Book Review: The Wolf King is a Fast-paced Fantasy Romance for Fans of Brooding, Banter, and Fated Love
I picked The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman up on a whim because the cover is gorgeous and even though I feel like I keep getting burned by Booktok Romantasy recommendations, I can’t help but continue to read them, and find that rare gem. THIS though, was a such a fun time. It’s a very bingeable Romantasy and I can totally see why it’s gaining popularity on Booktok and Bookstagram. Imagine the gritty werewolves from the movie, Underworld, but put them in tartan kilts and the time period vibes of Braveheart, and you get The Wolf King. Yeah, it’s a fun time. There’s also a lot of political intrigue and the beginnings of what I believe is going to be a love triangle. Book two is already out on audio (links below), and the ending of this one made me want to dive right in. Plus, you can’t go wrong with this gorgeous first print run special edition with sprayed edges—it’s gorgeous. If you like a possessive wolf, a strong FMC, and a morally gray “doctor”, you’ll probably love this.
Things to Know:
Werewolves
Enemies to lovers
Kidnapping
Political Intrigue
Historical Scottish Highland vibes
Spice
We meet the FMC, Princess Aurora (aka Rory) the night before she’s supposed to be married to this really horrific, evil Lord that her father is trying to ally with, so he’s basically trading her for this creep’s loyalty. Yuck. And their entertainment is werewolves fighting to the death. What a lovely betrothal gift, right? He’s truly the worst. No spoilers, but of course she has a savior complex and goes to the dungeons to try and help a young wolf out, and later gets kidnapped and taken to the wolf clans' territory.
Callum, one of our MMCs is the typical alpha (pun intended). He’s big and broody, and handsome and super protective of our FMC—even if he was planning to trade her for something to help his people in the beginning. Look, I like him, but he’s not the most interesting of characters. He’s pretty cookie cutter what you would expect.
I can’t help it, I loved Blake. Blake is apparently a super dangerous alpha, but nobody will really say why. He has some great banter with Rory, and they definitely aren’t friends, but he has a lot of secrets. Plus, he’s conniving and has some interesting goals (no spoilers!). I’m especially excited for book two because I honestly am rooting for him. Is that bad? Sorry Callum.
Now I saw a video saying this wasn’t spicy. Ummmm did we read the same book? I felt this book was actually a bit too spicy for me, but y’all know I’m not a spice fan, so to each their own. Again, the story is super fast paced and very bingeable. Is it the most groundbreaking romantasy you’ve ever read? No. But it was a fun time and I think would be a great palette cleanser between slower reads.
The audiobook is duel narrated, and the MMC has a delicious Scottish accent. You’re welcome. ;) You can find the audiobook on Audible or Libro.fm (ProTips: Audible is 99 cents/mo for three months right now AND you can get two free audiobooks on Libro.fm with the code SWITCH right now).
Pro Tip: Book Two, The Night Prince comes out February 10th and also has a gorgeous first print run edition with sprayed edges!
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