What do you think?
Rate this book
The Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone #2
The Reign of Wolf 21: The Saga of Yellowstone's Legendary Druid Pack
The Druid Peak Pack was the most famous wolf pack in Yellowstone National Park, and maybe even in the world.
This is the dramatic true story of its remarkable leader, Wolf 21—whose compassion and loyalty challenges commonly held beliefs about alpha males.
In this compelling follow-up to the national bestseller <>The Rise of Wolf 8<>, Rick McIntyre profiles one of Yellowstone’s most revered alpha males, Wolf 21. Leader of the Druid Peak Pack, Wolf 21 was known for his unwavering bravery, his unusual benevolence (unlike other alphas, he never killed defeated rival males), and his fierce commitment to his mate, the formidable Wolf 42.
Wolf 21 and Wolf 42 were attracted to each other the moment they met—but Wolf 42’s jealous sister interfered viciously in their relationship. After an explosive insurrection within the pack, the two wolves came together at last as leaders of the Druid Peak Pack, which dominated the park for more than 10 years.
McIntyre recounts the pack’s fascinating saga with compassion and a keen eye for detail, drawing on his many years of experience observing Yellowstone wolves in the wild. His outstanding work of science writing offers unparalleled insight into wolf behavior and Yellowstone’s famed wolf reintroduction project. It also offers a love story for the ages.
This is the dramatic true story of its remarkable leader, Wolf 21—whose compassion and loyalty challenges commonly held beliefs about alpha males.
In this compelling follow-up to the national bestseller <>The Rise of Wolf 8<>, Rick McIntyre profiles one of Yellowstone’s most revered alpha males, Wolf 21. Leader of the Druid Peak Pack, Wolf 21 was known for his unwavering bravery, his unusual benevolence (unlike other alphas, he never killed defeated rival males), and his fierce commitment to his mate, the formidable Wolf 42.
Wolf 21 and Wolf 42 were attracted to each other the moment they met—but Wolf 42’s jealous sister interfered viciously in their relationship. After an explosive insurrection within the pack, the two wolves came together at last as leaders of the Druid Peak Pack, which dominated the park for more than 10 years.
McIntyre recounts the pack’s fascinating saga with compassion and a keen eye for detail, drawing on his many years of experience observing Yellowstone wolves in the wild. His outstanding work of science writing offers unparalleled insight into wolf behavior and Yellowstone’s famed wolf reintroduction project. It also offers a love story for the ages.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2020
310 people are currently reading
3582 people want to read
About the author
Rick McIntyre
21 books336 followersRick McIntyre is the acclaimed author of the Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone Book Series, which includes The Rise of Wolf 8: Witnessing the Triumph of Yellowstone's Underdog and The Reign of Wolf 21: The Saga of Yellowstone's Legendary Druid Pack (coming October 2020). McIntyre is currently at work on the third book in the series, about Wolf 302. McIntyre has recorded over 100,000 sightings of wild wolves--which is more sightings than any other person in history--and has written more than 7 million words of wolf observations, making him one of the world's foremost experts on wild wolf behavior. He has been featured on NPR, 60 Minutes, the Washington Post, the podcast This is Love and his book, The Rise of Wolf 8, was an Amazon Best Science Book of the Year and selected as a Notable Book by the prestigious Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Awards.
McIntyre worked as a ranger naturalist and wolf researcher for the National Park Service for four decades including many years in Alaska's Denali National Park, where he first began to study wolves. In 1994 he became Yellowstone National Park's first Wolf Interpreter, educating thousands of park visitors each year on Yellowstone's now-famous Wolf Reintroduction Project, which sought to reintroduce wolves to the park after the last wolves were shot and killed by park rangers 60 years earlier, in the 1920s. One day, McIntyre observed one of the first reintroduced wolves--a small, unassuming pup, the runt of his litter--stand up to a grizzly bear to protect his brothers. Over the next few years, McIntyre watched the small pup grow into a powerful alpha male, whose acts of bravery, loyalty, and kindness impressed McIntyre so much that he made him the subject of his first book, The Rise of Wolf 8. McIntyre profiles Wolf 8's equally remarkable adopted son in The Reign of Wolf 21.
In 1998, McIntyre transferred to the Wolf Reintroduction Project full-time and helped with research on the park's wolf population. He continued to work with the public by presenting talks along the roadside and showing visitors the wolves through his telescope. McIntyre retired from the National Park Service in 2018 to focus on his books, however, he continues to observe the Yellowstone wolves on an almost-daily basis, rain or shine. He lives in Silver Gate, Montana.
McIntyre worked as a ranger naturalist and wolf researcher for the National Park Service for four decades including many years in Alaska's Denali National Park, where he first began to study wolves. In 1994 he became Yellowstone National Park's first Wolf Interpreter, educating thousands of park visitors each year on Yellowstone's now-famous Wolf Reintroduction Project, which sought to reintroduce wolves to the park after the last wolves were shot and killed by park rangers 60 years earlier, in the 1920s. One day, McIntyre observed one of the first reintroduced wolves--a small, unassuming pup, the runt of his litter--stand up to a grizzly bear to protect his brothers. Over the next few years, McIntyre watched the small pup grow into a powerful alpha male, whose acts of bravery, loyalty, and kindness impressed McIntyre so much that he made him the subject of his first book, The Rise of Wolf 8. McIntyre profiles Wolf 8's equally remarkable adopted son in The Reign of Wolf 21.
In 1998, McIntyre transferred to the Wolf Reintroduction Project full-time and helped with research on the park's wolf population. He continued to work with the public by presenting talks along the roadside and showing visitors the wolves through his telescope. McIntyre retired from the National Park Service in 2018 to focus on his books, however, he continues to observe the Yellowstone wolves on an almost-daily basis, rain or shine. He lives in Silver Gate, Montana.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
October 7, 2020
The titular saga of the Yellowstone wolves continues - this time, it's the story of 21 and 42, the alphas of the Druid Pack. It was the largest and most popular pack in the park, and a subject of several documentaries, including The Valley of Wolves (2007) and The Rise of Black Wolf (2010). The Reign of Wolf 21 picks up where The Rise of Wolf 8 left off: 8's adopted son, 21, joins the Druids and pairs up with 40 - an aggressive alpha female who is soon dethroned by the sisters she was demeaning for years. After that, 42 steps up to take the throne and to reign over the Druids with 21 by her side; at the heart of the book is their love story. But there's also 302, perhaps better known as Casanova, 21's nephew who sneaks in to mate with the young Druid females, 21's daughters, for which he's repeatedly chased off...
It may sound like a wolf soap opera, perhaps even Game of Thrones but from the Direwolves' perspective, but none of it is novelized. And it's the strenght of the book, because it proves how, without anthropomorphizing, it's possible to show that these wolves have their own stories and such complex relationships that it's easy to get lost in them.
The Reign of Wolf 21 is, essentially, a collection of meticulous field notes arranged in a chronological and very readable order. It's a biography of these wolves written by a lifelong wolfwatcher, and as such, it offers valuable insights into the behavior of wolves in the wild. Whatever you may know about wolves may not necessarily apply to every single wolf, because every wolf family has their own traditions, and within the families every wolf is an individual.
4.5*
Further reading:
American Wolf (the story of 06 that features Rick McIntyre as one of the 'main characters')
Decade of the Wolf (stories of 42 and 302, among others)
Wild Wolves We Have Known (stories about some of the Yellowstone wolves, including Rick McIntyre's chapter on 06)
Beyond Words (chapters about the Yellowstone wolves, also feat. Rick McIntyre)
Among Wolves (similar in form and focus, although about wolves in Alaska)
It may sound like a wolf soap opera, perhaps even Game of Thrones but from the Direwolves' perspective, but none of it is novelized. And it's the strenght of the book, because it proves how, without anthropomorphizing, it's possible to show that these wolves have their own stories and such complex relationships that it's easy to get lost in them.
The Reign of Wolf 21 is, essentially, a collection of meticulous field notes arranged in a chronological and very readable order. It's a biography of these wolves written by a lifelong wolfwatcher, and as such, it offers valuable insights into the behavior of wolves in the wild. Whatever you may know about wolves may not necessarily apply to every single wolf, because every wolf family has their own traditions, and within the families every wolf is an individual.
4.5*
Further reading:
American Wolf (the story of 06 that features Rick McIntyre as one of the 'main characters')
Decade of the Wolf (stories of 42 and 302, among others)
Wild Wolves We Have Known (stories about some of the Yellowstone wolves, including Rick McIntyre's chapter on 06)
Beyond Words (chapters about the Yellowstone wolves, also feat. Rick McIntyre)
Among Wolves (similar in form and focus, although about wolves in Alaska)
December 22, 2024
Rick's certainly not the best writer around, but his enthusiasm and love for the Yellowstone wolves is so clearly evident on every page of these books that even when he gets bogged down in minutiae and simple sentence structure, readers still enjoy themselves.
When I was midway through this, husband discovered the Yellowstone Wolf Dynasty documentary on Hulu. I was enthralled, because it was the first time I actually saw 21 and 42 (and 302, but that's for another book). 21 might be the sexiest animal I've ever seen. HE'S SO FLUFFY <33 See comments for photo evidence. And check out the documentary if you've read these books and enjoyed the wolf stories!
Yellowstone’s report on the wolf packs as of 2020, some fascinating stuff: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature...
When I was midway through this, husband discovered the Yellowstone Wolf Dynasty documentary on Hulu. I was enthralled, because it was the first time I actually saw 21 and 42 (and 302, but that's for another book). 21 might be the sexiest animal I've ever seen. HE'S SO FLUFFY <33 See comments for photo evidence. And check out the documentary if you've read these books and enjoyed the wolf stories!
Yellowstone’s report on the wolf packs as of 2020, some fascinating stuff: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature...
October 9, 2020
Disclaimer: ARC via Librarything giveaway.
Writing about animals can be difficult. You can humanize them too much so that they sound like Disney characters. Humanize them too little and people might lose interest. It is too McIntyre’s credit that he does not do the second and keeps the first to a minimum.
I should note that I have not read the first book in this series. Something that I will rectify.
This second book details the story of wolves #42 and #21 who were both Alphas in the Druid pack for a time. Wolf #42 has sometimes been called the Cinderella wolf as she led a power grab and took over as alpha female from her sister.
It would be a fair criticism to say at times that McIntyre is not objective. He clearly favors #21 and 42. At times, one does wonder how the behavior so those wolves that McIntyre doesn’t like, say 40, compare to other wolves. There was one time when I slightly rolled my eyes. (Look, I have dogs. I know that Haz, my old guy who died this year, missed Tuna and Iggy who predeceased him so sorrow I can understand. Missing I an understand. He just puts a little too much human reaction into one scene. There was just one bit that was like had me like that. It occurs to the end of the book). I should not that it entirely possible that this is dealt with in the first book.
The above would be a fair criticism but McIntyre’s bias, if that is the correct word for it, is understandable. He tracked and observed these wolves for years. He was going to get attached. Not surprising. It is impressive that he can be as objective as he is. He also provides details about how the wolves are tracked and monitored as well as the interactions between various packs and how wolf behavior can parallel our own.
At times, the book does feel a bit like listing. This happened and then that happened, and this thing happened in my life. Usually this really turns me off a book, as does using the first name of source.
But, there is power in the writing. McIntyre clearly loves wolves and his job. And while he wants you to love wolves, he isn’t going to smash it over your head. (Then again, I already love wolves). His descriptions of pack life and wolf behavior are enthralling, and I literally read the last half of the book in one sitting. It was that engrossing.
Writing about animals can be difficult. You can humanize them too much so that they sound like Disney characters. Humanize them too little and people might lose interest. It is too McIntyre’s credit that he does not do the second and keeps the first to a minimum.
I should note that I have not read the first book in this series. Something that I will rectify.
This second book details the story of wolves #42 and #21 who were both Alphas in the Druid pack for a time. Wolf #42 has sometimes been called the Cinderella wolf as she led a power grab and took over as alpha female from her sister.
It would be a fair criticism to say at times that McIntyre is not objective. He clearly favors #21 and 42. At times, one does wonder how the behavior so those wolves that McIntyre doesn’t like, say 40, compare to other wolves. There was one time when I slightly rolled my eyes. (Look, I have dogs. I know that Haz, my old guy who died this year, missed Tuna and Iggy who predeceased him so sorrow I can understand. Missing I an understand. He just puts a little too much human reaction into one scene. There was just one bit that was like had me like that. It occurs to the end of the book). I should not that it entirely possible that this is dealt with in the first book.
The above would be a fair criticism but McIntyre’s bias, if that is the correct word for it, is understandable. He tracked and observed these wolves for years. He was going to get attached. Not surprising. It is impressive that he can be as objective as he is. He also provides details about how the wolves are tracked and monitored as well as the interactions between various packs and how wolf behavior can parallel our own.
At times, the book does feel a bit like listing. This happened and then that happened, and this thing happened in my life. Usually this really turns me off a book, as does using the first name of source.
But, there is power in the writing. McIntyre clearly loves wolves and his job. And while he wants you to love wolves, he isn’t going to smash it over your head. (Then again, I already love wolves). His descriptions of pack life and wolf behavior are enthralling, and I literally read the last half of the book in one sitting. It was that engrossing.
April 18, 2021
I thought it would be hard to top Rick McIntyre's The Rise of Wolf 8: Witnessing the Triumph of Yellowstone's Underdog, but the second book in his Yellowstone wolf trilogy did just that. I was totally riveted by the exploits of the Druid pack, and especially the story of wolves 21 and 42, the alpha couple of that pack. Highly recommended.
November 21, 2022
Second book I've read about the Yellowstone wolves, which is truly an amazing study, if you haven't looked into it. Big time fan of Wolf 21. Guy was awesome. Did not think I would like him as much as Wolf 8 (his father, and the main subject of the first Rick McIntyre book on Yellowstone wolves), but he's awesome. Ran the largest pack in Yellowstone history, never killed a rival wolf, looked out for wolves in distress - great dude. I am NOT a fan of Wolf 40, let me tell you. She was also prominent in the first book but was only around for the first part of this one. Do not like her at all. Also not a fan of Wolf 302, but what can you do - players gotta play.
Good reminder that an "Alpha Male" or "Alpha Female" doesn't necessarily mean biggest and strongest or whatever. It could mean creating the best environment for a team to work together utilizing different strengths and convincing others in your pack that the best way to succeed is cooperation. Other wolves just tried to bully and kill any thread, but Wolf 21 and, especially, Wolf 42 figured out how successfully build up those around them to create a super pack that couldn't be stopped.
Good reminder that an "Alpha Male" or "Alpha Female" doesn't necessarily mean biggest and strongest or whatever. It could mean creating the best environment for a team to work together utilizing different strengths and convincing others in your pack that the best way to succeed is cooperation. Other wolves just tried to bully and kill any thread, but Wolf 21 and, especially, Wolf 42 figured out how successfully build up those around them to create a super pack that couldn't be stopped.
July 11, 2021
The second book in McIntyre's Yellowstone wolves trilogy is still packed with tons of interesting, detailed information and lots of wolf anecdotes, but my overall impression wasn't quite as favorable as of the first one. I still enjoyed it, but I wasn't amazed. There are many possible reasons for this. I did not find Wolf 21 to be as moving and inspirational a character as Wolf 8. I feel that Wolf 42 was the true inspiration, hero, and leader of the Druid pack during this time and several times wished the book focused more on her. The relationship between 21 and 42 was beautiful and beautifully rendered, however. McIntyre's over-the-top hero worship of 21 I did not feel was entirely justified. My biggest problem was the pack was so large and constantly shifting that I could not keep track of all the different wolves. I prefer a tighter focus on one pack and the relationships between a few well-characterized wolves. Nevertheless, a fun read and recommended for anyone interested in wolves.
June 20, 2023
The continuation of the Yellowstone wolves series did not disappoint. The author did a fantastic job of telling the story of wolf 42 and 21 and the consequences and life of wild animals. I can't wait to see how this series will be concluded. I would definitely recommend both books that teetered on the brink of 5 stars. Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this drc available through edelweiss.
December 19, 2020
In 1995, gray wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park. From an ecological perspective, this has been a complete success. Wolves started a cascade. They ate the elk who had been overpopulating and degrading stream areas, which allowed willow and other vegetation to recover, which allowed beaver to spread and build dams, which stabilized streams by storing water for recharging water tables. The willows provided habitat for songbirds. The dams meant cold shaded water for fish. Importantly, wolf kills provided regular meals for scavengers, who once relied on the more seasonal deaths of elk in winter. Now, throughout the year, black bears, grizzly bears, ravens, eagles, and magpies could feed on wolf-killed carrion. One biologist added to that list of animals, “Beetles, wolverine, lynx, and more. I call it food for the masses.” In terms of population and health, the elk are doing fine.
As part of recolonizing Yellowstone National Park, wolves also killed coyotes and their pups, reducing by half this unusually dense population. Restoring the balance between wolves and coyotes had a surprising result. Too many coyotes meant few rodents, and when those voles and mice rebounded, so did owls and hawks. So did weasels and foxes. So did pronghorn antelopes, since coyotes feed on their newborn calves, and wolves seldom do.
Something else happened culturally in mainstream America, something that indigenous and hunting and gathering cultures already understood. A few of the wolf packs in Yellowstone could be observed easily with spotting scopes, a new technology that biologists, citizen scientists, and tourists began to enjoy. People watched wolves for hours a day, every day of the year, for years at a time. Some of the wolves were caught and radio-collared. People took photographs and videos and wrote about their experiences. We were seeing into the individual lives of wolves.
This book tells some of those stories. I was riveted.
As part of recolonizing Yellowstone National Park, wolves also killed coyotes and their pups, reducing by half this unusually dense population. Restoring the balance between wolves and coyotes had a surprising result. Too many coyotes meant few rodents, and when those voles and mice rebounded, so did owls and hawks. So did weasels and foxes. So did pronghorn antelopes, since coyotes feed on their newborn calves, and wolves seldom do.
Something else happened culturally in mainstream America, something that indigenous and hunting and gathering cultures already understood. A few of the wolf packs in Yellowstone could be observed easily with spotting scopes, a new technology that biologists, citizen scientists, and tourists began to enjoy. People watched wolves for hours a day, every day of the year, for years at a time. Some of the wolves were caught and radio-collared. People took photographs and videos and wrote about their experiences. We were seeing into the individual lives of wolves.
This book tells some of those stories. I was riveted.
September 26, 2020
I first read The Rise of Wolf 8 last year and found Rick’s stories of Yellowstone’s wolves to be fascinating. I was excited to receive my copy of The Reign of Wolf 21. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed hearing continuing stories of the wolves of Yellowstone and in particular the Druid pack. I look forward to reading the third book when the trilogy is complete.
September 27, 2022
Oh, my heart. A love story for the ages.
February 2, 2025
If only all those Alpha bros could read, cause boy would they be surprised to learn what a successful Alpha wolf is really like. Shame 🤷🏼♀️
Even though this book reads a little more like a log than anything else, I really enjoyed learning about the Druid pack and the amazing love and collaboration that existed between these wolves.
Even though this book reads a little more like a log than anything else, I really enjoyed learning about the Druid pack and the amazing love and collaboration that existed between these wolves.
February 9, 2021
A rich and factual portrait of the most famous of Yellowstone National Park's reintroduced wolves, The Reign of Wolf 21 continues Rick McIntyre's remarkable trilogy. See my full review at https://inquisitivebiologist.com/2021...
March 28, 2025
Book 15 of 2025
I'll keep this a 4/5 though I lean to a 4.5. I think I detailed my run-in with Mr. McIntyre in my original review a few years ago. In retrospect, what an honor to have met Rick, if only for a brief moment. He showed me a proof copy of this book but could not sell it in the park. I revisited my wolf stuff just because, and this is probably the one book I'll re-read.
Not a ton has changed since my original read, but I really do take some lessons from 21 to heart. Call me feminine, whatever. In most instances, there's just no need to go full alpha. McIntyre does a great job in telling the story of this wolf who was an absolute alpha, but he became the king of Yellowstone not by by force but because of many of his softer traits. It's a beautiful lesson I wish more would learn.
Original review:
When I first visited Yellowstone (it's 18 hours away) in Sept. 2019, I had no interest in wolves. When watching nature shows about the park to get a lay of the land, I actually hated the wolves. Still hated them for a while after.
A few months later I read Death in Yellowstone. Then Death in Grand Canyon. The author of the latter book casually mentions Michael Robinson's Predatory Bureaucracy about the drive to kill wolves in the west. I found that big can bring high prices and managed to find a copy for under $10. My love of wolves began.
Prior to taking a different group to the park in July 2020, I listened to McIntyre's Rise of Wolf 8. And we listened to it again on the trip. At every stop, I'd ask if Rick or Doug Smith were around. Finally, I found Rick in Lamar Valley doing what else but watching for wolves. I only had a copy of Robinson's book and Mr. McIntyre was gracious enough to sign it for me. He showed me an advanced copy of this book but was not allowed to sell it in park boundaries. So I made a rare purchase of a full-price hardback a few months later when it was released.
Rick's books are borderline dry. It is mostly simple observation with some history and analysis. But the wolves do become interesting. Like humans, they are very social creatures. By merely observing and reporting, Rick paints a picture of what a wolf is and does.
There is a great line at the beginning of this book when Rick tells a coworker about Wolf 21. That line was in my head for the duration of the book, and as I neared the finish line, I took the book home so as not to have an emotional incident in the work break room. Glad I did.
And therein lies the brilliance of Rick's books. He's not really telling you to like a certain wolf, but after reading these first two, 21 is something of a hero. This is a mighty wolf that could have dominated with force. He could have made the most of his alpha status. He did none of these things. There's a great lesson in humanity there: sometimes the gentle hand accomplishes more.
I say Rick observes and reports and he mostly does. But the reader can tell what this wolf means to McIntyre. And his final few pages break for the normal writing in a slight literary turn. Any lover of animals or nature will appreciate it.
I'll keep this a 4/5 though I lean to a 4.5. I think I detailed my run-in with Mr. McIntyre in my original review a few years ago. In retrospect, what an honor to have met Rick, if only for a brief moment. He showed me a proof copy of this book but could not sell it in the park. I revisited my wolf stuff just because, and this is probably the one book I'll re-read.
Not a ton has changed since my original read, but I really do take some lessons from 21 to heart. Call me feminine, whatever. In most instances, there's just no need to go full alpha. McIntyre does a great job in telling the story of this wolf who was an absolute alpha, but he became the king of Yellowstone not by by force but because of many of his softer traits. It's a beautiful lesson I wish more would learn.
Original review:
When I first visited Yellowstone (it's 18 hours away) in Sept. 2019, I had no interest in wolves. When watching nature shows about the park to get a lay of the land, I actually hated the wolves. Still hated them for a while after.
A few months later I read Death in Yellowstone. Then Death in Grand Canyon. The author of the latter book casually mentions Michael Robinson's Predatory Bureaucracy about the drive to kill wolves in the west. I found that big can bring high prices and managed to find a copy for under $10. My love of wolves began.
Prior to taking a different group to the park in July 2020, I listened to McIntyre's Rise of Wolf 8. And we listened to it again on the trip. At every stop, I'd ask if Rick or Doug Smith were around. Finally, I found Rick in Lamar Valley doing what else but watching for wolves. I only had a copy of Robinson's book and Mr. McIntyre was gracious enough to sign it for me. He showed me an advanced copy of this book but was not allowed to sell it in park boundaries. So I made a rare purchase of a full-price hardback a few months later when it was released.
Rick's books are borderline dry. It is mostly simple observation with some history and analysis. But the wolves do become interesting. Like humans, they are very social creatures. By merely observing and reporting, Rick paints a picture of what a wolf is and does.
There is a great line at the beginning of this book when Rick tells a coworker about Wolf 21. That line was in my head for the duration of the book, and as I neared the finish line, I took the book home so as not to have an emotional incident in the work break room. Glad I did.
And therein lies the brilliance of Rick's books. He's not really telling you to like a certain wolf, but after reading these first two, 21 is something of a hero. This is a mighty wolf that could have dominated with force. He could have made the most of his alpha status. He did none of these things. There's a great lesson in humanity there: sometimes the gentle hand accomplishes more.
I say Rick observes and reports and he mostly does. But the reader can tell what this wolf means to McIntyre. And his final few pages break for the normal writing in a slight literary turn. Any lover of animals or nature will appreciate it.
March 9, 2022
Lots and lots of wolf stories, with very little beyond that. The author is incredibly dedicated to wolf observation, and I don't know how he found the time to write this. It is well written, too. I'm not sure of anyone to whom I'd recommend this, but taken in small doses I liked it.
> She led them to the creek. With years of experience at getting pups across creeks and rivers, 42 knew how to trick the pups into following her. It took her many attempts, but using a series of different sticks, 42 lured the pups across Soda Butte Creek and then through the wider Lamar River. When the pups balked at a crossing attempt, she would come back to them with a different stick and show it to them. Intrigued by the newer toy, the pups would run after her, and before realizing it, they were once again in the water and wading or swimming toward her
> Two packs would come into conflict and fight. Young males and females from those families would often get together later and form new packs. It was the wolf version of what used to be called college mixers
> She led them to the creek. With years of experience at getting pups across creeks and rivers, 42 knew how to trick the pups into following her. It took her many attempts, but using a series of different sticks, 42 lured the pups across Soda Butte Creek and then through the wider Lamar River. When the pups balked at a crossing attempt, she would come back to them with a different stick and show it to them. Intrigued by the newer toy, the pups would run after her, and before realizing it, they were once again in the water and wading or swimming toward her
> Two packs would come into conflict and fight. Young males and females from those families would often get together later and form new packs. It was the wolf version of what used to be called college mixers
April 12, 2022
Rick translates his meticulous field notes into the life story of Wolf 21 and his years-long love affair with Wolf 42, and shares some of the important life lessons he has learned from them.
I think wolves love the lives they have been given and accept whatever difficulties come with that life without feeling sorry for themselves. I try to do the same.
The first book in this series chronicles the life of Wolf 8, who raised 21 as his own. And the third book follows Wolf 302, also known as Casanova, who was a thorn in 21's side most of his adult life.
I think wolves love the lives they have been given and accept whatever difficulties come with that life without feeling sorry for themselves. I try to do the same.
The first book in this series chronicles the life of Wolf 8, who raised 21 as his own. And the third book follows Wolf 302, also known as Casanova, who was a thorn in 21's side most of his adult life.
January 5, 2023
As I was finishing this book, I was thinking “don’t get emotional over a wolf book, don’t get emotional over a wolf book…” It was a surprisingly touching conclusion. If the first in the series was about setting the stage, the return of the wolves to Yellowstone and the legacy of wolf 8, the second focused on the wolf 21’s ability to continue that legacy through diplomacy, love, and kinship.
Rating three stars because while it ended on a high note, I don’t know if I have a third wolf book in me. It’s a lot once you get to wolf 400 hundred something.
Rating three stars because while it ended on a high note, I don’t know if I have a third wolf book in me. It’s a lot once you get to wolf 400 hundred something.
June 11, 2024
Buy.
Gripping, emotional, and fascinating look into the lives of wolves. The group dynamics and inter-wolf relationships never fail to amaze.
Gripping, emotional, and fascinating look into the lives of wolves. The group dynamics and inter-wolf relationships never fail to amaze.
March 10, 2021
Rather dry and sciency.. in other words, an excellent book on the life of the wolf. Striking a balance between science and human interest is difficult, particularly when writing about animals. It is all too easy to humanize and Disney-fy wild animals, something the author avoids while managing to endear the reader to the wolves nonetheless.
Great book, might be a little too detailed for someone wanting a light read about wolves. For those wanting to hear more of the science, though, this comes highly recommended!
Great book, might be a little too detailed for someone wanting a light read about wolves. For those wanting to hear more of the science, though, this comes highly recommended!
October 30, 2020
Another excellent non-fiction on the wolves of Yellowstone. I was first introduced to Wolf 21 in Nate Blakeslee’s book Wolf. And I fell in love with Wolf 21. It’s hard to believe his story is true...born of immigrant parents on the run, being raised by a single mom, adopted by another male wolf....A truly American success story. Looking forward to the third book in the trilogy which is I hope, about his granddaughter.
July 8, 2021
“Of all the stories I have about twenty-one, that’s my favorite.” Strength impresses us. But what we remember is kindness.
Set aside discussing anthropomorphization for a second (the tone oddly fits sci-fi). The value in this story is that its like a mirror of our values, of humanity, and what we seek in nature. Its a romance.
I wasnt expecting to cry about wolves today, but here we are.
Set aside discussing anthropomorphization for a second (the tone oddly fits sci-fi). The value in this story is that its like a mirror of our values, of humanity, and what we seek in nature. Its a romance.
I wasnt expecting to cry about wolves today, but here we are.
October 22, 2020
I found this one a little more difficult to keep track of which wolf was which in this book. I definitely heard more about wolf mating than I wanted, lol, but it is fascinating to learn about the relationships between wolves and how they care for their pups.
Read
April 9, 2021While entertaining it wasn't quite what I was expecting. It's more like a work diary, with anotations of what the wolves do and interactions between them, but it doesn’t feel like a "real" book, more like a logbook, and for me it got tedious. Dnf'ed at page 136.
December 5, 2021
This second volume wasn’t as captivating as the previous book. I still appreciate all the endless hours observing the wolves the author did and his field notes. Wolf 21 and 42 were a devoted pair and raised many pups in Yellowstone.
July 6, 2024
Would give 10 stars if I could. This book made me laugh out loud and ugly cry and is definitely now included in my list of favorite books. My only beef is that this book should’ve been called the reign of wolf 42- not 21!!!!!
December 15, 2020
The story of 21 and 42 will stay with me always.
September 3, 2024
"The wolf takes care of the pack, and the pack takes care of the wolf."
Me reading a non-fiction book—especially one that's not a memoir/autobiography by an actor/musician whom I love—is an extremely rare occurrence. However, when my parents returned from a trip to Yellowstone and gifted me this book, I had to dive in immediately because A, I love wolves, and B, I really didn't want it to get lost in the disaster zone that is my TBR.
Rick McIntyre's The Reign of Wolf 21: The Saga of Yellowstone’s Legendary Druid Pack is the second book in his Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone Series, and covers Wolf 21's time as Alpha of Yellowstone's Druid Pack, which spanned from 2000-2004. McIntyre's prose can be a bit dry at times, often reading like compiled trail notes more than anything else. But his dedication, insight and heartfelt care for these animals shines through enough throughout the book that it's never too sterile a read.
Rick McIntyre's love for these animals is contagious, and the way he writes about the main wolves in this three-and-a-half year story brings them to life in a way that makes it impossible for you not to fall for them yourself. I'm not going to lie, he had me crying over wolves who've been dead for ~20 years. The Druid Alphas, 21 & 42 (as well as the astonishing 253), were truly amazing animals; animals that so purely exhibited the strength and ideals of what wolves as a species represent.
I figured that every time I helped someone see wolves, it would be one more person on the side of wolves.
Overall, The Reign of Wolf 21 can often be repetitive, as it focuses heavily on this pack's hunting, mating and pup rearing habits, but it's never boring. The repetitive nature throughout only ever lends more detailed insight into the behavioral patterns of not only these individual wolves, but of wolf packs in general, giving us an enlightening (if biased) look at these animals and their role within the Yellowstone ecosystem. And it succeeds not only as an informative science book about the importance of wolves in Yellowstone, but also as an exciting adventure story about leadership and love, dedication and bravery, and the resounding effect of our actions on the world around us.
It was a time of legends, a time when giants strode the land. It was the time of 21 and 42.
7.5/10
[3.5 Stars, Gladly Rounded Up]
Me reading a non-fiction book—especially one that's not a memoir/autobiography by an actor/musician whom I love—is an extremely rare occurrence. However, when my parents returned from a trip to Yellowstone and gifted me this book, I had to dive in immediately because A, I love wolves, and B, I really didn't want it to get lost in the disaster zone that is my TBR.
Rick McIntyre's The Reign of Wolf 21: The Saga of Yellowstone’s Legendary Druid Pack is the second book in his Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone Series, and covers Wolf 21's time as Alpha of Yellowstone's Druid Pack, which spanned from 2000-2004. McIntyre's prose can be a bit dry at times, often reading like compiled trail notes more than anything else. But his dedication, insight and heartfelt care for these animals shines through enough throughout the book that it's never too sterile a read.
Rick McIntyre's love for these animals is contagious, and the way he writes about the main wolves in this three-and-a-half year story brings them to life in a way that makes it impossible for you not to fall for them yourself. I'm not going to lie, he had me crying over wolves who've been dead for ~20 years. The Druid Alphas, 21 & 42 (as well as the astonishing 253), were truly amazing animals; animals that so purely exhibited the strength and ideals of what wolves as a species represent.
I figured that every time I helped someone see wolves, it would be one more person on the side of wolves.
Overall, The Reign of Wolf 21 can often be repetitive, as it focuses heavily on this pack's hunting, mating and pup rearing habits, but it's never boring. The repetitive nature throughout only ever lends more detailed insight into the behavioral patterns of not only these individual wolves, but of wolf packs in general, giving us an enlightening (if biased) look at these animals and their role within the Yellowstone ecosystem. And it succeeds not only as an informative science book about the importance of wolves in Yellowstone, but also as an exciting adventure story about leadership and love, dedication and bravery, and the resounding effect of our actions on the world around us.
It was a time of legends, a time when giants strode the land. It was the time of 21 and 42.
7.5/10
[3.5 Stars, Gladly Rounded Up]
March 8, 2023
What a beautiful book. I found out about Rick McIntyre's books on the wolves of Yellowstone in a YouTube comment section of the game WolfQuest, which is one of my all-time favourite games. I decided to purchase The Rise of Wolf 8 and The Reign of Wolf 21, but 21's story arrived first. Too intrigued to wait to read the books 'chronologically', I dived straight into this book and was hooked immediately.
Rick McIntyre constructs the stories of the wolves he studies perfectly. I can imagine the study of wolves can be tediously complex, but he makes it so accessible for us non-scientist wolf & animal lovers to follow. He lets you fall in love with the stories he shares about these wonderful wolves. The personal favourite of mine is 253. The determination of that wolf is something a lot of humans can look up to. The same strong and look-up-able personalities shine of course from 21 and 42 as well. McIntyre shapes their stories almost as if they were fiction, but reminds you that these wolves are REAL. We can see ourselves mirrored in them. He captures the reality of nature that most people fail to see: wolves, animals, they are not mindless. McIntyre shows us that these animals, however wild they may be, can be proved to have thoughts, feelings, joys, worries, and be in love. Just as we can. 21 demonstrates mercy, 253 is a representative of perseverance , and 42... she is a catalyst for just about it all, the rope that ties the Druids all together. The story may be 21's, but if there can be heroes in the wolf world, it's 42.
This story is like no other, it's fantastically fictionally real. If you like wolves, like animals, like Yellowstone, anything, read this book and it's prequel and be amazed by both the harsh and beauty of the life of wolves.
Rick McIntyre constructs the stories of the wolves he studies perfectly. I can imagine the study of wolves can be tediously complex, but he makes it so accessible for us non-scientist wolf & animal lovers to follow. He lets you fall in love with the stories he shares about these wonderful wolves. The personal favourite of mine is 253. The determination of that wolf is something a lot of humans can look up to. The same strong and look-up-able personalities shine of course from 21 and 42 as well. McIntyre shapes their stories almost as if they were fiction, but reminds you that these wolves are REAL. We can see ourselves mirrored in them. He captures the reality of nature that most people fail to see: wolves, animals, they are not mindless. McIntyre shows us that these animals, however wild they may be, can be proved to have thoughts, feelings, joys, worries, and be in love. Just as we can. 21 demonstrates mercy, 253 is a representative of perseverance , and 42... she is a catalyst for just about it all, the rope that ties the Druids all together. The story may be 21's, but if there can be heroes in the wolf world, it's 42.
This story is like no other, it's fantastically fictionally real. If you like wolves, like animals, like Yellowstone, anything, read this book and it's prequel and be amazed by both the harsh and beauty of the life of wolves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2024
In the first book of this series, McIntyre wrote about the life of Wolf 8, Wolf 21's adoptive father and alpha of the Crystal Creek pack. This book focuses on Wolf 21 and his time as alpha of Yellowstone's Druid pack.
Although McIntyre's writing isn't anything special and often feels like field notes written out in paragraph form, with occasional asides telling readers what he'd done on a particular day, his enthusiasm and appreciation for wolves shines through. I appreciated his interpretations of wolf behavior, and following Wolf 21 through his eyes was fascinating and occasionally thrilling. I gasped at Wolf 40's fate (it should be noted that, for the most part, McIntyre just related things as they happened, without too much sensationalizing) and got attached to 21, 42, and 253.
302 was quite a character, and I'm looking forward to reading McIntyre's book about him. Although audiobook is usually my format of choice for nonfiction and was how I read the first book, I opted for a print copy this time around, and it worked much better for me. I not only got to see McIntyre's various pack charts and maps, as well as the color photos of the wolves, I was also able to skim some of the more boring bits I'd have been forced to slog through in audiobook format.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
Although McIntyre's writing isn't anything special and often feels like field notes written out in paragraph form, with occasional asides telling readers what he'd done on a particular day, his enthusiasm and appreciation for wolves shines through. I appreciated his interpretations of wolf behavior, and following Wolf 21 through his eyes was fascinating and occasionally thrilling. I gasped at Wolf 40's fate (it should be noted that, for the most part, McIntyre just related things as they happened, without too much sensationalizing) and got attached to 21, 42, and 253.
302 was quite a character, and I'm looking forward to reading McIntyre's book about him. Although audiobook is usually my format of choice for nonfiction and was how I read the first book, I opted for a print copy this time around, and it worked much better for me. I not only got to see McIntyre's various pack charts and maps, as well as the color photos of the wolves, I was also able to skim some of the more boring bits I'd have been forced to slog through in audiobook format.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
July 30, 2023
A fascinating read of beautiful and complex animals. I learned so much about an animal I had previously thought to understand decently well. Rick McIntyre's dedication to his study of wolves is quite frankly crazy, but I am glad there are people this passionate about their work and the animals they study. The writing style of this book was a bit odd to me. A lot of it read like field notes of 'Wolf 1 did this and wolf 2 did this, then wolf 1 did this." Which is totally understandable for a book like this, but it could get a little dry at times. There were rather strange paragraphs dropped at random throughout the field notes explaining more personal things about the author that I thought could have been incorporated more smoothly. And in my opinion, the wolves were anthropomorphized a bit too much, but it did make a good story.
All in all, I am glad I read this book and would recommend it to others who appreciate wolves and nature at large. I picked up a copy while I was in Yellowstone itself, and now wish I had read the book before going so I could have had the background while in the park!
All in all, I am glad I read this book and would recommend it to others who appreciate wolves and nature at large. I picked up a copy while I was in Yellowstone itself, and now wish I had read the book before going so I could have had the background while in the park!
June 23, 2021
I know that they give the wolves numbers, rather than names, so that those studying them won’t get too attached to them. But there was no way that I couldn’t have gotten attached to Wolf 42 and Wolf 21, especially Wolf 21. He was such an exceptional wolf, an exceptional leader, and his story is one that can’t help but inspire. Wolf 21 would grow to be much like his step-father, Wolf 8, and would lead in much the same way.
It’s hard not to call his relationship with Wolf 42 as a love story, but they lived most of their lives together and Wolf 21 would not long outlast Wolf 42; he seemed lost without her.
I love their story; anyone who loves wolves can’t help but love their story.
It’s hard not to call his relationship with Wolf 42 as a love story, but they lived most of their lives together and Wolf 21 would not long outlast Wolf 42; he seemed lost without her.
I love their story; anyone who loves wolves can’t help but love their story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews