Mongrels

A Novel

By: Stephen Graham Jones

Narrated by: Chris Patton, Jonathan Yen

Nominated for both the Shirley Jackson and Bram Stoker Awards, and a Best of 2016 selection of Tor.com and Book Riot, acclaimed horror writer Stephen Graham Jones' (The Only Good Indians and My Heart is a Chainsaw) Mongrels goes beyond your typical werewolf story to show a young boy, mired in poverty and always on the run, coming-of-age in a world that fears him and hates his family...but may just be more monstrous than he could ever be.

He was born an outsider, like the rest of his family. Poor yet resilient, he lives in the shadows with his aunt Libby and uncle Darren, folk who stubbornly make their way in a society that does not understand or want them. They are mongrels, mixed blood, neither this nor that. The boy at the center of Mongrels must decide if he belongs on the road with his aunt and uncle, or if he fits with the people on the other side of the tracks.

For ten years, he and his family have lived a life of late-night exits and narrow escapes—always on the move across the South to stay one step ahead of the law. But the time is drawing near when Darren and Libby will finally know if their nephew is like them or not. And the close calls they’ve been running from for so long are catching up fast now. Everything is about to change.

A compelling and fascinating journey, Mongrels alternates between past and present to create an unforgettable portrait of a boy trying to understand his family and his place in a complex and unforgiving world. A smart and innovative story— funny, bloody, raw, and real—told in a rhythmic voice full of heart, Mongrels is a deeply moving, sometimes grisly, novel that illuminates the challenges and tender joys of a life beyond the ordinary in a bold and imaginative new way.

Imaginative story, well told.

This is a coming of age story where the protagonist happens to be a werewolf. The characters are rich and fully drawn. The structure of the book with alternating chapters, first person then narrated, works very well. And the narrators were both outstanding. Enjoyed the book immensely.

Best werewolf book

This was the best take on werewolves I’ve read. The only book that ever seemed to give them a purpose beyond being ‘not vampires’.

The tale of a kid struggling to fit in with family was solid. Had a little mystery at the end that was nice.

To Stephen Graham

I finish one book, and then I want to start another. I'll keep going until I finish one I don't like. Good work!

not your Hollywood werewolf

I absolutely loved this story! it brings werewolves into a new light, one more feral...more raw. Stephen hasn't reinvented the wheel, only given it something that feels almost real. It's not cliche, but isn't being ironic about it. the story just works.

I did like the narration over all. I wasn't a fan of the present tense reader, but quickly got used to him as the story went on. I liked that they had two readers, I just like one more than the other.

highly recommend this to any werewolf fan.

100% all around

I don’t understand the reviews that complain about the two narrators. They were fantastic. This is one of my new favorite SGJ books—loved the originality, the intimacy, the family.