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Reindeer People #2
Wolf's Brother
The compelling sequel to The Reindeer People , a saga of magic and triumph in an ancient world. Kerlew stared at the immense stone that jutted up from the tundra. Power radiated from it like heat from a fire. It attracted the boy and filled him with fear. And then he was alone. There was a brush of sound, of dark moving shadows and then the sudden flash of a glistening eye. He pressed his palms back against the stone's rough surface and faced the night creatures that surrounded him. The magic is strong in Kerlew. Every day it grows, reaching out to the Wolf spirit that will be his guide. But the magic in Kerlew that calls to the beasts and to the spirit world also calls to Carp, the evil old shaman, who follows Kerlew and his mother, Tillu, across the frozen wastes. When he finds them, he will bind them to him, and shape Kerlew's powers for his own uses.
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First published January 1, 1988
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929 people want to read
About the author
Megan Lindholm
77 books1,058 followersThe author also writes under the pseudonym Robin Hobb. Her real name is Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
May 25, 2024
Decent ending to a duology that is frankly a novel split in half. This second book, although shorter by 100 pages, felt meandering. And for the first time ever, I didn’t like the way Hobb/Lindholm wrote something, namely the climactic scene. But still a story worth reading. 3.5/5
August 30, 2021
This was a great conclusion to the duology.
I think this series would have been better if it were edited together into one book as the action was packed mostly into the second volume and the previous was mostly character and world building.
The characters were complex and the story was very interesting. Once the pace picked up it was impossible to put this down.
I think this series would have been better if it were edited together into one book as the action was packed mostly into the second volume and the previous was mostly character and world building.
The characters were complex and the story was very interesting. Once the pace picked up it was impossible to put this down.
May 19, 2025
This is a continuation on from the first book in the duology, and this one picks up from where we left off with little time to dwell as the Herdsfolk have come to the Cataclysm and there many secrets will be revealed.
Once again we see some mysterious magics from the Shaman characters, which includes Kerlew, and we also see the ‘magic’ that Tilly can do to heal those around her. They are a formidable duo even though they are separated through a lot of this storyline, and I think that is clever and gives each of them the chance to shine and be their authentic selves.
Tillu’s plot here is very relatable as a mother, as she worries over her son even more here than previously. Although Kerlew has come a long way he also has a long way still to go to understand the world around him, and the more he sinks into the world of spirits the more Tillu worries for him.
I think Kerlew is an unusual main character got the somewhat different ways that he sees and understands the world around a lot of his reality is half vision and magic, and yet in this story we see him start to understand and learn his own way with the magic.
The romance between Tillu and a member of the herdfolk was sweet and I loved the way this man steps into a more fatherly role for Kerlew and doesn’t judge him. He’s a good strong mentor and a good match for someone like Tillu even though they can’t find their way for a good while due to events beyond them.
The plot line is filled with twisty bits as you see the decisions which have to be made and the events which trigger other things to occur. The plague and the illness which afflicts some of the key members of the folk shapes the acceptance of other characters towards Tillu and Kerlew too.
This is an old-style but refreshing duology. It finishes nicely, despite some sad events, and I found the ancient magic and beliefs refreshingly different from some other fantasy I’ve been reading recently. A solid 4* series for me and I definitely will continue with more of Hobb’s Lindholm books!
Once again we see some mysterious magics from the Shaman characters, which includes Kerlew, and we also see the ‘magic’ that Tilly can do to heal those around her. They are a formidable duo even though they are separated through a lot of this storyline, and I think that is clever and gives each of them the chance to shine and be their authentic selves.
Tillu’s plot here is very relatable as a mother, as she worries over her son even more here than previously. Although Kerlew has come a long way he also has a long way still to go to understand the world around him, and the more he sinks into the world of spirits the more Tillu worries for him.
I think Kerlew is an unusual main character got the somewhat different ways that he sees and understands the world around a lot of his reality is half vision and magic, and yet in this story we see him start to understand and learn his own way with the magic.
The romance between Tillu and a member of the herdfolk was sweet and I loved the way this man steps into a more fatherly role for Kerlew and doesn’t judge him. He’s a good strong mentor and a good match for someone like Tillu even though they can’t find their way for a good while due to events beyond them.
The plot line is filled with twisty bits as you see the decisions which have to be made and the events which trigger other things to occur. The plague and the illness which afflicts some of the key members of the folk shapes the acceptance of other characters towards Tillu and Kerlew too.
This is an old-style but refreshing duology. It finishes nicely, despite some sad events, and I found the ancient magic and beliefs refreshingly different from some other fantasy I’ve been reading recently. A solid 4* series for me and I definitely will continue with more of Hobb’s Lindholm books!
February 2, 2022
The Reindeer People duology intruiged me with its setting, left me really caring for some of its characters and surprised me with topics I didn't expect in 80s fantasy. Especially the ending evoked so many emotional responses from me.
While I still slightly prefer her later books as Robin Hobb, I'm looking forward to reading more unique and impactful novels from Megan Lindholm.
While I still slightly prefer her later books as Robin Hobb, I'm looking forward to reading more unique and impactful novels from Megan Lindholm.
July 30, 2025
A very satisfying conclusion to the duology. As expected from Robin Hobb, there are some (many?) traumatic and awful moments (or... most of the book?) but I felt so connected to the character's struggles. I loved how the magic is open to your interpretation as to whether it's real or not. I was endlessly frustrated by the internal politics of the reindeer people, but frustrated in a good way. Robin Hobb always knows how to make me feel things.
September 29, 2024
That's it, I'm having a Robin Hobbathon for the rest of 2024. Next up Harpy's Flight (Hobb's first book published under her pseudonym Megan Lindholm).
Also when is goodreads planning on updating their app?! Just wondering...
Also when is goodreads planning on updating their app?! Just wondering...
July 21, 2013
I enjoyed this conclusion to the Reindeer People. The attention to detail and the culture were really fascinating, and I love how the author (whom I know better as "Robin Hobb) does not "fix" all relationships at the end of stories. Just because people come through hardships together, just because they have victories, they do not necessarily gain understanding of one another. The characters' prejudices (and ours) are generally too set to change in most cases. Very true to life.
However, this particular edition is rife with typos. Pretty jarring. :(
However, this particular edition is rife with typos. Pretty jarring. :(
April 16, 2020
Major signs that I am in love with a book:
- I read it in two days. Or less.
- I stay up late to read it, although it's a work night.
- the first thought after I finish is "I want to re-read this now, because I don't want to leave its world yet".
- I am in love with a character.
- I absolutely hate a character.
- I am on the brink of a book hangover.... Never mind, I definitely have a book hangover.
Megan Lindholm (Robin Hobb) can write such amazing, vivid characters, they feel alive and ready to leap off the page.
- I read it in two days. Or less.
- I stay up late to read it, although it's a work night.
- the first thought after I finish is "I want to re-read this now, because I don't want to leave its world yet".
- I am in love with a character.
- I absolutely hate a character.
- I am on the brink of a book hangover.... Never mind, I definitely have a book hangover.
Megan Lindholm (Robin Hobb) can write such amazing, vivid characters, they feel alive and ready to leap off the page.
April 28, 2025
Un second tome en deçà du premier, même si j'ai passé un agréable moment de lecture avec un très bon final !
✅ Les points que j'ai aimés :
- Les personnages : je me suis beaucoup attachée aux personnages de cette duologie. Tous m'ont paru travaillés et complexes, et j'ai apprécié les voir évoluer avec les évènements.
- Les thématiques : l'autrice a profité de son univers de fantasy pour aborder des thèmes importants dans notre monde aussi (notamment la place des femmes et les traumatismes) et j'ai apprécié la façon dont ils ont été traités.
- La fin : la fin était incroyable, il m'était impossible de lâcher le roman ! Incroyablement prenante, les évènements s'enchaînaient et tout s'est assemblé pour arriver à cette conclusion, certes un peu dramatique, mais logique et inéluctable d'une certaine façon. Et, une fois n'est pas coutume, j'ai vraiment apprécié l'épilogue qui était très juste, avec des personnages qu'on a encore envie de voir évoluer🥰.
❌ Les points qui m'ont gêné :
- L'écriture : j'ignore si c'est dû uniquement à la traduction, mais j'ai trouvé, comme dans le premier tome, une tendance à la répétition des mêmes informations.
- Le rythme : le gros point noir de ce roman est, à mes yeux, son rythme que j'ai trouvé très mal maîtrisé, contrairement au premier tome. En effet, j'ai ressenti beaucoup de longueur pendant les 3 premiers quarts du roman😴, avant qu'enfin l'intrigue redevienne véritablement intéressante, prenante et immersive.
- Les points de vue : j'ai trouvé qu'il y avait trop de chapitres du point de vue de Tillu (au détriment du point de vue de Heckram qui aurait permis de varier un peu) qui, en plus, avait tendance à tourner en rond sur des dissertations concernant sa relation avec son fils (c'était intéressant et réaliste, mais c'était trop pour ne pas être lassant). Enfin, s'il y a un truc que je déteste dans les romans avec plusieurs points de vue, c'est quand on revient en arrière dans le temps pour revoir les mêmes évènements déjà racontés, mais du point de vue d'un autre personnage : je comprends l'intérêt, mais je trouve ça frustrant (je voulais la suite moi !😭), redondant, et ça casse totalement le rythme.
Bref, maintenant j'ai envie de découvrir Robin Hobb dans ses sagas plus populaires !
✅ Les points que j'ai aimés :
- Les personnages : je me suis beaucoup attachée aux personnages de cette duologie. Tous m'ont paru travaillés et complexes, et j'ai apprécié les voir évoluer avec les évènements.
- Les thématiques : l'autrice a profité de son univers de fantasy pour aborder des thèmes importants dans notre monde aussi (notamment la place des femmes et les traumatismes) et j'ai apprécié la façon dont ils ont été traités.
- La fin : la fin était incroyable, il m'était impossible de lâcher le roman ! Incroyablement prenante, les évènements s'enchaînaient et tout s'est assemblé pour arriver à cette conclusion, certes un peu dramatique, mais logique et inéluctable d'une certaine façon. Et, une fois n'est pas coutume, j'ai vraiment apprécié l'épilogue qui était très juste, avec des personnages qu'on a encore envie de voir évoluer🥰.
❌ Les points qui m'ont gêné :
- L'écriture : j'ignore si c'est dû uniquement à la traduction, mais j'ai trouvé, comme dans le premier tome, une tendance à la répétition des mêmes informations.
- Le rythme : le gros point noir de ce roman est, à mes yeux, son rythme que j'ai trouvé très mal maîtrisé, contrairement au premier tome. En effet, j'ai ressenti beaucoup de longueur pendant les 3 premiers quarts du roman😴, avant qu'enfin l'intrigue redevienne véritablement intéressante, prenante et immersive.
- Les points de vue : j'ai trouvé qu'il y avait trop de chapitres du point de vue de Tillu (au détriment du point de vue de Heckram qui aurait permis de varier un peu) qui, en plus, avait tendance à tourner en rond sur des dissertations concernant sa relation avec son fils (c'était intéressant et réaliste, mais c'était trop pour ne pas être lassant). Enfin, s'il y a un truc que je déteste dans les romans avec plusieurs points de vue, c'est quand on revient en arrière dans le temps pour revoir les mêmes évènements déjà racontés, mais du point de vue d'un autre personnage : je comprends l'intérêt, mais je trouve ça frustrant (je voulais la suite moi !😭), redondant, et ça casse totalement le rythme.
Bref, maintenant j'ai envie de découvrir Robin Hobb dans ses sagas plus populaires !
December 2, 2024
A great ending to the series. Very enjoyable
January 8, 2025
The sequel holds up well. I don't feel like it was a "money grab" style split in the series and it genuinely made sense. I think the story progressed well and it was good to see the growth in our characters. The society continued to grow and change like a living organism. Overall, I think this was a great conclusion to the series.
February 8, 2018
Dit vervolg op Het rendiervolk beviel me al veel beter. Ik wilde echt weten wat er zou gaan gebeuren met Tillu, Kerlew en Heckram. Gelukkig worden alle losse eindjes netjes afgewerkt en ik ben blij dat ik deze serie gelezen heb.
January 22, 2019
The Reindeer People and Wolf's Brother are really one story split into two books. A single story arc spans both books so when I finished book 1, I felt a little cheated. It's not so long so I'm not sure why it was split into 2, possibly to attract more hesitant readers. Fortunately I bought both books at the same time at a 2nd hand sale so I was able to immediately continue.
Anyway, I feel that this story and setting bears some similarities to Clan of the Cave Bear in terms of social structure of clans and their very basic understanding of the natural world. Otherwise it's set in the bronze age while CotCB is set in the Cro-Magnon period.
I felt that Lindholm/Hobb maintained the high standard I've come to expect from her. I was very disappointed with the final instalment in Fitz' story, "Assassin's Fate", but this duology has restored some of my confidence in her.
3 things I loved:
I loved Tillu as the main character. She wasn't the typical female fantasy lead, not even in the modern market. As a rape survivor you expect her to have an ingrained distrust of men, which she does of course, but while she holds herself apart and independent, she doesn't wallow in self-pity and doesn't hate her retarded son who is the product of her abuse. She's not even too bitter or cynical, just realistic about her problems, and one of those problems is that she knows she needs help, particularly a man's help. This is an interesting topic to explore because today women are told that we do not need men in any way. Which is both wrong and sad. It's true we shouldn't lose our independence entirely, but its also very true that most of life's burdens are easier to handle when shared. Especially if we share them between men and women because our gender-based strengths are different. Tillu knows this but has to overcome her instinctual fear of men. Her development over the course of the narrative, from having survived on her own for so long, is easy to see in this quote:
Tillu experienced a moment of disorientation. Someone else had taken charge. ... She wasn't sure if she liked being directed. But as she pulled her shirt on, she thought of the alternative; of being responsible for everything, handling not only every problem but every decision, however minor. She could find nothing wrong with his suggestions; it was only that he had voiced them first. "You'll find Kerlew for me." She said the words aloud, trying them out. The confidence she felt in him surprised her.
Kerlew's disabilities added a wonderfully complex layer to the story and also to Tillu's character. As a mother, she loves her son and is willing to sacrifice her own needs and desires for her son's. But as a single mother of a handicapped child she is overwhelmed by the burden of protecting him in a harsh wilderness and from his own naivety. The knowledge that her task will never be done even when he is a grown man just adds to her constant fatigue. But the hidden blessing in Kerlew's handicap is that he lives in the moment and isn't concerned with who his father was or why his father isn't there.
As antagonists Carp and Joboam were fantastic. Lindholm/Hobb has a special gift for crafting antagonists that are entirely believable. Believable people who aren't necessarily out to rule the world but just people who constantly try to compensate for their own insecurities, have weak characters and manipulative ways of getting what they want, take the coward's way out of all the problems they face, and are just downright dishonourable and vile human beings. Carp and Joboam were not like each other, or like any of Hobb's other villains. No rinse and repeat here!
Other great things:
> I loved the variation on the typical medieval Europe setting and western cultural sensibilities that you most-often find in fantasy.
> One of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen, by the late great Susan Seddon-Boulet. It's my profile picture (^^,).
> That by the end of the story, Tillu and Heckram have yet to realise that neither of them saw to Elsa's quick death, it gave the feeling that their story truly does extend beyond the last page.
> The panoply of various herdfolk that leant the setting a realism that expanded beyond the bounds of the story being told.
> Seems really well-researched!
3 things I didn't love:
Very sloppy copy editing! I don't understand this, near the end of book two there were just so many typos. Who copy-edited this?
At times I felt that Tillu's musings were a little bit repetitive. Some few sentences here and there could have been cut or written more succinctly. I suspect Lindholm was under pressure from her publisher. Good job Publisher.
I wanted everyone to know all of the awful things Joboam did! But I guess that's life, people who deserve full exposition of their crimes are rarely made to face it. But I know Megan Lindholm wrote it this way on purpose, and I do think it was the right choice. But grrr. He didn't get all that he deserved!
Finally, I really think this duology has real potential for a mini-series. Anyone know if it has ever been optioned?
Anyway, I feel that this story and setting bears some similarities to Clan of the Cave Bear in terms of social structure of clans and their very basic understanding of the natural world. Otherwise it's set in the bronze age while CotCB is set in the Cro-Magnon period.
I felt that Lindholm/Hobb maintained the high standard I've come to expect from her. I was very disappointed with the final instalment in Fitz' story, "Assassin's Fate", but this duology has restored some of my confidence in her.
3 things I loved:
I loved Tillu as the main character. She wasn't the typical female fantasy lead, not even in the modern market. As a rape survivor you expect her to have an ingrained distrust of men, which she does of course, but while she holds herself apart and independent, she doesn't wallow in self-pity and doesn't hate her retarded son who is the product of her abuse. She's not even too bitter or cynical, just realistic about her problems, and one of those problems is that she knows she needs help, particularly a man's help. This is an interesting topic to explore because today women are told that we do not need men in any way. Which is both wrong and sad. It's true we shouldn't lose our independence entirely, but its also very true that most of life's burdens are easier to handle when shared. Especially if we share them between men and women because our gender-based strengths are different. Tillu knows this but has to overcome her instinctual fear of men. Her development over the course of the narrative, from having survived on her own for so long, is easy to see in this quote:
Tillu experienced a moment of disorientation. Someone else had taken charge. ... She wasn't sure if she liked being directed. But as she pulled her shirt on, she thought of the alternative; of being responsible for everything, handling not only every problem but every decision, however minor. She could find nothing wrong with his suggestions; it was only that he had voiced them first. "You'll find Kerlew for me." She said the words aloud, trying them out. The confidence she felt in him surprised her.
Kerlew's disabilities added a wonderfully complex layer to the story and also to Tillu's character. As a mother, she loves her son and is willing to sacrifice her own needs and desires for her son's. But as a single mother of a handicapped child she is overwhelmed by the burden of protecting him in a harsh wilderness and from his own naivety. The knowledge that her task will never be done even when he is a grown man just adds to her constant fatigue. But the hidden blessing in Kerlew's handicap is that he lives in the moment and isn't concerned with who his father was or why his father isn't there.
As antagonists Carp and Joboam were fantastic. Lindholm/Hobb has a special gift for crafting antagonists that are entirely believable. Believable people who aren't necessarily out to rule the world but just people who constantly try to compensate for their own insecurities, have weak characters and manipulative ways of getting what they want, take the coward's way out of all the problems they face, and are just downright dishonourable and vile human beings. Carp and Joboam were not like each other, or like any of Hobb's other villains. No rinse and repeat here!
Other great things:
> I loved the variation on the typical medieval Europe setting and western cultural sensibilities that you most-often find in fantasy.
> One of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen, by the late great Susan Seddon-Boulet. It's my profile picture (^^,).
> That by the end of the story, Tillu and Heckram have yet to realise that neither of them saw to Elsa's quick death, it gave the feeling that their story truly does extend beyond the last page.
> The panoply of various herdfolk that leant the setting a realism that expanded beyond the bounds of the story being told.
> Seems really well-researched!
3 things I didn't love:
Very sloppy copy editing! I don't understand this, near the end of book two there were just so many typos. Who copy-edited this?
At times I felt that Tillu's musings were a little bit repetitive. Some few sentences here and there could have been cut or written more succinctly. I suspect Lindholm was under pressure from her publisher. Good job Publisher.
I wanted everyone to know all of the awful things Joboam did! But I guess that's life, people who deserve full exposition of their crimes are rarely made to face it. But I know Megan Lindholm wrote it this way on purpose, and I do think it was the right choice. But grrr. He didn't get all that he deserved!
Finally, I really think this duology has real potential for a mini-series. Anyone know if it has ever been optioned?
Read
May 29, 2020This sequel to The Reindeer People follows the hero Kerlew as he strives to protect his people and his mother, Tillu, the healer of their tribe, from the machinations of the nefarious shaman named Carp.
Not remembered now two and a half decades after having read it, except for the impression that I did enjoy it, as I find 'science fiction' that looks backward into prehistoric times just as interesting as that which speculates about humanity's future (if it has one....).
Not remembered now two and a half decades after having read it, except for the impression that I did enjoy it, as I find 'science fiction' that looks backward into prehistoric times just as interesting as that which speculates about humanity's future (if it has one....).
January 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this duology! Even if many characters drive me nuts with their terrible personality, I cannot help but to appreciate how well Lindholm (and Robin Hobb) create these despiteful characters! No one but her can allow one to hate so easily!!! All my respects to Lindholm!
August 25, 2016
I may have added a bit too many spoiler tags. ;-) Oh well...
This book continues where The Reindeer People left off. No, really. It's like it was originally one big story, but for marketing reasons the publisher wanted it cut into two parts. Why? As Robin Hobb, she can write thick novels all she wants. Or was it custom back then and now (big novels being "in" / hip / ...)?
Anyway, I ended my review of the first book (see here) with some questions:
Will it shed more light on Carp's influence on Kerlew?
Will Heckram and Tillu live together?
Wil Tillu accept Kerlew's change in behaviour, now that Carp is back?
Will Carp leave her alone or hasn't he changed a bit when he wanted her as his wife?
What will Capiam (leader of the tribe) say of Carp's proposal (shaman of the tribe)?
Capiam as herlord was actually a tyrant. He didn't want to listen to good advice, he didn't want to hear the truth, even if it involved his children. He and his wife alone knew what his children would have to do to be happy. Who cares if they have own wishes? They just have to do like it's been done before: marry with a chosen one, get kids, have a pack of reindeer, etc.... and so on.
Tillu became friends with Kari (Capiam's daughter), learned her valuable info on plants and their healing power. Until Kari got under the influence of Carp.
Joboam's hunger for power also comes into the picture, now and then. Especially in how he mistreats Tillu, Kerlew (he hates the kid), feels like he runs the place and will take over command anytime soon.
Kerlew, like I wrote, succeeds in being fully accepted by the herd, but it takes a lot of effort, blood, sweat, time, anger, ... Kerlew finds his spirit guardian, even though Tillu never really believed in that sort of stuff. She was like the atheist of the folk. But somehow Heckram also was never fully accepted by his folk and maybe that also caused him and her to come together.
Eventually Carp gets what he deserved. Kerlew has seen the light, so to speak, and is able to take matters into his own hands, now that he's older and wiser. But still only a teenager.
The puzzle about who killed Elsa (Heckram's girlfriend), Rolke (despite Tillu helping as much as possible to get him healed), and yes, Kari even, also gets solved... by Kerlew. Prior to all this, Joboam and Heckram, eternal enemies, fight each other to the death. Strangely enough, despite all the slashes and stabbing, .
And so, all's well that ends well. Or what did you think? ;-) With most of the trouble gone, maybe Tillu, Heckram and Kerlew can now live a peaceful life in the herd?
I found this part a little less good, hence the three and not four stars. At some point things got better, but not enough to increase the overall score. Regardless, it's a nice story about a boy becoming a shaman in a herdfolk not of his own kind and how this isn't all cakes and ale (I had to look it up, indeed). A story, that, again, was needlessly chopped into two parts. Also nice is the descriptive style of Lindholm, about how the folk lived, the plants, ... She even added a bit of info on this at the end of the book.
Add a few annoying typos... Didn't anyone read this before republishing?
* reinder instead of reindeer
* it instead of if
* he instead of she (especially in the last part of the book when it's about a woman)
* ...
This book continues where The Reindeer People left off. No, really. It's like it was originally one big story, but for marketing reasons the publisher wanted it cut into two parts. Why? As Robin Hobb, she can write thick novels all she wants. Or was it custom back then and now (big novels being "in" / hip / ...)?
Anyway, I ended my review of the first book (see here) with some questions:
Will it shed more light on Carp's influence on Kerlew?
Will Heckram and Tillu live together?
Wil Tillu accept Kerlew's change in behaviour, now that Carp is back?
Will Carp leave her alone or hasn't he changed a bit when he wanted her as his wife?
What will Capiam (leader of the tribe) say of Carp's proposal (shaman of the tribe)?
Capiam as herlord was actually a tyrant. He didn't want to listen to good advice, he didn't want to hear the truth, even if it involved his children. He and his wife alone knew what his children would have to do to be happy. Who cares if they have own wishes? They just have to do like it's been done before: marry with a chosen one, get kids, have a pack of reindeer, etc.... and so on.
Tillu became friends with Kari (Capiam's daughter), learned her valuable info on plants and their healing power. Until Kari got under the influence of Carp.
Joboam's hunger for power also comes into the picture, now and then. Especially in how he mistreats Tillu, Kerlew (he hates the kid), feels like he runs the place and will take over command anytime soon.
Kerlew, like I wrote, succeeds in being fully accepted by the herd, but it takes a lot of effort, blood, sweat, time, anger, ... Kerlew finds his spirit guardian, even though Tillu never really believed in that sort of stuff. She was like the atheist of the folk. But somehow Heckram also was never fully accepted by his folk and maybe that also caused him and her to come together.
Eventually Carp gets what he deserved. Kerlew has seen the light, so to speak, and is able to take matters into his own hands, now that he's older and wiser. But still only a teenager.
The puzzle about who killed Elsa (Heckram's girlfriend), Rolke (despite Tillu helping as much as possible to get him healed), and yes, Kari even, also gets solved... by Kerlew. Prior to all this, Joboam and Heckram, eternal enemies, fight each other to the death. Strangely enough, despite all the slashes and stabbing, .
And so, all's well that ends well. Or what did you think? ;-) With most of the trouble gone, maybe Tillu, Heckram and Kerlew can now live a peaceful life in the herd?
I found this part a little less good, hence the three and not four stars. At some point things got better, but not enough to increase the overall score. Regardless, it's a nice story about a boy becoming a shaman in a herdfolk not of his own kind and how this isn't all cakes and ale (I had to look it up, indeed). A story, that, again, was needlessly chopped into two parts. Also nice is the descriptive style of Lindholm, about how the folk lived, the plants, ... She even added a bit of info on this at the end of the book.
Add a few annoying typos... Didn't anyone read this before republishing?
* reinder instead of reindeer
* it instead of if
* he instead of she (especially in the last part of the book when it's about a woman)
* ...
March 23, 2022
Slightly underwhelmed as I was going in with quite high expectations following part one's setup. It was a nice ending to the duology and overall an enjoyable story, but I wouldn't say I was wildly captivated or emotionally invested at any point. A good read.
November 10, 2025
Coup de cœur ❣️
L'écriture de Robin Hobb, son style inimitable, l'approfondissement de ses personnages, les intrigues impitoyables, Wahouuu.
C'est sombre et magnifique, j'ai adoré ma lecture et je vous la recommande vivement.
L'écriture de Robin Hobb, son style inimitable, l'approfondissement de ses personnages, les intrigues impitoyables, Wahouuu.
C'est sombre et magnifique, j'ai adoré ma lecture et je vous la recommande vivement.
March 18, 2025
Ayant vraiment adoré le premier tome, j’avais hâte de retrouver cet univers. Je me suis donc lancée dans la lecture du second opus juste après celle du premier.
Tillu et Kerleu décident finalement de suivre le peuple des Rennes dans sa migration estivale vers le Cataclysme. Un lieu où les bêtes et les hommes peuvent passer l’été sans craindre les nuées de moustiques et les maladies qu’ils apportent. Tillu pense ainsi avoir l’opportunité future de tenter de soustraire son fils à l’influence de Carp le Chaman. Mais il lui échappe petit à petit et elle ne trouve aucun moyen de lutter. Pire encore, le vieil homme a un comportement de plus en plus odieux envers tout le monde. Il manipule et exploite le peuple des rennes sans que personne ne s’en rende compte ni ne s’y oppose. Joboam de son côté, devient de plus en plus influent et Tillu commence à nourrir quelques soupçons le concernant. En plus de cela, une mystérieuse maladie touche le clan, sans que les compétences de Tillu ne parviennent à aider les personnes malades. Elle finira par être accusée, quelqu’un veut la voir quitter le clan avec son étrange garçon. Mais Heckram se révèlera un allié redoutable. Arriveront-il a élucider tous ces mystères et à prouver leur bonne foi à temps ? Kerleu se libérera-t-il enfin des griffes de Carp ?
Comparé au premier tome, j’ai trouvé les temps morts – surtout au début du roman – un peu plus longs. Peut-être, car il n’y avait plus d’effet de surprise et que je connaissais déjà bien l’univers. Mais heureusement, cela change, notamment à partir de l’instant où le Peuple des Rennes se met en route pour le Cataclysme.
Au fil du récit, j’ai eu quelques soupçons concernant un personnage en particulier et il s’est avéré que j’avais vu juste. Par contre, pas mal d’évènements ont réussi à m’étonner et le dénouement est arrivé d’une manière bien différente de celle que j’attendais. J’ai été très agréablement surprise !
En ce qui concerne les protagonistes, j’ai constaté une réelle évolution. Pas seulement Tillu, mais aussi, et surtout Kerleu, Heckram et tout un tas d’autres. Chacun change, que ce soit en bien ou en mal et affirmera sa position au sein du clan. Kerleu est un personnage que j’avais trouvé assez déroutant, qui me mettait même un peu mal à l’aise par moments. Il a réellement changé dans ce tome. Il est encore étrange, certes, mais il grandit à sa façon. Il devient même étonnamment lucide et presque charismatique.
La plume de l’auteur est toujours aussi agréable, addictive et magique. Elle nous emporte une fois de plus dans son univers et a la faculté de nous faire vivre une fabuleuse aventure aux côtés de ses personnages. J’ai ressenti un petit pincement au cœur lorsque j’ai refermé ce livre et que j’ai dû dire adieu au peuple des rennes et a son fantastique environnement. C’est là que je me suis rendu compte que je m’étais vraiment attachée à ce monde et certains protagonistes.
Enfin, parlons de la fin en elle-même. Elle était juste parfaite ! Un peu sanglante et dramatique, pleine de rebondissements et les protagonistes s’épanouissent tous à leur manière. On ne reste pas sur notre faim, le voile est complètement levé, car on possède désormais toutes les clés, les réponses à nos questions. Personnellement, toutes mes attentes ont été comblées !
En résumé, malgré quelques lenteurs eu début du roman, j’ai une fois de plus grandement apprécié mon voyage aux côtés du Peuple des Rennes. Les personnages évoluent comme il le faut, il y a de multiples rebondissements, des meurtres, des trahisons, bref j’ai été tenue en haleine jusqu’au bout et j’ai refermé le livre avec un pincement au cœur ! Je garderai un excellent souvenir de cette saga et vous la conseille fortement !
Tillu et Kerleu décident finalement de suivre le peuple des Rennes dans sa migration estivale vers le Cataclysme. Un lieu où les bêtes et les hommes peuvent passer l’été sans craindre les nuées de moustiques et les maladies qu’ils apportent. Tillu pense ainsi avoir l’opportunité future de tenter de soustraire son fils à l’influence de Carp le Chaman. Mais il lui échappe petit à petit et elle ne trouve aucun moyen de lutter. Pire encore, le vieil homme a un comportement de plus en plus odieux envers tout le monde. Il manipule et exploite le peuple des rennes sans que personne ne s’en rende compte ni ne s’y oppose. Joboam de son côté, devient de plus en plus influent et Tillu commence à nourrir quelques soupçons le concernant. En plus de cela, une mystérieuse maladie touche le clan, sans que les compétences de Tillu ne parviennent à aider les personnes malades. Elle finira par être accusée, quelqu’un veut la voir quitter le clan avec son étrange garçon. Mais Heckram se révèlera un allié redoutable. Arriveront-il a élucider tous ces mystères et à prouver leur bonne foi à temps ? Kerleu se libérera-t-il enfin des griffes de Carp ?
Comparé au premier tome, j’ai trouvé les temps morts – surtout au début du roman – un peu plus longs. Peut-être, car il n’y avait plus d’effet de surprise et que je connaissais déjà bien l’univers. Mais heureusement, cela change, notamment à partir de l’instant où le Peuple des Rennes se met en route pour le Cataclysme.
Au fil du récit, j’ai eu quelques soupçons concernant un personnage en particulier et il s’est avéré que j’avais vu juste. Par contre, pas mal d’évènements ont réussi à m’étonner et le dénouement est arrivé d’une manière bien différente de celle que j’attendais. J’ai été très agréablement surprise !
En ce qui concerne les protagonistes, j’ai constaté une réelle évolution. Pas seulement Tillu, mais aussi, et surtout Kerleu, Heckram et tout un tas d’autres. Chacun change, que ce soit en bien ou en mal et affirmera sa position au sein du clan. Kerleu est un personnage que j’avais trouvé assez déroutant, qui me mettait même un peu mal à l’aise par moments. Il a réellement changé dans ce tome. Il est encore étrange, certes, mais il grandit à sa façon. Il devient même étonnamment lucide et presque charismatique.
La plume de l’auteur est toujours aussi agréable, addictive et magique. Elle nous emporte une fois de plus dans son univers et a la faculté de nous faire vivre une fabuleuse aventure aux côtés de ses personnages. J’ai ressenti un petit pincement au cœur lorsque j’ai refermé ce livre et que j’ai dû dire adieu au peuple des rennes et a son fantastique environnement. C’est là que je me suis rendu compte que je m’étais vraiment attachée à ce monde et certains protagonistes.
Enfin, parlons de la fin en elle-même. Elle était juste parfaite ! Un peu sanglante et dramatique, pleine de rebondissements et les protagonistes s’épanouissent tous à leur manière. On ne reste pas sur notre faim, le voile est complètement levé, car on possède désormais toutes les clés, les réponses à nos questions. Personnellement, toutes mes attentes ont été comblées !
En résumé, malgré quelques lenteurs eu début du roman, j’ai une fois de plus grandement apprécié mon voyage aux côtés du Peuple des Rennes. Les personnages évoluent comme il le faut, il y a de multiples rebondissements, des meurtres, des trahisons, bref j’ai été tenue en haleine jusqu’au bout et j’ai refermé le livre avec un pincement au cœur ! Je garderai un excellent souvenir de cette saga et vous la conseille fortement !
January 16, 2023
Great read, I feel like the author could spin another ten books out of this world if they wanted to.
Perhaps it’s a little predictable but that didn’t take away from enjoying the journey.
Perhaps it’s a little predictable but that didn’t take away from enjoying the journey.
July 26, 2018
Megan Lindholm or Robin Hobb is one of my favorite authors. I discovered her as Robin Hobb with the Golden Fool, Liveship and Assassin series. So went on a search for her lesser known out-of-print books like this one. It took a couple of years to find both Reindeer People and Wolf's Brother.
Both books are very beautifully descriptive and full of incredible words I never heard of that I joyfully looked up. If a reader is interested in herbal medicine, these books are a delight. Both books are set in an ancient time where there are healers, shamans, nomadic tribes and a need to just survive.
Tillu is a healer and an outsider with a son who is not like other boys. At times, he is seen by the others as a "half-wit" while an Shaman sees more. The books are about the healer, her son and the people she encounters. The blurb is both books describe them as having magic within the plot whereas it is much more like mystical than magic. There are no spells or potions.
Some of Lindholm's paragraphs of these mystical experiences are rather convoluted and confusing. I am not sure if those parts were supposed to be like that because of the mysticism or not. Let the reader decide.
I enjoyed both books and wish there would be a third. It is unlikely, since these were published in the 1980s and are out of print in the US. One negative note, the covers of both books are misleading and a poor depiction of the plots, but that is the fault of the publisher not the author.
Both books are very beautifully descriptive and full of incredible words I never heard of that I joyfully looked up. If a reader is interested in herbal medicine, these books are a delight. Both books are set in an ancient time where there are healers, shamans, nomadic tribes and a need to just survive.
Tillu is a healer and an outsider with a son who is not like other boys. At times, he is seen by the others as a "half-wit" while an Shaman sees more. The books are about the healer, her son and the people she encounters. The blurb is both books describe them as having magic within the plot whereas it is much more like mystical than magic. There are no spells or potions.
Some of Lindholm's paragraphs of these mystical experiences are rather convoluted and confusing. I am not sure if those parts were supposed to be like that because of the mysticism or not. Let the reader decide.
I enjoyed both books and wish there would be a third. It is unlikely, since these were published in the 1980s and are out of print in the US. One negative note, the covers of both books are misleading and a poor depiction of the plots, but that is the fault of the publisher not the author.
September 15, 2018
I was disappointed by this one, compared to the first. I enjoyed the first one, although it wasn't fantastic it was entertaining enough. I felt this second and last part of the story just... it was melodramatic and a bit cheesy. I still liked the description of the way of life and the story had a good pace, but it just seemed as if the author did not care a whole lot about the story and characters and just wanted it finished. The ending was weak and too many things just didn't add up- too many contradictions and discrepansies. I get so annoyed when characters keep going back and forth on what they believe, like There were several such illogical elements and after a while they got on my nerves.
It is one of those stories where you should not think too much about it, because then it starts to fall apart.
It is one of those stories where you should not think too much about it, because then it starts to fall apart.
May 18, 2014
...This reread was an interesting experience for me. I can't really remember disliking so many things about this novel. Wolf's Brother is still a decent read but the climax of the novel is so full of melodrama that it's hard to take it serious. Although endings do not appear to be Lindholm's, and most certainly not Hobb's, forte, I felt this one was probably the weakest she has delivered. My reaction to this novel caught me by surprise. The first book in this duology was more or less what I remembered it to be. This one isn't. I guess my taste has developed a bit in the past twelve or so years (or maybe a bit longer, the Dutch edition I read back then was published in 2000) since I last read them. It makes me wonder how some of the other stuff I read back then holds up. Still, if you like prehistoric fiction, you could do a lot worse than these two books. I enjoyed them in a way, just not as much as I did the first time around.
Full Random Comments review
Full Random Comments review
March 19, 2017
This book I was about to put down 60% into it. As is usual with Robin Hobb the characters are absolutely awesome. That is what really draws me into her books. But nothing seems to happen.
And that was exactly the case with this book. It just seemed to be plodding along a little bit. There was a lot of navel-gazing with the characters and reflection. Luckily the characters are so likeable I kept reading. By the time I got to 85% in the action was non stop. And really well executed conclusion. All the characters got what they deserved. And it was a great series. Shame there is only two of them.
And that was exactly the case with this book. It just seemed to be plodding along a little bit. There was a lot of navel-gazing with the characters and reflection. Luckily the characters are so likeable I kept reading. By the time I got to 85% in the action was non stop. And really well executed conclusion. All the characters got what they deserved. And it was a great series. Shame there is only two of them.
May 14, 2025
L'heure du départ pour le Cataclysme est arrivé, Tillu, Kerleu et Carp se joignent donc à la caravane. Kerleu apprends à devenir Nadj (chaman) pour le peuple des Rennes durant le voyage avec Carp. Tillu se sent esseulée sans son fils qui est gardé par Carp, mais elle fait la connaissance de Kari, la fille du maître des hardes. Ce voyage, qui semble paisible au début, est finalement semé de péripéties... Et une fois arrivé au Cataclysme tout n'est pas résolu... Tillu et Kerleu vont-ils réussir à être apprécié et accueilli dans la harde ou vont-ils devoir de nouveau s'enfuir pour trouver une autre tribu?
December 26, 2016
OK, a fantastic book - helped by the fact that the previous book was mainly a setup for this (almost whole book) climax.
So Kerlew and his Mum Tillu have joined the Reindeer folk, but have been joined by the evil shaman Carp who chased them all the way across the forests. The book is filled with tension as Carp (and his new minion Joboam) spread their evil influence and cause suffering for Tillu...
There is a fantastic climax when they reach the ice-cliffs and Kerlew finally puts all the puzzle pieces together - I was cheering when justice was finally done :)
So Kerlew and his Mum Tillu have joined the Reindeer folk, but have been joined by the evil shaman Carp who chased them all the way across the forests. The book is filled with tension as Carp (and his new minion Joboam) spread their evil influence and cause suffering for Tillu...
There is a fantastic climax when they reach the ice-cliffs and Kerlew finally puts all the puzzle pieces together - I was cheering when justice was finally done :)
March 25, 2023
I read this in a day, it’s only 230 odd pages, so not a huge book, but a decent amount happens. Very good conclusion. not everything In life is a happy ending and this book reflects that to a certain point. Ties together nicely.
March 20, 2024
Ce roman est la suite de "Le peuple des rennes" et il conclut le cycle du peuple des rennes. Rappelons que Megan Lindholm n'est autre que Robin Hobb dont j'ai déjà parlé par ailleurs pour plusieurs romans. Cette histoire date de 1988 et si ce n'est pas sa meilleure, elle reste tout de même d'une grande qualité.
Tillu la guerisseuse a fuit la tribu de Bénu pour échapper à Carp le chaman qui voulait prendre son fils Kerleu comme apprenti et elle comme épouse. Elle est donc partie vers le nord avec son fils si différent qu'il suscite les quolibets de tous, voire le dégoût. Sa rencontre avec Heckram va changer sa vie car il ne rejette pas Kerleu et lui propose même d'intégrer le peuple des rennes, sa tribu. Alors que Tillu croit que tout va aller mieux, Ella, la compagne d'Heckram est sauvagement assassinée et Carp surgit pour à nouveau réclamer Kerleu. Entre Capiam, le maître des hardes pusillanime, Joboam le brutal et Carp le cruel, la vie ne sera pas rose, mais tout va changer quand ils seront au Cataclysme...
Comme à son habitude, Robin Hobb construit des personnages riches, attachants qui semblent si réels qu'on a l'impression de les cotoyer, même quand leur univers est si éloigné du notre. Je me suis endormi juste après l'avoir achevé et j'ai passé ma nuit auprès du peuple des rennes. Rien que ça indique à quel point le roman est une réussite.
Tillu la guerisseuse a fuit la tribu de Bénu pour échapper à Carp le chaman qui voulait prendre son fils Kerleu comme apprenti et elle comme épouse. Elle est donc partie vers le nord avec son fils si différent qu'il suscite les quolibets de tous, voire le dégoût. Sa rencontre avec Heckram va changer sa vie car il ne rejette pas Kerleu et lui propose même d'intégrer le peuple des rennes, sa tribu. Alors que Tillu croit que tout va aller mieux, Ella, la compagne d'Heckram est sauvagement assassinée et Carp surgit pour à nouveau réclamer Kerleu. Entre Capiam, le maître des hardes pusillanime, Joboam le brutal et Carp le cruel, la vie ne sera pas rose, mais tout va changer quand ils seront au Cataclysme...
Comme à son habitude, Robin Hobb construit des personnages riches, attachants qui semblent si réels qu'on a l'impression de les cotoyer, même quand leur univers est si éloigné du notre. Je me suis endormi juste après l'avoir achevé et j'ai passé ma nuit auprès du peuple des rennes. Rien que ça indique à quel point le roman est une réussite.
June 29, 2020
Sequel and conclusion to _The Reindeer People_.
Tillu, the Healer, has joined herself to the herdfolk. So has the repulsive najd (shaman) Carp, who has claimed Tillu's son, Kerlew, as his apprentice.
The herdfolk begin their annual migration to the Cataclysm - an area of torn and tossed stone where the various herd tribes gather. But along the way, Kerlew gets separated from the group, and finds a mystical place, the Seite, a raised stone with various shamanic markings on it. But he is alone at night, and meets a pack of wolves. He has chosen Wolf as his token, but...
Heckram of the herdfolk, who loves both Tillu and Kerlew, has a run-in with the herdfolk's bully, Joboam...to whom Carp has, for some reason, allied himself....
The wife and son of the headman, Capiam, become mysteriously sick, in ways that Tillu can't seem to heal, but Capiam makes the herd push on to the Cataclysm...
Capiam's daughter, Kari, begs Tillu to help her escape an arranged marriage she doesn't want...
Tragedies befall.
The characters are the heart of the story, and they feel and live and breath and hurt and the reader feels and hurts with them. They also grow and learn.
Lindholm is a fine craftsperson and these books are excellent samples of her work.
Tillu, the Healer, has joined herself to the herdfolk. So has the repulsive najd (shaman) Carp, who has claimed Tillu's son, Kerlew, as his apprentice.
The herdfolk begin their annual migration to the Cataclysm - an area of torn and tossed stone where the various herd tribes gather. But along the way, Kerlew gets separated from the group, and finds a mystical place, the Seite, a raised stone with various shamanic markings on it. But he is alone at night, and meets a pack of wolves. He has chosen Wolf as his token, but...
Heckram of the herdfolk, who loves both Tillu and Kerlew, has a run-in with the herdfolk's bully, Joboam...to whom Carp has, for some reason, allied himself....
The wife and son of the headman, Capiam, become mysteriously sick, in ways that Tillu can't seem to heal, but Capiam makes the herd push on to the Cataclysm...
Capiam's daughter, Kari, begs Tillu to help her escape an arranged marriage she doesn't want...
Tragedies befall.
The characters are the heart of the story, and they feel and live and breath and hurt and the reader feels and hurts with them. They also grow and learn.
Lindholm is a fine craftsperson and these books are excellent samples of her work.
July 5, 2025
Stayed up late to read this until I fell asleep and woke up early to finish it... Ugh I love Lindholm/Hobb's writing so much. A lot of seeds of the later Realm of the Elderlings are here (including hyper realistic body horror, animal magic, death by parasitic larvae...) and such a cool, unique premise done well. The struggles the female characters experienced in both patriarchical and more "egalitarian" societies were painfully relatable.The setting and feminist message is truly unique for 80s fantasy and even holds its own today.
Also, way more steamy/romantic than RoTE, lol.
Random nitpick - The blurb for book 1 bills this series as set in prehistoric North America - sorry, what?? Reindeer herding nomads? Pretty sure this is based on Northern European peoples and not Inuit.
Anyway, back to the real world now I guess.
Also, way more steamy/romantic than RoTE, lol.
Random nitpick - The blurb for book 1 bills this series as set in prehistoric North America - sorry, what?? Reindeer herding nomads? Pretty sure this is based on Northern European peoples and not Inuit.
Anyway, back to the real world now I guess.
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