kitty_kat21's review against another edition
3.0
Originally posted here
"Hell, I could a' wished for anything but just like almost all else in this life, you wish in one hand and shit in the other, see which fills up quickest."
Set within a post-apocalyptic world, The Wolf Road has a unique literary style that has a western flavour.
I really enjoyed Elka's character. Due to her unconventional upbringing living hand to mouth in a remote forested area, she is practical, no-nonsense and self-sufficient. The story is told through Elka's colloquial first person perspective which really brought her world to life. The catastrophic event that heralded the end of modern society is never fully disclosed, as Elka doesn't know what exactly happened but there is plenty of references to radiation and bombs. I was burning with curiosity while reading and would have loved Elka to figure it out but unfortunately that never happened.
The plot was slow in places but overall it was a thrilling read. Elka's journey through the wilderness to find her parents was gripping and I wanted to know what became of them. Surprisingly dark in places, the book's horror unfolds slowly. Contrary to the book title, the wolf has a very minor part and it would have been nice to see more of it. The book reads more like a historical fiction in places and I often got confused into thinking it was set in the 19th century or earlier until there was a mention of denim or plastic bags. It was a little jarring for me personally.
The ending is spoiled by the scene in the prologue which is then repeated at the end of the book. It was anti-climatic as I was expecting it but I liked the ending overall. I would recommend The Wolf Road to readers who like unique narration and slow character driven plots.
Disclaimer
I received a free ARC from Goodreads Giveaways. I was not required to give a review.
rosedosed's review against another edition
4.0
Beth Lewis’ The Wolf Road single-handedly made me go “oh dude turns out most books are still really good actually!” after a few bad apples in a row made me quit reading as a hobby for a while. Even though it’s been a while since I finished it, Penelope and Elka and the grungy setting of unspecified-future Canada stubbornly remained in the back of my head the whole time.
The climax whacked me in the face with a coat-hanger and I had to physically restrain myself from flipping forward to make sure everything would be okay, and then it whacked me again, just for good measure.
Cool story with a kickass main character who has a strong, distinctive voice and just enough magic-ish tropes to keep my fantasy-loving heart beating. Theres some really nice morally grey undertones and a lot of gruesome murder, which makes the few genuinely sweet characters, as well as the relationship between Elka and Penelope seem even warmer. Looking forward to reading Bitter Sun too!
The climax whacked me in the face with a coat-hanger and I had to physically restrain myself from flipping forward to make sure everything would be okay, and then it whacked me again, just for good measure.
Cool story with a kickass main character who has a strong, distinctive voice and just enough magic-ish tropes to keep my fantasy-loving heart beating. Theres some really nice morally grey undertones and a lot of gruesome murder, which makes the few genuinely sweet characters, as well as the relationship between Elka and Penelope seem even warmer. Looking forward to reading Bitter Sun too!
story_sanctuary's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the psychological elements of the story best. Elka is an incredible character-- complex and strong. I loved the way the author used her memories to change how we perceived the story. If you like dark post-apocalyptic thrillers, definitely give this a read.
darquedreamer's review against another edition
5.0
The Wolf Road will take you on a journey of survival in the wild. You will be on the edge of your seat with this page turner. This one is full of danger, betrayal, and murder.
"The world didn't change. There is still murder, still rape and fighting." (Lewis, 239).
The Plot: At just 7 years old, Elka loses her home to a tornado. Lost and hungry, wandering in the woods, she comes across Trapper, who takes her in and teaches her how to survive in the wild of the post-apocalyptic world. Trapper becomes all she knows for 10 years, like a father figure, when suddenly her world is turned upside down by a gun slinging law woman. Elka learns the horrible truth about Trapper and his murdering ways and decides to take her chance in the wild, alone. On her journey to find her parents, who left her with her Nana when she was little, she comes across the dangers of the immorality of men, all while being hunted by her Trapper. In the end, will she survive?
I was thoroughly impressed by this book. Beth Lewis did an amazing job in making me feel like I was in the middle of the woods with Elka. Told through Elka's perspective and language, I felt connected to her. The story was believable and developed so well! I really felt like I was in the middle of the woods, surviving alongside Elka, and being hunted by Trapper/Kreager at the same time. The relationship between Elka and Trapper was that of a mentor and apprentice. His character was so good at hiding his true inner evil and making Elka believe that he cared for her and wanted to teach her his ways.
"Trapper saw the wild in me and didn't try to tame it or cage it like my nana done." (Lewis, 20).
Elka was an amazingly written character. Even at the age of 7, she was fierce and wild. She was strong and brave, a true survivor. As she grows, we begin to see that she has a good sense of morality and right and wrong.
"If I'd killed him right there on that railing, no weapon in his hand, I'd be no better'n Kreager." (Lewis, 135).
Elka is able to overcome the odds of the world and the wild. She shows amazing woodsman skills and survivalist characteristics. She becomes emotionally hardened for a while, and for good reason, but eventually opens up to an intriguing character named Penelope, and a wolf.
"Felt tears in my eyes as this wild thing, this old-world creature, decided I was good enough to be friends." (Lewis, 88).
Penelope comes in to the picture about halfway through the book or so. She comes off as mild and meek in the beginning, but we see a change in her through her journey with Elka. Penelope is a bit mysterious because we don't get her full backstory until the end, but she seems to have morals and a good heart.
"Could a' screwed me over a hundred times but she's got one a' them pure hearts." (Lewis, 297).
Our villain in this story was definitely a mysterious, intriguing sort. We meet him in the beginning as Trapper, the woodsman who takes Elka in, gives her a home and teaches her the ways of surviving. Once we learn the truth of the awful things he's done, he becomes Kreager Hallet, murderer and cannabalist. He becomes the cat in the "cat and mouse" game that is The Wold Road. We slowly learn of the true evil in his heart and soul and begin to realize that he intended for Elka to follow in his footsteps, on his path, the whole time.
"You been walking my wolf road all your life, Elka girl, clawing and biting right on my heels, begging for scraps and teaching and I gave 'em both. I gave you everything you'd ever need to walk right alongside me." (Lewis,. 342).
The Wolf Road most certainly receives a 5 star rating from me! I was taken on a wild journey of survival and the hunt. Don't miss out on this amazing story of Elka's struggle to survive, both in the forest and being hunted by the one man she had grown to love and trust.
Thank you to Blogging for Books for providing me with this free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
"The world didn't change. There is still murder, still rape and fighting." (Lewis, 239).
The Plot: At just 7 years old, Elka loses her home to a tornado. Lost and hungry, wandering in the woods, she comes across Trapper, who takes her in and teaches her how to survive in the wild of the post-apocalyptic world. Trapper becomes all she knows for 10 years, like a father figure, when suddenly her world is turned upside down by a gun slinging law woman. Elka learns the horrible truth about Trapper and his murdering ways and decides to take her chance in the wild, alone. On her journey to find her parents, who left her with her Nana when she was little, she comes across the dangers of the immorality of men, all while being hunted by her Trapper. In the end, will she survive?
I was thoroughly impressed by this book. Beth Lewis did an amazing job in making me feel like I was in the middle of the woods with Elka. Told through Elka's perspective and language, I felt connected to her. The story was believable and developed so well! I really felt like I was in the middle of the woods, surviving alongside Elka, and being hunted by Trapper/Kreager at the same time. The relationship between Elka and Trapper was that of a mentor and apprentice. His character was so good at hiding his true inner evil and making Elka believe that he cared for her and wanted to teach her his ways.
"Trapper saw the wild in me and didn't try to tame it or cage it like my nana done." (Lewis, 20).
Elka was an amazingly written character. Even at the age of 7, she was fierce and wild. She was strong and brave, a true survivor. As she grows, we begin to see that she has a good sense of morality and right and wrong.
"If I'd killed him right there on that railing, no weapon in his hand, I'd be no better'n Kreager." (Lewis, 135).
Elka is able to overcome the odds of the world and the wild. She shows amazing woodsman skills and survivalist characteristics. She becomes emotionally hardened for a while, and for good reason, but eventually opens up to an intriguing character named Penelope, and a wolf.
"Felt tears in my eyes as this wild thing, this old-world creature, decided I was good enough to be friends." (Lewis, 88).
Penelope comes in to the picture about halfway through the book or so. She comes off as mild and meek in the beginning, but we see a change in her through her journey with Elka. Penelope is a bit mysterious because we don't get her full backstory until the end, but she seems to have morals and a good heart.
"Could a' screwed me over a hundred times but she's got one a' them pure hearts." (Lewis, 297).
Our villain in this story was definitely a mysterious, intriguing sort. We meet him in the beginning as Trapper, the woodsman who takes Elka in, gives her a home and teaches her the ways of surviving. Once we learn the truth of the awful things he's done, he becomes Kreager Hallet, murderer and cannabalist. He becomes the cat in the "cat and mouse" game that is The Wold Road. We slowly learn of the true evil in his heart and soul and begin to realize that he intended for Elka to follow in his footsteps, on his path, the whole time.
"You been walking my wolf road all your life, Elka girl, clawing and biting right on my heels, begging for scraps and teaching and I gave 'em both. I gave you everything you'd ever need to walk right alongside me." (Lewis,. 342).
The Wolf Road most certainly receives a 5 star rating from me! I was taken on a wild journey of survival and the hunt. Don't miss out on this amazing story of Elka's struggle to survive, both in the forest and being hunted by the one man she had grown to love and trust.
Thank you to Blogging for Books for providing me with this free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
crtsjffrsn's review against another edition
3.0
When Elka wanders away from her grandmother's house, the last thing she expects is to be taken in by a local hunter. But that's exactly what happens. And, to her surprise, he treats her well--provides for her, teaches her skills. And he protects her.
Imagine Elka's surprise when she learns the man is wanted for several murders. She wants to believe it's not the man who has become her surrogate father. But before she really has time to do anything about it, she knows she needs to run. The ruthless magistrate is after her, too, assuming she's somehow connected to the crimes.
Elka sets out on a mission to find her parents. Perhaps by finding them, she can disconnect herself completely from the one adult she's trusted for years. And hopefully she can get there before either of the people chasing her--the Trapper and the Magistrate--catch up with her.
--
When I finished this book, I told myself it was a decent historical fiction novel. But then when I went back to start this review, I noticed it's marked as "dystopian". I guess there's a reference in the blurb, but it didn't really come through at all in the book. I just thought the lack of technology, homesteading, etc. was an element of the time setting.
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review.]
Imagine Elka's surprise when she learns the man is wanted for several murders. She wants to believe it's not the man who has become her surrogate father. But before she really has time to do anything about it, she knows she needs to run. The ruthless magistrate is after her, too, assuming she's somehow connected to the crimes.
Elka sets out on a mission to find her parents. Perhaps by finding them, she can disconnect herself completely from the one adult she's trusted for years. And hopefully she can get there before either of the people chasing her--the Trapper and the Magistrate--catch up with her.
--
When I finished this book, I told myself it was a decent historical fiction novel. But then when I went back to start this review, I noticed it's marked as "dystopian". I guess there's a reference in the blurb, but it didn't really come through at all in the book. I just thought the lack of technology, homesteading, etc. was an element of the time setting.
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review.]
braxwall's review against another edition
2.0
Den skulle ju vara så spännande och bra. Helt okej men inget som sticker ut. Postapokalyptiskt, ingen människa är att lita på och djungelns lag råder....gäsp!
historybabe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This post-apocalyptic tale of survival and betrayal had me hooked from page one. Elka must survive the harsh wilderness while running from the man she called Daddy for most of her life. I did expect to be shocked when her past was cast into the light. But there are more than a few skeletons buried in the woods.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Murder, and Cannibalism
ruthsomerset's review against another edition
5.0
When I first received this book (I won it through a goodreads giveaway) I wasn't sure if it was my sort of book. On my proof copy, the cover ‘blurb’ was minimal without any real clues as to when or where the story was set, but as soon as I started reading, I was utterly transfixed .
The clues dotted throughout the story keeps you guessing as to where you are in time and place, and I really couldn't put the book down – it was a “just one more chapter” type of book!
Elka is a strong female lead, in fact it is full of strong female characters which is refreshing in this genre.
I would describe this book as a cross between Mad Max and an old western – it would make a fabulous movie, it has everything: action, drama, pathos and even a touch of humour. But most of all it has an incredible energy that just pushes you along to the end.
I can’t wait to read whatever this author writes next, because this was a genuine 5 star read.
The clues dotted throughout the story keeps you guessing as to where you are in time and place, and I really couldn't put the book down – it was a “just one more chapter” type of book!
Elka is a strong female lead, in fact it is full of strong female characters which is refreshing in this genre.
I would describe this book as a cross between Mad Max and an old western – it would make a fabulous movie, it has everything: action, drama, pathos and even a touch of humour. But most of all it has an incredible energy that just pushes you along to the end.
I can’t wait to read whatever this author writes next, because this was a genuine 5 star read.
knit_and_purl's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting and absorbing read. The narrator's voice took a little getting used to at first, but I settled into a rhythm soon enough. There are a few bumps in the road on this one, but overall, I found it a great debut. Elka's a fascinating character and her journey from orphaned child to formidable adult is strong and bittersweet. A great read for anyone interested in westerns, historicals, and light post apocalyptic novels--you really have to read it to understand.
daynpitseleh's review against another edition
4.0
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My review for this would probably be a 3 1/2, but I rounded up because I know that others will love this.
This novel takes place after a nuclear event has occurred ("The Big Stupid"), and the world now feels almost like the Wild West or pioneer days - at times throughout the book, I had to stop and remind myself that this was not a period novel but instead taken place in the future. It's a marvelous story, full of rich characters. It's described as True Grit mixed with The Road, which I actually found to be pretty accurate. I could easily see it being turned into a movie. The only complaint I had with the book was that it is written in dialect, which I always struggle with - this isn't an issue with the book, and others might not have the same problem.
Highly recommended.
My review for this would probably be a 3 1/2, but I rounded up because I know that others will love this.
This novel takes place after a nuclear event has occurred ("The Big Stupid"), and the world now feels almost like the Wild West or pioneer days - at times throughout the book, I had to stop and remind myself that this was not a period novel but instead taken place in the future. It's a marvelous story, full of rich characters. It's described as True Grit mixed with The Road, which I actually found to be pretty accurate. I could easily see it being turned into a movie. The only complaint I had with the book was that it is written in dialect, which I always struggle with - this isn't an issue with the book, and others might not have the same problem.
Highly recommended.