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Summary: The Wolfen: They Kill, They Eat, They Are Just Like Us
Review: A sub-category of the horror genre is that of the man-killing creature that has co-existed with humanity since the dawn of time. Usually, horror writers delve into the supernatural for creatures that Go Bump In the Night. Whitley Streiber, in his novel, THE WOLFEN, tells a compelling yet strangely believable tale of a race of intelligent carnivores that split off from their canine ancestors milennia ago and have feasted on the dregs of human society: the weak, the old, the lost, and the sick. As the novel opens, two police officers are killed and consumed while guarding auto wrecks. As their police brethren investigate, two of them, detectives George Wilson and Becky Neff, realize that the two cops were not killed by a stray pack of wild mutts. Their investigation gradually reveals that the killers knew what they were doing and were equally determined to keep evidence of their existence a secret. The plot boils down to a race between the Wolfen's trying to kill Wilson and Neff before they can reveal the existence of the pack and the detectives' attempts to convince the world that the nightmare has already begun.
What makes the book a solid read is not only the fluid writing of Streiber, but also his vast knowledge of canine habits and intelligence. The best parts of the book are not the hide and seek confrontations between the detectives and the pack but the scholarly discussions of wolfen history, anatomy, and mythology. Early in the novel, Wilson and Neff find a pawprint of a wolfen and take it to a canine biologist for analysis. The biologist studies it for a while and says, "It can't exist. Too perfect a mutation. No defects at all. Plus it's at least three steps ahead of its canine ancestors." The doctor's incredulity fades as he rethinks his objection, so he goes out to find them and is torn apart for his troubles.
Whenever any writer of horror succeeds in convincing his reader that his premise could truly have happened, it is not because of his knowledge of the topic or even his technical skill at balancing a confrontation between the creatures and those who oppose them. The real test of making a monster leap off the page at the reader lies in the writer's ability to give a face and a voice to the creatures. If the creatures are seen only as lethal and bloody killing machines, then the reader cannot empathize with them. Streiber avoids this difficulty by presenting the Wolfen as killing but taking no pleasure in their killing. In fact, he goes to great pains to exhibit a long-lived species as doing merely what they have always done. The Wolfen are described as having an efficient social hierarchy, a supportive inter-family relationship, and a sense of teamwork when confronting human beings. In short, they are seen as roughly four-legged versions of human beings who do what they have to do to survive, but unlike humans, the Wolfen are not given to post-killing rationalization for their bloody deeds. It is this gentle pairing off and comparing of the habits, mores, and attitudes of both competing species that lends the novel its peculiar power. Perhaps the inner lesson of THE WOLFEN is that the killing of any species for survival can be justified on that basis alone, and if humanity claims that right for itself, then it can hardly fault the Wolfen for doing the same.
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Summary: Chilling modern classic
Review: I first read this book way back in 1980 or so, shortly after it's publication. At the time I was 12; since then I've probably read the book a good 10 times! Why? Well, I'm a voracious reader who is often forced to plunder the collection just for something to read (if I can't get to the library or find anything new in the shops), but even so, a book has to be pretty damn good for me to read it more than twice. Oh, and I'm a card-carrying werewolf nut...
Since I read Wolfen, I've also taken in much of Strieber's other works but I have to say in my opinion this stands head & shoulders above the rest of his output. It's also by some way my favourite werewolf tale of all time.
The first thing that distinguishes this book from the rest is the central concept that the werewolves aren't supernatural beings at all, but a species of canine so exquisitely evolved that to those who encounter them the only explanation for their incredible abilities is that they must be men transformed into wolves. This is a bold idea (unfortunately dispensed with in the film version) and one that I've not seen done by anyone else. They have escaped prior detection by feeding only on the dregs of human society and by completely consuming the bodies of their dead so no corpses are left for human discovery.
The second point of note is the sheer quality of the writing. Even now, this book still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up - and I've read it so many times I practically know it by heart! Strieber uses a superbly economical style which instils a feeling of pure dread at several points in the book. His genius is to really make you feel the pressure the protagonists are under as they realise they are totally out of their depth - and hardly anyone else believes what they have uncovered.
A great deal of the pleasure to be had from this book is the attention to detail with regard to both canine physiology and werewolf mythology. The journey of discovery as our heroes slowly piece together the identity of their mysterious and hideous foes is one to relish.
For me, one of the standout passages in the book is where discovery of some remains have drawn Detectives Wilson and Neff to the very lair of the Wolfen. The tension as the werewolves attempt to lure the humans by mimicking the cries of a wounded child is almost unbearable, and the conversation between the two detectives as they relive their close escape afterwards in the (supposed) safety of their car is both moving and deeply frightening. Other high points are the sections told from the werewolves point of view, particularly their description of hunts for pleasure in the autumn forests, which is truly chilling.
Of course the book isn't perfect. The economical style is, in some ways, a mixed blessing. Certain passages are dispensed with almost too quickly, and overall the book could certainly have stood another 50 or even 100 pages. As it is, some of the supporting characters do seem a little `cardboard' although this doesn't really detract from the overall effect. Reading the book today, some elements have dated severely (particularly the reference to a `neighbourhood electronics freak' - a guy with a computer in his living room!) but this is hardly a criticism. My main problem with the premise is that one has to believe that these animals have been able to eradicate every trace of their own existence sufficiently that no evidence has EVER been unearthed in the last 200 years or so. The logical conclusion would have to be that they have been completely self-aware since the beginning of their evolution - but why would they have bothered to hide their existence when the early humans would have been of little threat to them? From a purely physiological view, I also have my doubts about the combination of the werewolves 40mph+ running speed and their 'handlike' prehensile paws which allow them to scale tall buildings and open doors.
All this is nitpicking of course. The main purpose of a horror thriller is how it makes you feel. In this `Wolfen' succeeds brilliantly. Suspend your disbelief and dive in; if it hasn't hooked you in the first 5 pages I'll eat my hat. Enjoy.
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Summary: 15 years later, I still have nightmares
Review: I read this book ages ago, when I was in 7th or 8th grade. Normally, 'horror' books don't do much for me... if they're written well or have an interesting concept, they can make decent reads... but this one scared the bejeesus out of me... reading the book, it wasn't particularly scary... but the author's descriptions were just so real the wolfen took on a life of their own, I could see them in situations and know how they'd react... and when they entered my dreams, they were as real as any dream can be... gave me nightmares for months after reading it, and every once in a while since then, I'll have one, usually after seeing some sort of wolf-involved movie...
Rating:
Summary: 15 years later, I still have nightmares
Review: I read this book ages ago, when I was in 7th or 8th grade. Normally, 'horror' books don't do much for me... if they're written well or have an interesting concept, they can make decent reads... but this one scared the bejeesus out of me... reading the book, it wasn't particularly scary... but the author's descriptions were just so real the wolfen took on a life of their own, I could see them in situations and know how they'd react... and when they entered my dreams, they were as real as any dream can be... gave me nightmares for months after reading it, and every once in a while since then, I'll have one, usually after seeing some sort of wolf-involved movie...
Rating: 
Summary: Movie Was Better
Review: One of those few instances of the movie being an improvement on the book. While I had no problem with Mr. Streiber's writing, and enjoyed his forays into the minds of the Wolfen, I didn't think the story rang true. The police accepted the existence of the Wolfen too readily, and there were certain instances (like the scene in which they attacked after using the wounded policeman in Central Park as a decoy and Wilson and Becky escaped on the motorcycle) that seemed kind of contrived and a little too hard to explain away. How could oversized dogs chase away two detectives on motorbikes without all the patrolmen at the crime scene noticing, or at the least asking more questions? The Medical Examiner's subsequent motivation for staying away from the larger group where he'd be safe and electing to crawl into the detectives' car likewise didn't make much sense.Having seen the movie first, I missed the Native American angle as well. Communion is a better novel.
Rating:
Summary: Movie Was Better
Review: One of those few instances of the movie being an improvement on the book. While I had no problem with Mr. Streiber's writing, and enjoyed his forays into the minds of the Wolfen, I didn't think the story rang true. The police accepted the existence of the Wolfen too readily, and there were certain instances (like the scene in which they attacked after using the wounded policeman in Central Park as a decoy and Wilson and Becky escaped on the motorcycle) that seemed kind of contrived and a little too hard to explain away. How could oversized dogs chase away two detectives on motorbikes without all the patrolmen at the crime scene noticing, or at the least asking more questions? The Medical Examiner's subsequent motivation for staying away from the larger group where he'd be safe and electing to crawl into the detectives' car likewise didn't make much sense. Having seen the movie first, I missed the Native American angle as well. Communion is a better novel.
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Summary: Wolfen is One Howling Tell !
Review: Strieber's entry to stardom came by way of The Wolfen. An excellent premise dominates this book about intelligent wolves, cops, and city politics. The writing style as well as the plot is a little primitive at times but does not distract from the overall story. Lots of twist and turns add to the mystery. I like how the Author stays within the bounds of reality and does jag-off into some kind of fantasy like so many writers today. It is horror at it's best. The movie and the book are somewhat different so don't get one expecting a repeat of the other. Highly recommended!
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Summary: Know what it means to be hunted
Review: The only book I ever read that had me waking up in the middle of the night frightened for my life. So well written it makes the story almost believable. After all, science continues to discover incredible animals and animal behavior every day. This book is about a pack of highly intelligent wolves that live in the inner city and prey the weak and homeless; those that will not be missed. They dedicate their lives to keeping their existence a secret by always covering their tracks wherever they go. They know we are a dangerous enemy that would exterminate them if we knew they existed. A pair of detectives investigate the death of two cops who turned up in the wrong place at the wrong time and were killed by a foolish young wolfen who hadn't learned not to attack the strong and young yet. The two detectives uncover some of the truth and, naturally, nobody believes them. But the wolfen know that they know and the hunt is on. Every step they take could be their last as they struggle to prove the existence of something that nobody has seen and survived. Brilliantly written and makes you feel unsafe, even in your own bed.
Rating:
Summary: Know what it means to be hunted
Review: The only book I ever read that had me waking up in the middle of the night frightened for my life. So well written it makes the story almost believable. After all, science continues to discover incredible animals and animal behavior every day. This book is about a pack of highly intelligent wolves that live in the inner city and prey the weak and homeless; those that will not be missed. They dedicate their lives to keeping their existence a secret by always covering their tracks wherever they go. They know we are a dangerous enemy that would exterminate them if we knew they existed. A pair of detectives investigate the death of two cops who turned up in the wrong place at the wrong time and were killed by a foolish young wolfen who hadn't learned not to attack the strong and young yet. The two detectives uncover some of the truth and, naturally, nobody believes them. But the wolfen know that they know and the hunt is on. Every step they take could be their last as they struggle to prove the existence of something that nobody has seen and survived. Brilliantly written and makes you feel unsafe, even in your own bed.
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Summary: Great Research Can't Save This Tired Werewolf Tale
Review: The Wolfen is a great showcase for the lycanthropy research Whitley Strieber seems to have done for this story, which in parts reads like an account of werewolf history, demographics and behavioral patterns. In fact, Strieber apparently has so much respect for the society of werewolves that he imparts to creatures greater intelligence and cultural richness than I have seen in any other horror story. An interesting and previously unseen (for me, anyway) aspect of this story is its narrative from the Wolfen's perspective. It's too bad that this dedication to and admiration for his subject couldn't save such a lame story, though. The dialog between all of the characters is dull and contrived, and there are a lot of relationship twists that get introduced and never resolved. For instance the crush that older, cranky detective George Wilson has for Becky Neff is mildly interesting, largely unbelievable (a 20 year age difference, a surface level disdain for one another), and completely useless. So is the confusion Becky feels for her husband Dick, who is mired in a police investigation for being on the take in order to fund his dad's nursing home bills. There are feuds and mistrust among the officers, medical examiner, and researchers as well, that seem to serve no other purpose than to create strife, and to make Becky and George's seem like mavericks in their pursuit of the werewolves that only they believe in (with a minimum of proof, I might add). To swallow the premise of this story, you pretty much need to believe that werewolves have been among us forever, including in our metropolitan areas, yet are intelligent enough to avoid human detection despite eating the weak among us (hobos, drunks, the blind, etc.). In fact, the Wolfen of the story would still be undiscovered were it not for an uncharacteristic errant attack on two police officers at the beginning of the story, and a series of absurd coincidences that eventually lead them into Becky and George's hands. The ending doesn't really solve much, either, and tries to pass off noncommittal as mysteriously vague.
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