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Wolves We Feed
Which wolf will you feed—the one that heals, or the one that destroys?
On the eve of the Colorado Gold Rush, Mae Ulrich leaves behind her privileged life in Maine with dreams of building a frontier school and shaping a more just world. But her journey west is haunted—by prophetic nightmares of wolves and monsters, and a growing awareness that her idealism may not survive the brutal realities of early America.
As Mae uncovers a plot to steal Native lands and gold, she finds unlikely allies in a saloon keeper, a fur trader, a gifted student, and a quiet cowboy who sees into her soul. But when she survives a violent attack, something dark awakens within her—a power she doesn’t understand, linked to the beasts in her dreams.
To protect those she loves, Mae must embrace the wolf within her, even if it means becoming something the world fears.
A lyrical blend of historical fiction and dark folklore, Wolves We Feed is a supernatural western about justice, identity, and the wildness within us all.
Perfect for fans of Ava Reid, Hannah Kent, and Outlawed by Anna North.
Reader This novel is a work of fiction that explores mature and emotionally intense themes that may be triggering for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
On the eve of the Colorado Gold Rush, Mae Ulrich leaves behind her privileged life in Maine with dreams of building a frontier school and shaping a more just world. But her journey west is haunted—by prophetic nightmares of wolves and monsters, and a growing awareness that her idealism may not survive the brutal realities of early America.
As Mae uncovers a plot to steal Native lands and gold, she finds unlikely allies in a saloon keeper, a fur trader, a gifted student, and a quiet cowboy who sees into her soul. But when she survives a violent attack, something dark awakens within her—a power she doesn’t understand, linked to the beasts in her dreams.
To protect those she loves, Mae must embrace the wolf within her, even if it means becoming something the world fears.
A lyrical blend of historical fiction and dark folklore, Wolves We Feed is a supernatural western about justice, identity, and the wildness within us all.
Perfect for fans of Ava Reid, Hannah Kent, and Outlawed by Anna North.
Reader This novel is a work of fiction that explores mature and emotionally intense themes that may be triggering for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 13, 2025
I really enjoyed and was surprised by Wolves We Feed. It’s a fantastic blend of historical fiction and fantasy.
This story covers a lot of ground, truly! Following Esmeray, or “Mae,” as she journeys west to found a school during the gold rush the narrative weaves the lives of various white settlers, indigenous Americans, and a few enslaved people with folklore spanning European and Native culture. Issues of women’s rights and safety, slavery, indigenous rights and more are observed through the lens of a young but, at the time surprisingly old to be unmarried, woman. Her perspective is interesting because she had experienced much of the world and yet maintained a certain naivety, which she sheds as she begins to see the underbelly of human nature the further she goes into the frontier.
At times quite brutal, even the brighter moments of the story when you see the best in a person are laced with danger or heartache. I absolutely love Mae, and think she is an excellent representation of the good in many of us - somewhat naive, somewhat unaware, unsure of how to fix the problems that we see, but she rises above all of that and acts with a courage and integrity that I admire. So do many of the character in the book, although she definitely has her adversaries. She grows so much in the short months this story covers, and recognizes it.
I was enjoying this story so thoroughly that the end snuck up on me! It was a fantastic ending, but I wanted to keep going with her, continuing the journey to see what happens next. I am rarely so invested in a character as I am the ones in this book!
This story covers a lot of ground, truly! Following Esmeray, or “Mae,” as she journeys west to found a school during the gold rush the narrative weaves the lives of various white settlers, indigenous Americans, and a few enslaved people with folklore spanning European and Native culture. Issues of women’s rights and safety, slavery, indigenous rights and more are observed through the lens of a young but, at the time surprisingly old to be unmarried, woman. Her perspective is interesting because she had experienced much of the world and yet maintained a certain naivety, which she sheds as she begins to see the underbelly of human nature the further she goes into the frontier.
At times quite brutal, even the brighter moments of the story when you see the best in a person are laced with danger or heartache. I absolutely love Mae, and think she is an excellent representation of the good in many of us - somewhat naive, somewhat unaware, unsure of how to fix the problems that we see, but she rises above all of that and acts with a courage and integrity that I admire. So do many of the character in the book, although she definitely has her adversaries. She grows so much in the short months this story covers, and recognizes it.
I was enjoying this story so thoroughly that the end snuck up on me! It was a fantastic ending, but I wanted to keep going with her, continuing the journey to see what happens next. I am rarely so invested in a character as I am the ones in this book!
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November 21, 2025Wolves We Feed is a dark, atmospheric blend of frontier history and supernatural folklore. Mae Ulrich’s journey west rooted in idealism but challenged by violence, corruption, and unsettling dreams creates a compelling tension between who she wants to be and the power awakening inside her.
Vivian Catfield writes with lyrical intensity, capturing both the beauty and brutality of early America. Mae’s inner transformation, paired with a memorable supporting cast, makes this story emotionally resonant and rich with symbolism.
A gripping, beautifully written supernatural western perfect for readers of Ava Reid, Hannah Kent, and Outlawed.
Vivian Catfield writes with lyrical intensity, capturing both the beauty and brutality of early America. Mae’s inner transformation, paired with a memorable supporting cast, makes this story emotionally resonant and rich with symbolism.
A gripping, beautifully written supernatural western perfect for readers of Ava Reid, Hannah Kent, and Outlawed.
December 13, 2025
I loved the journey that is this book. I loved the format as a journal. I found the story to be engrossing and engaging. The pace of revelation was perfect, and I reached the answer at the same time which makes the story compelling. Vivian Canfield is a fantastic writer and I always look forward to reading her books…each one is complete unto itself and very different from each other. I don’t want to talk too much about the story because I fear I would give it away. I will just say that I LOVED it and I cried.
December 14, 2025
This was one of those books that kept me pushing through with the next sentence just when i thought i was about to give up. The story is very different from a normal werewolf book and so rich in detail and characters but i did find myself thinking about how drawn out it seemed in places. Overall i enjoyed it and it was a good read so i went with 3 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2026
3.5 stars.
If you love wolves with a How the West Was Won vibe, this might be for you. Told in a journal-entry style, Wolves We Feed was a quick read, made even easier by the shorter chapters.
The writing is mature and beautifully descriptive—I could smell the grit and see the terrain clearly in my mind. While this wasn’t a favourite of mine and I found myself struggling to stay focused at times, there’s no denying the beauty of the writing or the heartbreak at the core of the story.
If you love wolves with a How the West Was Won vibe, this might be for you. Told in a journal-entry style, Wolves We Feed was a quick read, made even easier by the shorter chapters.
The writing is mature and beautifully descriptive—I could smell the grit and see the terrain clearly in my mind. While this wasn’t a favourite of mine and I found myself struggling to stay focused at times, there’s no denying the beauty of the writing or the heartbreak at the core of the story.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews