Customer Reviews

Journeys to the Heartland (The wolves of time) (v. 1)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm presently writing my PhD thesis on depictions of animals in modern popular texts, and as a result have read rather a lot of books over the last year or two which fall into this approximate sub-genre, which for want of a better term I'd call 'Animal Quest' novels. Put simply, Horwood's Wolves of Time series blow everything else I've read out of the water. It is very difficult for me to be in any way objective about this book. It had me choked with emotion almost from start to finish.

Unlike many other tales of this sort (not that there is anything else quite like WOT), Journeys to the Heartland is intelligent and multi-layered; metaphorical without being conspicuously or pretentiously so. It's about nature and humanity, religion, and human relations to other species at the turn of the millenium. It has more heart and more guts than just about any other animal fiction I've ever read. You can read it as pure escapist fiction, or you can ponder its deeper significances. Either way, don;t be put off by any negative reviews. My only cautionary word would be that you might wish to avoid this book if you have delicate sensibilities. At times it can be pretty harrowing, and this is even more true of the second volume.

Horwood isn't flattering in his depiction of humanity - The Mennen. In fact I'd guess he's already been accused of being a misanthrope. The point is, the atrocities committed by humanity in the past are offset against the redemption offered in the figure of The Mann - the ex-biologist who crosses the borderline and runs with the wolves. A symbol of hope for the future; though the realisation of this hope does seem to require civil war throughout Europe, leading to the total collapse of civilization :)

Look, I just loved it. I'm sad I'm not still involved in the world of Horwood's wonderful characters (don't, BTW, be put off by the accusations that the book has shallow characterisations. That's nonsense. The characters seem like old companions by the time you've finished it.)

It's a bit hard to find in the USA, but if you're a wolf person, or just like animal stories, you wouldn't want to miss this one. It knocked my socks off.

I cannot read Horwood at just any time. His description of tough decisions, of long suffering, it makes the final triumphs beautiful, but it is also sometimes so disturbing, that some of his books stay on the shelves for years before I read them. When I finally do, they echo in me, I understand some things about the world and emotions, and they stay with me - a fascinating author, not an easy one. And because he writes about animals, some truths are harsher and clearer than with people as heroes.

A tip for all those who look for this book or its sequel: check out amazon.co.uk, both books are in print there and you might just order them there, if you wanted.

William Horwood's first story in the 'Wolves of Time' series, "Journeys To The Heartland" is about a group of sentient wolves who struggle to find their identities both as individuals and as a pack, as they travel together to take back their homeland from a pack of corrupt wolves, while trying to avoid the cruelties of humans. It's fairly straightforwardly written, but Horwood portrays his characters such that they are much like humans...at times impossible not to like, other time frustrating and disappointing in their actions. Importantly, he allows us to understand why they do what they do and invites the reader to share in the joy and pain of each member. Horwood also spares no expense in his vivid descriptions of the places they travel, without it being at the expense of the story's rhythm. Somewhere in the book the reader will probably find himself identifying with one or more of the wolves--Horwood gives them all individual virtues and faults--which makes the story seem all the more personal. An interesting and even moving book that features a surprising number of insights and parallels into human socialization and societal acceptance. Highly recommended, especially for any fan of wolves

I bought the book with good intentions,it seemed to be a good book but the way it starts out is very misleading. It starts in a first person(or should I say first-wolf)tone despite some added in fictional wolf facts that continue throughout the confused soap opera. Then the book changes and becomes painful to read, borring, too much detail where it doesn`t count and not enough where it should. It could be a book about people, the lack of wolfism and the indroduction of a insane man seems somehow mixed in the plot. The mythology is rich but the story is borring. After i finished it I put it on myshelt where it waits the day to be sold agian or passed along or donated. I doubt the author put any effort into finding wolf facts or if he just put in stuff that sounded right to him. The main idea is original but the lack of action and wolfism makes it a two star book. I would reccomend The Sight by David-Clement-Davies for a good wolf-fiction book or Julie of the Wolves by Jean craighead george. this book isn`t worth the money.

I have read journeys through the heartland and it's sequel. I find that both are in depth and wonderful books about the lives of wolves and their journey to find a new home. The wolves do speak in the books but unlike others they don't wear clothing and take on the roles of people. Instead it is a journey of trials and triumph. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in wolves.

I would have to agree with all the people who put in a review and more. This is a beautiful book and well formated. William Horwood`s a great man.

I really enjoyed this book; it was difficult but worth it. I've also read 'Seekers at the WulfRock' and that's even better. Someone ought to make a movie of these books!

Thw Wolves of Time is the most facinating animal series I have read. As a lover of animals with a great facination with wolves in particular I was able to relate to the various characteristics of each wolf as if they were real. I believed this series to be a trilogy but have been unable to find the second in the series, Wanderers of the Wolfways and now wonder if it is incorporated within the last book, Seekers at the Wulfrock. I recommend this book to all readers who are interested in the wellbeing of the canine species.

why didn't i read it sooner !!!
all i can say is it must be read. especially by any animal enthusiast or book reader.

the book tells of how wolfkind returns to their heartland to complete their legecy. along the way way they face the trails of humans and an evil wolf pack called the magyars which has formed a well detailed book on how wolves react to each other and us. this book is already in motion. we just haven't reached this stage.

only after getting to the end did i know theres another so i'll review that when im finished. but it must be amazing because it follows on from this.

it has to be made into a film

hats off to william horwood and all of wolfkind

I first saw 'Journeys to the Heartland' in the library, years ago and having read both of the Duncton Trilogies I knew that I had to read this book and its sequel. 10 years later I finally got round to reading both, Absolutley Brilliant. The Duncton Books changed my view on life forever and these have refreshed my memory. Can't believe it took me so long to get round to reading them. Following the story of a group of Wolves, who travel from all the corners of Europe to the Heartland of Wolfdom, in the Tatra Mountains; to fulfill an ancient destiny written in the stars. The struggle of the Wolves of Time to restore the ancient order by practical means, is set against the back drop of civil war in Europe and the end of civilisation as we know it. Some of the atrocities mentioned are frighteningly real and you can't help thinking that we are just steps away from this tale in fact some places are already there. The personification of the evil of Mennen is Huntermann and his vile spirit is mirrored in the Lupine World by Dendrine of the Magyars. While the end of humankind is seen from a distance the tradedies the Wolves face are up close and personal. Plenty for everyone here, fantasy, relgion, war, sex, violence, hope, despair and politics. Beware if you are easily offended pure and spiritual and Twisted and dark. An emotional rollercoster of a read. You will feel that you have been on a journey of a lifetime that took forever and yet no time at all. If you read one book this year for WULF'S SAKE make it this one if you read another make sure you read the sequel 'Seekers at the WulfRock'