Review – House of Wolves

In Matt Bronleewe’s Illuminated sequel, House of Wolves, we find archeobibliologist August Adams’s life seemingly returning to more mundane matters after his wild ride in Illuminated. House of Wolves opens with August filling in for a wayward speaker on career day at his son’s school. For today’s stint, August has brought along an exquisite copy of the historic book, The Gospels of Henry the Lion. Certain the book is a copy sent from his father, August has no qualms about displaying it among the children.

This opening is an endearing scene that ends with August suspecting the book is not a copy but the twelfth century original. The realization is not hard to reach when a school security guard is murdered and members of the secret society, the Black Vehm try to run down August and Charlie to steal the book. This is the first of many chases through the streets to capture not only Charlie and August, but August’s ex-wife April and his father as well. Couple this action with Nazi secrets buried in the Antarctic ice, a family effort to solve a hidden puzzle, and you have a larger than life thriller. I have specifically withheld more details to keep from spoiling the plot for you.

Like Illuminated, House of Wolves is a fast moving read. But in House of Wolves, Bronleewe has fleshed out his main characters, and I found the family dynamics irresistible. The chemistry between father and son is engaging and charming, and of course, we read eagerly to see if August and April will ever get back together.

The writing is crisp with unique descriptions. The many action scenes are tight and fast moving, keeping the story racing forward. Bronleewe’s historical details are very complete and proof of his tireless research.