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The Gates of Heaven #1
The Wolf of Tebron
In classic fairy tale style, we embark on an enchanted journey with a young blacksmith—Joran—whose only desire is to live a peaceful, uncomplicated life in his forest village, a desire shattered by the sudden and bizarre disappearance of his wife, Charris. Later, Joran is plagued by nightmares of an unimaginable sea, where Charris remains trapped in a sand castle at the whim of the Moon. The goose woman insists he will find no rest from his nightmares until he solves the riddle of three keys. She tells him to travel the treacherous journey to the house of the Moon to find the answers he seeks. Unable to ignore the urgings of his nightmares, Joran sets out north seeking the Moon. Leaving a town and family where he never felt truly at home, Joran’s journey becomes more than just a search for his wife. His path also leads inward, for he must face emotions that have tormented him his entire life—feelings of alienation and anger, of despair and hurt. Along the way he rescues a wolf—a huge, imposing creature that becomes a companion, and eventually a trusted friend. Joran has the uncanny ability to speak with animals, and learns from the wolf, Ruyah, that he can manipulate his dreams to affect the real world. With Ruyah’s humor and guidance, Joran finds the courage and fortitude to press on, despite setbacks and disappointments. With the wolf by his side he endures the darkness at the end of the world and the ravings of the lunatic Moon, who sends him off—more confused than before—to the Palace of the Sun with a seemingly useless gift. After trekking through a vast, unmerciful desert, Joran arrives at the Palace of the Sun, where he meets the Sun’s mother, Sola. She helps Joran understand part of his riddle and then sends him, with the gift of a sunstone, to the cave of the South Wind, whom, she says, will finally reveal the truth to him about his wife—if he dares hear it. He and Ruyah travel south through jungle, and finally arrive at the cave. There Joran is swept along a vision where he sees his past, and in horror, learns truths that send him into deep despair. The South Wind dismisses him with one last gift—but like the other two gifts, he has no idea what they are for or how they will help him rescue his wife. She tells him to find the sea of his dreams—far west, beyond his imagining.
272 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 3, 2013
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews
The Wolf of Tebron is a Christian fable delivered in classic, fantasy style. Yes, it’s allegory, and yes, it is based on different stories of the Bible. And if you find it difficult to digest these type of message stories, then this novel is not for you. However, if you adore stories where every paragraph can be dissected for its hidden meaning (The author actually cites G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis throughout the book) then this brilliantly written fairy tale will be one that you enjoy immensely.
The tale itself centers on a young blacksmith—Joran—who lives a peaceful, uncomplicated life in his forest village, happy to come home each night to his beautiful wife. His whole existence shatters in an instance, however, when he returns home a little earlier than usual one day, walking past his neighbor’s farm and sees his wife in the farmer’s loving embrace. His heart broken and his world destroyed, Joran confronts his wife later about what he has seen. When she refuses to admit the truth. Joran sends Charris away in a rage.
Soon, everyone in Joran’s small village has learned that he and Charris are no longer living together and begin to suspect that something is amiss - no matter his story that she is just visiting her family in another town. And to make matters worse, rumors begin to circulate that Charris never arrived at her destination but mysteriously disappeared off the wagon he had placed her upon. Now, our young blacksmith finds his world fully and completed destroyed, for he loves his wife no matter her infidelity and feels obligated to discover what has happened to her.
The journey Joran then sets out upon sees him walk many miles, wearing out three sets of shoes, solving the riddle of three keys, and saving the life of a mysterious wolf named Ruyah. With his new wolf friend in tow, our young hero meets and visits with the Moon, the Sun and the South Wind before eventually traveling to the sea, where his dreams have shown him Charris trapped in a slowly dissolving sandcastle.
But while his steps lead him across the world, his quest also lies down another path; a path that lies inward into his very psyche, as Joran is forced to face and resolve emotions that have tormented him his entire life—feelings of estrangement from his family, resentment toward his brothers, anger toward his wife, and despair for his failures. Soon, he begins to see that the truth is a relative thing, easily bent, distorted, and hidden by the espouser of it. Yet, our young hero also discovers that love is the only source of real truth.
As stated earlier, this is a well written fairy tale based in an interesting fantasy world with intriguing characters and more than a few moral lessons. And while it can be viewed as a morality play, C.S. Lakin does a wonderful job of delivering an entertaining story along with the Christian theology. As with all allegorical tales, this book would be a great novel to discuss in a book reading group or a reading class, where all of the intricate details of Joran’s world could be shifted through for hidden meanings. Indeed, this is a worthy successor to the works of the great Christian apologist C.S. Lewis.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank Netgalley for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
The Wolf of Tebron is a Christian fable delivered in classic, fantasy style. Yes, it’s allegory, and yes, it is based on different stories of the Bible. And if you find it difficult to digest these type of message stories, then this novel is not for you. However, if you adore stories where every paragraph can be dissected for its hidden meaning (The author actually cites G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis throughout the book) then this brilliantly written fairy tale will be one that you enjoy immensely.
The tale itself centers on a young blacksmith—Joran—who lives a peaceful, uncomplicated life in his forest village, happy to come home each night to his beautiful wife. His whole existence shatters in an instance, however, when he returns home a little earlier than usual one day, walking past his neighbor’s farm and sees his wife in the farmer’s loving embrace. His heart broken and his world destroyed, Joran confronts his wife later about what he has seen. When she refuses to admit the truth. Joran sends Charris away in a rage.
Soon, everyone in Joran’s small village has learned that he and Charris are no longer living together and begin to suspect that something is amiss - no matter his story that she is just visiting her family in another town. And to make matters worse, rumors begin to circulate that Charris never arrived at her destination but mysteriously disappeared off the wagon he had placed her upon. Now, our young blacksmith finds his world fully and completed destroyed, for he loves his wife no matter her infidelity and feels obligated to discover what has happened to her.
The journey Joran then sets out upon sees him walk many miles, wearing out three sets of shoes, solving the riddle of three keys, and saving the life of a mysterious wolf named Ruyah. With his new wolf friend in tow, our young hero meets and visits with the Moon, the Sun and the South Wind before eventually traveling to the sea, where his dreams have shown him Charris trapped in a slowly dissolving sandcastle.
But while his steps lead him across the world, his quest also lies down another path; a path that lies inward into his very psyche, as Joran is forced to face and resolve emotions that have tormented him his entire life—feelings of estrangement from his family, resentment toward his brothers, anger toward his wife, and despair for his failures. Soon, he begins to see that the truth is a relative thing, easily bent, distorted, and hidden by the espouser of it. Yet, our young hero also discovers that love is the only source of real truth.
As stated earlier, this is a well written fairy tale based in an interesting fantasy world with intriguing characters and more than a few moral lessons. And while it can be viewed as a morality play, C.S. Lakin does a wonderful job of delivering an entertaining story along with the Christian theology. As with all allegorical tales, this book would be a great novel to discuss in a book reading group or a reading class, where all of the intricate details of Joran’s world could be shifted through for hidden meanings. Indeed, this is a worthy successor to the works of the great Christian apologist C.S. Lewis.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank Netgalley for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
January 30, 2015
I have spent my past several reviews lamenting the sad state of the quality of modern Christian fantasy, so it was a breath of fresh air to read this book. I LOVED The Wolf of Tebron by C S Lakin. It reminded me very much of George MacDonald’s fantasy writing. I really liked the characters she introduced, I loved that the story had enough depth it left you with things to think about and chew over later, but most of all I loved her writing. The words were lyrical and well-chosen, the descriptions and similes were the work of a wordsmith who knows her craft, and Lakin didn’t shy away from some good ol’ big words, but also didn’t bog down the writing with them, only using them when they best described the scene/action.
Now, I know not everyone will love this book like I did. The theme of dreams is prevalent throughout the story and affects the writing style. Many times Joran has difficulty telling if he is dreaming or awake, but as long as you are ready for the dreamlike flow (scenes can suddenly shift as they so often do in dreams, but these are not jolting shifts, you are given hints they are coming) it does not hinder the story, and actually is a testament to the excellent writing of Lakin that she can make the theme flow through the writing style without making the story downright strange (doesn't stoop to following white rabbits). That said, if you prefer more black and white, cut and dry, logical plotlines, this book may not be for you -- or fantasy in general, for that matter. This book is what I would call high fantasy.
The story is evidently loosely based on “The Enchangted Pig” fairy tale by the Grimms. The premise is that a young man, Joran, thinks he has caught his wife cheating on him so he packs her off to go stay with her parents. Rumors start getting back to him 1-2 days later that she never made it to her parents’ village, and there is no other village on the carriage route. She has mysteriously disappeared. Meanwhile, he’s been having nightmares about her being trapped in a sandcastle that is falling apart high on a seaside cliff and he tries every night to rescue her but can’t. Thanks to some riddle-like information from the village’s crazy goose lady, he finds out that the Moon has captured his love and he must go on a journey to find the house of the Moon and rescue her. (And no, to his credit, Joran doesn’t just take the goose lady seriously right away.) On the very first leg of his journey he comes across a wolf in a trap and rescues it. Joran is different from most people in that he is able to communicate with animals, and has found that frequently after he rescues or helps them they feel obligated to give him their names, a serious matter that is a commitment to come help whenever he calls on them. The wolf insists on giving Joran his name, Ruyah. Ruyah decides to accompany Joran on his journey -- much to Joran’s chagrin, at least at first (not that I blame him, who would be comfortable with a strange, big, wild wolf following them around?). The journey, as the goose lady told him, is so long he wears through 3 pairs of shoes. We follow him as he visits first the Moon, then the Sun, the South Wind, and eventually arrives at the sea in his quest to rescue his wife. Along the path Joran and Ruyah encounter several dangers but also meet several interesting friends. As Joran journeys he must wrestle with different problems in his own heart that are spilling over into his dreams, like anger, bitterness, lack of trust, loneliness, shame and despair. Ruyah becomes a good friend, protector and travelling companion who offers Joran excellent advice often in the form of “It is said among the wolves…”. Sometimes Joran will discuss these with Ruyah and ask questions, but at other times he mocks the wolves’ sayings or will ask Ruyah, “What! No wolf platitude for this?” I've read books where the wise advice comes off like preaching. That is not the case here. It felt like natural conversation between friends about what was going on, and as is often the case when one is older and more experienced, the younger can respond with curiosity and a heart to learn or scoffing and disinterest. (Many of Ruyah's pithy wolf sayings are quotes from G K Chesterton, C S Lewis, and others who Lakin acknowledges in the back of the book.) In the background of Joran’s quest, there is another sub-plot going on that was introduced in the prologue, but really isn’t touched on again until almost the end of the book. This plot involves a wizard battling off the forces of darkness in that realm (Joran and Ruyah are tied into this plot but I’m not telling how). It looks like there is a sequel to this book and I’m guessing that it has more to do with this subplot, but the subplot is dealt with sufficiently in this book so you wouldn’t have to read further.
There are several allegories/metaphors going on but most of them feel unique, subtle and well done so as not to come off heavy-handed...more like promptings to think further on these philosophical matters. There is plenty to discuss with a reading group or class based on the intricate workings of the world Lakin has built and the truths Joran discovers. In this manner, I think she has mastered something very few can pull off today and why I feel ok comparing her to George MacDonald and C S Lewis, something I don't do lightly. She's built an interesting fantasy world, great characters, employs excellent writing, weaves in good lessons, but doesn’t bash people over the head with them.
Could C S Lakin be part of the next generation of Inklings?
Now, I know not everyone will love this book like I did. The theme of dreams is prevalent throughout the story and affects the writing style. Many times Joran has difficulty telling if he is dreaming or awake, but as long as you are ready for the dreamlike flow (scenes can suddenly shift as they so often do in dreams, but these are not jolting shifts, you are given hints they are coming) it does not hinder the story, and actually is a testament to the excellent writing of Lakin that she can make the theme flow through the writing style without making the story downright strange (doesn't stoop to following white rabbits). That said, if you prefer more black and white, cut and dry, logical plotlines, this book may not be for you -- or fantasy in general, for that matter. This book is what I would call high fantasy.
The story is evidently loosely based on “The Enchangted Pig” fairy tale by the Grimms. The premise is that a young man, Joran, thinks he has caught his wife cheating on him so he packs her off to go stay with her parents. Rumors start getting back to him 1-2 days later that she never made it to her parents’ village, and there is no other village on the carriage route. She has mysteriously disappeared. Meanwhile, he’s been having nightmares about her being trapped in a sandcastle that is falling apart high on a seaside cliff and he tries every night to rescue her but can’t. Thanks to some riddle-like information from the village’s crazy goose lady, he finds out that the Moon has captured his love and he must go on a journey to find the house of the Moon and rescue her. (And no, to his credit, Joran doesn’t just take the goose lady seriously right away.) On the very first leg of his journey he comes across a wolf in a trap and rescues it. Joran is different from most people in that he is able to communicate with animals, and has found that frequently after he rescues or helps them they feel obligated to give him their names, a serious matter that is a commitment to come help whenever he calls on them. The wolf insists on giving Joran his name, Ruyah. Ruyah decides to accompany Joran on his journey -- much to Joran’s chagrin, at least at first (not that I blame him, who would be comfortable with a strange, big, wild wolf following them around?). The journey, as the goose lady told him, is so long he wears through 3 pairs of shoes. We follow him as he visits first the Moon, then the Sun, the South Wind, and eventually arrives at the sea in his quest to rescue his wife. Along the path Joran and Ruyah encounter several dangers but also meet several interesting friends. As Joran journeys he must wrestle with different problems in his own heart that are spilling over into his dreams, like anger, bitterness, lack of trust, loneliness, shame and despair. Ruyah becomes a good friend, protector and travelling companion who offers Joran excellent advice often in the form of “It is said among the wolves…”. Sometimes Joran will discuss these with Ruyah and ask questions, but at other times he mocks the wolves’ sayings or will ask Ruyah, “What! No wolf platitude for this?” I've read books where the wise advice comes off like preaching. That is not the case here. It felt like natural conversation between friends about what was going on, and as is often the case when one is older and more experienced, the younger can respond with curiosity and a heart to learn or scoffing and disinterest. (Many of Ruyah's pithy wolf sayings are quotes from G K Chesterton, C S Lewis, and others who Lakin acknowledges in the back of the book.) In the background of Joran’s quest, there is another sub-plot going on that was introduced in the prologue, but really isn’t touched on again until almost the end of the book. This plot involves a wizard battling off the forces of darkness in that realm (Joran and Ruyah are tied into this plot but I’m not telling how). It looks like there is a sequel to this book and I’m guessing that it has more to do with this subplot, but the subplot is dealt with sufficiently in this book so you wouldn’t have to read further.
There are several allegories/metaphors going on but most of them feel unique, subtle and well done so as not to come off heavy-handed...more like promptings to think further on these philosophical matters. There is plenty to discuss with a reading group or class based on the intricate workings of the world Lakin has built and the truths Joran discovers. In this manner, I think she has mastered something very few can pull off today and why I feel ok comparing her to George MacDonald and C S Lewis, something I don't do lightly. She's built an interesting fantasy world, great characters, employs excellent writing, weaves in good lessons, but doesn’t bash people over the head with them.
Could C S Lakin be part of the next generation of Inklings?
January 16, 2016
This is the best kind of fantasy one could find, filled with all four elements, magic and wonder.
I was literally transported to another world in my mind, and even though the book compares itself to Chronicles of Narnia, I went somewhere all together different. But better different. It does carry attributes that are similar, like talking animals, but they don't talk to everyone.
There were moments where Joran frustrated me with his griping and misery, but in the end I was glad it was there. It belonged after all.
The wizard was the star though, read it and you will see why!
A great way to start the new year!
I was literally transported to another world in my mind, and even though the book compares itself to Chronicles of Narnia, I went somewhere all together different. But better different. It does carry attributes that are similar, like talking animals, but they don't talk to everyone.
There were moments where Joran frustrated me with his griping and misery, but in the end I was glad it was there. It belonged after all.
The wizard was the star though, read it and you will see why!
A great way to start the new year!
January 6, 2011
I received this book as a part of the CSFF Blog Tour. When it was first pitched to me, I wasn't sure this was something I would enjoy. However, I saw some great reviews on it and even heard that it was likened to C.S. Lewis's writing. While I've never read the Chronicles of Narnia series *big gasp* I have enjoyed the movies. I'm so thankful I gave this book a chance!!
There is an incredible journey taking place when a marital spat occurs. Joran packs up his wife and sends her off to see family. It might possibly be the last he sees of her. Finding out that she never arrived at the home of her parents, Joran sets out to try to find her. He meets up with this intriguing wolf who is stuck in a trap out in the middle of nowhere. Being the kind animal lover (and animal speaker) he is, Joran works to free the wolf and finds him tagging along on the journey. Along the way, Joran meets the most interesting people...Cielle, the looney sister of the moon; Sola, mother of the sun; and Noomahh, the South Wind. Will he ever find his wife and make things right?
This would be a beautiful book to use in an English class (would have to be in a private or homeschool more than likely since it has a heavy spiritual depth and presence...I would love to see it in a public school though!). There are many allegories, parables, and overall beautiful writing and story tellings throughout this book. It is full of adventure and the author spins this tale in a manner that will draw in readers young and old. As previously mentioned, this book is likened to the writings of C.S. Lewis and fans of his type of literature will enjoy this story.
I look forward to The Map Across Time which will release in the spring as the second book in this series.
Many thanks to Susanne and Living Ink Books for providing a copy for review.
Please visit these others who are blogging on the tour!
In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
Noah Arsenault
Amy Bissell
Red Bissell
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Grace Bridges
Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
Christian Fiction Book Reviews
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
April Erwin
Andrea Graham
Nikole Hahn
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
Bruce Hennigan
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Dawn King
Shannon McDermott
Matt Mikalatos
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
John W. Otte
Chawna Schroeder
Tammy Shelnut
Kathleen Smith
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
There is an incredible journey taking place when a marital spat occurs. Joran packs up his wife and sends her off to see family. It might possibly be the last he sees of her. Finding out that she never arrived at the home of her parents, Joran sets out to try to find her. He meets up with this intriguing wolf who is stuck in a trap out in the middle of nowhere. Being the kind animal lover (and animal speaker) he is, Joran works to free the wolf and finds him tagging along on the journey. Along the way, Joran meets the most interesting people...Cielle, the looney sister of the moon; Sola, mother of the sun; and Noomahh, the South Wind. Will he ever find his wife and make things right?
This would be a beautiful book to use in an English class (would have to be in a private or homeschool more than likely since it has a heavy spiritual depth and presence...I would love to see it in a public school though!). There are many allegories, parables, and overall beautiful writing and story tellings throughout this book. It is full of adventure and the author spins this tale in a manner that will draw in readers young and old. As previously mentioned, this book is likened to the writings of C.S. Lewis and fans of his type of literature will enjoy this story.
I look forward to The Map Across Time which will release in the spring as the second book in this series.
Many thanks to Susanne and Living Ink Books for providing a copy for review.
Please visit these others who are blogging on the tour!
In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
Noah Arsenault
Amy Bissell
Red Bissell
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Grace Bridges
Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
Christian Fiction Book Reviews
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
April Erwin
Andrea Graham
Nikole Hahn
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
Bruce Hennigan
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Dawn King
Shannon McDermott
Matt Mikalatos
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
John W. Otte
Chawna Schroeder
Tammy Shelnut
Kathleen Smith
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
April 25, 2011
What a spectacular book! I got caught up in this epic struggle in the very first chapter, and didn’t put the book down until I’d read it through. In this allegory, Joran, a simple young man, finds himself leaving the world he’s always known in search of his wife, who was captured by some force of magic. He is joined by a wolf who accompanies and guides him on his quest. Their adventures force Joran to confront his inner demons and embrace who he was meant to be.
This is a book that can be enjoyed on many levels. Parents who read this to young children will find them hanging on every word as Joran journeys around the world to free his captive wife, having interesting conversations with animals as he goes. Older children will understand that the struggle goes beyond his fight to liberate her, and is actually a battle within his own self. Teens and adults will recognize themselves in the classic war between flesh and spirit.
Sprinkled on every page are pertinent proverbs from various sources, making this not only a wonderful work of fiction, but practically a manual for wise living. The characters are cleverly named, causing a bit of foreshadowing throughout the developing story. For example, the wife who is kind and forgiving despite her husband’s failures, is named Charris, almost the Greek word charis, which means grace—unmerited favor. The South Wind is named Noommah, which is pronounced like its Greek counterpart, pneuma, meaning breath or spirit.
At the end are study questions, making this a perfect book club read or high school literature assignment. It would also make a wonderful family read-aloud, worth the effort to expound on the themes and discuss the practical applications. A must read!
This is a book that can be enjoyed on many levels. Parents who read this to young children will find them hanging on every word as Joran journeys around the world to free his captive wife, having interesting conversations with animals as he goes. Older children will understand that the struggle goes beyond his fight to liberate her, and is actually a battle within his own self. Teens and adults will recognize themselves in the classic war between flesh and spirit.
Sprinkled on every page are pertinent proverbs from various sources, making this not only a wonderful work of fiction, but practically a manual for wise living. The characters are cleverly named, causing a bit of foreshadowing throughout the developing story. For example, the wife who is kind and forgiving despite her husband’s failures, is named Charris, almost the Greek word charis, which means grace—unmerited favor. The South Wind is named Noommah, which is pronounced like its Greek counterpart, pneuma, meaning breath or spirit.
At the end are study questions, making this a perfect book club read or high school literature assignment. It would also make a wonderful family read-aloud, worth the effort to expound on the themes and discuss the practical applications. A must read!
January 5, 2011
It took me a little while to get into the story. I really think this is one you have to fully commit to reading or you won’t like it. I went back and forth between really liking parts of it and hating it. I found a lot of it confusing and weird, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The more you read, the more details are given. The ending clears up all other loose ends.
This story is suppose to be a representation of God’s love and devotion. I’m not going to review on that aspect of the story, because that makes it even more confusing and I’m not totally sure I like it as a representation of God.
I didn’t like that Joran seemed so immature throughout most of the story, but he did grow throughout, so I’m sure that was the point. I also really wished he seemed to love his wife more through most of the story. He only goes to save her to get relief from his nightmares.
Again, if you read to the end, you’ll like this story more, but it’s not one for everybody. I had a difficult time through most of it. And this is a Christian book, but you can totally read it as simply a fairy tale. I think there’s only one or two quotes from the Bible. If you didn’t know it was a Christian book, you’d never know.
*In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
This story is suppose to be a representation of God’s love and devotion. I’m not going to review on that aspect of the story, because that makes it even more confusing and I’m not totally sure I like it as a representation of God.
I didn’t like that Joran seemed so immature throughout most of the story, but he did grow throughout, so I’m sure that was the point. I also really wished he seemed to love his wife more through most of the story. He only goes to save her to get relief from his nightmares.
Again, if you read to the end, you’ll like this story more, but it’s not one for everybody. I had a difficult time through most of it. And this is a Christian book, but you can totally read it as simply a fairy tale. I think there’s only one or two quotes from the Bible. If you didn’t know it was a Christian book, you’d never know.
*In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
April 15, 2012
Joran liked his simple life as a blacksmith and coming home to his beautiful wife each night. In an instant, everything changed. It all began when Joran returned home a little earlier than usual. He walked past the neighbour’s farm and saw his wife in a loving embrace. Heart broken, Joran confronted his wife that night but she refused to acknowledge the truth. Seething with anger, Joran sent his wife Charris away.
As often happens in small towns, soon everyone suspected that something was amiss with Joran and Charris. No one believed that Charris had just decided to visit her family. After all, this wasn’t exactly the time of year to go visiting.
Through the grapevine, Joran found out that Charris had never arrived at her destination. It was then that absolutely everything turned upside down. Joran began a quest to find his wife, a journey that would see him wear out three pairs of shoes and travel to all corners of the world and beyond. To seek the moon, the sun, the wind, and the sea, to find answers.
The Wolf of Tebron is a beautiful fable set out like a classic fantasy novel. Joran’s quest is as much within as it is a physical journey. In fact, the elements are nothing compared to his own inner demons. Central to the story is truth. How easily it is bent, distorted, and hidden but also how love contains its own set of deeper truths.
As often happens in small towns, soon everyone suspected that something was amiss with Joran and Charris. No one believed that Charris had just decided to visit her family. After all, this wasn’t exactly the time of year to go visiting.
Through the grapevine, Joran found out that Charris had never arrived at her destination. It was then that absolutely everything turned upside down. Joran began a quest to find his wife, a journey that would see him wear out three pairs of shoes and travel to all corners of the world and beyond. To seek the moon, the sun, the wind, and the sea, to find answers.
The Wolf of Tebron is a beautiful fable set out like a classic fantasy novel. Joran’s quest is as much within as it is a physical journey. In fact, the elements are nothing compared to his own inner demons. Central to the story is truth. How easily it is bent, distorted, and hidden but also how love contains its own set of deeper truths.
November 5, 2013
Excellent fairy tale in the The Pilgrim's Progress or The Lord of the Ringstradition. The hidden Bible quotes and Christian literary allusions increase the fun. Appropriate for young adult readers.
Clear from the start that Joran was fighting himself at some level. Short book. Felt a little rushed; could have developed the journey portions.
For added drama, do not read the Foreword. It gives away a lot.
A very good read.
Clear from the start that Joran was fighting himself at some level. Short book. Felt a little rushed; could have developed the journey portions.
For added drama, do not read the Foreword. It gives away a lot.
A very good read.
April 16, 2016
Oh...where to start? This was lovely. It was a fairy tale in every good sense of the word, only enriched into a literary novel. The fairy tale elements of journey, symbolism, and magic were there, but the characters were well rounded and there were allusions to Biblical themes and authors like C. S. Lewis and G. K. Chesterton. The writing is elegant---a large vocabulary, and plenty of description, which is essential if an author is crafting a fantasy land.
The resolution of the tale kept me guessing, and I loved the character Ruyah (the wolf of Tebron). I don't read a whole lot of fantasy, but this book and the rest of the series form a world I can really get into.
The resolution of the tale kept me guessing, and I loved the character Ruyah (the wolf of Tebron). I don't read a whole lot of fantasy, but this book and the rest of the series form a world I can really get into.
May 20, 2018
In search of his wife, who has disappeared without trace, Joran, the young blacksmith, sets out from his home, where he has been besieged by recurring nightmares for many a night. On the way, he rescues a wolf, Ruyah, who insists upon accompanying him. Joran speaks telepathically to all animals, and has never felt at home in his small village. One is led to wonder why. Thus starts an adventure that is likely to intrigue you and to capture your interest in ways that you might never have imagined possible. A fairy tale intended for youngster and adult alike, The Wolf of Tebron is a profoundly spiritual work, which teaches values of truth, integrity, courage, companionship, and fealty.
In her discussion of The Wolf of Tebron, which she provides at the end of the novel, C.S. Lakin explains that she wrote the novel to reflect God’s love and devotion to the personal growth and salvation of those who believe in Him. Her aim was to flesh out, in her description of the relationship between two individuals, the way in which our awareness of God can permeate every inch of our beings. Ruyah is a Christ figure, who has vowed never to leave us, nor forsake us. By using allegory and metaphor, Lakin is able to draw on both traditional fairy tale elements and on Scripture to impact on our consciousness of the deeper meaning of life.
The overwhelming sense of evil prevailing in the prologue is never far from the underlying timbre of the book, just as in real life we are constantly having to guard against surrendering our integrity and essential goodness to forces intent on harming us. By casting the Moon in the role of villain, Lakin is able to achieve a sustained concentration of a sense of evil throughout the text which is so much more omnipresent than the focusing of such evil in a single individual might otherwise have been. One tends to associate the moon with lovers’ trysts, so that, when considering the shakiness of Joran’s marriage, and his suspicion of his wife’s adultery, it is unsurprising that an object which is traditionally associated with sexuality and physical love is upended and treated as the arch enemy.
The Wolf of Tebron should appeal to modern-day youth, who tend to be enthralled by the cult of werewolves and vampires. By using the murky world of the unknown to captivate her audience, Lakin is likely to attract a far wider audience than might have otherwise been willing to become drawn into her text. The Wolf of Tebron is not easy reading, but combines a number of literary approaches to render a coalescent whole which is persuasive and convincing in its power. Whether all those who read the tale will be capable of, first time round, appreciating the subtler aspects of the text is debatable, but then C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has, in similar fashion, attracted the musings of both young and old. Spanning the generations in its appeal, Lakin’s The Wolf of Tebron deserves serious contemplation, whether or not the reader is of the Christian faith.
In her discussion of The Wolf of Tebron, which she provides at the end of the novel, C.S. Lakin explains that she wrote the novel to reflect God’s love and devotion to the personal growth and salvation of those who believe in Him. Her aim was to flesh out, in her description of the relationship between two individuals, the way in which our awareness of God can permeate every inch of our beings. Ruyah is a Christ figure, who has vowed never to leave us, nor forsake us. By using allegory and metaphor, Lakin is able to draw on both traditional fairy tale elements and on Scripture to impact on our consciousness of the deeper meaning of life.
The overwhelming sense of evil prevailing in the prologue is never far from the underlying timbre of the book, just as in real life we are constantly having to guard against surrendering our integrity and essential goodness to forces intent on harming us. By casting the Moon in the role of villain, Lakin is able to achieve a sustained concentration of a sense of evil throughout the text which is so much more omnipresent than the focusing of such evil in a single individual might otherwise have been. One tends to associate the moon with lovers’ trysts, so that, when considering the shakiness of Joran’s marriage, and his suspicion of his wife’s adultery, it is unsurprising that an object which is traditionally associated with sexuality and physical love is upended and treated as the arch enemy.
The Wolf of Tebron should appeal to modern-day youth, who tend to be enthralled by the cult of werewolves and vampires. By using the murky world of the unknown to captivate her audience, Lakin is likely to attract a far wider audience than might have otherwise been willing to become drawn into her text. The Wolf of Tebron is not easy reading, but combines a number of literary approaches to render a coalescent whole which is persuasive and convincing in its power. Whether all those who read the tale will be capable of, first time round, appreciating the subtler aspects of the text is debatable, but then C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has, in similar fashion, attracted the musings of both young and old. Spanning the generations in its appeal, Lakin’s The Wolf of Tebron deserves serious contemplation, whether or not the reader is of the Christian faith.
October 25, 2024
The Wolf of Tebron by C.S. Lakin is an exceptional blend of fantasy and spiritual depth, creating a memorable story that lingers long after you turn the last page. This book stands out as one of the best I’ve ever read, seamlessly weaving fantasy elements with rich, faith-infused themes that resonate powerfully.
The journey follows Jordan, an ordinary blacksmith with an extraordinary quest. Along the way, Jordan learns profound life lessons from mystical figures—the Sun's Mother, the Moon's Sister, and the Western Winds—each of whom teaches him something essential about his own heart, faith, and destiny. These interactions add layers of wisdom to the narrative, making it much more than just an adventure; it's a journey of self-discovery that feels both personal and universal.
Ruaha, the wolf who becomes Jordan’s steadfast companion, is beautifully crafted as both a mentor and protector, reminding me of Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia. Like Aslan, Ruaha brings wisdom and strength to the journey, guiding Jordan through challenges with a quiet yet powerful presence. Their bond adds warmth to the story and helps ground the fantasy in a way that feels timeless.
One of the book's greatest strengths is how it imparts life lessons alongside Jordan's journey, leaving the reader with reflections on faith, courage, and the nature of friendship. These messages, woven through with allegorical beauty, elevate the story and make it feel more like a modern parable.
Overall, The Wolf of Tebron is a deeply moving tale that successfully merges fantasy and spirituality, offering adventure, wisdom, and heart in equal measure. For anyone who grew up loving the Narnia series or enjoys stories with a spiritual undertone, this book is a must-read.
Final Verdict:
A truly special and unforgettable story with meaningful lessons, a wonderful mentor figure in Ruaha, and a perfect mix of fantasy and spirituality. This is my first 5-star book, and it deserves every bit of that rating.
The journey follows Jordan, an ordinary blacksmith with an extraordinary quest. Along the way, Jordan learns profound life lessons from mystical figures—the Sun's Mother, the Moon's Sister, and the Western Winds—each of whom teaches him something essential about his own heart, faith, and destiny. These interactions add layers of wisdom to the narrative, making it much more than just an adventure; it's a journey of self-discovery that feels both personal and universal.
Ruaha, the wolf who becomes Jordan’s steadfast companion, is beautifully crafted as both a mentor and protector, reminding me of Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia. Like Aslan, Ruaha brings wisdom and strength to the journey, guiding Jordan through challenges with a quiet yet powerful presence. Their bond adds warmth to the story and helps ground the fantasy in a way that feels timeless.
One of the book's greatest strengths is how it imparts life lessons alongside Jordan's journey, leaving the reader with reflections on faith, courage, and the nature of friendship. These messages, woven through with allegorical beauty, elevate the story and make it feel more like a modern parable.
Overall, The Wolf of Tebron is a deeply moving tale that successfully merges fantasy and spirituality, offering adventure, wisdom, and heart in equal measure. For anyone who grew up loving the Narnia series or enjoys stories with a spiritual undertone, this book is a must-read.
Final Verdict:
A truly special and unforgettable story with meaningful lessons, a wonderful mentor figure in Ruaha, and a perfect mix of fantasy and spirituality. This is my first 5-star book, and it deserves every bit of that rating.
March 12, 2023
Extreme Book Nerd Challenge 2023
Challenge Topic: A book with a magical creature.
I liked this book. The Author did a good job setting this world up. I was a little confused how the character kept ending up where he did, and there were some things that just seemed off to me in the story line... things that were unrealistic so to speak (and I'm not talking about the animals, but more unrealistic to the world set up).
I am not sure if I will continue the series, as I liked it, but didn't get that feeling of "I must go on."
Challenge Topic: A book with a magical creature.
I liked this book. The Author did a good job setting this world up. I was a little confused how the character kept ending up where he did, and there were some things that just seemed off to me in the story line... things that were unrealistic so to speak (and I'm not talking about the animals, but more unrealistic to the world set up).
I am not sure if I will continue the series, as I liked it, but didn't get that feeling of "I must go on."
October 31, 2022
Wow, what a wonderful story. Any book that can make me cry gets 5 stars from me. The characters were personable and relatable, the pacing was just right, and the layout made for a smooth story. This one will stay with me for a while.
February 11, 2019
4/10
I couldn't really help but be bored. I really wanted to like this since my friends are big fans of it, but I had to force myself to pick this thing up and look at the words.
I couldn't really help but be bored. I really wanted to like this since my friends are big fans of it, but I had to force myself to pick this thing up and look at the words.
February 4, 2021
Dear Ghas, this is beautiful.
October 26, 2010
Long ago, and far away, an apprentice blacksmith named Joran is tormented by nightmares. He claws his way up a sand-strewn cliff battered by ocean waves, desperately trying to reach his imprisoned wife. Every night, he fails, sucked under the dark, roiling water as a baleful moon looms overhead, mocking him.
It’s just a dream, isn’t it? That’s what Joran thinks, until he discovers that the wife he sent back to her relatives in a nearby village after a heated argument never reached her destination. She’s vanished without a trace, and Joran sets off to find her. His quest will take him to the very boundaries of his world, in the company of an extraordinarily strange ally, to grapple with forces beyond his imagination. He needs all the help he can get–Joran will soon discover that the most merciless, relentless enemy of all lurks closer than he ever thought possible.
C.S. Lakin’s The Wolf of Tebron, the first volume in her Gates of Heaven series, is hard to classify. The author calls it a fairy tale, but that implies a triviality totally at odds with the depth of this story, besides the fact that nary a fairy is to be found between its covers. It does, however, contain a wealth of magic and mystery, and the hero must contend with archetypal, personified forces of nature in his quest to seek and save his lost love. It is also an allegory of redemption, in the Christian understanding of that concept, but nothing so simple as a retelling of Christ’s love and sacrifice in fancy dress. The story contains a wealth of literary allusions from sources as wide-ranging as Friedrich Nietzsche, G.K. Chesterton, Carl Jung, and The Brothers Grimm, which enhance the richness of the tale but will cause no difficulty for readers unfamiliar with those references. It’s an adventure, it’s a romance, it’s an heroic quest, it’s a meditation on the relationship between dreams and reality, and it’s a journey into the tangled garden of the human mind and heart.
Above all, it’s a fun read. Ms. Lakin is a masterful storyteller. She plunges us quickly into Joran’s adventure–we share his struggles and heartache, and we see the wonders and hazards of the lands beyond the homey environs of Tebron through his eyes, in vivid detail. Joran is above all a human hero who must overcome his own flaws and weaknesses to achieve his goal, and it is not, by any means, an easy road. He learns the dangers of self-centeredness and the power of self-sacrifice. His companion on the journey, the noble wolf Ruyah, is a character both powerful and unique. Readers familiar with Christian fantasy will recognize echoes of C.S. Lewis’ themes in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but Tebron is not Narnia, and Ruyah is not Aslan. Ms. Lakin deals more heavily in metaphor than Lewis, and trying to make tidy connections from The Wolf of Tebron to people and places in our world would be both misleading and frustrating.
My complaints are few and trivial. There are a couple of jarring lapses into contemporary language, and the philosophical/religious dialogue feels a bit muddled in places. An allusion to God’s creative activity as “the One who dreams and sustains all creation with his dreaming” hews a bit close to the description of Vishnu in Hindu mythology. There are a lot of aphorisms and other “wise sayings” peppered through the dialogue that wear a little thin after a while, and one character even grumbles about this late in the story, which gave me a chuckle.
Bottom line, I found The Wolf of Tebron a thoroughly enjoyable tale that, though not aimed at children, will appeal to readers (and listeners) of all ages. Ms. Lakin doesn’t settle for simple entertainment. This story engages and challenges its audience, providing fertile ground for thought and discussion long after the last page is turned.
It’s just a dream, isn’t it? That’s what Joran thinks, until he discovers that the wife he sent back to her relatives in a nearby village after a heated argument never reached her destination. She’s vanished without a trace, and Joran sets off to find her. His quest will take him to the very boundaries of his world, in the company of an extraordinarily strange ally, to grapple with forces beyond his imagination. He needs all the help he can get–Joran will soon discover that the most merciless, relentless enemy of all lurks closer than he ever thought possible.
C.S. Lakin’s The Wolf of Tebron, the first volume in her Gates of Heaven series, is hard to classify. The author calls it a fairy tale, but that implies a triviality totally at odds with the depth of this story, besides the fact that nary a fairy is to be found between its covers. It does, however, contain a wealth of magic and mystery, and the hero must contend with archetypal, personified forces of nature in his quest to seek and save his lost love. It is also an allegory of redemption, in the Christian understanding of that concept, but nothing so simple as a retelling of Christ’s love and sacrifice in fancy dress. The story contains a wealth of literary allusions from sources as wide-ranging as Friedrich Nietzsche, G.K. Chesterton, Carl Jung, and The Brothers Grimm, which enhance the richness of the tale but will cause no difficulty for readers unfamiliar with those references. It’s an adventure, it’s a romance, it’s an heroic quest, it’s a meditation on the relationship between dreams and reality, and it’s a journey into the tangled garden of the human mind and heart.
Above all, it’s a fun read. Ms. Lakin is a masterful storyteller. She plunges us quickly into Joran’s adventure–we share his struggles and heartache, and we see the wonders and hazards of the lands beyond the homey environs of Tebron through his eyes, in vivid detail. Joran is above all a human hero who must overcome his own flaws and weaknesses to achieve his goal, and it is not, by any means, an easy road. He learns the dangers of self-centeredness and the power of self-sacrifice. His companion on the journey, the noble wolf Ruyah, is a character both powerful and unique. Readers familiar with Christian fantasy will recognize echoes of C.S. Lewis’ themes in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but Tebron is not Narnia, and Ruyah is not Aslan. Ms. Lakin deals more heavily in metaphor than Lewis, and trying to make tidy connections from The Wolf of Tebron to people and places in our world would be both misleading and frustrating.
My complaints are few and trivial. There are a couple of jarring lapses into contemporary language, and the philosophical/religious dialogue feels a bit muddled in places. An allusion to God’s creative activity as “the One who dreams and sustains all creation with his dreaming” hews a bit close to the description of Vishnu in Hindu mythology. There are a lot of aphorisms and other “wise sayings” peppered through the dialogue that wear a little thin after a while, and one character even grumbles about this late in the story, which gave me a chuckle.
Bottom line, I found The Wolf of Tebron a thoroughly enjoyable tale that, though not aimed at children, will appeal to readers (and listeners) of all ages. Ms. Lakin doesn’t settle for simple entertainment. This story engages and challenges its audience, providing fertile ground for thought and discussion long after the last page is turned.
January 6, 2011
Book 1, The Gates of Heaven Series
From childhood, Fairy Tales have always attracted me. Grimm’s, Aesop’s, and Hans Christian Anderson became my friends. I still love those stories. It was for that reason that I agreed to review The Gates of Heaven’s Series. It was billed as A Fairy Tale by C.S. Lakin. You might recall that she wrote a contemporary novel called, Someone to Blame. You can read THAT review here. And read her interview here.
As in Someone to Blame, Lakin writes from a deep perspective. In Grimm’s Fairy Tales, you have blood dripping and witches and dragons with the simplicity of right versus wrong and good overcomes evil with easy fixes and answers. But in The Wolf of Tebron you will encounter subplots and plots that you can relate to as an adult that take quite a bit longer to untangle. In The Wolf of Tebron, Joran’s wife is caught cheating on him. Joran lives in a small village called Tebron. He becomes angry enough to send her away to a neighboring village back to her family. He has this gift of talking to animals. It kind of reminded me of Narnia.
In the first few chapters, you learn about Joran and his family. You feel his anger and then, his helpless distress when his wife fails to report home. Somewhere in the middle of her journey she disappears. A crazy old goose woman sputters on about how Joran has trapped his wife in his anger. He dreams each night of his wife, of the moon who keeps her imprisoned behind a wall of ice. The dream repeats each night and his fingers sink into the ice, but each time falls short of rescuing her or of discovering her whereabouts.
Joran goes on a journey to which the goose woman says will wear out three pairs of shoes before the end. He has to loose three keys before he can free his wife from that prison. He thinks practically and decides to retrace his wife’s steps because he doesn’t believe that the moon holds his wife prisoner. He doesn’t believe it until he interviews the carriage driver.
“It was very dark out, very quiet. Then the horses got upset, snorting, stamping. I tried to calm ‘em down, keep ‘em moving, but they acted like bees was stinging ‘em all over. The lady started screaming and I tried to get her to calm, too, but she was as batty as the horses. I swear there was nothing around, no animals, robbers, nothing.”
The old man jumped up as if remembering why he was there. He hurried to the back of the wagon, reached for another crate, and carried it inside of the building. Joran followed him in. “And then what?”
He set the load down on the floor with a grunt. “Then she was gone, lad. I looked everywhere for her.” The man caught Joran’s eyes. “We were out in the middle of nowhere—no trees, no buildings, nowhere to hide or run to. I’da seen her.” He shrugged and fumbled with the buttons on his vest. “She just disappeared. Into thin air. I ran around looking everywhere, shoutin’ for her. I even checked the ground for her shoe prints. There weren’t any. Never seen the likes of that in my entire life.”
His journey is more than just discovering the whereabouts of his wife; it’s a journey that any human can relate to and understand. It’s a typical fairy tale with untypical results. It will take you on a wild adventure. If you love Ted Dekkar, you’ll love this book with all its crazy twists and turns like the visit to the Moon’s house or the visit to the South Wind’s home. Like in the last novel, the end surprises you and the journey becomes personal. Can he loose the three keys?
Book Provided in conjunction with CSFF blog tour and review.
From childhood, Fairy Tales have always attracted me. Grimm’s, Aesop’s, and Hans Christian Anderson became my friends. I still love those stories. It was for that reason that I agreed to review The Gates of Heaven’s Series. It was billed as A Fairy Tale by C.S. Lakin. You might recall that she wrote a contemporary novel called, Someone to Blame. You can read THAT review here. And read her interview here.
As in Someone to Blame, Lakin writes from a deep perspective. In Grimm’s Fairy Tales, you have blood dripping and witches and dragons with the simplicity of right versus wrong and good overcomes evil with easy fixes and answers. But in The Wolf of Tebron you will encounter subplots and plots that you can relate to as an adult that take quite a bit longer to untangle. In The Wolf of Tebron, Joran’s wife is caught cheating on him. Joran lives in a small village called Tebron. He becomes angry enough to send her away to a neighboring village back to her family. He has this gift of talking to animals. It kind of reminded me of Narnia.
In the first few chapters, you learn about Joran and his family. You feel his anger and then, his helpless distress when his wife fails to report home. Somewhere in the middle of her journey she disappears. A crazy old goose woman sputters on about how Joran has trapped his wife in his anger. He dreams each night of his wife, of the moon who keeps her imprisoned behind a wall of ice. The dream repeats each night and his fingers sink into the ice, but each time falls short of rescuing her or of discovering her whereabouts.
Joran goes on a journey to which the goose woman says will wear out three pairs of shoes before the end. He has to loose three keys before he can free his wife from that prison. He thinks practically and decides to retrace his wife’s steps because he doesn’t believe that the moon holds his wife prisoner. He doesn’t believe it until he interviews the carriage driver.
“It was very dark out, very quiet. Then the horses got upset, snorting, stamping. I tried to calm ‘em down, keep ‘em moving, but they acted like bees was stinging ‘em all over. The lady started screaming and I tried to get her to calm, too, but she was as batty as the horses. I swear there was nothing around, no animals, robbers, nothing.”
The old man jumped up as if remembering why he was there. He hurried to the back of the wagon, reached for another crate, and carried it inside of the building. Joran followed him in. “And then what?”
He set the load down on the floor with a grunt. “Then she was gone, lad. I looked everywhere for her.” The man caught Joran’s eyes. “We were out in the middle of nowhere—no trees, no buildings, nowhere to hide or run to. I’da seen her.” He shrugged and fumbled with the buttons on his vest. “She just disappeared. Into thin air. I ran around looking everywhere, shoutin’ for her. I even checked the ground for her shoe prints. There weren’t any. Never seen the likes of that in my entire life.”
His journey is more than just discovering the whereabouts of his wife; it’s a journey that any human can relate to and understand. It’s a typical fairy tale with untypical results. It will take you on a wild adventure. If you love Ted Dekkar, you’ll love this book with all its crazy twists and turns like the visit to the Moon’s house or the visit to the South Wind’s home. Like in the last novel, the end surprises you and the journey becomes personal. Can he loose the three keys?
Book Provided in conjunction with CSFF blog tour and review.
September 1, 2010
In the village of Tebron, surrounded by forests and peaceful mountains, Joran works as an apprentice blacksmith because his unusually sharp ability to mindspeak with animals has made forestry, hunting, and fishing too painful an occupation. He is painfully aware of his difference from his brothers, whom he loves but is unlike. Joran is slender, gentle, contemplative, and quietly desperate, wishing above all things to feel true happiness with his beautiful wife Charris, to feel that he belongs.
When Charris betrays Joran, he sends her away in a fit of passionate anger. But then come the dreams, tormenting him night after night: dreams in which he climbs to a sandcastle above the sea where Charris is trapped in ice, and he struggles to free her while sweeping blackness clutches at the back of his neck and the lunatic moon looks on and laughs. And then come the encounters: the great wolf watching him from the fringes of the wood, the crazy old goose woman with her riddles, and finally the most frightening encounter of all — the discovery that Charris, sent home to her relatives, has disappeared into thin air.
Unable to live any longer with himself and without answers, Joran sets off on a journey, joined by the giant wolf Ruyah, that will take him to the ends of the earth — to the Hovel of the Moon, the Palace of the Sun, the Cave of the Wind, and finally the Unimaginable Sea — and to the depths of his own dreams. His is a search for his wife, for the truth, for answers, and for peace. The way is made bearable by Ruyah’s wise, playful, and always caring presence, a presence that means far more than Joran can imagine.
The Wolf of Tebron by C.S. Lakin is being hailed as a modern-day fairy tale, which it certainly is at heart, though its characterization is richer than a typical fairy tale’s. Joran’s struggles with himself are intensely human. In an irony that struck me as particularly true to the Christian life, Joran does not want to be a hero and in fact would not be one were it not for Ruyah pushing, leading, and saving him at every step. Every spark of heroism in him rises in response to the heroism of another. At the same time, he is a likable hero, with pain and struggles that are poignant and relatable.
Not a simple allegory, The Wolf of Tebron nonetheless employs allegory and symbol in great measure, and Ruyah’s wise sayings — “It is said among wolves . . .” — come from sources as varied as C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and Carl Jung. (Chesterton, I think, would have enjoyed being a wolf.) It’s a book meant to inspire thought. Its story of redemption is thoroughly Christian at heart, though some of the allusions to life as a dream, reality as a matter of the will, and looking inside yourself could be just as easily interpreted through a non-Christian lens. It’s also a thoroughly enjoyable adventure story, with exotic settings, unpredictable turns, a terrifying enemy, and unexpected humour.
Lakin’s work is stylistically beautiful. The exotic locales are vivid, from dark north to burning desert to misty jungle: I found myself looking forward to each leg of Joran’s journey just so I could experience another part of her story world. The Wolf of Tebron is the first in The Gates of Heaven series from Living Ink Books (AMG Publishers). I’m looking forward to The Map Across Time, Book 2 in the series.
- Rachel Starr Thomson, author of The Seventh World Trilogy, www.worldsunseen.com
When Charris betrays Joran, he sends her away in a fit of passionate anger. But then come the dreams, tormenting him night after night: dreams in which he climbs to a sandcastle above the sea where Charris is trapped in ice, and he struggles to free her while sweeping blackness clutches at the back of his neck and the lunatic moon looks on and laughs. And then come the encounters: the great wolf watching him from the fringes of the wood, the crazy old goose woman with her riddles, and finally the most frightening encounter of all — the discovery that Charris, sent home to her relatives, has disappeared into thin air.
Unable to live any longer with himself and without answers, Joran sets off on a journey, joined by the giant wolf Ruyah, that will take him to the ends of the earth — to the Hovel of the Moon, the Palace of the Sun, the Cave of the Wind, and finally the Unimaginable Sea — and to the depths of his own dreams. His is a search for his wife, for the truth, for answers, and for peace. The way is made bearable by Ruyah’s wise, playful, and always caring presence, a presence that means far more than Joran can imagine.
The Wolf of Tebron by C.S. Lakin is being hailed as a modern-day fairy tale, which it certainly is at heart, though its characterization is richer than a typical fairy tale’s. Joran’s struggles with himself are intensely human. In an irony that struck me as particularly true to the Christian life, Joran does not want to be a hero and in fact would not be one were it not for Ruyah pushing, leading, and saving him at every step. Every spark of heroism in him rises in response to the heroism of another. At the same time, he is a likable hero, with pain and struggles that are poignant and relatable.
Not a simple allegory, The Wolf of Tebron nonetheless employs allegory and symbol in great measure, and Ruyah’s wise sayings — “It is said among wolves . . .” — come from sources as varied as C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and Carl Jung. (Chesterton, I think, would have enjoyed being a wolf.) It’s a book meant to inspire thought. Its story of redemption is thoroughly Christian at heart, though some of the allusions to life as a dream, reality as a matter of the will, and looking inside yourself could be just as easily interpreted through a non-Christian lens. It’s also a thoroughly enjoyable adventure story, with exotic settings, unpredictable turns, a terrifying enemy, and unexpected humour.
Lakin’s work is stylistically beautiful. The exotic locales are vivid, from dark north to burning desert to misty jungle: I found myself looking forward to each leg of Joran’s journey just so I could experience another part of her story world. The Wolf of Tebron is the first in The Gates of Heaven series from Living Ink Books (AMG Publishers). I’m looking forward to The Map Across Time, Book 2 in the series.
- Rachel Starr Thomson, author of The Seventh World Trilogy, www.worldsunseen.com
March 6, 2014
How far would you go to save your wife? Would you make good on the old lovers’ promise to go to the ends of the earth? Would you go to the most extreme north, to the house of the Moon? Would you go to the most extreme east, to the palace of the Sun? Would you travel the hot, wet forests of the south, or journey to the unimaginable sea? Would you enter your own dreams?
Most men would have to make a good guess, but Joran – lucky fellow – gets to know for sure. He will discover how far he is willing to go – how far he can go. For his extraordinary journey he has an extraordinary companion: the wolf of Tebron. The wolf is a fearsome and magnificent beast, with an endless supply of wise sayings and apparently nothing to do on the weekends.
The Wolf of Tebron is fantasy, and its world is “wild as an old wives’ tale”. It’s not merely that there’s magic; it’s that everyone knows there is. It isn’t only that people can mindspeak with animals; it’s that mindspeaking is simply a fact of life. The sea is a legend in Tebron, but Joran can believe it exists – almost as easily as he believes that the Moon has a house.
The forest of Tebron is formed by “tall trees with their tops in the heavens, and trunks so thick it would take ten men to circle one of them.” In this one stroke C. S. Lakin makes fairytale live in her story. It brings you, in a sudden rush, to Europe when its forests were huge and alien to the humans who lived alongside them. In folk tales the woods are their own domain – primeval, mysterious, filled with the secret homes of unguessable things.
This element of fantasy is the strongest part of the book. Even the vividness of the characters and the suspense of the plot are fed on it. Joran, as a character, is competent enough, but he doesn’t intrigue like his wise wolf, like the Moon – even the goose woman. You feel pretty sure, reading the novel, that Joran is going to find his wife eventually. You’re not so sure what’s going to happen when he reaches the house of the Moon. The two most compelling sequences of the book had our heroes contending against forces that were more than natural.
I said before that The Wolf of Tebron is its own world. There is no Christianity, no Judaism, no recognizable stand-in for either one. If the humans of Tebron have any regular practice of religion, I didn’t see it. Yet the book has a strong dose of Christian spirituality. At one point wolf and human discuss the “perfect law of freedom” – a phrase taken from James 1:25: “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this …” Most fantasy novels, when they venture into the pronvinces of Scripture, settle in the Gospels. The Wolf of Tebron, with its allusions to the moral law, Original Sin, and “spiritual forces of evil”, wanders into the Epistles.
The Wolf of Tebron is a quest story, and it has much of the simplicity of the old fairytales. Also like the old fairytales, it has the wonder of a world outside Man’s, with laws that no scientist ever discovered. The spirit of wonder is well-matched by the book’s lyrical prose. If talking animals, anthropomorphic moons, and mysterious dreams ever tugged at your imagination, this book is for you.
(Note: In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.)
Most men would have to make a good guess, but Joran – lucky fellow – gets to know for sure. He will discover how far he is willing to go – how far he can go. For his extraordinary journey he has an extraordinary companion: the wolf of Tebron. The wolf is a fearsome and magnificent beast, with an endless supply of wise sayings and apparently nothing to do on the weekends.
The Wolf of Tebron is fantasy, and its world is “wild as an old wives’ tale”. It’s not merely that there’s magic; it’s that everyone knows there is. It isn’t only that people can mindspeak with animals; it’s that mindspeaking is simply a fact of life. The sea is a legend in Tebron, but Joran can believe it exists – almost as easily as he believes that the Moon has a house.
The forest of Tebron is formed by “tall trees with their tops in the heavens, and trunks so thick it would take ten men to circle one of them.” In this one stroke C. S. Lakin makes fairytale live in her story. It brings you, in a sudden rush, to Europe when its forests were huge and alien to the humans who lived alongside them. In folk tales the woods are their own domain – primeval, mysterious, filled with the secret homes of unguessable things.
This element of fantasy is the strongest part of the book. Even the vividness of the characters and the suspense of the plot are fed on it. Joran, as a character, is competent enough, but he doesn’t intrigue like his wise wolf, like the Moon – even the goose woman. You feel pretty sure, reading the novel, that Joran is going to find his wife eventually. You’re not so sure what’s going to happen when he reaches the house of the Moon. The two most compelling sequences of the book had our heroes contending against forces that were more than natural.
I said before that The Wolf of Tebron is its own world. There is no Christianity, no Judaism, no recognizable stand-in for either one. If the humans of Tebron have any regular practice of religion, I didn’t see it. Yet the book has a strong dose of Christian spirituality. At one point wolf and human discuss the “perfect law of freedom” – a phrase taken from James 1:25: “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this …” Most fantasy novels, when they venture into the pronvinces of Scripture, settle in the Gospels. The Wolf of Tebron, with its allusions to the moral law, Original Sin, and “spiritual forces of evil”, wanders into the Epistles.
The Wolf of Tebron is a quest story, and it has much of the simplicity of the old fairytales. Also like the old fairytales, it has the wonder of a world outside Man’s, with laws that no scientist ever discovered. The spirit of wonder is well-matched by the book’s lyrical prose. If talking animals, anthropomorphic moons, and mysterious dreams ever tugged at your imagination, this book is for you.
(Note: In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.)
August 17, 2010
Joran is a happy little blacksmith until one day he has an argument with his wife Charris, and subsequently kicks her out of the house, sending her to visit her family in another village over the mountains. Only Charris doesn't make it there. She disappears along the way, and it is up to Joran to figure out what happened. Joran begins to have dreams of Charris, being locked up in a castle, guarded by the Moon. Then an odd woman from the village speaks in riddles to Joran. Joran is thoroughly confused and missing Charris.
Joran sets out to travel the same route as Charris, and early on befriends a wolf, named Ruyah. Ruyah decides to accompany Joran on his journey to find his wife, wherever it may take him. The pair decide they must journey to the Moon for answers, followed shortly thereafter by journeys to the Sun and the Wind. Surely these powerful forces or beings can offer some assistance! Those riddles come back to haunt Joran, and he realizes he must solve them if he is ever to find Charris.
The story was interesting, but it soon became repetitive and boring. Joran complains like a child the whole time. He totally annoyed me and I honestly don't believe he deserves Charris. Ruyah, the wolf on the other hand was my favorite. Although some of his advice along the way required some thought, overall I enjoyed the wolf's character and his end of the conversations.
This title is considered Christian and youth fantasy fiction. The Christian themes I understood easily, but Joran's behavior seemed extremely childish and young, so I'm not sure what ages youth is supposed to encompass. For as childish as Joran's behavior was, again some of the advice dispensed by the wolf was on the adult side of things.
This book is compared to some quite prolific writers, like Rowling and Tolkien, but I would hesitate to put them in the same boat. I've read both and I don't believe this title is as well developed as the other two. The battle of good versus evil is present, but that's about it. Therefore, I am on the fence with this one. There is certainly something good here, but it needs some oomph. Although, could my feelings of meh be because the intended audience is much younger than me? Not sure.
So that's why I went with a middle B grade, because there were some aspects I enjoyed such as the characters of the Sun, Moon, and Wind, but the journey in between...not so much.
Joran sets out to travel the same route as Charris, and early on befriends a wolf, named Ruyah. Ruyah decides to accompany Joran on his journey to find his wife, wherever it may take him. The pair decide they must journey to the Moon for answers, followed shortly thereafter by journeys to the Sun and the Wind. Surely these powerful forces or beings can offer some assistance! Those riddles come back to haunt Joran, and he realizes he must solve them if he is ever to find Charris.
The story was interesting, but it soon became repetitive and boring. Joran complains like a child the whole time. He totally annoyed me and I honestly don't believe he deserves Charris. Ruyah, the wolf on the other hand was my favorite. Although some of his advice along the way required some thought, overall I enjoyed the wolf's character and his end of the conversations.
This title is considered Christian and youth fantasy fiction. The Christian themes I understood easily, but Joran's behavior seemed extremely childish and young, so I'm not sure what ages youth is supposed to encompass. For as childish as Joran's behavior was, again some of the advice dispensed by the wolf was on the adult side of things.
This book is compared to some quite prolific writers, like Rowling and Tolkien, but I would hesitate to put them in the same boat. I've read both and I don't believe this title is as well developed as the other two. The battle of good versus evil is present, but that's about it. Therefore, I am on the fence with this one. There is certainly something good here, but it needs some oomph. Although, could my feelings of meh be because the intended audience is much younger than me? Not sure.
So that's why I went with a middle B grade, because there were some aspects I enjoyed such as the characters of the Sun, Moon, and Wind, but the journey in between...not so much.
August 19, 2011
I wanted to read this because I was intrigued about the idea of Christian fantasy, somewhat in the vein of CS Lewis. However I did not find that to be an accurate comparison. I remember the first time I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and how I was immediately drawn into the story and identified with the children. And because of how much I love the Narnia books, the memory hung over me and this suffered in comparison.
But with this book, the characters did not do much for me. The main character is Joran, a young blacksmith, who has lost his wife Charris through his anger and despair over his assumption of her infidelity. He sounded very young despite his marriage and was very childish. A mysterious woman tells him he must set out on a quest to save Charris prompting the events in this book. However Joran also must have some connection to the opening chapter, which prepared me for one story before jarring me into Joran's. The other main character is the wolf Joran meets, named Ruyah who I thought was going to be like Aslan but who ends up being very different. They were okay but I was annoyed with Joran and I was confused about the wolf's role for too long.
Although the characters didn't really work for me, I thought the writing was absolutely gorgeous. The descriptions of what was happening and the emotions felt-I can't remember the last time I admired prose so much. Often prose isn't something I care much about but here it made a big difference and helped me keep reading even when it was a bit of a slog. I also enjoyed the discussion questions at the end and Lakin's notes on the works that influenced her.
Consequently this receives 3 out of 5 stars. Although I appreciate the opportunity to review this book, I will not be continuing with the series.
But with this book, the characters did not do much for me. The main character is Joran, a young blacksmith, who has lost his wife Charris through his anger and despair over his assumption of her infidelity. He sounded very young despite his marriage and was very childish. A mysterious woman tells him he must set out on a quest to save Charris prompting the events in this book. However Joran also must have some connection to the opening chapter, which prepared me for one story before jarring me into Joran's. The other main character is the wolf Joran meets, named Ruyah who I thought was going to be like Aslan but who ends up being very different. They were okay but I was annoyed with Joran and I was confused about the wolf's role for too long.
Although the characters didn't really work for me, I thought the writing was absolutely gorgeous. The descriptions of what was happening and the emotions felt-I can't remember the last time I admired prose so much. Often prose isn't something I care much about but here it made a big difference and helped me keep reading even when it was a bit of a slog. I also enjoyed the discussion questions at the end and Lakin's notes on the works that influenced her.
Consequently this receives 3 out of 5 stars. Although I appreciate the opportunity to review this book, I will not be continuing with the series.
June 5, 2011
I was slow to get into this book because Joran was so incredibly whiny and obtuse. At the beginning, you learn that he has sent his wife away for some unrevealed reason and it is pretty obvious that he was an idiot about it. Then, after she disappears, he waits two weeks before starting his quest to find and rescue her. On the journey, he complains about everything and if it wasn't for Ruyah (his wolf friend) he wouldn't have stood a chance. However, in his favor, Joran is always kind to animals and polite to others, and he is willing to find his wife even though he believes her to have betrayed him. Slowly, throughout the novel, Joran's character and personality steadily improves until I almost liked him.
I loved Bryp and Cielle. The quirkiness of those two characters softened my annoyance with Joran and made me laugh a couple of times. It was hard to care much about Charris (Joran's wife) because she was hardly in the story. All references and descriptions of her were dubious at best, and soon after you actually meet her the book ends.
The story itself was a little bit like a dream sequence; I half expected Joran to wake up and find out that none of it had been real. Dreams did play an important part in the plot. Many of Joran's troubles at first and his salvation later were his abilities to make his dreams and emotions into reality without intending to. His anger at Charris kept her imprisoned and other emotions such as despair and grief caused other thing to happen. (I won't give away too much of the story.) It was an interesting idea and well written.
I am glad I read this book. Once I got into it, it was interesting and enjoyable.
http://liedermadchen.blogspot.com/201...
I loved Bryp and Cielle. The quirkiness of those two characters softened my annoyance with Joran and made me laugh a couple of times. It was hard to care much about Charris (Joran's wife) because she was hardly in the story. All references and descriptions of her were dubious at best, and soon after you actually meet her the book ends.
The story itself was a little bit like a dream sequence; I half expected Joran to wake up and find out that none of it had been real. Dreams did play an important part in the plot. Many of Joran's troubles at first and his salvation later were his abilities to make his dreams and emotions into reality without intending to. His anger at Charris kept her imprisoned and other emotions such as despair and grief caused other thing to happen. (I won't give away too much of the story.) It was an interesting idea and well written.
I am glad I read this book. Once I got into it, it was interesting and enjoyable.
http://liedermadchen.blogspot.com/201...
April 23, 2011
I began reading some of the Christian fantasy/allegory books several years ago by picking up C S Lewis’ Chronicle of Narnia series for the first time in my life. Though I enjoy reading a good Christian fantasy/allegory now, my education in the Bible and my passion for the Truth tends to mean I find as much disappointment as pleasure, however, in many of the stories I read.
As I began Lakin’s book, I became apprehensive about its message while at the same time enthralled with the majesty of her descriptive ability. Anyone who has ever had a pet parakeet that can talk will fall in love with Bryp. Anyone who talks to their pet cat or dog will adore the wolf, Ruyah. Joran’s encounters with the Moon, the Sun, and the South Wind, however, made me wonder where Lakin was trying to take me in the allegory department. Had not her poetic writing style continued to hold me, I would have tossed the book about the time Joran met the South Wind because I was pretty sure at that point that Lakin’s commitment to the Truth was not high enough.
Joran’s journey is a beautifully realistic look into our own soul as we battle with the doubts and fears we face even when we know what we are to accomplish. His final test of obedience that would see his task completed was poignant and believable. The revelation of the true relationship between Joran and Ruyah, though slightly calming my fears on the Truth issue, seemed somewhat contrived.
In the end, the question is whether or not I will pick up the rest of the books in this series. Weighing Lakin’s truly gifted writing ability against the passion for the Truth – probably not.
As I began Lakin’s book, I became apprehensive about its message while at the same time enthralled with the majesty of her descriptive ability. Anyone who has ever had a pet parakeet that can talk will fall in love with Bryp. Anyone who talks to their pet cat or dog will adore the wolf, Ruyah. Joran’s encounters with the Moon, the Sun, and the South Wind, however, made me wonder where Lakin was trying to take me in the allegory department. Had not her poetic writing style continued to hold me, I would have tossed the book about the time Joran met the South Wind because I was pretty sure at that point that Lakin’s commitment to the Truth was not high enough.
Joran’s journey is a beautifully realistic look into our own soul as we battle with the doubts and fears we face even when we know what we are to accomplish. His final test of obedience that would see his task completed was poignant and believable. The revelation of the true relationship between Joran and Ruyah, though slightly calming my fears on the Truth issue, seemed somewhat contrived.
In the end, the question is whether or not I will pick up the rest of the books in this series. Weighing Lakin’s truly gifted writing ability against the passion for the Truth – probably not.
June 28, 2014
Beautiful Tale of a Struggle for Love
By Lilian Gafni
This is a beautifully, well written story of a man's enduring love for his wife, and the willingness to find her despite the mortal dangers in his path.
The Wolf of Tebron is a fantasy fairy tale that questions assumptions of truth, and self-discovery. "What you see may not be true." The tale is also the struggle to undo one's wrong. Joran believes that his wife has been unfaithful and sends her away in a fit of rage. In a troubling dream, Joran sees his wife Charris encased in ice in a glass palace, as she stares at him helplessly. When he awakens in his barn, the reality of the nightmare tears at his flesh and whole being. Night after night this horror troubles his sleep.
Joran then goes far away on a quest to unknown lands to find Charris, and in the process learns hard truths about himself. A magnificent and towering silver wolf called Ruyah, and a tiny frych bird travel alongside to help and protect him on his trek. Both Ruyah and frych communicate with Joran through thought, a mind-reading that Joran alone can do.
Joran begins to encounter obstacles the first day he leaves to find Charris. When he runs into an old woman who tells him he has chased his wife away, she tells him of the three keys that can unlock his dreams in order to find her. He dismisses the old woman's warning and calls her crazy. She tells him, "You must save her before the sand slips through the glass." She urges him to hurry, that little time is left to find her. Otherwise she would be lost to him forever.
A most enjoyable story with characters that lingered in my mind long after I finished reading it.
By Lilian Gafni
This is a beautifully, well written story of a man's enduring love for his wife, and the willingness to find her despite the mortal dangers in his path.
The Wolf of Tebron is a fantasy fairy tale that questions assumptions of truth, and self-discovery. "What you see may not be true." The tale is also the struggle to undo one's wrong. Joran believes that his wife has been unfaithful and sends her away in a fit of rage. In a troubling dream, Joran sees his wife Charris encased in ice in a glass palace, as she stares at him helplessly. When he awakens in his barn, the reality of the nightmare tears at his flesh and whole being. Night after night this horror troubles his sleep.
Joran then goes far away on a quest to unknown lands to find Charris, and in the process learns hard truths about himself. A magnificent and towering silver wolf called Ruyah, and a tiny frych bird travel alongside to help and protect him on his trek. Both Ruyah and frych communicate with Joran through thought, a mind-reading that Joran alone can do.
Joran begins to encounter obstacles the first day he leaves to find Charris. When he runs into an old woman who tells him he has chased his wife away, she tells him of the three keys that can unlock his dreams in order to find her. He dismisses the old woman's warning and calls her crazy. She tells him, "You must save her before the sand slips through the glass." She urges him to hurry, that little time is left to find her. Otherwise she would be lost to him forever.
A most enjoyable story with characters that lingered in my mind long after I finished reading it.
August 25, 2010
I was intrigued by the email I received pitching this book. It was described as being along the same lines as The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings. So, I accepted. I'm glad I did. I loved the fantasy world the author was able to create. It felt very real and definitely had the same feel and The Chronicles of Narnia. I loved how each journey was set up and how the scenery changed with each one.
The characters were interesting. I was surprised at how fast Joran decided to take his journey. But, he did whine about it a lot along the way. It was a constant battle of not knowing what he was doing, were he was going, or why he was doing it. Sometimes it wasn't very convincing why he continued on. Ruyah, the wolf was fabulous. He was the backbone of the story I felt. His actions proved his loyalty to Joran. In fact there was lots of animal interactions that I thought contributed to the story greatly.
It was a wonderful story with Joran journey to the house of The Moon, The Sun, and The South Wind. Each interaction was beautifully set up. Joran learns a lot about himself and about humans in general and each location. Along the way, Ruyah provides thoughtful words of advice and anecdotes.
The only draw back for me was the ending. I just didn't feel it like I thought I should have. It left me wondering if I didn't connect with the characters as much as I thought. But, overall a wonderful story that draws some interesting parallels and really makes you think.
The characters were interesting. I was surprised at how fast Joran decided to take his journey. But, he did whine about it a lot along the way. It was a constant battle of not knowing what he was doing, were he was going, or why he was doing it. Sometimes it wasn't very convincing why he continued on. Ruyah, the wolf was fabulous. He was the backbone of the story I felt. His actions proved his loyalty to Joran. In fact there was lots of animal interactions that I thought contributed to the story greatly.
It was a wonderful story with Joran journey to the house of The Moon, The Sun, and The South Wind. Each interaction was beautifully set up. Joran learns a lot about himself and about humans in general and each location. Along the way, Ruyah provides thoughtful words of advice and anecdotes.
The only draw back for me was the ending. I just didn't feel it like I thought I should have. It left me wondering if I didn't connect with the characters as much as I thought. But, overall a wonderful story that draws some interesting parallels and really makes you think.
March 12, 2011
"The Wolf of Tebron" by C. S. Lakin is billed as a "fairy tale" and I would heartily agree, but a fairy tale with much allegory and deep meaning, along the lines of C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" series. The main character/hero is Joran, a young blascksmith's apprentice who, you find early on, has the ability to mindspeak with animals around him which plays into the story in meaningful ways throughout. Joran is soon on a quest to free his missing wife who comes to him in dreams or rather nightmares, wanting to be found. This quest is long and arduous and aided by "the wolf of Tebron", who he meets early on in the story. The wolf, Ruyah, is the voice of wisdom, help, and love as his friend and companion on this journey. It's a tough journey as he has to face things within himself that he needs to let go of in order to complete his quest.
This is one of those stories where you can't help but take a speculative look at your own life and wonder- "What are the things in me that I need to lay aside in order to be all that God is calling me to be?" I love when fiction has the power to reach in and accomplish some good in you. I highly recommend this book and as a side note- the next book in this series "Map across time" is due out soon. I, for one, will definitely be picking it up!
This is one of those stories where you can't help but take a speculative look at your own life and wonder- "What are the things in me that I need to lay aside in order to be all that God is calling me to be?" I love when fiction has the power to reach in and accomplish some good in you. I highly recommend this book and as a side note- the next book in this series "Map across time" is due out soon. I, for one, will definitely be picking it up!
May 16, 2011
Joran is a blacksmith who longs for a peaceful life and to not feel like an outsider in his family and community. He has a fight with his wife and in a fit of anger, sends her back to her family only to find out she never made it there. Joran sets out on an epic journey to find her and is joined by a wolf, Ruyah, who helps him. Joran’s quest to find his wife leads in him find out a lot about himself.
Joran is such a human character. He makes grave mistakes and assumptions, he whines more than he should and wallows in his own misery. Regardless of all that, I liked him and was very sympathetic to his situation. While I liked Joran, I really loved Ruyah. He was such a loving and patient character and his sacrifice is just beautiful.
As with the characters, the fantasy elements of this book are great. Ms. Lakin’s descriptions of the journey to the houses of the Moon and the Sun and the trip to the cave of the South Wind are wonderful. Joran’s ability to telepathically speak to animals is very cool and is one of my favorite parts of the story.
The Wolf of Tebron is a really a good fantasy novel. I enjoyed Ms. Lakin’s writing and am looking forward to her next book: The Map Across Time.
Content: Violence
Joran is such a human character. He makes grave mistakes and assumptions, he whines more than he should and wallows in his own misery. Regardless of all that, I liked him and was very sympathetic to his situation. While I liked Joran, I really loved Ruyah. He was such a loving and patient character and his sacrifice is just beautiful.
As with the characters, the fantasy elements of this book are great. Ms. Lakin’s descriptions of the journey to the houses of the Moon and the Sun and the trip to the cave of the South Wind are wonderful. Joran’s ability to telepathically speak to animals is very cool and is one of my favorite parts of the story.
The Wolf of Tebron is a really a good fantasy novel. I enjoyed Ms. Lakin’s writing and am looking forward to her next book: The Map Across Time.
Content: Violence
October 15, 2010
Part fairy tale, part fantasy, this is a fast-paced story that keeps the reader engaged until the last page. If you’re a fan of C.S. Lewis, then C.S. Lakin just may be your new favorite author.
Though Joran is the main character in the story, I’d have to say that the wolf is the true hero. Wise. Selfless. Compassionate. This animal is a virtual superhero.
What I liked best was the wolf proverbs. Here’s an example:
“It is said among wolves, the road to truth has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult—and left untried.”
Some of the wolf proverbs will sound familiar. The author gleans quite a bit from apologists G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis, then works those pithy sayings into wolf language.
Author C.S. Lakin does a great job with description—a useful if not necessary writing skill when penning an adult fairy tale. If you’re looking for an escape into a different reality, The Wolf of Tebron is worth checking out.
Though Joran is the main character in the story, I’d have to say that the wolf is the true hero. Wise. Selfless. Compassionate. This animal is a virtual superhero.
What I liked best was the wolf proverbs. Here’s an example:
“It is said among wolves, the road to truth has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult—and left untried.”
Some of the wolf proverbs will sound familiar. The author gleans quite a bit from apologists G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis, then works those pithy sayings into wolf language.
Author C.S. Lakin does a great job with description—a useful if not necessary writing skill when penning an adult fairy tale. If you’re looking for an escape into a different reality, The Wolf of Tebron is worth checking out.
June 22, 2012
This book was recommended to me by the publisher because of my love of fairy tales. When I began to read it, it quickly caught my attention because of my love of tales that sends the main character to the far reaches of the earth until they wear out a pair (or for this tale, three pairs) of shoes. I enjoy following the development of the character throughout the tale. He has a lot to learn and improve about himself before he can succeed. Putting myself in the character's place teaches me to look at my own anger, despair, fear, and how to learn to control it.
It is a tale of a man named Joran who sends his wife away, yet when she goes missing, he begins a journey to rescue her. But to do so, he must solve a riddle to loose the keys and open the lock before he can free her. With help of friends along his journey, he will develop himself and find his destiny.
I think it's worth the read if you get your hands on it.
It is a tale of a man named Joran who sends his wife away, yet when she goes missing, he begins a journey to rescue her. But to do so, he must solve a riddle to loose the keys and open the lock before he can free her. With help of friends along his journey, he will develop himself and find his destiny.
I think it's worth the read if you get your hands on it.
February 19, 2013
This series has become one of my all-time favorites. The world of these books is guarded at key locations by gatekeepers who protect gateways to heaven. In each book, a gateway is threatened by evil forces that want to destroy all that is good and beautiful. The characters change in each book, but this theme ties the books together.
In this first book, Joran is the main player. As he journeys to discover who he is and to find his destiny, he discovers many fascinating characters and travels to exotic locations such as the moon and the home of the sun. Along the way he is protected by a wolf who is his father (a powerful wizard), though he doesn't know that.
When I read this first book in the series, I had long despaired of finding a modern Christian fiction author to compare to my favorites, C. S. Lewis and George MacDonald. I feel that I have now discovered new books that are really worth reading.
In this first book, Joran is the main player. As he journeys to discover who he is and to find his destiny, he discovers many fascinating characters and travels to exotic locations such as the moon and the home of the sun. Along the way he is protected by a wolf who is his father (a powerful wizard), though he doesn't know that.
When I read this first book in the series, I had long despaired of finding a modern Christian fiction author to compare to my favorites, C. S. Lewis and George MacDonald. I feel that I have now discovered new books that are really worth reading.
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