Wolvers

by Taylor Brown

From the Southern Book Prize winning author of Rednecks: a thrilling novel of pursuit, survival, and redemption between two species in the American Southwest

Broke, dispossessed, and angry at the government after losing his family’s New Mexico ranch, Trace Temple is looking for revenge. He’s living out of his truck when a shadowy militia movement hires him to take down the legendary she-wolf of the Dark Canyon pack, One-Eleven. But One-Eleven is no ordinary wolf. Cunning, fiercely protective of her young, and seasoned in the ways of men, she leads her pack deep into the forbidding desert peaks and canyons, always one step ahead of pursuit.

After a harrowing brush with death in the backcountry, Trace has a change of heart—only to be replaced by a professional hunter and assassin named Murdoch, who ruthlessly pursues his animal quarry while stalking Trace himself.

To survive, Trace must join forces with a pair of unlikely a survivalist animal protector who deploys feral senses and deep wilderness skills to protect the wolves, and Imogen Cruz, a local rancher, childhood friend, and unrequited love of Trace’s early years. Together, they must fight to protect not only themselves and the Dark Canyon pack, but ultimately, the Gila Wilderness itself—the world’s first designated wilderness area.

In Wolvers, award-winning author Taylor Brown presents a suspenseful, thrillingly-written tale set at the burning edge of today’s Southwest, where once-extinct wolves have returned, the land is tinder-dry and fragile, and desperate men seek to reclaim what they believe is theirs to rule.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Nature, Animals, Adventure, Mystery Thriller

320 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2026

About the author

Taylor Brown is the award-winning author of the novels Fallen Land (2016), The River of Kings (2017), Gods of Howl Mountain (2018), Pride of Eden (2020), Wingwalkers (2022), Rednecks (2024), and Wolvers (2026) as well as a short story collection, In the Season of Blood and Gold (2014). He is the recipient of the Southern Book Prize, the Montana Prize in Fiction, the Ron Rash Award for Fiction, the Audie Award in Fiction, the Weatherford Award in Fiction, and he was named Georgia Author of the Year for Literary Fiction. His work has also been a finalist for the John Steinbeck Award, Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize, Doris Betts Fiction Prize, the Writer’s Digest Writing Competition, and others. An Eagle Scout and avid motorcyclist, he has lived in Buenos Aires, San Francisco, the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, and traveled extensively in the American West. Currently, he lives in Savannah, Georgia, where he is the founder and editor-in-chief of BikeBound, one of the world's leading custom motorcycle publications. His website is taylorbrownfiction.com. You can follow him on Instagram (@taylorbrown82) and Facebook (@Taylor.Brown.Fiction).

Reviews

[Terrie R]

From Displaced and Vengeful to Change of Heart...

Wolvers has an American Southwest setting mixed with the intensity of an adventure-thriller. Then Taylor Brown puts an artistic spin on this story with his evocative writing style that will blow your mind. This man can write—his prose is simply stunning, as the first sentence of the book demonstrates:

”Fields black beneath a starless sky. A land feathered riders once rode on painted horses, following inland seas of bison as the bones of the mastodon and dire wolf slept beneath their hooves."

And that is why I love literary fiction...

I have wanted to read Brown's work for some time now, and along came his newest novel, and what a first impression it made. His writing grabs hold immediately, carrying you through each chapter, feeling his energy for the story. I read a review stating this was a slow-paced read. I'm here to tell you it's not that at all. I was full of anticipation for what was next in each of the four third-person perspectives:

* Trace—the bitter displaced rancher.
* Horn—the survivalist animal protector.
* Murdoch—the ruthless assassin.
* One-Eleven—mama-alpha of the Dark Canyon wolf pack.

An immersive read with the DRC and ALC, the audiobook is narrated by Ramiz Monsef, whose voice gives subtle nuances to each of the characters. His narration leaps and flows, keeping pace with the story. It's top-notch and memorable, and I'll be watching for his name in the future. Listening is the best way to go with this one.

Wolvers is set in the Gila National Forest, both the United States' and the World's first designated wilderness area, located in New Mexico. When a story is fast-paced and exciting, beautifully written and creative, and set in forestland that feels like another character in the story, you feel every word you read. This will be one of my top reads for 2026. Need I say more?

5⭐

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Taylor Brown for the DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Darla]

Four Gila National Forest stars for a tale told from four viewpoints: Trace the Would Be Wolver, Horn the Gila Shadow Man, Murdoch the Mercenary, and One-Eleven, the matriarch of the Dark Canyon wolf pack.

Here are some noteworthy bits from this new story about an old issue:

🐺The wolf population was almost decimated in the Western US as recently as the mid-1970's. Since then conservationists have been working to revive the population and those animals have been carefully released back into their natural habitats. The push and pull is complex and both sides have legitimate issues. Taylor Brown takes the villain status away from the wolves and helps give some clarity.

😎We have been in New Mexico all week and were driving just South of the setting of the book while I was reading today. We did not get out into the forest enough to see much wildlife on this trip, but being here made the book come alive.

📚If you have read other Taylor Brown books you know how he gets down to the nitty gritty. I noticed a connection with a previous Pride of Eden in Horn's back story. It has been awhile since I read that title, but a crossover is clear.

🐴Along with the wolves there are some horses who go above and beyond in this book, especially in the second half. The pacing was a bit too slow in the first half, but the second half was quite a thrill ride. If you enjoy the Joe Pickett series by C.J. Box, you should give this one a try.

Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Happy Pub Week! Available on April 7, 2026.

[Angela M]

This was my 7th Taylor Brown novel and I’ve loved his writing and storytelling in each of them. 5 stars for the writing here , too. This the opening of the Prologue : “ Fields black beneath a starless sky. A land feathered riders once rode on painted horses, following inland seas of bison while the bones of mastodon and dire wolf slept beneath their hooves.” I’ve said it in multiple reviews, this guy was born to write so it pains me to say it’s 3 stars for my overall enjoyment .

The portrayal of the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico and the reintroduction of wolves after being killed off is told in this story of hunters and the hunted - both men and wolves . The most fascinating part was Brown’s writing some of the novel from the perspective of One- Eleven, a female wolf. While I understand the importance of maintaining the wilderness and recognize Brown’s message, the gruesome descriptions wolf killing its prey and the feasting on it were too much to take as were the other acts of violence by men. It’s realistic, I’m sure as the book is well researched.

There’s clearly a message here, but without any preaching . Even though this was not my favorite of his, as always I look forward to Taylor Brown’s next book.


I see received a copy if this from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley.

[♥ Sandi ❣]

5 stars Thank you to St Martins Publishing Group for offering me an ARC of this book for an unbiased review. Publishes April 7, 2026

When I find a book like this I just want to savor it for a few days after reading, before I do my review. I don't rate many books a 5 star read, but a few I would give more stars to if they were available - and this book fits that bill. I have always enjoyed Taylor Brown's writing. And he did not disappoint with this, his newest book.

With minimal characters Brown transplants us into the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. Along with Horn, Murdock and Imogene, Trace is either running from or fighting along side them for literally his life. His life and the life of the main character - One-Eleven - she wolf, leader of the Dark Canyon pack.

This book resonates with nature and the wilderness. Brown has well researched both this land and the reintroduction of the wolf to the Southwest and wove a great story around the two. Once I picked up this book I didn't want to lay it down.

[Marialyce]

To protect what is near and dear to you seems to be Trace Temple's goal. He is a depressed man losing his family's ranch to the government, he takes on the job of hunting down and destroying a she wolf called One Eleven. However, this wolf is cunning and will do its all to protect her family and as Trace comes to understand and admire her cunning, the task of tracking and killing her is no longer his passion.

Instead another hunter is hired named Murdock who is intent to get this wolf. Together with Imogen Cruz, a former love interest, they fight to save not only One Eleven but also the Gila Wilderness to which wolves have been introduced after so many years of them destroyed and becoming extinct.

It was a very interesting story that points to the fact that sometimes the prey is smarter than the predator.

[♥Rachel♥]

4.5 Stars

Trace Temple is bitter after losing his family’s New Mexico ranch, a loss he pins on the protected wolves roaming the land. So, when a local militia hires him to track down and kill One Eleven, the famous female wolf who survived her mate’s death and raised her pups against all odds, Trace agrees without hesitation.

But the hunt doesn’t go as planned. A run in with a mysterious mountain recluse named Horn, followed by a near fatal accident, forces Trace to confront the wilderness, his own mortality, and the beliefs. By the time he makes it out, he’s not the same man who went in. His shift in perspective doesn’t sit well with the militia.

Unfortunately, walking away isn’t that simple. Trace soon realizes these dangerous men haven’t abandoned their mission, or their grudge. As a new hunter enters the chase, both he and One Eleven find themselves in the crosshairs.

Wolvers is a compelling blend of thriller and character study, following Trace, the new hunter, and One Eleven herself. Yes, the wolf gets her own POV, and I loved every minute of it! I was rooting for her and her little pack from the very beginning. Trace’s bitterness made sense, but watching him gain clarity, compassion, and even a spark of happiness (there’s a touch of romance) was deeply satisfying, especially as danger closed in around him.

The writing is beautiful and atmospheric without slowing the pace.

I alternated between an e-copy and audiobook and can recommend either format. Narrator Ramiz Monsef was new to me, but he delivered a standout performance, giving each character a distinct voice and emotional weight that heightened the entire experience.

I voluntarily read/listened to a copy courtesy of the publishers. These are my thoughts and opinions.

[Kasa Cotugno]

Taylor Brown writes meaty fiction that is based in reality. For this reason, he would appeal to readers looking for more than entertainment. Here he goes inside the psyches of several characters, all representing a different aspect of the reintroduction of wolves into the wild, wolves that have been on the brink of extinction. Even to the alpha female herself.

[Stan Lake]

“Wolvers” by Taylor Brown was gifted to me by #StMartinsPress as an advanced readers copy. When I was selected on Goodreads I was elated. I’ve read nearly all of Taylor Brown’s previous novels and loved them all. To be perfectly honest I don’t know how he does it. Each book is somehow better than the last and all of them are great. His unique blend of conservation, historical fiction, and characters you truly get to know keeps me coming back book after book. I tore through this book in a hurry. It was hard to put down. One thing I liked was how each short chapter typically came from one of four perspectives. An Alpha female wolf, environmental activist (sort of), a mercenary, and a range riding former rancher. The narratives weave a story of redemption, hope, triumph over tragedy, unlikely aliances, and justice. This book has it all. From folks bent on eco terrorism to conspiracy theorists wishing to bring about a cultural rift. This book will keep you reading and I highly reccomend you get this one when it comes out.

[Drew McCoy]

Fun read, fast paced, and because it's Brown, beautifully written. Feels like Brown has tapped into something with these characters. Would love to see them again.

[Sierra Klawitter]

A unique blend of environmental conservation, bold characters, and historical fiction — Wolvers is a heavy, but fast-paced works that acts as a tribute to the American Southwest.
Meticulously researched, and beautifully written, Brown reminds readers to respect the wild while appreciating its’ beauty, as it always bites back.

[Tonya | The Cultivated Library Co]

Loved, loved, loved! Longer review to come closer to pub date!

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital and finished copies!

All opinions expressed are my own and provided voluntarily.

[Cynthia Herzog]

I wish to thank St. Martin’s Press for providing me an advance reader copy of this book through GoodReads.

I do not particularly like anthropomorphism as a literary devise, nevertheless, I enjoyed this book. This book has a bit of man against himself, man against man, man against animal (wolf) and man against nature. The story takes place in the remote Gila Wilderness and Gila National Forest of New Mexico, where wolfs have been reintroduced about 100 years after they were eradicated. Trace Temple is a young ranch whose family has lost their ranch after his father illegally shot a wolf. He is hired by The Free West, a paramilitary group, with ugly political motives, to track down and kill One-Eleven, the she-wolf head of the Dark Canyons pack. In his hunt, Trace runs into a feral mountain man and switches to try to save the wolves. The Free West replaces him with Murdoch, a mysterious professional hunter with his own ulterior motives for wanting to kill One-Eleven and also Trace. The story is told in alternating chapters from the viewpoint of Trace, One-Eleven (hence anthropomorphism) and Murdoch. The story describes the remoteness of this area of New Mexico and the special skills need by man and animal to survive in this area. It delves a little into the politics of the wolf reintroduction program and the independent streak of western people, without being too political. A well written, well told story for anyone, but especially those that like the outdoors and animals.

[Cara]

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the arc!

I thoroughly enjoyed Wolvers! It was extremely well-written (and well-researched!) with beautiful prose that strove to capture the spirit of the wild American Southwest. I also enjoyed the wide array of perspectives: we hear from Trace, our main protagonist, Murdoch, a major antagonist, and One-Eleven, who lives at the center of it all. I enjoyed hearing from each character, and I thought Brown did an especially great job of allowing a glimpse of the world through the eyes of a wolf. There are a few detailed/violent wolf hunts, and while this may not be for every reader, I appreciate that it didn't shy away from what it takes for apex predators to survive. There was also a nice balance of man v. man and man v. nature.

Perhaps most importantly, Wolvers is a beautifully written, action-packed adventure that still manages to effectively highlight the struggle of the Mexican Wolf's brush with extinction due to human-led efforts to eradicate their population. I hope many other readers will be inspired to support and research conservation efforts for all animals and ecosystems after reading a book like this.

My only critique is that I wish readers were allowed to see more of the transformation Trace underwent between Part One and Part Two. It jumped a little too quickly from deep-seated hatred for what the wolves represented to the acceptance of their presence, and I would have liked to see more of those inner thoughts as his long-held beliefs were finally challenged.

[Nancy Gisvold]

This is a very fascinating book. There is great cast of characters, especially the wolves. The description of the land and the terrain where the story takes place makes me want to make a visit there. The variety of the personalities of the characters made the book very interesting. The way that the main character's feelings towards the evolved added much to the story. I especially found the wolf chapters very informative as to their behavior and made me very sympathetic to them. I would highly recommend this book.

[Christopher Swann]

4.5 stars. Taylor Brown writes like a more hopeful Cormac McCarthy, and in his latest he covers a lot of ground: the Old West and the New, American identity, wilderness, violence, redemption, and wolves, for starters. He’s giving Peter Heller a run for his money. You’ll want to read this one.

[Misty]

Loved this book! He worked in Pride of Eden and Redneck - both excellent books as well!

[Shelli Carter]

Taylor remains a master craftsman of well written and researched fiction. This story sucked me in like so many of his, with an ending that comes with breakneck speed after a detailed and engrossing build up. One-Eleven is the spirit animal we all need. I can’t wait for everyone to read this book!

[George Touma]

3.5. Interesting and unique story, but it just didn’t land for me. Felt like this was written to be a short film. Wish it paid more attention to fully developing the characters to care about. Well researched though.

[Greg]

“Wolvers” is at its strongest when it turns its attention to the landscape itself. The Gila National Forest of New Mexico emerges not merely as a backdrop but as the novel’s animating spirit. Brown evokes the region with extraordinary precision and lyricism: its rugged isolation, haunting beauty, ecological fragility, and layered human history all pulse through the narrative. The magnificence and difficulty of wilderness feels alive and Brown’s descriptive command forces the reader appreciate why such places inspire fierce devotion and demands for protection.

The novel’s plot moves with gathering urgency, particularly in its latter stages when both humans and animals flee a catastrophic wildfire racing across the terrain. Brown handles these sequences with cinematic intensity. The danger feels immediate and visceral. The convergence of predator, prey, and human survival creates genuine suspense in these pages. This wildfire is more than just a plot element, however. It becomes emblematic of how tenuous all of these ecosystems are and the devastating costs the increasing prevalence of wildfires is exacting.

Brown also makes an intriguing narrative choice in elevating the female wolf, One-Eleven, into a principal character. Through her, he illustrates the intelligence, adaptability, and fierce loyalty of wolves as they navigate a world increasingly hostile to their existence. The sections centered on the wolves are compelling because Brown succeeds in portraying them neither as sentimentalized creatures nor as monsters, but as highly social apex predators struggling to survive against encroaching human pressures. One-Eleven’s interactions with her pack reveal both cunning and tenderness, underscoring the novel’s larger argument that wolves are profoundly misunderstood animals.

Yet for all its strengths, “Wolvers” can feel somewhat constrained by the clarity of its message. Brown’s intentions are unmistakable: wolves are endangered, unfairly demonized, and dependent upon vast protected landscapes like the Gila for survival. The novel persuasively conveys the ecological necessity of apex predators and humanity’s destructive tendency to fear what it does not fully understand. However, this moral framework occasionally becomes overly didactic, flattening some of the human drama.

This flattening extends to the Brown’s character development. Though idiosyncratic and often memorable, many of the principal figures remain static throughout the novel. Most are cast in unmistakably heroic terms, while the antagonist is rendered with little ambiguity. As a result, the characters sometimes function more as representatives of environmental positions than as fully evolving and nuanced people. They demonstrate comparatively little sense of emotional transformation or moral complication as the story progresses, which limits the psychological depth the novel might otherwise have achieved.

Notwithstanding some shortcomings, “Wolvers” succeeds as a vivid and deeply felt tribute to the wild. Brown captures both the majesty and instability of the natural world with remarkable skill, and his reverence for wolves and the landscapes they inhabit is unmistakable. Even when the novel’s themes become overly explicit, its immersive setting, relentless momentum, and passionate environmental vision make it an engaging and affecting read.

[Maxine]

Wolves were hunted almost to extinction in the US by the early 1900s but, in 1974, the grey wolf was placed on the endangered list. This was an unpopular move by ranchers and, despite being under the protection of the Endangered Species Act, wolves are still endangered today.

Wolver, a word first used in the late 1500s, refers to someone who acts like a wolf or someone who hunts wolves.

Trace, down on his luck after losing his ranch, is hired by a secretive militia group to get rid of One-Eleven, the legendary female alpha of a wolf pack in the Gila National Park but, both cunning and resourceful, she is always one step ahead. Eventually, he has a change of heart about this mission. He is replaced by the militia and soon finds himself, along with the wolves, in the sights of a ruthless assassin. To survive, he joins forces with a survivalist and animal protector as well as a local rancher, a woman he had once loved. Soon they find themselves fighting not just to protect the wolves and themselves but the Gila forest itself.

Wolvers by Taylor Brown is a beautifully written thriller about the clash between predator and prey and eventually both in a struggle for survival against a catastrophic wildfire. Brown’s descriptions of the Gila ecosystem are stunning and, added to the almost visceral portrayal of the raging fire, show how fragile these ecosystems are for humans as well as wildlife, and why they need to be protected. The characters are all well-drawn whether predator or prey but Brown also avoids using anthropomorphism as he describes the wolves as apex predators while still showing their intelligence and loyalty and, in the case of One-Eleven, protectiveness and tenderness.

Wolvers is a tense and completely engrossing thriller that grabs the reader from the first page and never lets go. But it is more than just a well-written and compelling story although it is certainly that. It is a treatise on the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems. While Brown demonstrates sympathy for the plight of farmers and ranchers who are trying to protect their livestock from the reintroduction of the wolves, he also shows why all living things within the ecosystem have an important place providing balance within that ecosystem and why they need and deserve protection from the encroachment of humans.

Wolvers is definitely one of my favourite, if not the favourite of the many books I have read so far this year. It not only provided an unputdownable story but it made me think, especially as someone who lives in northern Ontario, about the importance of protecting wild but fragile ecosystems and I recommend it very highly.

I read an eARC of the book from Netgalley and St.Martin’s Press while listening to an audiobook from RBmedia narrated by Ramiz Monsef who does an excellent job

[Sarah B]

This is my favorite book that I read so far this year. It has all of the features that I love in a book. Basically it's a modern western - I think that would be a very good way to describe it. And there's the huge nature element running through the whole novel. And that's one reason why I really love this book. It made me feel like I was there. The description of the canyons the main character was traveling around in. The environment is a huge part in here and for most of the story Trace is out in the middle of nowhere with no help available. He's on his own. And things out there can kill you. The danger at times was very intense and I had no idea what would happen. There were times I was sure that Trace was done for as he gets himself into dreadful situations.

The other characters in here grew on me too. Like Imogen and the weird old hermit named Horn. They each have a unique personality that brings the story to life. And Murdock is just nasty rotten!

The author also doesn't hold back from characters getting injured. There's plenty of danger in here, as well as blood. You can feel the desperation of the characters. And the choices they make when they find themselves at death's door.

But there's not only humans in this book. You also see parts of the story from the perspective of one of the wolves. Her name is One-Eleven. And she's a mother wolf trying to help her small pack survive. But there are evil people hunting her. I enjoyed the chapters that were about her and her pack mates, including Little Paw. Little Paw has a disability but that doesn't stop him. He stands up for his pack and can be very fierce.

This is a grand adventure story in the style of a western. There are horses (Trace rides Camo), guns, shooting, canyons, tracking, traps, climbing cliffs, all of the stuff that makes an exciting story. And weaved into the plot is a message about saving wolves.

This is a book I would buy to read again.

[Ronnie]

i recently read Coyote America and American Wolf so i was familiar with the history behind wolves and their reintroduction into the west. i also have a special interest in new mexico because of the manhattan project. therefore, i think i’m the exact target audience intended for this book. brown’s writing style is incredibly detailed, lush, and all-around brilliant. there were more than a couple of times i would read a line and go, “wow!” at the writing alone. everything contained within this book is also meticulously researched. i was also thinking of O-Six the entire time and felt so validated to find out that yes, i was right. i’m not really a fan of fiction overall so this is a pretty special book to me, and i would recommend it to anyone… except maybe a cattle rancher!

[Jon Bettcher]

Really enjoyed this one while hiking in the backcountry. A fun fantasy/revenge tale told from several perspectives around the wolf reintroduction in New Mexico. The tracking and fighting abilities of the good guy here do seem a bit too perfect, but it’s fun engrossing story regardless. Lots of good wolf facts and some fanciful first-perspective narration on their behalf. Wolf reintroduction is such a contentious issue around my state that it feels great to dip into a world where the bad guys learn and the good guys have a clear perspective.

[Scott Wise]

I appreciate hiw the author tried to touch on real-life stories of changing perspectives, including that of the she- wolf. However, I feel like in trying to boil those concepts down, it left the story with simplistic caricatures that started to find themselves in predictable repetitive situations.
There was some good drama at the end. I wish that had been developed more with more dynamic motivations explored throughout the story. The setting was the star of the show. Overall, maybe a 2.5, but hard to give it a 3.

[Star Gater]

Thank you St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read and review Wolvers by Taylor Brown on NetGalley.

Published: 04/07/26

Stars: 4

Thoroughly enjoyed. Brown is a good storyteller. There were points where I felt as if I was there. His take on animal behavior the wolves and people gave me chills. If I say more I enter spoilers.

I would recommend and will gift.

I look forward to reading other books by Brown.

[Ruth Grace]

there’s just something about wolves that makes me want to quit my job and go study wolf packs in the wild

[Ellie]

this was actually SO good. the kind of book that makes you really love wolves

[Francesca Folinazzo]

Frontrunner for my favorite book of 2026

I loved this book so much that I consumed it (via audiobook) in less than 24 hours. That being said, Wolvers isn't for everyone. Who it IS for:
- readers who enjoy beautiful descriptions of natural landscapes
- readers with an affinity for the American Southwest
- readers who are passionate about wildlife conservation
- readers who don't mind minimal dialogue
- readers who can appreciate one of the POVs being that of a wolf

Even if you don't meet any of the above criteria, I'd still recommend giving Wolvers a try. It is well-written and thoughtful. As someone passionate about wildlife conservation and animal welfare, this book hit me hard. The story is also timely and relevant, given the U.S. government's recent steps at removing threatened and endangered species classifications; opening up protected lands and waters to development, mining, and hunting; and basically desecrating sacred lands. Also relevant is the ongoing battle between ranchers and "greenies" (environmentalists/activists), which is central to the plot. Even though Wolvers is a work of fiction, it is very much rooted in reality and sheds light on critical issues.

[Sarah Crouch]

Absolutely stunning.

[Diane Williams]

Excellent author! His books are fast-paced and exciting! The unique setting, the dry desert of the Southwest, was enthralling, and the plot, a young man finding the right way, gripping. I loved rooting for all of the protagonists in the story--human and animal alike. Can't wait for his next book!