Saint Peter's Wolf

The plot of SAINT PETERS WOLF varies significantly from the typical werewolf story. (For the traditional, think of the movie with Lon Chaney, Jr.) In this novel, instead of becoming a werewolf by being bitten by one, one becomes a werewolf through a combination of predisposition and proximity to an ancient set of silver fangs. Only a select few are so affected. Other variances from the common tradition are the continuing metamorphoses through which Cadmun's werewolf goes, and finally it is a story of love.With this oversimplification of the plot, I'm going to vary from the traditional review format by posing a series of questions that can only be answered by reading Cadnum's novel.All of the following questions, except the last, are based on SAINT PETERS WOLF.What is the meaning of the title?How is it possible that a beast can be seen as both a threat and a victim?What is lycanthropy, and is it actual, mythological, or a form of mental illness?Is werewolf or vampire hunting the obsession of a madman, the hobby of an evil man, or the duty of a moral man, or perhaps, some strange combination of all of the above?How does becoming a werewolf affect the human half of the werewolf?Does the wolf half have human feelings?After reading this novel, could you have empathy for a werewolf?And the final question: If someone told you that they were a werewolf in their human manifestation, could you believe them?I would hope that these questions might stimulate your curiosity enough to make you want to read SAINT PETERS WOLF.

Benjamin Byrd recieves a set of silver fangs which will transform him into a creature of the night in this unique werewolf novel. Now he feels truly alive for perhaps the first time in his life. Will he have to give up the silver fangs? Are there others of his kind? Can he really be free? The writing in this fresh and compelling novel reminded me a bit of Jonathan Carroll's although I'm at a loss to pinpoint why. The story moves along with the pace of a wolf running through the night. Read it and be swept along with it.

As you follow Benjamin Bryd through the story you can't help but want to be the character. He finds the meaning to his purpose in life, he roams free and finds the only thing he needs.