Promise of the Wolves: A Novel [Hardcover]

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.

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