Dark Wolf’s Howl by Brenton Lillie

Reviewed by Elizabeth Stargiotti

A blend of myth and modernity that questions how the past shapes the present and illustrates how compassion and courage can be the keys to lasting change

Blending classic fantasy worldbuilding with the modern tensions of class, politics, and personal identity, Brenton Lillie’s Dark Wolf’s Howl is an action-packed commentary on the dangers of division. Both humans and elves have lived in the democratic kingdom of Varya for centuries; but beneath the veneer of peace lies a deep-rooted segregation ready to detonate and unveil an ancient injustice.

When Elisa—a young human woman with a vendetta against the state—teams up with a criminal gang to steal a long-hidden treasure from the palace, all she’s looking for is a payout. Instead, her deception unveils an ancient conspiracy and unleashes a long-banished enemy. Pursued by her own government and haunted by newly exposed violence, she must team up with a rogue agent and a self-styled adventurer to not only avert the destruction of their world, but to confront her own role in perpetuating injustice. What begins as a heist gone wrong unfolds into a journey of redemption, courage, and reckoning with the past.

From the onset, Lillie’s ambition is clear through the merging of high fantasy tropes with a contemporary social structure. The setting of Varya—a kingdom with smartphones and bureaucracy, but also swords and ancient magic—is unique in the genre and full of potential. This fusion of modern life with mythic structure is refreshing, creating a sense of contrast that mirrors the story’s themes of imbalance and duality.

The hybrid worldbuilding also lends itself to brisk pacing and a flow of action that is easy to get wrapped up in. Likewise, the budding romance that unfolds between Elisa’s two companions brings levity and a layer of nuance to moments of high tension—a reminder within the fighting of what there is to fight for. Subverting typical genre conventions, Lillie immediately draws readers into the adventure with accessible prose and cinematic rhythm.

This, however, can sometimes come at the expense of Lillie’s other ambitions. Though Elisa herself stands out as the emotional core of the novel, her deeply human arc from resentment to understanding—learning to let go of anger and rediscover empathy—isn’t mirrored externally from her. While the novel begins with a promising critique of systemic inequality—and this theme is explored through many of the characters’ arcs with depth and nuance—ultimately, it is Elisa’s personal lesson about love, sacrifice, and accountability that dominates. That will resonate with readers who favor intimate, character-driven resolutions, but it could frustrate those expecting a broader reckoning.

Still, this emotional arc carries genuine heart, and Lillie deserves credit for centering this story about accountability and redemption rather than simple heroics. As the first in Lillie’s Varya series, Dark Wolf’s Howl offers a gateway to further exploration of systemic inequality. At its heart, it is an ambitious and heartfelt modern fantasy about courage, compassion, and the cost of change. Lillie takes familiar elements—elves, prophecies, and ancient wars—and threads them through a world that feels distinctly contemporary, inviting readers to reflect on how history shapes the present, and how redemption can begin with a single act of bravery.

For readers seeking a fast-paced fantasy adventure that wears its heart on its sleeve, Dark Wolf’s Howl is a worthy addition to the genre and a promising step in Lillie’s creative journey.

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