Informal buddy read for Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy starting September 6, 2021

[Laura]

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy


Synopsis

* INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER *

From the author of the beloved national bestseller Migrations, a pulse-pounding new novel set in the wild Scottish Highlands.

Inti Flynn arrives in Scotland with her twin sister, Aggie, to lead a team of biologists tasked with reintroducing fourteen gray wolves into the remote Highlands. She hopes to heal not only the dying landscape, but Aggie, too, unmade by the terrible secrets that drove the sisters out of Alaska.

Inti is not the woman she once was, either, changed by the harm she’s witnessed—inflicted by humans on both the wild and each other. Yet as the wolves surprise everyone by thriving, Inti begins to let her guard down, even opening herself up to the possibility of love. But when a farmer is found dead, Inti knows where the town will lay blame. Unable to accept her wolves could be responsible, Inti makes a reckless decision to protect them. But if the wolves didn’t make the kill, then who did? And what will Inti do when the man she is falling for seems to be the prime suspect?

Propulsive and spell-binding, Charlotte McConaghy's Once There Were Wolves is the unforgettable story of a woman desperate to save the creatures she loves—if she isn’t consumed by a wild that was once her refuge.

[Jenny]

Yay! Looking forward to this one!

[Laura]

Me too! A friend said it was great. Magical writing or perhaps that was lyrical writing and she learned a lot about wolves.


Can you believe I'm still waiting forThe Vanishing Half

[Jenny]

Too many good reviews I guess. It is a good one.

[Stacey]

Just picked up my copy! Ready when you are.

Laura, I love The Vanishing Half. I can see why there might be a wait.

[Jenny]

Yeah. I couldn't wait. I started today, and this is one I will be trying to read slooooowly to savor it. I am in love already and I am on page 35.
Moving off of this to read a shortie for a challenge.

I also have to spend some time researching (view spoiler)[mirror touch synesthesia (hide spoiler)]. So interesting.

[Stacey]

I'm trying to finish up another book before I start this one. I don't know if I'll make it. Was thinking I would have more reading time this weekend, but not complaining as I'm seeing a friend I haven't talked to in awhile. I'll start tomorrow either way!

[Jenny]

No worries!
I haven't read another page. I have no problem slowly reading this one.
Well, I say that now, but who knows what will happen if I dive back into it. teehee

[Gail]

I purchased the book today to join the challenge. Not quite sure how this works. Is there a certain pacing, or does everyone just read at thier own speed?

[Jenny]

Welcome Gail!
We just tend to go at whatever pace suits each of us. If you want to discuss anything in the story, just put any surprise plot points under spoiler tags.

Is this your first book by McConaghy?

[Gail]

Yes, it is. I purchased Migrations but have yet to start it. I heard about this one on a reading podcast and it sounds great. I'm excited to join the group. Thanks for the warm welcome.

[Stacey]

Welcome Gail! I loved Migrations, hope you will too. I'm looking forward to this one. We do go our own speed, so you will often see spoiler tags.

Jenny, how far are you now? I've gotten through 4 chapters. Enjoying it so far and I'm looking forward to hearing about what you've learned.

[Jenny]

Yeah, I stopped at 35 pages in order to finish up some other stuff and wait for you guys.
So far, I love Inti, and I want to know everything about her. I can't even imagine what it would be like to (view spoiler)[ be an empath like that. And her mom! fascinating, and I want to slap her and her dad.
And, what happened to Aggie? Are they twins? Am I going to lose it when I find out more of the back story? How many of the wolves are going to be killed? Will the sheriff be a good guy? (hide spoiler)]
Clearly I need to get back to it.
I just love her writing. It draws me in and doesn't let go.

What do you think?

[Laura]

Hi Gail! Welcome.
You will find I am the slow one, always last to start. I will be starting tomorrow.

[Gail]

I’ve only read the first chapter. I’m hooked!

[Suntripz]

I didn't hear of it till now and no I don't live under a rock and yes I'm looking forward to reading it! yayyyy

[Jenny]

Suntripz wrote: "I didn't hear of it till now and no I don't live under a rock and yes I'm looking forward to reading it! yayyyy"

I hadn't heard of this author until someone suggested Migrations for a buddy read. So, we all need to thank Stacey or Laura. I don't remember which brilliant person brought it up.

[Laura]

Me and I still didn't get to read it! Hopefully after this one.

[Jenny]

I am on chapter 14. Anyone this far yet? Everyone still breathing?
I am tempted to finish it tonight, as I bloody need to find out what happens next.
I am going to see if I can be distracted by bad tv for a bit...

[Gail]

I am reading slowly to digest it. Loving it so far.

[Jenny]

I am trying to do that too! But, even when I have to stop and reread a passage that grabs me in some way, I want to go on and read more.

[Stacey]

I wouldn't have chosen Migrations on my own; so glad Laura did!

I finished chapter 5 and will get a bit further tonight. I may be the slow one this time. Work and kid stuff is taking a lot of time right now. Of course, now I'm wondering about what happens around chapter 14.....

[Laura]

I didn't start yet. RL is kicking my butt, but I cant wait too.

[Jenny]

I don't know how much actual real life influence I have, but...

I hereby declare that for the rest of 2021, the people who wish to have time to read will be allowed to do so, without harsh consequences. And, they will enjoy doing so.

So shall it be written, so shall it be done.

(Anyone picturing Yul Brynner right now?)

[Stacey]

Jenny, I wished that worked. Although, while busy I don't dislike RL right now. I'm a bit further but not that far. I'm really curious about Aggie. I think this might be a tough book for me - the wolves. I have a feeling that is really going to get to me.

[Jenny]

Oh yes, it will.
I managed to not finish it yet, but I think I am about to go all in.

[Stacey]

How is everyone else doing? How far along and what do you think?

I'm at chapter 11. And all I can say is, Inti, what are you doing???? I'm not putting that in a spoiler because I've thought that often, almost any time she's interacting with a person.

[Laura]

I haven't started but hoping too tonight!

[Jenny]

I am done. Damn that woman can write.
I want to discuss, but I will wait until you guys read more.

[Stacey]

I'm close to finishing, will probably complete today. I'm curious. Lots of times I thought I had an idea of where things would go, then something different happened. Curious. Very interesting.

[Stacey]

Just finished. Sigh. She is an amazing writer.

[Jenny]

Right? I want another new one now.

Had you figured it out?

[Stacey]

Jenny wrote: "Right? I want another new one now.

Had you figured it out?"

Yes and no. I suspected but I thought I knew things before that turned out not to be true so I wasn't sure. (view spoiler)[ I was pretty sure that Aggie killed Stuart assuming she wasn't a 'ghost' that had died in Alaska. I didn't guess the Duncan part. Took me longer than it should have. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenny]

Me too.
(view spoiler)[
I had a feeling that Aggie was a ghost throughout most of the book, or just in Inti's head. When she got it wrong and killed the wolf, I thought it would end her. Talk about a tough lady. How the hell did she survive all of the things that life threw at her?
I was so glad that the locals, especially Red finally got on board. And, that even though pretty much every decision Inti made was wrong on some level, that she survived her choices.
(hide spoiler)]

It creeps me out how she looks at the future of our lovely planet. I have a feeling that she is more correct about what will happen than I want her to be.

[Stacey]

I love how her characters are all human. None are really all good or all bad (except maybe one or two in this book).

[Stacey]

Has everyone started? I'm looking forward to your thoughts.

I have to add this now before I forget. Two questions/comments about the ending (view spoiler)[ How do you feel about the baby being born in the woods? How do you feel about the ending? Do you really think Duncan would go along with that?

I can see Inti not getting medical attention but that part seemed a bit much. I am glad it wasn't perfect or I would have been too much for me. I am also a bit surprised that Duncan didn't say anything and/or isn't demanding that Aggie goes to a facility. He might be safe now but I'm not sure everyone is. (hide spoiler)]

[Gail]

I am loving the book so far. The writing is beautiful. It makes us realize just how precious nature is and how much we depend on it.

[Laura]

Of course I didn't start yet. Hoping too soon!

[Stacey]

Laura wrote: "Of course I didn't start yet. Hoping too soon!"

I hope you do start soon. You are the reason we learned about this author and she is amazing!

[Laura]

Im no longer a book a day/every other day so I find it frustrating not to be able to read as much ad I did. I can't wait to dig into it and then go back and read Migrations. Thankfully, its the next book after I finish my current book

[Jenny]

And here I am asking you guys if you want to join a potentially fun and easy Halloween themed challenge for October. My friend Donna is starting a team challenge (war) over at Hooked on Books. The sign cup is here...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Just because the people I have asked to join the challenge have asked to be on my team, it is turning into a thing over there! Come join the fun! (Or, not, as you wish).

[Stacey]

Jenny, sounds fun...but are we supposed to join you or join and try to beat you?

[Jenny]

Stacey wrote: "Jenny, sounds fun...but are we supposed to join you or join and try to beat you?"

Whichever you prefer!
I just started asking people to sign up to support Donna. Now it is WAR!!!!!! teehee

[Laura]

I finally started this morning. I didn't get far but I certainly enjoyed what I read. I am looking forward to reading more after work.

[Jenny]

Yay! It sucks you in, that's for sure.

Gail, how are getting along?

[Gail]

I’m on page 200. Reading it right now. This is a really good story. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Jenny]

Don't worry. I won't tell you when the aliens land and take the wolves away...oops. Sorry. teehee

[Laura]

Gail, just so you know....Jenny always HAS to throw aliens in there somewhere.

[Laura]

I'm in chapter 3 and I love it so far. I need a few uninterrupted hours to devour this!!!

Inti is quite the character. Sometimes switcbing back and forth from present to past just doesn't work but McConaghy definitely makes it work. I think in part because the "past" sections give us insight into Inti.

[Jenny]

Laura wrote: "Gail, just so you know....Jenny always HAS to throw aliens in there somewhere."

I think I am secretly hoping to be abducted some day. Hopefully by really cute, funny, intelligent aliens. Stupid physics and the size of the universe and all that.