Wolf Trek

by María J. Estrada

In the harsh landscape of the Arizona desert, seven-year-old Saad Hunter and his little brother Jak, five, struggle to survive the aftereffects of a devastating virus. Communities are ravaged by a werewolf disease, and no one knows who will get it next. Their father is a legendary werewolf hunter, and both boys constantly seek his approval. Conditions are so harsh, Saad worries that his father will abandon him to make survival easier for just two of them. To make matters worse, Saad is forever competing with Jak who is smarter, faster, stronger, and Saad always loses. But, could Jak be infected with the virus, or is something else happening to him? Only time will tell, if their family will stay together, intact and healthy. A post-apocalyptic novelette.

65 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 2018

About the author

MARIA J. ESTRADA is an English college professor of Composition, Literature, and her favorite, Creative Writing. She grew up in the desert outside of Yuma, Arizona in the real Barrio de Los Locos, a barrio comprised of new Mexican immigrants and first-generation Chicanos. Drawing from this setting and experiences, she writes like a loca every minute she can—all while magically balancing her work and family obligations. She lives in Chicago’s south side with her wonderfully supportive husband, two remarkable children, and a menagerie of animals. You can learn more about her other books and writing happenings at barrioblues.com and barriobluespress.com.

Reviews

[P.C. Darkcliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

What first caught my attention about the book was its beautiful cover. And under the cover, there’s a story full of action, magic, high stakes, and emotions. Wolf Trek is an intriguing combination of dystopian werewolf thriller and Mexican mythology. It spans thirteen years and follows the fate of a boy called Saad and his friends and family. The author shoved them into such a dangerous world that they cannot drop their guard for a single moment. I recommend it to all fans of werewolves and dystopian fantasy and horror.

[Andres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super engaging through action and dialogue. Characters pop and pages turn and you’re done. I liked it very much.

[María Estrada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who's getting a free copy?
Wolf Trek will be free for download from Friday, May 14 through Sunday, May 16 on Amazon!

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[Katinka · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an entertaining novella that I finished reading in one sitting. It is set in a post-apocalyptic future where there is great danger in the world. Resources are scarce and hard to find. In what towns that still exist, people must trade for items rather than purchase them with cash. Life may be harsh in this future, but there is still love and ready assistance. But the biggest danger comes from what appear to be werewolves. Those who have succumbed to this disease must be killed and their bodies burned as they cannot be cured.

Summer Hunter is someone who hunts down those who are infected to keep others safe. He travels with his 2 sons, Saad and Jak. They are happy together, though life is not easy for them. But there is something unusual about Saad’s younger brother Jak. Lately he has been very quick to anger and almost too violent when something angers him. He hasn’t been bitten or infected, so what is happening to him?

This was primarily the story of Saad and how he must deal with everything happening around him. It was a very short tale, but very interesting. I would have liked to know more about what will happen to all of them in the future, but I suppose I will need to wait for another book to be released about them. This book could have used another round of editing, but most of the errors I ran across were minor. I enjoyed reading this story and will be keeping my eyes open to see if the author decides to continue these characters tale in the future.

[Carmen Baca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never having read a book about werewolves, I didn’t know what to expect when I started Wolf Trek. What I found was a story with details which gave me vivid imagery, especially in action scenes (and there are many). Estrada ties themes like the importance of familia, overcoming obstacles, and accepting change into the storyline effortlessly as the tale of surviving an impossible situation unfolds. What makes her works more appealing to me as a Hispanic is the weaving she does so effectively of our Spanish language to breathe individuality into her characters.

[María Estrada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know people don't like when writers review their own books, but this poor little novella is really a great coming of age story and didn't get the attention it deserves. I love the idea of Nahuatls fighting modern day werewolves. If you are into this magical realism or speculative fiction, you will enjoy this book! https://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Trek-Dr-M...