Timber's Gambit: Nature's Guardians Series: Book Two

by Alisha M. Risen-Kent, Matthew Nixon (Photographs)

Young Timber is a grey wolf born into the largest pack in North America. Growing up as son to the great alpha, Zeus, he has the respect of the entire pack.  However, after he causes a much needed hunt to fail, Zeus convinces him to find a pack of his own.  Facing mountain lions, rival wolf packs, humans, and a bullying coyote, Timber treks out across an unforgiving wilderness in search of the companionship and protection of a pack of his own.  Find out what happens when his journey leads him into forbidden territory and humans come hunting for wolves!

The Nature’s Guardians series is a collection of novels told from the perspective of animals. From childhood to adulthood, follow along on their struggles for life in a harsh and competitive world. This series highlights the real-life struggles that wildlife face as humans further encroach on their habitats. By seeing nature through the eyes of animals, may we all have a better understanding of what it means to be born wild and free.

The end of each book has a section dedicated to conservation efforts and information on where and how you can help.

ebook

First published October 3, 2013

Reviews

[John Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about wolves I never knew from this book. The hierarchies and social order of our own species has a parallel with wolves. Which points to the larger purpose of this book and the series to which it belongs. Our own self-aggrandizement demands that we regard other species as inferior. The morally ugly and pragmatically wasteful upshot of this prejudice is that we treat and mistreat animals as objects for our own use and entertainment. Why people consider hunting a form of entertainment has always baffled me. But the excuse has usually been put forward, for example, that we use their pelts and furs to keep warm and protect ourselves from the elements. In this modern age of chemistry and plastics, we have created so many cloths and fur-like materials which not only are more effective as protection but are in some ways more attractive and elegant. This is not the 18th Century so that rationalization is gone. I hope that by "humanizing" the wolves, as has been done in this novel, young readers will get that message. That cruelty to animals does not confirm their inferiority to humans, but only confirms our savagery and lack of respect and empathy for creatures which are different from us. Not having an iPad or using texting to communicate is not evidence that wolves are any less deserving of a place on our planet. Maybe it is evidence that they deserve a position of greater respect, since they are able to function within the great community of Earth, not cower behind fancy devices to achieve harmony with it.

[Alisha Risen-Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed By Dinorah Blackman for Readers’ Favorite

Timber’s Gambit by Alisha Kent is an exciting book about the adventures of a wolf, from the animal’s perspective. The story upholds the value of family closeness, the importance of teamwork, and the significance of standing up for one's beliefs and defending one's friends. Timber, the wolf, learns many valuable lessons from both friends and foes as he grows up and establishes his position within the pack. The story brilliantly describes the difficulties Timber has to face as he matures. It also highlights how he overcomes many obstacles and valiantly accepts the consequences of his unwise decisions. When the time comes for Timber to leave the pack, his father takes him aside and gives him some valuable advice and tells him how proud he is of him. Timber launches out on his own and embarks on quite an exciting journey that changes his life and his perspective forever. In the end, he comes full circle and finally finds what he had always been searching for.

Alisha Kent is a brilliant writer. Timber’s Gambit is well-written and easy to understand. The plot is appealing to children of all ages, as well as teenagers, because it balances adventure and suspense expertly. As the wolves interact with each other, with other animals, and with humans, Alisha Kent creates a believable dialogue. Her descriptions of the characters in the story are quite accurate and on point. Timber's Gambit clearly portrays the difficulties that one might encounter in relationships and how painful the separation from loved ones can be. The importance of family and friends and the need to do whatever is necessary for self-preservation are highlighted throughout the plot.

[Michael F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Paws Up for Timber's Gambit!

This is a fascinating story—one that is unique, entertaining, and educational. Unique because it is a tale of a young wolf, named Timber, and his world as told through his eyes. From the beginning you are transported into his the world. What makes it entertaining is the story itself. The coming of age of a young animal as he struggles to grow and learn—much like young humans—as he tries to find his place in his world. What makes it educational is the author’s keen insight and respect for the order and balance of nature. This serves as a valuable reminder to young readers that we all share the same land. It is the story of nature and the essential role the wolf plays in it; and, how they are more like us and our families than most of us realize.

I highly recommend this book to young readers, especially from ages 8 to 12. In this story about nature’s relationships, they will not only be fascinated and entertained, but they will learn valuable lessons about our environment. Unlike stereotypes, they will also learn how wolves are a keystone species that other animals depend on to help balance nature. The end of the book also contains little known information about conservation efforts.

The author has totally succeeded in creating a majestic and memorable tale with a lot of entertainment and educational value. I can’t wait to give it to my grandson as a present. I am sure that as he learns about Timber, he will also gain a lot of perspective about the relationships in his own life. I hope there are more tales like this from this author.

[Tracey Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book that follows a wolf's journey through various seasons of his life. It was cute with the animals talking to each other and they each had their own distinct personalities. I especially loved the naughty coyote - I laughed out loud several times when he was around. The characters totally came to life and it was sweet to find out what happened to them. The conservation message in this book is awesome.

[Barbara Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely delightful reading experience this turned out to be. Timber's life is told so beautifully that I forgot he wasn't a human. I can't think of a better way to highlight the need to look after our wild life than through the words of this author. The journey she takes us on is loving and real, and it sets us up to think so well. I walked away dreaming of the wolf and its right to survive. No spoilers to entice you, just read it.