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Wolfwalker #1
Wolfwalker
“A breathless ride . . . Rip-snorting, white-river, cliff-climbing suspense with barely a pause. A Grand Fantasy!”—Anne McCaffrey
Dion was a healer and a wolfwalker, and the unique telepathic bond that she shared with the wolf Gray Hishn sometimes seemed to amplify her sensitivity to her patients. But she never guessed how strong that bond could be, or what kind of power it could wield, until she found herself lost in the wilderness, with angry slavers at her heels and war on the horizon. Suddenly she and her fellow travelers were fighting for their lives in the snowy winter wastes, where the wolves were their only guides, the greatest secret of the ancients their only salvation . . . and Dion their only hope to survive.
Dion was a healer and a wolfwalker, and the unique telepathic bond that she shared with the wolf Gray Hishn sometimes seemed to amplify her sensitivity to her patients. But she never guessed how strong that bond could be, or what kind of power it could wield, until she found herself lost in the wilderness, with angry slavers at her heels and war on the horizon. Suddenly she and her fellow travelers were fighting for their lives in the snowy winter wastes, where the wolves were their only guides, the greatest secret of the ancients their only salvation . . . and Dion their only hope to survive.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 13, 2026
Actual Rating: 3.25
September 18, 2009
This was a pleasant light fantasy. Dion is a healer and a :wolfwalker:--she shares a telepathic bond with a wolf. Dion is a well drawn character---strong, intelligent, and stubborn.
Thestory itself begins in the aftermath of a battle and goes on from there from action scene to action scene, with very little pauses in between.
I did enjoy it while reading it; but it was a very light read--the kind I will not recall in six months. Nothing really grabbed me and lifted this book out of the ordinary. But very definitely a quick pleasant read for a day or two, and dcent characterization and plot.
Btw, this could probably be given to older teens--say 14 on up--and they would really enjoy it.
Recommended for fantasy and adventure readers. Also science fiction readers, as it is actually a blend of sf and fantasy.
Thestory itself begins in the aftermath of a battle and goes on from there from action scene to action scene, with very little pauses in between.
I did enjoy it while reading it; but it was a very light read--the kind I will not recall in six months. Nothing really grabbed me and lifted this book out of the ordinary. But very definitely a quick pleasant read for a day or two, and dcent characterization and plot.
Btw, this could probably be given to older teens--say 14 on up--and they would really enjoy it.
Recommended for fantasy and adventure readers. Also science fiction readers, as it is actually a blend of sf and fantasy.
August 14, 2014
I originally read this after the sequel (Shadow Leader), and was delighted to pick up the beginning of an amazing story! I love the idea of this telepathic connection between wolf and human, these people on an alien world with all sorts of dangerous critters (man being the worst of all as usual).
Fast-paced, intense, great characters... It's not for nothing that I re-read this (and the subsequent books) every couple of years. :)
Fast-paced, intense, great characters... It's not for nothing that I re-read this (and the subsequent books) every couple of years. :)
December 30, 2012
I read this book as a teen and I still reread them from time to time now as an adult. These books helped spark my love for fantasy novels and also encouraged me to follow my dreams and complete a BSc in wildlife biology. I love the main characters and am always swept away when I read them. I have been waiting a moons age for her eight novel and will be sure to buy it as soon as it is released.
August 13, 2007
A bookcrossing.com book. I had to force myself to put this book down so I could get to mundane things like sleep and work. The lead female character is intriguing, skilled without being absolutely perfect. The lead male character was definately my favorite, and I was glad that the author switched between their points-of-view. The book is more adventure than fantasy, and the author does not hesitate to have less-than-happy-endings for her characters. I can't wait to find the rest of the books. A definate "must own" book.
June 28, 2011
What a series! I'm only rating this one, because it started it all, and I've equally enjoyed every part of the series. Even the spin-offs of the original Wolfwalker series. I've been reading her books since a teen, and I only wish TK Harper had continued writing! They are vivid in description, and knuckle-gripping with suspense. Truly an all-around amazing series of Sci-Fi/Fantasy.
July 18, 2012
Ugh this was pretty awful XD The narration was horribly inconsistent, contradictory, and melodramatic, and the romantic interest was a total jerk (actually all of the men were pretty pig-headed -- not sure if the author intended to create a world in which even the "good" men are sexist pigs, but that's what she delivers).
Also the main protagonist was bordering on the Mary Sue. I liked her characterization a lot, and she was consistently-written, but she was just a little too perfect, just a little too good at random convenient things, and she had no negative attributes, nor did she make any mistakes or have any kind of growth during the course of the story.
The romance itself felt tacked on and forced. Apart from my own distaste for his personality, I honestly can't see Dione being happy with such an over-bearing, jealous, and patronizing kind of man -- he doesn't seem to be happy unless he has her under his thumb 24/7 and ordering her around.
The author had some neat and intriguing ideas and plot points, in the last quarter or so of the story especially (I should warn you that the first half of the story is your typical fantasy fare, while the last third or so takes a turn for the sci-fi-ish). But a lot of the time you could tell that she was making the characters go through mental acrobats in order to twist their logic around so that they would take the actions she wanted them to take. I'd be curious to read some of her later work to see if her writing (and taste in men) improved.
Also the main protagonist was bordering on the Mary Sue. I liked her characterization a lot, and she was consistently-written, but she was just a little too perfect, just a little too good at random convenient things, and she had no negative attributes, nor did she make any mistakes or have any kind of growth during the course of the story.
The romance itself felt tacked on and forced. Apart from my own distaste for his personality, I honestly can't see Dione being happy with such an over-bearing, jealous, and patronizing kind of man -- he doesn't seem to be happy unless he has her under his thumb 24/7 and ordering her around.
The author had some neat and intriguing ideas and plot points, in the last quarter or so of the story especially (I should warn you that the first half of the story is your typical fantasy fare, while the last third or so takes a turn for the sci-fi-ish). But a lot of the time you could tell that she was making the characters go through mental acrobats in order to twist their logic around so that they would take the actions she wanted them to take. I'd be curious to read some of her later work to see if her writing (and taste in men) improved.
August 14, 2010
I liked it, but didn't love it ... Listening to the audiobook makes me more aware of small irritations with some of the writing style. For example, I got kind of tired of the way characters were referred to by description rather than name (such as "the dark haired man spoke" or "the brown eyed woman shrugged" or whatever). It seemed ... affected. Also, the blow-by-blow descriptions of fights and other physical peril were less engaging than if it had been described more in terms of the characters reactions (thoughts, feelings, senses ... ) Listening sometimes gives me more time to think about things like this, though that's also an indication that I was less than 100 percent engaged.
Having said that, I think I will go on to the next book eventually, but it wasn't something that made me want to right back in immediately.
Having said that, I think I will go on to the next book eventually, but it wasn't something that made me want to right back in immediately.
February 6, 2016
Published 1990. For a initial book Tara K. Harper is very impressive. Accordingly she received a blurb from Anne McCaffrey at the time extolling her story and skills. Since that time the author has published 10 more books; 4 more in this series mentioned here. The last publishing was in 2005. Since then she seems to have drawn back from public life which is our loss.
I intend to read more of her work and wish for her return to writing.
I intend to read more of her work and wish for her return to writing.
July 11, 2011
I was introduced to this series when I was in high school and I fell in love with them. The story line is amazing and the details are so wonderful you feel like your actually there!
They were such great stories when I was a young girl that I reread them as an adult!
They were such great stories when I was a young girl that I reread them as an adult!
March 21, 2009
This is a VERY good book. All of Tara K. Harper's books are very good.
April 26, 2018
The book opens with Dion injured and mourning her twin, this certainly got my attention, although sorting herself out did seem to drag on a bit too long.
However, my main problem with the book is that the story is disaster driven, it’s just one thing going wrong after another. It’s just unrelenting, they are attacked, captured, robbed, conned, ship wrecked, hurt and in some cases killed. I don’t mind the hero/heroine having to overcome problems, but not when this is the only thing the book has to offer.
However, my main problem with the book is that the story is disaster driven, it’s just one thing going wrong after another. It’s just unrelenting, they are attacked, captured, robbed, conned, ship wrecked, hurt and in some cases killed. I don’t mind the hero/heroine having to overcome problems, but not when this is the only thing the book has to offer.
October 15, 2017
My wife recommended that I pick up the Wolfwalker series after I had finished reading the Wheel of Time series - and maybe that was why I gave this novel 4 stars instead of 5. Tara Harper has created a vibrant character in Dion and the beginnings of a wonderful story line that plays out over the next 5 books in the series. I found that as the series progresses, I became more and more engrossed in the story.
My only minor gripe is that in this novel more than any other of the Wolfwalker series, her pacing of the action is relentless. The world that Tara Harper has created is such a harsh and violent environment that both Dion and the reader never are given the chance to take 'a breather' and unwind. In many fantasy stories, I feel drawn to the world itself - yet on the Wolfwalker world, I think its the last past I'd ever want to live!
Overall, add this to your list of must read fantasy series...
My only minor gripe is that in this novel more than any other of the Wolfwalker series, her pacing of the action is relentless. The world that Tara Harper has created is such a harsh and violent environment that both Dion and the reader never are given the chance to take 'a breather' and unwind. In many fantasy stories, I feel drawn to the world itself - yet on the Wolfwalker world, I think its the last past I'd ever want to live!
Overall, add this to your list of must read fantasy series...
February 14, 2022
Definitely a builder book. It does have great world building with 9 moons and wolfwalkers. However, it does get a bit rushed at the end that—hopefully—leads right into the second book. I liked that we got Dion's and Aranur's perspective, although, as the book went on thier chapters kind of bled into each other so it was slightly wrenching when the POV suddenly changed in the middle of the others chapter. I also think the resolution was rushed too with how everything with setting up the ovousibas (which was great) and how it ended (I have views on this type of thing.) I will continue to the next book and see how the writing progresses as I did enjoy the story even with characters that can say, "Dion's a strong healer and a clever fighter, but she's still a woman, with a women's feelings and a women's dreams." Which while true to character and a world where women rarely leave thier village and can be sold into slavery in a harem is still annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2014
I'd picked this one up at the booksale and was looking forward to reading it. The action started strong and never let up, the author wasn't afraid to kill off main characters, and the wolves were very nice. On the downside, even though the main character is a woman, in general it seemed like every single girl on that world was either married off as soon as she was old enough or kidnapped by raiders to be sold as prostitutes. The story could've used a little more background on the various peoples/legends/etc, but overall I guess it wasn't that bad. Recommended.
October 19, 2010
I almost kept this one. If you love Jacob from Twilight or Perrin from the Wheel of Time series, you would probably love this book a lot. A woman and her wolf make for a very long and clever tale. Plenty of action and a fair amount of grit. This one almost made the cut so it is a good solid read. =)
July 29, 2011
IMO, this thing falls apart in the last 100 pages. Dion's "miraculous" discovery seems pretty unlikely given the amount of time that has passed; surely some wolfwalker could have thought of this before? While Harper mentions that the wolfwalkers are rare, I don't get the impression that they are stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2015
Really a 3.5 rating. Decent story, kept my interest. Good strong characters. I will try the next book in the series. The story didn't seem to have a driving source, a purpose. It seemed to wander rather aimlessly to some extent.
October 6, 2009
This is a great Sci-Fi read for the fantasy lover. I loved it in high school & still pick it back up every now and then
January 12, 2011
couldnt put it down
September 12, 2014
An easy entertaining read, I enjoyed the characters, the situations were realistic. The resolution was good. Good book.
April 10, 2016
Love the characters. A good read.
April 2, 2017
A great novel with unique characters.
February 6, 2023
On a distant planet in the far future, certain people, known as wolfwalkers, form psychic bonds with wolves. It sounds like an intriguing premise, but unfortunately the book doesn’t live up to its potential. The focus is always on the humans, and the bond with their wolves is explored in far less depth than I’d have liked – at times it’s almost irrelevant. The plot appears to be going one way, then randomly switches direction halfway through. Nothing seems to “come together” until near the end, and even then you’re left feeling unsatisfied with the conclusion. Not really worth it for wolf fans.
February 26, 2024
While I do like an adventure filled read, this one had a bit too much going on. It became a little tedious to read. I didn't feel a sense of peril since our heroes came out on top through 90% of their trials.
July 16, 2018
All of the Wolfwalker books are an excellent fantasy sci-fi read. Wish Ms. Harper had written as many of them as McCaffrey wrote Pern series books.
October 24, 2018
Nice idea but I just lost interest. Maybe it was the clunky prose, maybe it was the annoying men.
February 15, 2021
I loved this story. This is my first love story. Loved wolves and the tale was delightful.
February 15, 2025
Love these books! If you can really love a book...
June 27, 2015
It starts out with a roaring fire: PANIC...STRUGGLE...DANGER...! Dion, healer and telepathic wolfwalker, needed safety, fast. Only nine days out on "The Journey" to test courage and skill and she has been attacked by slavers and is being threatened by wild beasts. Where is her brother, Rhom, or her wolf companion, Gray Hishn? Help! Dazed and wounded, Dion must push herself to her limits. And this is just the beginning!
The twists and turns may not make literature, but they certainly add up to an adventure. Harper keeps Dion on the edge of disaster while exploring her mind and healing powers. (Literally on the edge when mountain climbing...later.)
I did wonder where the story was going...other than away from danger. There is a preoccupation with a mysterious healing power called Ovousibus that could be significant. There are 800-year-old ruins that could figure into the story. Does Dion have a special destiny? Will romance flower in the sequels? Do I need to read book two? I'm wavering. (The other 3 books that I've read by Tara K. Harper average the same 3 plus that I give this one.)
Not what it could be, but not dull. Plenty of action from the outset. Fans of telepathic links to animals will enjoy entering into the minds of wolves. Fans of action heroines will enjoy Dion's walk on the wild side.
Want to link to a wild cat rather than a wolf? Try Harper's Cat Scratch Fever.
The twists and turns may not make literature, but they certainly add up to an adventure. Harper keeps Dion on the edge of disaster while exploring her mind and healing powers. (Literally on the edge when mountain climbing...later.)
I did wonder where the story was going...other than away from danger. There is a preoccupation with a mysterious healing power called Ovousibus that could be significant. There are 800-year-old ruins that could figure into the story. Does Dion have a special destiny? Will romance flower in the sequels? Do I need to read book two? I'm wavering. (The other 3 books that I've read by Tara K. Harper average the same 3 plus that I give this one.)
Not what it could be, but not dull. Plenty of action from the outset. Fans of telepathic links to animals will enjoy entering into the minds of wolves. Fans of action heroines will enjoy Dion's walk on the wild side.
Want to link to a wild cat rather than a wolf? Try Harper's Cat Scratch Fever.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews