The Last Werewolf

May 2, 2011
At the start of British author Duncan's fine supernatural thriller, centuries-old lycanthrope Jake Marlowe learns he has become the last known werewolf on earth. Soon Jake is on the run from not only WOCOP, an antioccult agency that wants to hunt him down for sport, but also vampires, who have discovered that a werewolf bite can desensitize them to the ravages of sun exposure. After escaping horrible torments at the hands of both parties, Jake is shocked to discover that he may not be the last wolf standing, and that it's crucial he survive to propagate his species. Duncan (A Day and a Night and a Day) keeps the pages turning with hairbreadth escapes that have Jake globe-trotting for dear life from Europe to the U.S., but the true allure of his tale is the poetic and evocative prose by which Jake relates his transformations, kills, and thoughts. Savvy and exceptionally literate, this is one smart modern werewolf tale. 100,000 first printing.

Starred review from May 1, 2011

Duncan continues the long tradition of werewolf literature in this harrowing novel of lupine transformation.

In the 21st century the victims of werewolves' bites have been dying rather than transforming, so when the penultimate werewolf is eliminated, Jake Marlowe becomes the last. Jake is on the hit list for WOCOP, the World Organization for the Control of Occult Phenomena, and he expects to be eliminated by Grainer, whose family he had killed and devoured during a full moon a while back. Helping Jake is his friend Harley, whom he had saved from a homophobic attack some 30 years before. Jake realizes the stakes are high when Harley's head is delivered to him...so obviously no help will come from that quarter. We find out that Jake was born in the early 19th century and became a werewolf through a brief and fluky encounter with one while on a trip to Wales. His transformation led him to kill and eat his beloved wife Arabella. (Duncan gives us much more information about werewolves to devour—for example, that their libidos become hyperactive during the time of the full moon.) Although Jake fully expects to be eliminated, he makes every effort to escape from the various, mostly inept hunters WOCOP sends. And then something unprecedented and earth-shattering occurs—his acute sense of smell leads him to find another werewolf, this one a female named Talulla Demetriou. Together they go on the lam, but Grainer continues his pursuit—at least until Ellis, Grainer's protege, tries to strike a deal with Jake, for Ellis would like to kill Grainer instead. It seems as though having at least one werewolf alive gives Ellis a reason for living.

Duncan's writing is quirky and brilliant—and definitely not for kids.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

Starred review from March 1, 2011

Yes, this novel by the keen-eyed, edgy Duncan (A Day and a Night and a Day) features the last living werewolf. And, yes, there are vampires here, who crave Jake for reasons that won't be revealed. But don't give this book to Twilight groupies; the frank tone, dark wit, and elegant, sophisticated language will likely do them in. Jake Marlowe knows he's alone in the world because his only friend, Harley, who's tapped into WOCOP (World Organisation for the Control of Occult Phenomena), has learned that the penultimate wulf was just killed. When Jake discovers his singular status, he's ready to die himself; he's lived two centuries with his burden and knows that he's targeted by a WOCOP higher-up whose father he killed and ate. Then something big happens to change Jake's resolve. Duncan does not pretty up Jake, instead making his monthly transformation and desire for sex, blood, and death ("fuckkilleat") unadorned and brutal. But he also makes Jake's drive to survive our own, even as he shows us Jake's--dare one say it--humanity. VERDICT An adult rendering of a legend that's currently running amok, this work is smart, original, and completely absorbing. Highly recommended. [See Prepub Alert, 1/3/11.]--Barbara Hoffert, Library Journal

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2011
I just dont want anymore life, writes Marlow in his diary. He is the last of his kind, a werewolf with no pack, and feeling suicidal. Hes being hunted by the werewolf division of WOCOP (World Organization for the Control of Occult Phenomena), so why not turn himself in anyway? The head of the WOCOP intends to kill him by the next full moon, not as a man, but as a beast. Both haunted and hollowed by the atrocious hunger to feed on human flesh when the curse changes him, Marlow has his reasons to end it. That is, until he discovers someone else, aside from the usual suspects, seems to want him, too. Though shelves appear to overflow with supernatural fare like this, a space should be cleared for this violent, sexy thriller. Marlow does quite a bit of contemporary philosophizing in an almost noirish fashion. However, as a character with such a long life span and no more will to live, hes still surprised by life and quite charming. The wrench Duncan throws midway through the plot will leave the reader and Marlow gasping in shock. This title proves to be the answer to Twilight that adults have been waiting for. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: A 100,000-copy first printing, national media appearances by the author, and extensive print and online advertising guarantee a curious readership.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)