetting details, or like the book assumed I knew things about the world that I didn’t. (Much like many dreams.) The plot was unique, the characters could have used more depth, the division between forest and city was indistinct, and the conclusion was unsatisfying. It could have been very good, but I think it needs a lot more polish.
The physical book itself felt like an ARC, even though it’s not. I think it’s the simplistic cover and the typesetting. It just doesn’t feel – finished. Like much of the book. I’d give this a pass, but I might be interested in future writings by the author, if his style matures and his editor improves.
See all my reviews at Goddess in the Stacks
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews