Promise of the Wolves

May 15, 2010 karen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: littry-fiction, table

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 prominent. 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 befo...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

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 underst...more

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Oct 26, 2008 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 th...more

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Jun 04, 2008 Patrick Oden rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 lov...more 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. (less)

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Aug 01, 2008 Glenn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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...more

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Mar 09, 2008 Jenne rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, ya

You know, I didn't actually hate this. When I got it in the mail to review, I kind of went "oh god, not some damn book about talking animals," but it was really pretty interesting. Definitely an easy read*, and clearly sets up a sequel, but a lot better than I expected.

If you're going to read one anthropomorphic-wolf novel this year, it should probably be A Companion to Wolves by Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear, but if you have it in you to read another one, this wouldn't be a complete waste of...more

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Dec 19, 2012 Kara Jorges rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It is rare that I give a book 5 stars, but this one captivated me from page one. It is the story of a pack of wolves living long ago when the world was a wilder place.

Kaala Smallteeth was born of a forbidden litter of mixed-blood wolves. As decreed by wolf law, on their first day out of the den, their pack’s leaderwolf, Ruuqo, kills all of Kaala’s brothers and sisters, but little Kaala stands up to fight, and is spared when a pair of greatwolves (large, somewhat godlike guardian wolves) interve...more It is rare that I give a book 5 stars, but this one captivated me from page one. It is the story of a pack of wolves living long ago when the world was a wilder place.

Kaala Smallteeth was born of a forbidden litter of mixed-blood wolves. As decreed by wolf law, on their first day out of the den, their pack’s leaderwolf, Ruuqo, kills all of Kaala’s brothers and sisters, but little Kaala stands up to fight, and is spared when a pair of greatwolves (large, somewhat godlike guardian wolves) intervene. For breaking the covenant, Kaala’s mother is driven from the pack, and Kaala is taken in by Rissa, Ruuqo’s mate, and raised with her litter. Ruuqo looks on Kaala with a jaundiced eye, resenting her presence in his pack, and life is not easy for Kaala. She is strong, though, and befriends the smallest pup in the litter, a male named Azzuen.

As Kaala and Azzuen grow and learn to be wolf, they learn of the covenant of the Wide Valley, which governs the lives of all who live there, and forbids wolves to consort with humans. When Kaala comes upon a human girl about to drown in the river, however, she cannot abandon her. She saves her and returns her to her home. Fascinated with the humans, Kaala finds herself stealing back to their settlement to befriend her. Azzuen and Marra, another pup from Kaala’s Swift River pack, tell Kaala they’ve been following her, and they, too, want to meet the humans. Just as they all make friends with human companions, however, war is about to break out between the wolves and humans, and Kaala finds out there is a lot more to the covenant than the greatwolves have let on.

This book is populated by wonderful characters. Any concerns I had about a story about wolves holding my interest disappeared immediately. The author did a superb job of pointing out the similarities between canines and humans, and using them to weave a believable tale about WOLVES, not a bunch of human characters in cartoon wolf bodies. These wolves live, think, and feel like wolves. Their predacious tendencies are alluded to with a bit of arrogance, tempered by their animal’s natural respect for nature.

By the end of the book, some of Kaala’s questions have been answered, but it is obvious the entire story has not yet been told. Who is Kaala’s father? What became of Borrla? Will Kaala be reunited with her mother? Will her mate be Pell or Azzuen? I better not have to wait several years to find out. I found myself comparing this book to Jean M. Auel’s Earth’s Children series, because of similar story lines and setting, and because it was equally compelling. Anyone who loves a tale full of adventure and intrigue who doesn’t insist it fall within narrow parameters should enjoy it. Please, God, let the film rights be purchased by someone who will make a decent, PG-rated animated movie out of this wonderful story. It would be ruined in a cutesy movie full of catchy, kiddie songs and dances, but the right producer could make a masterpiece out of it. Hearst’s first novel is a gem. When can I have the next one?
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Dec 11, 2012 Vanessa Wolf rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Review of Audio Production
Review of book to follow

I was delighted that Justine Eyre read this book, she's one of those readers that effortlessly switch between male and female voices and she does tone rather than effects to create a 'voice' for the different animals (ravens, wolves, humans). I love her 'old person' voice, very cool. However, this is a bare bones production, there is no intro or parting music, nothing that denotes the end of a disc, which is annoying. I'd give the audio producti...more

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Feb 12, 2011 Paul Pessolano rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Promise of Wolves" is the first book in a trilogy. It is a book that is very reminiscent of Jean Auel's, "The Clan of the Cave Bear". I am sure if you liked Jean Auel's series you will thoroughly enjoy this book. Likewise, if you looking for something different, interesting, and a continueing story, this would be a good choice.

The story begins 40,000 years ago when wolves have sworn to: never consort with humans, never kill a human unprevoked, and never allow a mixed blood wolf live. The wolves...more

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Dec 11, 2009 Sarah Jan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Promise of the Wolves is an enthralling and enjoyable "prehistoric fantasy" set 14,000 years ago, when we humans were just starting to get organized. The book centers on a mythical culture of wolves. One of the book's conceits is that back then, all the higher species of creatures had been able to communicate with each other verbally, but they were beginning to lose this ability, especially among the humans, whose changing lifestyles were already beginning to upset the balance of nature. There i...more Promise of the Wolves is an enthralling and enjoyable "prehistoric fantasy" set 14,000 years ago, when we humans were just starting to get organized. The book centers on a mythical culture of wolves. One of the book's conceits is that back then, all the higher species of creatures had been able to communicate with each other verbally, but they were beginning to lose this ability, especially among the humans, whose changing lifestyles were already beginning to upset the balance of nature. There is a strong ecological theme, in fact, that runs throughout the book.

The story is told from the point of view of Kaala, a young member of the Swift River wolf pack who has difficulty fitting into her adoptive family. Their leader Ruuquo distrusts her because she bears a moon-like mark that brands her as potential bad luck for the pack. The wolves' lives are guided by ancient legend and a code of conduct enforced by the leaders of the valley, the Greatwolves. The foremost of these prohibits humans and wolves from associating with one another, because ironically, they are so much alike, and the last time they interacted, a war ensued between them. However, Kaala feels an inexorable pull toward the humans, especially after rescuing a human girl, TaLi, from drowning. As Kaala feels more ostracized by Ruuquo, she feels more of a need to be with and hunt with the humans, and she is guided in that direction by a spirit-wolf whom only she can see. The internal and external conflict this eventually creates is what drives the latter half of the book. And the door is left open just enough at the end to set up the sequel to this planned trilogy.

The characterization and dialog, particularly by the wolves, are other reasons to enjoy this book, which seems geared primarily at a YA audience. I don't know how accurate the "science" is in this depcition of early wolves and humans, but it's an intriguing legend to help describe the origins of the relationship of modern humans with dogs. For some reason, I keep picturing this story as an animated film project - Disney might make it too sugar-coated and pat, but Dreamworks might do a good job. I can picture Tlitoo, the haiku-speaking raven, as the comic relief. Due to the life-and-death themes and occasional violence, I wouldn't recommend the book to anyone ten or under. However, as soon as I hand it over to my twelve-year-old son, who loved the Redwall series, he will probably gobble this one up.
(copied from a review on Amazon which I feel sums it up for me)(less)

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Sep 22, 2009 Mary Mackey rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 huma...more

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Apr 07, 2009 Annabella rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was really good. At first I thought it was really boring, but then I really started getting into it, and I ended up really liking it.
This book is set 14,000 years ago, where everything has to hunt for their own food and stuff. It's about a wolf named Kaala who was born into a "mixed blood" family. Usually all wolf pups are killed when they are mixed blood, but they decided not to kill her because she had a lucky crecent moon shape on her fur. Back in their world, humans and wolves wer...more

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Feb 02, 2012 Faith rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: disliked, fantasy, wolves, realistic-animals

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 rev...more

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Dec 02, 2009 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 fro...more

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Oct 25, 2009 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I just finished reading Dorothy Hearst's novel Promise of the Wolves, and her writing and tale (tail!) reminded me of the reason I loved listening to books when my mother read them, the reason I love reading still, and it's the basic answer to stories--I am in a world with a story and I want to know how it ends. In fact, with Dorothy's story, I wanted to know how it ended enough to read the book in about three days. Of course, I've been a bit more couch bound these days, but I just kept picking...more

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Mar 16, 2010 Magdalena Aleksandrova rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Прочетох книгата на един дъх, разбира се същият този дъх беше сто процентово на неподходящото място и време, но както винаги страхотно изживяване.
От малка се възхищавам на вълците и винаги ми се е искало да науча нещо повече за тях, с годините станах почитателка на фентази жанра и открих върколацитe, един от най-щастливите ми моменти беше когато купих "Обещанието на вълците". Това е книга, която няма алтернатива за мен, до момента. Психологията на глутницата е разгледана наистина професионално и...more Прочетох книгата на един дъх, разбира се същият този дъх беше сто процентово на неподходящото място и време, но както винаги страхотно изживяване.
От малка се възхищавам на вълците и винаги ми се е искало да науча нещо повече за тях, с годините станах почитателка на фентази жанра и открих върколацитe, един от най-щастливите ми моменти беше когато купих "Обещанието на вълците". Това е книга, която няма алтернатива за мен, до момента. Психологията на глутницата е разгледана наистина професионално има малко "традиционни" фентъзи моменти и заслена емоционална нотка.
Това което ме заплени беше силната доза реализъм и липсата на преднамерено романтизиране на тематиката, разглеждането на няколко екзистенциални истини и избори, които всеки от нас е правил през живота си, ..., всичко това и още много е вписано в контекста на суровият и изпълнен с предразсъдаци живот на една глутница и едно племе.
Според мен това е задължителна книга за всеки човек, всяко социално същество може да съзре безброи паралели между своята реалност и тази на Kaala.
Като едно от тези същества очаквам продължението с много нетърпение и малко страх.
Дали би могла да напише нещо толкова още един път път?! Надявам се!!!(less)

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Sep 12, 2009 Jamie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was excited to start reading this book because I love stories that go through different perspective, most lately the brilliant, The Art of Racing in the Rain. Ultimately, it's not fair to compare this book with that one because the concept and ideas and styles are different, so I won't. However, I was disappointed with the way this book turned out.

I loved Kaala. I loved the uniqueness of hearing from a wolf pup's perspective and seeing the world explained from her. She learned about her world...more

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Nov 07, 2011 Kat (Le Pauvre Cœur) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dogs-wolves, awesome-cover, surprised-me-like-a-slap-in-my-face

CAUTION: SPOILERS IN REVIEW!!!

I was surprised on how much I liked this book. It reminded me a lot of the Warriors series by Erin Hunter (favorite series in the WORLD), it's like a wolf version of the Warriors.
The wolves of Wide Valley keep to a strict policy: Never, ever interact with humans and never allow a mixed-blood wolf to live.
Kaala is a mixed-blood wolf and was about to be killed by the leader of the wolf pack, Ruuqo, just like her siblings were, when the Greatwolves spared her life. E...more

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Aug 04, 2009 Diane rated it 4 of 5 stars

"What is "The Promise of the Wolf"?

Never consort with humans
Never kill a human unprovoked
Never allow a mixed-blood wolf to live

Set some 14,000 years ago, and told from the wolves point of view, Kaala, is a young wolf who struggles from birth.

Born of mixed-breed, her father unknown, according to the wolf covenant she should not be allowed to live. Her life is spared by the "greatwolves", because Kaala has a crescent moon on her chest. According to legend, the crescent moon marking could bring goo...more

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Jul 29, 2011 David Fournier rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own-on-kindle

Rated 3.5*

This is a story told from the POV of a young female wolf growing up in her pack and her interaction with her pack mates and other creatures, including humans. The pack considers her a mix breed, because her mother mated with a wolf from outside the packs valley (Wide Valley). While her pack is not the only one in this valley, it is considered a major offense for any wolf of the valley, to mate with a wolf that is not of the select group of wolves that are allowed in the valley.

One of t...more

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Mar 21, 2010 Rob rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: random-comments-review

....Kaala's attraction to humans is a good example of this. Intellectually we know that her approaching humans is about a s smart as me sticking my hand in a roaring fire. She does so anyway. She feels compelled to do so. The reader has to accept this completely unnatural behaviour of wolves without any explanation why she does this. Anthropomorphizing is something I can live with but if you are make changes this radical, I need some sort of rationale. On the other end there are some problems to...more

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Apr 29, 2012 I love books rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kaala, cucciola nata da pochissimo tempo, non sarebbe dovuta nascere: solo il capobranco può avere dei cuccioli, e in ogni caso per le cucciolate “esterne” serve il suo consenso. La madre di Kaala non lo ha avuto. Deciso a porre rimedio a questa trasgressione, Ruuqo, il capobranco, uccide i compagni di cucciolata di Kaala; la piccola, incapace di rinunciare alla sua voglia di vivere, lo sfida ripetutamente, ma è l’intervento dei Grandi Lupi a salvarla. Custodi del sapere del loro popolo, i Grand...more Kaala, cucciola nata da pochissimo tempo, non sarebbe dovuta nascere: solo il capobranco può avere dei cuccioli, e in ogni caso per le cucciolate “esterne” serve il suo consenso. La madre di Kaala non lo ha avuto. Deciso a porre rimedio a questa trasgressione, Ruuqo, il capobranco, uccide i compagni di cucciolata di Kaala; la piccola, incapace di rinunciare alla sua voglia di vivere, lo sfida ripetutamente, ma è l’intervento dei Grandi Lupi a salvarla. Custodi del sapere del loro popolo, i Grandi Lupi sostengono l’importanza della sopravvivenza di Kaala, vedendo in lei colei che potrebbe salvare o distruggere il branco cui appartiene. Di fronte all’insistenza dei saggi, Ruuqo si vede costretto a risparmiarla, ma di certo non ha intenzione di renderle la vita semplice. Esiliata la madre, Kaala dovrà cavarsela contando solo sulle sue forze, contendendosi il cibo con i cuccioli di Ruuqo; di questi, solo Azzuen e Marra infatti la considerano una sorella e affrontano con lei i pericoli della prima caccia, il primo inverno ma anche le gioie come la prima neve. Quando poi però entrerà in contatto con una bambina umana, la giovane Kaala proverà una necessità di trascorrere del tempo con lei tale da mettere in discussione tutte le leggi del branco, rischiando di portarlo alla rovina..

Finalmente ho trovato un libro vero, intenso, primitivo. Basta fronzoli, basta storielle d’amore, ciò che conta è l’istinto di sopravvivenza e il proprio branco. Il fatto che gli umani in questo romanzo avessero un ruolo marginale ha aiutato l’autrice a concentrarsi sui sentimenti veri come il senso di appartenenza e di solidarietà tra i compagni. Voi mi direte: sono animali, quanto possono essere complessi? Che ci crediate o no, possono esserlo moltissimo :)
La storia è narrata in prima persona da Kaala, scelta ottima per rendere ancora più vividi i sentimenti provati dalla piccola nei vari momenti della sua vita: all’inizio l’emarginazione e le angherie subite dai cuccioli di Ruuqo, poi la riscoperta di Azzuen, amico fedele sempre pronto a difenderla nonostante sia il più debole della cucciolata. Ogni cosa è resa più intensa, la sensazione di libertà ed euforia durante la corsa, l’adrenalina che sale prima della caccia, la tristezza per un fratello morto..
Grazie allo stile lineare ma mai banale, l’autrice ci regala una lettura davvero piacevole ed entusiasmante e ci aiuta a riscoprire i valori importanti della vita.

Davvero davvero consigliato.(less)

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Oct 24, 2011 Theresa rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks

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 almos...more 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

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Oct 26, 2012 Terri rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have had a long-standing love affair with wolves ever since I read Kipling's Jungle Books. Dorothy Hearst's The Promise of the Wolves has just deepened and expanded it. Kaala, Azzuen, Marra and the other wolves of the Swift River pack are amazing characters and TaLi, Meklan, NiaLi and BeLan are such fortunate humans! Our close partnership with canines could easily go back 40,000 years - the tie we feel seems almost part of our genetic code. I was born in the Year of the Dog, so perhaps my love...more

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Apr 14, 2011 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Synopsis: 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.

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 hum...more Synopsis: 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.

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 banishment 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 you 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. Join Kaala and her pack in an epic adventure of wolves, humans, and the remarkable bond we share.

I was captivated by this book from the moment i read the synposis on the back. I thought this is my kind of book! And it was. If you are an animal lover, or are interested in a heart warming tale, you will enjoy this book.

It is read from the point of view of Kaala, a young wolf trying to fit in with her pack mates but marked with a difference she can't hide from. She escapes death due to her mixed blood only because of her cresent moon marking, which legend claims will be worn by a wolf who will change all of wolfkind. And change them she does, by interacting with a human that she finds herself drawn to even though it is forbidden to associate with each other. This is because the last time they interacted, a war burst forth between them. She is guided in the direction of the humans by a spirit-wolf whom only she can see.

Hearst has created a well rounded culture within the wolves, showing them to not just be wild and reckless creatures, but moral and polictial with laws of their own, which are determined by their elders and pack leaders.

I loved escaping into Kaalas world, and feeling her sorrows and joys. I highly recommend this book, its a lovely story and there is more to come as this is only the first book in what is to be a trilogy.
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Nov 07, 2010 Bella rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites

In a time when humans have just learned to tame fire, fashion tools and build homes, another complex society looks on. The wolves. They are drawn to the humans that they are forbidden to associate with. In Promise of the Wolves,the main character is Kaala, a young she-wolf that should have been killed by her own pack because her father was from another pack. She bears the mark of the cresent moon on her chest that may mean she is the wolf that will lead the pack to greatness – or to destruction....more

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Oct 18, 2011 Jordynn Harwood rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Promise of the Wolves by Dorothy Hearst is simply brilliant. This book pulled me in by the throat and wouldn't let me go when I was reading in class, which led to some problems with teachers. I think it is the idea that Hearst added a historic feeling along with a mystical essence that looms over all the wolves in this world that made me want to complete this book in one sitting.

Ázzuen was my favorite character throughout the book. The quiet one that wouldn't allow his friends to get in to trou...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Isidris_gry rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love this book, so much that I wanted a copy in print (instead of on my Kindle). What I like most about this book are the strong female characters, especially Kaala, the protagonist and the one who tells the story.

Pros:
1. strong female characters and protagonist
2. great characterization (I love Azzuen!) The bad guys are not wholly bad (Borlla is a good example) and the good guys have their flaws
3. interesting use of legends and the impact they have on culture
4. snap shot of what its like t...more

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Oct 19, 2009 Aseret rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Yes

Recommended to Aseret by: no one

This book was different for me because it wasn't supernatural related or realistic fiction. Even though this book wasn't from my usual collection, I totally enjoyed it. I love the whole spiritial world and the animals. How they connect, how they percieve everything. I especially loved the main character Kaala. Even though she was a wolf it seemed like she was a human. The same trouble a human might get into, was personified by Kaala. Being the outcast, almost no one trusting her just because of...more

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Jan 15, 2013 ღ♣✽Hobbit and Proud✽♣ღ (a.k.a. Johanna) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: wildlife-animals-pets, seeing-through-animals-eyes

Yeah, it was good :) The only problem was that ... I really couldn't enjoy reading it. Not that it wasn't well written (it was great, in first person) ... not that the story was useless, I enjoyed that too ... it's just that through-out the whole book you were worried. There was never a moment you could really relax - every couple of pages, Kaala would do something impulsive, or sneak off to the humans, or disobey one of the rules (not always on purpose or by her fault) ... and of course, any se...more

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Promise of the Wolves (Wolf Chronicles #1)

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