Promise of the Wolves

by Dorothy Hearst

Review by Lizzie

In A Nutshell: Fourteen thousand years ago, wolves roaming the Wide Valley are anxious about the arrogance of humans. When Kaala, a plucky pup of mixed blood, is born with a half-moon marking the pack wonders if she’s an omen of good or bad fortune. The alpha male, Ruqquo, is wary and tries to restrict her pack status. But with her instinctual fondness for humans, and smarts, can Kaala be controlled? Awhooooo!

Three Words to Describe it: Convoluted wolf legends

Indicative Quote: “I watched a human child nuzzle in her parent’s arms, and wanted those arms around me. I wanted the firemeat in my mouth, the warmth of the fire on my fur. The pull I had felt before was increased tenfold, and I could not fight it.”

Reason I Liked It: It’s pretty hard to put yourself into the frame of mind of a wolf, and Dorothy Hearst does a damn good job. I imagine that she must have spent lots of time sitting in a dog park, making copious notes about dogs sniffing and yipping at each other.

You’ll Like This If You Like: Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George, Watership Down by Richard Adams, or your husky puppy.

Book Club Ideas: Head to Algonquin Park for a wolf howl expedition. Your human group howls, then a wolf pack will reply. While you might be scared at first, just think, hey they’re Kaala’s friends, then jog in their direction. Maybe they’ll help you hunt rabbits if you give them firemeat (roasted hotdogs in your pocket). When your guide chases after you, and insists that you stay away from the wolves, jump into a long tirade about how the laws of the Greatwolves and the Council are unjust.

Verdict: Not quite my cup of tea. Wolves don’t exactly top my list of interests. Plus the whole plot rested upon this convoluted series of convenants, laws of the valley, and promises regarding the boundaries of wolves and humans, which all seem to have become twisted over time. They weren’t quite confusing, just not compelling or convincing.

Good Present For: The sort of teenage boy who’s into hobbits and the board game Risk.