Customer Reviews

Promise of the Wolves: A Novel (Wolf Chronicles)

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(25)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Promise of the Wolves is an enthralling and enjoyable "prehistoric fantasy" set 14,000 years ago, when we humans were just starting to get organized. The book centers on a mythical culture of wolves. One of the book's conceits is that back then, all the higher species of creatures had been able to communicate with each other verbally, but they were beginning to lose this ability, especially among the humans, whose changing lifestyles were already beginning to upset the balance of nature. There is a strong ecological theme, in fact, that runs throughout the book.

The story is told from the point of view of Kaala, a young member of the Swift River wolf pack who has difficulty fitting into her adoptive family. Their leader Ruuquo distrusts her because she bears a moon-like mark that brands her as potential bad luck for the pack. The wolves' lives are guided by ancient legend and a code of conduct enforced by the leaders of the valley, the Greatwolves. The foremost of these prohibits humans and wolves from associating with one another, because ironically, they are so much alike, and the last time they interacted, a war ensued between them. However, Kaala feels an inexorable pull toward the humans, especially after rescuing a human girl, TaLi, from drowning. As Kaala feels more ostracized by Ruuquo, she feels more of a need to be with and hunt with the humans, and she is guided in that direction by a spirit-wolf whom only she can see. The internal and external conflict this eventually creates is what drives the latter half of the book. And the door is left open just enough at the end to set up the sequel to this planned trilogy.

The characterization and dialog, particularly by the wolves, are other reasons to enjoy this book, which seems geared primarily at a YA audience. I don't know how accurate the "science" is in this depcition of early wolves and humans, but it's an intriguing legend to help describe the origins of the relationship of modern humans with dogs. For some reason, I keep picturing this story as an animated film project - Disney might make it too sugar-coated and pat, but Dreamworks might do a good job. I can picture Tlitoo, the haiku-speaking raven, as the comic relief. Due to the life-and-death themes and occasional violence, I wouldn't recommend the book to anyone ten or under. However, as soon as I hand it over to my twelve-year-old son, who loved the Redwall series, he will probably gobble this one up.

This book has been compared to 'Watership Down' and 'The Clan of the Cave Bear', both intriguing, innovative books and a lot to live up to. After the first twenty or so pages I discovered that it definitely lived up to these claims and more.

The story centers on a wolf pack that lived 10,000 years ago. A young wolf, barely accepted by her pack has to struggle and fight for her life from the first day she emerges from her den. The product of an unauthorized breeding she escapes death only because she has an unusual marking, one that a legend claims will be worn by a wolf who will change all of wolfkind. As she tries to learn the lessons needed to become accepted into the pack the young wolf, Kaala, finds that everything she learns only brings her more questions.

This is, not only the first volume of a planned trilogy, but also the author's first published novel. While it is an intriguing and innovative work it does have some 'first novel' flaws. The author has, for the most part, told a most original story but from time to time other novels appear in the background, hopefully as the series progresses Hearst's own voice will grow stronger.

The biggest problem with this book is...how long until I can get my hands on the rest of the series? I have to know what happens next!

I selected this book from the vine program because I expected it to be like Fire Bringer, Watership Down: A Novel, or even Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh (Aladdin Fantasy) - books that anthropomorphize animals. And to a degree it was. The wolves of the story do think and reason. The opening page of the review copy has a message to the reader, ..."you will accept (and almost forget) that Kaala and her companions are wolf. Or, you'll forget that you are not." This statement could not be more true! While "Promise of the Wolves" is like the books I mentioned, it is more like The Earth's Children series, in particular The Clan of the Cave Bear, by Jean Auel - it was that good. Kaala is a mix with "outsider blood." She should have been killed at birth, as Ayla should have been left for dead. Both are rich stories of young females fighting for their place in a pack (clan) that does not want them. Both defy tradition to make themselves stronger. And they will cause monumental changes to the world. The different species of animals are akin to the different clans and tribes Ayla encounters. The manner in which the story is told is also similar. Hearst uses introductory sentences like "The legends say that..." and "It is said..." This is common in literature of this nature. It is almost as if Hearst read Earths Children and asked herself, what would that time have been like from an animal's perspective? I do not mean to say that this is a rip-off. It is wholly original and unique, the author just took a good idea in an entirely new direction. Both books have simple stories - young girls trying to survive in a brutal world. Yet, they are engrossing. You find yourself turning page after page - I read this in one night.

Wolves opens with a prologue set 40, 000 years ago, describing a 3-year long winter that is broken when a young female wolf defies the law to hunt with a human to provide food for her family, and his. This is part of a legend that will influence the heroine, Kaala, introduced in Chapter 1. The novel is told from her perspective, though not in first person. The alpha wolf Ruuqo wants to kill Kaala because she is a danger to the pack. But, the "Greatwolves" step in and spare her life. Yet, it will be an uphill battle to survive because while Ruuqo will not kill her outright, he won't help her either (as pack should). The wolves of Wide Valley are bound to a covenant to avoid humans, but not harm them, because long ago Wolves helped humans learn more than they should and it caused a war that threatened creation itself. This covenant is a challenge because wolves are drawn to humans. Kaala feels this pull more than the other wolves. She suspects something is wrong with the legends, and the actions of the Greatwolves. Her secret friendship with a human girl will reveal lies that have been told, and change her pack forever.

"Wolves" reminded me of another great book, "The Heavenly Horse from the Outermost West" by Mary Stanton. In that, horses not only were sentient, they had legends, gods, laws and more. They had a society, just as Hearst has given her wolves. In both books, the reader forgets that these are not people - because they are. Kaala is an engaging protagonist. The dialog among the wolves is realistic, as are her inner thoughts. She struggles with doubt, loneliness and even depression. She is determined. The wolves talk of family, teach their young, journey together. There is death to contend with. And there are friends. Kaala is not completely alone. As a young pup, she protected the runt of the litter to ensure he lived. And Azzuen loves her as his sister. And the raven Tlitoo, who is also touched by outsider blood, is there to provide humor, guidance and some old fashioned fun. The cast of characters is well developed. Even minor characters are fleshed out more than usual. Though this is the first part of a trilogy, the ending was satisfying. There is no gut wrenching cliff-hanger, just the knowledge that there will be more to see of Kaala.

It has been mentioned that this would be more appropriate for younger readers. And I agree. However, seeing as I enjoyed all the books I already mentioned, regardless of intended audience, I see no reason adults can't enjoy this as well. There wasn't a complicated plot in "Island of the Blue Dolphins," either, just a good story, even if a simple one. Overall, "Wolves" is an excellent novel that will grab a reader. It is difficult to believe this is the author's first novel. My only criticism of the book was that it ended to soon! I eagerly await the rest of the trilogy.

While I haven't read CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR yet, I don't like the comparison of this book to Watership Down. The only similarity I can see between the two is that the animals are able to communicate as humans do. Besides that, the two books are very different. PROMISE OF THE WOLVES is a fantastical tale of a mythical past in which the future of the world was determined, involving both humans and wolves, while WATERSHIP DOWN involved an isolated case without mysticism or significant human interaction. That being said, WATERSHIP DOWN is the superior book.

Dorothy Hearst's first novel is targeted to the teenage reading age, nothing too graphic, but fast-paced and fairly exciting. The characters are easy to love and their individual personalities are developed nicely. The plot of the story left some to be desired in my opinion. Based off the feeling that present day life must have gone awry sometime in the past (explaining the current terrible state of the world and our complicity in making it what it is), this book tells of a time when men and animals just weren't that different from one another, and actually lived with mutual respect. To some, I'm sure its appealing, but to me it just seems a bit silly.

Overall, this is an enjoyable book that I'd highly recommend to younger readers. It is the first in a three book trilogy, so if you don't like waiting long periods for the end of a story, don't pick this one up for a while.

Having read Clan of the Cave Bear and the subsequent books in the Earth's Children Series, I was eager to read this book that has been compared to Clan of the Cave Bear. This is the first book in a trilogy Dorothy Hearst is writing called The Wolf Chronicles. It is also her first novel.

In Promise of the Wolves by Dorothy Hearst, Kaala, a young pup is born of outside blood, and to complicate things further, she bears the mark of the moon. She struggles with her desire to gain pack approval, while dealing with her strong calling to be with and protect humans. Dorothy Hearst captures the voice and spirit of the wolf well throughout hunts, disagreements, fights, and the joy of being a wolf. There are so many fascinating characters in this book. Tlitoo, a raven, interacts with the wolves spouting cheeky poetry in a humorous and wise manner. The Great Wolves Jandra and Frandu mysteriously appear, disappear, protect, and keep secrets from Kaala and the other wolf packs. A spirit wolf magically appears and helps Kaala at her most desperate hours.

What makes this book so interesting and is that it tells the tale of the relationship between wolves and humans 14,000 years ago from the wolf point of view. There have been other books written from the human point of view the feature wolves, but this book is unique. Ms. Hearst has created a distinct work that I'm sure will develop a strong following. It was a joy to read.
I recommend this book to anyone ages 12 and up who is interested in wolves and their possible interactions with humans thousands of years ago. This book would make an incredible Disney movie. If you love wolves, or if you wonder what a Disney movie would be like if wolves were the central character, then I think you will enjoy this book.

Taking place more than ten thousand of years ago - nearing the end of the Stone (Paleolithic Era) Age - Promise of the Wolves: Wolf Chronicles Book One (Wolf Chronicles) is the first book I've read, since I was a child, that is told from an animal's point of view. Kaala the wolf pup tells of her struggles to stay with the pack, despite a pack leader who doesn't want her. She is pulled to break the covenant that separates Wolf from Man.

While Promise of the Wolves doesn't cover this time period with any of the detail that, say The Clan of the Cave Bear or People of the Wolf (The First North Americans series, Book 1) do, it describes a period before technology, a period in which mankind isn't yet forced to go to extremes to try to preserve what's left of the earth. It tells of the balances that are needed to maintain equilibrium between Man and the "lower" animals.

Further, Promise of the Wolves is an absolutely delightful story. I can't believe that it's the first book by author Dorothy Hearst; she's got the ups and downs, the crests and climaxes, that some more seasoned authors lack. Devouring books about a history before ours, I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the trilogy.

I thought this new novel was a fun and interesting read. It is the story of Kaala, a new wolf pup rejected by her pack, and her struggle to become part of her group and abide by their rules, which includes not communing with humans, a challenge she finds increasingly difficult -- a struggle which will have implications for all the wolves and humans in her valley. While the story started out slowly, I was immediately interested in the characters and by the end of the book found I anxiously wait for the next in the trilogy. The book is well-written and covers an interesting time -- when humans and canines were developing a relationship that continues to this day. Some violent content probably makes it too mature for young readers, but older kids and adults will enjoy it. Lots of fun!

Dorothy Hearst's "Promise of the Wolves" seems to have created a lot of buzz, and it deserves the attention. I've never read anything quite like this before, with its emphasis on the evolutionary link between humans and canines (both dogs and wolves) and its rendering of the complexities of the internal politics of a wolf pack. It reminds me of Kipling's Jungle Books (much richer and more complex than the Disney movie), except with a more modern understanding of the animal world and our environment. Fascinating, haunting, and beautiful!

It is rare that I give a book 5 stars, but this one captivated me from page one. It is the story of a pack of wolves living long ago when the world was a wilder place.

Kaala Smallteeth was born of a forbidden litter of mixed-blood wolves. As decreed by wolf law, on their first day out of the den, their pack's leaderwolf, Ruuqo, kills all of Kaala's brothers and sisters, but little Kaala stands up to fight, and is spared when a pair of greatwolves (large, somewhat godlike guardian wolves) intervene. For breaking the covenant, Kaala's mother is driven from the pack, and Kaala is taken in by Rissa, Ruuqo's mate, and raised with her litter. Ruuqo looks on Kaala with a jaundiced eye, resenting her presence in his pack, and life is not easy for Kaala. She is strong, though, and befriends the smallest pup in the litter, a male named Azzuen.

As Kaala and Azzuen grow and learn to be wolf, they learn of the covenant of the Wide Valley, which governs the lives of all who live there, and forbids wolves to consort with humans. When Kaala comes upon a human girl about to drown in the river, however, she cannot abandon her. She saves her and returns her to her home. Fascinated with the humans, Kaala finds herself stealing back to their settlement to befriend her. Azzuen and Marra, another pup from Kaala's Swift River pack, tell Kaala they've been following her, and they, too, want to meet the humans. Just as they all make friends with human companions, however, war is about to break out between the wolves and humans, and Kaala finds out there is a lot more to the covenant than the greatwolves have let on.

This book is populated by wonderful characters. Any concerns I had about a story about wolves holding my interest disappeared immediately. The author did a superb job of pointing out the similarities between canines and humans, and using them to weave a believable tale about WOLVES, not a bunch of human characters in cartoon wolf bodies. These wolves live, think, and feel like wolves. Their predacious tendencies are alluded to with a bit of arrogance, tempered by their animal's natural respect for nature.

By the end of the book, some of Kaala's questions have been answered, but it is obvious the entire story has not yet been told. Who is Kaala's father? What became of Borrla? Will Kaala be reunited with her mother? Will her mate be Pell or Azzuen? I better not have to wait several years to find out. I found myself comparing this book to Jean M. Auel's Earth's Children series, because of similar story lines and setting, and because it was equally compelling. Anyone who loves a tale full of adventure and intrigue who doesn't insist it fall within narrow parameters should enjoy it. Please, God, let the film rights be purchased by someone who will make a decent, PG-rated animated movie out of this wonderful story. It would be ruined in a cutesy movie full of catchy, kiddie songs and dances, but the right producer could make a masterpiece out of it. Hearst's first novel is a gem. When can I have the next one?

I did not approach this novel with high expectations. A novel written from the perspective of a wolf? I was not at all intrigued. I agreed to review the book solely because I love wolves but I expected to be quite bored. I was surprised.
Told from the point of view of an ostrasized wolf pup, the story is surprisingly engaging. It is a quick read, and lends itself well to short periods of time available for reading. I find both of those factors to be important for most books that I read these days.
There is a nice blend of plot with natural characteristics of wolves. While I did find a few things to be silly and/or unrealistic in the book, it was definitely entertaining. It is engaging for adults and yet is appropriate for young adult readers as well. I will be sharing this book with a friend who loves everything wolf-related and she will be passing on to her 11-year-old. Give this one a try.