The third, and possibly end of a first trilogy, of the Alex Steward series, is entitled Free the Wolf. Alex is a homeless citizen of Hopewell, living off the charity of her friend Emma and hanging around Hell’s Bells with her other friends, Trish and Nate. She’s also a werewolf. Werewolves and magicians are two types of ability-enhanced humans that a small segment of the community know about. In order to live together, a Committee of humans and supernaturals come together to ensure the safety of everyone.
This is how it’s supposed to be. Joe Stone, a man on the Committee and running for mayor, was Alex’s primary antagonist in book two. In book three, Stone devises a new law that the Committee (who are a majority human) passes. This new resolution looks into the background of all supernaturals and if they’ve broken the law, they undergo a procedure called a tether. A tether blocks their abilities, but it has a terrible side effect. Once a supernatural can’t exercise their abilities, their body tortures them both mentally and physically. Most tethered supernaturals commit suicide.
Alex knows the only way to fight Joe Stone and overturn his resolution is to prove his wrongdoing in the past. She sets off trying to gather evidence but is thwarted at every turn. Just when Alex seems to be making inroads, another interested party makes her an offer. If she refuses his proposal, he will kill those closest to her.
Stefanie Gilmour introduced the concept of tethering in the first book, and I’ve been hoping it would become the main element of one of the books. It’s great to see it used here, especially up close and personal. The inclusion of Alex’s family in this novel was also a welcome choice. They’ve appeared infrequently in the first two novels and bringing them to the fore was fantastic. Book two left Alex and her police officer friend Anne’s relationship in an unresolved state. Anne is now in on Alex’s secret, and she brings a shocking secret of her own halfway through the book.
This book was incredibly easy to read, and I finished it one day. The pages go by in a blur thanks to Ms. Gilmour’s natural style. This is the third book where the Committee and the supernaturals are at odds, rehashing conflicts that have existed in the prior two novels. I’m hoping new storylines are written for future novels. For those hoping for a bit more supernaturals versus supernaturals action, don’t fret. It’s here.
Free the Wolf, the third in the Alex Steward series, has action, suspense, supernatural conflict, and a unique concept called tethering. The book is fast-paced, immersive, and fun.