When Wolf Comes

by John Pappas

Historical adventure, 1801. A survivor from an attack on a trade ship is sold as a slave to the Makah tribe of the Northwest Washington Coast. In a beautiful hostile land of people with strange spiritual ways he will become teacher and student, find friendship and even love, and realize escape comes in many guises, and survival is not always as simple as saving your own life.

Genres: Historical Fiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

At age nine, John Pappas left his native Seattle with his mother to begin a ten year odyssey that included four states and the Territory of Alaska, where he began working in construction at age 15. His path led back to the Pacific Northwest, and while still in his teens, he fell in love with the Northwest Coast while on a salmon troller off Cape Flattery.

He began writing in the 70’s and has published two technical books, magazine articles, and short stories. He co-wrote a cookbook, Aphrodite’s Food for the Gods.

When Wolf Comes is his first published novel and a sequel is in the works.

Reviews

[Allies Opinions · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When Wolf Comes” begins with Aiden doing what he does in much of the book….deliberating on his next move. Aiden has found himself far from home and does his best to be positive while also endeavoring to be useful. When the first ship comes Aiden’s spirits lift and life takes a new path. Like life can do, the path quickly shifts again and Aiden finds himself once more a slave. This time though, maybe being a slave is a step forward.

As Aiden finds his purpose within his masters tribe and culture his eye finds itself stuck on another slave. Neveah is a beautiful native woman who also turns out to be more than what she appears. Their relationship blooms slowly and it’s a real treat to see.

Something that should be noted is how Pappas managed to embed a message of tolerance in his story. Aiden and the Makah are very different and those differences are stark at the beginning but as the story deepens those differences don’t seem so far apart and each culture melds together to find this new direction that I found fascinating. Aiden’s culture and knowledge was accepted (albeit with suspicion) and their culture became another piece of Aiden. This story has a message of oneness that resonates even now.

“When Wolf Comes” is well researched. Time and again I found myself lost in time and imagining the beauty of the northwest. The wonder of it’s people and their means of survival. I haven’t read much into this time period or the tribes that inhabited the northwest but Pappas leads the reader expertly through the complexities of both it’s cultural and natural wonders. Pappas has a real talent for cultivating a love in his readers that has at the very least encouraged me to learn more. I imagine that sentiment will spread through each new reader.

Squintanasis was a character that I really couldn’t get enough of. I would love to see him get his own book. I felt like there was more to tell and learn from this most stoic of men. He was mysterious and wise. He was shrewd but fair. I liked him immensely. He was a big part of what made this story bury itself so deep into my psych.

Pappas depiction of battle is gory but not overly so. The horror is addressed but not dwelt upon. The significance is put more on how the community came together and their bond. I thought it was well written and well balanced.

I could go on for days about how much I enjoyed this story. I encourage you to hop in and lose yourself in the magic of the early 1800’s.

Looking for more reviews on titles like this one? Check out my blog https://alliesopinions.wordpress.com/

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Wolf Comes, is a very good read. I truly enjoyed this tale about life of the Makah Indians and their white slave. The novel begins with the traditional background requirements before the true story begins, A young man of about 21, Aidan Ephraim Martin, is hired by Captain Stark of the ship, New World. Sailing up the West coast North of what is now San Francisco. They are attacked in the middle of the night and Aidan is captured and sold from one tribe to another. We experience the day to day life of Makah Indians and their newest member. Author John Pappas has wholly studied the habits of this tribe and weaves many interesting facts along with his added fiction combining the two into believable characters, places and happenings. The book is fiction but it reads like historical/fiction since one feels that everything that happened in the story could have happened in real life. The entire book covers just a few years and therefore has the opportunity to go into great depth in description of customs and events. I wanted more when the book ended and hardily can recommend, When Wolf Comes, to anyone who enjoys learning more about Native Americans on the west coast years before it was settled by the white man or who just enjoys a good story.

[Lawrence G. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cam across When Wolf Comes after visiting Cape Flattery on the northwestern corner of Washington state. I was intrigued by the spectacular beauty of the area and by a curiosity about the indigenous people of the region. This book is set in the early 19th century when most of the Pacific Northwest was experiencing a cultural clash between the natives and the European explorers. Told through the view of Aiden, a young man of New England. He is kidnapped and pressed into serving on a ship that sails to California. He escapes but is ultimately captured by a hostile tribe who peddle him onto to Makah people were he lives as a slave.

The interplay between Aiden and the Makah is fascinating. I could not put this book down and had a real sense of loss when I had finished it. This is a great book.

[January February March · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read...never a dull moment with a lot of little twists and turns, and sweet moments. Aiden is a really decent character and I really enjoyed Pappas take on Native Americans at the time. There were a few funny moments that kept the book upbeat and battles for those who enjoy action. I definitely recommend this.

[Sean]

I won this book in the first reads giveaway!

[Mary X · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I would definately read this author again.