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Hear the Wolves
Sloan is a hunter.So she shouldn’t be afraid of anything. But ever since her mom left the family and she lost hearing in one ear in a blizzard, it’s been hard to talk to people, and near-impossible to go anywhere or do anything without her dad or big sister within eyesight — it makes her too scared to be on her own.When they leave her home alone for what should only be two nights, she’s already panicked. Then the snow starts falling and doesn’t stop. One of her neighbors is hurt in an accident. And the few people still left in Rusic need to make it to the river and the boat that’s tied there — their only way to get to a doctor from their isolated Alaska town.But the woods are icy cold, and the wolves are hungry. Sloan and her group are running out of food, out of energy, and out of time. That’s when the wolves start hunting them . . .
220 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2017
20 people are currently reading
757 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Scott
13 books2,929 followersVictoria Scott is the author of nine novels. Her books have been YALSA-nominated, appeared on the Spirit of Texas Reading Program, and have received starred reviews - the highest honor - by top literary critics. Her stories have been translated and sold in thirteen countries, and FIRE & FLOOD is currently an Amazon Teacher's Pick.
In 2018, Victoria founded Scribbler, a company that helps aspiring authors write their first book. Scribbler has shipped over 100,000 boxes internationally, grossed millions in revenue, and was featured by BuzzFeed and Good Morning Texas. Victoria holds an MBA, and is currently writing a futuristic thriller. She lives in Dallas, and loves hearing from readers. Find her on IG, Meta, and X under @heytoriscott.
In 2018, Victoria founded Scribbler, a company that helps aspiring authors write their first book. Scribbler has shipped over 100,000 boxes internationally, grossed millions in revenue, and was featured by BuzzFeed and Good Morning Texas. Victoria holds an MBA, and is currently writing a futuristic thriller. She lives in Dallas, and loves hearing from readers. Find her on IG, Meta, and X under @heytoriscott.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
March 28, 2017
What happens when you find yourself desperate enough to brave an Alaskan blizzard on foot in order to reach the town across the river? Sloan and her rag tag crew are about to find out.
Their generators won't last long and one lady desperately needs a doctor. As Sloan and the others set out together, they soon learn that the blistering cold isn't the only thing that may prevent them from reaching their destination. The wolves food source has run out and they are hungry. The journey is longer than they anticipated and with limited food and energy, the wolves only have to bide their time and wait for the perfect moment to strike.
I was literally on the edge of my seat through Sloan's journey. I couldn't wait to turn each page and see what happened next but also terrified to find out who wouldn't make it through. Victoria Scott did a wonderful job setting up the atmosphere and conveying the dire consequences the characters are in. Everything felt so realistic - these characters are running for their lives and I felt like I was right alongside them, scared out of my mind.
Hear the Wolves is the first middle grade book that I've enjoyed in quite some time. It's a very fast paced story of survival that will keep you up at night. While it is directed towards younger readers I must admit that I, a nearly 30 year old woman, enjoyed this book immensely!
Their generators won't last long and one lady desperately needs a doctor. As Sloan and the others set out together, they soon learn that the blistering cold isn't the only thing that may prevent them from reaching their destination. The wolves food source has run out and they are hungry. The journey is longer than they anticipated and with limited food and energy, the wolves only have to bide their time and wait for the perfect moment to strike.
I was literally on the edge of my seat through Sloan's journey. I couldn't wait to turn each page and see what happened next but also terrified to find out who wouldn't make it through. Victoria Scott did a wonderful job setting up the atmosphere and conveying the dire consequences the characters are in. Everything felt so realistic - these characters are running for their lives and I felt like I was right alongside them, scared out of my mind.
Hear the Wolves is the first middle grade book that I've enjoyed in quite some time. It's a very fast paced story of survival that will keep you up at night. While it is directed towards younger readers I must admit that I, a nearly 30 year old woman, enjoyed this book immensely!
October 12, 2024
An excellent survival tale. Halfway through, it reminded me of Jack London's To Build a Fire. In Hear the Wolves, a group of 6 people in rural Alaska try to make their way to medical assistance after one of them gets hurt during a blizzard. Fighting sub-zero conditions, oozing wounds and starving wolves, they make their way slowly toward help.
This book is only 240 pages, which works perfectly. The writing is bare-bones, without a lot of words wasted on description. This doesn't mean you won't feel frozen, isolated or terrified right along with the group, though. The author strikes just the right balance between telling you and letting your imagination take care of the rest.
This is touted as a middle-grade book, which is probably fine in the same way that the school board thinks To Build a Fire is fine for that age. Themes of desperation, violence, loss and death abound - indeed, not everyone survives the trek. Still, there is a sense of accomplishment and hope at the end. I wouldn't have liked this book as a middle schooler, but I like it plenty as an adult.
This book is only 240 pages, which works perfectly. The writing is bare-bones, without a lot of words wasted on description. This doesn't mean you won't feel frozen, isolated or terrified right along with the group, though. The author strikes just the right balance between telling you and letting your imagination take care of the rest.
This is touted as a middle-grade book, which is probably fine in the same way that the school board thinks To Build a Fire is fine for that age. Themes of desperation, violence, loss and death abound - indeed, not everyone survives the trek. Still, there is a sense of accomplishment and hope at the end. I wouldn't have liked this book as a middle schooler, but I like it plenty as an adult.
April 14, 2017
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!!!
Can I give this book 100 stars??????? Wow!!! I talked out loud more while reading this book than any other book I have read. I laughed, I laughed until I cried, I had the feels, I felt wrath, and I cried...this book is a roller coaster of a ride. PREPARE YOURSELF!!! Before I even finished this book, I was telling my friend that she needed to read this book RIGHT NOW! The kids at my library are going to be falling all over themselves to read this book after I get done booktalking it. If you have kids that like Dan Gemeinhart, Gary Paulsen, or Watt Key, this is the book for them. Reluctant readers, kids that hunt, artsy kids, kids that have had some tough stuff happen in their lives...ALL kids will be crazy for this story. If you are a librarian with middle grade kids, I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you purchase this book for your library. If you are anyone else reading this review, I cannot sing the praises of this book enough...PLEASE READ IT!!! Oh! It has an excellent message too!!!
Well done, Victoria!!!
Can I give this book 100 stars??????? Wow!!! I talked out loud more while reading this book than any other book I have read. I laughed, I laughed until I cried, I had the feels, I felt wrath, and I cried...this book is a roller coaster of a ride. PREPARE YOURSELF!!! Before I even finished this book, I was telling my friend that she needed to read this book RIGHT NOW! The kids at my library are going to be falling all over themselves to read this book after I get done booktalking it. If you have kids that like Dan Gemeinhart, Gary Paulsen, or Watt Key, this is the book for them. Reluctant readers, kids that hunt, artsy kids, kids that have had some tough stuff happen in their lives...ALL kids will be crazy for this story. If you are a librarian with middle grade kids, I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you purchase this book for your library. If you are anyone else reading this review, I cannot sing the praises of this book enough...PLEASE READ IT!!! Oh! It has an excellent message too!!!
Well done, Victoria!!!
July 5, 2024
Okay, that took a turn I was not expecting, and I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it...um, anyway...
Characters:
Sloan was such a relatable character, and I loved her bravery even though she didn't feel brave. I would have died. Legit would have been the first one down.
Pilot was the sweetest and bravest! I loved him and the relationship tension between him and his jerk of a dad...my heart.
Elton was a cuty! That little guy! I loved him!
Ms. Wade was a dear and just... I feel so bad for her and Mr. Foster, and even Pilot's dad Nash...
Themes:
That we are braver than we think and just because we aren't smart in the same way other people are doesn't mean we aren't smart.
Language:
Surprisingly, no. Which I was thankful for. Once Nash came in, I was groaning because I was so afraid he would start cussing, but he never did.
Romance:
A little between Sloan and Pilot, they kiss once.
Content Warnings:
Don't normally do this, but this is an MG book, and it contains a lot of terrifying situations.
Being chased and hunted by wolves, being attacked by wolves, mentions of off page characters being eaten.
The wolves get some of the cast, and that made me sad and a little sick thinking about it...it was off page, but still. It's definitely not something I'd want a middle grader reading, more like Lower YA, like 12 to 15 or something.
Overall:
This was a very suspenseful and very intense read. I enjoyed it for the most part, though there at the end I was kind of torn...it was a 5 star rating till all the deaths in the last two chapters, and I just couldn't rate 5 stars with a clear conscience.
Recommend for 12+ and definitely no MG kids because it might give them nightmares.
Characters:
Sloan was such a relatable character, and I loved her bravery even though she didn't feel brave. I would have died. Legit would have been the first one down.
Pilot was the sweetest and bravest! I loved him and the relationship tension between him and his jerk of a dad...my heart.
Elton was a cuty! That little guy! I loved him!
Ms. Wade was a dear and just... I feel so bad for her and Mr. Foster, and even Pilot's dad Nash...
Themes:
That we are braver than we think and just because we aren't smart in the same way other people are doesn't mean we aren't smart.
Language:
Surprisingly, no. Which I was thankful for. Once Nash came in, I was groaning because I was so afraid he would start cussing, but he never did.
Romance:
A little between Sloan and Pilot, they kiss once.
Content Warnings:
Don't normally do this, but this is an MG book, and it contains a lot of terrifying situations.
Being chased and hunted by wolves, being attacked by wolves, mentions of off page characters being eaten.
The wolves get some of the cast, and that made me sad and a little sick thinking about it...it was off page, but still. It's definitely not something I'd want a middle grader reading, more like Lower YA, like 12 to 15 or something.
Overall:
This was a very suspenseful and very intense read. I enjoyed it for the most part, though there at the end I was kind of torn...it was a 5 star rating till all the deaths in the last two chapters, and I just couldn't rate 5 stars with a clear conscience.
Recommend for 12+ and definitely no MG kids because it might give them nightmares.
June 25, 2020
*4.5 stars rounded up*
What a gem. A suspenseful, thrilling Mother-Daughter buddy read that kept both of us on edge.
Hear the Wolves is the story of twelve-year-old Sloan and five others who’ve been left and/or stayed behind in their tiny, middle-of-nowhere Alaskan town while the rest of the townsfolk have headed out for a couple of days. Doesn’t sound so bad, right? Wrong. Sloan, struggling with severe separation anxiety after her mother left her family, is reeling over the fact her father & sister left her behind for the next 48 hours. But she soon discovers she’s not alone. Which is great. Except... one of the others is injured & desperately needs to get to a doctor. The only way to do so is to get to the river & go via boat... through the woods. During a blizzard. With wolves lurking.
This is not only a thrilling, suspenseful survival story, it’s a book about a mish-mash group of people, a la John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club, trying to navigate this trek AND each other, bringing along their own personal baggage, flaws, strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. The story is very well-written and addicting... I could not put it down!
This is a middle grade book, but adults would enjoy it as well. It’s full of discussion topics: anxiety, alcoholism, abandonment, friendships, family situations, death. While these sound like heavy topics, Scott handles all of them very well, keeping in mind her target audience of readers. My daughter & I really enjoyed talking about this one.
Overall, we jointly landed on a 4.5 star rating. We were close to giving it 5 stars, but we both walked away wanting a little bit more from the ending.
What a gem. A suspenseful, thrilling Mother-Daughter buddy read that kept both of us on edge.
Hear the Wolves is the story of twelve-year-old Sloan and five others who’ve been left and/or stayed behind in their tiny, middle-of-nowhere Alaskan town while the rest of the townsfolk have headed out for a couple of days. Doesn’t sound so bad, right? Wrong. Sloan, struggling with severe separation anxiety after her mother left her family, is reeling over the fact her father & sister left her behind for the next 48 hours. But she soon discovers she’s not alone. Which is great. Except... one of the others is injured & desperately needs to get to a doctor. The only way to do so is to get to the river & go via boat... through the woods. During a blizzard. With wolves lurking.
This is not only a thrilling, suspenseful survival story, it’s a book about a mish-mash group of people, a la John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club, trying to navigate this trek AND each other, bringing along their own personal baggage, flaws, strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. The story is very well-written and addicting... I could not put it down!
This is a middle grade book, but adults would enjoy it as well. It’s full of discussion topics: anxiety, alcoholism, abandonment, friendships, family situations, death. While these sound like heavy topics, Scott handles all of them very well, keeping in mind her target audience of readers. My daughter & I really enjoyed talking about this one.
Overall, we jointly landed on a 4.5 star rating. We were close to giving it 5 stars, but we both walked away wanting a little bit more from the ending.
October 14, 2016
*Disclaimer: I was sent an ARC of this book from Scholastic Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Synopsis: Twelve year old Sloan lost two things in one fell swoop: her mother, and the hearing in her left ear. Since then she doesn't leave her father or sister for even a second. One day she wakes up to see that they have both gone out of town suddenly, leaving her behind just as a huge blizzard rolls in. Things only get worse from there.
My review: This book was atmospheric and enthralling from the very first page, and I read it in two sittings. This is a Middle Grade that doesn't pull punches. The setting is a brutal one, and the descriptions bring it to life beautifully. The main character Sloan is a very strong, intelligent person, but she's also very timid because of a traumatizing experience she had, and the fact that her mother had left her and her family. Because of her father's effort to force his daughter into independence, she's thrown into a very dangerous, unpredictable place with equally dangerous, unpredictable people. The wilderness tests them all both physically and mentally, but also provides space for the healing of old wounds. This is a story of human nature and survival and finding your own bravery. It's a very human story, and I really loved it. My only complaint is that I want more :)
I'll have a more in-depth review up on my YouTube channel closer to the release date!
Synopsis: Twelve year old Sloan lost two things in one fell swoop: her mother, and the hearing in her left ear. Since then she doesn't leave her father or sister for even a second. One day she wakes up to see that they have both gone out of town suddenly, leaving her behind just as a huge blizzard rolls in. Things only get worse from there.
My review: This book was atmospheric and enthralling from the very first page, and I read it in two sittings. This is a Middle Grade that doesn't pull punches. The setting is a brutal one, and the descriptions bring it to life beautifully. The main character Sloan is a very strong, intelligent person, but she's also very timid because of a traumatizing experience she had, and the fact that her mother had left her and her family. Because of her father's effort to force his daughter into independence, she's thrown into a very dangerous, unpredictable place with equally dangerous, unpredictable people. The wilderness tests them all both physically and mentally, but also provides space for the healing of old wounds. This is a story of human nature and survival and finding your own bravery. It's a very human story, and I really loved it. My only complaint is that I want more :)
I'll have a more in-depth review up on my YouTube channel closer to the release date!
January 16, 2017
Sloan lives in the Alaskan wilderness with her father and sister. Abandoned by their mother a young age, Sloan lost the hearing in one of her ears and refuses to be out of sight from her dad or sister.
When she wakes up one morning to find a note saying that they have gone to town and will return the next day Sloan flies into a panic. Most of the town has also left except a rag tag assortment of people. When a blizzard strikes the remaining people decide to leave their homes only to find themselves in a race against the elements and and from the wolves that are chasing them.
Edge of my seat reading this!
When she wakes up one morning to find a note saying that they have gone to town and will return the next day Sloan flies into a panic. Most of the town has also left except a rag tag assortment of people. When a blizzard strikes the remaining people decide to leave their homes only to find themselves in a race against the elements and and from the wolves that are chasing them.
Edge of my seat reading this!
January 22, 2017
The novel "Hear the Wolves" by Victoria Scott, is an action packed book that will leave you wanting more. You will feel as though you are right there next to the main character Solan running for your life from a pack of blood thirsty wolves. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast pace easy to read book. (All genders and Grade 6th+ will enjoy this book.) Defiantly a five star book you will never forget!
April 25, 2017
Check out this and other reviews on my young adult book blog, Here's to Happy Endings!
The first time I heard about this book and saw that stunning cover, I fell in love. It seemed like such a great story, full of adventure, friendship, and, of course, wolves. A survival story for middle grade readers? Yes! When a beautiful finished copy of this book (and it's simply stunning) found its way into my mailbox, I was overly excited to read it, so here's a big thank you to Scholastic!
The first thought that I had after I finished Hear the Wolves was "Wow!" Not only was this an amazing read, but, having never read anything from Victoria Scott before, I found myself incredibly impressed with her amazing and captivating writing style.
The story is told from the main character - Sloan's - point of view, starting from the beginning where we are introduced to her enjoyment of hunting with her father. She has her own rifle for taking down small game, such as rabbits, while her father has a shotgun for hunting bigger animals and keeping them safe from the wolves that roam the woods by their home.
The family hunts a lot of rabbit, which provides a decent amount of income for them, as well as food. Since there are so many rabbits living in the woods, the large amounts of wolves that live there too don't really bother the people in the town, because they essentially have all the rabbits they can eat. However, when a fence goes up, it disrupts the rabbits' habitats - and of course, the more that are hunted, the less there are for the wolves to eat - making them hungrier and willing to do whatever it takes to get food.
So when the entire small town heads into a larger town for a special voting session that involved keeping their township separate, Sloan's father and sister head out as well, leaving Sloan at home for the short time that they are scheduled to be gone. Because of Sloan's problems with being alone since an incident involving her mother as a child, she is terrified at first, but then realizes that she might just be fine.
And then the snow starts falling.
When the harsh realization that the roads are completely becoming covered in snow and leaving it impossible for her father and sister, or any others in town, to return, Sloan begins to panic, and heads to the church in town. Once there, she meets up with a few other townspeople - including a boy that she hates because he was the one to find her during that incident all those years ago, a schoolteacher, a little boy, and an older woman who has fallen on a pitchfork and desperately needs medical attention.
As a group, they set out to try and get to a doctor or hospital the only way they can think of aside from the roads - the river. However, in order to get to the river, they must first go through the woods.
And the wolves are hungry.
Desperately trying their hardest to get through the woods alive, with only a few shells for her father's shotgun and several bullets for her rifle, Sloan and the others try to team up to get help - even though the wolves are willing to eat anything they can - even the people in the town.
Evading the wolves is an exhausting task as the group wades through the heavy snowfall and the bitter cold temperatures, trying to survive.
This book is seriously amazing. I love thrillers, so I knew this was going to be something I fell in love with from the first page, and I was right. I thought it was amazing. It's such an interesting survival story, and it isn't one that is sugarcoated or that is watered down, as some middle grade books are. No, this one is actually even more honest that some adult thrillers I've read, making it such a real (and downright terrifying) novel.
While this is listed as a middle grade book, I think that some of the content in the book is better suited for older middle graders - maybe twelve and thirteen year old readers, as some of it is kind of violent and a tad bit on the gory side.
The characters in this book all have their own personalities, and the first thing you're going to notice about Sloan is that she is no-nonsense and isn't afraid to do what needs to be done in order to survive. The ordeal with her mother from when she was a small child definitely shaped her into who she is today, but she also has the courage to take charge of a bad situation. She's such an inspiring heroine for the novel, and adds a lot of personality to it.
Hear the Wolves is incredibly fast paced, nail-biting action from the first page until the last. It will leave you at the edge of your seat and wanting more, until you find yourself finishing the novel in one sitting.
If you like survival stories, this isn't one you want to miss.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review - Thank you!
The first time I heard about this book and saw that stunning cover, I fell in love. It seemed like such a great story, full of adventure, friendship, and, of course, wolves. A survival story for middle grade readers? Yes! When a beautiful finished copy of this book (and it's simply stunning) found its way into my mailbox, I was overly excited to read it, so here's a big thank you to Scholastic!
The first thought that I had after I finished Hear the Wolves was "Wow!" Not only was this an amazing read, but, having never read anything from Victoria Scott before, I found myself incredibly impressed with her amazing and captivating writing style.
The story is told from the main character - Sloan's - point of view, starting from the beginning where we are introduced to her enjoyment of hunting with her father. She has her own rifle for taking down small game, such as rabbits, while her father has a shotgun for hunting bigger animals and keeping them safe from the wolves that roam the woods by their home.
"The circle of life isn't a circle at all. It's a straight line, with hunters on one end, and prey on the other."
The family hunts a lot of rabbit, which provides a decent amount of income for them, as well as food. Since there are so many rabbits living in the woods, the large amounts of wolves that live there too don't really bother the people in the town, because they essentially have all the rabbits they can eat. However, when a fence goes up, it disrupts the rabbits' habitats - and of course, the more that are hunted, the less there are for the wolves to eat - making them hungrier and willing to do whatever it takes to get food.
So when the entire small town heads into a larger town for a special voting session that involved keeping their township separate, Sloan's father and sister head out as well, leaving Sloan at home for the short time that they are scheduled to be gone. Because of Sloan's problems with being alone since an incident involving her mother as a child, she is terrified at first, but then realizes that she might just be fine.
And then the snow starts falling.
When the harsh realization that the roads are completely becoming covered in snow and leaving it impossible for her father and sister, or any others in town, to return, Sloan begins to panic, and heads to the church in town. Once there, she meets up with a few other townspeople - including a boy that she hates because he was the one to find her during that incident all those years ago, a schoolteacher, a little boy, and an older woman who has fallen on a pitchfork and desperately needs medical attention.
As a group, they set out to try and get to a doctor or hospital the only way they can think of aside from the roads - the river. However, in order to get to the river, they must first go through the woods.
And the wolves are hungry.
Desperately trying their hardest to get through the woods alive, with only a few shells for her father's shotgun and several bullets for her rifle, Sloan and the others try to team up to get help - even though the wolves are willing to eat anything they can - even the people in the town.
Evading the wolves is an exhausting task as the group wades through the heavy snowfall and the bitter cold temperatures, trying to survive.
This book is seriously amazing. I love thrillers, so I knew this was going to be something I fell in love with from the first page, and I was right. I thought it was amazing. It's such an interesting survival story, and it isn't one that is sugarcoated or that is watered down, as some middle grade books are. No, this one is actually even more honest that some adult thrillers I've read, making it such a real (and downright terrifying) novel.
While this is listed as a middle grade book, I think that some of the content in the book is better suited for older middle graders - maybe twelve and thirteen year old readers, as some of it is kind of violent and a tad bit on the gory side.
The characters in this book all have their own personalities, and the first thing you're going to notice about Sloan is that she is no-nonsense and isn't afraid to do what needs to be done in order to survive. The ordeal with her mother from when she was a small child definitely shaped her into who she is today, but she also has the courage to take charge of a bad situation. She's such an inspiring heroine for the novel, and adds a lot of personality to it.
Hear the Wolves is incredibly fast paced, nail-biting action from the first page until the last. It will leave you at the edge of your seat and wanting more, until you find yourself finishing the novel in one sitting.
If you like survival stories, this isn't one you want to miss.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review - Thank you!
March 25, 2024
I thought this was really unrealistic even for YA. A bunch of Alaskans (who should probably know better) walking into the wolf-filled woods in a blizzard to get to a bigger town and running out of food/ getting lost instead of staying at their homes and waiting for the other town members to return just didn’t seem plausible.
April 15, 2017
Excellent! If you like wildlife and the wilderness this is the book for you.
June 2, 2017
I read this book within 24 hours, snuggled up on our recliner with a cup of coffee in my hands. This well-researched book easily entranced me. The first thing that caught my interest was our main character, Sloan. She has abandonment issues, stemming from the fact that her mother left her family only two years prior. She's half-deaf. And she most certainly does not want to talk about when she was found alone in the snow.
This book is fast paced and action-packed. There are injuries, deaths, cliffs, wolves, cracking ice, and the looming threat of starvation and frostbite. How will they survive? Who will survive? And what will come of the wolf that Sloan mildly identifies with? Will she find the ring? Will she go to Anchorage? Who knows? Not me!
This book was also very well thought out. After the novel, there's an afterword written by the author about how she visited a wolf sanctuary to research how wolves could become a predator for humans, given the right conditions. Added to the survivalist story is a layer of how humans have put themselves right in the middle of this predicament. It's this addition of self-awareness that adds to the internal struggle of this survivalist novel.
Besides simply surviving, there's also romance, friendship, and family drama that comes about in a very appropriate way. And what I mean by appropriate is that this is a middle-school level book--no love triangles here!
The only reason that this gets a 4 1/2 stars (or a straight up 5, if you're reading this on Goodreads) is because there were some things left unanswered, and I can't personally decide if I love it or feel as though it's incomplete. Either way, it was completely purposeful, and not accidentally left open-ended. I love realistic endings, I love open endings, but there were some things that I truly wanted to know about that weren't resolved. And maybe that's okay. What matters first and foremost is the characters' safeties.
Get the full review here!
This book is fast paced and action-packed. There are injuries, deaths, cliffs, wolves, cracking ice, and the looming threat of starvation and frostbite. How will they survive? Who will survive? And what will come of the wolf that Sloan mildly identifies with? Will she find the ring? Will she go to Anchorage? Who knows? Not me!
This book was also very well thought out. After the novel, there's an afterword written by the author about how she visited a wolf sanctuary to research how wolves could become a predator for humans, given the right conditions. Added to the survivalist story is a layer of how humans have put themselves right in the middle of this predicament. It's this addition of self-awareness that adds to the internal struggle of this survivalist novel.
Besides simply surviving, there's also romance, friendship, and family drama that comes about in a very appropriate way. And what I mean by appropriate is that this is a middle-school level book--no love triangles here!
The only reason that this gets a 4 1/2 stars (or a straight up 5, if you're reading this on Goodreads) is because there were some things left unanswered, and I can't personally decide if I love it or feel as though it's incomplete. Either way, it was completely purposeful, and not accidentally left open-ended. I love realistic endings, I love open endings, but there were some things that I truly wanted to know about that weren't resolved. And maybe that's okay. What matters first and foremost is the characters' safeties.
Get the full review here!
July 17, 2017
This was fantastic from first page to last. Like The Gray, but better, with a 12yo female protagonist who actually has something to live for.
I couldn't put it down. The characters were so familiar, but maybe it's because half of my family comes from a tiny mountain village in Northern Idaho, where snow-ins, winter food stockpiles, and hunting to feed your family are all commonplace. The author really nailed the kinds of personalities that populate a place like that.
If you like realistic survival stories, especially set in the American north, you'll love it!
I couldn't put it down. The characters were so familiar, but maybe it's because half of my family comes from a tiny mountain village in Northern Idaho, where snow-ins, winter food stockpiles, and hunting to feed your family are all commonplace. The author really nailed the kinds of personalities that populate a place like that.
If you like realistic survival stories, especially set in the American north, you'll love it!
May 3, 2017
This middle-grade novel is mesmerizing. It has beautiful prose, heart-stopping suspense, and realistic character development. It is an intense survival story and has some moments that may be difficult for younger or more sensitive readers. It is interesting to read a kids' book that portrays wolves realistically, as predators needing to hunt to survive in the wild.
December 22, 2017
Wow... what a ride!! This was a thrilling read and I could NOT put this down! Loved the characters... well, all except one. This book had one of my most hated characters of any book I've read. Really looking forward to reading more from Victoria Scott.
June 14, 2017
I am so here for this book, in so many ways.
March 27, 2017
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Okay, I have not loved a middle-grade survival story this much since I read Julie of the Wolves in fourth grade. There was action, scenes that gave me goosebumps, scenes that made me tear up, all the things you expect from a survival story set in harsh conditions, but watered down enough to be appropriate for a middle grade audience. Of course there's going to be some blood, a little gore here and there, it wouldn't feel like an accurate depiction of the scenario our characters are traveling through if there wasn't, but Scott doesn't linger on any moment of gore or violence any longer than she needs to, and every bit of it is necessary to telling an honest story.
Sloan was such an amazing main character, fragile in some places and unknowingly strong in others. Her companions were all equally interesting, and watching this group of humans trek through snow and fight off wolves made me huddle under my blanket and wonder what I would do if I were in such a situation. And isn't that what a good book does, make you ask questions and put yourself inside the story?
I'm a sucker for great imagery as well as great characters, and Scott blends together the imagery of this story and Sloane's internal dialogue in a way that gave me goosebumps pretty much every couple of pages. It was so clear that she did her research for this, and I thought her depiction of the wolves was dead on. It's easy to come into the story expecting the wolf pack to be the villains, and it's true that through the human characters' eyes they are when they're hunting them. But I think Scott goes out of her way to clarify here, to talk about the human actions that left the wolves no choice but to hunt these humans. Sloane has such a respect for this pack, even when she's raising her gun at them, and I think the story being told through her eyes actually works to make sure that the wolves aren't villainized without a thought. Instead Sloane sees herself in the pack, she watches them and makes all these great comparisons to human hierarchy and behavior. In the end there is no villain in this story, not really, because I felt as much for the wolves as I did for the people, both groups just trying to survive harsh situations.
All in all I thought this story was amazing, the kind of tale that can spark conversations about the human impact on wildlife and nature, on questions of morality and what we ourselves would do in such desperate situations. And as Sloane pointed out at one point in the story it's also about how people have good and ugliness in them, strengths and weaknesses, and there's nothing wrong with being a cocktail of pluses and minuses.
Okay, I have not loved a middle-grade survival story this much since I read Julie of the Wolves in fourth grade. There was action, scenes that gave me goosebumps, scenes that made me tear up, all the things you expect from a survival story set in harsh conditions, but watered down enough to be appropriate for a middle grade audience. Of course there's going to be some blood, a little gore here and there, it wouldn't feel like an accurate depiction of the scenario our characters are traveling through if there wasn't, but Scott doesn't linger on any moment of gore or violence any longer than she needs to, and every bit of it is necessary to telling an honest story.
Sloan was such an amazing main character, fragile in some places and unknowingly strong in others. Her companions were all equally interesting, and watching this group of humans trek through snow and fight off wolves made me huddle under my blanket and wonder what I would do if I were in such a situation. And isn't that what a good book does, make you ask questions and put yourself inside the story?
I'm a sucker for great imagery as well as great characters, and Scott blends together the imagery of this story and Sloane's internal dialogue in a way that gave me goosebumps pretty much every couple of pages. It was so clear that she did her research for this, and I thought her depiction of the wolves was dead on. It's easy to come into the story expecting the wolf pack to be the villains, and it's true that through the human characters' eyes they are when they're hunting them. But I think Scott goes out of her way to clarify here, to talk about the human actions that left the wolves no choice but to hunt these humans. Sloane has such a respect for this pack, even when she's raising her gun at them, and I think the story being told through her eyes actually works to make sure that the wolves aren't villainized without a thought. Instead Sloane sees herself in the pack, she watches them and makes all these great comparisons to human hierarchy and behavior. In the end there is no villain in this story, not really, because I felt as much for the wolves as I did for the people, both groups just trying to survive harsh situations.
All in all I thought this story was amazing, the kind of tale that can spark conversations about the human impact on wildlife and nature, on questions of morality and what we ourselves would do in such desperate situations. And as Sloane pointed out at one point in the story it's also about how people have good and ugliness in them, strengths and weaknesses, and there's nothing wrong with being a cocktail of pluses and minuses.
April 4, 2017
"The wolves watch us watching them. . ." (back cover)
Hear the Wolves by Victoria Scott will have you on the edge of your seat. It's about survival, and not necessarily of the fittest, but together. It's about racing against the elements and the danger that lurks when the equilibrium of life is no longer balanced.
If you look beyond the fact that our main characters are young kids, holding guns and rifles and shooting at threats that storms their way, you will see how well this story captivates you. As Sloan and company tries to reach civilization where medical assistance will be of use to one of their adult companions, they encounter how the lost of natural food for the wolves of the region caused quite the nightmare. And nightmare it is, when more than one of their team will not survive this journey. A journey that you will follow from the beginning to the end.
It's quite an easy reading, broken into three sections, The Storm, The Woods, and The Wolves, each providing a certain impact to the plot. As you finish the last page, close the book, you wonder aloud, "Wow, was that a dream sequence?" It very well be. I can visualized it, especially with such a perfect setting of gloominess in the dead of winter. One of those scary ones that you're being chased, and not running fast enough will have dire consequences. Suspense thriller for the young readers, but I would caution on letting too young readers take a stab at this.
This review first appeared on my link text blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Hear the Wolves by Victoria Scott will have you on the edge of your seat. It's about survival, and not necessarily of the fittest, but together. It's about racing against the elements and the danger that lurks when the equilibrium of life is no longer balanced.
If you look beyond the fact that our main characters are young kids, holding guns and rifles and shooting at threats that storms their way, you will see how well this story captivates you. As Sloan and company tries to reach civilization where medical assistance will be of use to one of their adult companions, they encounter how the lost of natural food for the wolves of the region caused quite the nightmare. And nightmare it is, when more than one of their team will not survive this journey. A journey that you will follow from the beginning to the end.
It's quite an easy reading, broken into three sections, The Storm, The Woods, and The Wolves, each providing a certain impact to the plot. As you finish the last page, close the book, you wonder aloud, "Wow, was that a dream sequence?" It very well be. I can visualized it, especially with such a perfect setting of gloominess in the dead of winter. One of those scary ones that you're being chased, and not running fast enough will have dire consequences. Suspense thriller for the young readers, but I would caution on letting too young readers take a stab at this.
This review first appeared on my link text blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
July 9, 2017
This book was creepy! The main character, Sloan, has been abandoned by her mother, lost the hearing in her left ear, and been left to fend for herself while her father & sister go to the nearby Alaskan village. Unfortunately, a blizzard delays them and Sloan has to try to save a sick neighbor. She treks through the woods with the neighbor and a few friends but is tracked by a pack of wolves. (The wolves are hunting humans because the townspeople have changed their habitat and they're starving.) I was a bit put off by the humans-as-prey part of this book. I think it would appeal to some of my students but not the majority.
September 27, 2018
This is a gripping adventure story that middle grade readers will devour. The writing is sparse & the tone & atmosphere of the novel are stark- which is perfectly fitting for a story set against the backdrop of a blizzard in the Alaskan wilderness. Sloan, who sets out with a small group of neighbors and a friend to try and get to her father who is in a neighboring town, is a brave and determined character. The looming spectre of the wolves who are always right at the edge of their campsites ratchets up the suspense factor.
March 21, 2023
Une histoire d’aventure assez trépidante qui donne envie de lire la suite rapidement! C’est une bonne lecture pour passer le temps, mais personnellement j’ai eu du mal à m’habituer à la plume de l’autrice. Néanmoins, ça ne porte pas vraiment préjudice à la qualité du récit.
De plus, je n’ai pas su m’attacher au personnage de Sloan..mais le petit Elton compense tout.
« Je suis un arc-en-ciel de courage et de peur, de tristesse et d’espoir, de vulnérabilité et d’intuition »
De plus, je n’ai pas su m’attacher au personnage de Sloan..mais le petit Elton compense tout.
« Je suis un arc-en-ciel de courage et de peur, de tristesse et d’espoir, de vulnérabilité et d’intuition »
October 11, 2017
This middle-grade survival story is set in Alaska during a blizzard, with a pack of starving wolves drawing closer to a ragtag group of people. Riveting & compelling. Read my full review:
http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2017/1...
http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2017/1...
October 4, 2021
Great action, interesting mix of characters. Good development of MC, Great descriptions of the wolves and environment.
June 30, 2020
3,5/5
This was well written, thrilling and very atmospheric. A lovely read! I also loved the cover, so pretty.
This was well written, thrilling and very atmospheric. A lovely read! I also loved the cover, so pretty.
August 9, 2017
Love Love Love! Now I think I might be impartial because I have a husky so I love stories about winter, Alaska, wolves and such. This story is so much more though! Sloan is a fantastic main character who feels real, almost like she could be the kid sitting next to you in class. Her journey from her town, with the band of characters she picks up along the way, is hilarious, creepy, daring, and amazing all at once.
March 31, 2017
3.5/5 stars. I received this book from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review.
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you may remember that I hosted a cover reveal for Hear The Wolves. I’m on the street team for Victoria Scott, so I was able to see the cover before it was officially released. I loved Scott’s duology, Fire & Flood. I knew that as soon as I could I would request her first middle grade novel.
With all that being said, Hear The Wolves fell a little flat for me. I really expected to absolutely adore this book; sadly, that wasn’t really the case. I’m not a big fan of survival stories. I also felt that the book felt a little too ‘not middle grade’. Let me explain: as the synopsis states, a pack of wolves begin to hunt them. Without spoiling too much, the descriptions of the wolves seem a bit too graphic for 8-12 year olds. Honestly, I just felt very ‘meh’ throughout most of the book. The book was less than 300 pages which made it fly by rather quickly. The plot was interesting enough to continue but not enough for me to enjoy and recommend it.
Even though one of Victoria’s books disappointed me, I will continue to read her other novels. I still really enjoyed her other book, Fire & Flood. I have an e-ARC of her next book, Violet Grenade. I’m hoping I enjoy it better than I enjoyed Hear The Wolves.
(Full review: https://curlyhairbibliophile.wordpres...)
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you may remember that I hosted a cover reveal for Hear The Wolves. I’m on the street team for Victoria Scott, so I was able to see the cover before it was officially released. I loved Scott’s duology, Fire & Flood. I knew that as soon as I could I would request her first middle grade novel.
With all that being said, Hear The Wolves fell a little flat for me. I really expected to absolutely adore this book; sadly, that wasn’t really the case. I’m not a big fan of survival stories. I also felt that the book felt a little too ‘not middle grade’. Let me explain: as the synopsis states, a pack of wolves begin to hunt them. Without spoiling too much, the descriptions of the wolves seem a bit too graphic for 8-12 year olds. Honestly, I just felt very ‘meh’ throughout most of the book. The book was less than 300 pages which made it fly by rather quickly. The plot was interesting enough to continue but not enough for me to enjoy and recommend it.
Even though one of Victoria’s books disappointed me, I will continue to read her other novels. I still really enjoyed her other book, Fire & Flood. I have an e-ARC of her next book, Violet Grenade. I’m hoping I enjoy it better than I enjoyed Hear The Wolves.
(Full review: https://curlyhairbibliophile.wordpres...)
February 19, 2016
Usually, my book ideas come with a bang. I’m driving, or half asleep, or listening to a friend tell a story and suddenly–bam!–I’m reaching for my phone, typing out the plot as fast as that blasted autocorrect function will allow. But not this time. This book came like a whisper while I slept. And it came on wolf feet.
A year ago, as a winter storm rocked the eastern coast, I laid in bed wondering what all those people would do if they didn’t have snow plows, or all-night pharmacies, or giant grocery stores to help them prepare. And I wondered, as my eyes grew weary, what they’d do if the storm didn’t let up. I fell asleep then, finally, and in my dreams, the wolves came.
When I woke, I had the spark of what would later become HEAR THE WOLVES. This book, my first ever middle grade work, required an immense amount of research, which included a trip to a wolf sanctuary, and up-close encounters with the animals. I’ll be able to tell you more about this trip, and what went into the making of this book as we get closer to release, but suffice it to say it took a lot of time, and a dash (okay, more than a dash) of fear to get what I needed to make this book right.
HEAR THE WOLVES is about a twelve-year-old girl, deafened in one ear, that’s terribly afraid of being alone after her mother abandons the family. Her father, thinking it’s in her best interest to overcome this fear, leaves her behind to attend a one-day festival in the next town over.
This character, Sloan, along with a few residents who also stayed behind–a reverend, an old woman, a young delinquent, and a boy she’d rather forget–are surprised when a blizzard sweeps in, cutting off the roads, the heat, and the other residents from returning. They might be able to withstand the storm, but the wolves that have always bordered their town are slipping in, noses to the air, empty stomachs growling.
Wolves are not a threat to people, the residents know this. But what about when the wolves’ normal food source is depleted because of something the townspeople did? And what if the residents need to travel through the woods to get help for one of their own? Will the pack starve, or turn their curious ears to the sounds of those travelers crunching through the snow, and slowly, hungrily, go from watching them…to stalking them?
I’d like to clarify that though the heroine of this novel is twelve, she carries her daddy’s rifle through those woods, and I believe the events that unfold in this story will cut to the hearts of readers, regardless of age. I don’t believe in writing for a particular audience, but rather, in telling a story through the eyes of an individual at a certain point in their life. And for HEAR THE WOLVES, because of the intensity of the situation, and because I love to torture my readers, I whole-heartedly believed the character needed to be young to be truly tested.
But believe me when I say this: there is enough tension, and heartbreak, and darkness, and love, and sharp teeth and frostbite and fistfights and screaming for life and survival to, hopefully, satisfy you all. Oh, and, yes, there’s a dash of first love thrown in for good measure. You’re welcome.
Can’t wait for spring 2017!
A year ago, as a winter storm rocked the eastern coast, I laid in bed wondering what all those people would do if they didn’t have snow plows, or all-night pharmacies, or giant grocery stores to help them prepare. And I wondered, as my eyes grew weary, what they’d do if the storm didn’t let up. I fell asleep then, finally, and in my dreams, the wolves came.
When I woke, I had the spark of what would later become HEAR THE WOLVES. This book, my first ever middle grade work, required an immense amount of research, which included a trip to a wolf sanctuary, and up-close encounters with the animals. I’ll be able to tell you more about this trip, and what went into the making of this book as we get closer to release, but suffice it to say it took a lot of time, and a dash (okay, more than a dash) of fear to get what I needed to make this book right.
HEAR THE WOLVES is about a twelve-year-old girl, deafened in one ear, that’s terribly afraid of being alone after her mother abandons the family. Her father, thinking it’s in her best interest to overcome this fear, leaves her behind to attend a one-day festival in the next town over.
This character, Sloan, along with a few residents who also stayed behind–a reverend, an old woman, a young delinquent, and a boy she’d rather forget–are surprised when a blizzard sweeps in, cutting off the roads, the heat, and the other residents from returning. They might be able to withstand the storm, but the wolves that have always bordered their town are slipping in, noses to the air, empty stomachs growling.
Wolves are not a threat to people, the residents know this. But what about when the wolves’ normal food source is depleted because of something the townspeople did? And what if the residents need to travel through the woods to get help for one of their own? Will the pack starve, or turn their curious ears to the sounds of those travelers crunching through the snow, and slowly, hungrily, go from watching them…to stalking them?
I’d like to clarify that though the heroine of this novel is twelve, she carries her daddy’s rifle through those woods, and I believe the events that unfold in this story will cut to the hearts of readers, regardless of age. I don’t believe in writing for a particular audience, but rather, in telling a story through the eyes of an individual at a certain point in their life. And for HEAR THE WOLVES, because of the intensity of the situation, and because I love to torture my readers, I whole-heartedly believed the character needed to be young to be truly tested.
But believe me when I say this: there is enough tension, and heartbreak, and darkness, and love, and sharp teeth and frostbite and fistfights and screaming for life and survival to, hopefully, satisfy you all. Oh, and, yes, there’s a dash of first love thrown in for good measure. You’re welcome.
Can’t wait for spring 2017!
March 29, 2017
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Hear the Wolves is a middle grad/young adult crossover by Victoria Scott. I have read each and every one of Victoria's books and I have loved them all. Hear the Wolves is so different than all of her previous books. I loved this one too, but I think what I loved most about it was how different it was. Victoria has a way with words. I love how she tells a story, whether it is a romance, a paranormal or something totally creepy and eerily realistic, she pulls the reader in, in a way few authors have managed to consistently do. I just love her books.
Sloan, her father, and her sister live in a tiny and remote Alaskan town. Think one step ahead of those Alaskan bush people. There is a town and store, but just barely. And the wolves outnumber the people in the town. By a lot. Sloan suffered a terrible accident when she was younger and it has left deep emotional scars. She is terrified to do anything alone. So when a storm hits and her father and sister are out of town, she panics a bit. But what I liked most about Sloan is that even through her fierce fear, she manages to stand up and take charge. She is just a young teenager and she rally's a group of people to try and help an injured woman. This leads them on a journey outside in the storm, where the wolves are.
The story was just so cool. Fast paced and creepy as heck, I will not look at wolves the same way. I mean, I had a healthy appreciation and fear of them before but I am certainly not going to be hanging out with anytime soon. (Also, if you are reading Hear the Wolves, you have to check out Victoria's story at the back because I loved hearing about her visiting the wolves sanctuary and how her experience shaped this novel.) Victoria holds no punches with this story. Don't get too attached to any of the characters because the wolves...they are a hunting. But it was a read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Since the main character is young, this is a middle grade novel, but I can easily see fans of young adult loving this one.
Bottom line: Victoria Scott is one of my favorite authors. She always writes stories that captivate me from beginning to end. If you are a fan of survival stories, you will love Hear the Wolves. If you are a fan of Alaska reality shows, you will love this book. I found this to be a thrilling read. One I am recommending to fans of middle grade and young adult alike.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Sloan, her father, and her sister live in a tiny and remote Alaskan town. Think one step ahead of those Alaskan bush people. There is a town and store, but just barely. And the wolves outnumber the people in the town. By a lot. Sloan suffered a terrible accident when she was younger and it has left deep emotional scars. She is terrified to do anything alone. So when a storm hits and her father and sister are out of town, she panics a bit. But what I liked most about Sloan is that even through her fierce fear, she manages to stand up and take charge. She is just a young teenager and she rally's a group of people to try and help an injured woman. This leads them on a journey outside in the storm, where the wolves are.
The story was just so cool. Fast paced and creepy as heck, I will not look at wolves the same way. I mean, I had a healthy appreciation and fear of them before but I am certainly not going to be hanging out with anytime soon. (Also, if you are reading Hear the Wolves, you have to check out Victoria's story at the back because I loved hearing about her visiting the wolves sanctuary and how her experience shaped this novel.) Victoria holds no punches with this story. Don't get too attached to any of the characters because the wolves...they are a hunting. But it was a read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Since the main character is young, this is a middle grade novel, but I can easily see fans of young adult loving this one.
Bottom line: Victoria Scott is one of my favorite authors. She always writes stories that captivate me from beginning to end. If you are a fan of survival stories, you will love Hear the Wolves. If you are a fan of Alaska reality shows, you will love this book. I found this to be a thrilling read. One I am recommending to fans of middle grade and young adult alike.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
August 27, 2023
I found this book when I was browsing a Scholastic Dollars catalog and ordered it for our collection on a whim. I have enjoyed some of Scott's earlier works, and her books do circulate, so I thought I would give it a shot. The first person to try it out was one of our Reading teachers and he is a huge book pusher, especially if he likes it. He liked this one. And now I have a waiting list for it at school. I ended up grabbing a copy from the local public library to see if I could justify ordering a second copy. Verdict: yes, yes I can.
Adventure and survival stories are big for my readers, especially my 7th graders. This one fits all the checkpoints: trying to make it in the wilderness, scary animal situations, kids and adults trying to make it while also dealing with very realistic emotional situations, and it is something that seems very plausible. Highly recommend. This is a great book to add to middle grade/middle school collections.
Adventure and survival stories are big for my readers, especially my 7th graders. This one fits all the checkpoints: trying to make it in the wilderness, scary animal situations, kids and adults trying to make it while also dealing with very realistic emotional situations, and it is something that seems very plausible. Highly recommend. This is a great book to add to middle grade/middle school collections.
May 21, 2017
Sloan use to be independent, that was until she became lost in the forest surrounding her Alaskan home. Now she can barely stray from her father or sisters side. That is until she's left behind.
Left behind with little food and supplies, Sloan heads to the towns church where she meets up with the few others that stayed behind, but when disaster strikes it changes everyone's course sending them back into the woods for help as a blizzard bears down on them.
I found 'Hear the Wolves' to be an exhilarating read. Although it does start slow, it snowballs into an action story like no other. Plenty of twists and turns, with an ending you will not see coming.
Slogan, though unlovable and a little put offish at first, she soon starts to grow on you as she thaws toward the towns people as they struggle to reach help.
Perfect for a cold winters day read.
Left behind with little food and supplies, Sloan heads to the towns church where she meets up with the few others that stayed behind, but when disaster strikes it changes everyone's course sending them back into the woods for help as a blizzard bears down on them.
I found 'Hear the Wolves' to be an exhilarating read. Although it does start slow, it snowballs into an action story like no other. Plenty of twists and turns, with an ending you will not see coming.
Slogan, though unlovable and a little put offish at first, she soon starts to grow on you as she thaws toward the towns people as they struggle to reach help.
Perfect for a cold winters day read.
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