The Howling

I read this novel when it was originally released in 1977, back when Stephen King released The Shining and then every horror novel had to have a title ending in ing. I was fifteen years old.

I seem to remember enjoying it, but could remember no details whatsoever from the story. So, it was interesting revisiting it (through the Books of the Dead reprints, with gorgeous interlocking cover artwork). And you know what? It's a fun read.

Brandner will never be mistaken for a stunningly talented wordsmith, but in this novel he crafted a decent, suspenseful, sexy werewolf tale. It certainly isn't without its flaws, and I think the rape at the beginning felt a touch gratuitous, but taken as a whole, while the wolves are kept mostly at bay until show more the final pages, it's still an engaging story.

I'm actually finding myself looking forward to the next novel. show less

I’m giving this book a perfect 5/5 in the following context. This is a very short read. It is seen as a classic of the trashy pulp horrors of the 70s. Parts of it do have a fantastic sense of dread.

In this context it gets a 5/5. However if you don’t like short novels that aren’t as politically correct as modern books, then maybe skip this one.

This was nowhere near as good as his other book [book:The Brain Eaters|2088320]. Frankly, the best part of the book (pardon my phrasing) is the horrific rape scene that kicks it off. The werewolf stuff was okay once it got going but all too brief. Most of the novel spends its time setting things up leaving me caught in a holding pattern. The plot is paper-thin, and the characters are not complex at all. Not that they had to be but if I'm to spend that much time with them, I need a little something more. Speaking of characters, the lesbian nun felt a bit cliche but that might just be the nun-sploitation part of my brain speaking. I knew immediately what she was there for, some minor exposition and then fodder. Her death scene though was show more pretty good. To sum things up, the 1981 Joe Dante film is the superior version of this story. Just skip this book and watch the movie. show less

Classic old school werewolf story. I have to say it is MUCH easier for the baddies to get to you when live in the mountains and your only means of communication is a phone at the local mom and pop grocery store in town and you don't even know how to drive. What young adult person didn't know how to drive in the 70's? Lots of stereotypes from the time period. The hero even drives a suped up Camero. They don't mention the gold chains and the half open silk shirt but if you grew up in the 70's you know that they are there.

Consider it a time capsule. And a fun one at that. Crisp writing. Action that proceeds at a perfect pace. Nasty werewolves from the old country transplanted into the mountains in America. A sexy gypsy woman for a villain. show more What is not to like?

3.5 Stars show less

"A few minutes later he was very glad that she was asleep. Because in sleep she could not hear what he heard off somewhere in the night. The howling."

A Re-Read.

It's interesting how the movies were created based on these books - the story-line for this original novel actually made it into the fourth Howling movie and not the first, with the exception of the ending, which fits (to a point) the first movie. Personally I loved the first movie, so it would have been nice to have that in story form here, but obviously the book was written first anyway so that's a moot point.

Up until about halfway, the book has a story almost identical to the fourth movie, but then we can see how the screenwriters started changing things up. I prefer the show more book's finish of a story-line since it paints the husband in a more sympathetic - and also multi-dimensional - view. Still, some of the characters are a little bit of a stereotype, the premise is rather cheesy on the demonic origins, but it does craft a decent horror story that focuses on furry monsters.

A note on why I'm mentioning the movies so much - most people familiar with these stories grew up with the films, as bad as some of them were, not the actual books, so the story keeps coming to mind in comparison. It was a delight to be able to re-read this one and find it in digital form, since my old paperback (much loved) was already used when found and has suffered more damage over the years since.

What could come across creepy doesn't necessarily do so except for one scene where Karen looks out and sees a wolf downright goading her on the front lawn at night. The author focuses a bit too much on the she-wolf vixen and the developing pull over the husband. Toss in the former nun as a friend and companion and that helped keep the story more complex and not so focused on just husband and wife running into problems. Karen had the conflicted friend to help her be filled in on some of the town's history and to keep the story pushing forward, but there was also the Grocery story matronly pal who took up some of the book.

The story opens with a rape scene that was downright uncomfortable, which is why they move to the town of Drago in the first place for a temporary mental vacation. It was realistic how much Karen struggled with intimacy with her husband in the story, and the author handled that well and delicately, but throwing in the lust of another woman drawing him away when Karen is obviously not able to fulfill him isn't always a needed part of the story. Ah well, life is what it is I guess.

The ending is a bit too abrupt, though - an extended epilogue would have wrapped it up smoother. show less

this is everything a werewolf novella should be, flawed characters with personal demons battling the unknown in a rustic setting. I loved it from start to finish! this was my first [a:Gary Brandner|248431|Gary Brandner|http://www.goodreads.com/assets/nophoto/nophoto-M-50x66-e07624dc012f2cce49c7d9aa6500c6c0.jpg] book and I loved the writing style, there is something about the way it is written that sets it apart that I just can't put my finger on but I have a feeling that after reading a few of his books he will be one of those authors that you can sometimes identify by the writing style alone. I can't wait to get into the rest of the series.

Nothing Special.

I was looking for something light after reading a couple of heavier books. This was light; maybe too light.

The story is typical of the 70s, 80s horror stories that intends to take an old story line or myth and modernize it. The author succeeds to a point. However, the characters were fairly shallow and the plot predictable. I did not find myself caring for the characters and, by the last quarter of the story, just wanted to get through it. The story lacked suspense and was fairly predictable. Perhaps, if I had read it when it came out in 1977 I’d have a better opinion of it. As it is, I’m just sorry I wasted my time.