The Wolf's Hour Author:Robert McCammon First published in 1989, The Wolf's Hour remains one of Robert McCammon's most indelible creations. Ranging freely and with great authority through realms of history, folklore, and myth, it combines two seemingly disparate genres the World War II action thriller and the paranormal romance into a seamless, irresistible whole. — McCammon's hero is ... more »Michael Gallatin, embattled inhabitant of two different worlds. Born into the Russian aristocracy, but 'changed' and raised by a pack of werewolves, Michael's journey takes him from the wild regions of his native Russia to the battle-scarred landscapes of a world at war. Offering his unique talents to the Allied cause, Michael becomes a sort of secret weapon aimed at the destruction of Hitler and his 'Thousand Year Reich.' His adventures take him from the deserts of North Africa to the German-occupied countries of Western Europe. There, with the aid of a vivid assortment of friends, comrades, and lovers, he uncovers a horrific conspiracy known as 'Iron Fist,' which threatens to disrupt the Allies' long-planned invasion of Europe and to alter the very outcome of the war.
Both a scrupulously researched historical thriller and a brilliant re-imagining of the traditional werewolf tale, The Wolf's Hour offers pleasure, excitement, and illumination on virtually every page. Exotic, enthralling, and endlessly inventive, it is the work of a master storyteller in full command of his matchless narrative gifts.
The Subterranean Press edition of The Wolf's Hour will feature an original introduction by Robert McCammon, as well as a full-color dust jacket and a number of color plates by Vincent Chong, including a gatefold illustration depicting the novel's famous 'death train' scene.« less
I hadn't read a McCammon novel for some time but when I do, I always seem to enjoy them no matter how preposterous the story may be. McCammon is known for his horror stories and his novels have been favorably compared to Stephen King. This one is a great WWII adventure with the protagonist also being a werewolf! Michael Gallatin was born in Russia to a noble family during the reign of Czar Nicholas and Alexandra and it is rumored that his biological father was actually Rasputin. Then the Russian revolution happens and Mikail's (his Russian name) family is killed by revolutionaries but he manages to escape by being bit by a werewolf and taken into their fold. The novel uses two time periods to tell Michael's story: his life growing up amid the werewolves and his life as a spy for Britain during WWII. It's a very long story at over 600 pages but it never failed to keep my interest with Michael fighting Rommel in North Africa and then being sent on a mission that could affect the Allied invasion on D-day. His adventures involve the resistance in France which eventually leads to Berlin and some very bad Nazis who are developing a weapon that could stop the allies. Michael gets involved with several women along the way and of course his ability to change into a wolf doesn't hurt. Overall, a very engaging read from McCammon that I enjoyed quite a lot.