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I Am Wolf #2
I Am Raven
An outstanding, highly original and unputdownable read. Following on from I AM WOLF, this is a bold, thought-provoking adventure perfect for fans of MORTAL ENGINES and THE LAST WILD.
Once, Brann belonged to Raven. She flew high above the world and she was fearless.But Raven was destroyed by Dragon. Brann's home is gone and her crew is missing.
Determined to find the truth, Brann heads north. But what she and her friends learn will change everything.What happened to Raven's crew? And what is the secret Brann is hiding?
Also written by the award-winning Alastair
- I Am Wolf - Shortlisted, Peters Children's Book of the Year award 2025
- Orion Lost
- The Consequence Girl
- Coming soon - the final book in "I Am..." trilogy
Praise for I AM
"Jam-packed with action and suspense, and wildly inventive." - The Times
"I loved every page of this gripping, dystopian thriller. Wonderful characters, thrilling action and a unique new world. Now I wish I had my own animal construct!" - Kieran Larwood, author of Podkin One Ear
"I wolfed this down... Great MG sci-fi." - Darren Simpson, author of Scavengers
Once, Brann belonged to Raven. She flew high above the world and she was fearless.But Raven was destroyed by Dragon. Brann's home is gone and her crew is missing.
Determined to find the truth, Brann heads north. But what she and her friends learn will change everything.What happened to Raven's crew? And what is the secret Brann is hiding?
Also written by the award-winning Alastair
- I Am Wolf - Shortlisted, Peters Children's Book of the Year award 2025
- Orion Lost
- The Consequence Girl
- Coming soon - the final book in "I Am..." trilogy
Praise for I AM
"Jam-packed with action and suspense, and wildly inventive." - The Times
"I loved every page of this gripping, dystopian thriller. Wonderful characters, thrilling action and a unique new world. Now I wish I had my own animal construct!" - Kieran Larwood, author of Podkin One Ear
"I wolfed this down... Great MG sci-fi." - Darren Simpson, author of Scavengers
Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2025
About the author
Alastair Chisholm
93 books88 followersAlastair is an award-winning children's author and puzzle creator. He's the author of the sci-fi middle-grade adventures ORION LOST and ADAM-2 , and children's picture books THE PRINCE AND THE WITCH AND THE THIEF AND THE BEARS and INCH AND GRUB, as well as books of Sudoku, Kakuro and other puzzles, including the Kids' Book of Sudoku and Kids' Book of Kakuro series.
Alastair lives in Edinburgh with his wife (who is lovely), two children (who are lovely but very loud), and a cat who is yowling at him even though there is clearly food in her bowl, look, it’s right there, *look*.
You can follow him on Twitter at @alastair_ch
Alastair lives in Edinburgh with his wife (who is lovely), two children (who are lovely but very loud), and a cat who is yowling at him even though there is clearly food in her bowl, look, it’s right there, *look*.
You can follow him on Twitter at @alastair_ch
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 18, 2025
Having loved I Am Wolf, I was really looking forward to this one and I was not disappointed. All the action and character building from Wolf is fed into the second book, and then some. The superb world building that happened in the first book was built upon and enhanced. In addition, the character development continued apace. Whilst Wolf focussed mainly of Coll. In I am Raven we delve deeper into to the character of Brann, and also Reika. There are some unexpected twists and turns as the Cub construct and crew continue to search for answers … and find more problems.
The theme of emotions (specifically fear) is explored in depth here as is a common theme in a lot of Chisholm’s books, technology “gone wrong”.
The book is very fast paced and an excellent read. I am already looking forward to book 3.
The theme of emotions (specifically fear) is explored in depth here as is a common theme in a lot of Chisholm’s books, technology “gone wrong”.
The book is very fast paced and an excellent read. I am already looking forward to book 3.
August 27, 2025
This is a worthy sequel to I Am Wolf, with the next part of the story told from Brann's point of view this time around. I found it took me a few chapters to get back into the flow of this desolate and dangerous world, but from there on I was hooked and keen to see what would happen next. Lots of quite complex themes are developed which I really liked. And as expected, there will be a third book in the series. I hope it's not too far away!
May 6, 2025
I am tired.
This book kept me up ridiculously late last night as I could not put it down. And I then wrote this review.😬
I have been excited for this sequel since I got to the end of I am Wolf and saw it was coming! Let’s just say, the wait was worth it: this was an absolutely brilliant read. Original, exciting, imaginative story telling that I couldn’t get enough of. I’m not exaggerating when I say there were several moments when I gasped.
I’m not going to go into the story as for me, the way the world expanded, and the direction of the plot, was part of what made it such an exciting read.
Suffice it to say, Coll, Brann, Reika and Fillan end up in very unknown territory- in every sense, and the world order that has long-existed amongst constructs is in turmoil as they face an existential threat.
As with all good speculative fiction, I am Raven invites us to reflect on our present, tapping into real-world issues like the unfettered use of technology and AIs and the need for a unilateral response to world crises before time runs out. And about whether humans’ slavish use of technology makes us happy.
Over the course of the book, I fell in love with the crew of Cub as their flaws and fears are laid bare despite their conditioning, resilience and bravery. Their friendship shines through everything. You will root for this little team with every fibre and feel the threats they face viscerally. And just in case there’s any doubt, I am Cub.
This is a perfect middle grade read in that it is wonderful writing but also electric and, crucially, accessible. I cannot wait to create some buzz about this book in class. I think it has the potential to appeal to all children including groups who are less engaged with reading for pleasure.
This book kept me up ridiculously late last night as I could not put it down. And I then wrote this review.😬
I have been excited for this sequel since I got to the end of I am Wolf and saw it was coming! Let’s just say, the wait was worth it: this was an absolutely brilliant read. Original, exciting, imaginative story telling that I couldn’t get enough of. I’m not exaggerating when I say there were several moments when I gasped.
I’m not going to go into the story as for me, the way the world expanded, and the direction of the plot, was part of what made it such an exciting read.
Suffice it to say, Coll, Brann, Reika and Fillan end up in very unknown territory- in every sense, and the world order that has long-existed amongst constructs is in turmoil as they face an existential threat.
As with all good speculative fiction, I am Raven invites us to reflect on our present, tapping into real-world issues like the unfettered use of technology and AIs and the need for a unilateral response to world crises before time runs out. And about whether humans’ slavish use of technology makes us happy.
Over the course of the book, I fell in love with the crew of Cub as their flaws and fears are laid bare despite their conditioning, resilience and bravery. Their friendship shines through everything. You will root for this little team with every fibre and feel the threats they face viscerally. And just in case there’s any doubt, I am Cub.
This is a perfect middle grade read in that it is wonderful writing but also electric and, crucially, accessible. I cannot wait to create some buzz about this book in class. I think it has the potential to appeal to all children including groups who are less engaged with reading for pleasure.
April 22, 2025
Ok, Firstly I'm reading these the wrong way round because I haven't yet read I Am Wolf, I have brought it home from school for the holidays but Raven is going to be withdrawn before I get through both.
Secondly - books should not end like that! How the heck am I supposed to wait for the next one now!
Brann is part of Raven's crew, Coll is part of Wolf's crew as is Reika. Fillan was a boar, but was saved by Coll and taken aboard Wolf. Fillan has a pet Ant called Kevin!
Raven, Wolf and Boar were all mechanical animals but have been defeated by Dragon, But how? Dragon was a weak, small construct (the name for the mechanical animals) why is she now so strong? And who are her crew?
Together they are all now Cub which Reika (a Tock) transformed from the remains of Raven. They are following a signal North that Reika wants to follow, she thinks it will lead to a better life: away from fighting.
Suddenly they are met by Fox, a small fast construct led by Kitsune who tells them that Reika is actually called Leondra of Lion! So Reika has been aboard several constructs. She also tells them that they have been ordered by the High Constructs; Eagle, Bear, Tiger and Lion ( to follow her to Parley, the opposite direction to that they are going) because of Dragon.
They recount how they had made Cub from Raven and followed Wolf essentially because Coll wanted to rejoin his crew (and his mother who was head of that crew). They got lucky, and with Cub and Wolf both attacking Dragon had fallen from a cliff and retreated. The High Constructs also want Reika to access Squire - a computer programme asking for her.
Brann wants to know if they have heard from Raven's crew, they disappeared after the defeat. But nothing has been heard.
Apparently Dragon went into Puma land and has been defeated by Puma. The High Constructs think the signal from the North may mean they are all in danger.
Brann has to face her fear of the dark in order to help Reika access Squire, but she panics. Reika finds out little but something odd is definitely happening: there is a Queen and she is attacking the humans, then their is evidence of an explosion. Then Squire shuts down again. They work out this is the Glass Lands.
Bear and Cub are to go to Puma Lands to survey the remains of Dragon and find Puma. Fox is going with them. In Puma's Land they find Dragon at the bottom of a canyon, and it is dead. But the survey crew find sets of what look like headsets, and the servers onboard have been wiped. Then Brann finds something else....this isn't the dragon...but it is another one built from.... There are Ant tracks everywhere.
Cub and Bear decide they have to find Puma and the tracks go North. Fox and Cub are stowed on Bear so she can go faster. They find bits of Puma on a battlefield...but not all of her. Again there are Ant tracks everywhere.
Then they meet Dragon, smaller than Bear but a fight begins. Brann sees Dragon's crew through a gash, they are all facing one way - wearing headsets...
Then another Dragon appears...smaller still with different colouring...clearly made from....
Bear is overpowered, Cub (but with only Coll; and Fillan) and Fox manage to get off the deck. But they are not strong enough to fight two dragons. Reika and Brann are still on Bear when Ants come aboard. They catch Reika and Brann.
What happens now? Can Cub and Fox help them? Why are they in a room, rather than like the rest of Bear's crew - with headsets on. Headsets that seem to control them.
Oh my goodness, I was a little lost at the beginning as I hadn't read Wolf but blimey this is an exciting series! I can see why I Am Wolf is on most of the lists of best/favourite books from last year.
I really need the next book now!
Length wise it is definitely not off putting, 240 pages is pretty normal for a MG book. Need to get the children at school reading Wolf which we received as part of a Carnegie set.
Thanks to Nosy Crow and NetGalley for the chance to read.
Secondly - books should not end like that! How the heck am I supposed to wait for the next one now!
Brann is part of Raven's crew, Coll is part of Wolf's crew as is Reika. Fillan was a boar, but was saved by Coll and taken aboard Wolf. Fillan has a pet Ant called Kevin!
Raven, Wolf and Boar were all mechanical animals but have been defeated by Dragon, But how? Dragon was a weak, small construct (the name for the mechanical animals) why is she now so strong? And who are her crew?
Together they are all now Cub which Reika (a Tock) transformed from the remains of Raven. They are following a signal North that Reika wants to follow, she thinks it will lead to a better life: away from fighting.
Suddenly they are met by Fox, a small fast construct led by Kitsune who tells them that Reika is actually called Leondra of Lion! So Reika has been aboard several constructs. She also tells them that they have been ordered by the High Constructs; Eagle, Bear, Tiger and Lion ( to follow her to Parley, the opposite direction to that they are going) because of Dragon.
They recount how they had made Cub from Raven and followed Wolf essentially because Coll wanted to rejoin his crew (and his mother who was head of that crew). They got lucky, and with Cub and Wolf both attacking Dragon had fallen from a cliff and retreated. The High Constructs also want Reika to access Squire - a computer programme asking for her.
Brann wants to know if they have heard from Raven's crew, they disappeared after the defeat. But nothing has been heard.
Apparently Dragon went into Puma land and has been defeated by Puma. The High Constructs think the signal from the North may mean they are all in danger.
Brann has to face her fear of the dark in order to help Reika access Squire, but she panics. Reika finds out little but something odd is definitely happening: there is a Queen and she is attacking the humans, then their is evidence of an explosion. Then Squire shuts down again. They work out this is the Glass Lands.
Bear and Cub are to go to Puma Lands to survey the remains of Dragon and find Puma. Fox is going with them. In Puma's Land they find Dragon at the bottom of a canyon, and it is dead. But the survey crew find sets of what look like headsets, and the servers onboard have been wiped. Then Brann finds something else....this isn't the dragon...but it is another one built from.... There are Ant tracks everywhere.
Cub and Bear decide they have to find Puma and the tracks go North. Fox and Cub are stowed on Bear so she can go faster. They find bits of Puma on a battlefield...but not all of her. Again there are Ant tracks everywhere.
Then they meet Dragon, smaller than Bear but a fight begins. Brann sees Dragon's crew through a gash, they are all facing one way - wearing headsets...
Then another Dragon appears...smaller still with different colouring...clearly made from....
Bear is overpowered, Cub (but with only Coll; and Fillan) and Fox manage to get off the deck. But they are not strong enough to fight two dragons. Reika and Brann are still on Bear when Ants come aboard. They catch Reika and Brann.
What happens now? Can Cub and Fox help them? Why are they in a room, rather than like the rest of Bear's crew - with headsets on. Headsets that seem to control them.
Oh my goodness, I was a little lost at the beginning as I hadn't read Wolf but blimey this is an exciting series! I can see why I Am Wolf is on most of the lists of best/favourite books from last year.
I really need the next book now!
Length wise it is definitely not off putting, 240 pages is pretty normal for a MG book. Need to get the children at school reading Wolf which we received as part of a Carnegie set.
Thanks to Nosy Crow and NetGalley for the chance to read.
October 31, 2025
Wenn metallische Flügel über uns hinwegfegen und Funkenregen den Himmel erleuchtet, dann ist wieder Rabenzeit. Kaum hatten wir die ersten Seiten gelesen, saß meine Tochter schon mit offenem Mund neben mir – „Papa, das ist ja wie ein Film!“ – und ich konnte nur nicken. Dieses Buch hat uns beide sofort gepackt. Die Welt der Tierclans ist wild, laut, ein bisschen verrückt – genau unser Ding.
Schon nach dem ersten Kapitel fing die Diskussion an: Team Brann oder Team Coll? Sie natürlich für Coll, ich für Brann – ganz klar. Während ich mich über Branns Kampfgeist gefreut hab, verdrehte sie nur die Augen, weil Coll ja „viel schlauer“ wäre. Herrlich, wie unterschiedlich wir das sehen! Zwischendurch haben wir uns beim Lesen fast angebrüllt, wer recht hat – aber dann mussten wir beide lachen, weil wir gemerkt haben, dass wir beide eigentlich Fan dieser verrückten Crew sind.
Chisholm hat’s einfach drauf: Diese Mischung aus Action, Technik und Gefühl trifft mitten rein. Wir haben beim Lesen mitgefiebert, als Rabe in die Lüfte stieg, und gemeinsam die Luft angehalten, wenn’s brenzlig wurde. Meine Tochter hat sich jedes Detail gemerkt („Papa, guck mal, die Schraube war auch im ersten Band wichtig!“) – und ich kam kaum hinterher.
Es gab Abende, da wollten wir eigentlich nur ein Kapitel lesen – na ja, wurden dann sechs. Und irgendwann war’s Mitternacht, beide halb am Gähnen, aber keiner wollte aufhören. Genau diese Momente machen Lesen magisch.
Am Ende haben wir uns einfach nur angesehen und gesagt: Das war richtig stark. Keine Sekunde langweilig, kein Kapitel zu viel. Ein Buch, das verbindet, begeistert und einen über sich hinausfliegen lässt. Und jetzt? Warten wir sehnsüchtig auf den nächsten Flug mit Rabe – und die nächste Runde Vater-Tochter-Chaos inklusive.
Schon nach dem ersten Kapitel fing die Diskussion an: Team Brann oder Team Coll? Sie natürlich für Coll, ich für Brann – ganz klar. Während ich mich über Branns Kampfgeist gefreut hab, verdrehte sie nur die Augen, weil Coll ja „viel schlauer“ wäre. Herrlich, wie unterschiedlich wir das sehen! Zwischendurch haben wir uns beim Lesen fast angebrüllt, wer recht hat – aber dann mussten wir beide lachen, weil wir gemerkt haben, dass wir beide eigentlich Fan dieser verrückten Crew sind.
Chisholm hat’s einfach drauf: Diese Mischung aus Action, Technik und Gefühl trifft mitten rein. Wir haben beim Lesen mitgefiebert, als Rabe in die Lüfte stieg, und gemeinsam die Luft angehalten, wenn’s brenzlig wurde. Meine Tochter hat sich jedes Detail gemerkt („Papa, guck mal, die Schraube war auch im ersten Band wichtig!“) – und ich kam kaum hinterher.
Es gab Abende, da wollten wir eigentlich nur ein Kapitel lesen – na ja, wurden dann sechs. Und irgendwann war’s Mitternacht, beide halb am Gähnen, aber keiner wollte aufhören. Genau diese Momente machen Lesen magisch.
Am Ende haben wir uns einfach nur angesehen und gesagt: Das war richtig stark. Keine Sekunde langweilig, kein Kapitel zu viel. Ein Buch, das verbindet, begeistert und einen über sich hinausfliegen lässt. Und jetzt? Warten wir sehnsüchtig auf den nächsten Flug mit Rabe – und die nächste Runde Vater-Tochter-Chaos inklusive.
February 24, 2025
I thought this was absolutely brilliant - 5*
I only read I Am Wolf a couple of weeks ago but really enjoyed it and was looking forward to continuing the series. I was therefore delighted when I saw that NetGalley and Nosy Crow were offering eARCs of the next book.
Personally, I enjoyed this book more than the first as there was more worldbuilding and it answered some of the questions and dealt with theories I had after reading I Am Wolf. There are still a fair few battles but there was more of a focus on internal than external struggle in this book. However, if it was the action which appealed to you in I Am Wolf, there is still plenty of that in I Am Raven.
I loved getting to know more about Brann and Rieka, as well as the newly introduced characters, Constructs and their territories. The reveal about the origins of the Constructs was wonderfully done, especially the deft touches like the differences between Kevin the Ant and his ancestors.
The reveal of the antagonist was really interesting. I had predicted some of what was revealed but it also went in a slightly different direction to what I was expecting. Although, looking back now, I can see the clues were there.
The pacing was good and, as with I Am Wolf, I raced through the book. It did become apparent that not everything would be dealt with in this book as there weren't enough pages left. However I was relieved to see that the third book, We Are Dragon, is already titled. Now just to wait patiently for it's release . . .
I only read I Am Wolf a couple of weeks ago but really enjoyed it and was looking forward to continuing the series. I was therefore delighted when I saw that NetGalley and Nosy Crow were offering eARCs of the next book.
Personally, I enjoyed this book more than the first as there was more worldbuilding and it answered some of the questions and dealt with theories I had after reading I Am Wolf. There are still a fair few battles but there was more of a focus on internal than external struggle in this book. However, if it was the action which appealed to you in I Am Wolf, there is still plenty of that in I Am Raven.
I loved getting to know more about Brann and Rieka, as well as the newly introduced characters, Constructs and their territories. The reveal about the origins of the Constructs was wonderfully done, especially the deft touches like the differences between Kevin the Ant and his ancestors.
The reveal of the antagonist was really interesting. I had predicted some of what was revealed but it also went in a slightly different direction to what I was expecting. Although, looking back now, I can see the clues were there.
The pacing was good and, as with I Am Wolf, I raced through the book. It did become apparent that not everything would be dealt with in this book as there weren't enough pages left. However I was relieved to see that the third book, We Are Dragon, is already titled. Now just to wait patiently for it's release . . .
July 24, 2025
This ends with a cliffhanger...I am not happy.
I'm not happy because I was so engrossed in the characters and the story that I didn't notice I was near the end and now I need to wait for I am dragon!
Ideally read I am wolf first, this will set up this story which focuses more on Brann. Bran is Raven...Raven has no fear.
What happens if you are told to wall up that fear and encouraged to live behind a mask?
There are so many layers to this story. On the surface there is a mystery and survival set in an alternative type of future on a planet similar to Earth.
However it's so much more than that, there are levels that you can read more into with themes of Technology taking over, (could this be AI?) family and friendship, talking and communicating...the list continues.
A superb story and I really can't wait until the next installment.
I'm not happy because I was so engrossed in the characters and the story that I didn't notice I was near the end and now I need to wait for I am dragon!
Ideally read I am wolf first, this will set up this story which focuses more on Brann. Bran is Raven...Raven has no fear.
What happens if you are told to wall up that fear and encouraged to live behind a mask?
There are so many layers to this story. On the surface there is a mystery and survival set in an alternative type of future on a planet similar to Earth.
However it's so much more than that, there are levels that you can read more into with themes of Technology taking over, (could this be AI?) family and friendship, talking and communicating...the list continues.
A superb story and I really can't wait until the next installment.
April 7, 2025
Alastair Chisholm has done it again – he has absorbed us entirely into his vivid Middle-Grade Sci-Fi world of animal shaped constructs and territorial battles. In this second instalment, following the fantastic I am Wolf, the main character is Brann, separated from her Raven crew at the demise of her construct and in search of her tribe, and answers. In this volume, we meet the awe-inspiring High Constructs and follow our cast of lovable characters in their pursuit of the truth – where has the mysterious Dragon construct come from? And why is the world they knew suddenly upended by new and inexplicable powers?
February 8, 2026
A fantastic continuation to the I Am Wolf plot. I really liked following a different character as the main focus but did feel as though this was a bit of a middle 'fluff' book as it didn't have the worldbuilding of the first one and was very clearly being used to set up what I assume will be the final book.
I am very happy to know there will be a third though as the characters continue to be beautifully written and I am thoroughly excited for the release of the third instalment.
I am very happy to know there will be a third though as the characters continue to be beautifully written and I am thoroughly excited for the release of the third instalment.
May 6, 2025
Brilliantly inventive and original Sci-Fi for readers aged 9+
You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
May 12, 2026
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews