A review by kailey_luminouslibro
Holly's Secret by Katja Brandis

adventurous inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0


Carag and his shape-shifting friends begin to investigate a strange burglary at the local bank. They wonder if a woodwalker could be involved, but Carag worries that Holly might be up to her old thieving tricks again. She is known for being a petty pickpocket, but she wouldn't do something as risky as rob a bank, would she?

I loved this imaginative series! It's so interesting to explore the world of humans as seen through the eyes of a character who has spent their life as an animal. I really loved the school setting and all the different shapeshifter characters. The plot has a lot of action and mystery as Carag has to learn and grow in his new environment.

Carag has wonderful character development in every book, and in this third book he is really anxious about seeing his puma family again after such a long time. His father does not approve of humans, and was very upset when Carag decided to enter the human world. It was amazing to see how much Carag has grown in wisdom, so that he is able to help his family and be honest with his father.

It was interesting to see how the different Woodwalkers interact based on what their animal form is, whether prey or predator. Their personalities reflect characteristics of their animal form. Carag is calm and graceful as a human, because he is a mountain lion/puma in his animal form. The squirrel character, Holly, is energetic and talkative. The wolves of the school run together in a pack. The spider character is shy and retiring. The bear, Berta, is cuddly and warmly welcoming. Brendan, a huge bison, is clumsy and friendly.

In this third book, the Woodwalkers discover a wolf cub abandoned in the woods, and have to decide what to do to help him. Would it be better to leave him with his wild wolf pack, or take him to the school? The wolf pack at school have always been Carag's enemies, but can he trust them to care for one of their own?

The shapeshifting students have classes about how to shapeshift quickly under pressure, how to navigate difficult situations, and how to blend in with the human world. The whole setting of the school is so cleverly set up!

I can't wait to read more books from this series!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.