Plot Summary
Captive in Shadow Creek
Amelia "Red" Redford wakes in a prison cell, stripped of her wolf powers and isolated from her mates. The Shadow Creek alpha, Valerius, taunts her with the title "Mother of Wolves," demanding she betray her pack. Red's attempts to reach her mates through their bond fail, deepening her sense of abandonment and fear. She meets Nadine, a mute, scarred girl who tends to her, and senses the cruelty of Valerius's rule. Red's desperation grows as she realizes her wolf is suppressed, her bonds are severed, and her fate is a pawn in a looming war between packs.
Bonds Severed, Bonds Forged
Tristan, Dante, and Sam reel from Red's disappearance, their bond to her eerily silent. As they investigate, suspicion falls on pack members Seth and Lyria, whose loyalty wavers. The brothers' grief over their father's death is compounded by the threat of war and the uncertainty of Red's fate. The pack's unity frays as secrets and betrayals surface, forcing the brothers to confront their own vulnerabilities and the strength of their connection to Red.
Wolves and Traitors
The Crimson Hollow pack is rocked by internal strife. Seth and Lyria's duplicity becomes apparent, and Billy, Seth's brother, is caught between loyalty to family and pack. The mayor's political machinations further destabilize the wolves, as she threatens to expose their secrets. The brothers must decide who will claim Red as mate to justify her rescue, while Dante's psychic gift reveals deeper layers of treachery and the supernatural dangers encroaching on their world.
The Alpha's Game
Red is forced to participate in Valerius's cruel games, witnessing the broken spirits and bodies of his wolves. She learns of his calculated rise to power, his alliance with hunters, and his use of mind-control chips to create an army. Red's attempts to resist are met with violence and psychological torment, but she discovers a flicker of her wolf's strength, fueled by anger and the need to protect others. The stakes escalate as Valerius prepares for war, using Red as both bait and weapon.
Secrets and Sins
The Wolfe brothers and their mother, Dr. Mervina, uncover secrets about their lineage, the true nature of the Mother of Wolves, and the supernatural politics of Crimson Hollow. Red's own heritage as a witch-wolf hybrid is hinted at, and her connection to ancient legends grows stronger. The past's sins—betrayals, forbidden love, and demonic bargains—cast long shadows, threatening to repeat themselves as the present crisis deepens.
The Hunt Begins
Sam seeks help from Nina, a cunning fox shifter, trading his beloved Ducati for intelligence on Shadow Creek. The brothers gather allies—shifters, druids, and outcasts—preparing for a covert rescue. Red, meanwhile, fights for survival, using her wits and nascent powers to escape Valerius's traps. The lines between friend and foe blur as the hunt for Red becomes a race against time, with the fate of both packs hanging in the balance.
The Scarred Wolf's Test
Forced to fight the scarred wolf Victor, Red must prove her worth to Valerius's pack. She discovers she can resist his alpha compulsion, hinting at her unique power. The fight is savage, but Red's refusal to submit earns her both enemies and reluctant respect. She learns more about the pack's suffering and the true cost of Valerius's rule, vowing to help those he has broken—even as she plots her own escape.
Mates in Peril
Tristan enters Shadow Creek to claim Red as his mate, hoping to avert war. The confrontation with Valerius is tense and violent, with Red forced to renounce their bond to save Tristan's life. The emotional toll is devastating, fracturing their connection and leaving both vulnerable. Meanwhile, Dante and Sam uncover more evidence of betrayal within their own pack, and the threat of supernatural war grows ever closer.
Shadows of Power
The supernatural community gathers, alliances shifting as old wounds are reopened. Witches, druids, and shifters debate how to confront Valerius and the greater evil lurking behind him. Red's grandmother, Wendy, reveals her own secrets and manipulations, while Red's latent witch powers begin to stir. The group learns of a demonic force—Harkon—whose influence threatens to consume them all, and the need for unity becomes desperate.
The Gathering Storm
Valerius launches a brutal attack on Crimson Hollow, using his mind-controlled wolves and human hunters. The pack suffers heavy losses, and Seth seizes the opportunity to betray Dr. Mervina and claim leadership. Red, now free but marked by trauma and a controlling chip, must rally the survivors. The brothers' unity is tested as they face both external enemies and internal dissent, with the future of the pack uncertain.
Betrayal in Crimson Hollow
Seth and Lyria's treachery comes to fruition as they overthrow Dr. Mervina and imprison Tristan and Billy. The pack is thrown into chaos, with enforcers divided and trust shattered. Nina and Billy orchestrate a daring escape, exposing the depth of Seth's ambition and the vulnerability of the pack. The brothers must confront the reality that their greatest threats come from within as much as without.
The Mother of Wolves
Guided by visions and the voice of her former self, Red embraces her identity as the Mother of Wolves—a being of both wolf and witch. She unlocks new abilities, linking with the sacred stone and drawing on the elemental forces of nature. The cost of this power is high, as she is forced to confront her past lives, the pain of lost love, and the burden of leadership. Red's transformation marks a turning point in the battle against Valerius and the demon.
The Demon's Shadow
The archdemon Harkon manipulates events from the shadows, using Valerius as his vessel and spreading corruption through mind-control chips. Red and her allies learn of the ancient battle between Natalia Petroviski (Red's former self) and Harkon, and the need for sacred weapons to defeat him. The lines between past and present blur as Red's memories and powers intertwine, and the threat of demonic domination becomes imminent.
The Battle for Red
The supernatural community—wolves, bears, druids, foxes, and more—gathers for a last-ditch assault on Shadow Creek. Red's mates, friends, and even her ex, Alex (now revealed as a druid and Dark Blade), join forces. The battle is chaotic and brutal, with betrayals, sacrifices, and moments of heroism. Red must wield her new powers and the sacred stone, facing both Valerius and Harkon in a fight for her life and the soul of Crimson Hollow.
The Price of Freedom
Red kills Valerius with the sacred dagger, breaking Harkon's hold on the wolves. But the victory is bittersweet—Dante and Tristan are taken by the demon through a portal, their bonds to Red severed. The pack is left leaderless and wounded, with many dead or broken. Red and Sam, both grieving and determined, vow to do whatever it takes to bring their mates back, even if it means venturing into hell itself.
The Witch's Bargain
To defeat Harkon and rescue her mates, Red must embrace her witch heritage. She bargains with Demetria Montgomery, keeper of the Midnight Lily Grimoire, undergoing a magical trial to unlock the secrets of the sacred stones and the means to kill an archdemon. The cost is a blood vow to protect Demetria's granddaughter, binding Red to the fate of the witches as well as the wolves.
The Sacred Stone
Red links with the sacred stone, awakening its power and forging a weapon to fight Harkon. The process is painful and transformative, blending her wolf and witch natures. She learns that more stones are needed, and that the battle ahead will demand even greater sacrifices. The lines between love, duty, and destiny blur as Red prepares for the final confrontation.
The Demon's Gate
Harkon tears open the veil between worlds, dragging Dante and Tristan into another dimension. Red, Sam, and their allies must navigate magical portals, ancient prophecies, and the treacherous politics of the supernatural community. The cost of failure is annihilation—not just for the pack, but for all of Crimson Hollow.
The Last Stand
Red and her allies launch a desperate assault on Harkon and his forces, wielding the sacred weapons and their combined powers. Betrayals are revealed, old wounds are healed, and the true meaning of the Mother of Wolves is realized. The battle is fierce and costly, with love and sacrifice at its heart. Red's leadership and courage inspire those around her, but the outcome remains uncertain.
Love, Loss, and War
The dust settles on a shattered Crimson Hollow. Red and Sam, wounded but unbroken, vow to rescue Dante and Tristan from the demon's clutches. The pack begins to heal, forging new alliances and embracing the lessons of the past. Red's journey is far from over—her love, her power, and her destiny will be tested in ways she never imagined. The story ends on a note of hope and determination, as Red prepares to face whatever darkness lies ahead.
Characters
Amelia "Red" Redford
Red is the emotional and narrative center of the story—a young woman thrust into the supernatural world against her will. Initially an outsider, she is transformed into a wolf shifter and later discovers her latent witch heritage, marking her as the prophesied Mother of Wolves. Red's journey is one of trauma, resilience, and self-discovery. She is fiercely loyal, compassionate, and driven by a need to protect those she loves, even at great personal cost. Her relationships with the Wolfe brothers are complex, blending romance, friendship, and shared pain. Red's psychological arc is defined by her struggle to reconcile her human, wolf, and witch identities, and to accept the burden of leadership and destiny.
Tristan Wolfe
The eldest Wolfe brother, Tristan is marked by a deep sense of responsibility and guilt. He is the natural leader, expected to inherit the alpha role, but is plagued by self-doubt and the trauma of his father's death. Tristan's love for Red is intense and conflicted, shaped by past-life memories and the fear of repeating old mistakes. His journey is one of redemption, as he learns to trust himself and accept the love and support of his family and mate. Tristan's psychological complexity lies in his struggle between duty and desire, strength and vulnerability.
Dante Wolfe
Dante is the most sensitive and intuitive of the brothers, gifted with psychic abilities that allow him to glimpse the future and read emotions. He serves as the emotional glue of the family, often mediating conflicts and providing insight. Dante's love for Red is deep and spiritual, rooted in a sense of destiny and shared pain. His visions are both a gift and a curse, burdening him with knowledge he cannot always act upon. Dante's arc is defined by his quest for meaning, his struggle with powerlessness, and his willingness to sacrifice for those he loves.
Samuel "Sam" Wolfe
Sam is the wildest and most impulsive of the brothers, driven by passion and a fierce protectiveness. He masks his pain with humor and bravado, but his loyalty to Red and his family is unwavering. Sam's journey is one of growth, as he learns to temper his instincts with wisdom and to accept vulnerability. His relationship with Red is playful, sensual, and deeply affectionate, providing both comic relief and emotional grounding. Sam's psychological depth emerges in moments of loss and sacrifice, revealing a capacity for love and courage that transcends his flaws.
Dr. Mervina Wolfe
The mother of the Wolfe brothers, Dr. Mervina is a former witch turned shifter, embodying both strength and compassion. She is thrust into leadership after her husband's death, facing sexism, betrayal, and the burden of holding the pack together. Mervina's arc is one of resilience and adaptation, as she navigates the treacherous politics of the supernatural world and the pain of personal loss. Her relationship with her sons and Red is nurturing but demanding, pushing them to grow and accept their destinies.
Valerius
Valerius is the primary antagonist—a ruthless, sadistic leader who seizes control of Shadow Creek through violence and manipulation. He uses mind-control chips, alliances with hunters, and demonic power to build an army, caring nothing for the suffering of his pack. Valerius's psychological profile is marked by narcissism, cruelty, and a hunger for power. He serves as both a personal and existential threat to Red and the Wolfe family, embodying the dangers of unchecked ambition and supernatural corruption.
Seth
Once a trusted enforcer and friend, Seth's ambition and resentment drive him to betray the pack, colluding with Valerius and Lyria. His actions fracture the pack and lead to tragedy, revealing the destructive power of envy and the fragility of trust. Seth's arc is one of moral decay, as he sacrifices loyalty and love for power, ultimately becoming a cautionary figure.
Lyria
Lyria is the former beta, driven by jealousy and a sense of entitlement. Her unrequited feelings for Tristan and resentment toward Red fuel her betrayal. Lyria's psychological complexity lies in her need for validation and her inability to adapt to change, making her both a victim and perpetrator of the pack's downfall.
Nadine
Nadine is a mute, scarred girl in Valerius's pack, embodying the suffering and resilience of the oppressed. She becomes Red's ally, providing crucial information and emotional support. Nadine's trauma is deep, but her courage and loyalty shine through, offering hope for healing and redemption. Her relationship with Victor and her own secrets add layers to her character, making her a symbol of the pack's potential for renewal.
Harkon
Harkon is the true antagonist behind Valerius, manipulating events from the shadows. His goal is domination and destruction, using mind-control, portals, and supernatural bargains to achieve his ends. Harkon's psychological profile is one of predatory intelligence, patience, and a profound understanding of human and supernatural weakness. He represents the existential threat facing Crimson Hollow, forcing the characters to confront their deepest fears and the limits of their power.
Plot Devices
Dual Narrative Structure and Psychic Bonds
The novel employs a shifting third-person narrative, alternating between Red, the Wolfe brothers, and key antagonists. This structure allows for deep psychological insight, building tension as secrets and betrayals are revealed to the reader before the characters. The psychic bonds between Red and her mates serve as both a plot device and emotional anchor, enabling telepathic communication, shared pain, and the exploration of identity. The use of visions, dreams, and past-life memories blurs the line between present and past, foreshadowing key events and deepening the mythos of the Mother of Wolves.
Mind-Control Chips and Demonic Influence
The mind-control chips implanted by Valerius and the hunters are a central plot device, symbolizing the loss of agency and the dangers of unchecked authority. Their demonic taint raises the stakes, making the battle not just physical but existential. The chips' ability to sever bonds, override free will, and create mindless soldiers drives much of the conflict, forcing characters to confront the limits of loyalty, love, and resistance.
Witchcraft, Sacred Stones, and Prophecy
Red's witch heritage and the legend of the Mother of Wolves are gradually revealed through visions, diaries, and magical trials. The sacred stones, linked to angelic power, serve as both MacGuffin and symbol of destiny, requiring sacrifice and self-acceptance to wield. The prophecy of the Mother of Wolves, and the echoes of past lives, create a sense of inevitability and tragedy, while also offering hope for renewal and transformation.
Betrayal, Sacrifice, and Redemption
The novel's emotional core lies in the cycles of betrayal and redemption—within families, packs, and the supernatural community. Characters are forced to choose between personal desire and collective good, with sacrifices demanded at every turn. The cost of freedom, love, and leadership is explored through loss, trauma, and the willingness to face darkness for the sake of others.
Foreshadowing and Symbolism
Dante's psychic visions, Red's dreams, and the recurring appearance of the great wolf apparition foreshadow key events and reveal hidden truths. Symbols such as the burned gazebo, the sacred stones, and the color red (blood, power, love) reinforce the novel's themes of transformation, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of fate.
Analysis
Wolf's Calling is a dark, emotionally charged exploration of power, trauma, and transformation within a supernatural framework. At its heart, the novel interrogates what it means to belong—to a family, a pack, a destiny—and the costs of leadership and love in a world defined by violence and betrayal. The story's use of mind-control chips and demonic influence serves as a potent metaphor for the ways in which individuals and communities can be manipulated, broken, and ultimately redeemed. Red's journey from outsider to Mother of Wolves is both a personal and collective awakening, blending the pain of past lives with the hope of forging a new future. The novel's modern resonance lies in its depiction of found family, the necessity of confronting systemic evil, and the power of embracing one's full identity—human, wolf, and witch. Through its intricate plotting, psychological depth, and mythic scope, Wolf's Calling offers a compelling meditation on resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of love in the face of darkness.
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Review Summary
Wolf's Calling received mixed reviews, with an overall rating of 3.95 out of 5. Many readers praised the book's captivating plot, character development, and world-building. They enjoyed the suspense, action, and romance elements. However, some readers found the pacing slow, disliked the multiple POVs, and felt the story was too dark. Several reviewers expressed frustration with the cliffhanger ending and separation of main characters. Despite criticisms, many fans eagerly anticipated the next installment in the series.
