The Wolf Wilder
by Katherine Rundell
★★★★
Review
Yet another book that I stumbled upon, but this time in a charity shop (99p... bargain!). I wasn't sure what to expect from The Wolf Wilder, but I did know that I enjoy books about wolves so had my fingers crossed and I was not disappointed.
The first thing that struck me about this book is the setting. Feodora lives in the snowy forests of Russia where she has very basic resources but lives a happy life with her mother. As a sucker for snow, I loved that the entire book was covered in a white blanket and I even found myself looking forward to Christmas!
Another intriguing thing about this book is Feodora herself. Although young, she is strong and ferocious and has a real determination to her that I admired. She is fiercely loyal to her family (wolved included) and I knew from the first few chapters that she would not be pushed around and I wasn't wrong! Reading of a young girl standing up to the tsar (king) of Russia and all of his soldiers was refreshing and pretty exciting to experience. I wish I had a little more Feo in me when I see things that aren't right in the world!
Finally, I loved learning a little bit about Russia through Feodora's adventures, including the scenery, the people and even some of the language. I always appreciate it when authors take the time to share stories and ideas from other cultures and love expanding my knowledge of the world!
I would recommend this book to readers who aren't afraid of a bit of blood and gore but enjoy stories about wolves, snowy settings or fearless young girls who are willing to battle just about anyone who gets in their way!
Dive Deeper
Key information
Author: Katherine Rundell
Illustrator: Gelrev Ongbico
Release Date: 12th November 2020
Book type: Chapter, 319 pages, paperback
Reader level: Growing reader (features Russian language)
Overview
Feodora and her mother live deep in a Russian forest, isolated from society and the world around them. Together, they take in and untame wolves that have been abandoned by the rich, teaching them the skills they need to survive in the wild. Working with wolves can, of course, involve risk and danger, but this danger is no match for that posed by the evil Tsar and his Imperial Army.
One day, Feo receives an unwelcome visit from the Imperial Army, who leave her life in tatters: her home has been destroyed, her mother has been imprisoned, and her favorite wolf is dead. Feo flees through the frozen forests with her remaining wolves, Black and Grey, to free her mother and show the world that wolf wilders and their wolves are not to be feared.
Along the journey, Feo learns more about the terror that people live under the rule of the Tsar. Amid fear for her own life and her mother's, Feo discovers an inner strength that guides her through terrifying ordeals, life-threatening battles, and bloody nightmares that threaten to rob her of everything she loves.
Time is running out to save her mother and the creatures she loves so dearly, but can she build her own army in time to defeat the Russian army and their bloodthirsty Tsar?
Should I read this book?
You should read this book if you...
love wolves
like snowy settings
enjoy a battle between good and evil
Reader level: growing
Content: 9+
Help me read
Tsar: The leader/King of Russia (the word was used up until 1917)
Imperial Army: The Tsar's army (existed from 1721-1917)
Wolf Wilder: People who teach wolves how to live in the wild
Aristocrats: The upper class, rich people
St Petersburg: The capital of Russia at the time this book is set
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