Howl of the Werewolf

Howl of the Werewolf is a Fighting Fantasy gamebook where players assume the role of a character cursed with lycanthropy. Set in the gothic realm of Lupravia, the story follows the protagonist's quest to find a cure while navigating through dark forests and oppressed towns toward Castle Wulfen. The book stands out in the Fighting Fantasy series with 515 references instead of the standard 400, offering expanded gameplay options and story branches. Published in 2007 by Wizard Books, it earned distinction as the first completely original gamebook in the Wizard series and went on to win "best gamebook" in a 2011 Fighting Fantazine poll. The setting connects to the larger Fighting Fantasy universe through its location in Mauristatia, sharing geographical proximity with the land of Mortvania from Vault of the Vampire. Players must collect crucial items and face various supernatural threats while working toward a confrontation with Count Varcolac. The book combines elements of gothic horror with interactive storytelling to explore themes of curse and redemption, while examining the tension between human nature and bestial impulses.

Readers note this Fighting Fantasy gamebook offers multiple paths through classic werewolf horror with branching storylines and different endings. Readers liked: - Atmospheric village and forest locations - Rules for transformation into werewolf form - Multiple solutions to encounters - Interior artwork capturing the gothic mood - Replay value from different character choices Common criticisms: - Some paths lead to unavoidable death - Difficulty finding the optimal route - Combat can be unbalanced - Limited options in certain story branches Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (44 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.3/5 (29 reviews) Internet Archive: 4/5 (12 reviews) Reader quotes: "The werewolf transformation mechanics add an interesting twist" - Goodreads reviewer "Too many instant death paragraphs that feel unfair" - Amazon reviewer "One of the better horror-themed FF books with good atmosphere" - FF Project forums

The Werewolf of Paris by Robert Hagstrom A gothic horror tale follows a cursed man through 19th century France as he struggles with his transformation into a werewolf during the Franco-Prussian War.

The Wolf's Hour by Robert R. McCammon A British spy who transforms into a werewolf works to stop a Nazi plot during World War II while confronting his dual nature.

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause A teenage werewolf navigates pack politics and forbidden love while trying to maintain her secret identity in the modern world.

Those Across the River by Christopher Buehlman A Depression-era professor moves to a small Georgia town where he discovers ancient werewolf secrets tied to the region's dark history.

Red Moon by Benjamin Percy In an alternate present where werewolves live among humans, political tensions and social upheaval threaten to expose centuries of careful coexistence.

🐺 The book features a unique "moon track" mechanic that measures the protagonist's gradual transformation into a werewolf, adding urgency to player decisions. 🏰 Lupravia is heavily inspired by Gothic horror settings like Transylvania and draws from Eastern European folklore traditions. 📚 Jonathan Green has written over 15 Fighting Fantasy gamebooks, making him one of the most prolific authors in the series alongside Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson. 🎲 The book contains multiple possible endings, including one where the player can embrace their werewolf nature and become ruler of Lupravia. 🎨 The original cover art was created by Martin McKenna, known for his distinctive horror illustrations in numerous Fighting Fantasy books and role-playing games.