Yeah the first time I played the demo I was handed my ass by the Werewolf master
also thought it was unfair until I carefully read the wolves nasty spell description, it only works on level one and two humanoid mobs, so you can use bears or plants with no problem, just a little change of strategy.
Most useful for a mage is even if they suck (like thorns) they still get to go, which means you get to throw a spell.