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The Heroka Stories #1
The Wolf at the End of the World
A shapeshifter hero battles ancient spirits, a covert government agency, and his own dark past in a race to solve a murder that could mean the end of the world.
"I can’t remember the last time I read a book that spoke to me, so eloquently, and so deeply, on so many levels. ... I’ll be rereading it in the future because it’s that sort of book. Richly layered and deeply resonant. An old friend, from the first time you read it." —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
The Heroka walk among us. Unseen, unknown. Shapeshifters. Human in appearance but with power over their animal totems.
Gwyn Blaidd is a Heroka of the wolf totem. Once he led his people in a deadly war against the Tainchel, the shadowy agency that hunts his kind. Now he lives alone in his wilderness home, wolves his only companions.
But when an Ojibwe girl is brutally killed in Gwyn's old hometown, suspicion falls on his former lover. To save her, Gwyn must return, to battle not only the Tainchel, but even darker forces: ancient spirits fighting to enter our world…
And rule it.
~~~
Cree and Ojibwe legends mix with current day environmental conflict in this fast-paced urban fantasy that keeps you on the edge of your seat right up to its explosive conclusion.
"I can’t remember the last time I read a book that spoke to me, so eloquently, and so deeply, on so many levels. ... I’ll be rereading it in the future because it’s that sort of book. Richly layered and deeply resonant. An old friend, from the first time you read it." —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
The Heroka walk among us. Unseen, unknown. Shapeshifters. Human in appearance but with power over their animal totems.
Gwyn Blaidd is a Heroka of the wolf totem. Once he led his people in a deadly war against the Tainchel, the shadowy agency that hunts his kind. Now he lives alone in his wilderness home, wolves his only companions.
But when an Ojibwe girl is brutally killed in Gwyn's old hometown, suspicion falls on his former lover. To save her, Gwyn must return, to battle not only the Tainchel, but even darker forces: ancient spirits fighting to enter our world…
And rule it.
~~~
Cree and Ojibwe legends mix with current day environmental conflict in this fast-paced urban fantasy that keeps you on the edge of your seat right up to its explosive conclusion.
350 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2013
58 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Smith
51 books192 followersDouglas Smith is a multi-award-winning author described by Library Journal as “one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction.”
His latest work is the multi-award-winning YA urban fantasy trilogy, The Dream Rider Saga (The Hollow Boys, The Crystal Key, and The Lost Expedition). Other books include the urban fantasy novel, The Wolf at the End of the World; the collections, Chimerascope, Impossibilia, and La Danse des Esprits (translated); and the writer's guide Playing the Short Game: How to Market & Sell Short Fiction.
His short fiction has appeared in the top markets in the field, including The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Amazing Stories, InterZone, Weird Tales, Baen’s Universe, Escape Pod, On Spec, and Cicada.
Published in 27 languages, Doug is a 4-time winner of Canada's Aurora Award, most recently in 2023 for The Hollow Boys, as well as the juried IAP Award for the same book. He's been a finalist for the Astounding Award, CBC's Bookies Award, Canada's juried Sunburst Award, the juried Alberta Magazine Award for Fiction, and France's juried Prix Masterton and Prix Bob Morane.
Buy Doug's books
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His latest work is the multi-award-winning YA urban fantasy trilogy, The Dream Rider Saga (The Hollow Boys, The Crystal Key, and The Lost Expedition). Other books include the urban fantasy novel, The Wolf at the End of the World; the collections, Chimerascope, Impossibilia, and La Danse des Esprits (translated); and the writer's guide Playing the Short Game: How to Market & Sell Short Fiction.
His short fiction has appeared in the top markets in the field, including The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Amazing Stories, InterZone, Weird Tales, Baen’s Universe, Escape Pod, On Spec, and Cicada.
Published in 27 languages, Doug is a 4-time winner of Canada's Aurora Award, most recently in 2023 for The Hollow Boys, as well as the juried IAP Award for the same book. He's been a finalist for the Astounding Award, CBC's Bookies Award, Canada's juried Sunburst Award, the juried Alberta Magazine Award for Fiction, and France's juried Prix Masterton and Prix Bob Morane.
Buy Doug's books
Follow Doug on Amazon
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April 14, 2021Everything I'd expect from Douglas Smith!
I don’t read a lot of paranormal stuff. I prefer aliens, which to me are usually more plausible than vampires and werewolves. I don’t believe in magic or ghosts (much to the horror of many of my friends) and I think zombies are a horrifying fad and impossible! There are some interpretations of lore I like, though, and some authors I will read, almost regardless of what the story is. Douglas Smith and his debut novel, The Wolf At The End Of The World, fill both criteria.
Douglas Smith writes amazing short stories. When invited to read his debut novel and upon learning it was based on his award-winning short story Spirit Dance, I eagerly agreed. I finished the book last night. Douglas will, no doubt, be happy to know the last twenty pages were an emotional experience (read: messy), which is always what elevates a book from four to five stars for me. I love a story that hits all the emotional buttons from laughter to tears. When that happens, it goes without saying the writing is good and the story is engaging, the characters are deep enough to make me feel.
So, the story. The snippet on the back of the book pretty much covers it: A shapeshifter hero battles ancient spirits, a covert government agency, and his own dark past in a race to solve a murder that could mean the end of the world.
The shape-shifting hero is Gwyn Blaidd, whom I first met in ‘Spirit Dance’. He is Heroka, which is an Ojibwe term for shape-shifter. He happens to shift to a wolf, that is his ‘totem’. Other Heroka shift into other creatures. Their companion animal or pawakan, will offer a clue to their totem, which is usually a family of animals. The way the Heroka lore is tied into that of the Ojibwe and the Cree makes it almost plausible. While reading this book and after putting it aside, I had the feeling there were men and women up in Canada who could talk animals and shift into animal form. I believed in Wisakejack and Ed’s power as a Shaman.
In his introduction, Charles de Lint touches on the same points and the same feeling. It’s the interweaving of lore and ideas that gives this novel so much substance. Douglas does not stop there, though. He has also written a cautionary tale. He has used the tradition of storytelling — detailed so beautifully in the book when Zach visits Wsakejack — to offer a warning about our impact on the environment.
Zach is a special character, a young blind boy who is central to every plot. His story arc had wonderfully unexpected turns. Though this is undoubtedly Gwyn’s novel, there were many other characters who also shone brightly. The aforementioned Ed, for instance. I absolutely adored his role and Caz was a trip. Blue hair, nose rings, attitude and all. I highlighted quite a few of her lines as I read. I also highlighted some of Mary’s. The girl had spunk and her return to Thunder Lake was a welcome surprise.
Given the number of awards Douglas has won for his short stories, it’s hardly surprising he’s written such a fabulous book and it’s lovely to be able to say so, unreservedly. I really enjoyed The Wolf At The End Of The World and I’m happy to have a copy to put on my shelf. With adventure, intrigue, shape-shifters, family, a touch of romance and a lot of heart, this is a book I’d recommend for readers of all genres.
Written for and originally posted at SFcrowsnest.
I don’t read a lot of paranormal stuff. I prefer aliens, which to me are usually more plausible than vampires and werewolves. I don’t believe in magic or ghosts (much to the horror of many of my friends) and I think zombies are a horrifying fad and impossible! There are some interpretations of lore I like, though, and some authors I will read, almost regardless of what the story is. Douglas Smith and his debut novel, The Wolf At The End Of The World, fill both criteria.
Douglas Smith writes amazing short stories. When invited to read his debut novel and upon learning it was based on his award-winning short story Spirit Dance, I eagerly agreed. I finished the book last night. Douglas will, no doubt, be happy to know the last twenty pages were an emotional experience (read: messy), which is always what elevates a book from four to five stars for me. I love a story that hits all the emotional buttons from laughter to tears. When that happens, it goes without saying the writing is good and the story is engaging, the characters are deep enough to make me feel.
So, the story. The snippet on the back of the book pretty much covers it: A shapeshifter hero battles ancient spirits, a covert government agency, and his own dark past in a race to solve a murder that could mean the end of the world.
The shape-shifting hero is Gwyn Blaidd, whom I first met in ‘Spirit Dance’. He is Heroka, which is an Ojibwe term for shape-shifter. He happens to shift to a wolf, that is his ‘totem’. Other Heroka shift into other creatures. Their companion animal or pawakan, will offer a clue to their totem, which is usually a family of animals. The way the Heroka lore is tied into that of the Ojibwe and the Cree makes it almost plausible. While reading this book and after putting it aside, I had the feeling there were men and women up in Canada who could talk animals and shift into animal form. I believed in Wisakejack and Ed’s power as a Shaman.
In his introduction, Charles de Lint touches on the same points and the same feeling. It’s the interweaving of lore and ideas that gives this novel so much substance. Douglas does not stop there, though. He has also written a cautionary tale. He has used the tradition of storytelling — detailed so beautifully in the book when Zach visits Wsakejack — to offer a warning about our impact on the environment.
Zach is a special character, a young blind boy who is central to every plot. His story arc had wonderfully unexpected turns. Though this is undoubtedly Gwyn’s novel, there were many other characters who also shone brightly. The aforementioned Ed, for instance. I absolutely adored his role and Caz was a trip. Blue hair, nose rings, attitude and all. I highlighted quite a few of her lines as I read. I also highlighted some of Mary’s. The girl had spunk and her return to Thunder Lake was a welcome surprise.
Given the number of awards Douglas has won for his short stories, it’s hardly surprising he’s written such a fabulous book and it’s lovely to be able to say so, unreservedly. I really enjoyed The Wolf At The End Of The World and I’m happy to have a copy to put on my shelf. With adventure, intrigue, shape-shifters, family, a touch of romance and a lot of heart, this is a book I’d recommend for readers of all genres.
Written for and originally posted at SFcrowsnest.
July 24, 2017
The Heroka walk among us. Unseen, unknown. Shapeshifters. Human in appearance but with power over their animal totems.
Gwyn Blaidd is a Heroka of the wolf totem. Once he led his people in a deadly war against the Tainchel, the shadowy agency that hunts his kind. Now he lives alone in his wilderness home, wolves his only companions.
Gwyn is pulled from his secluded life when a young native woman is killed in his old home town.....complete with a very prickly young Heoka ward and his faithful hound he sets off to investigate and bring the killer to his lethal form of justice, but as the spirit world grows closer to ours and even more deadlier monsters right out of legend stalks the woods will he be able to even save himself much less avenge the innocents?
Conservation runs through this book, as does a respect for the native American way of life, beliefs and myth......A strong plot and likable characters both human and animal makes this a fantastic read.......
Gwyn Blaidd is a Heroka of the wolf totem. Once he led his people in a deadly war against the Tainchel, the shadowy agency that hunts his kind. Now he lives alone in his wilderness home, wolves his only companions.
Gwyn is pulled from his secluded life when a young native woman is killed in his old home town.....complete with a very prickly young Heoka ward and his faithful hound he sets off to investigate and bring the killer to his lethal form of justice, but as the spirit world grows closer to ours and even more deadlier monsters right out of legend stalks the woods will he be able to even save himself much less avenge the innocents?
Conservation runs through this book, as does a respect for the native American way of life, beliefs and myth......A strong plot and likable characters both human and animal makes this a fantastic read.......
August 10, 2015
For me, the highlight of Douglas Smith's debut novel was the introduction to First Nations culture (Ojibwe and Cree in particular), presented in tidbits such as this one. (Which also contains an important reminder about humanity's place in the natural order of life.) There is a bibliography at the end of the book for anyone curious to explore deeper.
I also relished the environmental themes--and this is where I would have liked the novel to explore deeper. While the threads of the individual characters are tied up more or less satisfactorily, the large question about the fate of a world devoured by unbridled greed remains unresolved. What can we do to prevent the next end of the world? I'd have appreciated it if the characters had made some plans or spent more time reflecting towards that end.
I also relished the environmental themes--and this is where I would have liked the novel to explore deeper. While the threads of the individual characters are tied up more or less satisfactorily, the large question about the fate of a world devoured by unbridled greed remains unresolved. What can we do to prevent the next end of the world? I'd have appreciated it if the characters had made some plans or spent more time reflecting towards that end.
July 16, 2017
The Wolf
I am captured by this fiction/such well written and researched book..Deserves the 5 Stars. it is a in depth written book,easy read but also keeps you on your "toes!" Douglas Smith , thank you for a novel that so touches your inner Soul and your mind. I see all your awards and yes you mastered the novel I could not put down!
I am captured by this fiction/such well written and researched book..Deserves the 5 Stars. it is a in depth written book,easy read but also keeps you on your "toes!" Douglas Smith , thank you for a novel that so touches your inner Soul and your mind. I see all your awards and yes you mastered the novel I could not put down!
August 15, 2021
I truly love this series, beginning with short stories and culminating in the wonderful novel. The basis for Douglas Smith’s shapeshifters legends from North American native peoples. It combines careful research, rich plot and charismatic characters. The landscape of the Canada is so vividly portrayed that the land practically exists as a character in its own right.
Definitely one of the very best shifter books ever!
Definitely one of the very best shifter books ever!
October 13, 2014
Wonderful book. I really enjoyed the use of the native peoples' mythology. Ojibwe and Cree in particular. Gave what could be called urban fantasy/horror real roots and weight.
August 26, 2020
This is a wonderful shapeshifter, urban fantasy. My rating 4.5.
Gwyn Glaidd is a Heroka – a human/wolf shapeshifter. The Heroka are humans with “extra” – sort of superhuman. They try to live alone and in peace, often dwelling with native tribes like the Ojibwe and Cree. But there are those who fear the Heroka and others who want to study them. The Tainchel is a shadow government agency that has captured and tortured the Heroka, trying to learn their secrets. Years ago the Tainchel came in force against Gwyn and his community. Gwyn decimated the hunters, including the leader’s son, and Gwyn has lived in seclusion since.
When a young woman in the Ojibwe tribe is killed in a brutal and unexplainable fashion, Gwyn is asked to return to the tribal grounds to investigate. Also, to prove that his ex-girlfriend, another Heroka -- of the cat totem-- is innocent of the murder. Initially, Gwyn wants to refuse until Tainchel hunters arrive at his secluded location and kill his friend. Gwyn is visited by the great wolf spirit of his ancestors and told that he must save the world with ‘the boy’. Gwyn is left in charge of a seventeen-year-old troubled teen, Cas – a Heroka of the rodent clan (specifically the otter family).
Running from the Tainchel at his lodge, Gwyn knows he is taking his companion dog and his new ‘ward’ to danger filled with unknown evil. But he doesn’t realize he is also delivering them into a confrontation with the head of the Tainchel. It’s hard to tell which is the greater danger – the spiritual threat or the relentless revenge of a father who lost his son. And there is a big surprise for Gwyn when he meets the young blind boy who will play an important part in the upcoming battles.
I enjoy shapeshifter stories and I always like the Native American (Canadian) connections. The characters are well developed with strengths and weaknesses. The leader of the Tainchel is presented as a zealous and delusional Christian, which didn’t thrill me, but he is clearly over the edge. The world-building is wonderful and the mysteries kept me glued with effective surprises. There is plenty of action and good pacing. When I read the author’s notes I learned that there are earlier short stories introducing the Heroka and Gwyn in particular. I hope to read those. I recommend this to fans of shapeshifter suspense.
Source: Title from the publisher and NetGalley 2019.
Gwyn Glaidd is a Heroka – a human/wolf shapeshifter. The Heroka are humans with “extra” – sort of superhuman. They try to live alone and in peace, often dwelling with native tribes like the Ojibwe and Cree. But there are those who fear the Heroka and others who want to study them. The Tainchel is a shadow government agency that has captured and tortured the Heroka, trying to learn their secrets. Years ago the Tainchel came in force against Gwyn and his community. Gwyn decimated the hunters, including the leader’s son, and Gwyn has lived in seclusion since.
When a young woman in the Ojibwe tribe is killed in a brutal and unexplainable fashion, Gwyn is asked to return to the tribal grounds to investigate. Also, to prove that his ex-girlfriend, another Heroka -- of the cat totem-- is innocent of the murder. Initially, Gwyn wants to refuse until Tainchel hunters arrive at his secluded location and kill his friend. Gwyn is visited by the great wolf spirit of his ancestors and told that he must save the world with ‘the boy’. Gwyn is left in charge of a seventeen-year-old troubled teen, Cas – a Heroka of the rodent clan (specifically the otter family).
Running from the Tainchel at his lodge, Gwyn knows he is taking his companion dog and his new ‘ward’ to danger filled with unknown evil. But he doesn’t realize he is also delivering them into a confrontation with the head of the Tainchel. It’s hard to tell which is the greater danger – the spiritual threat or the relentless revenge of a father who lost his son. And there is a big surprise for Gwyn when he meets the young blind boy who will play an important part in the upcoming battles.
I enjoy shapeshifter stories and I always like the Native American (Canadian) connections. The characters are well developed with strengths and weaknesses. The leader of the Tainchel is presented as a zealous and delusional Christian, which didn’t thrill me, but he is clearly over the edge. The world-building is wonderful and the mysteries kept me glued with effective surprises. There is plenty of action and good pacing. When I read the author’s notes I learned that there are earlier short stories introducing the Heroka and Gwyn in particular. I hope to read those. I recommend this to fans of shapeshifter suspense.
Source: Title from the publisher and NetGalley 2019.
April 10, 2020
The Wolf At The End Of The World is a sublime mix of ancient Cree and Ojibwe legends with modern day thriller. Based on the legends, myths and stories of First Nation people such as the Cree and Ojibwe this wonderful story features the Heroka, shape-shifters. The Heroka appear human in every respect but they are so linked with the natural world they can control, and even become, their totem animal. Gwyn Blaidd, of the wolf totem, tries to live a peaceful life after years battling a shady CSIS department known as the Tainchel. Believing his days fighting are behind him he lives alone in the wildness. Unfortunately, the Tainchel are once more searching, hoping to capture, maybe even experimenting on, or worse, any Heroka they can find. Douglas Smith takes many stories from Cree and Ojibwe legend and weaves them into his exciting modern day thriller. Creating such an entertaining story when combining such diverse elements is no easy task but this writer is more than capable and delivers a wonderfully complex story. This book is at times beautiful, mesmerising, magical, fantastical, inspiring, thrilling, occasionally terrifying and most importantly thought provoking. A thriller, yes, but it’s so much more than just that. There’s comment about the human effects on the natural world, which never devolves into preaching to the reader. Each element is simply laid out as a fact to further the story. I won’t recount each part of the story, which I doubt I could do anyway as it’s crammed full of characters each with their own tale, as I’d hate to ruin it for new readers. The Wolf At The End Of The World is a wonderful novel written with such skill that it brings so many subjects together and asks important questions whilst always being entertaining. A real pleasure to read and one I feel I will likely return to in the future such is the impact it has made on me. I’ve loved reading this book and hope others do too as it’s entertainment that makes you think and when has that ever been a bad idea? Highly recommended to everyone.
February 8, 2018
I have read books that have made me cry because the main character died or books that left me shocked because a betrayal occurred - but I have only read one other book that has left me reeling. The private war against the Heroka - a species of man that is linked to his animal totem and can change into that animal - by the Tainchel, continues in this latest book. Formerly targets of the government for experimentation and study, the Heroka fought back and those that survived the went into hiding. Now something evil threatens the small town of Thunder Lake and people are being killed and eaten. Contributed to animal attacks by the local police, the Tainchel believes the Heroka are responsible and set out to capture any and all they find there. Filled with the lore of the Ojibwa and the struggles of the elders to teach the history to the youth, I think you will find that we should all pay more attention to this planet we call home. Thank you Douglas Smith for an outstanding book. Thank you for all the research and care you put into representing the Ojibwa and Cree and thank you for telling their stories.
April 25, 2021
This wonderful book is more than your typical urban fantasy or shifter theme. Smith wanted to write something deeper and he achieved it brilliantly.
This book is steeped in Cree and Ojibwe culture and oral tradition. It's an amazing read from a really great author. Weirdly, I had never heard of Douglas Smith until one of my all time favorite authors (Charles de Lint) recommended him. What a hidden gem.
Corrupt government agencies, shifters and a truth about the destruction "progress" can reap on a culture and way of life.
This is an engrossing, fast passed book. Packed full of remarkable characters.
This book is steeped in Cree and Ojibwe culture and oral tradition. It's an amazing read from a really great author. Weirdly, I had never heard of Douglas Smith until one of my all time favorite authors (Charles de Lint) recommended him. What a hidden gem.
Corrupt government agencies, shifters and a truth about the destruction "progress" can reap on a culture and way of life.
This is an engrossing, fast passed book. Packed full of remarkable characters.
November 26, 2019
There are many adjectives of praise I could use to describe The Wolf At the End of the World but instead I am going to list a very few about how the story made me feel. I was shocked, horrified, scared, saddened and elated. I also cried a little bit. There is nothing more I can ask from a novel. It deserves 10 stars! Usually, I'm satisfied with much less. I truly hope you will read this amazing tale and enjoy it at least half as much as I did.
Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the author which in no way affected my freely given and honest opinion.
Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the author which in no way affected my freely given and honest opinion.
July 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this story, and as a Native Indian I was pleasantly surprised with the use of Native mythology. There really isn’t enough stories using Native mythology in an exciting modern story. I find it refreshing to read an engaging story using this style.
I look forward to reading more from Douglas Smith.
I look forward to reading more from Douglas Smith.
February 4, 2019
I cared about these characters from page one. And as the story grew from a simple mystery into something much bigger, I was intrigued at how the author blended history and mythology with the modern world. After finishing, I'm still thinking about the people (and animals) from these pages. To me, that's the sign of a great read. Highly recommended.
August 10, 2018
Loved it
July 16, 2017
Fascinating Native tale come to life
The greatest shape shifter story I've ever read. The characters are so well developed and their personalities so authentic that every one is authentic and believable. The storyline is well developed also, and enthralling. I love this been book!
The greatest shape shifter story I've ever read. The characters are so well developed and their personalities so authentic that every one is authentic and believable. The storyline is well developed also, and enthralling. I love this been book!
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April 27, 2022Wow. This is such a well-crafted book with a tight plot, a few twists and characters I could believe in despite the fantasy elements. I couldn't put it down.
October 11, 2016
The Wolf at the End of the World
This book brings out the great spiritual heritage the First Nations have to offer. If only people, like some of the book's characters, could learn from our past.
This book brings out the great spiritual heritage the First Nations have to offer. If only people, like some of the book's characters, could learn from our past.
March 6, 2014
Doug Smith is an excellent short fiction writer. I may not like all of his stories, but I like the majority of his work and he is a writer who can, apparently, transfer without effort across the boundaries between fantasy, and horror, and science fiction. Smith has written a novelette “Spirit Dance” (collected in Imposibilia) that is takes place prior to the events of Wolf at the End of the World and involves some of the major characters in the novel. I have not read this novelette. I thought of doing so before reading Wolf, but decided against it; I wanted to come to this novel as fresh as possible for someone already familiar with Smith’s work.
Wolf is Smith’s first novel and it is a strong first novel. This is an urban fantasy and also a coming-of-age story (in part) and thriller. Smith has drawn upon First Nations myth and legend (in particular Ojibwe and Cree) for his novel centred around the Heroka -- shaper-shifters linked to a totem animal (e.g. a wolf) -- and the black operations division of CSIS (the Tainchel) that hunts the Heroka. Added into the plot are contemporary issues of First Nations policy and treatment as well as strong environmental themes, plus, more First Nations myth in the form of the Wendigo and the Trickster figure Wsakejack.
What Smith has done well is to make use of First Nations mythology in, what I believe (wearing my anthropologist hat), is both an honest and respectful manner. He is not engaged in the usual cultural-appropriation rip-off that other authors have done. He has also intentionally made it a point, as a Canadian of European descent, to be very aware of this issue. His depiction of Ojibwe culture, modern lifestyle, and beliefs is as true as is possible for an outsider to paint. This is one of the strong points of the novel.
Both the characters and the world created in Wolf are strong and believable; Smith has done an admirable job here. However, on reflection, they could have a bit more depth. I say, upon reflection, as the pace of Wolf is rapid; you don’t notice this mild lacking in depth within the characters during the course of reading, only after the fact. That said, the story-telling is superbly crafted, strongly plotted, with good twists, that pulls you along with ease -- definitely a “page-turner”.
My negative comments are slight, this is a first novel -- a strong first novel -- but still a first novel. While, I would like to see more of this world, I would also like to see Smith try his hand with something different before he returns to write another Heroka novel. My other criticism is that Wolf seems at times to attempt to play hagazussa in that it appears to be trying to cross-over the boundary into Young Adult while still remaining Adult. If indeed this was a goal, it didn't work for me.
Nevertheless, this is a book to read and I look forward to Smith’s next novel...
Wolf is Smith’s first novel and it is a strong first novel. This is an urban fantasy and also a coming-of-age story (in part) and thriller. Smith has drawn upon First Nations myth and legend (in particular Ojibwe and Cree) for his novel centred around the Heroka -- shaper-shifters linked to a totem animal (e.g. a wolf) -- and the black operations division of CSIS (the Tainchel) that hunts the Heroka. Added into the plot are contemporary issues of First Nations policy and treatment as well as strong environmental themes, plus, more First Nations myth in the form of the Wendigo and the Trickster figure Wsakejack.
What Smith has done well is to make use of First Nations mythology in, what I believe (wearing my anthropologist hat), is both an honest and respectful manner. He is not engaged in the usual cultural-appropriation rip-off that other authors have done. He has also intentionally made it a point, as a Canadian of European descent, to be very aware of this issue. His depiction of Ojibwe culture, modern lifestyle, and beliefs is as true as is possible for an outsider to paint. This is one of the strong points of the novel.
Both the characters and the world created in Wolf are strong and believable; Smith has done an admirable job here. However, on reflection, they could have a bit more depth. I say, upon reflection, as the pace of Wolf is rapid; you don’t notice this mild lacking in depth within the characters during the course of reading, only after the fact. That said, the story-telling is superbly crafted, strongly plotted, with good twists, that pulls you along with ease -- definitely a “page-turner”.
My negative comments are slight, this is a first novel -- a strong first novel -- but still a first novel. While, I would like to see more of this world, I would also like to see Smith try his hand with something different before he returns to write another Heroka novel. My other criticism is that Wolf seems at times to attempt to play hagazussa in that it appears to be trying to cross-over the boundary into Young Adult while still remaining Adult. If indeed this was a goal, it didn't work for me.
Nevertheless, this is a book to read and I look forward to Smith’s next novel...
September 9, 2016
I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads program in exchange for an unbiased review.
I love the way Smith weaved Native American religion and folklore into a modern day setting. As Smith noted, it is no small challenge to write about a culture that is not your own, especially when your people oppressed the ones about which you are now writing. The topic must be handled with care and it was.
In this story we meet the Heroka, shapeshifting humans with a strong connection their animal totems and the natural world in general. We also have the Windigo, creatures which can possess a man and are the true embodiement of hunger. And of course there are the spirits, in particular the trickster Wisakejack whom you can never quite be sure which side he's one (aren't Trickster tales fun?). Add to that a special branch of CSIS who is hunting the Heroka, shamans, a potential environmental disaster, and a handful of humans caught in the middle and you have quite the tale.
I've read a lot of books based on Greek and other European mythologies but so rarely does one come across the myths and legends of the Native Amerians, which is a pity as their stories are as rich, if not more so. They have another mystical level to it, with a tight connection to the environment and the animals that inhabit it. As Wisakejack points out, humans are dependent on all aspects of the natural world, but nothing in the world is dependent on us. And there are spirits out there that think the world would be better off without us making a mess of things.
The characters were wonderful. Gwyn the disillusioned Heroka, Zack the blind boy whose mother works for the man that with religious ferver hunts the shapeshifters. Caz the teenager who has had a rough life making for a prickly personality, Ed the kind shaman and storyteller who needs to draw on his beliefs he maybe wasn't so sure he really believed in. And Wisakjack, who is just as capable of making mistakes as he is in tricking others to do the same. Everyone flawed, each needing to rise to their potential, to find their purpose in vast interconnected web of the world.
Well researched, there was only little thing that bothered me. Caz is of the rodent totem but the animal she can turn into is an otter. While otters are small and furry mammals, they are not rodents, but of the family Mustelidae of the order Carnivora. So it was a bit weird when she was afraid of Gwyn, not because he was a wolf or big predator but because he was a "carnivore" when she herself was one. A minor issue but for some reason got stuck in my head.
I love the way Smith weaved Native American religion and folklore into a modern day setting. As Smith noted, it is no small challenge to write about a culture that is not your own, especially when your people oppressed the ones about which you are now writing. The topic must be handled with care and it was.
In this story we meet the Heroka, shapeshifting humans with a strong connection their animal totems and the natural world in general. We also have the Windigo, creatures which can possess a man and are the true embodiement of hunger. And of course there are the spirits, in particular the trickster Wisakejack whom you can never quite be sure which side he's one (aren't Trickster tales fun?). Add to that a special branch of CSIS who is hunting the Heroka, shamans, a potential environmental disaster, and a handful of humans caught in the middle and you have quite the tale.
I've read a lot of books based on Greek and other European mythologies but so rarely does one come across the myths and legends of the Native Amerians, which is a pity as their stories are as rich, if not more so. They have another mystical level to it, with a tight connection to the environment and the animals that inhabit it. As Wisakejack points out, humans are dependent on all aspects of the natural world, but nothing in the world is dependent on us. And there are spirits out there that think the world would be better off without us making a mess of things.
The characters were wonderful. Gwyn the disillusioned Heroka, Zack the blind boy whose mother works for the man that with religious ferver hunts the shapeshifters. Caz the teenager who has had a rough life making for a prickly personality, Ed the kind shaman and storyteller who needs to draw on his beliefs he maybe wasn't so sure he really believed in. And Wisakjack, who is just as capable of making mistakes as he is in tricking others to do the same. Everyone flawed, each needing to rise to their potential, to find their purpose in vast interconnected web of the world.
Well researched, there was only little thing that bothered me. Caz is of the rodent totem but the animal she can turn into is an otter. While otters are small and furry mammals, they are not rodents, but of the family Mustelidae of the order Carnivora. So it was a bit weird when she was afraid of Gwyn, not because he was a wolf or big predator but because he was a "carnivore" when she herself was one. A minor issue but for some reason got stuck in my head.
December 5, 2017
I loved this book from the first page to the last. Actually, I fell in love with the cover before I even started reading, and I have to say that I think the cover is not only gorgeous, it also effectively represents the content and mood of the story.
This is an exciting, fast-paced story with plenty of action, emotion, and some surprising plot twists. The characters struck me as believable; some of them were more likable than others, but as the story proceeds, you start to understand why each character behaves the way they do.
My favorite aspect is how the author incorporates Ojibwe and Cree myths and the storytelling tradition. He makes the stories an integral part of his plot rather than just a bit of incidental flavor. An old friend of mine was an Abenaki storyteller, and reading this book really reminded me of sitting in the circle listening to my friend's stories, so I feel like the author must have gotten something right.
Readers should be aware that this book does contain foul language, one sexually explicit scene that was not graphic, and some potentially disturbing depictions of violence.
I highly recommend this book to readers of contemporary fantasy and those who enjoy folklore and mythology. Although this is Book 4 of The Heroka Stories, you don't have to read the previous stories to enjoy this one. However, you might want to read Spirit Dance (The Heroka Stories Book 1) first since it does introduce some of these characters, and it is a very enjoyable shorter read.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and volunteered to review it. The ebook formatting was clean, and I noticed only a couple of minor copyediting errors.
This is an exciting, fast-paced story with plenty of action, emotion, and some surprising plot twists. The characters struck me as believable; some of them were more likable than others, but as the story proceeds, you start to understand why each character behaves the way they do.
My favorite aspect is how the author incorporates Ojibwe and Cree myths and the storytelling tradition. He makes the stories an integral part of his plot rather than just a bit of incidental flavor. An old friend of mine was an Abenaki storyteller, and reading this book really reminded me of sitting in the circle listening to my friend's stories, so I feel like the author must have gotten something right.
Readers should be aware that this book does contain foul language, one sexually explicit scene that was not graphic, and some potentially disturbing depictions of violence.
I highly recommend this book to readers of contemporary fantasy and those who enjoy folklore and mythology. Although this is Book 4 of The Heroka Stories, you don't have to read the previous stories to enjoy this one. However, you might want to read Spirit Dance (The Heroka Stories Book 1) first since it does introduce some of these characters, and it is a very enjoyable shorter read.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and volunteered to review it. The ebook formatting was clean, and I noticed only a couple of minor copyediting errors.
February 5, 2014
This is an excellent debut novel by Canadian author Douglas Smith, a fantasy about shapeshifters and sentient animals in an Ontario native community. Modern controversy over aboriginal land claims is mixed with a romantic embellishment of ancient stories transmitted orally through the ages by a culture with no written language. The author, noted as a short-story specialist, uses staccato pacing and multiple POV with a hook at the end of each short segment to keep the energy level perpetually high. The author freely admits in a lengthy afterword that his recreation of native spirituality is not meant to be definitive. The ancient oral myths were never codified into anything resembling religious doctrine in the absence of literary documentation. The recurring characters (trickster, wise guardian, creator spirit, etc.) were given different roles according to the context of the tale and the needs of the storyteller, but most embody a pervading sentiment of love for tribe and family and respect for the natural order. In this sense, Douglas Smith continues a proud tradition.
September 15, 2020
I wish I could give this book more stars. This is one of the most interesting books I have read this year. Do not get caught up in everything being in the right order and the names being spelled correctly as it will just distract you from enjoying this book. The Native American Indian is the theme of this book and Doug hits the nail on the head with his interpretation of the Indigenous people of America. There is mystery galore, suspense, some very tender moments and there are also a couple of twist. If you buy one book a year then make sure that this is the one you buy. A short prequel is nice and it is called Spirit Dancer. This will give you some good background on the characters. The shape shifting aspects are minor compared to the whole book. The writing is superb and this is a wonderful theme and plot. I will not give the ending away. I can truly say that I learned from reading Dougs book and I imagine that you will too.
January 20, 2015
The Wolf at the End of the World by Douglas Smith is all that good fantasy novel should be: an engrossing story; intriguing, believable characters; a unique supposition; and a fascinating world of mystery and magic. Then Smith takes it one step further, and thoroughly researches the Cree and Anishinabe myths and stories which form the background of his world, giving it a solid foundation and a credibility that many fantasy books lack. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys speculative fiction.
December 24, 2013
Doug Smith is one of my favorite short fiction writers. Whether it's his horror, fantasy or SF, I have enjoyed each and every one of his stories. When his first novel length work came out, I didn't hesitate to grab a copy. I was not disappointed. "The Wolf at the End of the World" is as well written as any of Smith's short works. His flawless prose, strong characters and meticulous attention to detail will keep you reading to the end. Exciting, enlightening and a joy to read!
October 28, 2013
A thriller, a supernatural tale, an environmental warning, a cultural study. All if this wrapped up in a beautifully written story. It grabbed me from the start, and I had a hard time putting this down. I can't wait to read more from Douglas Smith.
April 24, 2023
Fantastic Story!
I love Douglas Smith’s writing - he captures a wonderful combination of interesting plot, strong characters and heart wrenching action and choice. What a creative mind!!
I love Douglas Smith’s writing - he captures a wonderful combination of interesting plot, strong characters and heart wrenching action and choice. What a creative mind!!
April 13, 2015
Once I started reading The Wolf at the End of the World I couldn't put it down. The story drew me in and the characters felt real.
dnf_2016
December 21, 2016Not my type of book. It was written well enough, and I was enjoying the heroka elements. (I thought it was #OwnVoices, but it looks like it isn't, which is nervous-making.)
November 23, 2013
An excellent story. I can't wait for Doug's next novel...
October 22, 2017
The Wolf at the End of the World takes stories from indigenous North American cultures and brings them to life in a modern fantasy world where the spirits are real. Smith mixes modern life and the spirits from the stories together smoothly to tell a story of world-threatening danger.
This is a story about the interaction between the modern world and a spirit world that has been all but forgotten. A few Ojibwe elders still remember the old ways, and there are a few shapeshifters, or Heroka, who live in secret and have direct links to the spirits. But the Heroka are caught between a government agency that fears them from the modern world, and malevolent spirits bent on world devastation from the spirit world. The oblivious destruction of the natural balance by ignorant humans have given those spirits an opportunity that could mean the end for humanity.
A variety of relationships develop throughout the story: family ties, the bond between lovers, the close-knit communities of the Ojibwe people and the Heroka, the Heroka's partnerships with their totem animals. All the main characters are well rounded and developed, both the heroes and villains (and it's not always clear which those are).
I enjoyed Smith's writing style, which kept just enough action in the early going to keep things interesting, then built to a whirlwind of activity in a climactic final confrontation. There's plenty of good dialog, and the occasional humorous interaction (mostly involving the young Heroka Caz) breaks up some of the serious tension.
There's some fairly obvious cultural commentary in the book. Greed of the white man upsetting the natural balance is a central theme. Younger generations leaving behind their cultural roots, fear and hatred of those who are different, abuse of power against minorities...plenty of clear warning messages. But it never felt to me as if Smith was preaching, rather just letting the results of bad choices come to light.
I thought The Wolf at the End of the World was a solid story and an enjoyable read, though the concept of bringing old stories to life isn't particularly original. It's a good implementation of that well-trodden path, though, well worth a look.
This is a story about the interaction between the modern world and a spirit world that has been all but forgotten. A few Ojibwe elders still remember the old ways, and there are a few shapeshifters, or Heroka, who live in secret and have direct links to the spirits. But the Heroka are caught between a government agency that fears them from the modern world, and malevolent spirits bent on world devastation from the spirit world. The oblivious destruction of the natural balance by ignorant humans have given those spirits an opportunity that could mean the end for humanity.
A variety of relationships develop throughout the story: family ties, the bond between lovers, the close-knit communities of the Ojibwe people and the Heroka, the Heroka's partnerships with their totem animals. All the main characters are well rounded and developed, both the heroes and villains (and it's not always clear which those are).
I enjoyed Smith's writing style, which kept just enough action in the early going to keep things interesting, then built to a whirlwind of activity in a climactic final confrontation. There's plenty of good dialog, and the occasional humorous interaction (mostly involving the young Heroka Caz) breaks up some of the serious tension.
There's some fairly obvious cultural commentary in the book. Greed of the white man upsetting the natural balance is a central theme. Younger generations leaving behind their cultural roots, fear and hatred of those who are different, abuse of power against minorities...plenty of clear warning messages. But it never felt to me as if Smith was preaching, rather just letting the results of bad choices come to light.
I thought The Wolf at the End of the World was a solid story and an enjoyable read, though the concept of bringing old stories to life isn't particularly original. It's a good implementation of that well-trodden path, though, well worth a look.
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