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The Wolf Gift Chronicles #2
The Wolves of Midwinter
The tale of THE WOLF GIFT continues . . .
In Anne Rice’s surprising and compelling best-selling novel, the first of her strange and mythic imagining of the world of wolfen powers (“I devoured these pages . . . As solid and engaging as anything she has written since her early vampire chronicle fiction” —Alan Cheuse, The Boston Globe; “A delectable cocktail of old-fashioned lost-race adventure, shape-shifting and suspense” —Elizabeth Hand, The Washington Post), readers were spellbound as Rice imagined a daring new world set against the wild and beckoning California coast.
Now in her new novel, as lush and romantic in detail and atmosphere as it is sleek and steely in storytelling, Anne Rice brings us once again to the rugged coastline of Northern California, to the grand mansion at Nideck Point—to further explore the unearthly education of her transformed Man Wolf.
The novel opens on a cold, gray landscape. It is the beginning of December. Oak fires are burning in the stately flickering hearths of Nideck Point. It is Yuletide. For Reuben Golding, now infused with the wolf gift and under the loving tutelage of the Morphenkinder, this Christmas promises to be like no other . . . as he soon becomes aware that the Morphenkinder, steeped in their own rituals, are also celebrating the Midwinter Yuletide festival deep within Nideck forest.
From out of the shadows of the exquisite mansion comes a ghost—tormented, imploring, unable to speak yet able to embrace and desire with desperate affection . . . As Reuben finds himself caught up with the passions and yearnings of this spectral presence and the preparations for the Nideck town Christmas reach a fever pitch, astonishing secrets are revealed, secrets that tell of a strange netherworld, of spirits—centuries old—who possess their own fantastical ancient histories and taunt with their dark, magical powers . . .
In Anne Rice’s surprising and compelling best-selling novel, the first of her strange and mythic imagining of the world of wolfen powers (“I devoured these pages . . . As solid and engaging as anything she has written since her early vampire chronicle fiction” —Alan Cheuse, The Boston Globe; “A delectable cocktail of old-fashioned lost-race adventure, shape-shifting and suspense” —Elizabeth Hand, The Washington Post), readers were spellbound as Rice imagined a daring new world set against the wild and beckoning California coast.
Now in her new novel, as lush and romantic in detail and atmosphere as it is sleek and steely in storytelling, Anne Rice brings us once again to the rugged coastline of Northern California, to the grand mansion at Nideck Point—to further explore the unearthly education of her transformed Man Wolf.
The novel opens on a cold, gray landscape. It is the beginning of December. Oak fires are burning in the stately flickering hearths of Nideck Point. It is Yuletide. For Reuben Golding, now infused with the wolf gift and under the loving tutelage of the Morphenkinder, this Christmas promises to be like no other . . . as he soon becomes aware that the Morphenkinder, steeped in their own rituals, are also celebrating the Midwinter Yuletide festival deep within Nideck forest.
From out of the shadows of the exquisite mansion comes a ghost—tormented, imploring, unable to speak yet able to embrace and desire with desperate affection . . . As Reuben finds himself caught up with the passions and yearnings of this spectral presence and the preparations for the Nideck town Christmas reach a fever pitch, astonishing secrets are revealed, secrets that tell of a strange netherworld, of spirits—centuries old—who possess their own fantastical ancient histories and taunt with their dark, magical powers . . .
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2012
837 people are currently reading
12411 people want to read
About the author
Anne Rice
492 books27.5k followersAnne Rice (born Howard Allen Frances O'Brien) was a best-selling American author of gothic, supernatural, historical, erotica, and later religious themed books. Best known for The Vampire Chronicles, her prevailing thematic focus is on love, death, immortality, existentialism, and the human condition. She was married to poet Stan Rice for 41 years until his death in 2002. Her books have sold nearly 100 million copies, making her one of the most widely read authors in modern history.
Anne Rice passed on December 11, 2021 due to complications from a stroke. She was eighty years old at the time of her death.
She uses the pseudonym Anne Rampling for adult-themed fiction (i.e., erotica) and A.N. Roquelaure for fiction featuring sexually explicit sado-masochism.
Anne Rice passed on December 11, 2021 due to complications from a stroke. She was eighty years old at the time of her death.
She uses the pseudonym Anne Rampling for adult-themed fiction (i.e., erotica) and A.N. Roquelaure for fiction featuring sexually explicit sado-masochism.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,085 reviews
August 24, 2016
This book... I made myself read it, because I read The wolf gift, and there are very few series that I will stop in the middle of. This may join the elite group that I give up on, along with the 50 shades atrocities.
For some reason, when I read books, I like them to include some narrative tension, which was almost entirely absent in this book. It felt like someone was playing the Sims, and had been given the cheat code that gives you as much money as you want. You're able to build a house that's as rich and fancy as you want, and you can make alĺ the characters beautiful. The only difference is that in the Sims the characters have some autonomy, so things don't always turn out the way you want.
Reuben, the main character, gives me the opportunity to describe someone with a word I have always wanted to use, but have never had the opportunity: milksop. He's so full of awe and wonder, so in love with EVERYONE he meets (only a slight exaggeration), that it gets incredibly tiresome. That leads me to a slightly unrelated question, but why doesn't Anne Rice write in the first person as Reuben. The story focuses almost entirely on him, and never wanders away from what he knows, but it's still written in the 3rd person. Anyway, Reuben is so in love with Laura, even though he is worried about what she will become now that she has accepted the Chrism, blah blah blah. He will always love Marchent, whom he knew for all of a week, who left him her palatial estate, and whose tormented spirit now haunts him, kind of. He loves Felix and Margon and Stuart and Sergei and Frank and on and on and on. He seems almost like he's mentally deficient, but that can't be the case because he's familiar with the Venerable Bede! Name dropping like that annoys me, especially because Bede was an Anglo-Saxon prat, with a lot less talent for entertaining than Isidore of Seville. But I digress.
Rice seems to be at her most content when she is describing the Christmas festival in the little town of Nideck, as well as the Yuletide Ball at Nideck Hall. Her loving description of the marble creche figures would be well-suited to some bodice-ripper set during the holiday season. Frankly, I wish that that was what she had written, and just left the damned werewolves out of it.
These were some of the least interesting supernatural creatures I have ever read about, and I feel like she's unwilling to make her Ageless Ones capable of evil. The only ones who approach it are quickly killed. All they do is protect the innocent, and kill the bad bad men. And it's always men who are bad.
There's a subplot with Reuben's brother Jim, the priest, who is tortured by his past and now weighed down by Reuben's secret. The whole thing seems like an excuse for Anne Rice to create her ideal version of a Catholic priest. Someone who is troubled, but still good, someone who wants to serve others, but may be stifled by the institution.
I probably won't make any friends with this review, but this book isn't really worth the time for any but the die-hard Anne Rice fan. I gave it two stars rather than one because the writing isn't bad, and I wouldn't mind going to the Christmas gala that she describes, though I don't think that I would weep when the choir sings the Hallelujah, as everyone in the book does.
If you're looking for a sexy werewolf thriller, stick with Glen Duncan's The Last Werewolf, or the sequel, Talulla Rising. They're not the best books in the world, but at least something happens.
For some reason, when I read books, I like them to include some narrative tension, which was almost entirely absent in this book. It felt like someone was playing the Sims, and had been given the cheat code that gives you as much money as you want. You're able to build a house that's as rich and fancy as you want, and you can make alĺ the characters beautiful. The only difference is that in the Sims the characters have some autonomy, so things don't always turn out the way you want.
Reuben, the main character, gives me the opportunity to describe someone with a word I have always wanted to use, but have never had the opportunity: milksop. He's so full of awe and wonder, so in love with EVERYONE he meets (only a slight exaggeration), that it gets incredibly tiresome. That leads me to a slightly unrelated question, but why doesn't Anne Rice write in the first person as Reuben. The story focuses almost entirely on him, and never wanders away from what he knows, but it's still written in the 3rd person. Anyway, Reuben is so in love with Laura, even though he is worried about what she will become now that she has accepted the Chrism, blah blah blah. He will always love Marchent, whom he knew for all of a week, who left him her palatial estate, and whose tormented spirit now haunts him, kind of. He loves Felix and Margon and Stuart and Sergei and Frank and on and on and on. He seems almost like he's mentally deficient, but that can't be the case because he's familiar with the Venerable Bede! Name dropping like that annoys me, especially because Bede was an Anglo-Saxon prat, with a lot less talent for entertaining than Isidore of Seville. But I digress.
Rice seems to be at her most content when she is describing the Christmas festival in the little town of Nideck, as well as the Yuletide Ball at Nideck Hall. Her loving description of the marble creche figures would be well-suited to some bodice-ripper set during the holiday season. Frankly, I wish that that was what she had written, and just left the damned werewolves out of it.
These were some of the least interesting supernatural creatures I have ever read about, and I feel like she's unwilling to make her Ageless Ones capable of evil. The only ones who approach it are quickly killed. All they do is protect the innocent, and kill the bad bad men. And it's always men who are bad.
There's a subplot with Reuben's brother Jim, the priest, who is tortured by his past and now weighed down by Reuben's secret. The whole thing seems like an excuse for Anne Rice to create her ideal version of a Catholic priest. Someone who is troubled, but still good, someone who wants to serve others, but may be stifled by the institution.
I probably won't make any friends with this review, but this book isn't really worth the time for any but the die-hard Anne Rice fan. I gave it two stars rather than one because the writing isn't bad, and I wouldn't mind going to the Christmas gala that she describes, though I don't think that I would weep when the choir sings the Hallelujah, as everyone in the book does.
If you're looking for a sexy werewolf thriller, stick with Glen Duncan's The Last Werewolf, or the sequel, Talulla Rising. They're not the best books in the world, but at least something happens.
October 22, 2013
About midways through Anne Rice's newest novel, the protagonist Rueben Golding, while contemplating a Christmas display, prays to the Christ child, "Please show me how to be good. Please, no matter what I am, show me how to be good."
That simple prayer might be the main theme of the entire novel, if not most of the author's works. The aching desire to be good in the face of adversity and Otherness.
Her most famous literary creation, the vampire Lestat, also shared this longing to be good-- as, I believe, the author does herself. Substitute "alcoholism", "homosexuality", "doubt" or "lasciviousness" for "vampire" or "werewolf" and I think you come to the heart of her fiction's thematic core. Anne Rice's fiction is about coming to grips with one's own Otherness, that part of every person's soul that is not acceptable to normal, judgmental, oppressive society. Whatever failing you might believe you have, or society declares that you have, Rice's fiction is about finding acceptance and joy in one's own goodness. It is about redemption. As a Catholic and a deeply spiritual woman, I think Mrs. Rice is intimately familiar with that conflict.
But while The Vampire Chronicles explored this theme subtly, in the Wolf Gift series, that subtext is illuminated in a much more overt manner. I'm not sure it's really subtext at all! The werewolves she has created for this series, for example, can smell evil, and have an instinctive revulsion to harming the innocent. It's just a little too blatant for my tastes. I prefer her more ambiguous vampire creations. It seems, at times, almost like a superhero comic book, although to give credit where credit is due, the Wolves of Midwinter is much more realistic than The Wolf Gift in that she introduces some moral ambiguity into the proceedings. For me, it really saved this series, and I hope she explores that further as she continues with it.
As for the plot itself, I found it to be an interesting, intimate tale about a group of friends (who just happen to be werewolves) coming together to celebrate the Yuletide. Mrs. Rice explores the pagan roots of the Christmas holiday, and even introduces several new species of immortals-- all very interesting. There were times I felt she spent too much time describing the various settings, but it did not ruin the story for me. She has a real love of architecture and history and material things, and I think her sensuality gets away from her sometimes.
All in all, I do recommend this book to readers of supernatural fiction. I am sure there will be a few people scandalized by her frank discussion of religion and sexuality and the violent content of the novel, but it held my interest from beginning to end, and reaffirmed my faith in my own goodness, despite my own particular idiosyncracies.
Anne Rice declared in an interview once, "We're all vampires!" And that's the aching beauty of it.
There's nothing quite so fascinating, or deserving of sympathy, as a monster who wants to be good.
That simple prayer might be the main theme of the entire novel, if not most of the author's works. The aching desire to be good in the face of adversity and Otherness.
Her most famous literary creation, the vampire Lestat, also shared this longing to be good-- as, I believe, the author does herself. Substitute "alcoholism", "homosexuality", "doubt" or "lasciviousness" for "vampire" or "werewolf" and I think you come to the heart of her fiction's thematic core. Anne Rice's fiction is about coming to grips with one's own Otherness, that part of every person's soul that is not acceptable to normal, judgmental, oppressive society. Whatever failing you might believe you have, or society declares that you have, Rice's fiction is about finding acceptance and joy in one's own goodness. It is about redemption. As a Catholic and a deeply spiritual woman, I think Mrs. Rice is intimately familiar with that conflict.
But while The Vampire Chronicles explored this theme subtly, in the Wolf Gift series, that subtext is illuminated in a much more overt manner. I'm not sure it's really subtext at all! The werewolves she has created for this series, for example, can smell evil, and have an instinctive revulsion to harming the innocent. It's just a little too blatant for my tastes. I prefer her more ambiguous vampire creations. It seems, at times, almost like a superhero comic book, although to give credit where credit is due, the Wolves of Midwinter is much more realistic than The Wolf Gift in that she introduces some moral ambiguity into the proceedings. For me, it really saved this series, and I hope she explores that further as she continues with it.
As for the plot itself, I found it to be an interesting, intimate tale about a group of friends (who just happen to be werewolves) coming together to celebrate the Yuletide. Mrs. Rice explores the pagan roots of the Christmas holiday, and even introduces several new species of immortals-- all very interesting. There were times I felt she spent too much time describing the various settings, but it did not ruin the story for me. She has a real love of architecture and history and material things, and I think her sensuality gets away from her sometimes.
All in all, I do recommend this book to readers of supernatural fiction. I am sure there will be a few people scandalized by her frank discussion of religion and sexuality and the violent content of the novel, but it held my interest from beginning to end, and reaffirmed my faith in my own goodness, despite my own particular idiosyncracies.
Anne Rice declared in an interview once, "We're all vampires!" And that's the aching beauty of it.
There's nothing quite so fascinating, or deserving of sympathy, as a monster who wants to be good.
November 11, 2024
So... Ugh. It gives me no pleasure whatsoever to rate this so low. But I have to recognize that not even Anne Rice can hit it out of the park every time.
This second and final book of The Wolf Gift Chronicles was--candidly--pretty dull. Other than a few little details here and there, there wasn't much that happened in this book until like the 70% mark where something affects the characters and the direction of the story. By that time, I was no longer invested in Reuben's story. This story felt like the world-building volume of a much bigger story. Except it isn't, which was a real shame. Werewolves should be full of action and mayhem and lust and primal emotions. This was a lot of talking and thinking and hand-wringing. The WOlves of Midwinter lacked the emotional appeal, the exploration, and the sensual images I've gotten from other Auntie Anne books, including The Wolf Gift.
Anne Rice has been and always will be one of my favorite writers. Just not because of this one.
This second and final book of The Wolf Gift Chronicles was--candidly--pretty dull. Other than a few little details here and there, there wasn't much that happened in this book until like the 70% mark where something affects the characters and the direction of the story. By that time, I was no longer invested in Reuben's story. This story felt like the world-building volume of a much bigger story. Except it isn't, which was a real shame. Werewolves should be full of action and mayhem and lust and primal emotions. This was a lot of talking and thinking and hand-wringing. The WOlves of Midwinter lacked the emotional appeal, the exploration, and the sensual images I've gotten from other Auntie Anne books, including The Wolf Gift.
Anne Rice has been and always will be one of my favorite writers. Just not because of this one.
September 24, 2013
I remember reading and being enthralled by Ann Rice's Vampire Chronicles every time a new one came out and decided it was time to read another of her novels. She's made her name by writing scary horror stories and I thought The Wolves of Midwinter would be as enjoyable as her earlier work. Unfortunately I was wrong. While there were some gory scenes of the Man Wolves devouring their kills, all to often, this novel read like a silly romance novel. It seemed like on every other page some one (human or Man Wolf) was bursting into tears. I don't know about other readers of horror, but I like my vampires, zombies, or man wolves to be more manly. C'mon suck it up already !
And when this novel wasn't reading like a romance novel, it was reading like a work of Christian. Puhleeze ! Spare me the sermons and emotions and give me something I can sink my teeth into.
And when this novel wasn't reading like a romance novel, it was reading like a work of Christian. Puhleeze ! Spare me the sermons and emotions and give me something I can sink my teeth into.
December 3, 2013
Well I think I am officially done with Ms. Rice. Well everything except for her witches, who still amaze me today.
This book lacks plot, we get the plot of the Yuletide, and the Ghost but both of these storylines are finished way before the end of the book, and then after which the book just changes direction all together.
Secondly the characters, I remember reading a review that stated someone's distaste in how Reuben is in 'awe' of everything, and so amazed by the beauty of Nideck Point. And that is completely true, he kinda acts like an old stereotypical british gentlemen. And the other characters all follow suit, they are all overly emotional, loving and compassionate. Which just in the end screams for fake.
There were some small stuff that was just stupid. For example how Reuben in the last chapter saw his dad have sex with another women while he lovingly watched! Which made me think wtf? Is this how you are actually gonna finish the book?
Overall I am done with Ms. Rice, Except for the Mayfair Witches which remain one of my favorite books.
This book lacks plot, we get the plot of the Yuletide, and the Ghost but both of these storylines are finished way before the end of the book, and then after which the book just changes direction all together.
Secondly the characters, I remember reading a review that stated someone's distaste in how Reuben is in 'awe' of everything, and so amazed by the beauty of Nideck Point. And that is completely true, he kinda acts like an old stereotypical british gentlemen. And the other characters all follow suit, they are all overly emotional, loving and compassionate. Which just in the end screams for fake.
There were some small stuff that was just stupid. For example how Reuben in the last chapter saw his dad have sex with another women while he lovingly watched! Which made me think wtf? Is this how you are actually gonna finish the book?
Overall I am done with Ms. Rice, Except for the Mayfair Witches which remain one of my favorite books.
August 17, 2014
I do not come here to write a gentle, cheerful review, although I certainly read those adjectives waaaay too many times in this book.
I don’t plan to be savage, either. Over all I’m sad that an author whom long ago I thought could write no wrong could honestly think this book is a finished work.
I read the “The Wolf Gift” thinking ooo, Rice returns to horror. Boy, I was wrong. That book was such a mishmash of religion and werewolves that I had to dump a one star on it.
Still, I hoped “The Wolf Gift” had been a deviation, a badly written, ill-conceived mistake on the part of Rice. After much hesitation, I decided to read “The Wolves of Midwinter.”
Ouch, what a mistake. After reading this book, I am fully convinced aliens have kidnapped Rice and other authors are now writing her books.
The story line takes place over a time span from December 1 to January 12. I’m puzzled over why everyone blathers on about “Midwinter”, considering when the book begins, it’s NOT even winter yet. But the characters insist on calling the season midwinter. Hate to break it to them, but midwinter is in February. Trouble is playing up the whole Christian Christmas angle in February makes no sense.
In “The Wolves of Midwinter”, the writing style is all over the place, ranging from a few nicely written scenes to incoherently written purple-magenta-violet-puce prose. Not only is the book badly edited, but the storyline largely goes nowhere. Too often long chunks of dialogue say the same thing over and over again. In real life people do speak like this, but it’s tedious in a novel.
For some reason, when the action sequences kick in, this is when the Pantone 267 writing takes over. It’s painful to read. The sequences of ripping apart and eating wild boars or people are grotesque in their lurid description, almost a serial killer’s wet dream. But it’s okay since the good people who like their cheerful Christmas decorations and speak “gently” are doing the killing. Yep, they like to decorate for Christmas, eat large meals, talk too much, and rip apart living things. Damn, and here I thought my family ate and talked too much.
Let’s end with a few of my favorites sentences:
“He fell on his soup.” (sounds messy)
“Consuming a human head was a bit like tackling a large and thick-skinned piece of fruit.” Yummy!
“Margon gave a faint sneer. His face was too agreeable for it to be a mean sneer and it vanished immediately.” Say what?
“Elthram acknowledged this with those intense eyes firing beautifully.” I don’t know what to make of this sentence: maybe a paper airplane?
Damn, this review is becoming as disjointed as the book.
I’ll end with this: If “The Wolf Gift” let you down, this one isn’t any better. In fact, it’s worse.
I hope the aliens release Rice. I miss her writing.
I don’t plan to be savage, either. Over all I’m sad that an author whom long ago I thought could write no wrong could honestly think this book is a finished work.
I read the “The Wolf Gift” thinking ooo, Rice returns to horror. Boy, I was wrong. That book was such a mishmash of religion and werewolves that I had to dump a one star on it.
Still, I hoped “The Wolf Gift” had been a deviation, a badly written, ill-conceived mistake on the part of Rice. After much hesitation, I decided to read “The Wolves of Midwinter.”
Ouch, what a mistake. After reading this book, I am fully convinced aliens have kidnapped Rice and other authors are now writing her books.
The story line takes place over a time span from December 1 to January 12. I’m puzzled over why everyone blathers on about “Midwinter”, considering when the book begins, it’s NOT even winter yet. But the characters insist on calling the season midwinter. Hate to break it to them, but midwinter is in February. Trouble is playing up the whole Christian Christmas angle in February makes no sense.
In “The Wolves of Midwinter”, the writing style is all over the place, ranging from a few nicely written scenes to incoherently written purple-magenta-violet-puce prose. Not only is the book badly edited, but the storyline largely goes nowhere. Too often long chunks of dialogue say the same thing over and over again. In real life people do speak like this, but it’s tedious in a novel.
For some reason, when the action sequences kick in, this is when the Pantone 267 writing takes over. It’s painful to read. The sequences of ripping apart and eating wild boars or people are grotesque in their lurid description, almost a serial killer’s wet dream. But it’s okay since the good people who like their cheerful Christmas decorations and speak “gently” are doing the killing. Yep, they like to decorate for Christmas, eat large meals, talk too much, and rip apart living things. Damn, and here I thought my family ate and talked too much.
Let’s end with a few of my favorites sentences:
“He fell on his soup.” (sounds messy)
“Consuming a human head was a bit like tackling a large and thick-skinned piece of fruit.” Yummy!
“Margon gave a faint sneer. His face was too agreeable for it to be a mean sneer and it vanished immediately.” Say what?
“Elthram acknowledged this with those intense eyes firing beautifully.” I don’t know what to make of this sentence: maybe a paper airplane?
Damn, this review is becoming as disjointed as the book.
I’ll end with this: If “The Wolf Gift” let you down, this one isn’t any better. In fact, it’s worse.
I hope the aliens release Rice. I miss her writing.
January 17, 2018
It's been a while between book one, The Wolf Gift, and book two. For me, it was like starting a new series.
Reuben Golding is settling in nicely at Nideck Point. He appreciates his fellow werewolves Felix, Margon, Thibault, Sergei, Frank and Stuart. The haunting of Nideck Point by Marchent brings feelings of grief and guilt to Reuben and Felix. Her ghost reaches out but is unable to speak. Elthram is a member of the Forest Gentry, woodland spirits that can appear and disappear at will. He and his fellow spirits help celebrate the Christmas season and Modranicht, a midwinter festival. Reuben's girlfriend, Laura, is making the tough decision of whether to join the Morphenkinder tribe and be a werewolf like Reuben, to have supernatural strength and immortality. Jim, Reuben's brother, knows what Reuben is because Reuben told him in the confessional. Jim will hear the confessions of a little girl Reuben saves from abuse and death. Reuben is called the Man Wolf by the press and the people.
This novel covers such topics as grief, guilt, immortality, otherness, life and death. Reuben and the Distinguished Gentlemen (Felix, Margon, Frank, Sergei and Thibault) with Stuart constitute the ancient tribe of Morphenkinder (werewolves). There are other Morphenkinder that are not a part of this tribe, which all come together to celebrate the Midwinter festival. The Forest Gentry and the ageless ones come to observe Modranicht too. This werewolf world building is precise and complete. The descriptive passages places the reader in the atmosphere of the Christmas celebration and in the midwinter festival. This book has a dark atmosphere relieved by light bantering. The plots and subplots are nicely tied up leaving just enough of a hint for a third book. I look forward to this third book.
Reuben Golding is settling in nicely at Nideck Point. He appreciates his fellow werewolves Felix, Margon, Thibault, Sergei, Frank and Stuart. The haunting of Nideck Point by Marchent brings feelings of grief and guilt to Reuben and Felix. Her ghost reaches out but is unable to speak. Elthram is a member of the Forest Gentry, woodland spirits that can appear and disappear at will. He and his fellow spirits help celebrate the Christmas season and Modranicht, a midwinter festival. Reuben's girlfriend, Laura, is making the tough decision of whether to join the Morphenkinder tribe and be a werewolf like Reuben, to have supernatural strength and immortality. Jim, Reuben's brother, knows what Reuben is because Reuben told him in the confessional. Jim will hear the confessions of a little girl Reuben saves from abuse and death. Reuben is called the Man Wolf by the press and the people.
This novel covers such topics as grief, guilt, immortality, otherness, life and death. Reuben and the Distinguished Gentlemen (Felix, Margon, Frank, Sergei and Thibault) with Stuart constitute the ancient tribe of Morphenkinder (werewolves). There are other Morphenkinder that are not a part of this tribe, which all come together to celebrate the Midwinter festival. The Forest Gentry and the ageless ones come to observe Modranicht too. This werewolf world building is precise and complete. The descriptive passages places the reader in the atmosphere of the Christmas celebration and in the midwinter festival. This book has a dark atmosphere relieved by light bantering. The plots and subplots are nicely tied up leaving just enough of a hint for a third book. I look forward to this third book.
December 3, 2013
Anne Rice is the author of The Wolves of Midwinter and is also the author of over 30 published books, including favorites ‘Interview with the Vampire’, ‘The Vampire Lestat’ and ‘The Wolf Gift’.
Anne Rice has been writing paranormal and thrilling horror stories since her first published book (Interview with the Vampire) in 1976. Rice’s work has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and some of her works have even been adapted to the big and small screen.
Rice’s writing style is descriptive in every detail. Some readers find her particularly descriptive writing as ‘slow and boring’ but her descriptiveness helps to create a world and characters with such depth that it draws the reader deeper into her work.
This book is no exception. The first book in the chronicles, ‘The Wolf Gift’ sets up the rich world and characters and follows Reuben Golding’s transformation from a man lost in the routine of a life he doesn’t want, to a glorious man wolf thriving with life and supernatural abilities. Anne Rice creates this world and hero in a way that leaves an impression on you, and when the book ends you are left eagerly anticipating the next installment.
‘The Wolves of Midwinter’ is the next part of Reuben's story and begins with the unexpected ‘change’ of one of Rubens closest companions. It continues to unfold with ease and delicacy that before you know it, you are immersed once again into the discovery of Reuben’s life, his ‘distinguished gentlemen’ and the unexpected return of a once loved character’s struggle into a new world.
This intriguing novel also dives into and is centered on the tradition and beauty of Christmas customs and history, which Rice explores and quite beautifully describes throughout the novel.
There are many secondary plots throughout this novel which are interesting to think over, and which add depth to the continuing development of Reuben’s character. Rice explores Reuben’s patience, spirituality and his ever-distancing connection with his mortal family and growing connectedness to his new immortal one. All these sub-plots help to create a richer environment and also explore and reveal characteristics about other secondary characters. Throughout this novel we get a greater understanding of Reuben’s father, Phil, and brother, Jim whose past experiences being exposed to the reader helps to create a greater personality, in turn, supporting the story and creating a more enjoyable read. Rice further explores the relationship between father and son and brothers throughout this novel, which further strengthens the realism of Reuben's character and voice.
As far as the storyline is concerned, Rice doesn’t necessarily take it leaps and bounds into the future. Not a lot of advancement happens in regards to the plot, but the reader is once again immersed in this rich and descriptive world of Nideck Point and the characters that reside there.
I personally, first became a fan of Anne Rice after reading ‘Interview with the Vampire’. I really enjoy her descriptive writing and the pace in which she sets most of her novels and the development of her characters. I revered the innocence of Louis and the mischief of Lestat. In the same way I have treasured every moment getting to know Reuben and found myself counting down the days until the release of this novel to continue in his story. I’m hoping Anne writes a third book in this series and it’s not too long before we are immersed into Reuben’s world once more.
I am giving this book 4.5 stars out of 5.
Comments welcome.
Anne Rice has been writing paranormal and thrilling horror stories since her first published book (Interview with the Vampire) in 1976. Rice’s work has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and some of her works have even been adapted to the big and small screen.
Rice’s writing style is descriptive in every detail. Some readers find her particularly descriptive writing as ‘slow and boring’ but her descriptiveness helps to create a world and characters with such depth that it draws the reader deeper into her work.
This book is no exception. The first book in the chronicles, ‘The Wolf Gift’ sets up the rich world and characters and follows Reuben Golding’s transformation from a man lost in the routine of a life he doesn’t want, to a glorious man wolf thriving with life and supernatural abilities. Anne Rice creates this world and hero in a way that leaves an impression on you, and when the book ends you are left eagerly anticipating the next installment.
‘The Wolves of Midwinter’ is the next part of Reuben's story and begins with the unexpected ‘change’ of one of Rubens closest companions. It continues to unfold with ease and delicacy that before you know it, you are immersed once again into the discovery of Reuben’s life, his ‘distinguished gentlemen’ and the unexpected return of a once loved character’s struggle into a new world.
This intriguing novel also dives into and is centered on the tradition and beauty of Christmas customs and history, which Rice explores and quite beautifully describes throughout the novel.
There are many secondary plots throughout this novel which are interesting to think over, and which add depth to the continuing development of Reuben’s character. Rice explores Reuben’s patience, spirituality and his ever-distancing connection with his mortal family and growing connectedness to his new immortal one. All these sub-plots help to create a richer environment and also explore and reveal characteristics about other secondary characters. Throughout this novel we get a greater understanding of Reuben’s father, Phil, and brother, Jim whose past experiences being exposed to the reader helps to create a greater personality, in turn, supporting the story and creating a more enjoyable read. Rice further explores the relationship between father and son and brothers throughout this novel, which further strengthens the realism of Reuben's character and voice.
As far as the storyline is concerned, Rice doesn’t necessarily take it leaps and bounds into the future. Not a lot of advancement happens in regards to the plot, but the reader is once again immersed in this rich and descriptive world of Nideck Point and the characters that reside there.
I personally, first became a fan of Anne Rice after reading ‘Interview with the Vampire’. I really enjoy her descriptive writing and the pace in which she sets most of her novels and the development of her characters. I revered the innocence of Louis and the mischief of Lestat. In the same way I have treasured every moment getting to know Reuben and found myself counting down the days until the release of this novel to continue in his story. I’m hoping Anne writes a third book in this series and it’s not too long before we are immersed into Reuben’s world once more.
I am giving this book 4.5 stars out of 5.
Comments welcome.
December 19, 2017
phew
parts of this novel, a follow up to the Wolf Gift got bogged down in Rice's descriptive passages. overall although the pacing was a little slow i really enjoyed the prose and ryrhym of the writing enough that it didnt totally bother me. each time they talked about the man wolf though i thought of
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss...
another bonus about the sequel is in order to complete the atmospheric story Rice included
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss...
ghosts.
this isnt plot heavy but is a very beautiful novel that does get metaphysical but never got too heavy for my tastes.
parts of this novel, a follow up to the Wolf Gift got bogged down in Rice's descriptive passages. overall although the pacing was a little slow i really enjoyed the prose and ryrhym of the writing enough that it didnt totally bother me. each time they talked about the man wolf though i thought of
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss...
another bonus about the sequel is in order to complete the atmospheric story Rice included
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss...
ghosts.
this isnt plot heavy but is a very beautiful novel that does get metaphysical but never got too heavy for my tastes.
January 17, 2014
In case you didn't realize it, Anne Rice has re-found god and become a born again Catholic, if you didn't know that you would soon realize this when reading this novel. I'm starting to believe that Ann Rice found god and forgot how to write a good story. This story has absolutely no plot. It is extremely disjointed and when you think a story might be unfolding, nope sorry. I'm not even sure what the gist of the story was, there was no character development, every character started out being perfect and remained perfect, hmm that's a problem usually you want a flawed character in there that grows and learns from mistakes. Oh wait there aren't any mistakes. One sort of story line involves the ghost of Marchent from the first book, which essentially goes nowhere. I thought oh cool ghosts with a message from beyond the grave. Mmm no. Rueben, the main perfect character, is going to have a baby with his crazy ex, yep that's the end of that story. They "man wolves" are throwing a Christmas or Yule party for the whole world, well it seems like that anyway, and enter bad man-woman wolves that don't really like this "pack" very well although we never find out why. Then on Christmas eve the man wolves have a weird party/orgy with the forest creatures (the undead essentially) that are visiting for an unknown reason. And for some reason the man wolves invite the woman wolves that don't really like them that much, what a drag to your Yule fest. They try to kill Rueben's dad because he knows about the man wolves and the forest creatures kill them just because their mean.
The only remotely interesting story involves Rueben's brother Jim and a bunch of stuff happens with him that don't make much sense either. In the end there is too much and not enough happening in this book for it to go anywhere and if there is a third I don't know where it can go either. I long for a character like Lestat who is probably one of the most perfect literary characters ever.
The only remotely interesting story involves Rueben's brother Jim and a bunch of stuff happens with him that don't make much sense either. In the end there is too much and not enough happening in this book for it to go anywhere and if there is a third I don't know where it can go either. I long for a character like Lestat who is probably one of the most perfect literary characters ever.
Read
April 7, 2014I am heartbroken that I can't finish this, I made it to 55% and I am quitting. I have found myself using any excuse not to listen to this audiobook. I have even preferred working extra hours to this. Time has come to cut my losses and accept that this is not working for me. Why ? I really enjoyed the first book, I was thrilled to get book 2. What happened ?
My dislikes-
1) Rueben, the self absorbed, overly self analyzing, love everything and everyone man. He talked, and talked and talked about everything is such detail I wanted to shout at him just to shut up and go live.
2) Pedophiles, seem to be her evil of choice here. I don't know why this forest attracted so many. It just felt thrown into the story.
3) Yule, Christmas, decorations, food, settings, lights, trees, dishes, Omg I felt like I was sucked into a Martha Stewart holiday special on steroids.
4) The lessons on religion, too much, to often, not my choice for a werewolf read.
5) Everyone was so introspective, and then so thoughtful to share it in every possible way, ad nauseam.
6) I didn't care about any of these characters. I don't have any need to see how they finish out.
So I have committed the ultimate sin and broken up with this book and series.
My dislikes-
1) Rueben, the self absorbed, overly self analyzing, love everything and everyone man. He talked, and talked and talked about everything is such detail I wanted to shout at him just to shut up and go live.
2) Pedophiles, seem to be her evil of choice here. I don't know why this forest attracted so many. It just felt thrown into the story.
3) Yule, Christmas, decorations, food, settings, lights, trees, dishes, Omg I felt like I was sucked into a Martha Stewart holiday special on steroids.
4) The lessons on religion, too much, to often, not my choice for a werewolf read.
5) Everyone was so introspective, and then so thoughtful to share it in every possible way, ad nauseam.
6) I didn't care about any of these characters. I don't have any need to see how they finish out.
So I have committed the ultimate sin and broken up with this book and series.
November 6, 2013
I enjoyed The Wolf Gift enough to give this a shot, but have to admit I was extremely disappointed. A large portion of the book (over half) is devoted solely to the description of decorating and making ready for a midwinter festival. The rest of the book is mostly devoted to Reuben's various internal conflicts and the very little action that does occur in the book doesn't arrive until the very end. To me the book still reads more like one of Anne's religious novels then her days as the Queen of vampires and I feel that is where it fell flat for me. I would have much rather learned more about the Forest Gentry or the Distinguished Gentleman's history then to read so many pages of decorating the town and theological rambles. There is so much potential with the story and I'm hoping her next novel will focus more on the supernatural, but this one fell extremely flat for me.
June 10, 2013
I think Anne has hit her stride again...
January 11, 2014
This book is perfect. Well, its characters are.
This book is a long introspective conversation between immortal beings (we find there are more such beings than the wolves from Book 1). Everyone is perfect. Everyone's manners and understanding of each others errors and weaknesses is, perfect. Everyone's hair and clothes are, perfect. Everyone's recall of obscure philosophers is, perfect. I'm sure you get the idea, perfectly.
With Anne Rice it's always been hard to separate the author's religious views from those of the characters. Now it's impossible. Despite the elder Wolves having lived for thousands of years (way more than 2,000) and their claims that they are not Christian, the main part of the book is a set piece of their ideal and wonderful Christmas celebration. Ostensibly its for the local people, but it makes no sense. The wolves are the ultimate pagans, they essentially ARE pagan gods. Yet, they are versed in, and use Catholic Theology as their philosophical underpinning. Maybe they like it. But it's believable that such introspective creatures (all they do is discuss philosophy), in 5,000+ years haven't managed to synthesize more than one philosophy and world view. How could they stand the intellectual boredom without gnawing off their own limbs?
Most of the book is conversations set in rain soaked Northern California. There are a few subplots that really lead nowhere and seem to all work out just fine.
At the end of the book Rice makes a feeble attempt at a crises and some action. But not to worry, it all turns out, perfectly.
This book is a long introspective conversation between immortal beings (we find there are more such beings than the wolves from Book 1). Everyone is perfect. Everyone's manners and understanding of each others errors and weaknesses is, perfect. Everyone's hair and clothes are, perfect. Everyone's recall of obscure philosophers is, perfect. I'm sure you get the idea, perfectly.
With Anne Rice it's always been hard to separate the author's religious views from those of the characters. Now it's impossible. Despite the elder Wolves having lived for thousands of years (way more than 2,000) and their claims that they are not Christian, the main part of the book is a set piece of their ideal and wonderful Christmas celebration. Ostensibly its for the local people, but it makes no sense. The wolves are the ultimate pagans, they essentially ARE pagan gods. Yet, they are versed in, and use Catholic Theology as their philosophical underpinning. Maybe they like it. But it's believable that such introspective creatures (all they do is discuss philosophy), in 5,000+ years haven't managed to synthesize more than one philosophy and world view. How could they stand the intellectual boredom without gnawing off their own limbs?
Most of the book is conversations set in rain soaked Northern California. There are a few subplots that really lead nowhere and seem to all work out just fine.
At the end of the book Rice makes a feeble attempt at a crises and some action. But not to worry, it all turns out, perfectly.
October 19, 2017
Podríamos calificar Los lobos del invierno como una novela típica de Anne Rice. Encontramos en este volumen los temas eternos que preocupan a la autora: la naturaleza del bien y del mal, la vida después de la muerte, la eterna juventud, la religión católica, la belleza física y su perdurabilidad en el tiempo... En esta ocasión usa como excusa para tratar todo aquello que le preocupa a un grupo de hombres lobo, morfodinámicos le gusta llamarlos. No es mala idea dedicar un libro a este tipo de inquietudes pero quizás hubiera resultado algo más redondo si la autora hubiera añadido algo de intriga, de aventura, de misterio.
Nos encontramos al final con una novela que podría haberse titulado "Navidad con los hombres lobo" porque al fin y al cabo se reduce a un retrato de cómo sus morfodinámicos pasan las fiestas, sus ritos, sus tradiciones, sus pequeños conflictos personales, sus relaciones familiares... Son hombres lobo pero podría haber sido una familia americana un tanto curiosa y el libro no habría cambiado sustancialmente.
No resulta excesivamente aburrido, sin embargo, ya conocemos el arte para la escritura de la autora, pero acaba resultando insulso, poco atrayente, carente de todo lo que a uno le gustaría encontrar en una novela de seres sobrenaturales.
Creo que Anne Rice ha perdido el rumbo, que lo perdió hace tiempo estirando la saga de vampiros más allá de lo que da de sí y empezando otras mediocres como la de los ángeles o esta misma sobre hombres lobo. No sé si hay o habrá una tercera entrega de esta serie pero yo personalmente no pienso leerla.
Este libro no se puede recomendar ni a los fans de la autora, ni a los aficionados a los seres sobrenaturales ni mucho menos a los amantes del mundo de los licántropos. Leed otra cosa, no perdáis el tiempo como yo.
Nos encontramos al final con una novela que podría haberse titulado "Navidad con los hombres lobo" porque al fin y al cabo se reduce a un retrato de cómo sus morfodinámicos pasan las fiestas, sus ritos, sus tradiciones, sus pequeños conflictos personales, sus relaciones familiares... Son hombres lobo pero podría haber sido una familia americana un tanto curiosa y el libro no habría cambiado sustancialmente.
No resulta excesivamente aburrido, sin embargo, ya conocemos el arte para la escritura de la autora, pero acaba resultando insulso, poco atrayente, carente de todo lo que a uno le gustaría encontrar en una novela de seres sobrenaturales.
Creo que Anne Rice ha perdido el rumbo, que lo perdió hace tiempo estirando la saga de vampiros más allá de lo que da de sí y empezando otras mediocres como la de los ángeles o esta misma sobre hombres lobo. No sé si hay o habrá una tercera entrega de esta serie pero yo personalmente no pienso leerla.
Este libro no se puede recomendar ni a los fans de la autora, ni a los aficionados a los seres sobrenaturales ni mucho menos a los amantes del mundo de los licántropos. Leed otra cosa, no perdáis el tiempo como yo.
June 20, 2016
I won't spoil anything for you here. It's all unveiled masterfully in the novel's own good time.
The Wolves of Midwinter is as sumptuous, as chilling, as engaging, as tender, as terrifying a book as you could hope to find in a hundred years. I enjoyed The Wolf Gift and one should read it first. This isn’t always the case with Rice’s books, some of which can be read entirely out of order without a tremendous loss of orientation to the reader. I recommend you read The Wolf Gift, both because it establishes relationships and a context that becomes important in The Wolves of Midwinter, but more importantly because there were promises made, it seems to me, in the first book that were not only fulfilled in the second, but Rice’s delivery surpassed her first book’s promises.
The Morphenkinder continue to grow in complexity throughout the book, and while more is steadily revealed their mystery consistently deepens. Even familiar characters harbor secrets often surprising and unguessed-at but always somehow rewarding, while new characters surface with suspicious and perhaps malicious motives. Even the servants appointed to assist the “Distinguished Gentlemen” of Nideck Point are more than they appear, curious and strange, yet fascinating despite their seemingly innocuous role.
Careful readers will notice old themes returning, themes notably from The Vampire Lestat and Queen of the Damned (and many others)that ponder not only the nature of evil (and slaying the Evil Doer), but how should an immortal predator live ethically among (or away from) humanity? How close is too close? Is the Wolf Gift a curse to the innocent lives it touches? Can Reuben Golding, Rice’s hero, really have his circle of Morphenkinder and his mortal family in his life, or is the whole affair doomed to the same calamity that befell Marchent Nideck?
Speaking of Marchent, this is a ghost story, as well. A Christmas ghost story, which is best somehow, I feel. Reuben and Felix are haunted by the loss of their beloved Marchent, but the metaphor soon becomes much more. There are other spirits, other races that make this story a broader, more fleshed-out (so to speak) expansion of the world of the Morphenkinder. The manner in which Reuben makes these discoveries is fascinating to watch.
The Midwinter pageantry, the driving rain howling constantly at the windows, the glittering lights strung throughout the Nideck Forest, the sumptuous and beautiful Christmas Party held at Nideck Point for practically the entire County of Marin, the dark hallways beneath the house, all leap off the page with a vivid, dizzying intensity that Rice has perhaps never achieved so resoundingly, powerfully well.
There are also smaller, more intimate pieces of this book beyond Reuben's romance with Laura. Reuben’s father Phil, his brother James the Priest, Felix and even Margon the Godless have real, meaningful time in this book, and while some may consider them ancillary characters, and their contributions to be side-plot, I have to say that they enrich the thrust, the hopeful message, the beautiful symmetry of the entire work.
There are, of course, challenges in this book as well. Rice often makes away with the sticky details of real life with little flourishes of some character or other saying “I’ve taken care of everything.” Her characters have, as ever, a stylized way of speaking that is not always realistic. There are, at times, tender, deeply romantic sentiments that some might consider a little too saccharine for their taste. And yes, some situations and setups come across as just a little too convenient and easily arrived at. In the interest of being a fair reviewer, I think all that is true. However, do you really care about the details of how someone gets permits from the county, how money is transferred, flights booked, or how a go-nowhere murder investigation is carried out? I don’t because I’m so interested in the story she’s telling, not the story she isn’t. I absolutely forgive all those little things because what’s happening in the story is otherwise so enthralling. A lesser writer wouldn’t be able to get away with as much, but Rice is truly on her game. I admit I had some trouble with the Christ novels, and Blood Canticle threw me a bit, but I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say this is one of the best and most mature and brilliant novels that Anne Rice has produced- and I think there’s more coming from Reuben and Company! Bottom line: Read The Wolf Gift if you haven’t already. Then read The Wolves of Midwinter. It is a hopeful and a beautiful vision, perhaps her most hopeful to date. This is every bit the equal of Rice’s very finest work.
The Wolves of Midwinter is as sumptuous, as chilling, as engaging, as tender, as terrifying a book as you could hope to find in a hundred years. I enjoyed The Wolf Gift and one should read it first. This isn’t always the case with Rice’s books, some of which can be read entirely out of order without a tremendous loss of orientation to the reader. I recommend you read The Wolf Gift, both because it establishes relationships and a context that becomes important in The Wolves of Midwinter, but more importantly because there were promises made, it seems to me, in the first book that were not only fulfilled in the second, but Rice’s delivery surpassed her first book’s promises.
The Morphenkinder continue to grow in complexity throughout the book, and while more is steadily revealed their mystery consistently deepens. Even familiar characters harbor secrets often surprising and unguessed-at but always somehow rewarding, while new characters surface with suspicious and perhaps malicious motives. Even the servants appointed to assist the “Distinguished Gentlemen” of Nideck Point are more than they appear, curious and strange, yet fascinating despite their seemingly innocuous role.
Careful readers will notice old themes returning, themes notably from The Vampire Lestat and Queen of the Damned (and many others)that ponder not only the nature of evil (and slaying the Evil Doer), but how should an immortal predator live ethically among (or away from) humanity? How close is too close? Is the Wolf Gift a curse to the innocent lives it touches? Can Reuben Golding, Rice’s hero, really have his circle of Morphenkinder and his mortal family in his life, or is the whole affair doomed to the same calamity that befell Marchent Nideck?
Speaking of Marchent, this is a ghost story, as well. A Christmas ghost story, which is best somehow, I feel. Reuben and Felix are haunted by the loss of their beloved Marchent, but the metaphor soon becomes much more. There are other spirits, other races that make this story a broader, more fleshed-out (so to speak) expansion of the world of the Morphenkinder. The manner in which Reuben makes these discoveries is fascinating to watch.
The Midwinter pageantry, the driving rain howling constantly at the windows, the glittering lights strung throughout the Nideck Forest, the sumptuous and beautiful Christmas Party held at Nideck Point for practically the entire County of Marin, the dark hallways beneath the house, all leap off the page with a vivid, dizzying intensity that Rice has perhaps never achieved so resoundingly, powerfully well.
There are also smaller, more intimate pieces of this book beyond Reuben's romance with Laura. Reuben’s father Phil, his brother James the Priest, Felix and even Margon the Godless have real, meaningful time in this book, and while some may consider them ancillary characters, and their contributions to be side-plot, I have to say that they enrich the thrust, the hopeful message, the beautiful symmetry of the entire work.
There are, of course, challenges in this book as well. Rice often makes away with the sticky details of real life with little flourishes of some character or other saying “I’ve taken care of everything.” Her characters have, as ever, a stylized way of speaking that is not always realistic. There are, at times, tender, deeply romantic sentiments that some might consider a little too saccharine for their taste. And yes, some situations and setups come across as just a little too convenient and easily arrived at. In the interest of being a fair reviewer, I think all that is true. However, do you really care about the details of how someone gets permits from the county, how money is transferred, flights booked, or how a go-nowhere murder investigation is carried out? I don’t because I’m so interested in the story she’s telling, not the story she isn’t. I absolutely forgive all those little things because what’s happening in the story is otherwise so enthralling. A lesser writer wouldn’t be able to get away with as much, but Rice is truly on her game. I admit I had some trouble with the Christ novels, and Blood Canticle threw me a bit, but I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say this is one of the best and most mature and brilliant novels that Anne Rice has produced- and I think there’s more coming from Reuben and Company! Bottom line: Read The Wolf Gift if you haven’t already. Then read The Wolves of Midwinter. It is a hopeful and a beautiful vision, perhaps her most hopeful to date. This is every bit the equal of Rice’s very finest work.
October 15, 2013
Ugh!!! I fell in love with Reuben when I read The Wolf Gift, and I think I just fell all over again. Not in a swoony way. Nothing like that. I just love his view of the world.
Ok, The Wolves of Midwinter was MUCH different than I anticipated. As with any Anne Rice novel, it still has that warm romantic feel, even more so due to the timing of the story (I will explain that more below), but I didn’t feel that Midwinter was as focused on action as The Wolf Gift was. That being said, this was not a bad thing at all. The story is plain and simply enchanting. It’s not often that I throw the word ‘magical’ around, but that is exactly how the Wolf Gift Chronicles feel, especially Midwinter.
The timing of the story that I referred to is Christmas. The book kicks off at the beginning of December and is focused around the celebrations and festivities surrounding the holiday. Although it’s absolutely nothing like any traditional Christmas story, it still made me want to retreat to a reading nook with a blanket and mug of hot cocoa.
The Wolves of Midwinter was an amazing addition to this series. I just adore the cast. Obviously, Rueben is fantastic, but Felix and the rest of the morphenkind have this mystical vibe about them that I love to read.
Technically speaking, Midwinter was spot on – good story flow, excellent character development, the mystery aspect was very well-written, and I love that it was not a duplicate of The Wolf Gift.
Overall, I am giving The Wolves of Midwinter (The Wolf Gift #2) a solid 5 stars! Anne Rice is just amazing. Her descriptions will have you completely lost in the story while the rest of the world just melts away. As I said in the beginning of this review, this story is just…..magical.
Ok, The Wolves of Midwinter was MUCH different than I anticipated. As with any Anne Rice novel, it still has that warm romantic feel, even more so due to the timing of the story (I will explain that more below), but I didn’t feel that Midwinter was as focused on action as The Wolf Gift was. That being said, this was not a bad thing at all. The story is plain and simply enchanting. It’s not often that I throw the word ‘magical’ around, but that is exactly how the Wolf Gift Chronicles feel, especially Midwinter.
The timing of the story that I referred to is Christmas. The book kicks off at the beginning of December and is focused around the celebrations and festivities surrounding the holiday. Although it’s absolutely nothing like any traditional Christmas story, it still made me want to retreat to a reading nook with a blanket and mug of hot cocoa.
The Wolves of Midwinter was an amazing addition to this series. I just adore the cast. Obviously, Rueben is fantastic, but Felix and the rest of the morphenkind have this mystical vibe about them that I love to read.
Technically speaking, Midwinter was spot on – good story flow, excellent character development, the mystery aspect was very well-written, and I love that it was not a duplicate of The Wolf Gift.
Overall, I am giving The Wolves of Midwinter (The Wolf Gift #2) a solid 5 stars! Anne Rice is just amazing. Her descriptions will have you completely lost in the story while the rest of the world just melts away. As I said in the beginning of this review, this story is just…..magical.
August 30, 2013
Anne Rice brings us once again to the rugged coastline of Northern California, to the grand mansion at Nideck Point—to further explore the unearthly education of her transformed Man Wolf. The novel opens on a cold, gray landscape. It is the beginning of December. Oak fires are burning in the stately flickering hearths of Nideck Point. It is Yuletide. For Reuben Golding, now infused with the wolf gift and under the loving tutelage of the Morphenkinder, this Christmas promises to be like no other . . . as he soon becomes aware that the Morphenkinder, steeped in their own rituals, are also celebrating the Midwinter Yuletide festival deep within Nideck forest. From out of the shadows of the exquisite mansion comes a ghost—tormented, imploring, unable to speak yet able to embrace and desire with desperate affection . . . As Reuben finds himself caught up with the passions and yearnings of this spectral presence and the preparations for the Nideck town Christmas reach a fever pitch, astonishing secrets are revealed, secrets that tell of a strange netherworld, of spirits—centuries old—who possess their own fantastical ancient histories an
June 30, 2013
As the wolves get ready to celebrate MIDWINTER, Christmas to others, they decorate and continue to restore the mansion and the town of Nideck. You meet all the characters of book one and are introduced to some new ones. Laura makes her decision about becoming a wolf, Phil becomes a constant visitor and the forest guardians help keep the pack safe. A wonderful continuation of the Wolf Gift, can't wait for a third .
September 24, 2013
when I first picked up the first in this Wolf gift chronicles I was skeptical. Why? Anne Rice had left writing this way for other interests in her writing process. I wasn't sure if she could live up to her past work now.
I am the first to admit I was wrong. The Wolf gift was amazing. i couldn't put it down didn't even go to bed until I had it completely read. The Wolf had the stylistic writing similar to The Vampire LeStat with the Aura of The witching hour series. Eery and creepy makes a great book.
So I couldn't wait to read the second in the series and when I got approved for a arc I squeed. Again Miss Rice did not disappoint. This book was amazing. First if you have every read the Witching hour series this one is written and has the aura of that series. Particularly the second book in that series when she lulls you into this happy place making you feel the warm and fuzzies and than slowly the eery feeling comes about and she hits you presto wammo. Than the lull of happy comes once again here comes the eery. Gosh I love her for that.
This book opens where the Wolf Gift left off. We are seeing Reuben adjusting to his new Wolfenkinder world. Only now he has guidance. His life at Nideck Point is described and we are looking at this grand festival for Christmas being planned. All is going well for Reuben, he has a new family and he's trying to adjust to the fact that he will have to slowly walk away from his mom, dad and brother. A adjustment that is difficult. As we have the happy times seen ad the plans going well here come the eery feelings...Celeste yes Celeste. She is one piece of work let me tell you. How such a sweet adoring man can be with her is beyound me. Patience of Job there. Anywhoo...his brother (who I love and hope we get to see more of his growth in the next book) helps him by talking of his past. A past that will pull at you and make you see why he went on to priesthood. Again all is going well, the Christmas celebration went off wonderfully his dad comes to stay but the eery comes back and whammo..something worthy of Vampire LeStat series occurs. This time there is a rippling effect though and we see just how much.
Everyone's world is changed after Christmas..His brother's world is turned upside down, his dad is now adjusting to his new life and Reuben is beginning to really feel the burden of being man and Wolfenkinder but what's worse he's realizing he will be pulling away from everything and how this effects him no one knows.
A book worthy of her Witching hour series and keeps you with the eery feeling throughout the book. I was on the edge of my seat in the Christmas celebration and learned so much about the season. A great book that will leave you wanting more especially more of the eery feeling she leaves you with so often.
I am the first to admit I was wrong. The Wolf gift was amazing. i couldn't put it down didn't even go to bed until I had it completely read. The Wolf had the stylistic writing similar to The Vampire LeStat with the Aura of The witching hour series. Eery and creepy makes a great book.
So I couldn't wait to read the second in the series and when I got approved for a arc I squeed. Again Miss Rice did not disappoint. This book was amazing. First if you have every read the Witching hour series this one is written and has the aura of that series. Particularly the second book in that series when she lulls you into this happy place making you feel the warm and fuzzies and than slowly the eery feeling comes about and she hits you presto wammo. Than the lull of happy comes once again here comes the eery. Gosh I love her for that.
This book opens where the Wolf Gift left off. We are seeing Reuben adjusting to his new Wolfenkinder world. Only now he has guidance. His life at Nideck Point is described and we are looking at this grand festival for Christmas being planned. All is going well for Reuben, he has a new family and he's trying to adjust to the fact that he will have to slowly walk away from his mom, dad and brother. A adjustment that is difficult. As we have the happy times seen ad the plans going well here come the eery feelings...Celeste yes Celeste. She is one piece of work let me tell you. How such a sweet adoring man can be with her is beyound me. Patience of Job there. Anywhoo...his brother (who I love and hope we get to see more of his growth in the next book) helps him by talking of his past. A past that will pull at you and make you see why he went on to priesthood. Again all is going well, the Christmas celebration went off wonderfully his dad comes to stay but the eery comes back and whammo..something worthy of Vampire LeStat series occurs. This time there is a rippling effect though and we see just how much.
Everyone's world is changed after Christmas..His brother's world is turned upside down, his dad is now adjusting to his new life and Reuben is beginning to really feel the burden of being man and Wolfenkinder but what's worse he's realizing he will be pulling away from everything and how this effects him no one knows.
A book worthy of her Witching hour series and keeps you with the eery feeling throughout the book. I was on the edge of my seat in the Christmas celebration and learned so much about the season. A great book that will leave you wanting more especially more of the eery feeling she leaves you with so often.
November 28, 2013
I've long listed Anne Rice as among my favorite writers, with "The Witching Hour" and "The Mummy" being two of my all time favorite books. Some of her later writings hadn't really connected with me, so I was very glad to see her return to the gothic/paranormal vein with "The Wolf Gift." This book, "The Wolves of Midwinter," picks up where the first in The Wolf Gift Chronicles series left off.
In the first book, Reuben Goldberg, met the ravishing Marchant Nideck, the owner of the grand mansion at Nideck point in Northern California. When, after a short relationship, Marchant is killed by her brothers, and Reuben is mistakenly bitten by what he thinks is a mutant wolf, he discovers that Marchant had changed her will, leaving him the mansion and grounds. Soon after he discovers that the wolf was no wolf, but a werewolf, or Morphenkind. In the beginning of this book, Reuben has begun to come to grips with the fact that he is now an immortal, and that his new life will soon require him to cut all bonds with his family. He has meet the original owner of the mansion, Felix Nideck, also Morpehnkinder, along with others in Felix's group. The mansion is undergoing many changes, including remodeling the guest cottage to become Reuben's father's home, and getting ready for a large Christmas festival. Reuben is discovering that there are more creatures in the world than he had before dreamed of, including the mysterious Forest Gentry and the ghost of Marchant. He also discovers that his former fiancé is expecting his child, and that his current love, Laura, has undergone the Chrism and will become Morphenkind in order to spend her lifetime with Reuben. The group celebrates an Old World Morphenkinder Yule celebration in the woods, leading to the end of this episode -- tantalizing the reader for what's to come in the next.
Rice has always had a unique ability to mix modern day timelines with old world feel and Victorian language. I had to constantly remind myself that this was taking place in today's world, as he language was so flowery and romantic -- reminiscent of the best gothic novel you ever read. But, I'd forget and then be startled when one of the characters took a call on his cell phone!
I'm very glad to see Rice again writing in the genre in which she excels. Looking forward to following this series as it develops.
In the first book, Reuben Goldberg, met the ravishing Marchant Nideck, the owner of the grand mansion at Nideck point in Northern California. When, after a short relationship, Marchant is killed by her brothers, and Reuben is mistakenly bitten by what he thinks is a mutant wolf, he discovers that Marchant had changed her will, leaving him the mansion and grounds. Soon after he discovers that the wolf was no wolf, but a werewolf, or Morphenkind. In the beginning of this book, Reuben has begun to come to grips with the fact that he is now an immortal, and that his new life will soon require him to cut all bonds with his family. He has meet the original owner of the mansion, Felix Nideck, also Morpehnkinder, along with others in Felix's group. The mansion is undergoing many changes, including remodeling the guest cottage to become Reuben's father's home, and getting ready for a large Christmas festival. Reuben is discovering that there are more creatures in the world than he had before dreamed of, including the mysterious Forest Gentry and the ghost of Marchant. He also discovers that his former fiancé is expecting his child, and that his current love, Laura, has undergone the Chrism and will become Morphenkind in order to spend her lifetime with Reuben. The group celebrates an Old World Morphenkinder Yule celebration in the woods, leading to the end of this episode -- tantalizing the reader for what's to come in the next.
Rice has always had a unique ability to mix modern day timelines with old world feel and Victorian language. I had to constantly remind myself that this was taking place in today's world, as he language was so flowery and romantic -- reminiscent of the best gothic novel you ever read. But, I'd forget and then be startled when one of the characters took a call on his cell phone!
I'm very glad to see Rice again writing in the genre in which she excels. Looking forward to following this series as it develops.
October 27, 2013
Long have I loved Anne Rice's world of Lestat and his minions. I missed her when she left to write religious books and was eager to have her return at long last to the world of supernatural creatures. The first book Wolf Gift, was creepy and mysterious and deliciously enticing. So I was really looking forward to this sequel.
Here we are once again in Rueben's new world, a world of men who have become werewolves, given this "gift" by the Chrism, the bite. We get to know Rueben's mentors/companions, called The Distinguished Gentlemen, also known as the immortal Morphenkinder. We come to understand the ancient mythology of the immortal wolves, meeting the Ageless Ones who tend them with their lives and also more mysterious folk creatures, The Forest Gentry.
What we have in Midwinter is the Christmas season, mingled with pagan and druidic mythology. The Christian faith is not pitted against any beliefs but questions its role beside the mysteries of these magical entities.
The book moves slower than the first, there are many many pages of meandering thoughts and descriptions. I felt it was flat in some places and the supernatural elements were forced. Also, we are given to know that Laura, Rueben's girlfriend, has accepted a bite herself, but we don't get to see, or experience in any way, her metamorphasis. It is spoken of often, but violates the big rule of "Show, don't tell."
Toward the end of the book, Rice drifts again into religious territory and I didn't enjoy it with Memnock the Devil and I didn't really like it here. Though in this book I understood the questions of faith raised by our leading character and his friends, it seemed too much emphasis was latently placed on religion and took out some my enjoyment.
There is some surprising violence in this book which goes beyond the Morphenkinder and tho surprised, I found it fitting and completely in line with the characters. I enjoyed the surprise and wished there were more.
All in all, I will look for another sequel, though it did feel as if the series was somehow finished with this book. Hope not. I think there's more to explore here.
Here we are once again in Rueben's new world, a world of men who have become werewolves, given this "gift" by the Chrism, the bite. We get to know Rueben's mentors/companions, called The Distinguished Gentlemen, also known as the immortal Morphenkinder. We come to understand the ancient mythology of the immortal wolves, meeting the Ageless Ones who tend them with their lives and also more mysterious folk creatures, The Forest Gentry.
What we have in Midwinter is the Christmas season, mingled with pagan and druidic mythology. The Christian faith is not pitted against any beliefs but questions its role beside the mysteries of these magical entities.
The book moves slower than the first, there are many many pages of meandering thoughts and descriptions. I felt it was flat in some places and the supernatural elements were forced. Also, we are given to know that Laura, Rueben's girlfriend, has accepted a bite herself, but we don't get to see, or experience in any way, her metamorphasis. It is spoken of often, but violates the big rule of "Show, don't tell."
Toward the end of the book, Rice drifts again into religious territory and I didn't enjoy it with Memnock the Devil and I didn't really like it here. Though in this book I understood the questions of faith raised by our leading character and his friends, it seemed too much emphasis was latently placed on religion and took out some my enjoyment.
There is some surprising violence in this book which goes beyond the Morphenkinder and tho surprised, I found it fitting and completely in line with the characters. I enjoyed the surprise and wished there were more.
All in all, I will look for another sequel, though it did feel as if the series was somehow finished with this book. Hope not. I think there's more to explore here.
October 22, 2013
There are spoilers, don't read if you haven't read the book yet.
There have always been religious undertones in Rice's books as far back as Interview With a Vampire. During her Vampire/Mayfair Witches books it wasn't too over the top(including Memnoch the Devil) and I found the stories enjoyable enough to read multiple times. Then she went on some kind of religious kick and I stopped reading her books for years.
Last year she came out with The Wolf Gift. I remember thinking, "Werewolves... about time she started writing interesting books again!" So I went and bought it and enjoyed it, but the religious undertones weren't so "under" anymore. Then the sequel came out and I of course bought that, remembering that I did enjoy the first one. Well... If you took out every religious reference in the book, it would be more than a third shorter than it is already.
I mean, seriously! A main character that professes multiple times that he doesn't belive in god but constantly preaches and prays is more than just slightly idiotic. Don't forget Felix who has stated he has no belief in the christian god yet is such an amazing authority on all things christian and reads obscure relgious philosphy in his spair time.
Besides all that, I found Reuben to be highly intelligent and rather vapid at the same time. A character without a strong sense of self that is unable to make up his mind when he hears someone else's opinion that strongly differs from his own. And for any that disagree with that statement, take in the fact that Hockan's speech made him doubt himself, Felix, and their lifestyle until Marchent's spririt basically told him not to listen to it and to trust in those he loves.
I was hoping for more from Anne Rice, and hopefully she will deliver more in the next book. The overall story was good, I just didn't enjoy reading preachy text and prayers that didn't move the story along.
There have always been religious undertones in Rice's books as far back as Interview With a Vampire. During her Vampire/Mayfair Witches books it wasn't too over the top(including Memnoch the Devil) and I found the stories enjoyable enough to read multiple times. Then she went on some kind of religious kick and I stopped reading her books for years.
Last year she came out with The Wolf Gift. I remember thinking, "Werewolves... about time she started writing interesting books again!" So I went and bought it and enjoyed it, but the religious undertones weren't so "under" anymore. Then the sequel came out and I of course bought that, remembering that I did enjoy the first one. Well... If you took out every religious reference in the book, it would be more than a third shorter than it is already.
I mean, seriously! A main character that professes multiple times that he doesn't belive in god but constantly preaches and prays is more than just slightly idiotic. Don't forget Felix who has stated he has no belief in the christian god yet is such an amazing authority on all things christian and reads obscure relgious philosphy in his spair time.
Besides all that, I found Reuben to be highly intelligent and rather vapid at the same time. A character without a strong sense of self that is unable to make up his mind when he hears someone else's opinion that strongly differs from his own. And for any that disagree with that statement, take in the fact that Hockan's speech made him doubt himself, Felix, and their lifestyle until Marchent's spririt basically told him not to listen to it and to trust in those he loves.
I was hoping for more from Anne Rice, and hopefully she will deliver more in the next book. The overall story was good, I just didn't enjoy reading preachy text and prayers that didn't move the story along.
August 27, 2023
I am not a big fan of horror, but, that said, I have read a lot of horror, such as a number of Stephen King novels. I have not read much Anne Rice, but I did read her "The Wolf Gift." I found her take on werewolves to be interesting. I've long been interested in The Wolf-Man ( more so than in vampires or zombies) as a human who can become completely animalistic. Rice's "Man Wolf" becomes hairy and extremely powerful but retains his human mind and conscience. In "The Wolf Gift," I enjoyed reading about the transformation of a man into Man Wolf and how he deals with it, all set in the incredible forested region of Northern California ( north of San Francisco).
But the sequel, "The Wolves of Midwinter," only rates 2 stars in my estimation. Why? Nothing much happens. A group of Man Wolves have formed and we learn more about their history and their powers, but what do they do? They spend a lot of time preparing and then putting on Yuletide festivities for the nearby town...what? We learn more about supernatural aspects of their world--and their rivals show up for the festivities... but, again, nothing much happens.
I didn't give up in the middle of the book as I felt like doing, as I do like Anne Rice's unique writing style and I wanted to get to the conclusion. Needless to say, the series will continue--and I may very well read the third book when it comes out...and I wouldn't be surprised if a movie is in the works...
But the sequel, "The Wolves of Midwinter," only rates 2 stars in my estimation. Why? Nothing much happens. A group of Man Wolves have formed and we learn more about their history and their powers, but what do they do? They spend a lot of time preparing and then putting on Yuletide festivities for the nearby town...what? We learn more about supernatural aspects of their world--and their rivals show up for the festivities... but, again, nothing much happens.
I didn't give up in the middle of the book as I felt like doing, as I do like Anne Rice's unique writing style and I wanted to get to the conclusion. Needless to say, the series will continue--and I may very well read the third book when it comes out...and I wouldn't be surprised if a movie is in the works...
February 2, 2019
DNF at 30%. Werewolf impregnates previous girlfriend, who is straight up crazy. They decided to get married. Werewolf's current girlfriend attends the wedding. Werewolf's brother is a priest who beat a girl to an inch of her life, a married girl who was pregnant with his baby. Then girl says she never felt ill will towards him. WHAT THE HECK IS THIS!?!? I thought this book was about werewolves and ghosts, not paranormal Jerry Springer. Uh!!!
July 11, 2014
Anne Rice has written something seductive, tragic and touching.
"There is no normal life. There is only life."
Quotes:
where apparently he could “do nothing,” and “become nothing” and live on his looks and the “flattery of all these new friends of yours.”
This was something he loved, that they did not make small talk, that they could go hours without talking, that they talked without talking, but what were they saying to one another, without words, just now?
there isn’t a man alive who doesn’t feel possessive of the woman he loves, who doesn’t want to control his access to her and her access to him and his world.”
“Why,” asked Margon. “Because we don’t mope about lamenting our monstrous secrets? Why should we? We live in two worlds. We always have.”
But some other deeper and finer feeling was dawning in him now, that it was not all “either-or.” A magnificent possibility was occurring to him, that disparate things might in some way be united in ways we had to come to understand.
“Of course, it’s about faith—faith that this is God’s world and we’re God’s children. How could it not be about faith? I think if one truly loves God with all one’s heart, then one has to love everybody else. It’s not a choice. And you don’t love them because it scores you points with God. You love them because you are trying to see them and embrace them as God sees and embraces them. You are loving them because they are alive.”
“St. Augustine wrote something once, something I think about often,” he said. “ ‘God triumphs on the ruins of our plans.’ And maybe that is what is happening here. We make blunders, we make mistakes, and somehow new doors open, new possibilities arise, opportunities of which we’ve never dreamed. Let’s trust that that is what is happening here for each of us.”
old English Christmas carols sung by the choir of St. John’s College at Cambridge,
And it’s never been my policy to turn away others at any time, really. There are ways to live this life, and my way has always been one of inclusion—of our own kind, of all humankind, of all spirits, of all things under the sun. It’s not a virtue with me. I don’t know any other way to move through the world.”
“To love, to learn, and to serve.”
“That she’ll soon be at peace,” he said. “The same thing you hope for, and that she’s forgiven me for all the things I did that were wrong, and unwise, and foolish.
Twelfth Night—January 6, or the Feast of the Epiphany—as was the tradition,
and they would travel this bizarre road into revelation and experience together.
a nineteenth-century memoir by an obscure doctor who described a long and heroic life in medicine on the frontier. For Laura, the Duino Elegies and the Sonnets to Orpheus of Rilke in a first edition. For Margon he had an early special edition of T. E. Lawrence’s autobiography, and for Felix, Thibault, and Stuart fine and early hardcovers of several English ghost-story writers—Amelia Edwards, Sheridan Le Fanu, and Algernon Blackwood—whom Reuben especially treasured. He had vintage travelers’ memoirs for Sergei and for Frank, and Lisa; and books of English and French poetry for Heddy and Jean Pierre. For Celeste, he had a special leather-bound copy of the autobiography of Clarence Darrow; and for Mort a vintage edition of Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables, which he knew Mort loved.
For Jim, he had books on filmmakers Robert Bresson and Luis Buñuel and a first edition of Lord Acton’s essays. For Stuart, a couple of great books on J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and the Inklings, as well as a new verse translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Lastly for Phil, he had managed at last to score all the small individual hardcover volumes of Shakespeare’s plays edited by George Lyman Kittredge—the little Ginn and Company books which Phil had so loved in his student days.
Poetry should be taken in small doses. Nobody needs poetry. Nobody needs to make himself read it.
I know who I am. And I knew I had to come. I had to be here. I had to spend my remaining days somewhere that I truly wanted to be, doing the things that mattered to me, no matter how trivial. Walking the woods, reading my books, writing my poems, looking out at that ocean, that endless ocean. I had to. I couldn’t keep moving towards the grave step by step—choked with regret, choked with bitterness and disappointment!”
Maybe because I’m a pastor, a believer, somebody for whom the mysterious is just, well, very real.
“I’ll tell you. The most radical thing about a conversion to God is the determination to love, to really love in His name.”
“Think about what it means to renew, to repent, to start all over again. We human beings always have that capacity. No matter how badly we stumble, we can get up and try again. No matter how miserably we fail ourselves and God and those around us, we can get up and start all over again.
“There is no midwinter so cold and so dark that we can’t reach for the shining light with both hands.”He paused for a moment as if he had to check his own emotions, and then he resumed slowly. walking up and down and speaking again.
“That’s the meaning of all the candles of Christmas,” he said, “the bright electric lights on our Christmas trees. It’s the meaning of all the celebrations throughout the season, that we have the hope always and forever of being better than we are, of triumphing over the darkness that might have defeated us in the past, and realizing a brilliance never imagined before.”
“Ordinary Time.” ’ But the reason I love it is that every season, every celebration, every defeat, and every hope and aspiration that we have is rooted in time, dependent on time, revealed to us in time.
“We don’t think about that enough. We spend too much time cursing time—time waits for no man, time will tell, oh, the ravages of time, time flies! We don’t think about the gift of time. Time gives us the chance to make mistakes and correct them, to regenerate, to grow. Time gives us the chance to forgive, to restore, to do better than we have ever done in the past. Time gives us the chance to be sorry when we fail and the chance to try to discover in ourselves a new heart.”
we find ourselves, at the end of this Christmas season and once again in the glorious miracle—I mean the pure and glorious miracle—of ‘Ordinary Time.’ How we use this time means everything. Will we take the opportunity to transform ourselves, to admit our hideous blunders, and to become, against all odds, the people of our dreams? That’s what it’s about, right?—becoming the people of our dreams.”
I lost my battle with love, with the solemn and inescapable commandment: Thou shalt love!
“But this morning, as I stand here, I’m grateful with all my heart that time is once more stretching out before me, providing me again with the chance to somehow—somehow—make amends for the things I’ve done. God puts in our path so many opportunities for that, doesn’t He?—so many people out there who need so much from each and every one of us. He gives us people to help, people to serve, people to embrace, people to comfort, people to love. As long as I live and breathe, I am surrounded by these limitless opportunities, blessed by them on all sides. So I come away from Christmas—and that great shining banquet of riches—thankful once more for the absolute miracle of ‘Ordinary Time.’ ”
There is no normal life. There is only life.
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
"There is no normal life. There is only life."
Quotes:
where apparently he could “do nothing,” and “become nothing” and live on his looks and the “flattery of all these new friends of yours.”
This was something he loved, that they did not make small talk, that they could go hours without talking, that they talked without talking, but what were they saying to one another, without words, just now?
there isn’t a man alive who doesn’t feel possessive of the woman he loves, who doesn’t want to control his access to her and her access to him and his world.”
“Why,” asked Margon. “Because we don’t mope about lamenting our monstrous secrets? Why should we? We live in two worlds. We always have.”
But some other deeper and finer feeling was dawning in him now, that it was not all “either-or.” A magnificent possibility was occurring to him, that disparate things might in some way be united in ways we had to come to understand.
“Of course, it’s about faith—faith that this is God’s world and we’re God’s children. How could it not be about faith? I think if one truly loves God with all one’s heart, then one has to love everybody else. It’s not a choice. And you don’t love them because it scores you points with God. You love them because you are trying to see them and embrace them as God sees and embraces them. You are loving them because they are alive.”
“St. Augustine wrote something once, something I think about often,” he said. “ ‘God triumphs on the ruins of our plans.’ And maybe that is what is happening here. We make blunders, we make mistakes, and somehow new doors open, new possibilities arise, opportunities of which we’ve never dreamed. Let’s trust that that is what is happening here for each of us.”
old English Christmas carols sung by the choir of St. John’s College at Cambridge,
And it’s never been my policy to turn away others at any time, really. There are ways to live this life, and my way has always been one of inclusion—of our own kind, of all humankind, of all spirits, of all things under the sun. It’s not a virtue with me. I don’t know any other way to move through the world.”
“To love, to learn, and to serve.”
“That she’ll soon be at peace,” he said. “The same thing you hope for, and that she’s forgiven me for all the things I did that were wrong, and unwise, and foolish.
Twelfth Night—January 6, or the Feast of the Epiphany—as was the tradition,
and they would travel this bizarre road into revelation and experience together.
a nineteenth-century memoir by an obscure doctor who described a long and heroic life in medicine on the frontier. For Laura, the Duino Elegies and the Sonnets to Orpheus of Rilke in a first edition. For Margon he had an early special edition of T. E. Lawrence’s autobiography, and for Felix, Thibault, and Stuart fine and early hardcovers of several English ghost-story writers—Amelia Edwards, Sheridan Le Fanu, and Algernon Blackwood—whom Reuben especially treasured. He had vintage travelers’ memoirs for Sergei and for Frank, and Lisa; and books of English and French poetry for Heddy and Jean Pierre. For Celeste, he had a special leather-bound copy of the autobiography of Clarence Darrow; and for Mort a vintage edition of Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables, which he knew Mort loved.
For Jim, he had books on filmmakers Robert Bresson and Luis Buñuel and a first edition of Lord Acton’s essays. For Stuart, a couple of great books on J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and the Inklings, as well as a new verse translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Lastly for Phil, he had managed at last to score all the small individual hardcover volumes of Shakespeare’s plays edited by George Lyman Kittredge—the little Ginn and Company books which Phil had so loved in his student days.
Poetry should be taken in small doses. Nobody needs poetry. Nobody needs to make himself read it.
I know who I am. And I knew I had to come. I had to be here. I had to spend my remaining days somewhere that I truly wanted to be, doing the things that mattered to me, no matter how trivial. Walking the woods, reading my books, writing my poems, looking out at that ocean, that endless ocean. I had to. I couldn’t keep moving towards the grave step by step—choked with regret, choked with bitterness and disappointment!”
Maybe because I’m a pastor, a believer, somebody for whom the mysterious is just, well, very real.
“I’ll tell you. The most radical thing about a conversion to God is the determination to love, to really love in His name.”
“Think about what it means to renew, to repent, to start all over again. We human beings always have that capacity. No matter how badly we stumble, we can get up and try again. No matter how miserably we fail ourselves and God and those around us, we can get up and start all over again.
“There is no midwinter so cold and so dark that we can’t reach for the shining light with both hands.”He paused for a moment as if he had to check his own emotions, and then he resumed slowly. walking up and down and speaking again.
“That’s the meaning of all the candles of Christmas,” he said, “the bright electric lights on our Christmas trees. It’s the meaning of all the celebrations throughout the season, that we have the hope always and forever of being better than we are, of triumphing over the darkness that might have defeated us in the past, and realizing a brilliance never imagined before.”
“Ordinary Time.” ’ But the reason I love it is that every season, every celebration, every defeat, and every hope and aspiration that we have is rooted in time, dependent on time, revealed to us in time.
“We don’t think about that enough. We spend too much time cursing time—time waits for no man, time will tell, oh, the ravages of time, time flies! We don’t think about the gift of time. Time gives us the chance to make mistakes and correct them, to regenerate, to grow. Time gives us the chance to forgive, to restore, to do better than we have ever done in the past. Time gives us the chance to be sorry when we fail and the chance to try to discover in ourselves a new heart.”
we find ourselves, at the end of this Christmas season and once again in the glorious miracle—I mean the pure and glorious miracle—of ‘Ordinary Time.’ How we use this time means everything. Will we take the opportunity to transform ourselves, to admit our hideous blunders, and to become, against all odds, the people of our dreams? That’s what it’s about, right?—becoming the people of our dreams.”
I lost my battle with love, with the solemn and inescapable commandment: Thou shalt love!
“But this morning, as I stand here, I’m grateful with all my heart that time is once more stretching out before me, providing me again with the chance to somehow—somehow—make amends for the things I’ve done. God puts in our path so many opportunities for that, doesn’t He?—so many people out there who need so much from each and every one of us. He gives us people to help, people to serve, people to embrace, people to comfort, people to love. As long as I live and breathe, I am surrounded by these limitless opportunities, blessed by them on all sides. So I come away from Christmas—and that great shining banquet of riches—thankful once more for the absolute miracle of ‘Ordinary Time.’ ”
There is no normal life. There is only life.
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
October 31, 2013
I haven't been big on writing reviews lately, but when I finished this book earlier today, I knew I needed to write a review.
Anne Rice never fails to deliver. Ever. I've been a fan of hers for a number of years and enjoyed everything I've ever read of hers, from the Vampire Chronicles to her Sleeping Beauty Trilogy. The Wolf Gift was a wonderful new addition to her work, and the Wolves of Midwinter doesn't fail to follow up that excellent work perfectly.
The best thing about Anne Rice's writing is that she seamlessly and effortlessly eases you into an intricately woven world of flawless wonder. If you let her, she'll provide a feast for all five senses with her lush, delicious scenery, high quality plots, and incomparable characters. Before you realize it, you're practically in Reuben's world yourself, hungrily and greedily devouring every detail you can while always yearning for just a little bit more.
Each character in this book gives you something to love about them, and often it's more than one thing, even if that it's that you love to hate that character. Felix's building of the Midwinter/Christmas soiree was enough to make me long for that same kind of splendor, which is an impressive feat because I've personally never been a fan of Christmas. And Phil? As if Reuben, Felix, Stuart, and the others weren't enough to love, Anne brings Phil into the fold more deeply than in the Wolf Gift and you find another person you'd love to have in your life. Where this gentle, fantastic soul ends up is shocking, but eventually comes to feel right. Then there's Jim, Reuben's brother. In the Wolf Gift we don't get to know Jim very well. In Wolves, we're treated to a real, wondrously fleshed out character I almost began to despise, but soon felt a deep sympathy and love for. Celeste and the female wolves made me grind my teeth, but eventually I came around to appreciating them as well - and for me that's where Anne's genius lies: her ability to make her character's so realistic and human that even the most deplorable person has at least once redeeming quality, no matter how small.
The story moves both gently and violently through Reuben's world as his Wolf Gift matures and the Distinguished Gentlemen settle in to Nideck Point. The overall feel of the story is much lighter and whimsical than her previous works, despite the dark, bloody things that happen. The plot features additional surprises to keep the reader completely addicted to the story. Just when you think there won't be much more to go and you're nearly ready to set the book down for a while, Anne pleasantly surprises you by bringing in another bit to yank you right back into the book - if you were ever foolish enough to really want to put it down in the first place. Truth be told, and maybe this is just how absorbed I get into the books I read, but there were times I was forced to put the book down (pesky job!) and I often needed a few moments to fully disengage from it all.
I'm sure you could've guessed this, but I highly recommend this book. I can't say enough good things about it. But don't take my work for it - go read it!
Anne Rice never fails to deliver. Ever. I've been a fan of hers for a number of years and enjoyed everything I've ever read of hers, from the Vampire Chronicles to her Sleeping Beauty Trilogy. The Wolf Gift was a wonderful new addition to her work, and the Wolves of Midwinter doesn't fail to follow up that excellent work perfectly.
The best thing about Anne Rice's writing is that she seamlessly and effortlessly eases you into an intricately woven world of flawless wonder. If you let her, she'll provide a feast for all five senses with her lush, delicious scenery, high quality plots, and incomparable characters. Before you realize it, you're practically in Reuben's world yourself, hungrily and greedily devouring every detail you can while always yearning for just a little bit more.
Each character in this book gives you something to love about them, and often it's more than one thing, even if that it's that you love to hate that character. Felix's building of the Midwinter/Christmas soiree was enough to make me long for that same kind of splendor, which is an impressive feat because I've personally never been a fan of Christmas. And Phil? As if Reuben, Felix, Stuart, and the others weren't enough to love, Anne brings Phil into the fold more deeply than in the Wolf Gift and you find another person you'd love to have in your life. Where this gentle, fantastic soul ends up is shocking, but eventually comes to feel right. Then there's Jim, Reuben's brother. In the Wolf Gift we don't get to know Jim very well. In Wolves, we're treated to a real, wondrously fleshed out character I almost began to despise, but soon felt a deep sympathy and love for. Celeste and the female wolves made me grind my teeth, but eventually I came around to appreciating them as well - and for me that's where Anne's genius lies: her ability to make her character's so realistic and human that even the most deplorable person has at least once redeeming quality, no matter how small.
The story moves both gently and violently through Reuben's world as his Wolf Gift matures and the Distinguished Gentlemen settle in to Nideck Point. The overall feel of the story is much lighter and whimsical than her previous works, despite the dark, bloody things that happen. The plot features additional surprises to keep the reader completely addicted to the story. Just when you think there won't be much more to go and you're nearly ready to set the book down for a while, Anne pleasantly surprises you by bringing in another bit to yank you right back into the book - if you were ever foolish enough to really want to put it down in the first place. Truth be told, and maybe this is just how absorbed I get into the books I read, but there were times I was forced to put the book down (pesky job!) and I often needed a few moments to fully disengage from it all.
I'm sure you could've guessed this, but I highly recommend this book. I can't say enough good things about it. But don't take my work for it - go read it!
January 6, 2016
Alguien tiene que amarrarle las manos a Rice para que deje de escribir sobre estos lobos porque este libro es una estupidez tras otra. Cual es siquiera el argumento de este libro, por favor alguien acláremelo porque lo que yo leí fueron párrafos y párrafos de interminable idiotez sin argumentos.
Reuben, lo odie en el primer libro y ¡sorpresa sorpresa! Lo odio en este también, que hombre más repetitivo e insoportable. Si, ya sabemos que odias a tu ex. Si, ya sabemos que te pones caliente cada vez que ves a Laura. Si, ya sabemos que ser un lobo es difícil para ti. Pero donde está el hilo argumental, porque si la trama era el fantasma de Marchent está muy mal lograda.
Podrías saltarte 100 páginas de este libro y no perderte de nada porque está llena de información innecesaria que no le importa a nadie, definitivamente no me importaban a mí, de lo que agradezco es que Laura sea poco más que un personaje secundario porque no estoy segura de poder soportarla junto a Reuben y su fiebre por el sexo. Pero eso no significa que los problemas con todos los personajes femeninos que tuve en el primer libro desaparecieran porque la autora sigue insistiendo en que Celeste es la peor mujer que ha caminado por este mundo y NO SE CANSA DE REPETIRLO. Lo entendemos Reuben odia a Celeste, pero eso no significa que yo deba a hacerlo porque si yo tuviera que soportar a un cabeza hueca como el también estaría amargada.
Ahora hablando de un personaje que si se merecía todo el odio del mundo…Jim, ese pedazo de basura al que seguían poniendo como una pobre víctima, lo quiero muerto y de una manera muy dolorosa, no puedo creer que en verdad con el pasado que tiene lo pusieran como el bueno. Odio cada párrafo en este libro.
Reuben, lo odie en el primer libro y ¡sorpresa sorpresa! Lo odio en este también, que hombre más repetitivo e insoportable. Si, ya sabemos que odias a tu ex. Si, ya sabemos que te pones caliente cada vez que ves a Laura. Si, ya sabemos que ser un lobo es difícil para ti. Pero donde está el hilo argumental, porque si la trama era el fantasma de Marchent está muy mal lograda.
Podrías saltarte 100 páginas de este libro y no perderte de nada porque está llena de información innecesaria que no le importa a nadie, definitivamente no me importaban a mí, de lo que agradezco es que Laura sea poco más que un personaje secundario porque no estoy segura de poder soportarla junto a Reuben y su fiebre por el sexo. Pero eso no significa que los problemas con todos los personajes femeninos que tuve en el primer libro desaparecieran porque la autora sigue insistiendo en que Celeste es la peor mujer que ha caminado por este mundo y NO SE CANSA DE REPETIRLO. Lo entendemos Reuben odia a Celeste, pero eso no significa que yo deba a hacerlo porque si yo tuviera que soportar a un cabeza hueca como el también estaría amargada.
Ahora hablando de un personaje que si se merecía todo el odio del mundo…Jim, ese pedazo de basura al que seguían poniendo como una pobre víctima, lo quiero muerto y de una manera muy dolorosa, no puedo creer que en verdad con el pasado que tiene lo pusieran como el bueno. Odio cada párrafo en este libro.
February 25, 2014
My real score would be 2.5 and I believe this is the lowest score I've ever given to an Anne Rice novel. I have always enjoyed her work and I did enjoy The Wolf Gift. In her first venture into the Morphenkind, she took us to unexplored places and everything seemed new and exciting. A whole lot of potential of what this new world would bring us, perhaps like she once did with the vampires.
However, instead of going deeper into the world of the wolfs, she brought a group of new characters that were never interesting and you end up with the feeling that nothing really happened in the book.
At least that's how I felt and it took me forever to complete this novel.
Perhaps Anne Rice will get my undivided attention in her next effort as she has done many times before.
However, instead of going deeper into the world of the wolfs, she brought a group of new characters that were never interesting and you end up with the feeling that nothing really happened in the book.
At least that's how I felt and it took me forever to complete this novel.
Perhaps Anne Rice will get my undivided attention in her next effort as she has done many times before.
February 15, 2014
I would like to give it more stars because it is written by my beloved Anne Rice but I wouldn't be giving an honest review. Yes, it is typical Anne with a mix of sex, mystery and what is an attempt to be suspense but it falls way short. More often than not, I was bored. Her setting descriptions, while beautiful and colorful, take up a majority of the book and get very dry at times. Her characters, it seems, are lycan versions of her vampire characters, using similar names and some with nearly identical personalities as their fanged double. I must stress that I love her but I feel like she is lacking a FRESH idea lately.
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