Howl Series by Jody Morse and Jayme Morse

Join Samara and her pack in this young adult story featuring werewolves. Contains secrecy, mates, betrayal and a female alpha.

Title: Howl
Author: Jody Morse and Jayme Morse
Genres: Fantasy > Paranormal > Shapeshifters – Werewolves
Read Format: Kindle Edition
Total Pages: 1,712
Reading Date: 28th December 2024 – 26th January 2025

The reading order – How to Read Howl Series by Jody Morse and Jayme Morse

  • 1 Howl
  • 2 Blood Moon
  • 3 Wolfsbane
  • 4 Black Magic
  • 5 Marked
  • 6 Cursed
  • 7 A Girl and Her Wolf

Howl

Their first date changed her life forever.

Samara McKinley was just an ordinary teenager until she went on a date with Luke Davenport, the hot new guy at school. Their date didn’t go exactly as planned. She was bitten by a wolf. As weird things begin to happen, she soon learns that she wasn’t just bitten by any wolf. It was a werewolf.

While Samara tries to adapt to her new life as a werewolf, she begins to uncover secrets and finds herself faced with an important decision. One girl.Two packs. Where does she belong?

I see a good foundation for a story in this first instalment, but it needs refinement to really hook the reader. While the third-person narration isn’t my usual cup of tea (I much prefer the immediacy of first person), the core plot has promise.

Samara’s dilemma – being torn between her brother and her romantic interest – is an okay plot, her internal struggle makes it interesting. The suspense of how she’ll choose definitely makes me want to read the next book.

Beyond that, I would like to know about Samara’s bloodline. What makes her so desirable? Is she destined for great power? So far, the first book focuses primarily on establishing Samara’s ordinary life: her friends, and family, and the introduction of the werewolf packs.

Overall, It’s not the best story but also not the worst. If you’re looking for a light and entertaining read and can overlook some flaws, give this book a try 😉.


Blood Moon

Samara hasn’t even had time to adjust to being a shape shifter yet when her werewolf gene begins to make things even more complicated.

When she decided which wolf pack she wanted to belong to, she knew there would be consequences. Things with her family and friends become tenser, and the dynamics of the wolf pack are forever changed when fate chooses to make her the world’s first female Alpha. She’s also dealing with resistance from the wolves in her pack who believe girls aren’t meant to be Alpha. A part of her wonders if maybe they’re right.

In the meantime, she has bigger things to deal with–like learning how to fight before a big battle happens between packs. Another Alpha, Jason, wants to claim her life. Little does he know, she’s out for his, too.

I found the lesson for Samara somewhat childish. It’s also underdeveloped and rather brief, particularly compared to other stories I’ve read. The fact that Samara mastered it so effortlessly felt unrealistic. I would have preferred to see her facing more challenges and experiencing difficulty.

Furthermore, the huge tattoo Samara acquired with its potential to draw unwanted attention was highlighted earlier during the dress shopping but then never addressed again, even when Samara wore the dress to the prom.

The inconsistent use of names was also confusing, leading me to temporarily believe I was reading about another character.

What I liked was the anticipation of seeing her father’s and best friend’s reactions, but that also would have to wait until the next book. Overall, it was not a satisfying and engaging read.


Wolfsbane

When Samara McKinley discovers an Alaskan address that her grandfather had left behind for her when he died, she knows that she must travel to find out what is waiting for her there.

On the way, she meets new friends and discovers that someone from her past may be more loyal to her than she ever realized. With the help of new and old friends, Samara navigates her way through Alaskan territory and encounters old rivals.

This third book is more action-packed than the previous instalments. I enjoyed reading about Samara’s quest to find the legendary talisman left by her grandfather. We also get an intriguing glimpse into the Koto pack and their customs, which will be explored further in the sequel to the Howl series – the Koto Chronicles Series.

While the unique pack in Alaska is intriguing, first, we must see how Samara’s pack, the Ima, will deal with their growing threat. The main enemy, Jason’s Vyka pack, is getting stronger in number and more dangerous with the help of an insider, a betrayal felt deeply by someone close to Samara.

Meanwhile, I’m happy that Samara’s parents are finally in the loop about her new life. And even though I’m not the biggest fan of Emma, her so-called best friend, I must admit that it’s nice that Samara has someone from her old life joining her.


Black Magic

Though her grandfather’s legendary talisman is in the hands of her biggest enemy, Samara McKinley and the Ima pack have even more important issues to deal with right now—like finding out how to fight against the black magic that Jason Masterson, Alpha of the Vyka pack and their arch-rival, is using.

Will they overcome the obstacles they face along the way and be able to conquer the evil that awaits them?

I would much prefer if the characters are all at least 18 and above because all the political issues over the packs are best handled by more mature candidates. Currently, what the story presents to us sounds easy, with no challenges, critical thinking, or serious actions.

It was also a bit slow in tackling the main issue the Ima pack was having against Vyka. Most importantly, the talk about killing at a very young age does not sit well with me, let alone getting engaged at the age of 15! I wouldn’t want younger readers to get any ideas about these.

As for the so-called twist, it was predictable, given the earlier indications of the character’s support for Samara. On the other hand, I’m intrigued to see how Declan and Luke will manage to coexist going forward.


Marked

When the Ima and the Vyka packs merge into one, everything changes. Factor in the unusual tattoo that’s appeared on her neck out of nowhere, and Samara finds herself more confused than ever before. She finds it difficult to focus on her upcoming wedding when it’s clear that someone is out to get her—someone who’s willing to sacrifice innocent lives along the way.

In the midst of everything else, Samara must decide what’s best for her and her pack, but sometimes the right choice isn’t always clear—especially when there’s a risk of someone getting hurt . . .

You know, it’s always the final chapter that really hooks me! It’s always been that way, and it’s a neat trick to make you pick up the next book. Well, it definitely works for me!

However, overall, I’m still put off by the lack of action and the characters’ immaturity. You’d think if an adult, power-hungry leader was after you, you’d be training, and the whole pack would be united! Where is the sense of urgency?

That said, as the series nears its end, things might become more interesting, especially the question of whether Samara will end up with Luke or Declan and, of course, how the Tala pack will overcome the main villain.

As of the next book, I look forward to finding out who killed Brad, what that tattoo mystery is all about, why Penelope is doing what she’s doing, and if Samara’s grandfather really is still alive.


Cursed

When Samara arrives home from her honeymoon with Luke, she finds herself keeping more secrets from her mate—and her pack—than ever before. When the Tala pack travels to the Catskills to find out if there’s a chance that Samara’s grandfather, Joe McKinley, might still be alive, Samara finds herself witnessing a Vyka initiation that she would have rather not seen.

But as the Vyka get prepared to attack the Tala, Samara knows that they’re really out for blood this time. She needs to stay strong for her pack and must hope that no one she loves will be lost during the fight.

The ending to this book felt like it was the end of Samara’s story. I wonder why there’s still another book after this. After all, it came with an epilogue, and the book answered most of the questions.

Well, except for minor things like what happened to Rocco and if he figured out about the lie. Would he retaliate? He couldn’t possibly threaten Samara anymore😂.

Overall, I enjoyed the unexpected twist in the story, but I was a bit disappointed by the anticlimactic ending of the final fight. How convenient that Samara passed out and didn’t see it all happen. Also, the status of female alpha didn’t seem special for Samara anymore because Rain was also an alpha!


A Girl and Her Wolf

When Samara and Declan go away on their honeymoon, Emma and Colby are left with babysitting duty. With the rest of the pack also gone, they are eager to enjoy two weeks of relaxation in a quiet house with Davenport. But things in the Tala pack are never quiet. Bennett the ghost is still hanging around the house, much to Emma and Colby’s annoyance.

When Colby gets his hands on Emma’s diary, the two mates are forced to revisit old memories, all while they deal with the blunders of babysitting.

The last book in the series is about Colby and Emma babysitting Davenport while Samara and Declan are on their honeymoon. We learn stories about them before they even become mates.

The book also gives me the answer to what happened to Rocco. However, if the authors want to include elements of suspense in this story, it fails because we had read from the epilogue in the previous book that everything was fine.

Overall, the story told in this book wasn’t boring. It gives new information rather than all we have already known. So, read this book if you love Colby Jack and Emma and couldn’t get enough of the Howl series.


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