The Whispering Mountain

GoldenEars #1

by Jane H. Wood

Mira lay deep inside her den, nuzzling her newborn pups. As the weeks pass, the unusual appearance of two of her offspring grows more pronounced and with that, the pack’s behaviour changes. A strangeness hangs in the air, compounding the onlookers’ superstitions. As fear turns to aggression, Joel, the alpha male, is forced to assert his dominance and defend his family…

Edmund Rainer is on vacation with his dad in the forest, when he discovers the little body of a wolf pup. Carrying him back to the cabin, Edmund rescues the pup, fascinated with his beautiful ears. A friendship blossoms between the two, but when a devastating storm propels them on an extraordinary journey, they must use their instincts to survive the hidden dangers lurking in the forest.

Unwittingly, Edmund becomes embroiled in the treachery revolving around the young pup and his life becomes increasingly under threat as he tries to protect GoldenEars from harm.

Genres: Animals, Family Drama, Coming Of Age, Fiction

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2019

About the author

Jane H Wood, is an international multi-award-winning author. Born in the UK, Jane enjoys reading, creative art, and photography. Jane is an animal rights advocate and environmentalist.

Welcome to my world of enchanting animal adventure stories - for all ages.

Stikki the Squirrel: Tree Spirits, book two.
5 Star Review from Readers' Favorite.
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...

Gold Book Award-Winner - The Literary Titan- March 6th, 2026.
Link to my interview:
https://wp.me/p3cyvH-Naa

Stikki the Squirrel, book one.
“Finalist Winner” in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2024/25
The list of Finalist Winners:
https://www.thewsa.co.uk/finalists2024/
Gold Book Award Winner - Literary Titan- January 2nd 2026.
5 Star Review by the Literary Titan:
https://wp.me/p3cyvH-Ggy
Stikki the Squirrel, Silver, Recommended Read Award Winner.
https://authorshout.com/2024-reader-r...
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Star Review from: Readers’ Favorite https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...

GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls #2
“Recommended Read” Award Winner in Author Shout’s 2022 Book Contest.
https://authorshout.com/2022-reader-r...
A recent review found on NetGalley.co.uk
Review of: GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls.
Awarded ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewer: Aishling K
https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/2250...
GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls#2.
5 Star Review and Emblem Winner Awarded by Stellar Media Club.
Awarded ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Review from Readers’ Favorite https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...

GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain #1
Silver, Recommended Read Award Winner 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Review: Readers’ Favorite https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
5 Star Review and Emblem Winner by Awarded by Stellar Media Club.

Animal fiction adventure. Middle grade to adult readers.
For the love of wolves and thrilling heartwarming stories.

Stikki the Squirrel: Tree Spirits, book two.
Join Stikki the Squirrel on his second exciting adventure.
For children aged 8 - 12 years and upwards.
Fun, mystery and excitement with a sprinkling of magic awaits your reading pleasure.

Reviews

[Amanda Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

GoldenEars book 1 - The Whispering Mountain is a delightful book for all ages. It tells the story of a family of wolves and it is written with them as the main characters.
With the descriptions of the the two wolves and their young family in the Canadian Northwest, I was completely engaged in the story of their lives and of the dangers they are faced with each and every day - from the elements, other wolves, bears and, worst of all, humans.
Along comes Edmund, a troubled youth on a trip with his father and a friend and he finds one of the wolf pups, saves him and names him Golden Ears. The pair form a deep bond that nothing can break.
But Golden Ears is special. Not only does he amaze and, in some cases, disgust the other wolves with his attachment to this human.
The story is also about man's encroachment into the wilds and how it is to the detriment of the animals who have called it their home. Sadly, there is now way to stop this advancement and maybe some day, through education and acknowledgement that they have a right to be there too, will humans and animals reach a peaceful agreement. I hope so.
The moral story - which I agree wholeheartedly with - is important and is a vital part of this beautiful book and I loved it.

[Jane Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain #1.
Selected for, “Recommended Read,” Award in Author Shout’s 2022 Book Contest.

5 Star Reviews by Readers’ Favorite.

For the love of wolves. It is my dearest wish that who ever reads this beautiful, heartwarming story, loves it as much as I do. A story of friendship and trust that exists between a teenage boy and a wild wolf pup. A special wolf with golden ears. Stunning GoldenEars.

Follow the story in book two: GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls.
Selected for, “Recommended Read,” Award in Author Shout’s 2022 Book Contest.

[Khira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully nostalgic read for me, bringing back memories of reading books by authors like Gerald Durrell as a kid, with love for the animal world shining through on every page. The Whispering Mountain is a YA novel that follows the stories of Kegg, a wolf cub with golden hairs around his ears, and a boy called Edmund, who form an unusual and strong friendship. The book intertwines the human perspective and the perspective of the wolf packs, following the conflicts in various family relationships and the harrowing adventures along the way as both Kegg and Edmund grow up and find their place in the world.

The strongest theme in the book is the conflict between humans and wolves, with a very clear message of understanding and protecting the animal world. There is also a little bit of a mystical theme throughout the story, which adds more depth and interest to the book (and which I suspect is explored further in the second book in the series). I would recommend this book for any YA readers who enjoy exploring the animal world and particularly the lives of wolves.

[Lexy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming adventure. This is a book full of joy, drama and digs deep into the bonds that a person can form with an animal. The writing is so atmospheric, you’ll fell one with the wolves and you’ll love every second of it.

Thank you, netgalley.

[Carole Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really didn't know what to expect when I began this book as I usually read purely human stories. I can only say I was hooked from the very beginning with the wonderful descriptive setting of lush forests, fast flowing rivers, and the closeness of the wolf family this book focuses on. Honest portrayals of how the animals struggle to survive through the different seasons with the varying supply of prey animals, sometimes plentiful and at other times sparse. I was fully transfixed and happy getting to know the wolf characters and then when the humans were introduced into the story with their realistic problems typical of many families, it entered a whole new level.

Edmund, a typical, unpredictable sixteen-year-old was impulsive and hot-headed, acting before thinking things through. Driven to impulsiveness with the need to protect the young wolf pup he had grown to love. yes, I wanted to reprimand him for his foolishness in putting his life in danger so many times. He had a lot to learn about the wilderness he found himself in, but his unwavering enthusiasm for his adopted wolf was admirable.

I was swept along with the speed of events and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I could really see it as an animated film and think the author has done a brilliant job with her style of writing. This is the first one in the series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Call Of The Wild For A New Generation

The story starts of with Mira giving birth to pups and attempting to hide from hunters. One of the pups, Kegg, eventually meets a human boy called Edmund who rescues him from drowning and takes him in. And that is the beginning of a blossoming friendship between boy and wolf but there are some impediments, both of human and animal nature, that is set to test this friendship. And Mother Nature herself may have the final word in it as well. This is slightly reminiscent of Jack London’s White Fang stories. The story is nicely written and I noticed the not so subtle little message that humans are destroying animal habitats like the wolves. There was a slight like supernatural element near the end and I am keen to learn more about Goldenears and his human, Edmund.

[Karen Inkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended read!

Story of a lone family of wolves who, in order to protect their precious pup, venture out to survive the world alone facing many dangers and some suprises.
A wonderful, heart warming tale that emphasises both the love and hate between humans and wolves. This book is beautifully written, with strong, well developed characters and action throughout that keeps you turning those pages. The author has shown immense skill for her debut book and has written a story that can be enjoyed by all ages. I'll definitely be reading the follow on. Great Job!

[Marcia Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an unusual read for me as I’m not a lover of fantasy. However, that said, I enjoyed this story and was soon drawn into it. The tale is written partly from the perspective of a wolf family, and partly from that of Edmund Rainer, a sixteen-year-old boy. Mira and Joel are parents to a new litter of wolf cubs, and within a few weeks, it becomes apparent that two of their offspring have an unusual appearance with golden ears which droop. The other wolves are suspicious of the two young brothers and their fear turns to aggression. Edmund’s father decides a camping holiday in the forests of Canada is just what his son needs to toughen him up, but Edmund is not so keen and joins his father reluctantly on the trip. However, when Edmund rescues Kegg, one of the wolf pups with golden ears, from drowning in the river, an unusual bond grows between them. The story is well-written and is a journey of danger, adventure and love.

[Courtney Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane captures wolf characteristics so well in her writing. This book was a delight to read. I look forward to more of her future books!

[Susanne Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

GoldenEars is a lovely read geared toward the YA audience. Breaking out of that nutshell, however, let me emphasize the book involves much more than that simple assessment. Well-researched and well-written, the book is the story of a young man named Edmund, trying to find himself and his purpose as young people do. On a weeks-long camping trip in the wilds of Alberta, Canada, Edmund develops an unlikely friendship with a runt wolf pup named Kegg — with odd golden tips on his ears — and it changes his life. One of my favorite aspects of this book is the alternating perspective between the wolves and the humans. Reading in the voices of the pack enriched the story in a brilliant way.
While any YA reader who loves animals and nature will enjoy this book, adult readers will enjoy it too and appreciate the firm stance it takes on nature conservation, wildlife preservation, and ecological thinking. Jane Wood, the author, recently released a follow-up to GoldenEars and I will definitely be adding it to my reading list.

[KD Sherrinford. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book and the other two in the author's series for my grandchildren, but I ended up reading "The Whispering Mountain" myself after my granddaughter Emily raved about how good the story was. These were wise words from a ten-year-old.
Emily is right, of course. The book is beautifully written. I love how the author effortlessly interacts with the human characters and animals in this enthralling, well-crafted tale that will entertain adults and children alike.
I highly recommend Golden Ears and The Whispering Mountain.

[Joni Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review

Basic Details:
Book Title: The Whispering Mountain
Subtitle: (GoldenEars #1)
Author: Jane H. Wood
Genre: Literature and Fiction/Young Adult
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Meet Myra and her young pups. Two of her litter are afflicted with golden, droopy ears, and are ostracised by the the rest of the pack.
Edmond is a teenage boy, who is asked to join his father and a friend to a remote cabin. But what teenager wants to leave the conveniences of modern life behind. When he then gets pressurised to join the adults in hunting, he refuses and stays behind. His chance meeting with the pup, and the rescue that follows sets a whole new chain of events in motion.
What I liked about the book:
The book is well-written and action-filled.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
The entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, the first in a series. I can’t wait to read the second book, too.
What books could this be compared to and why?
A story about the link between a young boy and a wild wolf. It’s a great nature story.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes

If you like stories about the wilderness and the link between human and wild animals, with lots of action, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Mira lay deep inside her den, nuzzling her newborn pups. As the weeks pass, the unusual appearance of two of her offspring grows more pronounced and with that, the pack’s behaviour changes. A strangeness hangs in the air, compounding the onlookers’ superstitions. As fear turns to aggression, Joel, the alpha male, is forced to assert his dominance and defend his family…

Edmund Rainer is on vacation with his dad in the forest, when he discovers the little body of a wolf pup. Carrying him back to the cabin, Edmund rescues the pup, fascinated with his beautiful ears. A friendship blossoms between the two, but when a devastating storm propels them on an extraordinary journey, they must use their instincts to survive the hidden dangers lurking in the forest.

Unwittingly, Edmund becomes embroiled in the treachery revolving around the young pup and his life becomes increasingly under threat as he tries to protect GoldenEars from harm.
About the Author:
Jane H Wood, is an award-winning, multi-genre author. Born in the UK, Jane enjoys reading, creative art, and photography. Jane is an animal rights advocate and environmentalist.

GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls #2
“Recommended Read” Award Winner in Author Shout’s 2022 Book Contest.
Fiction-animals, Literary fiction, Mystery, Family-drama. Friendships.
https://authorshout.com/2022-reader-r...

This is a recent review found on NetGalley.co.uk
Review of: GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls.
Awarded ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewer: Aishling K
https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/2250...

GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain #1
“Recommended Read” Award Winner in Author Shout’s 2022 Book Contest.

GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls#2.
5 Star Review and Emblem Winner Awarded by Stellar Media Club.

Awarded 5 Star Review: https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...


5 Star Review: https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
“The Whispering Mountain ( GoldenEars #1 )”
Animal fiction adventure. Middle grade to adult readers.
For the love of wolves. Heartwarming and thrilling.

[Robert Appleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wolf cub and a teenage boy form an unlikely bond in this action-packed tale that explores the perilous plight of wolves in 1970s Canada. It’s told from both animal and human points of view. Author Jane H Wood tries to blend the savage reality of a Jack London story with a wholesome coming-of-age narrative for the whole family. It works well because she’s fully invested in her characters, and has a knack for making them sympathetic for the reader.

The story opens with Joel, the alpha of a pack of grey wolves, and his mate, Mira, who’s nursing her four young cubs, forced into exile by a vicious rebellion. Two of the cubs have unusual golden hair on their ears, which echoes an ancient myth among wolf-kind. A bitter relative uses superstition to foment fear of these “freaks” in the hope that it will persuade others to help him kill them. Joel and Mira must fight to keep their youngsters alive until they can find safe new territory.

Meanwhile, moody teenager Edmund is hating his vacation in the great outdoors with his dad. That is, until he happens upon one of the lost cubs, Kegg, whom he nicknames GoldenEars. The two develop a quick bond that grows into a deep, lasting friendship. They pine for one another when they’re apart, and Edmund eventually enrols as a trainee ranger so he can be close to his beloved wolf pal. But there are malign forces closing in on the pack, and wolves and rangers alike will have to face some very tough choices.

The story is so incident-packed it leaves the reader breathless. Encounters with bears, rival wolf packs, hunters, and various other perils ensures it’s never dull. But the action is not hollow. Ms. Wood keeps the stakes high and the tension intimate, so we feel the characters’ dread and fury and loss and love alongside them. Nature is brutal, and no one is safe here. It’s an emotional rollercoaster for Kegg and his family. Edmund hops aboard partway through, but has no idea how much it’s going to affect him. His bond with GoldenEars proves pivotal in the larger context of wolves and humans.

It's a gripping read full of poignant moments and shocking bursts of savagery. There are plenty of heartwarming scenes, but just as many, if not more, that remind the reader how appalling animals and humans can be. It’s this contrast (and unpredictability) that I feel gives The Whispering Mountain an edge over the typical human-meets-animal adventure. The only element I think could use a little more finessing is the dialogue, which is clunky at times. But the other elements are so well done that they make up for it. Ms. Wood takes the story in an unexpected direction in the dramatic finale, which I liked. It also sets up a sequel, which sounds promising.

Overall, I can highly recommended this one.

[Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The grey wolves Mira and her mate Joel are awaiting the birth of their new pups, males Tke, Glyth and Kegg and female Skeena. Both Glyth and Kegg have different and unusual ears - which tilt and droop towards their eyes and has golden hairs. Joel was an alpha male who leads the wolf pack.

The wolf family goes through a lot if trouble including the life-threatening weather, illegal hunters and their own wolf pack who expel them when they refuse to allow both Kegg and Glyth to be killed because of their golden ears which they thought was the reason for the failure of spring return of their prey.

When their family is attacked by their own pack, Glyth is injured at his hop joint. Expelled by the pack, the homeless wolf family find themselves in a much dangerous situations and could only move slowly due to injured Glyth.

Edmund Rainer, a 15 year old boy, develops an extraordinary bonding with Kegg, a 6 month old wolf whom he saved from drowning. He calls Kegg GoldenEars due to the unusual golden hairs on his ears. But he is unable to rescuciate the larger pup Glyth but he hid his body from predators before he and GoldenEars move to the wilderness cabin rented by his family.

The wolf family and the Rainers go through life-threatening weather , while Edmund is injured by stepping into the bear trap.

Will Edmund be able to escape unharmed?
What will happen to Glyth?
Will Glyth and GoldenEars reunite with their family?

There arises so many questions but you need to read the book to get the answers.

The fear and loathing towards wolves by humans is very well depicted in this story. Everyone irrespective of young or old can learn something from this story. It shows us how strong the bond between man and animal could be.

The narration of the story and the wolf characteristics are very neatly described. The writing is simple and easy to understand. If you love wolf stories then you will definitely love this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from the beginning till end. I liked the character of Kegg very much and the bonding Edmund and Kegg share is adorable.

I definitely recommend this book for everyone.

Disclaimer : I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for mg honest review. The above is my honest opinion of what I felt while reading the book and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Iseult Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

I love wolves and I was excited to read this book.

The author also obviously loves wolves and is passionate about ending hunting, which I loved. Therefore I was very disappointed that, despite her obvious research, she based her wolves on the erroneous dominance pack theory that was concocted in 1947 from watching unrelated wolves held captive in a zoo. Not only did this theory discount the nuanced and complex interactions of captive wolves, it had no bearing on wild wolves, which live in family groups.

I enjoyed this book when it focused on Kegg and his family growing up in the wilderness. The bonds between the pups and their parents were well described, and I liked how the author showed the beauty of nature as well as the brutality of it.

I loved Edmund when he was first introduced. His love of sketching and disapproval of hunting made him an interesting character, and I loved how he cared for and bonded with Kegg. His magical connection with Kegg was interesting, but I was disappointed that it didn’t lead him to having a great connection to nature. Instead, he turned into a selfish and stupid character, repeatedly putting himself and others into danger as he pursued ‘his’ wolf. He acted more like a spoilt 10 year old than a 16 year old.

I was also extremely disappointed that the author depicted wolves killing humans. There were no humans killed by wild wolves in North America in the 20th century. Hunting and hatred for wolves is a complex matter, and I was disappointed that she continually portrayed wolves as despotic killers, including human killers, just like those who dislike wolves claim them to be.

I also found the constant change of point of view - head hopping from one character to another and then into omniscient narration all within a couple of paragraphs - extremely distracting.

This book had great potential, and I believe was very well intentioned, and I enjoyed part of it, but unfortunately I was disappointed in it as it progressed and I struggled to finish it.

[Bernard Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolves are one of my favorite animals, so it’s not surprising that this book sucked me into a whirlpool of emotions in which it kept me until the very end.

GoldenEars is one of the most emotional, passionate, and educational animal fiction books I have read in years, even decades. Wonderfully written, this debut novel has ranked Jane H Wood among the authors who have a voice, passion to inflame others, and dedication and commitment to her beliefs.

GoldenEars is a wild, raw, savage, cold, and brutal story. But it is also tender, caring, beautiful, dreamy, warm, moving, fervent, and heartwarming. The flow of my tears I couldn’t stop is the best proof of that. Those were not sad or happy tears. Well, maybe a little. Those were tears because your heart was full and your whole being trembled from the strength of the written word. Tears that connected you with the story, its protagonists, nature.

If I were a wolf, I would howl instead of cry. Maybe I will practice my howling one day alone in the wild, away from the noise of this world. What I can do now, though, is give a loud shout-out (or howl) to everyone involved in wolf protection, either through the wolf protection programs or by spreading the word or writing a novel, like Jane did.

It is crucial to understand that wolves belong to our world. They are here with their role in the natural order of things, with their right to exist and live. Conflicts between wolves and humans happen because we invaded their habitats and took their wilderness for ourselves to make it economically valuable, destroying it. We (humans) hunt wolves not because they are dangerous but because of profit. We are the ones who cornered them, banished them, pushed them to the verge of extermination. To protect these magnificent animals, please support your local wildlife organizations not run by hunters but those who carry animal protection and rights in their hearts.

Read and review this book and spread the word about it. Each new person who better understands wolves raises the chances of their survival. Is this enough of recommendation for you?

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book aimed at young adults, but equally readable for those somewhat older, GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain tells the story of a wolf pack in the Canadian forests, combined with the story of a human family which crosses paths with the wolves.

When Joel and Mira, alpha wolves exiled from their former pack, take refuge with their cubs in a forest hut, the stage is set for wolf cub Kegg to meet with Edmund, a troubled young man who’s a reluctant participant in a hunting trip with his father and a friend. The young pair bond, and through their relationship the two sides of the human-wolf conflict are set out. The wolf family is trying to live and find food, whereas the human farmers and hunters who have made their homes in wolf territory fear them, and are bent on their destruction—as do the wolves of Joel’s old pack, who would persecute them and kill the cubs. Uneasily spanning the divide are the forest rangers, humans dedicated to the protection and preservation of the wolves, although needing to keep the local human population on-side. Hence there are good wolves and bad wolves, good humans and bad humans, to help create a fair division of the story for both sides of the argument.

It's an educational piece, for which author Jane H Wood uses the necessary device of anthropomorphism of the wolves, to the extent of giving them mystical beliefs and their own mythology, to validate the fear held by the other wolves of Kegg’s difference to themselves. It works well, helps highlight the dangers to both wolves and humans of the wilderness, including attacks by bears.

A delightful tale, well-told, leading towards the second book in the series, GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls.

[Aaron Goodall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read a book where the main characters are animals, so I was immediately drawn in to GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain due it being such an unusual premise. Mira and Joel were really intriguing to get to know early on, and I enjoyed GoldenEars’s raw, desperate, desolate journey to find safety for himself. Together with the relationship with Edmund, this really makes for a fascinating read.

I really think that Jane H Wood’s talent really shines in her use of description throughout the book. The location of remote Canadian mountains is breathtakingly described, and everything has an earthy, natural sort of feel to it. The snow descriptions actually made me feel cold, so much so that I had to put on a jacket, which is something I have never done whilst reading a book. With so much emphasis placed on the natural world, you really start to see it as a sense of beauty, despite the difficulties and heartache of Mira and Joel and the rest of the wolf-pack family. The message that this book left for me was how fragile our wildlife really is and just why we should protect it.

I did sometimes feel like the author tried too hard to give the wolves human characteristics. Although it didn’t take too much away from my overall enjoyment of the book, I found myself thinking, would a wolf really think/act in this way? Is this just a human response to the situation but being acted out by a wolf? Would a real life wolf act this way?

This is a great opening book to the series and I hope to read the second one soon. And after that I hope to read more by Jane H Wood.

[James Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

GoldenEars is a story that will warm your heart as you become immersed in a wonderful tale about a teen’s bond with a young wolf pup who becomes separated from his pack when the wolves consider his unusual ears and coloring not only different but a bad omen, even with the acceptance and love of the pup’s family.
Edmund accompanies his dad on an extended trip to commune with nature when he befriends Kegg, a young wolf pup who is struggling to stay alive while alone in nature. An enduring bond between the two evolves and the story flows beautifully as Kegg grows strong under Edmund’s care and Edmund learns to appreciate the wonders of nature.
The story is told through the eyes of Kegg’s parents as they desperately search for their lost pup and through the eyes of Edmund as he eventually realizes that his place in the world is to help humans understand the nature of wolves and their place in the natural world.
This book is beautifully written by author Jane Wood, and it is a story that can be enjoyed by young teens and adults alike. There is also a valuable lesson intertwined about protecting wildlife and that all creatures have a part to play in nature.
I enjoyed the book very much and highly recommend it as an entertaining and educational read.

[D.R. Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming well-written adventure story of the grey wolves and their everyday life struggles in the picturesque but harsh Canadian wilderness. A young man lacking certainty in himself and his future befriends a young injured but special wolf pup with golden ears and their lives become intertwined in their fight for understanding and freedom.

The author not only has developed strong human characters but her love for the wolves allows her to capture their determination to survive by giving them a believable voice to plead their case. Young or old one cannot but become enthralled with Joel and his family’s plight for survival not only in the wilderness but defying the humans who wish to destroy them because of their lack of understanding of the wolves.

The story is riveting and will leave you wanting to know more. Now it is up to all you readers to join Joel and Edmund on their life adventure in the Canadian wilderness. Beginning with GoldenEars; The Whispering Mountains followed by the upcoming GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls (GoldenEars, #2).

This is a review for an Amazon paperback and bought on Amazon. I have enjoyed this book and recommend it no matter your age.

[Tracey Gerrard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing Story!
Golden Ears is a beautiful, heart-warming story set in the Northern Territories of Canada and told from the wolves POV and Edmunds a young teenage boy.
Joel, Mira and their four pups, Tuke, Skeena, Glyth and Kegg are trying to survive not only in the harsh wilderness but also against the dangers which come from humans, bears and rival wolf packs.
Edmund reluctantly joins his father and friend on a camping trip. He’s a quiet lad who shows no interest in the outdoors. That is until disaster happens.
When Edmund finds Kegg a wolf pup with unusual ears, drowning in the river, he nurses him back to health and between them they strike up a bond. The connection between them grows stronger, (a spiritual connection) as the story unfolds.
This is an incredible story, which takes you on a journey full of adventure, danger and friendship. I was engrossed from the beginning to the end. Highly recommended.

[Katherine Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story about wolves in North America, their lives and habitat—and the brutality they face and inflict. I like the way the author very gently and subtly gets across a bias for anti-hunting. As an animal lover, it was nice to read, though I have no triggers about it, it’s just a story.

Two pups from a little of four are born differently. The herds are moving early due to deforestation and lack of habitat... and the golden two are a bad omen leading to more hardship. They split the pack.

A big part of this book was the anthropomorphism of the pack. The author used the wolves’ human dialogue and thoughts well. The vivid descriptions and imaginative storytelling transport you to the heart of Whispering Mountain, and the adventure when humans are introduced into the wilderness. The narrative is gripping and heartfelt, and Edmund’s blossoming teenage self-discovery adds extra layers of depth to the narrative. The sense of place is well-crafted and the nature and landscape is as important as the characters.

Both humans and Canidae are fully developed, their relationships combine with the story's broader themes of courage and sometimes stupidity. Magical realism and human experience make the book a great read for people who enjoy animal stories. It's a cracking adventure.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping Tale of Man and Nature - A Must Read for Everyone!

An entertaining and page-turning adventure book for all ages. Jane Wood enchants the reader with thrilling, fast-moving scenes and vivid descriptions.

“Golden Ears.. “ is a fictional “behind-the-scenes” look at the lives of wolf packs is made more poignant by experiencing much of the story through the eyes of the animals.

This is a heartwarming and sometimes terrifying story that should open readers’ minds and hearts to the plight of the wolves caught in a continuous vicious cycle as they struggle to survive in a world where humans are encroaching on their territory.

Jane Wood’s brilliant writing kept this reader transfixed and made me acutely aware of the importance of supporting those who are protecting our precious wildlife.

[Suzanne Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read for those keen on the wild with a little hint of supernatural

As a young girl I once saw a wolf following sheep in Spain and later I lived for many years within earshot of the wolf enclosure at Whipsnade zoo. Wolves are fascinating creatures and although I never saw them when visiting Canada the author has worked hard to embody their part in the wilderness. Indeed a large part of the story is the enchantment her young hero feels and the empathy he has for one particular wolf. A useful addition to this work might be to have an appendix setting out sources of factual information about wolves in case people want to find out a little more. This is a magical read which I feel would particularly suit many teen readers.

[Sarah Harry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique and heart-warming story about a pack of grey wolves in Canada's Northwest Territories. Unusual and captivating, I was pulled into this story from the beginning, unable to stop reading. This story has been beautifully written, with the world building so realistic you almost feel like you're watching the story play before your eyes.

GoldenEars is unlike anything I've read before and I loved every word of it. We follow Kegg, a pup with an unusual trait, as he bonds with a human after being rescued from the river. Kegg and Edmund's bond pulled at my heartstrings and kept me wanting more. I highly recommend this book to all readers. I can't wait to read book two of this series.

[Beverley Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written.

If I could give this book more stars than five, I would. This story of a sixteen year old boy who rescues an injured wolf cub, and how they built an unbreakable bond of love and trust between themselves.
A story so beautifully told that I found myself picking it back up at every opportunity.
The author is obviously very knowledgeable about wolves and how they live in the wild. In fact, this book is more than just a story, it is also educational. I loved it!
Highly recommended!

[Brigitte Morse-Starkenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love stories about animals you will absolutely adore this story. You can identify with Edmund as he passionately defends his love for the wolf pup he encountered and has formed an inexplicably strong bond with. Hints of some supernatural influences become clear at the end, which makes the story all the more enticing. Parts of the story were seen through the eyes of the wolves which were my absolute favourite. You really get an insight into their lives and I felt completely invested in their plight and adventures. Great for kids and adults!

[Katherine Garst-Doctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly captivating and inspiring. I am not usually one to read a YA book, but I certainly don’t regret taking a chance on this. The world building and attention to detail in this book is incredible. If you are looking for a harrowing tale that will have you in your feelings? This is a great book to read.

[Tamara Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debut novel? I don't think so.
This is a beautifully written book that captivated me and my nephew from the start. (Yes, we read it together and to each other)
Whenever I read about wolves, it always had to do with vampires, so this story was like a breath of fresh air for me.
Kudos to the author because now my nephew is stressing me out to buy book 2.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm thinking kids 5-8th grade are going to enjoy this story great drama, lots of info on wolves, adventure and human/animal bonds. Wonderful tale!

I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.