Wolves Running

by Deborah Jarvis

The secret is out about the shapeshifters of the world, and as they face the wildly disparate reactions from all parts of the globe, the local groups of shapeshifters are trying to adapt to being in the public eye. For some, like Sasha Wellington, the revelation of her status as a wolf shapeshifter is not something she can reveal just yet in her role as a biology teacher at a Boulder, Colorado high school. As a matter of fact, that is probably the last thing she should consider. Things begin to change when one of her friends from student-teaching days suddenly discovers he is a shapeshifter, and she has to find a way to get him trained so that he will be able to keep her secret. Bringing the younger wolf home to her family's house for New Years', Sasha discovers that there is more to her young protégé than she originally thought and finds herself at a crossroads between the world she has built for herself in Boulder and the life that has always been hers amid the snow-capped mountains of Wyoming. In order to make these two parts of her life work, she will have to risk not only her livelihood as a teacher, but possibly the safety of her family and her friends in order to help achieve the lasting peace all of the shapeshifters desire.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2022

About the author

While I was born in Massachusetts, I have lived almost all of the second half of my life in New Hampshire. I find it to be soothing, but I miss Massachusetts from time to time. Lucky for me, I'm still nearby enough that I can go south of the border on a whim. The Cape is my home away from home.

Reading and writing have always been my passions and these skills are what I have tried to share with my students. Had a bad day? Read a book. Bullies give you a hard time? Read a book. Dad lost his job? Read a book. Books give us an escape from the world around us and teach us new information along the way. It makes for a more well-rounded, compassionate individual in the end.

As a teacher of both college and high school, I've seen the love of literature wax and wane. Often my college students come in not being fond of reading, only to find that the books are intriguing enough to get them reading again. High interest books are the key.

The creation of Keyralithsmus stems from my love of writing and reading fantasy. This series has been evolving over the last number of years, and it has taken a lot to bring it to this place, including being derailed by life time and again. There are a lot of things in the books that relate to my life, but there are many that have diverged over the years. The books and I evolved in different directions. That is what is meant to happen. My little baby is all grown up. It has found its place in the world.

At this point, there are three things you should know about me: 1). I love greyhounds - they are my passion and my babes; 2). I love teaching. If I can impart my passions for reading and writing to others and get them excited, my heart is full; 3). I have determined to never let someone tell me I can't do something because of what they perceive me to be. I don't need to prove that to anyone anymore.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit I'm not typically one to choose to read fantasy over other genres. There have to be other elements to hold my attention (relatable, believable characters, solid relationships, exciting plot, etc.). I'm happy to report that I enjoyed Wolves Running and would gladly recommend it to others. I'm a veteran high school English teacher and enjoyed the portrayal of high school culture in this story. I appreciated the positive relationships and friendships and especially the alliances that formed throughout the story as the tensions increased. I enjoyed the fact that although this is fantasy, its setting remains grounded in our world. That felt sort of new and refreshing to me. I've studied Native American culture and literature quite a bit and enjoyed the infusion of bits of Native American myth and unique, youthful, representative contemporary characters in this story as well. Overall, I enjoyed that the book moved quickly. Its timeline is short. It presents a bit of exposition as it is doing the job of setting up a series, but it also gets right to the action as it needs to. I did enjoy this book and I would certainly recommend it to others. I'm looking forward to reading book 2 when it comes available!

[Brittany Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a refreshing take on what would happen if shapeshifters existed and came out into the public eye. I have read many books before where Supernaturals HAVE subjugated humanity and taken control, but the story of how they got there was never told.
The author in my opinion explores what in all likelihood would be the reality of shapeshifters coming out to the public. The human reaction to the unknown of either acceptance or fearful hatred. Sasha is such an unassuming character and really isn't a heroine just a woman who wants to go on teaching and living in peace and I love her for being just average.
Though for me the book started a little slowly I don't think that the building of the story and the feeling of it being rooted in reality so to speak would have existed without that slower start and buildup. I'm definitely curious to find out what will happen to Sasha, her family, and the Shifter community as a whole as legislation is passed and humanity comes to grips with Shifters living among them.

[Leigh W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this take on a shifter series to be different and it was very refreshing. There was no fated mates even though there is a romance and there was no big turf war/dominance fighting for the conflict. At the core, it is about several different types of shifters living in a world that shockingly found out about their existence. All different types of animals are represented and are given a unique way of how they are integrated into society that kind of mimics their animals. The main characters involve wolves and it isn't this battle for dominance, it is large family that respects one another. I found the fact the characters just want to be able to live their lives in the society that is recognizing them with no big prophecy/apocalypse/earth-shattering event a much needed break from what is already out there. It was so refreshing that it had me hooked and I couldn't put it down until it was done.

[Amber Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a world where humans just found out shapeshifters have been living among them, hidden, for centuries. This is the world you’ll find in Wolves Running.
The story revolves around Sasha, a teacher and wolf shifter, as she navigates a world full of prejudice and a new love. The trials that Sasha faced were heartbreaking at times. But it was balanced out by good people sticking up for what was right.
This wasn’t your typical angsty werewolf romance. The fact that Sasha’s love interest was a normal, somewhat geeky guy was totally refreshing! If you’re looking for a sweet romance with friends to lovers and age gap tropes, with some real depth to the couples relationship, you’ll find it here.
This book gave me lots of cozy vibes. With the winter setting, this was the perfect book to cuddle up with a nice cup of cocoa and just relax. I will definitely be checking out more of this series when it’s available!

[Toni Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The secret of shape-shifters living among us is out and this story let's you see inside the life of Sasha Wellington and her friend of 10 years, John. Sasha has known her whole life that she is a shape-shifter but John just recently found out that he is also. The people are calling them wild animals and demons when all they are are humans that have the gift to turn into different animals. There are wolves, bears, pumas, birds of all kinds, even fish.

Sasha breaks up with her boyfriend of 6 years and falls in love with John but her ex refuses to let her go until she reveals she is a shape-shifter. This story follows Sasha as she navigates through her new love and what the world throws at them as people become knowledgeable about shape-shifters. 

Deborah Jarvis writes a very compelling story that grips you from the first page and leaves you wanting more.

[Rosiland R Dupont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I have always loved animals and often wished that I could change into a horse. The mythical origin of shapeshifters was fascinating. In spite of the severe racism represented in the story, surely a reflection of current events, I was touched by the humanity and the optimistic outlook overall. The book was an inspiration to read as well as being a darn good read! So if you enjoy a good story with an upbeat message you'll love this one.

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The news that shapeshifters exist has shocked the world and thrown society into chaos. Local groups of shapeshifters are scrambling to deal with the fallout. For some shapeshifters, like Sasha Wellington, coming out is not an option. This presents a unique challenge for her and the shapeshifter community.

What transpires is a story that explores the good and bad in people. It is entertaining and exciting even when it shows humanity and its flaws. I enjoyed reading this well-written story and look forward to more from this author.

[Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of shifter romances, this is a definite must add to the e-reader. There is an engaging plot with a dynamic variety of characters that readers will enjoy going on a journey with.
Deborah Jarvis has created a great cast in "Wolves Running" and readers will definitely be going to check out other books by the author. I know I will.

The writing style is such that the fate of the characters becomes important and makes this a page turner to find out what happens next. All in all, this is definitely a great book to settle down with as the chill of autumn starts to creep in.