THE Howling books. :)

[Dave]

Well, seems we have an increase in the number of werewolf threads. Hate to start another, but I'm curious as to whether or not anyone has read The Howling books that are out there. Apparently there are three of them, with the first being the basis for The Howling movies. From what I've read, Part 2 and 3 of the books are in no way similar to Part 2 and 3 of the movies.

Are the books any good?

[mutleyhyde]

I read the first one in grade school, around 5th grade. Did a book report on it too. I have fond memories of describing the rape scene to my fellow classmates, and my teacher just standing there kind of shocked. :)

Oh, and yeah, I thought it was pretty good, but then, that was a while back, and I don't remember too much from those days. I do know that I was heavy into werewolves, and so I dug the book. I may have to give it another read here as an adult, and see what I think now.

[gunner]

I have the first novel, which is the only one I've read. Stephen King's Cycle of the Werewolf (Silver Bullet) is in many ways suspiciously similar. Anyone else notice this? I'm surprised it didn't start a legal fued.

[David666]

I have all of Gary Brandners books, many of which were turned into films... The Howling sequels are NOTHING like their cinematic cousins. Marcia is then for one!

[Daniel B]

Well, the first novel is kind of great, even though Joe Dante once said it was a terrible one (I think in fangoria). You won't find 8 feet-tall beasts there, nor in-jokes. Rather, the monsters are ominous big wolves, and there's no humor. The people of the village are really, really weird. If you give a chance to the idea, you might like it a lot. It might be more frightening than the movie depending on your relation with written terror.
On the second book, Marcia (not Marsha) is back to take revenge on Karyn (not Karen), with the help of the latter's ex-husband Roy (Bill in the movie), the former's new lover since the first book. Thin relation to the movie "Howling II", thank god.
The third book is about one of the last survivors of the Drago (the village equivalent to "The Colony"), a kid that doesn't know he's a werewolf, but will discover in worst ways. It seems bad describing but it's nice.
In case some of you wanna take a look, reviews of the three books on:
http://www.thehowling.hpg.ig.com.br/index.html

go there and browse articles>Gary Brandner's The Howling Trilogy

[mcchrist]

I think I saw a couple of these the other day, I'll take a look.

[Daniel B]

Every now and then you may find them on ebay in fair condition.
I'd recommend them.