Amazing!! I can't wait until the continuing book is released. This story is compelling, horrifying and oh so wonderful! Come on September, arrive soon!

Eerie, poetic, and deeply atmospheric, Prey Upon the Lambs is a haunting descent into the frostbitten heart of 19th-century rural Russia. As a brutal winter settles over the isolated village of Obrechen, a predator unlike any other begins to stalk the land—not a mere animal, but something uncanny. A wolf of startling intelligence and size targets human victims, and the townspeople’s efforts to stop it spiral into chaos and bloodshed.

At the story’s emotional center is Galina Sekova, a woman of grace and mystery, shunned for her status as the Countess of Kalinin’s mistress. She is blamed by the local priest for the wolf’s horrors. With only a sharp-witted village girl and an orphaned boy by her side, Galina races to unearth the truth behind the beast’s origins before it devours everything.

Every sentence demanded attention. The writing is lush and immersive, soaked in snow and shadow. I found myself pausing to reread passages just to linger in the mood the author had conjured. If you’re drawn to the folkloric dread of books like The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, or the bleak mythic tension of The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid, this will speak to you.

The ending left me breathless and hungry for more. The author has crafted something special here—eerie, elegant, and unforgettable.

Highly recommended for readers who like their fantasy rooted in history, with a touch of horror and a strong emotional core.

*Note: I received the book as an ARC from Netgalley & leaving this review voluntarily

I’ll start with a praise for that ‘An American werewolf in London’ reference in the pub.

I read my fair share of werewolf horror novels (my bookshelves can vouch for my obsession), so with that in mind, I can tell you right away that this isn't just another werewolf story—’Prey upon the lambs’ feels more special because of the setting and the emotional tone. Every single character, from the main ones to the smallest parts, feels so real and so alive. You can't help but get invested in them, whether you love them or absolutely despise them.

And speaking of people I couldn't stand, I've never hated a character as much as Pavel. He's just so manipulative and despicable, especially with how he treats his own son, Leo. Every time he showed up, I was secretly rooting for the werewolf to just appear and rip him to shreds. I know he has his own issues, but the way he acts is just repulsive.

The werewolf itself? Breathtaking. Not because of the way it was described and its thrilling gory attacks (could be a bit more descriptive for the sake of the horror, but it’s enough as it is too), but because it felt so obvious who the wolf was and yet this damn novel still managed to make me doubt my guess. The first attack scene was absolutely majestic. The way it toyed with the hunter felt like pure, delicious karmic justice. I was literally holding my breath, and hoping it wasn’t just an expendable wolf meant to be killed by the hunter.

I was so excited when Bogdan finally came into the spotlight. The way he slowly integrates into the village, becoming this wise, protective force, is just charming. He's like a knight in shining armor for the villagers, and I just couldn’t help but feel my heart swell at the sweet ‘found family’ vibe for him and even for Alexei and Leo.

But honestly, the moment that got me was when Alexei and Oksana helped Leo get out of his house for his birthday to be taken to Galina. I could feel that deep down in my bones. It was like watching someone finally break free from a cage. As someone who loves to travel and explore, I completely understood the joy and freedom he was feeling.

This book also does a fantastic job of highlighting the darkness in people. The law enforcement wanting to blame the one Jewish boy (Alexei) in town for the killings, and the priest rallying the villagers against Galina because they believe her ‘sins’ brought the wolf upon them—it's all a disgusting, but sadly realistic, look at how fear and prejudice (read that as religious fanaticism) can twist people.

The story itself is simple but keeps you hooked. The two different groups trying to deal with the "wolf" in their own flawed ways, the way the plot unfolds, the incredible character depth—it all just works.

Not to forget, considering I have two fur boys myself, I absolutely loved Alexei’s relationship with Ivan, his dog. And I knew it won’t last for long (a very cheap shot, Mr. Finn), but I ‘survived’ the moment.

The introduction of Romanian elements were a great touch too! As someone from Romania, I loved seeing our culture represented in a werewolf novel because we have enough folklore surrounding vârcolaci, vampires and other spirits.

The ending is as expected open for a sequel, which I simply cannot wait for. I need to jump into that right away, because there are many questions and I need answers, not to mention I need more of Bogdan and justice for Leo (you know what I mean).

Many, many thanks to Jack Finn, Anuci Press, and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a voluntary review, reflecting solely my opinion.