Swearwolves

By Steve Worland

Reviewed by Sandy Driessens

When Luna Wilkinson and her family move to Nightfall Springs, she desperately wants to perform in the school production of “Bite Me: The Musical”. Being a member of the “cool girl” clique is also on her list, but when she stumbles into the woods behind her house, searching for her bratty brother’s ball, something bites her on the ankle and all of those hopes are dashed. Luna is cursed … cursed to blurt out swearwords every time she opens her mouth… she’s become a swearwolf!

Follow feisty Luna as she heroically attempts to lift the curse, meets an old man who hasn’t and with the help of a special friend, resolves to find her own way of embracing her new life in Nightfall Springs.

Steve Worland, known for his work in action-adventure literature and family-oriented film, has written a story to entice middle grade readers with the promise of ‘naughty’ and excitement rolled up in fantasy. The language and slang will appeal to that age group. With well placed chapters that end in cliff-hangers, children will be lured into wanting to find out what happens next. It is smattered with names and words that allude to the werewolf legend … Luna, the moon; Nightfall Springs; Moonfang Hollow and of course “Bite Me: The Musical”. The characters are well fleshed out with believable behaviours and responses to their unique community whilst remaining an easy, enjoyable read for young ones.

Of course, the “swear words” are all redacted, even in the Glossary of Swear Words” at the end … for concerned parents.  It addresses moving to a new home, bullying, bravery, belonging and finding your own pack, all subtly wrapped up in a fantasy story.

Children will love this story and adults will enjoy reading it to them (with all the bleeps).

Penguin 2026