Not much happens in Tremorglade, other than the monthly night where all the adults turn into werewolf-like creatures called Rippers. It’s up to the town’s teenagers to keep their adult relatives caged and safe and it’s been this way since the Disruption, which happened before Sel was born. But strange things are happening and Sel and his friends start to suspect that there’s a reason no one ever seems to leave Tremorglade. Bite Risk is a unique werewolf dystopian, which straddles the line between middle-grade and YA. I think the violence and strong horror aspect probably tips it towards the younger YA point but it is definitely suitable for mature 12-year-old readers. There are some tense scenes and some big twists, while the writing is very engaging and the world-building is really interesting. It’s the first in a series, so I’m intrigued to see where the story goes next.

This was such a fun ride. That might sound a bit daft as an opener, but honestly, “fun” is the first word that comes to mind with this book.

That said, it was also crafted of a unique take on werewolves, with science fiction and horror both woven in strands to the story. Full of vivid, shining examples of characters with perfectly human flaws, and bravery beyond measure, I fell in easy cheerful love with Sel and co throughout the story.

The more sinister side to the story, of Rippers being let out of their cages and other risky things going on, leads to this still having those deeper tones that older young adult and / or adult readers might be searching for in the book. Of course, young adult fiction should never be written just with adults in mind, but as an adult reader with a teenager, I always appreciate a book that I feel we both might be in a place to read, and more importantly, enjoy.

When it comes to the characters around Sel, he has one close friend, Elena, and an utter nemesis, Ingrid. Of course, no good book stays the same all the way through in the character dynamics department, and Ingrid swiftly becomes the third person in an unbreakable trio. Elena’s brother is also a splash of joy on the page, and his situation really tugged on my heart strings – no spoilers though!

There’s some fantastic twists and turns to Bite Risk, and I genuinely didn’t see them all coming, which always gives me a thrill. I’m fascinated as to how the second book will unfold given how the first book ended, and I’m hoping to get around to reading it as soon as I can. A wild and wicked ride with progress that any rollercoaster fan would love, Bite Risk goes high up on my list of must-read YA.

I my mind this was a humorous horror. I was wrong it's an excellent horror, well plotted and gripping.
Can't wait to read the next one.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

In Tremorglade, all adults turn to werewolves once a month. The kids there are used to this, but lately things are different. Sel and his friends decide to investigate and stumble upon something bigger than they expected.

I liked the premise of this one but the writing style wasn’t my favorite! That is a personal preference though so others might enjoy it.

I'd heard so many good things about this book that I couldn't wait to dive in. I love a teen thriller and this didn't disappoint. Like others have said, the plot has BITE! It's tense and twisty with characters you care about and strikes a great balance of thrills and horror, without being too graphic and gory. There's a lot more to the story than werewolves and the focus is a group of teens searching for truth, as in Stranger Things.

For those who have read and loved Sticky Pines by Dashe Roberts and the Dreadwood series by Jennifer Killick, as I have, then this is the perfect next step. There's the nostalgic feel of Point Horror but with a fresh and original take. Sel's voice is compelling, pulling the reader in and engaging them with the character so you don't want to put the book down. Hopefully there is more to come...

Sel lives in the small town of Tremorglade where life is pretty normal ... apart from the fact that one night of every month, when the moon is full, all adults have to be locked away as they turn into ferocious werewolves (the Turned as the locals call them). The community has the routine sorted: cage the adults away with raw meat for them to eat; set traps in case any of them should chance to escape, and then lay low until morning (well, that's what the adults think; however, the children use the night as a night of freedom). However, as the book progresses, the routine begins to go wrong with the Turned escaping and Sel and his friends beginning to realise that all may not be as it seems. But, can Sel and his friends uncover the truth before it's too late?
I'm reading more and more YA and when I saw that this would be perfect for fans of Stranger Things and Skulduggery Pleasant, I was sold!

This is a fast-paced plot, with the book opening on Confinement Night (the night of the full moon) and the world-building is vivid and believable - Tremorglade seems to have come through the Disruption more unscathed and the town appears to run smoothly, with routines perfected. That is until things begin to go wrong, the first of which is Sel's mum escaping. It is this that triggers Sel's curiosity about exactly what is going on in the town. Along with Elena, the pair begin to investigate and what they discover could change things forever.

I can honestly say that I was gripped by this book. Just dark enough to send a chill down your spine; adventurous enough to ensure you want to read just one more chapter; and with twists you won't see coming. Bite Risk is a book that will grab you by its claws and will sink its teeth into you, meaning you just want to devour every deliciously thrilling page.

The first book in a trilogy, I'm already hungry for book 2.

Sel Archer's life is pretty normal, sort of... One night a month under the full moon, the adult residents of his little town turn into werewolves. The young people's role is to stay safe and keep the adults contained.

Until Sel's mum escapes one night, then others do too... Life unravels and Sel and his friends need to find out who, or what, is keeping a close, very close eye on them, while they can.

Bite Risk was an excellent chilling read, full of mystery and suspense but also a great observation of relationships. Between friends, family members, neighbours, the relationship to authority. A thrilling and thought-provoking story.

Interesting read.
My rating is probably a little harsh, I just found it lacking in character depth. That’s probably because it’s aimed at a younger audience, but I struggled to get invested.

The plot, however, was pretty intriguing, though not what I had been expecting. I thought it would be spooky fantasy fiction, but was actually more speculative fiction/dystopia vibes. All the internet data collection, technology and experimentation bits were so sinister and felt very relevant to modern life. Almost like Black Mirror for a young audience.

Honestly, think lots of people will love this. Be a great one to introduce children to the dystopia/horror genres. Just didn’t really grab me personally.

This was a good, fun horror in the vein of Jennifer Killick. The premise was great with the world succumbing to a virus that turns adults into werewolves once a month. Children are in charge on these nights, keeping adults locked away. There were great little bits like posting ‘ripper’ videos to social media for likes (that would definitely happen). There is a big secret though and that is where it fell apart a bit for me. Somehow the secret reveal just doesn’t quite work. It does help give it a decent twist though for the ending. I think it will go down well in library

Perfect fantasy adventure with a bit of mystery for middle school aged and up. If you are into a bit of conspiracy and monsters this book is for you? Excitement and tension build from the beginning to the end. The question is who is actually the monster? Thank you to Simon and Schuster UK Children’s and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Introduction
I was given an advanced reader copy to review for by Simon and Schuster and NetGalley. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #BiteRisk #SJWills #SimonAndSchuster #Horror #90sNostalgia #BookReview #gifted #ad #NetGalley
Review
I grew up reading things like Point Horror, Fear Street and Goosebumps and while I have gone on into the horror genre I still like to return to the young adult and middle grade adventures for some ‘light hearted’ reading. When I heard about Bite Risk being a new middle grade horror and that it contained Werewolves I knew I was going to enjoy it, and I was right!

Thirteen Year old Sel lives in a remote and isolated town where nothing seems to happen. Well other than one night a month, when the full moon rises, kids like him must lock up their parents as they transform into werewolves or Rippers as the town of Tremorgladers like to call them. Although this is the new world’s normal since the Disruption changed everything, even before Sel was born.

But the boring town begins to get a bit more interesting as strange things start to happen like drowns emitting sickening sounds and people behaving oddly and Sel and his friend’s begin to question what is really going on in their town. No sooner do they start investigating do Rippers begin esecaping their confinement nights, people star disappearing and the kids begin to suspect they’re being followed. Perhaps there is a reason that Tremorglade seems to be so boring but no one ever leaves. And of course it is up to Sel and his friends to figure out the truth, the truth that someone doesn’t want them to know before the next full moon puts them all at bite risk.

What a fun read this was! Not only did it give a taste of nostalgia it was also well written and kept me engaged throughout. The characters are all well developed and fleshed out and I adored the premises of the world’s adult population wolfing out as it were once a month! As a werewolf fan it was all I could ask for! Despite being a middle grade book it’s full of twists, turns and some action as well.

I really liked the introduction of ‘ailments’ people suffer as well as the werewolf, such as the frozen fever. While this is obviously speculative it was written in such a way that it was easy to see this being real and really happening. It was almost scary how believable it is. Not only the elements of werewolves but the idea of monitoring – again I dislike spoilers so that is all I will say. While this is middle grade it still has some gore and horror in there which was fantastic. It really is like a new generation of point horror but without a bit of a cheesiness of the nineties and with parents that actually do seem to care about their children.

Honestly I adore this one and think it will be a great introduction for a new generation of teen readers into horror. It’s fun, well written, fast paced and has a cast of believable characters. I cannot wait to read more by S.J Wills!


Hashtags

#BiteRisk #SJWills #SimonAndSchuster #Horror #90sNostalgia #BookReview #gifted #ad #NetGalley #BookReviewer #BookBlogger #BookHoader #BookDragon #BookShark #BookReader #Bookstagram #BookNerd #BookReader #BookLover #BooksBooksBooks #BookAddict #Book

I loved this fresh take on a ya werewolf story, full of modern technological and conspiracy twists that kept the story feeling new and different and all the more interesting as I kept guessing what was REALLY going on and how it would end.

I devoured Bite Risk, pun intended. You're definitely not going to get what you think when you start reading and that is a most excellent thing. This is no ordinary werewolf tale (sorry). Some superb new ideas spun with some favourite tropes make for a marvellous story.

This is going to be so popular with my 10+ readers at school. The premise is a familiar but exiting concept with a twist (children have to look after adults who are incapacitated) but what transpires is something unexpected and intriguing in a different way. Exciting, imaginative and unusual upper middle grade horror dystopia with a twist.

A super quick read that is a howling good time! Full of intrigue, tension and mystery, I ripped through this quicker than a confinement cage. I also LOVED the Teen Wolf reference!

Creepy, paranoid and pacy, this book grabs you in its jaws and simply won’t let go. Set in a small, odd town where adults regularly turn into werewolves, the atmosphere is eerie and unsettling; hints of modern dystopia creep in, suspicious characters keep you guessing, and the action sequences are sheer brilliance. (I also especially enjoyed the light touch of humour!) Incredibly pleased to see brilliant books for this age-range. This one is absolutely perfect for young horror and thriller fans, with astonishingly relevant yet fresh story twists for Upper Middle Grade/ YA readers.


Links to online reviews:

https://twitter.com/svaniparekh/status/1660655859616174080?s=46&t=WAREXplJ_NwwL8w2MZwGCQ

https://instagram.com/stories/svaniparekh/3108357352692324086?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

'Bite Risk' by S.J. Wills is an exhilarating and captivating start to a thrilling teen horror series. Set in a seemingly ordinary town with a dark secret, this book weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and supernatural intrigue that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The author's skillful storytelling immediately draws readers into the world of Sel Archer, a young protagonist navigating a town where a chilling transformation takes place every full moon. The concept of normal residents transforming into werewolves adds an exciting twist to the traditional werewolf mythology, injecting fresh excitement into the genre.

Wills masterfully builds suspense as the quiet life in the town begins to crumble, and the Turned, the transformed adults, mysteriously start escaping their confines. The tension steadily escalates, leaving readers anxiously flipping pages, eager to unravel the enigma behind the escape and discover who, or what, is orchestrating these events.

The characters in 'Bite Risk' are well-developed and relatable, and readers will quickly become emotionally invested in their journeys. Sel and his group of friends exhibit bravery, resilience, and resourcefulness as they band together to protect themselves from the ever-looming danger. Their friendships are portrayed authentically, capturing the essence of teenage camaraderie and the strength that can be found in unity.

The pacing of the book is exceptional, blending moments of heart-pounding action with thought-provoking revelations. Wills expertly balances the intense scenes with moments of quiet introspection, allowing readers to catch their breath while deepening their connection to the characters and the story.

Fans of popular series such as 'Stranger Things,' 'Fear Street,' and 'Skulduggery Pleasant' will find 'Bite Risk' to be a perfect addition to their reading list. It shares the same sense of adventure, mystery, and supernatural elements that make those series so beloved among young adult readers.

Overall, 'Bite Risk' is a must-read for fans of the horror genre. S.J. Wills has crafted an enthralling tale filled with twists and turns, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. With its well-rounded characters, gripping plot, and skillful execution, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

A rather scarily believable MG novel about werewolves. Except the rushed, almost anti-climactic, climax, I enjoyed the book overall. The build-up of something being wrong, and the slow reveal of what was going on in the mysterious, isolated town of Tremorglade was just right, and I applaud the author for not dragging the story out over multiple books. As an adult reader, I found some of the plot predictable, but I’m sure youngsters will love it. Will look out for more of SJ Wills’ work.

(Review copy from NetGalley)

Hello everyone, I'm Mr. C Reviewer, and tonight we're discussing S.J. Walls's book, Bite Risk. This book is the first in the Bite Risk Series. Being my first experience with wall's work, and after reading this story, I'm eager to explore more of her books in the future. I'd like to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of Bite Risk in exchange for an honest review. I had the pleasure of reading this captivating book in May 2023, spending almost an entire day engrossed in its pages. Recommended for readers aged 11 and above, Bite Risk is set to be published on June 8th 2023. The narrative, told from Sel's first-person perspective, spans 34 chapters and 305 pages which also included a epilogue at the end.



Summary

Sel Archer resides in an ordinary town with regular inhabitants, but once a month, everything changes. During the full moon, Where adults transform into werewolves, it's up to the youth to safeguard themselves against peril. This book follows Sel's journey as he and the rest of the children protect themselves from danger. As Sel and his friends' peaceful existence is disrupted by the escape of the Turned, they must race against time to identify the mysterious entity monitoring their every move. Will they be able to uncover the truth before it's too late?



Review

-In my opinion, this book was written with some good skill and precision. I feel that the author did a remarkable job at creating vivid characterizations and immersive world-building that was easy to follow and understand. The author also succeeded in developing the characters in such a way that I felt emotionally invested in their journey. Upon reading the book, I was thoroughly impressed by the innovative technology incorporated within its pages and how the book's plot slowly unravels, revealing fascinating details about how characters first became wolves, adding a layer of depth to the story. In this book, one of the things I really enjoyed was how the author allowed readers to see the contents of certain letters that the characters received. Unlike some other books that skip over these details, this author made sure to include them, which I found very engaging.

The fast-paced plot and unique take on the werewolf genre made for an exhilarating read. The inclusion of action sequences kept me on the edge of my seat, making it difficult to put the book down. Although a thriller, it strikes a perfect balance between excitement and fear, making it a thrilling yet approachable read. However, there were certain parts of the book that I felt could have been shortened to improve the overall pacing.

-I did appreciated the clever pun on Sergeant 'Derek Hale' from the show Teen Wolf that was included in the book. In the opening chapters of the book, I was immediately struck by a sense of familiarity that brought to mind one of my all-time favourite television shows, Wolfblood. The book's unexpected and thrilling plot twists had me captivated from beginning to end. Despite being the first of a trilogy, the novel concluded with a wholly satisfying ending that left no questions unanswered. The author's masterful storytelling has left me eagerly howling for its next instalment. I cant wait to buy a physical copy of this book upon its release and simultaneously experiencing it through Audible has me eagerly counting down the days.


For each story that I read, I rate it out of 10 so for this am going to give it a 9.0. Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.

As a girl growing up in the 1970s, while most of my friends were into Sindy or Barbie and aspiring to be air hostesses I was very much the odd one out with my interest in science fiction and the supernatural. Having discovered the Usborne Supernatural Guide to Vampires, Werewolves and Demons in the long-disappeared Roys of Eaton shop down the road from me, I read and re-read that book until it was indelibly etched upon my mind and even now I remember the thrill it brought me.

At that point in time, gender stereotypes were much more prevelant than they are now and books for girls might have contained magic and witches but werewolves and suchlike were almost exclusively reserved for boys. How older me rejoices that reads for today’s children and young adults are aimed at everyone, with this opening title in a fantastic new series being the perfect choice for all readers 11+ who are after something with a definite scare factor.

Our story opens on Confinement Night in April as Sel checks the security measures in place around his home – not to prevent intruders getting in but to prevent his mother getting out. Heading to the basement to feed her, Sel curses himself for not preparing her meal properly and on reaching her cage forces through the slab of beef she is to eat. Rushing to get the job done in record time so he can go out, Sel pauses a moment to watch the monster that is his mother devouring the meat before leaving to hang out with friend Elena.

Meeting up with her, the two of them head to Shady Oaks Retirement Community to play cards with their friend Harold – the only adult in the community of Tremorglade who doesn’t Turn – trying to shake off the doldrums, the feelings of anxiety and nausea that come around this time each month for those not old enough to change but who have been infected with the virus that has brought about this situation. Heading home afterwards, the two of them bump into Sel’s nemesis Ingrid who threatens to tell on them for not staying home – a capital offence – but is stopped in her tracks when pigeons start to drop from the sky and crash into her.

When this strange occurrence is put down to freak weather conditions, Sel initially doesn’t think to question the explanation but when other odd things start to happen around him he begins to wonder just what is going on. As he and Elena start to investigate, the pair of them begin to uncover the truth of Tremorglade – a truth neither of them could ever have dreamed of…

Stories of werewolves have existed for hundreds, if not thousands, of years and we are all familiar with what usually goes alongside them but here, other than the monthly change from human to savage beast, there are none of the standard themes you might expect – making this a fresh and highly original take on the story. Here, the monsters are portrayed far more sympathetically – victims of a virus who are still much loved family members and are cared for and locked away each month as much for their own protection as for that of those around them. With the medicalisation of the condition comes a certain clinical feeling as scientists in the background search for a cure but, as is so often the case with scientific advancement, Sel comes to realise that what he initially believes is a humane endeavour may not be that at all.

This is such a great read – one that was recommended to me by one of my Twitter friends and one that I am now recommending in turn. Action-packed, delightfully scary in places and the perfect start to the series, this will appeal enormously to those who are looking to move on from middle grade but are possibly not ready for the full-on horror of some young adult reads. I adored it and cannot wait to find out what happens to Sel next.

As always, my enormous thanks goes to Net Galley and to publisher Simon and Schuster for my virtual advance read. Bite Risk publishes 8th June.