Book Review: "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

In prehistoric Europe, twelve year old Torak lives apart from the clans with his Father. But his peaceful existence is suddenly destroyed and Torak is on left on his own until meets an orphan wolf cub and discovers he can communicate with him in a strange way. Then he learns startling new information about himself from the local Raven Clan that sets him on a dangerous journey.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Torak is rather naive about the clans but he is a well trained hunter and knows how to live off of the forest. He never knew his mother but was close to his father. He is treated like an outsider.

Renn is a red haired girl of the Raven clan. She values her bow above all and is rather guarded. It's revealed that she too is an orphan and that the Raven Mage wants her to be a mage. But for some reason, she doesn't want to be one.

Wolf is a young cub who bonds with Torak. He is fun loving and loyal to his pack-brother. He is unaware that Torak is not a wolf but he does note that his pack brother has no tail.

Fin-Keddinn is the leader of the raven clan. He seems to know more than he reveals.

Saeun is the mage of the raven clan. She is old and sharp but not very kind.

Hord is Renn's older brother. He strongly dislikes Torak for unknown reasons.

PACING

The pacing is really good. No pages are wasted. All slower parts are crucial as Torak is rather ignorant of the clans. And when there isn't the threat of being chased by the bear, or a clan, it's nature itself that is the threat.

There are also many good chapters endings that push the story. As well as chapters that switch from Torak's perspective to Wolf's perspective.

TORAK'S WORLD

Paver explains the world that Torak lives in, from the beliefs, how they hunt, to how they live, ect. She does this in extreme detail but she never steps out of the story to do so.

She explains how a temporary shelter is made because Torak has to make one to survive. She explains the about the belief of people have three souls because Torak is watching someone die. Everything applies to the story. So the reader is learning but still pushing the story along.

WOLF'S VIEW

The story sometimes shifts to Wolf's view. This is one of the most memorable parts of the book. Wolf is charming and has his own unique way of seeing things, and his own unique names for things. He calls Torak “Tall Tailless”. Rushing water is called “fast wet”, ect. It was interesting to see his perspective and try to understand it.

Also you get to learn about the behavior of wolves. What they consider rude, polite, happy, sad, and their body language. You can tell a lot of research was done (just as much as in prehistoric Europe.) Anyone who loves animals will instantly fall in love with Wolf.

THE ROLE OF RENN

Renn plays a crucial role to the plot when she reveals a rhyme about the Nanuak, which are three items that Torak needs to find. Once he has them he can go the mountain, offer them to the world Spirit, and hopefully it will deal with the demon possessed bear.

She also ends up putting her life on the line multiple times for him.

THE WANDERER

Renn and Torak come across a crazy man, who doesn't seem to bathe or take care of himself. He just babbles and threatens them. But eventually he offers a clue that in the end helps them.

RENN & TORAK

It doesn't take long for Torak to grow to respect Renn as she puts her life on the line multiple times. There is a scene after they have been reunited where he realizes she must have gone back through the dangerous river twice. He points it out, awed by her. But she just pushes his compliment aside.

Not that their relationship is always easy. Later when Wolf takes the Nanuak and runs away, Torak lashes out at her. Only realizing his mistake soon after. And Renn admits to herself that when Wolf is around, she sometimes feels cut off from Torak and the strange way he communicates with him. But she also learns to respect Wolf as he saves them, multiple times. First from falling ice, and later from the bear.

NOT A VICTIM

It would be easy for Paver to paint Torak as a victim. After all, he grew up away from everyone. He never had any friends. He never knew his mother. The Raven Clan threatens his life. He gets shoved in a position he didn't ask for. And Torak does feel as though this is unjust, he feels fear. But this never overshadows his courage and desire to prove himself. He never comes across as whiny and annoying.

BEFORE THE CLIMAX-SPOILERS

Fin-keddin and other of the Raven clan eventually catch up to him.

Torak has to tell them that when it comes down to it, if he has to sacrifice himself, he will. It's a big step for him, because he hasn't put tons of thought into it before. He was too busy trying to survive, get the Nanuak, and get to the mountain.

Renn does one even better, she stands up for Torak and Wolf when she points out that Holt doesn't know the way. Not even Torak does. So Torak summons Wolf.

Renn's opinion of Torak has completely changed. She stands up against her own brother to side with Torak, who she truly believes in. Also crucial information is revealed about Torak's future.

CLIMAX

Eventually, they reach the mountain and Torak goes on to give the Nanuak to the world Spirit. However a surprising person shows up, trying to stop him. And suddenly Torak has the bear and this person to deal with.

CONCLUSION

Paver creates a fast paced story where threats come from all side. As well as likable characters full of flaws and secrets. She also gives the reader a detailed world, all without ever taking them out of the story. And relationships aren't neglected, as Renn, Torak, and Wolf all have to learn to understand each other. I give “Wolf Brother” four stars.