Promise of the Wolves (Wolf Chronicles #1) by Dorothy Hearst

Kaala and her companions captured my heart with their enduring spirit and perseverance throughout this novel.  I am not usually one to care for books with animals as main characters but this is the second one in 2012 that I have read and loved - part of my list for 2013 is going to include more in this category!

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.

About the Author:

Before the wolves barged in the door, demanding that their story be told, Dorothy Hearst was an acquisitions editor at Jossey-Bass, where she published books for nonprofit, public, and social change leaders. She loves dogs but doesn’t have one, and borrows other people’s whenever she gets the chance. After seven years in New York City and nine years as a San Franciscan, Dorothy now lives in Berkeley, California.

My Thoughts:

Oh how I enjoyed this book!  As a bit of a step outside of my genre comfort zone, I chose this book for our teacher book club because there are a few of us who enjoy books about alternate world, times, and just off-the-beaten-path kind of novels.  I am up for anything once and this novel is a clear example of why it is important to try reading new things...you just never know what you're going to love!

Kaala, the main wolf-character, captured me immediately - she is faced with adversity from her birth and her strong spirit and determination see her into the pack she so wants to be a part of.  I loved the ins and outs of pack life that are shown in this novel - the rules and requirements for how the pack will operate.  That glimpse into that life was my favorite part of the novel.

The interaction between humans and wolves was also a coveted part of the novel.  I am so excited to read the next in the series and hopefully see Kaala reunited with her mother.

Kudos Ms. Hearst, your novel is amazing!