Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf

Fourteen-year-old Drew Ferran lives a quiet life on a farm in Lyssia until he discovers he is a Werewolf, one of the Werelords who rule the Seven Realms. After tragedy strikes his family, Drew must flee his home and navigate a kingdom where Werelords of different animal forms hold power and influence. The story follows Drew's journey across dangerous territories as he learns about his true identity and heritage. He encounters allies and enemies among the Werelords - therianthropes who can transform into bears, boars, foxes, and other beasts with supernatural abilities. This young adult fantasy combines medieval politics with shapeshifter mythology to explore themes of power, identity, and destiny. The stark class divisions between commoners and Werelords create a backdrop for examining how individuals cope with sudden changes in status and responsibility.

Readers rate Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf as an action-packed introduction to the series, aimed at ages 12-16. Many note it exceeds expectations for a "kids' werewolf book." Readers highlight: - Fast pacing and constant tension - Complex political intrigue for a YA novel - Original take on were-creatures beyond wolves - Character development of protagonist Drew - Detailed world-building Common criticisms: - Violence too graphic for younger readers - Predictable plot points - Slow start in first few chapters - Some flat secondary characters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (220+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "More depth than expected, with genuine surprises" - Goodreads reviewer "Too many violent deaths for middle grade" - Parent reviewer "Drew's transformation from farmboy to hero feels earned" - Amazon reviewer

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🐺 Curtis Jobling was the original production designer for the popular children's TV show "Bob the Builder" before becoming an author. 🗡️ The werewolves in Wereworld aren't limited to wolves - the series features various "werecreatures" including werelions, werebears, and wereboars, each ruling different kingdoms. 📚 The book was initially rejected by 14 publishers before being picked up by Penguin Books, who saw its potential as a young adult fantasy series. 🌍 The world-building in Wereworld was partly inspired by medieval European history, particularly the feudal system and power struggles between noble houses. 🎨 Jobling drew detailed maps and character sketches while writing the series, using his background as an artist to help visualize the world he was creating.