Wolfhound is a gritty and heart-wrenching fantasy tale that follows Cassian, the leader of a King’s Hound team—elite enforcers of royal justice in the kingdom of Fentia. When a mission to arrest a treacherous baron goes terribly wrong, Cassian is forced into a desperate escape that leaves him with nothing but the duty to report the betrayal and the weight of lost comrades. Along the way, he crosses paths with a scrappy, abused orphan boy named Theo, and what begins as a simple act of mercy turns into a test of Cassian’s soul. The story weaves together themes of loyalty, honor, justice, and grief with an emotionally raw and action-packed narrative.

Austin Davis knows how to keep your heart pounding with intense action scenes that don’t let up, but what surprised me most was how emotionally resonant it was. Cassian isn’t some one-note hero; he’s wrecked and angry, grieving and fiercely loyal. I felt every moment of his pain and frustration. The writing strikes a balance between immersive world-building and intimate character focus. Davis doesn’t get lost in fantasy tropes. Instead, he pulls you into the dirt and grit of being a King’s Hound. I especially loved the way he handled Theo—what could’ve been a tired “rescued orphan” trope felt alive, vulnerable, and earned.

Some scenes, especially action-heavy ones, occasionally ran long. But those dips are minor compared to how invested I was. I laughed at Cassian’s sarcasm, teared up more than once (no shame), and fist-pumped when justice was served. The dialogue felt natural and snappy, with a good amount of humor even in the darkest moments. Most of all, I appreciated that this wasn’t just a fantasy adventure—it was a meditation on loss, found family, and the cost of doing the right thing when it’s hard. And the horses? Don’t even get me started. I’d follow Strider into battle, no question.

If you’re into emotionally charged fantasy with grounded characters and a dash of political intrigue, Wolfhound will be right up your alley. I’d recommend it to fans of Joe Abercrombie, Brandon Sanderson’s grittier moments, or anyone who loves loyalty tested in the fire. It’s perfect for readers who want more heart than high magic, more scars than spells. Just don’t expect to walk away without feeling something deep in your chest.

Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0F8FS1HYD