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Wolf-Woman
Her earliest memories are of the wolves. And of the hunters who killed them and reclaimed her to human society--as a slave.
Tanith has grown up as part of a savage, plundering clan, in a world ruled by brute strength, superstition, and animal cunning. Now, hated and shunned, Tanith flees human society for the more humane company of wolves. But the gentle son of a chief from a neighboring clan beckons her back. He offers Tanith the chance to join once again with her own kind. She must make her final choice of which cry to answer--the wavering, longing bellow of the human or the steady, beating call of the wolf.
Tanith has grown up as part of a savage, plundering clan, in a world ruled by brute strength, superstition, and animal cunning. Now, hated and shunned, Tanith flees human society for the more humane company of wolves. But the gentle son of a chief from a neighboring clan beckons her back. He offers Tanith the chance to join once again with her own kind. She must make her final choice of which cry to answer--the wavering, longing bellow of the human or the steady, beating call of the wolf.
176 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
4 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Jordan
40 books324 followersAward-winning New Zealand author Sherryl Rose Jordan (née Brogden) (1949-2023) began her writing career with picture books, but soon moved on to novels for older readers. Her breakthrough came with Rocco, published in the United States as A Time of Darkness, and since that time she has gone on to pen many more titles for young adult and juvenile readers that have been published both in her native New Zealand and throughout the world.
The recipient of a 1993 fellowship to the prestigious writing program at the University of Iowa, Jordan used her time in the United States to speak widely at schools and conferences about her books, which blend fantasy with bits of science fiction and romantic realism. "All my young adult novels have been gifts," she noted in the St. James Guide to Children's Writers. "I don't think them up. They hit me over the head when I least expect them; overwhelm me with impressions, sights, and sounds of their new worlds; enchant me with their characters; and dare me to write them."
The recipient of a 1993 fellowship to the prestigious writing program at the University of Iowa, Jordan used her time in the United States to speak widely at schools and conferences about her books, which blend fantasy with bits of science fiction and romantic realism. "All my young adult novels have been gifts," she noted in the St. James Guide to Children's Writers. "I don't think them up. They hit me over the head when I least expect them; overwhelm me with impressions, sights, and sounds of their new worlds; enchant me with their characters; and dare me to write them."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 14, 2015
This book.... I can't even begin to say how much I love it I read it about 9 years ago when I was in middle school and It has been my favorite book ever since. Now since this is a short book so I can't really say much with out it being spoilers so from this point if you haven't read it yet stop reading this and start reading the book
April 28, 2017
Jordan enchants me. I can't help it, okay? I love her stories! They're like these heavily-weighted fables with heroines willing to enrage entire nations if they feel the cause is true! Tanith is no exception.
More review here:
http://strikingkeys.blogspot.com/2017...
More review here:
http://strikingkeys.blogspot.com/2017...
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December 30, 2015This was one of my absolute favorite books as a kid, but for the life of me I couldn't remember the name. Finally, I have found it again! Tempted to give it a re-read, but I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy it as much as 10-year-old me and I don't want to ruin the nostalgia.
January 27, 2025
This was a solid 4 star read! Tanith is growing up in a tribe that is not her own. She was adopted by the wife of the head of her tribe, but as circumstances change, her protected status starts to slip, leaving her vulnerable. To cope, she begins spending time with a group of wolves who live nearby, who accept her fully. She tries to figure out which world she wants to live in; human society or out in nature with the wolves?
Wolf-Woman is written almost like a parable. It’s much darker, more bloody, and more disturbing than I had initially thought it would be. The scenes featuring the wolves and nature are beautiful, and it’s clear that Sherryl Jordan did plenty of wolf behavior research in order to write this, which is cool.
Reading it as an adult, I’m certain that Jordan meant for the nature-filled world of the wolves to represent Tanith’s freedom as a woman, while the humans repeatedly attempt to take that freedom away from her throughout the story. Like the other Sherryl Jordan books I’ve read, Wolf-Woman is feminist to the core! Overall, very worth the read if you can get your hands on a copy.
Wolf-Woman is written almost like a parable. It’s much darker, more bloody, and more disturbing than I had initially thought it would be. The scenes featuring the wolves and nature are beautiful, and it’s clear that Sherryl Jordan did plenty of wolf behavior research in order to write this, which is cool.
Reading it as an adult, I’m certain that Jordan meant for the nature-filled world of the wolves to represent Tanith’s freedom as a woman, while the humans repeatedly attempt to take that freedom away from her throughout the story. Like the other Sherryl Jordan books I’ve read, Wolf-Woman is feminist to the core! Overall, very worth the read if you can get your hands on a copy.
June 26, 2018
So I read this book way back in middle school on recommendation of my cousin. I remember really liking it at the time. I was always really enamored with wolves and the idea of living in harmony with nature. So it felt a lot like Julie's Wolfpack with a more romantic, mystical flair. The words used felt more archaic, which was appealing as inspiration for what I was writing at the time.
That said, the same lovely cousin that recommended the book to me in the first place just gifted me a copy of the book. I breezed through it in two days (it might have been far less, except I was just sneaking in a chapter or two while at work). It's interesting to me how my impressions have changed of the book since then.
I still think the writing is good, though certainly not the best I've ever read. It is a short book, but I am impressed at how well the events paced themselves. It does not feel overly rushed. Most of all it is interesting how my perception of characters has changed.
That said from here on out expect SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The change that surprised me most was the difference in how I viewed Gibran as a teenager vs now as an adult. I still LIKE Gibran but... He is nice, gentle-hearted (mostly), charming, and as a whole likable... But upon a reread I see a certain... Selfishness? Entitlement? More early on in the book his infatuation with Tanith seems superficial. He thought she was pretty and "not like other girls." Later, when she turns him down again and again he persists and acts offended even though she was in more of a "it's not me it's you" kind of situation. Like??? I don't know, it just made me think that while Gibran is a "nice guy" that in the end he didn't TRULY love Tanith, otherwise he might have been more sensitive to her feelings and desires.
Anyway, that is the end of that rant. Long story short, I still enjoyed the book, but interpreted it differently than when I was a teen.
That said, the same lovely cousin that recommended the book to me in the first place just gifted me a copy of the book. I breezed through it in two days (it might have been far less, except I was just sneaking in a chapter or two while at work). It's interesting to me how my impressions have changed of the book since then.
I still think the writing is good, though certainly not the best I've ever read. It is a short book, but I am impressed at how well the events paced themselves. It does not feel overly rushed. Most of all it is interesting how my perception of characters has changed.
That said from here on out expect SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The change that surprised me most was the difference in how I viewed Gibran as a teenager vs now as an adult. I still LIKE Gibran but... He is nice, gentle-hearted (mostly), charming, and as a whole likable... But upon a reread I see a certain... Selfishness? Entitlement? More early on in the book his infatuation with Tanith seems superficial. He thought she was pretty and "not like other girls." Later, when she turns him down again and again he persists and acts offended even though she was in more of a "it's not me it's you" kind of situation. Like??? I don't know, it just made me think that while Gibran is a "nice guy" that in the end he didn't TRULY love Tanith, otherwise he might have been more sensitive to her feelings and desires.
Anyway, that is the end of that rant. Long story short, I still enjoyed the book, but interpreted it differently than when I was a teen.
September 10, 2014
Wolf- woman was howling good. Here let me get it out the way * AWoooooo* cough um yes now where was i. yes this book was great! Yes, I did howl and no I won't do it again…. Not anytime soon anyways. I know you’re thinking Kaila another werewolf one really but nope. This one has a Viking like setting and it involves a slave-like native girl (like Native American). Her people apparently let their children be raised by wolfs. That way the child's soul becomes intertwine with nature the world of animals but humans as well. These children become shamans but anyway she is taken from her kin as a child so she doesn’t know who she is. She is being raised by these Viking like people and it’s really interesting to see her struggle with her identity. That she wishes she could be like people who own and she feels ugly. That she is lost and wishes she could be with her right kin. She also wishes to be with the wolves that the people fear. The story turns into a grand thing really when real wolves are involved. It wasn’t cheesy. Example- “OH look wolf won’t you love me?” and the wolf ran to her. She sings and they howl and she growls like a wolf.NO DAIRY product here. The way the character explains how she interacts with them Is the way now days a scientist who understands a wolfs social gestures and body language. It was really well written. In fact the style the author writes is just great. I mean it’s descriptive and detail but blunt all at once. Like the author writes in a way that’s fast pace yet detailed. It’s simply amazing, if they wrote another story I think i would love it. I gave it a 4.5 because well I just didn’t like the ending. I know a wussy reason but the end to me was not satisfying to me..just need more.
November 24, 2020
I read this back when I was on a Sherryl Jordan kick in 2008. I remember liking it, but it wasn't a favorite. It had some heavy messages that spoke to me a bit as I was still in an odd place figuring out a lot of things.
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February 3, 2013My favourite book as a youngun.
March 2, 2011
This book… PISSED ME OFF TO NO END!!! Argh! I can’t even BEGIN to tell you how much this book made me angry! It was like getting a pair a’scissors and jabbing them into my eyes whilst dipping my lower body into boiling hot lava, having my skin melt off the bone then having someone stab me multiple times in my torso whilst pouring salt into each cut! Actually, no. IT’S WORSE THAN THAT! But enough about me ranting about how much this book made me angry. Let’s dive straight into the review!
Since this book is so short, there was not a lot I could have said without getting some spoilers into the mix. So, from this point out, you might not want to read if spoilers aren’t your thing. I did my best to keeping it to a minimum but I still feel I gave some of it away so stop now if you don’t want to have ANY type of spoilers. You have been warned…
This book is written in the perspective of Tanith, a girl who was raised by wolves. As an infant, she was born into a clan of humans who believed if they leave their child with the wolves for a few days, they would grow up with the knowledge of the wolves. Be it their ways or their language, those children will know it all. Tanith was chosen in her clan to be that child. However, an enemy clan that is run by the chieftain Ahearn, a mean prick who acts as if he’s caring but is really a douche, attacks the wolves Tanith was staying with. He kills them off and, feeling remorse towards the child, for he lost his own daughter when she drowned earlier on, takes the baby in as his “adopted daughter.”
Fast forward to present times, Tanith is shunned from the clan she was adopted into for not only once being from an enemy clan, but of being raised by the wolves. In fact, they mock her constantly by referring to her as “wolf woman.” Tanith doesn’t mind, though. She yearns to be by the wolves for they are the only ones to truly show her compassion. She learns this later on when a life-changing incident occurs. Want to know that incident? Then read the book!
In Ahearn’s clan, there is only one person who treated her as one of the tribe. Her name was Nolwynn, wife and supposedly “only love” of Ahearn. However, she was gravely ill. She tried to rescue her daughter from drowning and injured herself in the process. In short, Tanith did everything to please her, and the rest of the clan, in order to live in peace. Unfortunately, that was an impossible task.
One day, a woman by the name of Morag, Ahearn’s mistress (Little bastard saying that he loves Nolwynn more! What a load of bull!), sends Tanith to go find some fish for dinner, despite it being very late. Tanith does as she’s told so as to not upset the bitch, but little does she know that Morag tells Ahearn that she ran away from home. He goes out searching for her, getting severely injured in the process. What gets on my nerves is that once Tanith returns home and explains to everyone that it wasn’t her fault but Morag’s, nobody believes her and Ahearn casts her away from the village.
There was only one place left for her…
The wolves. They welcomed her with open arms… er… fangs… POINT IS THEY WERE HAPPY TO HAVE HER IN THEIR PACK! Ashok is the alpha wolf, Shula his mate, Zaal and Zeki their cubs, and Kalasin is like the cubs’ caretaker. His mate, Raida, comes along later in the book but I’ll let you read it for yourselves. They weren’t as critical or condescending as the humans. They loved her for her, and for a long time, Tanith lived happily with them.
Until Gibran came along. He’s her so-called “love interest” (Notice how I keep using quotation marks to emphasize certain things. That’s because this book is so full of contradictions you just want to kill someone! Or, at least, I do!) and he came to take her back to his own clan. Originally, Gibran is from a clan different from Ahearn. They are a much more peaceful lot and in order to preserve that peace they and Ahearn exchanged their sons as a treaty between them.
Anyway, he wants to leave and go to his tribe so that Tanith and he could live happily together! Sounds cute, right? WRONG! He’s a two-bit, no good, cheating asswipe that deserves to be shot! Seriously, he claims he loves her but as soon as she’s not around, he’s getting laid by some other chick who wears green (Hey, slut! That’s MY favorite color! Don’t go defiling it by having it wrapped around your body!!!). Her name was Sabra, by the way… retarded name… Anyway, Tanith calls him a liar and… I could say more about their relationship but I feel that if I keep ranting that I might give certain things away. I will say this, however. He blames his infidelity on being drunk… and Tanith seems to be okay with that. Stupid girl…
Well, from here on out the story goes through hell. I mean straight up hell! So many things happen and your mind is left whirling. There’s this huge fight and so much bloodshed… let’s just say I hate the ending of the book. It really was awful! It just leaves you… hurt. I never want to read something this depressing ever again (Watch me pick up some sad, messed up book next.).
I swear there was nothing that amazing about this book. The plot was decent… could have been more. However, all of the characters suck! Well, except the wolves. In fact, the wolves were the only good part of the book.
Jordan knows her wolves! I was completely amazed with how well she knew the actions and the actual living conditions and, one could even say, the rituals of the wolves. That amazed me! I was so fascinated to read those parts of the book that contained new things about wolves that I never knew before. Her writing style is awkward, though. Sometimes you would have to reread a line before you got what was being said. Though, that is only a minor setback. You still are able to see Jordan’s immense knowledge of the wolves.
Ashok is the sweetest of the wolves. He is so calm and gentle that you can’t help but want to put your arms around his fluffy neck! Shula is a kind she-wolf. She watches everyone in the pack as one really would their family. The two alpha wolves are so loyal to one another and affectionate that you wish humans really were like wolves. Zaal and Zeki are a bundle of joy. Raida is a bit on the mean side but she’s also strong and caring when she wants to be. And my favorite wolf is Kalasin. He’s adorable! So playful yet serious… so calm yet upbeat. He’s the perfect balance you could ever want in a mate… Man, I wish I was a wolf!!! *Ahem* Anyway, these are the only characters in the book worth your time.
Unfortunately, that’s about as good as it gets. The rest of the characters… ARGH!!!!! YOU JUST WANT TO MURDER THEM!!! Ahearn is a bastard that lets his bitch, Morag, do whatever she likes. Tallil, the exorcist of the group, is a hypocritical schmuck that forces everyone to believe the wolves are evil. Hrothi, the healer, is another douche.
There's this one character that goes by the name of Camelin. He's a bard that sings stories of every place he has traveled. He is one of the few human characters I like. He's very sweet to Tanith and I think that's awesome. He does have a flw though. When Tanith asks him to sings songs of how the wolves are really kind creatures, he says he can't because he fears them and he can't sing songs about something he doesn't believe in. It's really disappointing because I really did like him.
Gibran… okay… granted, he’s not as bad as the others but he’s still a jerk when it comes to loving women. His reasoning for being in love with Tanith is ridiculous as well. He says that he loves her for she pleases him, has a nice face, and is a good kisser. Now, if that isn’t fickle then I don’t know what is.
Tanith as well, gets on my nerves. She’s not a horrible heroine but neither is she epic. She takes all the crap the clan throws at her and does absolutely nothing! Okay. I get the fact that she is trying to prove to them that she is not evil but still! Throw a punch! Kick them in the nads! Do SOMETHING!!! Another thing that pisses me off about her is that she gives in to Gibran most of the time. I can’t tell you how many times I screamed at the book for her to stop being an idiot. Well, towards the end of the book she gets wiser, so that’s good.
My biggest problem, aside from everything else, is how they treat women in this book—as if they are objects merely meant for pleasing the man in bed. I’m not a feminist or anything but that’s just really annoying! I know that’s how things used to be but damn it! I don’t want to read a book about it! It’s just nerve-wracking! ACK!
I really… really didn’t like this book. It made me very upset and the ending just turned me off to the entire thing. I appreciate the parts with the wolves and how educational it could be but it is so overshadowed with everything else that happens that you kind of forget it’s even there. It’s a decent read but not one I would recommend to take with you everywhere you go.
If you like wolves and want to know a great deal more about it then this book is for you. If you like women being treated like dirt then this book is for you. If you like stupid endings and screwed up logic then this book is for you! However, if all these are a turn off, then STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM THIS BOOK!!! I give it a three out of five, if only in recognition of the wolves.
Hope you enjoyed! Till my next review!
Since this book is so short, there was not a lot I could have said without getting some spoilers into the mix. So, from this point out, you might not want to read if spoilers aren’t your thing. I did my best to keeping it to a minimum but I still feel I gave some of it away so stop now if you don’t want to have ANY type of spoilers. You have been warned…
This book is written in the perspective of Tanith, a girl who was raised by wolves. As an infant, she was born into a clan of humans who believed if they leave their child with the wolves for a few days, they would grow up with the knowledge of the wolves. Be it their ways or their language, those children will know it all. Tanith was chosen in her clan to be that child. However, an enemy clan that is run by the chieftain Ahearn, a mean prick who acts as if he’s caring but is really a douche, attacks the wolves Tanith was staying with. He kills them off and, feeling remorse towards the child, for he lost his own daughter when she drowned earlier on, takes the baby in as his “adopted daughter.”
Fast forward to present times, Tanith is shunned from the clan she was adopted into for not only once being from an enemy clan, but of being raised by the wolves. In fact, they mock her constantly by referring to her as “wolf woman.” Tanith doesn’t mind, though. She yearns to be by the wolves for they are the only ones to truly show her compassion. She learns this later on when a life-changing incident occurs. Want to know that incident? Then read the book!
In Ahearn’s clan, there is only one person who treated her as one of the tribe. Her name was Nolwynn, wife and supposedly “only love” of Ahearn. However, she was gravely ill. She tried to rescue her daughter from drowning and injured herself in the process. In short, Tanith did everything to please her, and the rest of the clan, in order to live in peace. Unfortunately, that was an impossible task.
One day, a woman by the name of Morag, Ahearn’s mistress (Little bastard saying that he loves Nolwynn more! What a load of bull!), sends Tanith to go find some fish for dinner, despite it being very late. Tanith does as she’s told so as to not upset the bitch, but little does she know that Morag tells Ahearn that she ran away from home. He goes out searching for her, getting severely injured in the process. What gets on my nerves is that once Tanith returns home and explains to everyone that it wasn’t her fault but Morag’s, nobody believes her and Ahearn casts her away from the village.
There was only one place left for her…
The wolves. They welcomed her with open arms… er… fangs… POINT IS THEY WERE HAPPY TO HAVE HER IN THEIR PACK! Ashok is the alpha wolf, Shula his mate, Zaal and Zeki their cubs, and Kalasin is like the cubs’ caretaker. His mate, Raida, comes along later in the book but I’ll let you read it for yourselves. They weren’t as critical or condescending as the humans. They loved her for her, and for a long time, Tanith lived happily with them.
Until Gibran came along. He’s her so-called “love interest” (Notice how I keep using quotation marks to emphasize certain things. That’s because this book is so full of contradictions you just want to kill someone! Or, at least, I do!) and he came to take her back to his own clan. Originally, Gibran is from a clan different from Ahearn. They are a much more peaceful lot and in order to preserve that peace they and Ahearn exchanged their sons as a treaty between them.
Anyway, he wants to leave and go to his tribe so that Tanith and he could live happily together! Sounds cute, right? WRONG! He’s a two-bit, no good, cheating asswipe that deserves to be shot! Seriously, he claims he loves her but as soon as she’s not around, he’s getting laid by some other chick who wears green (Hey, slut! That’s MY favorite color! Don’t go defiling it by having it wrapped around your body!!!). Her name was Sabra, by the way… retarded name… Anyway, Tanith calls him a liar and… I could say more about their relationship but I feel that if I keep ranting that I might give certain things away. I will say this, however. He blames his infidelity on being drunk… and Tanith seems to be okay with that. Stupid girl…
Well, from here on out the story goes through hell. I mean straight up hell! So many things happen and your mind is left whirling. There’s this huge fight and so much bloodshed… let’s just say I hate the ending of the book. It really was awful! It just leaves you… hurt. I never want to read something this depressing ever again (Watch me pick up some sad, messed up book next.).
I swear there was nothing that amazing about this book. The plot was decent… could have been more. However, all of the characters suck! Well, except the wolves. In fact, the wolves were the only good part of the book.
Jordan knows her wolves! I was completely amazed with how well she knew the actions and the actual living conditions and, one could even say, the rituals of the wolves. That amazed me! I was so fascinated to read those parts of the book that contained new things about wolves that I never knew before. Her writing style is awkward, though. Sometimes you would have to reread a line before you got what was being said. Though, that is only a minor setback. You still are able to see Jordan’s immense knowledge of the wolves.
Ashok is the sweetest of the wolves. He is so calm and gentle that you can’t help but want to put your arms around his fluffy neck! Shula is a kind she-wolf. She watches everyone in the pack as one really would their family. The two alpha wolves are so loyal to one another and affectionate that you wish humans really were like wolves. Zaal and Zeki are a bundle of joy. Raida is a bit on the mean side but she’s also strong and caring when she wants to be. And my favorite wolf is Kalasin. He’s adorable! So playful yet serious… so calm yet upbeat. He’s the perfect balance you could ever want in a mate… Man, I wish I was a wolf!!! *Ahem* Anyway, these are the only characters in the book worth your time.
Unfortunately, that’s about as good as it gets. The rest of the characters… ARGH!!!!! YOU JUST WANT TO MURDER THEM!!! Ahearn is a bastard that lets his bitch, Morag, do whatever she likes. Tallil, the exorcist of the group, is a hypocritical schmuck that forces everyone to believe the wolves are evil. Hrothi, the healer, is another douche.
There's this one character that goes by the name of Camelin. He's a bard that sings stories of every place he has traveled. He is one of the few human characters I like. He's very sweet to Tanith and I think that's awesome. He does have a flw though. When Tanith asks him to sings songs of how the wolves are really kind creatures, he says he can't because he fears them and he can't sing songs about something he doesn't believe in. It's really disappointing because I really did like him.
Gibran… okay… granted, he’s not as bad as the others but he’s still a jerk when it comes to loving women. His reasoning for being in love with Tanith is ridiculous as well. He says that he loves her for she pleases him, has a nice face, and is a good kisser. Now, if that isn’t fickle then I don’t know what is.
Tanith as well, gets on my nerves. She’s not a horrible heroine but neither is she epic. She takes all the crap the clan throws at her and does absolutely nothing! Okay. I get the fact that she is trying to prove to them that she is not evil but still! Throw a punch! Kick them in the nads! Do SOMETHING!!! Another thing that pisses me off about her is that she gives in to Gibran most of the time. I can’t tell you how many times I screamed at the book for her to stop being an idiot. Well, towards the end of the book she gets wiser, so that’s good.
My biggest problem, aside from everything else, is how they treat women in this book—as if they are objects merely meant for pleasing the man in bed. I’m not a feminist or anything but that’s just really annoying! I know that’s how things used to be but damn it! I don’t want to read a book about it! It’s just nerve-wracking! ACK!
I really… really didn’t like this book. It made me very upset and the ending just turned me off to the entire thing. I appreciate the parts with the wolves and how educational it could be but it is so overshadowed with everything else that happens that you kind of forget it’s even there. It’s a decent read but not one I would recommend to take with you everywhere you go.
If you like wolves and want to know a great deal more about it then this book is for you. If you like women being treated like dirt then this book is for you. If you like stupid endings and screwed up logic then this book is for you! However, if all these are a turn off, then STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM THIS BOOK!!! I give it a three out of five, if only in recognition of the wolves.
Hope you enjoyed! Till my next review!
January 15, 2024
This is the story of Tanith, a young woman who was raised by wolves until the age of three, when she is taken in by a tribe who are usually enemies of her people. The society is at a medieval-type level, with much warring between tribes and prejudice against Tanith for being a “dark-head” (the rest of the tribe are fair-haired). Banished after the death of the leader’s wife, who cared for her, Tanith returns to living with wolves, but a young man who wants to marry her wishes for her to return to human society. Will she choose to be a woman, or a wolf?
The book is written wholly in the present tense, which I found a bit strange. The wolves accept Tanith rather too readily (they are obviously not the same wolves she grew up with, as they couldn’t have lived so long) – it would have been more realistic and interesting to have her slowly win their trust over a matter of months, rather than a matter of minutes. There are also a couple of factual errors regarding wolves, such as using their claws to fight, and adults sleeping in dens.
The book is written wholly in the present tense, which I found a bit strange. The wolves accept Tanith rather too readily (they are obviously not the same wolves she grew up with, as they couldn’t have lived so long) – it would have been more realistic and interesting to have her slowly win their trust over a matter of months, rather than a matter of minutes. There are also a couple of factual errors regarding wolves, such as using their claws to fight, and adults sleeping in dens.
July 13, 2013
I have mixed feelings about 'Wolf-Woman'. On the one hand, I liked it, but on the other I didn't. The following are some spoiler examples of why.
First off, the book is pretty realistic when it comes to wolf behavior. You can tell that the author did a decent amount of research. However, there were times when the wolves did some very un-wolf like things. The pack's acceptance of Tanith seemed very fast and unnatural, but since it's a pivotal plot point in the book, I won't nit pick too much. (There are other examples, but I'm not in the mood to look through the book just now to ferret them out)
Tanith's supernatural ability to understand the exact meaning of wolf howls is also preposterous. I don't think even wolves themselves are capable of that. They can get general meaning out of howls: danger, time to hunt, locating lost pack members, etc. But making howls into Indian smoke signals is absurd.
Then there's the historical inaccuracies. Ok, so we never know for sure where the story takes place. Or when, since for all we know, it could be set after some Armageddon, end of world scenario, where man has been set back a few thousand years. (This kind of annoyed me, as I kept thinking more hints of the setting would be revealed as the story unfolded. - Nothing doing.-) Anyway, my main complaint is about the salad. That's right the raw fish and greens that Tanith eats. 'Salad' shouldn't have been a word in her vocabulary. (Especially since Ahearn's clan seems to be viking-esq) I don't know why that annoyed me so much, but it did.
As a whole, I felt that the character's were pretty believable, even though I didn't always agree with their actions.
I would recommend this book to wolf lovers who know enough to take it with a grain of salt.
First off, the book is pretty realistic when it comes to wolf behavior. You can tell that the author did a decent amount of research. However, there were times when the wolves did some very un-wolf like things. The pack's acceptance of Tanith seemed very fast and unnatural, but since it's a pivotal plot point in the book, I won't nit pick too much. (There are other examples, but I'm not in the mood to look through the book just now to ferret them out)
Tanith's supernatural ability to understand the exact meaning of wolf howls is also preposterous. I don't think even wolves themselves are capable of that. They can get general meaning out of howls: danger, time to hunt, locating lost pack members, etc. But making howls into Indian smoke signals is absurd.
Then there's the historical inaccuracies. Ok, so we never know for sure where the story takes place. Or when, since for all we know, it could be set after some Armageddon, end of world scenario, where man has been set back a few thousand years. (This kind of annoyed me, as I kept thinking more hints of the setting would be revealed as the story unfolded. - Nothing doing.-) Anyway, my main complaint is about the salad. That's right the raw fish and greens that Tanith eats. 'Salad' shouldn't have been a word in her vocabulary. (Especially since Ahearn's clan seems to be viking-esq) I don't know why that annoyed me so much, but it did.
As a whole, I felt that the character's were pretty believable, even though I didn't always agree with their actions.
I would recommend this book to wolf lovers who know enough to take it with a grain of salt.
July 2, 2019
I read this book as a young reader struggling to read alone and it was the beginning of my adventures as a book devourer. I still own a copy and absolutely love this book. It deals with social themes in a haunting setting which will never leave me and inspires my own writing. I will forever be grateful to Sherryl Jordan for opening up the world of books to me as a young girl and for helping that struggling kid who was feeling desperately lonely and like she didn't belong to trust in her imagination.
April 23, 2015
I read this book every couple of years. It is one of my favs. I find it haunting, sad, poignant and makes you reflect on life - nature of people etc. This book will always hold a special permanent place in my heart.
November 8, 2021
I'm very fond of Sherryl's work in general, however, I found Tanith to be on a whole other level. Easy to read, and full of fantasy, she tells a story you just have to read to believe. Beautifully written.
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August 5, 2013I've already read this--and recently. Sometimes I think maybe i read too much.
August 13, 2013
Ah my beloved obsession with wolves. This fed it well. ^_^
November 3, 2014
When I read this book it was just called Tanith. It was sad, but I liked it.
July 27, 2024
As a child I read books written in Dutch and French and unfortunately I had no access to these kind of YA/MG books written in English (also I couldn't read English at the time). I'm pleased to discover and enjoy them at a later stage in my life. In my opinion YA or MG books published in the 70/80/90's have something magical. Comparable with Diana Wynne Jones, they are comfort reads and I can completely escape when reading. They often handle mature themes or life lessons which I enjoy. Same with this book.
It seems to me that this story takes place in a Viking settlement or at least a medieval pagan Scandinavian settlement. The story doesn't specify so this is based on the descriptions, religion, and the fact that everyone is fair except our main character who's dark haired and enslaved.
The main character, Tanith, needs to make a quite relatable life changing decision. Between nature/people, harmony/chaos, extroverted/introverted existence etc. Her dilemma is completely understandable given her circumstances. Sometimes I also wish I could just 'live with the wolves'.
There's romance and it's there to emphasise what could be for Tanith. I think the stakes might be lower if it wasn't for the love interest.
And the romance is done well. I like it when both parties meet half way. For me this is the best way to write romance that works: communication, understanding and kindness.
It has an open ending however in this case it works and contributes to the mystical atmosphere of the story.
"Men always destroy what they fear. They do not want to know that the thing they fear wishes them no harm - for then they will be shown to be fools, as well."
This is my third book by Sherryl Jordan and they've all been great reads with unique stories and characters. I'm looking forward to read The Raging Quiet next.
It seems to me that this story takes place in a Viking settlement or at least a medieval pagan Scandinavian settlement. The story doesn't specify so this is based on the descriptions, religion, and the fact that everyone is fair except our main character who's dark haired and enslaved.
The main character, Tanith, needs to make a quite relatable life changing decision. Between nature/people, harmony/chaos, extroverted/introverted existence etc. Her dilemma is completely understandable given her circumstances. Sometimes I also wish I could just 'live with the wolves'.
There's romance and it's there to emphasise what could be for Tanith. I think the stakes might be lower if it wasn't for the love interest.
And the romance is done well. I like it when both parties meet half way. For me this is the best way to write romance that works: communication, understanding and kindness.
It has an open ending however in this case it works and contributes to the mystical atmosphere of the story.
"Men always destroy what they fear. They do not want to know that the thing they fear wishes them no harm - for then they will be shown to be fools, as well."
This is my third book by Sherryl Jordan and they've all been great reads with unique stories and characters. I'm looking forward to read The Raging Quiet next.
March 11, 2024
No greater tale of love between life and death. Right and wrong. To cherish what animals see and feel, but also how they connect with humans. People fear things they do not understand. They refused to try and understand why they fear things. This a wonderful read. Breathtaking, sad, filled with desire to make you be different.
February 22, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. It reminds me of Women who run with wolves, but from the teenage native perspective. There is tribe tensions and some backstabbing that pushes you into the next chapter when you said you were going to stop.
November 12, 2020
It's been a long time, but I seem to recall that the living with wolves part didn't make sense.
September 7, 2021
I quite enjoyed this and would read again.
February 11, 2022
One of my favorite books as a child. I'm so happy I found this again.
August 14, 2024
This is the first book I read as a child that I was obsessed with and it really catapulted me into my love for reading.
September 25, 2024
Read this a little years ago when it was at the library. It pulled me in. Where can I find it now?
June 16, 2023
I want to grow up to be Tanith. Who needs those haters when you can just thrive in the woods with your wolf pals? Got me reconsidering my life rn.
June 7, 2010
Wolf Woman is a compelling story dealing with different kinds of dramas. Tanith is a kinsfolk with the wolves. She is taken by a tribe which despises her and believes she has mingled with the devil himself. They are brutal and victorious. They kill her only friends, the wolves. They use their skin and eat their flesh, Tanith can do nothing as is alone. When her adopted mother who is kind and loving dies, she is blamed for the crisis. She must flee for her safety, but when a young lover traps her, she must choose between freedom or love. Gabriel does everything to keep her with him, his love is so immense he will do anything to have her take his hand in marriage. Tanith is confused and feels the hate of a hundred tons from her old clan. Drenched with blame, she must move on, to safe haven.
Wolf Woman was remarkably well written. While reading though it, I made a text-to-world connection. There have been tribes that would think of an outsider in superior. It is because they are not one of them. The other is from a weaker clan, one with a lower reputation. They will treat them as a slave and not as an equal. Tanith’s moral was lowered every day as she was first plunged into a new environment, one of disgust and invisibility.
I cannot express what a captivating read this was. I would give Wolf Woman 5 stars, though if there was a higher rating, it would have earned it. It is appropriate for ages 10+, as it was highly engaging and teaches of how tribes treat one another. I could not put it down, and you won’t be able to either. Read other books by: Sheryl Jordan, and you will savor her style of writing.
Wolf Woman was remarkably well written. While reading though it, I made a text-to-world connection. There have been tribes that would think of an outsider in superior. It is because they are not one of them. The other is from a weaker clan, one with a lower reputation. They will treat them as a slave and not as an equal. Tanith’s moral was lowered every day as she was first plunged into a new environment, one of disgust and invisibility.
I cannot express what a captivating read this was. I would give Wolf Woman 5 stars, though if there was a higher rating, it would have earned it. It is appropriate for ages 10+, as it was highly engaging and teaches of how tribes treat one another. I could not put it down, and you won’t be able to either. Read other books by: Sheryl Jordan, and you will savor her style of writing.
February 5, 2015
Wolf-Woman
Jordan, Sherryl
Have a new book for you guys will add it to the unpopular genre book Wolf-woman by Sherryl Jordan isbn: 0-395-70932-6 found it in a 5th grade teachers bookshelves, so its an easy ready, pre-historic in nature, She is a dark hair, who is found living with wolves, they have a practice of placing the Shaman children in with the wolf cubs for a short time so they can learn the language. But the Light Hair, blonde group found her after they massacred another dark haired tribe... She is the adopted daughter of the chief's wife, after her death, his new woman deceived her and him and he was injured. She has a longing to rejoin the wolves, but is drawn to the people as well.. very dark book for kids but shows many attributes of tribal-ization first published in Australia.. interesting thought..
Jordan, Sherryl
Have a new book for you guys will add it to the unpopular genre book Wolf-woman by Sherryl Jordan isbn: 0-395-70932-6 found it in a 5th grade teachers bookshelves, so its an easy ready, pre-historic in nature, She is a dark hair, who is found living with wolves, they have a practice of placing the Shaman children in with the wolf cubs for a short time so they can learn the language. But the Light Hair, blonde group found her after they massacred another dark haired tribe... She is the adopted daughter of the chief's wife, after her death, his new woman deceived her and him and he was injured. She has a longing to rejoin the wolves, but is drawn to the people as well.. very dark book for kids but shows many attributes of tribal-ization first published in Australia.. interesting thought..
February 23, 2008
wow, this book was terrible. first of all, it should NOT have been written in the first person. it completely messed up the plot and added nothing. secondly, it moved really slowly. it also had accusations that made no sense even within the context of the book. it wasn't worth my time to read this, and i will be ridding myself of this book as soon as i can.
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