The Last Werewolf

By: Glen Duncan

Narrated by: Robin Sachs

Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Then she opened her mouth to scream - and recognised me. It was what I’d been waiting for. She froze. She looked into my eyes. She said, “It’s you.”

Meet Jake. A bit on the elderly side (he turns 201 in March), but you’d never suspect it. Nonstop sex and exercise will do that for you - and a diet with lots of animal protein. Jake is a werewolf, and after the unfortunate and violent death of his one contemporary, he is now the last of his species. Although he is physically healthy, Jake is deeply distraught and lonely.

Jake’s depression has carried him to the point where he is actually contemplating suicide - even if it means terminating a legend thousands of years old. It would seem to be easy enough for him to end everything. But for very different reasons there are two dangerous groups pursuing him who will stop at nothing to keep him alive.

Here is a powerful, definitive new version of the werewolf legend - mesmerising and incredibly sexy. In Jake, Glen Duncan has given us a werewolf for the 21st century - a man whose deeds can only be described as monstrous but who is in some magical way deeply human.

One of the most original, audacious, and terrifying novels in years.

©2011 Robin Sachs (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A brilliantly original thriller, a love story, a witty treatise on male (and female) urges, even an existential musing on what it is to be human. Get one for yourself and one for the Twilight fan in your life.” (James Medd, The Word , UK)

“Space should be cleared for this violent, sexy thriller... The answer to Twilight that adults have been waiting for.” (Courtney Jones, Booklist)

“Yes, there are vampires here... But don’t give this book to Twilight groupies; the frank tone, dark wit, and elegant, sophisticated language will likely do them in... smart, original, and completely absorbing. Highly recommended.” (Barbara Hoffert, Library Journal)

Good book, but not as expected.

Loved the narration, but it seemed slow going. I found it wasn't until the middle of the book things finally got more interesting. Disappointed with the ending. <\3

Great

It was a great take on an old nemesis, which includes a fantastic reading and new ideas.

Extreme!

Certainly among the more graphic of werewolf stories I've read, which is as it should be for the genre. I think that in doing so it keeps the essence of the werewolf even thought there were a few times it seemed to go on a bit much to the point it made me uncomfortable. Still I loved learning about this 200+ years old man and his rich history. There were times I was reminded of Robert McGammon's werewolf spy from "The Wolf's Hour," and found myself wishing they could run into each other. I really enjoyed learning Mr. Duncan's take on the whole werewolf/vampire/demons as it was pretty unique I felt.

Gory horror in splendid literary style

Glen Duncan has succeeded in bringing a much-needed new approach to the werewolf genre.
This book could also be titled, “The Unapologetic Werewolf”. Jake Marlowe unabashedly knows what and who he is, while still being quite prone to self-observation (“There’s always someone’s father, someone’s mother, someone’s wife, someone’s son. This is the problem with killing and eating people”)
Duncan skillfully manages to deliver gory horror in splendid literary style.

Great story - but not for amateurs

If you love Twilight or the adventures of Sookie Stackhouse, this story is probably not for you. It is also quite a step beyond Monsterhunter International (which, BTW, I also loved).

However, this story, certainly gets your attention. It is dark, gory, and fatalistic. And the narator is amazing, once you get into it.

I loved it! 7 stars!

Excellent Performance

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to another one if/when it comes out. The narrator was fantastic.

A Werewolf with Standards

I've been missing the wonderful voice of Robin Sachs since he passed away, which led me to browse the audible section for his works. I always loved his portrayal of Harry Hole from the Jo Nesbo detective series, which is now being narrated by John Lee. He's good, but can't replace Robin Sachs.

The Last Werewolf turned out to be a fantastic choice. A grown-up, sophisticated, story with the slashing and gashing and blood thirsty violence wrapped into a handsome, charming 200 year old werewolf named Jake. This werewolf has standards. He kills only when necessary, and other than that once a month occurrence, leads a pretty ordinary, if wealthy life. His best friend, Harley, is a human!

"It's official," Harley said. "They killed the Berliner two nights ago. You're the last." Then after a pause: "I'm sorry." He deliver's the news to Jake at Harley's place; Jake sipping his 45 yr. old Macallan and smoking a Camel. Jake is tired of living and wants to just give up. He's lonely for other wolf companionship, and he's seen it and done it all.

Harley's arguments --you've got a duty to live, just like the rest of us, and --you love life, because life is all there is, --don't really convince Jake that life is still worth it --but something happens which does convince him. A great twist to the story!

This book has a compelling storyline, interesting characters, wit and humor when you least expect it, and the wonderful narration of Robin Sachs. Not one to miss!

Note: I understand the followup book to this one is not very good; apparently the narrator doesn't do it justice. I'm hoping they re-record it with someone else, as this could be a great continuing series.

Howlingly good...

By phofford:

Great listen. I laughed and cried. Jake is my kind of wolf. Jake eclipses all Jakes that have come before.

The Last Werewolf

I really enjoyed this book! Great storyline and very very clever. I commute an hour to work and I hated getting out of the car! It's addictive. If you're a supernatural reader, you'll like this book.

A case for excellent narration

Most of the other favorable reviews have covered the bases. My contribution is that after reading the last few chapters with their sudden change of narrator, my good opinion of the book was revealed to be mostly the fault of Robin Sach's pitch-perfect interpretation of Jake. When I listened to the audio sample of Tallulah, I knew I wouldn't be reading the sequel; her voice was obviously not going to carry the book as Sach's did this one.
I might, however, try the third book by Glen Duncan...I'll let you know how that goes.