The Originals Rage by David Watkins: Howling Good Finish

But it’s not all blood and guts; there’s heart here too. I found myself genuinely caring about these characters, even the ones with excessive body hair. The emotional stakes are sky-high, and the ending, while not what everyone expected, subverts traditional werewolf tropes in a way that feels both satisfying and brutally honest.

What’s the difference between a werewolf and a librarian? One’s a hairy monster that hunts in packs and terrifies everyone it encounters, and the other is a mythical creature from folklore! Okay, okay, I’ll stop with the jokes now. As the third and final instalment in The Originals series, this book doesn’t just tie up loose ends; it shreds them with razor-sharp claws and howls at the moon in wolftastic satisfaction.

The story picks up a decade after the events of the previous book, with Captain Peter Knowles still leading Britain’s charge against the wolf threat. Attacks have declined, and sightings are down. Still, things go fang-shaped when a botched mission in London reveals that the werewolves have discovered Knowles’ best-kept secret:

Jack Stadler (the Original werewolf) is still alive, and they know where to find him. What follows is a desperate race to protect Jack and his family while preventing the wolves from obtaining the Original’s power, which would tip the balance of the war irrevocably in their favour. Watkins weaves together multiple perspectives, from the battle-hardened Knowles to terrified werewolves just trying to survive, creating a narrative that’s as emotionally sound as it is violently thrilling.

Now, if you’re new to the series, you should probably know that this isn’t the place to start, unless you enjoy being thrown into the deep end with a pack of hungry werewolves. The Original’s Rage works as the final chapter in a trilogy that began with The Original’s Return and continued with The Original’s Retribution. In the second book, werewolves massacred a motorway service station, and their existence was leaked to the public via video, leading to a government task force dedicated to exterminating all werewolves, regardless of whether they’ve harmed humans. This context is crucial because it sets the stage for the brutal, no-holds-barred conflict that is the core of the plot in the third book.

This book is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. The opening scene, alone, with parallel POVs of Knowles and a werewolf named Harry, showcases the bowel-emptying terror both sides feel toward each other. But amidst all the carnage, Watkins never loses sight of the human (and wolfish) emotions driving the action. The fear, the desperation, the rage, it all feels visceral and real, like a claw tearing through your insides.

Watkins explores themes of prejudice and bigotry through this lens of horror. We see werewolves who aren’t just mindless killers but complex individuals with relationships, addictions, and fears. Their portrayal as “harmless, troubled people, not beasts” makes Knowles’ brutal mission against them all the more morally complicated.

But it’s not all blood and guts; there’s a lot of heart here too. I found myself genuinely caring about these characters on a deep level, even the ones with excessive body hair who might have seemed less relatable at first. The emotional stakes are incredibly high, creating a gripping and intense experience throughout the story. The ending, while not what everyone might have expected, cleverly subverts traditional werewolf tropes in a way that feels both deeply satisfying and brutally honest, leaving a lasting impression.

The Original’s Rage is an undeniable howling success, masterfully combining elements of horror, heartfelt emotion, and sharp social commentary in a way that will leave you feeling both deeply satisfied and emotionally exhausted. This story not only captivates but also resonates on multiple levels, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Just a friendly warning: after diving into this gripping tale, you might find yourself wanting to keep the lights on all night and steer clear of dark forests for quite some time. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to double-check all my door locks and make a trip to stock up on silver bullets and other protective charms, just to be on the safe side!

The Originals Rage: A werewolf thriller (The Originals Book 3) by David Watkins

For ten years, Captain Peter Knowles has been at the front line of Britain’s defence against the wolf threat. Attacks have been on the decline and wolf sightings have decreased.

However, a botched mission in London reveals a new threat. This wolf pack has information Knowles has tried to keep secret.

They know Jack Stadler is alive.

And they know where to find him…

Praise for David Watkins:
“Great monsters and dynamic characters make this brutal, bloody, brilliant novel an essential read.” – Tim Lebbon, author of The Last Storm

“a heart thumping, balls-to-the-wall thriller with some pretty neat plot twists. Highly recommended.” – Dave Jeffery, author of the A Quiet Apocalypse series“…pitch-perfect action sequences combine with the wild Celtic magic to create a genuinely thrilling experience” – JIM MCLEOD, GINGERNUTS OF HORROR

“…a wonderful mix of old school horror story and psychological mind games.” – GBHBL.COM

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