Wolven

Toft debuts with a slight, fast-paced novel that introduces the titular Wolven, a race of wolflike creatures who can shift to become humans. When Nat (a lonely 12-year-old whose father is on the run from the law) adopts a scraggly creature he names Woody, he is surprised to learn about his new friend's powers, which include mild telepathy and the ability to transform into a teenage boy. He's even more surprised to discover the secret government conspiracy involving Wolven, true werewolves, and others, as well as the historical connection between the Wolven and the Knights Templar. Throw in Nat's often silly family members, a gorgeous (and not quite human) singer, a mysterious and knowledgeable witch, and a local bully, and there's a lot of action—much of it goofy—for thrill-seeking readers. Not every joke hits its mark (and an offhand joke connecting voodoo and headshrinking is just ignorant), but for the most part, Toft supplies fun action sequences, over-the-top villains (vicious werewolf Lucas Scale sings "Born to Be Wild" after a successful kidnapping), and some intriguing magic. Ages 8–12. (June)