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Wolf Chronicles #1
Promise of the Wolves
WHAT IS THE PROMISE OF THE WOLF?
NEVER CONSORT WITH HUMANS
NEVER KILL A HUMAN UNPROVOKED
NEVER ALLOW A MIXED-BLOOD WOLF TO LIVE
At least that's what the wolves of the Wide Valley believe. Until a young wolf dares to break the rules -- and forever alters the relationship between wolves and the humans who share their world.This is the story of such a wolf. Born of a forbidden mixed-blood litter and an outcast after her mother is banished, Kaala is determined to earn a place in the Swift River pack. But her world is turned upside down when she saves a human girl from drowning. Risking expulsion from their pack and exile from the Wide Valley, Kaala and her young packmates begin to hunt with the humans and thus discover the long-hidden bond between the two clans. But when war between wolves and humans threatens, Kaala learns the lies behind the wolf 's promise. Lies that force her to choose between safety for herself and her friends and the survival of her pack -- and perhaps of all wolf- and humankind.
Set 14,000 years ago, Promise of the Wolves takes us to a land where time is counted in phases of the moon, distance is measured in wolflengths, and direction by the scent of the nearest trail. Years of research into the world of wolves combines with mythical tale-telling to present a fantastical adventure set in a world filled with lore.
NEVER CONSORT WITH HUMANS
NEVER KILL A HUMAN UNPROVOKED
NEVER ALLOW A MIXED-BLOOD WOLF TO LIVE
At least that's what the wolves of the Wide Valley believe. Until a young wolf dares to break the rules -- and forever alters the relationship between wolves and the humans who share their world.This is the story of such a wolf. Born of a forbidden mixed-blood litter and an outcast after her mother is banished, Kaala is determined to earn a place in the Swift River pack. But her world is turned upside down when she saves a human girl from drowning. Risking expulsion from their pack and exile from the Wide Valley, Kaala and her young packmates begin to hunt with the humans and thus discover the long-hidden bond between the two clans. But when war between wolves and humans threatens, Kaala learns the lies behind the wolf 's promise. Lies that force her to choose between safety for herself and her friends and the survival of her pack -- and perhaps of all wolf- and humankind.
Set 14,000 years ago, Promise of the Wolves takes us to a land where time is counted in phases of the moon, distance is measured in wolflengths, and direction by the scent of the nearest trail. Years of research into the world of wolves combines with mythical tale-telling to present a fantastical adventure set in a world filled with lore.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2008
132 people are currently reading
6450 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
June 23, 2020
okay, i am going to pretend i am queen of the universe and i am going to set some ground rules, the first of which is that if you are an author, and you publish a book knowing full well it is going to be the first part in the series, you MUST make that EXPLICIT somewhere on the cover. because i can't go reading a whole book only to find that the resolution is actually a gateway into another whole story, i can't.
this just made me more aware that donald harington loved sea of poppies and he died before the second and third books in the trilogy were published. this is the saddest thing i can think of, and it makes me confront my own mortality. and i can't have that, either.
fortunately, i didn't love this book the way he loved sea of poppies. i expected to like it in a light breezy way, and that's what it was for me; a light, fun diversion. i mean, who doesn't love anthropomorphism, right? tailchaser's song is one of my all time favorite books, and watership down is great etc etc. this one was lacking in the "species-specific language/glossary" that i liked so much in those other books, but it still had some great illustrations of wolf behavior, so i learned a thing or two, and the central character was complex in a good way - not overly heroic or role-modelly; a flawed wolf struggling with her role in her society, and her relationship with the "other" - humans.
and what would a novel be without a poetry-spouting, comic relief raven?
not much fun, that's for sure.
come to my blog!
this just made me more aware that donald harington loved sea of poppies and he died before the second and third books in the trilogy were published. this is the saddest thing i can think of, and it makes me confront my own mortality. and i can't have that, either.
fortunately, i didn't love this book the way he loved sea of poppies. i expected to like it in a light breezy way, and that's what it was for me; a light, fun diversion. i mean, who doesn't love anthropomorphism, right? tailchaser's song is one of my all time favorite books, and watership down is great etc etc. this one was lacking in the "species-specific language/glossary" that i liked so much in those other books, but it still had some great illustrations of wolf behavior, so i learned a thing or two, and the central character was complex in a good way - not overly heroic or role-modelly; a flawed wolf struggling with her role in her society, and her relationship with the "other" - humans.
and what would a novel be without a poetry-spouting, comic relief raven?
not much fun, that's for sure.
come to my blog!
November 25, 2017
Una historia que no pensé fuera a gustarme tanto. Lo raro de este libro son sus personajes, ya que no son humanos sino una camada de lobos recién nacidos y el como se van integrando a la manada. Suenan un poco loco pero es muy entretenido, te saca risas, un poco de pesar y te hace pasar algunos corajes, ya que es inevitable encariñarse con los protagonistas.
Para algo diferente y fuera de lo común, estos lobitos merecen la oportunidad.
Para algo diferente y fuera de lo común, estos lobitos merecen la oportunidad.
September 22, 2009
I love Dorothy Hearst's work. She's a talented writer who combines meticulous research with a story so compelling that you never notice how much you’re learning along the way. In Promise of the Wolves, she gives you a vision of the world 14,000 years ago from the point of view of Kaala Smallteeth, a young wolf in the Swift River Pack of the Wide Valley, and in doing so she teaches you about the co-evolution of humans and wolves.
Kaala is an outsider, a wolf of mixed blood who is attracted to humans for their wolf-like qualities. (There’s a particularly nice scene where Kaala sees human children tumbling over one another like wolf pups.) Kaala’s most unusual trait is her capacity to love another species. Because of her special talent for empathy and compassion, she becomes peacemaker who struggles to prevent a war between wolves and humans. This is not an easy role for Kaala to assume, because it involves serious risk. The leader of her pack has warned her that if she associates with humans, she’ll be banished from the valley forever.
Kaala is brave and appealing, but Hearst has given her problems and flaws that keep her real. She’s stubborn, rash, and something of a renegade; and there are times when you want to step into the story warn her that she’s clearly headed for disaster.
Promise of the Wolves takes place in a fully imagined world. Besides Kaala, it contains other riches: ravens who croak in haikus, spirit wolves who come to Kaala in visions, Great Wolves who are the secret guardians of human and wolf destiny, human grandmothers who can speak to animals in their own tongues. But beyond all else, this is a wolf’s eye view of the moment when wolves domesticated humans and in the process became dogs. After you read this novel, you’ll probably never again see a dog on a leash without wondering who’s walking whom.
This was a really great read. I’m waiting impatiently for Book II of The Wolf Chronicles
Kaala is an outsider, a wolf of mixed blood who is attracted to humans for their wolf-like qualities. (There’s a particularly nice scene where Kaala sees human children tumbling over one another like wolf pups.) Kaala’s most unusual trait is her capacity to love another species. Because of her special talent for empathy and compassion, she becomes peacemaker who struggles to prevent a war between wolves and humans. This is not an easy role for Kaala to assume, because it involves serious risk. The leader of her pack has warned her that if she associates with humans, she’ll be banished from the valley forever.
Kaala is brave and appealing, but Hearst has given her problems and flaws that keep her real. She’s stubborn, rash, and something of a renegade; and there are times when you want to step into the story warn her that she’s clearly headed for disaster.
Promise of the Wolves takes place in a fully imagined world. Besides Kaala, it contains other riches: ravens who croak in haikus, spirit wolves who come to Kaala in visions, Great Wolves who are the secret guardians of human and wolf destiny, human grandmothers who can speak to animals in their own tongues. But beyond all else, this is a wolf’s eye view of the moment when wolves domesticated humans and in the process became dogs. After you read this novel, you’ll probably never again see a dog on a leash without wondering who’s walking whom.
This was a really great read. I’m waiting impatiently for Book II of The Wolf Chronicles
November 12, 2012
Reviewed by Harmony for TeensReadToo.com
Kaala was born with Outsiders blood. She watched her siblings die and her mother exiled by the leaderwolf, all because of the blood and the rules broken by it.
Yet Kaala's life is spared when the Greatwolves step in for unknown reasons. Though her life was spared, Kaala is on a difficult path. Ruuqo, the leader of her pack, does everything possible to keep her from becoming pack, and there's something pulling her to the humans that she just doesn't understand.
With the help of a mysterious wolf, a raven, and two of her wolf friends, Kaala learns more about her destiny and the humans. But as war looms on the horizon, Kaala learns that she's not the only wolf keeping secrets, and without the help of those more powerful than her, everyone in the valley may face dire consequences.
PROMISE OF THE WOLVES is an action-packed book, full of surprises and turns. Though it dragged on for a bit at first, I quickly fell in love with Kaala and the life of the wolves. I found myself struggling to put the book down because I wanted so badly to find out the fate of Kaala and her pack, along with the humans.
So whether you're a wolf lover or not, I'd recommend picking up this book. You definitely won't regret it.
Kaala was born with Outsiders blood. She watched her siblings die and her mother exiled by the leaderwolf, all because of the blood and the rules broken by it.
Yet Kaala's life is spared when the Greatwolves step in for unknown reasons. Though her life was spared, Kaala is on a difficult path. Ruuqo, the leader of her pack, does everything possible to keep her from becoming pack, and there's something pulling her to the humans that she just doesn't understand.
With the help of a mysterious wolf, a raven, and two of her wolf friends, Kaala learns more about her destiny and the humans. But as war looms on the horizon, Kaala learns that she's not the only wolf keeping secrets, and without the help of those more powerful than her, everyone in the valley may face dire consequences.
PROMISE OF THE WOLVES is an action-packed book, full of surprises and turns. Though it dragged on for a bit at first, I quickly fell in love with Kaala and the life of the wolves. I found myself struggling to put the book down because I wanted so badly to find out the fate of Kaala and her pack, along with the humans.
So whether you're a wolf lover or not, I'd recommend picking up this book. You definitely won't regret it.
October 14, 2016
3.5 stars
This is one of the oldest books on my TBR, so I therefore feel very accomplished for having finally picked it up and read it :) It didn't totally knock me out, but I also feel like there's only so much that can be done when it comes to keeping animal characters realistic. The interactions between the wolves and people were really well-done.
YA & Beyond Hidden Gem buddy read
This is one of the oldest books on my TBR, so I therefore feel very accomplished for having finally picked it up and read it :) It didn't totally knock me out, but I also feel like there's only so much that can be done when it comes to keeping animal characters realistic. The interactions between the wolves and people were really well-done.
YA & Beyond Hidden Gem buddy read
July 20, 2017
This is a stone age novel with a difference – it’s told from an animal perspective. Specifically, wolves as they undergo the process of domestication into dogs – Humanity’s so called ‘best friend’. It’s a charming tale that reminds me of Farthing Wood or Watership Down, but whilst I’m sure children would adore it, don’t think it’s not for adults too; the book does not simplify or talk down to the reader, and I got as much enjoyment from it. It can be cute at times, but there are also serious situations that bring tension too.
7 out of 10
February 2, 2012
I have to admit, I didn't finish this book. At first, I thought it would be unfair to the author to write a review for a book I'd only partially read, but as I've thought about it, I realized that in the first four chapters of the book, I had formed an opinion that was strong enough to make me decide to set it down, and I feel it's important to share what led to such a strong opinion. If it turns out that my reasons for setting the book down fade in later chapters, I welcome comments to this review. First, the story:
Wolf pups don't receive their names until they emerge from their den and are inspected by the leader of the pack. Only if the pack leader decides they are strong enough to survive and accepts them as pack do they receive their name. From then on, the pack is bound to protect the pups until they grow old enough to defend themselves. But Kaala was named at birth because her mother knew that otherwise her daughter would never be accepted.
Kaala and her siblings have Outsider blood. It is said that a wolf with Outsider blood has the power to either save or destroy their pack. For this reason, her pack leader, Ruuqo, killed each of her siblings on their inspection day and drove her mother away. Only outside intervention saved Kaala, and before her mother fled, she instructed her daughter to join the pack, then find her.
But Kaala's not pack yet. Ruuqo hasn't accepted her name, the sign of acceptance to the pack, and although he's been forbidden to kill her, he's making life as hard for her as possible in the hope that she'll simply die off. Accompanied by Azzuen, a male pup who Ruuqo initially thought too weak to live, Kaala struggles to overcome three challenges every pup in the pack must face. If she can best these challenges, Ruuqo will have to let her into the pack so she can fulfill her mother's instructions.
And that's the story I've read so far. It's an excellent story -- I'd like to see how it plays out -- but I did not realize until reading this book how big a role the voice of a novel plays in my desire to read it. Promise of the Wolves is written in a first-person point of view from Kaala's perspective. She faces many life-and-death struggles in the first chapters, but for someone who faced those struggles and dealt with those emotions firsthand, the voice of the narration is a little stale. It sounds as if she's just spitting out her story, and one has to wonder why she's interested in telling it in the first place. I believe a big reason for the staleness is that there are many areas in the book where scenes are simply told to us, leaving us without the personal experience of having been shown them. While there is description, there are many areas where everything feels laid out too plainly, especially for a limited viewpoint like first-person.
Also a little annoying was the author's tendency to set a scene, then reveal a little into it that Kaala realized the scene wasn't exactly the way she'd first thought. Realistic? Probably. But also jarring, when I constantly have to tweak my perception of the scene, through no fault of my own imagination.
Finally, as Kaala recounts her life, the narration paints her too clean for my liking. In his first scene, the pup Azzuen doesn't have the will to live -- which in Kaala's culture means he doesn't live -- but she goes out of her way to push him, literally, to survive anyway, though there's no benefit to her. In another scene, during a battle between Kaala and two pups that want to kill her, she throws both of them off in a critical moment. Perhaps I'm a bit nit-picky, but I feel not enough convincing was done to fortify my willing suspension of disbelief here. We're asked to believe that Kaala is simply good enough (without any previous characterization) to go out of her way for another who doesn't even want to survive when her own survival is hinged on the fact that she desired life. We're asked to believe that one wolf pup is strong enough to throw two wolf pups off, but two wolf pups (both older and better fed) are not strong enough to hold one wolf pup down. While both of these developments serve the plot later (I assume; I haven't gotten that far yet) they need to be supported with reasons they work, like extra characterization in the introduction chapter, or the mention of Kaala's adrenaline levels during the fight and the effort throwing her peers off requires.
Perhaps these are all minor details, but they come together to prevent me from truly getting into the book. Most of all, I need a narrator who believes in her story and its importance to the listener; who is so invested in the story that she will tell it in detail, in as much or as little hurry as the scenes require to help me understand what it was like for her to experience them. It looks like a story worth telling, but that makes it a story worth believing in: a story worth telling with passion.
Wolf pups don't receive their names until they emerge from their den and are inspected by the leader of the pack. Only if the pack leader decides they are strong enough to survive and accepts them as pack do they receive their name. From then on, the pack is bound to protect the pups until they grow old enough to defend themselves. But Kaala was named at birth because her mother knew that otherwise her daughter would never be accepted.
Kaala and her siblings have Outsider blood. It is said that a wolf with Outsider blood has the power to either save or destroy their pack. For this reason, her pack leader, Ruuqo, killed each of her siblings on their inspection day and drove her mother away. Only outside intervention saved Kaala, and before her mother fled, she instructed her daughter to join the pack, then find her.
But Kaala's not pack yet. Ruuqo hasn't accepted her name, the sign of acceptance to the pack, and although he's been forbidden to kill her, he's making life as hard for her as possible in the hope that she'll simply die off. Accompanied by Azzuen, a male pup who Ruuqo initially thought too weak to live, Kaala struggles to overcome three challenges every pup in the pack must face. If she can best these challenges, Ruuqo will have to let her into the pack so she can fulfill her mother's instructions.
And that's the story I've read so far. It's an excellent story -- I'd like to see how it plays out -- but I did not realize until reading this book how big a role the voice of a novel plays in my desire to read it. Promise of the Wolves is written in a first-person point of view from Kaala's perspective. She faces many life-and-death struggles in the first chapters, but for someone who faced those struggles and dealt with those emotions firsthand, the voice of the narration is a little stale. It sounds as if she's just spitting out her story, and one has to wonder why she's interested in telling it in the first place. I believe a big reason for the staleness is that there are many areas in the book where scenes are simply told to us, leaving us without the personal experience of having been shown them. While there is description, there are many areas where everything feels laid out too plainly, especially for a limited viewpoint like first-person.
Also a little annoying was the author's tendency to set a scene, then reveal a little into it that Kaala realized the scene wasn't exactly the way she'd first thought. Realistic? Probably. But also jarring, when I constantly have to tweak my perception of the scene, through no fault of my own imagination.
Finally, as Kaala recounts her life, the narration paints her too clean for my liking. In his first scene, the pup Azzuen doesn't have the will to live -- which in Kaala's culture means he doesn't live -- but she goes out of her way to push him, literally, to survive anyway, though there's no benefit to her. In another scene, during a battle between Kaala and two pups that want to kill her, she throws both of them off in a critical moment. Perhaps I'm a bit nit-picky, but I feel not enough convincing was done to fortify my willing suspension of disbelief here. We're asked to believe that Kaala is simply good enough (without any previous characterization) to go out of her way for another who doesn't even want to survive when her own survival is hinged on the fact that she desired life. We're asked to believe that one wolf pup is strong enough to throw two wolf pups off, but two wolf pups (both older and better fed) are not strong enough to hold one wolf pup down. While both of these developments serve the plot later (I assume; I haven't gotten that far yet) they need to be supported with reasons they work, like extra characterization in the introduction chapter, or the mention of Kaala's adrenaline levels during the fight and the effort throwing her peers off requires.
Perhaps these are all minor details, but they come together to prevent me from truly getting into the book. Most of all, I need a narrator who believes in her story and its importance to the listener; who is so invested in the story that she will tell it in detail, in as much or as little hurry as the scenes require to help me understand what it was like for her to experience them. It looks like a story worth telling, but that makes it a story worth believing in: a story worth telling with passion.
October 24, 2011
I don't have much to say about this book other than the fact that I was happy it was over. Truthfully, had I not been listening to it as an audiobook, I wouldn't have finished it. I just felt absolutely no connection to the characters and really didn't care what happened to any of them. I found the story incredibly boring at times, almost to the point where I wanted to nod off while driving in my daily commute. The plot was very flat and the only excitement (if you can all it that) was the almost-war that never came to be. I'm sure many enjoy this type of writing and the type of story Promise of the Wolves is, but it just wasn't my thing. I had the next book Secrets of the Wolves on reserve from the library but I'm returning it today. I have no interest continuing this series.
I don't even have the focus to give you a summary of the book so here is an editorial review from Amazon:
The first in a proposed trilogy, this story set in a wilderness 14,000 years ago is told from the wolves' viewpoint. Kaala is a young female whose relationship with her pack is strained by the portentous crescent moon mark on her chest and her affinity for humans. Her bond with them is formed when she rescues a young girl from drowning. Through repeated conversations with Greatwolves, spiritwolves, and Ancients, the young wolf comes to realize that she is the latest in a line of mixed bloods who have the opportunity and challenge of forming an alliance with humans in order to remind them of the interconnectivity of life and to prevent them from destroying their world. The road Kaala travels to ultimate understanding is a tortured one that, at times, borders on the tiresome, but this is a minor drawback in a book whose strength is in the depiction of life in and among wolf packs. Clearly, Hearst has done prodigious research, and her story is infused with a great depth of understanding. Her depiction of the animals' lives, from raising pups to hunting strategies to the protocol of both inter- and intra-pack associations, makes her lupine cast both captivating and believable. A favorite character, however, may be the raven Tlitoo, who plays the part of a Sancho Panza sidekick and provides some comic relief. With its engaging blend of animal science and mythology, and a strong environmental message, Promise will appeal to a variety of teens.—Dori DeSpain, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
I don't even have the focus to give you a summary of the book so here is an editorial review from Amazon:
The first in a proposed trilogy, this story set in a wilderness 14,000 years ago is told from the wolves' viewpoint. Kaala is a young female whose relationship with her pack is strained by the portentous crescent moon mark on her chest and her affinity for humans. Her bond with them is formed when she rescues a young girl from drowning. Through repeated conversations with Greatwolves, spiritwolves, and Ancients, the young wolf comes to realize that she is the latest in a line of mixed bloods who have the opportunity and challenge of forming an alliance with humans in order to remind them of the interconnectivity of life and to prevent them from destroying their world. The road Kaala travels to ultimate understanding is a tortured one that, at times, borders on the tiresome, but this is a minor drawback in a book whose strength is in the depiction of life in and among wolf packs. Clearly, Hearst has done prodigious research, and her story is infused with a great depth of understanding. Her depiction of the animals' lives, from raising pups to hunting strategies to the protocol of both inter- and intra-pack associations, makes her lupine cast both captivating and believable. A favorite character, however, may be the raven Tlitoo, who plays the part of a Sancho Panza sidekick and provides some comic relief. With its engaging blend of animal science and mythology, and a strong environmental message, Promise will appeal to a variety of teens.—Dori DeSpain, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
March 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this YA book. This first book of the "Wolf Chronicles" trilogy is about the relationship about prehistoric humans and wolves, is told from the wolves POV, and seems to lay the foundation of how the first domesticated dogs came to be.
I liked the main character, a young wolf Kaala. She is strong, independent and stands up for what she believes in.
I've already ordered the 2nd book in the trilogy from my library, and will probably buy the whole collection once the 3rd book comes out.
I liked the main character, a young wolf Kaala. She is strong, independent and stands up for what she believes in.
I've already ordered the 2nd book in the trilogy from my library, and will probably buy the whole collection once the 3rd book comes out.
June 4, 2008
The product description notes: "Brilliantly weaving together original research, lovable characters and a dynamic, thoroughly engaging plot, The Wolf Chronicles is an adventure story in the tradition of Clan of the Cave Bear and Watership Down."
And this is why I'm a little disappointed. Hearst is a good writer. She has done her research and this peeks out in ways that show a lot of insight, such as her inclusion of ravens as secondary characters. However, I didn't find the characters all that lovable, unless we are supposed to love them for the mere fact they are wolves and the main character has acceptance issues. Nor did I find the plot dynamic or thoroughly engaging. In fact it took me a very long time to find the plot at all.
For the most part this is a book about a young wolf, an outsider included reluctantly within a pack of wolves. Hearst created her own wolf culture, making them seem not unlike a primitive human tribe, albeit with particular wolf characteristics. She spends a great deal of time introducing this culture and the existential angst of the main character.
However, very little really happens, and what does happen seems to be a bland framework in order to attach the developing identity of our young protagonist.
This is a story of emotions, and social connections, and acceptance. Which is lovely for a little while but I began getting entirely bogged down with it about half way through.
This is no Watership Down, to be sure. Adams created not only a culture of rabbits but maintained their essential 'rabbitness' through a variety of settings, engaging both emotion and action in the process. His insight and journey made for a immensely satisfying read. Hearst misses that. Her wolves don't seem very 'wolfish' at times, and there is not enough movement in order to sustain attention, and not enough insight into the characters which would really help us to love them. I had trouble caring what happened, even after spending 100+ pages of introduction.
In a way this book reminds me a lot more of Kipling's The Jungle Book. There too the emphasis was often more on animal culture and existential identity. Yet, Kipling gave us more drama, in much less space.
Hearst is a good writer, but overall I'm left with the fact that outside of those particularly interested in seeing a version of 'wolf culture' and maybe those interested in the story of adolescent belonging there isn't much in Promise of the Wolves. I feel like, maybe, the prospect of this being the first of three novels in the series undermined this first book. Because Hearst knew there was more, she didn't write a complete book in and of itself, which makes me a little curious to see how the other books develop, but even more not engaged enough with the plot or the characters to find out.
And this is why I'm a little disappointed. Hearst is a good writer. She has done her research and this peeks out in ways that show a lot of insight, such as her inclusion of ravens as secondary characters. However, I didn't find the characters all that lovable, unless we are supposed to love them for the mere fact they are wolves and the main character has acceptance issues. Nor did I find the plot dynamic or thoroughly engaging. In fact it took me a very long time to find the plot at all.
For the most part this is a book about a young wolf, an outsider included reluctantly within a pack of wolves. Hearst created her own wolf culture, making them seem not unlike a primitive human tribe, albeit with particular wolf characteristics. She spends a great deal of time introducing this culture and the existential angst of the main character.
However, very little really happens, and what does happen seems to be a bland framework in order to attach the developing identity of our young protagonist.
This is a story of emotions, and social connections, and acceptance. Which is lovely for a little while but I began getting entirely bogged down with it about half way through.
This is no Watership Down, to be sure. Adams created not only a culture of rabbits but maintained their essential 'rabbitness' through a variety of settings, engaging both emotion and action in the process. His insight and journey made for a immensely satisfying read. Hearst misses that. Her wolves don't seem very 'wolfish' at times, and there is not enough movement in order to sustain attention, and not enough insight into the characters which would really help us to love them. I had trouble caring what happened, even after spending 100+ pages of introduction.
In a way this book reminds me a lot more of Kipling's The Jungle Book. There too the emphasis was often more on animal culture and existential identity. Yet, Kipling gave us more drama, in much less space.
Hearst is a good writer, but overall I'm left with the fact that outside of those particularly interested in seeing a version of 'wolf culture' and maybe those interested in the story of adolescent belonging there isn't much in Promise of the Wolves. I feel like, maybe, the prospect of this being the first of three novels in the series undermined this first book. Because Hearst knew there was more, she didn't write a complete book in and of itself, which makes me a little curious to see how the other books develop, but even more not engaged enough with the plot or the characters to find out.
October 26, 2008
There are three promises that the wolves of Wide Valley live by.
Never consort with humans.
Never kill a human unprovoked.
Never allow a mixed-blood wolf to live.
Kaala, a young wolf pup of mixed blood, must fight for her place in the Swift River Pack. Her mother was banished for having a mixed blood litter and Kaala is all but alone in a pack that doesn’t want her. Kaala is determined to be a part of the Swift River Pack, the last promise she made to her mother.
As Kaala grows she continues to be the cause of concern within the pack and is blamed numerous times when the pack falls on bad luck. Kaala also rescues a human from drowning breaking the wolf promise to never consort with humans. She continues to see her human that she calls Girl. Kaala and two of her other pack mates build a relationship with the humans and they hunt alongside them. It is then that Kaala learns the truth behind the three promises.
A war is brewing between humans and wolves and Kaala may be the only one who can stop it.
Promise of the Wolves is a beautifully written novel. I found myself becoming lost in the writing itself many times. The depictions of the wolf pack are both interesting and fascinating. It is obvious the level of research the author undertook to write such a realistic portrayal. The characterization and the dialogue were by far my favorite aspects. At times I found my attention waning. No one particular situation in the book really grabbed my attention. Although the plot was simple, it was still interesting. I will most likely continue to read the trilogy. I plan on giving this book three stars, but the writing itself would have a five star rating!
Never consort with humans.
Never kill a human unprovoked.
Never allow a mixed-blood wolf to live.
Kaala, a young wolf pup of mixed blood, must fight for her place in the Swift River Pack. Her mother was banished for having a mixed blood litter and Kaala is all but alone in a pack that doesn’t want her. Kaala is determined to be a part of the Swift River Pack, the last promise she made to her mother.
As Kaala grows she continues to be the cause of concern within the pack and is blamed numerous times when the pack falls on bad luck. Kaala also rescues a human from drowning breaking the wolf promise to never consort with humans. She continues to see her human that she calls Girl. Kaala and two of her other pack mates build a relationship with the humans and they hunt alongside them. It is then that Kaala learns the truth behind the three promises.
A war is brewing between humans and wolves and Kaala may be the only one who can stop it.
Promise of the Wolves is a beautifully written novel. I found myself becoming lost in the writing itself many times. The depictions of the wolf pack are both interesting and fascinating. It is obvious the level of research the author undertook to write such a realistic portrayal. The characterization and the dialogue were by far my favorite aspects. At times I found my attention waning. No one particular situation in the book really grabbed my attention. Although the plot was simple, it was still interesting. I will most likely continue to read the trilogy. I plan on giving this book three stars, but the writing itself would have a five star rating!
December 2, 2009
There is a quote from Jean Auel on the back cover reading, "If you liked Watership Down, you must read Promise of the Wolves ." I quite liked the first few books in Auel's 'Earth's Children' series and loved Watership Down, so sat down to read with some fairly lofty expectations.
Promise of the Wolves is a lovely book. In a sense the story isn't all that new, wolves and humans learning to live in harmony with one another and the natural world. But Hearst's characterisation and the story being from the point of view of the wolves refreshes the plot and she gives the tale some unique twists and turns.
As a first novel it's a neat accomplishment, one of which the author is deservedly proud. While the novel does include a complete story arc, there appears to be a subtitle on the cover, 'The Wolf Chronicles', that would tend to indicate more to come. A review of the author's website held no hints of further novels...one can only hope.
Promise of the Wolves is a lovely book. In a sense the story isn't all that new, wolves and humans learning to live in harmony with one another and the natural world. But Hearst's characterisation and the story being from the point of view of the wolves refreshes the plot and she gives the tale some unique twists and turns.
As a first novel it's a neat accomplishment, one of which the author is deservedly proud. While the novel does include a complete story arc, there appears to be a subtitle on the cover, 'The Wolf Chronicles', that would tend to indicate more to come. A review of the author's website held no hints of further novels...one can only hope.
February 19, 2016
Agh! This book was SO boring. I was pretty surprised at the beginning of it of how great the writing was. I have to admit that I was, at first, very hooked with the story. But then... nothing. Almost nothing happened. It was VERY slow. We follow the main character through her growth and believe me, we go through her WHOLE "childhood". Too much detail for my taste. It had its potential but it wasn't for me.
January 4, 2023
I read this book and its two sequels, Secrets of the Wolves and Spirit of the Wolves. They started out promisingly, being about wolves living during the time they were first beginning to be domesticated, which sounds like an interesting premise. However, the story quickly degenerated into just another “magical animals with special powers” tale – some of the wolves can talk to humans, and the main character, Kaala, can travel to the land of the dead and see other wolves’ dreams. I prefer to read about real animals, not supernatural ones. The wolf behaviour is pretty unrealistic even without the magic, and they use human terms like “minutes” at a time when even humans didn’t have clocks. There are also “Greatwolves”, which appear to be dire wolves, despite the fact that the book is set in Europe, where dire wolves never lived. A disappointing read given the potential of the premise.
February 23, 2016
I love this book quite a lot!
For me personally, because I was enjoying it so much, I never realised how much I was learning about wolves and humans along the way. Dorothy Hearst really outdid it with her research for the book, it's amazing!
Kaala is such a strong and stubborn wolf. She tried to prove to Ruuqo time and time again that she worthy of becoming a part of the pack but he refused to acknowledge it but that never discouraged her.
I also loved reading about Azzuen and how he was so very weak but he grew into a strong wolf as well!
I definitely enjoyed everything about this book and I can't wait to read the others.
For me personally, because I was enjoying it so much, I never realised how much I was learning about wolves and humans along the way. Dorothy Hearst really outdid it with her research for the book, it's amazing!
Kaala is such a strong and stubborn wolf. She tried to prove to Ruuqo time and time again that she worthy of becoming a part of the pack but he refused to acknowledge it but that never discouraged her.
I also loved reading about Azzuen and how he was so very weak but he grew into a strong wolf as well!
I definitely enjoyed everything about this book and I can't wait to read the others.
August 21, 2020
Het hoofdpersonage in dit boek is Kaala, een wolvin, die we vanaf haar prille jeugd volgen tot ze ongeveer een jaar is. Kaala is speciaal, ze is de dochter van een andere wolvin dan het alfavrouwtje in de roedel, en haar vader blijft onbekend. Ruuqo, het alfamannetje, weigert het nestje te erkennen, en Kaala's broertje en zusjes worden gedood. Net als Kaala ook gedood zou worden, komen de Grootwolven tussenbeide, en gebieden Ruuqo om Kaala een kans te geven, omdat ze het teken van de maan op haar borst draagt. Tegen zijn zin geeft Ruuqo toe, maar hij laat nooit na om Kaala extra op de proef te stellen of uit te dagen of te pesten. Gelukkig heeft Kaala enkele vrienden, het wolfje Azzuen, het wolvinnetje Marra, en de jonge raaf Tlitoo. Maar Kaala voelt zich steeds meer aangetrokken tot de mensen, waarmee het contact strikt verboden is.....
Spannend en ook emotioneel boek, het is moeilijk om niet mee te leven met Kaala als ze steeds maar weer op de proef gesteld wordt om als lid van de roedel te worden aanvaard. En je kan niet anders dan bewondering hebben voor de moed waarmee ze doorzet.
Goed geschreven ook, en de manier waarop het gedrag en de denkwijze van de wolven beschreven wordt in menselijke begrippen, is super.
Spannend en ook emotioneel boek, het is moeilijk om niet mee te leven met Kaala als ze steeds maar weer op de proef gesteld wordt om als lid van de roedel te worden aanvaard. En je kan niet anders dan bewondering hebben voor de moed waarmee ze doorzet.
Goed geschreven ook, en de manier waarop het gedrag en de denkwijze van de wolven beschreven wordt in menselijke begrippen, is super.
June 1, 2022
4 sterren - Nederlandse hardcover
Recensie volgt later.
Recensie volgt later.
February 27, 2023
La escritora debuta con este libro, que es el primero de la trilogía. Al inicio me costó un poco, ya que relata como antecedente una leyenda: Hace 40,000 años tras un invierno de muerte y escasez de alimento, humanos y lobos se unieron para cazar juntos, conseguir presas y lograr sobrevivir. Pero surge el conflicto y la guerra y se crea un pacto: Humanos y lobos no pueden volver a estar juntos. Bajo éste argumento inicia ésta historia situada hace 14,000 años, contada a través de Kaala una lobezna de sangre impura que se queda sin familia, exilian a su madre por aparearse con un lobo extraño, entre otros infortunios. Por lo tanto lucha por sobrevivir, pertenecer y hacerse un lugar dentro de la manada, a la vez que su temperamento irreverente la impulsa a buscar la verdad a pesar de quebrantar las leyes ancestrales. Lo que más me gustó fue que a pesar de ser una historia fantástica, la trama siempre aporta datos reales sobre el comportamiento de los lobos, la investigación extensa que realizó la escritora sobre estos animales me ha cautivado tanto que me ha llevado a admirarlos.
October 25, 2022
'Promise of the Wolves' tells the story of Kaala, a wolf cub born in an interesting time and place. It is 14,000 years ago in Europe, and the beginning of the association between wolves and humans that will eventually lead to the development of man's best friend, the domestic dog. The wolves are forbidden from consorting with humans, but Kaala rescues a young girl from drowning and finds that she cannot stay away from her new friend. She soon leads some of the other wolves into friendships with humans, with consequences that, legend says, could either save or destroy wolfkind.
Unusually for this type of book, 'Promise of the Wolves' is written in the first person. This is a clear attempt to pull the reader more firmly into the story, but it has to be said that it doesn't quite work - Kaala often uses human terms and ideas of which a wolf would have no knowledge. The wolves can also understand human speech, and some of the humans can understand them in turn, which is a little too fantastical for my taste, though it may appeal to younger readers.
The book also contains some factual errors. It is obvious that the author has observed wolves, but she has misinterpreted some of their behaviour, either from lack of understanding or as a deliberate plot device. For example, the wolves in the book are drawn to humans instead of being afraid of them as real wolves are, but of course this is necessary given the story. Worse, at least in my opinion, is the cruel way they often treat each other in this book. Wolves are strongly bonded to the other members of their pack and take care of their weak and sick - in 'Promise of the Wolves', however, weakness is not tolerated, and even cubs are routinely denied food, left vulnerable to predation, or even killed. This would never happen in reality - offspring are simply too valuable to risk, and are protected at all costs. Something else that particularly irritated me was the fact that, though the book is set in Europe, it features animals that only ever lived in the Americas, such as dire wolves and Smilodon.
In conclusion, younger readers or fans of wolves who are after fiction and fantasy rather than fact may well enjoy this book. However, older readers and those with a good knowledge of wolves and/or their domestication will find 'Promise of the Wolves' a little too far-fetched, and may be put off by the factual errors and eco-friendly message, which, whilst commendable, is laid on a little too thick.
Unusually for this type of book, 'Promise of the Wolves' is written in the first person. This is a clear attempt to pull the reader more firmly into the story, but it has to be said that it doesn't quite work - Kaala often uses human terms and ideas of which a wolf would have no knowledge. The wolves can also understand human speech, and some of the humans can understand them in turn, which is a little too fantastical for my taste, though it may appeal to younger readers.
The book also contains some factual errors. It is obvious that the author has observed wolves, but she has misinterpreted some of their behaviour, either from lack of understanding or as a deliberate plot device. For example, the wolves in the book are drawn to humans instead of being afraid of them as real wolves are, but of course this is necessary given the story. Worse, at least in my opinion, is the cruel way they often treat each other in this book. Wolves are strongly bonded to the other members of their pack and take care of their weak and sick - in 'Promise of the Wolves', however, weakness is not tolerated, and even cubs are routinely denied food, left vulnerable to predation, or even killed. This would never happen in reality - offspring are simply too valuable to risk, and are protected at all costs. Something else that particularly irritated me was the fact that, though the book is set in Europe, it features animals that only ever lived in the Americas, such as dire wolves and Smilodon.
In conclusion, younger readers or fans of wolves who are after fiction and fantasy rather than fact may well enjoy this book. However, older readers and those with a good knowledge of wolves and/or their domestication will find 'Promise of the Wolves' a little too far-fetched, and may be put off by the factual errors and eco-friendly message, which, whilst commendable, is laid on a little too thick.
October 26, 2017
As someone who has a soft spot for animals, it's no surprise that I enjoyed this book. Reading about Kaala growing up is like watching puppies through a window at the pet store, which I can do all day. The early portion of the book spends sufficient time on this and helps you establish an emotional bond with the main character.
But Kaala is a wolf and life growing up in her world isn't easy. I won't get into the details involving her predicament so as not to spoil it, but if you aren't seeing and feeling things from her perspective after the first chapter, you might as well put down the book. As a youngster, Kaala also has to deal with the miriad of emotions children often do, which gives her more appeal.
As for the story itself, there is enough plot and action to keep you interested. Her world and view are unique enough to make we want to continue reading the series, Unfortunately, this is the first book. =(
But Kaala is a wolf and life growing up in her world isn't easy. I won't get into the details involving her predicament so as not to spoil it, but if you aren't seeing and feeling things from her perspective after the first chapter, you might as well put down the book. As a youngster, Kaala also has to deal with the miriad of emotions children often do, which gives her more appeal.
As for the story itself, there is enough plot and action to keep you interested. Her world and view are unique enough to make we want to continue reading the series, Unfortunately, this is the first book. =(
September 26, 2009
I'm a total wolf freak and have been for as long as I can remember, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I liked this book as much as I did. Still, I can't remember being so absorbed into an animal tale in years and years. Hearst's characters are absolutely wonderful - each of them has their own flaws and weaknesses and so are believable; there are no Mary Sue wolves. The story is fast paced and engrossing, the plot is unique and there are some pretty sweet twists. Most of all I love reading from the point of view of a wolf. Hearst has definitely done her research on how wolves live and the pack dynamics, and it showed beautifully in this book.
It's rare to find a book that tells the tale from the point of view of an animal, and even rarer to find one that pulls it off this well. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fiction, and especially to those to enjoy stories with animals (and if you don't, what's wrong with you?)
It's rare to find a book that tells the tale from the point of view of an animal, and even rarer to find one that pulls it off this well. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fiction, and especially to those to enjoy stories with animals (and if you don't, what's wrong with you?)
September 22, 2023
As an avid reader of animal tales, my favorite stories influenced my decision to read this book. Call of The Wild, White Fang, Watership Down, Ratha’s Creature, Black Beauty, The Animals of Farthing Wood, all of these and many others are old time favorites of mine, so when I picked up Promise of the Wolves I had high expectations. Now I will not insult the author. It is admirable for anyone to accomplish writing a book and is something I aspire to do myself one day, but this was just not enjoyable. It had plot inconsistencies, a dull storyline, and flat characters. Truly, the author has potential, but I doubt I will be seeking out any more of her books after the effort it took me to read this one.
August 8, 2011
I lupi avevano finito per scordare la loro Promessa.
Suona assurdo ma è più interessante l'inizio, in cui non c'è poi tutta questa azione, del finale con la guerra tra lupi e umani.
All'inizio almeno vengono delineati i personaggi, alla fine invece si vede che l'autrice ha "tagliato" così da aprire le porte ad un seguito (che neanche sapevo esistesse! non possono scriverlo chiaro che un libro fa parte di una saga/trilogia o quello che è?).
Carino comunque, allunga un pò troppo il brodo in certi punti tanto che il libro è molto più lungo di quanto meritasse ma comunque carino.
Suona assurdo ma è più interessante l'inizio, in cui non c'è poi tutta questa azione, del finale con la guerra tra lupi e umani.
All'inizio almeno vengono delineati i personaggi, alla fine invece si vede che l'autrice ha "tagliato" così da aprire le porte ad un seguito (che neanche sapevo esistesse! non possono scriverlo chiaro che un libro fa parte di una saga/trilogia o quello che è?).
Carino comunque, allunga un pò troppo il brodo in certi punti tanto che il libro è molto più lungo di quanto meritasse ma comunque carino.
September 16, 2017
This is the story of a young wolf called Kaala finding her place in a world in which alpha male does not really want her in his pack. Kaala feels a pull towards the humans who live nearby, who are forbidden to her.
I have special kind of fondness for animal perspective stories. It can take you to a different world like no other genre can. I guess it has become a genre in its own right for me, as I have read so many of them. I liked this one, but compared to some others I have read, it lags behind a little. I just wanted a bit more from it. I liked Kaala’s character and the way her uncertain place in the pack was portrayed. I connected with her as she made ancient connections anew, but the pacing felt slow in some places and rushed in others. Some characters could do with fleshing out a bit more, but the next book(s) might do exactly that.
This is definitely the kind of book I like and the ending made me curious enough to want to read the rest of the series. It feels like there is much story still to be told.
I have special kind of fondness for animal perspective stories. It can take you to a different world like no other genre can. I guess it has become a genre in its own right for me, as I have read so many of them. I liked this one, but compared to some others I have read, it lags behind a little. I just wanted a bit more from it. I liked Kaala’s character and the way her uncertain place in the pack was portrayed. I connected with her as she made ancient connections anew, but the pacing felt slow in some places and rushed in others. Some characters could do with fleshing out a bit more, but the next book(s) might do exactly that.
This is definitely the kind of book I like and the ending made me curious enough to want to read the rest of the series. It feels like there is much story still to be told.
June 4, 2024
I love wolfs and the way they live in a pack.
I have red a lot of books about wolfs, but they all where educative, and i have never red a book that is written through the eyes of a wolf.
Accept the dutch book " the girl with the half star" by Judith Visser, that tells a story about the WO2, through the eyes of a Jewish girl that hides in nature for the Germans. Together with a wolf, that escaped the bombing of Rotterdam from the local zoo.
The girl and the wolf meet each other and stay Together till the end of the war.
But this book is written, only through the eyes of a wolfpack.
It is about young Kaala, that longs to live with people and hunt Together.
But her pack won't allow that, and for the leader was never happy with Kaala, he longs to get rid of her.
I really loved this book and admire the writer for her knowledge of wolfs and their behaviour, and how she managed to give them a voice and this awesome story!
Now quickly start in the next book of this trilogie!
I have red a lot of books about wolfs, but they all where educative, and i have never red a book that is written through the eyes of a wolf.
Accept the dutch book " the girl with the half star" by Judith Visser, that tells a story about the WO2, through the eyes of a Jewish girl that hides in nature for the Germans. Together with a wolf, that escaped the bombing of Rotterdam from the local zoo.
The girl and the wolf meet each other and stay Together till the end of the war.
But this book is written, only through the eyes of a wolfpack.
It is about young Kaala, that longs to live with people and hunt Together.
But her pack won't allow that, and for the leader was never happy with Kaala, he longs to get rid of her.
I really loved this book and admire the writer for her knowledge of wolfs and their behaviour, and how she managed to give them a voice and this awesome story!
Now quickly start in the next book of this trilogie!
January 30, 2019
La verdad es que esta lectura ha sido rápida y sencilla, muy agradable. El libro está muy bien escrito y las descripciones son detalladas, tanto cuando describe lugares como personajes. Sin embargo, no ha acabado de gustarme del todo porque el desarrollo de la historia es muy lento y la trama peca de grandilocuente, presentándonos una situación tremendamente inverosímil que rompe el pacto ficcional una y otra vez. Si bien lo he disfrutado bastante, no creo que lea los siguientes de la saga, pues no me ha llamado la atención lo suficiente como para seguir.
December 8, 2017
The writing here was really well done. The pack dynamics of the wolves were especially interesting to read. But somehow the book still dragged on. I'll admit I was skimming the last 75 pages or so. By that point it was like OKAY! I GOT IT! Just get to the point already.
I don't know that I'll continue the series. I would have been happy enough with this as a stand alone.
I don't know that I'll continue the series. I would have been happy enough with this as a stand alone.
April 9, 2021
Storia bella, ma lo stile non mi ha convinto molto, anzi mi ha coinvolta poco. Non credo di voler leggere i due libri successivi, perché l’ho trovato un po’ lento, anche se molto interessante la storia tra l’uomo e il lupo(soprattutto il rapporto tra Kaala e Bambina).
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April 1, 2024A book entirely from the POV of a wolf who wants to be friends with humans? Could anything be more up my alley.
June 26, 2021
Read in French ("La promesse des loups").
A wonderful book with prehistoric wolves ! In France we have only the first book, I hope I can get the sequels in English.
A wonderful book with prehistoric wolves ! In France we have only the first book, I hope I can get the sequels in English.
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