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Wolf Man
One beautiful woman. One underworld conspiracy. One silver bullet. Photojournalist Steve Lurgan returns from the War in Kosovo, and falls in love with a Serbian national in modern-day NYC. Meanwhile, Jana Dragana's career is being compromised by her drug addiction, but her exploiters end up as victims of a mysterious attack. NYPD detective Darko Lucic suspects the murders are part of a larger conspiracy. But is it an underground network of criminals that is behind the killings, or something even more sinister?
128 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2013
About the author
John Reinhard Dizon
83 books60 followersJohn Reinhard Dizon was born and raised in the Cobble Hill section of Brooklyn, NY. He participated in local and high school sports at Bishop Loughlin MHS, excelling in wrestling, hockey and football. The lead vocalist of the Spoiler and the Ducky Boys, he was a key figure on the Brooklyn rock scene during the Punk Revolution of the 70's. Relocating to San Antonio TX in the 80's, he moonlighted as a pro wrestler while working as a legal assistant. He successfully pursued a BA at UTSA and degrees in Korean martial arts during the 90's. He currently lives in KC MO where he is studying for his MA in English at UMKC. Mr. Dizon has been studying and writing about Irish history for over twenty-five years.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 23, 2014
A clever and action packed novel which is well researched and full of surprises. Ever wondered what it's like to have incredible powers? Powers than come with consequences, both good and bad. For one man struggling to come to terms with his past and the things he has seen and done, the beast within him is both a weapon to be wielded, and a curse he must bear. He can save the love of his life from the drug dealers and pimps intent on her destruction, but can he ever really win her given all that he is?
You'll enjoy reading this short story and the battle raging within Steve Lurgan. I don't want to give away what happens but if you like thrillers with an edge, give this one a go.
You'll enjoy reading this short story and the battle raging within Steve Lurgan. I don't want to give away what happens but if you like thrillers with an edge, give this one a go.
May 30, 2021
"An interesting fantasy crime thriller where the mystery of homicides and the fate of a Wolf Man will leave the readers intrigued until the suspense is revealed."
- Shelley Reviews
Man or a Wolf Man?
Summary
Wolf Man is a story of Steve Lurgan a photojournalist who survives a mysterious wolf attack while covering war stories from Serbia, Jana Dragana an aspiring actress who gets trapped in the world of drug mafia, and an honest investigating detective Darko Lucic. Fate and friendship bring them together when the city reports a series of unusual homicides where the victims, mostly drug dealers and gangsters were ripped apart in a wild animal attack. Darko suspects Steve of hiding the truth on the ground of being a common element in all of the attacks, unaware of the big picture involving a racket of drugs, organ trading and terror organizations like Al-Qaeda. While one of them struggles with his new identity and escape both police and mafia, the three of them try to uncover the truth behind the mystery of the inevitable deaths and the true mastermind of the organ harvesting market.
Structure and Element of the Book
The Wolf Man is a fantasy crime thriller story where the plot is weaved around suspicious unnatural homicides, organ trading and supernatural elements with a hint of romance. The set up drifts between high tension, conflicts in New York City to chilling deserted mountains of Serbia where a lot of backstory takes place. The story follows the narrative arc with a quick addition of new element of suspense as the scene changed until the climax approaches. However, such quick transitions and additions becomes a lot for the reader to keep with and unfortunately can lose interest.
Writing
The story has enough twists and turns to make it a good gripping thriller, but the editing makes it difficult for the reader to focus and enjoy. After reading the story, one may feel that the author has done some serious research about the plot, given the meticulous details. The author has also done a good job in portraying the agony and pain of the protagonist of bearing the weight of the new found identity. Some of the dialogues will catch your attention and stay with you even after the story is over.
“It was the roar of neither man nor beast, rather that of the Devil himself.”
However, there is a lot of room for editing so the storytelling does not lose the reader’s interest. Some changes can be done in the next edition such as removing unnecessary angles of terror outfits, shortening the backstory in Kosovo, revising the sentences, paragraph lengths and spacing.
“No matter where you go, this thing will find you.”
Recommendation
The Wolf Man is recommended to all fantasy and crime thriller lovers. It is a short and interesting read where the mystery of homicides and the fate of the Wolf Man will intrigue the readers till the end until the suspense is revealed.
Shelley Reviews Rating
Story: 3.5/5
Structure & Elements: 3.5/5
Writing:3.5/5
Creativity: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
- Shelley Reviews
Man or a Wolf Man?
Summary
Wolf Man is a story of Steve Lurgan a photojournalist who survives a mysterious wolf attack while covering war stories from Serbia, Jana Dragana an aspiring actress who gets trapped in the world of drug mafia, and an honest investigating detective Darko Lucic. Fate and friendship bring them together when the city reports a series of unusual homicides where the victims, mostly drug dealers and gangsters were ripped apart in a wild animal attack. Darko suspects Steve of hiding the truth on the ground of being a common element in all of the attacks, unaware of the big picture involving a racket of drugs, organ trading and terror organizations like Al-Qaeda. While one of them struggles with his new identity and escape both police and mafia, the three of them try to uncover the truth behind the mystery of the inevitable deaths and the true mastermind of the organ harvesting market.
Structure and Element of the Book
The Wolf Man is a fantasy crime thriller story where the plot is weaved around suspicious unnatural homicides, organ trading and supernatural elements with a hint of romance. The set up drifts between high tension, conflicts in New York City to chilling deserted mountains of Serbia where a lot of backstory takes place. The story follows the narrative arc with a quick addition of new element of suspense as the scene changed until the climax approaches. However, such quick transitions and additions becomes a lot for the reader to keep with and unfortunately can lose interest.
Writing
The story has enough twists and turns to make it a good gripping thriller, but the editing makes it difficult for the reader to focus and enjoy. After reading the story, one may feel that the author has done some serious research about the plot, given the meticulous details. The author has also done a good job in portraying the agony and pain of the protagonist of bearing the weight of the new found identity. Some of the dialogues will catch your attention and stay with you even after the story is over.
“It was the roar of neither man nor beast, rather that of the Devil himself.”
However, there is a lot of room for editing so the storytelling does not lose the reader’s interest. Some changes can be done in the next edition such as removing unnecessary angles of terror outfits, shortening the backstory in Kosovo, revising the sentences, paragraph lengths and spacing.
“No matter where you go, this thing will find you.”
Recommendation
The Wolf Man is recommended to all fantasy and crime thriller lovers. It is a short and interesting read where the mystery of homicides and the fate of the Wolf Man will intrigue the readers till the end until the suspense is revealed.
Shelley Reviews Rating
Story: 3.5/5
Structure & Elements: 3.5/5
Writing:3.5/5
Creativity: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
March 10, 2021
The story begins in the Sar Mountains at the Albanian border, where the KLA troops massacre the Serbians and sell their body parts for organs. During The Serbian War, journalist Steve Lurgan stumbles into the KLA base. His fellow journalists are killed while Captain Evilenko saves Steve. The Captain sends Steve into the mountains, where the mythical wolf of the mountains attacks him. Lurgan kills the creature and survives but is never the same.
Over the years, Captain Evilenko pursues the legendary wolf until he locates Steve. Their paths cross once again as Steve attempts to help his neighbor, Jana Dragana, an addict indebted to a crack dealer. When her life is in danger, the wolf arrives and kills the dealer and his men. The enormous animal stares into her eyes before vanishing.
As Detective Darko Lucic investigates the bloody wolf murders, he uncovers the prior connection between Lurgan and Evilenko. He is determined to locate Evilenko, even when he must work with Steve.
Can Steve save the woman he loves from Evilenko and his associates? The tale of The Beauty and the Beast has never been as enticing.
Over the years, Captain Evilenko pursues the legendary wolf until he locates Steve. Their paths cross once again as Steve attempts to help his neighbor, Jana Dragana, an addict indebted to a crack dealer. When her life is in danger, the wolf arrives and kills the dealer and his men. The enormous animal stares into her eyes before vanishing.
As Detective Darko Lucic investigates the bloody wolf murders, he uncovers the prior connection between Lurgan and Evilenko. He is determined to locate Evilenko, even when he must work with Steve.
Can Steve save the woman he loves from Evilenko and his associates? The tale of The Beauty and the Beast has never been as enticing.
April 9, 2021
From the beginning to end, the Wolf Man has been a spellbinding magical thrill ride,
The characters are so great, each one of them. There are so many parts of this book that are my favorite.
Jana Dragana who dreamt to be model, cross paths with Steve Lurgan. Lurgan fell in love with Jana. Lurgan is the character I easily can relate with. Lurgan was trapped in circumstances. He fought the monster within and the real enemies while stepping away from the girl she loved most.
The storyline is both exciting and captivating and features lots of action, intrigue, danger, and love.
A book worth your money and time. Highly recommended. Another book of JRD follows next in my schedule.
♥Nancy
The characters are so great, each one of them. There are so many parts of this book that are my favorite.
Jana Dragana who dreamt to be model, cross paths with Steve Lurgan. Lurgan fell in love with Jana. Lurgan is the character I easily can relate with. Lurgan was trapped in circumstances. He fought the monster within and the real enemies while stepping away from the girl she loved most.
The storyline is both exciting and captivating and features lots of action, intrigue, danger, and love.
A book worth your money and time. Highly recommended. Another book of JRD follows next in my schedule.
♥Nancy
December 21, 2013
One beautiful woman
One underworld conspiracy
One silver bullet
or so the cover says...
The book starts with an explanation of multimillion dollar drug dealer, who can't be busted, has his fingers in everything, and can have everything he wants. He also gets the actresses, who acts for his studios, hooked on coke so that in their desperation they go to see him. While unreasonable, it has happened in movies or whatever.
So this girl, Jana, goes see the doper, Kane, and while he acts like he and his chums are "gonna git sum" they have an actual conversation about movies...not to mention this guy was just there sitting in a chair.
The first chapter builds to some action where a guy pulls out an Uzi and steps outside. And then the carnage began...or so the book said, but ended with a scene break where Jana wakes up in Bellevue.
The ensuing police "investigation" for lack of a better term is also labored. At least we're told that an attack dog ripped the guys to shreds-obviously a werewolf, but no way a police officer jumps to such a conclusion. I mean they're cops, not demon hunters.
Overall, the story has some serious pacing problems. A great deal is due to the abuse of passive voicing; everything could happen, or would happen. One paragraph had four instances of such. The other issue with pace is the constant over explaining of where everyone was and what they said. Of course dialogue is necessary, but in most cases the participants rarely stayed on topic. With such a short story, 86 pages, a reader expects for the cursed hero to console his lady love rather quickly, but it never really happens at all; the protagonist, if he is the protagonist, doesn't want to scare off his object of love, but it's because of him that she's caught up in the whole mess, and is all too eager to hunt down Serbian terrorists.
One good thing is the feel that the author did his research into Serbian terrorism, but that is often obscured by the generic dialogue, and cheesy characters. As a whole, the characters make the story outlandish. It is this reviewer's personal opinion that no one who acts the way that these characters do ever makes it as far in life as these guys.
If nothing else, one can identify with heart ache of the cursed wolf man.
One underworld conspiracy
One silver bullet
or so the cover says...
The book starts with an explanation of multimillion dollar drug dealer, who can't be busted, has his fingers in everything, and can have everything he wants. He also gets the actresses, who acts for his studios, hooked on coke so that in their desperation they go to see him. While unreasonable, it has happened in movies or whatever.
So this girl, Jana, goes see the doper, Kane, and while he acts like he and his chums are "gonna git sum" they have an actual conversation about movies...not to mention this guy was just there sitting in a chair.
The first chapter builds to some action where a guy pulls out an Uzi and steps outside. And then the carnage began...or so the book said, but ended with a scene break where Jana wakes up in Bellevue.
The ensuing police "investigation" for lack of a better term is also labored. At least we're told that an attack dog ripped the guys to shreds-obviously a werewolf, but no way a police officer jumps to such a conclusion. I mean they're cops, not demon hunters.
Overall, the story has some serious pacing problems. A great deal is due to the abuse of passive voicing; everything could happen, or would happen. One paragraph had four instances of such. The other issue with pace is the constant over explaining of where everyone was and what they said. Of course dialogue is necessary, but in most cases the participants rarely stayed on topic. With such a short story, 86 pages, a reader expects for the cursed hero to console his lady love rather quickly, but it never really happens at all; the protagonist, if he is the protagonist, doesn't want to scare off his object of love, but it's because of him that she's caught up in the whole mess, and is all too eager to hunt down Serbian terrorists.
One good thing is the feel that the author did his research into Serbian terrorism, but that is often obscured by the generic dialogue, and cheesy characters. As a whole, the characters make the story outlandish. It is this reviewer's personal opinion that no one who acts the way that these characters do ever makes it as far in life as these guys.
If nothing else, one can identify with heart ache of the cursed wolf man.
December 27, 2013
I have just finished reading two gripping crime thrillers by John Reinhard Dizon, WOLFMAN and TIARA. Having read the two of them in quick succession, I really feel that I have begun to come to grips with the 'war-spy-crime-thriller' genre and the character of an author whose background as a musician, pro-wrestler and writer must be a "front" for a past career as a spy, soldier of fortune or undercover police operative - though we'll never know this for sure. Everything he writes testifies to an intimate knowledge of Uzis, AK-47s, rocket grenades and the dirty sides of the two of the most vicious and enduring conflicts in recent history: the relatively brief but genocidal war in the Balkans and the decades-long murderous struggle in Northern Ireland.
WOLFMAN is a short novel or novella set in both the Accursed Mountains along the Albanian border in Kosova and in the seamy streets of New York controlled by drug-dealers and traffickers in human body parts. The blighted hero is photojournalist Steve Lurgan who escapes death in Kosova only to find it return to haunt him as only a living death can. He desperately tries to believe that he can find love, leaving behind him a trail of carnage as he battles the dregs of criminal life while avoiding police scrutiny and trying to save the woman he loves at a distance from a gradual descent into her own personal hell. Lurgan's character is well-drawn and believable despite the transformations he undergoes. The description of little-known criminal sidelines carried on during the war in Kosova and echoed in the streets of New York are frightening and intensely realistic. This is a fast moving, spirited, leanly written and action-packed short novel that deserves the epithet of being "a real page turner" that keeps you in suspense until the very end. It is highly recommended.
WOLFMAN is a short novel or novella set in both the Accursed Mountains along the Albanian border in Kosova and in the seamy streets of New York controlled by drug-dealers and traffickers in human body parts. The blighted hero is photojournalist Steve Lurgan who escapes death in Kosova only to find it return to haunt him as only a living death can. He desperately tries to believe that he can find love, leaving behind him a trail of carnage as he battles the dregs of criminal life while avoiding police scrutiny and trying to save the woman he loves at a distance from a gradual descent into her own personal hell. Lurgan's character is well-drawn and believable despite the transformations he undergoes. The description of little-known criminal sidelines carried on during the war in Kosova and echoed in the streets of New York are frightening and intensely realistic. This is a fast moving, spirited, leanly written and action-packed short novel that deserves the epithet of being "a real page turner" that keeps you in suspense until the very end. It is highly recommended.
September 11, 2014
What do you get when you mix Serbian terrorists, NY drug dealers with uzis, model drug addicts, and organ transplant rings? You get John Reinhard Dizon's Wolf Man!
I love historical fiction, therefore I quite enjoyed the background narrative regarding the Serbian War and terrorists-- that part was obviously well researched. But the horror/supernatural buff in me was elated to read about the descriptions of the character's transformation into the wolf. That scene was probably one of the better descriptions I have ever read regarding any wolf metamorphosis. I am also a crime buff... so when drug dealers, black market organ thieves and a vigilante were thrown into the mix, I felt as though all my cravings were satisified!
Another reviewer discussed "problems" with the writing. I admit, I do not think this book is edited as well as another book of Dizon's I have read. However, that does not distract from the story, flow, or characters.
The only thing I can say negatively about the book: In one line the narrative states mountain lions tend to stay away from the wolf. Unless I misread, the wolf was supposed to be in the Catskills NY--- there are no mountain lions east of the Rocky Mountains. Perhaps it was meant that the character had traveled in the past. Other than that one point, I found this to be a well-written, well researched story. Those who are unable to dismiss belief should not be reading this genre anyway. Kudos to Dizon for this entertaining 86 page story.
I love historical fiction, therefore I quite enjoyed the background narrative regarding the Serbian War and terrorists-- that part was obviously well researched. But the horror/supernatural buff in me was elated to read about the descriptions of the character's transformation into the wolf. That scene was probably one of the better descriptions I have ever read regarding any wolf metamorphosis. I am also a crime buff... so when drug dealers, black market organ thieves and a vigilante were thrown into the mix, I felt as though all my cravings were satisified!
Another reviewer discussed "problems" with the writing. I admit, I do not think this book is edited as well as another book of Dizon's I have read. However, that does not distract from the story, flow, or characters.
The only thing I can say negatively about the book: In one line the narrative states mountain lions tend to stay away from the wolf. Unless I misread, the wolf was supposed to be in the Catskills NY--- there are no mountain lions east of the Rocky Mountains. Perhaps it was meant that the character had traveled in the past. Other than that one point, I found this to be a well-written, well researched story. Those who are unable to dismiss belief should not be reading this genre anyway. Kudos to Dizon for this entertaining 86 page story.
December 27, 2013
John Reinhard Dizon brings us a new novel with some great plot twists, excitement, and very human characters.
What struck me right away with this story was its pacing, and how quickly the author takes you through a dark journey of discovery, love, and courage.
Jana Dragana is an aspiring model who happens to be friends with Steve Lurgan, a man with a shadowy past and an even darker secret. Steve's past soon comes to haunt him, and we are given a tale that explores the origins of his past, the beast that he holds caged within, and how it all effects the woman he secretly loves.
Officer Lucic, when he is introduced, at first appears to be another antagonist of the story, but soon proves to be a great ally for our suffering hero.
John delivers some very interesting characters. Not only are they likeable, but they are human as well. I found myself growing to care for Steve and Jana, and as the pages turned, I sat back mesmerized by their struggles. A good story is always a must in any novel, but the realism and humanism of these characters was what made it for me. I really enjoyed this story. It's rare for me to read an entire book in one sitting, but that's what happened with this one.
Bravo, John Dizon. I look forward to more of your works in the near future.
What struck me right away with this story was its pacing, and how quickly the author takes you through a dark journey of discovery, love, and courage.
Jana Dragana is an aspiring model who happens to be friends with Steve Lurgan, a man with a shadowy past and an even darker secret. Steve's past soon comes to haunt him, and we are given a tale that explores the origins of his past, the beast that he holds caged within, and how it all effects the woman he secretly loves.
Officer Lucic, when he is introduced, at first appears to be another antagonist of the story, but soon proves to be a great ally for our suffering hero.
John delivers some very interesting characters. Not only are they likeable, but they are human as well. I found myself growing to care for Steve and Jana, and as the pages turned, I sat back mesmerized by their struggles. A good story is always a must in any novel, but the realism and humanism of these characters was what made it for me. I really enjoyed this story. It's rare for me to read an entire book in one sitting, but that's what happened with this one.
Bravo, John Dizon. I look forward to more of your works in the near future.
June 9, 2016
I am not particularly a fan of werewolf stories or those of vampires. I decided to read this story as it was relatively short and I had read one other book by this author in the past.
The manner in which the main character becomes a werewolf in the story left me wondering how long it took for him to realize that being bitten by a creature he killed recreated the creature. There were some issues in my mind about his learning of the nature of the beast. I thought they could have been resolved very easily with a little additional story telling.
The rest of the story brings the creature to a potential love affair which in the end he feels he cannot have. The love interest involves him again with people he met at the time he became a werewolf.The people he must deal with are murderers, drug dealers, and actually try to set off an anthrax bomb in New York City. Their loss is of no moment to a society in which violence seems the only means of dealing with the crimes they commit.
I think the story is well written and for that reason I have given it a four star rating. There was a large editing failure, that of failing to justify all the pages thereby leading to somewhat of a presentation problem.
The manner in which the main character becomes a werewolf in the story left me wondering how long it took for him to realize that being bitten by a creature he killed recreated the creature. There were some issues in my mind about his learning of the nature of the beast. I thought they could have been resolved very easily with a little additional story telling.
The rest of the story brings the creature to a potential love affair which in the end he feels he cannot have. The love interest involves him again with people he met at the time he became a werewolf.The people he must deal with are murderers, drug dealers, and actually try to set off an anthrax bomb in New York City. Their loss is of no moment to a society in which violence seems the only means of dealing with the crimes they commit.
I think the story is well written and for that reason I have given it a four star rating. There was a large editing failure, that of failing to justify all the pages thereby leading to somewhat of a presentation problem.
December 28, 2013
Wolfman by John R. Dizon is a pulse pounding action adventure novella with a supernatural twist. The scene is set in New York although frequently reverts to past events and legends in Europe within the Serbia area. Steve Lurgan is an attractive international photojournalist whom returned to the states after an episode in the Accursed Mountains while researching a human organ smuggling ring. In New York he makes friends with the beautiful Mirjana, a Serbian who fled to America becoming a model/ actress. Steve finds his past crashing into his present and Mirjana as a damsel in distress.
This novella has it all; a magnetic attraction begging for romance, a horrifying bloodthirsty beast, and a cornucopia of action. Character names such as Evilenko, Darko and Mirjana assist in giving a surreal quality to the story.The plot flows smoothly and is guided by the varying twists and turns which culminate into an explosive ending.
An awesome read that invites a sequel!
This novella has it all; a magnetic attraction begging for romance, a horrifying bloodthirsty beast, and a cornucopia of action. Character names such as Evilenko, Darko and Mirjana assist in giving a surreal quality to the story.The plot flows smoothly and is guided by the varying twists and turns which culminate into an explosive ending.
An awesome read that invites a sequel!
July 2, 2014
Super Supernatural Novella!
I was given an early version of this book so I was at a bit of a disadvantage as there are some parts that have undoubtedly been changed since then. Nevertheless, Wolf Man is a great read from the awesome cover to the unexpected ending. I was very impressed with the writing and with the plot. I greatly enjoyed the attraction between Steve Lurgan, the photojournalist who was attacked by a wolf while on a job in The Accursed Mountains, and the beautiful but addicted Mirjana who had fallen prey to shady film makers.
The scenes where Lurgan undergoes the change from human to supernatural beast are among the best in the book. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg because an underworld figure specializing in organ trafficking is determined to find a way to use Lurgan’s new power for his own ends.
It’s quite a story, one that you will read in one sitting. The ending was left open for a sequel. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I was given an early version of this book so I was at a bit of a disadvantage as there are some parts that have undoubtedly been changed since then. Nevertheless, Wolf Man is a great read from the awesome cover to the unexpected ending. I was very impressed with the writing and with the plot. I greatly enjoyed the attraction between Steve Lurgan, the photojournalist who was attacked by a wolf while on a job in The Accursed Mountains, and the beautiful but addicted Mirjana who had fallen prey to shady film makers.
The scenes where Lurgan undergoes the change from human to supernatural beast are among the best in the book. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg because an underworld figure specializing in organ trafficking is determined to find a way to use Lurgan’s new power for his own ends.
It’s quite a story, one that you will read in one sitting. The ending was left open for a sequel. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
December 20, 2013
This was an amazing book. John Dizon knows how to make characters readers love and connect with.Steve Lurgan was attacked by a wolf and his life will never be quite the same, especially with the changes he faces and reading about his metamorphosis is fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and highly recommend it. The author takes you into the story and doesn't let you go until the last word. I would definitely keep this novel on my bookshelf.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews