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warrior42107's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lucyslibraryreviews's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Wow! I wish that I could give it more than 5 stars. This is a favorite. The author wrote the Christian faith into a fantasy world. The symbolism & the scriptures that shine through are beautiful. This does have a discipleship aspect as we get to see our faith walked out in a spiritual battle.
christian_faith_and_fiction's review against another edition
4.0
Wolf Soldier is a Christian fantasy novel set in a medieval-style fantasy world. I think the book is aimed at teenagers.
The story follows Connor, who is invited to join the Light Raider Academy. However, his father doesn’t want him to go.
I particularly liked that there were lots of biblical parallels and imagery, as well as Bible verses throughout this story.
The fantasy world felt very detailed, which was good, but it sometimes left me feeling confused.
I like the characters, and I think I will continue with the series to see where the story goes.
The story follows Connor, who is invited to join the Light Raider Academy. However, his father doesn’t want him to go.
I particularly liked that there were lots of biblical parallels and imagery, as well as Bible verses throughout this story.
The fantasy world felt very detailed, which was good, but it sometimes left me feeling confused.
I like the characters, and I think I will continue with the series to see where the story goes.
katherinebriggs's review against another edition
5.0
Wolf Soldier is an exciting adventure quest. Great reading for both girls and BOYS, it's worth its weight in shairosite (gotta' read to find out). I loved the fun and realistic friendships, and look forward to the next installment!
morgangiesbrecht's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy Hannibal’s writing, and this story was no exception!
In the beginning, I struggled to get into the world building, and I found myself wishing for a character list or terminology index as there were “made up” words I wasn’t totally sure what they meant until later on. This probably had more to do with my brain fog than the author’s writing. But it ended up working out as the action picked up after the 30% mark and then I binged the rest of the book in one night because I was hooked!
There’s something in the book reminiscent of Tolkien’s Middle Earth and Lewis’s Narnia combined with modern allegorical fantasy like Chuck Black’s writing and Ed Dunlop’s world of Terrestria.
The themes and allegory elements dealing with spiritual warfare and the armour of God were well done. Amid the moments of seriousness, Hannibal wove in a fantastic sense of humour and banter along with some light hints of romance. And I would be remiss if I failed to mention the incredible twists!
.
.
.
“‘Now you see. And seeing makes all the difference.’”
In the beginning, I struggled to get into the world building, and I found myself wishing for a character list or terminology index as there were “made up” words I wasn’t totally sure what they meant until later on. This probably had more to do with my brain fog than the author’s writing. But it ended up working out as the action picked up after the 30% mark and then I binged the rest of the book in one night because I was hooked!
There’s something in the book reminiscent of Tolkien’s Middle Earth and Lewis’s Narnia combined with modern allegorical fantasy like Chuck Black’s writing and Ed Dunlop’s world of Terrestria.
The themes and allegory elements dealing with spiritual warfare and the armour of God were well done. Amid the moments of seriousness, Hannibal wove in a fantastic sense of humour and banter along with some light hints of romance. And I would be remiss if I failed to mention the incredible twists!
.
.
.
“‘Now you see. And seeing makes all the difference.’”
randikaye's review against another edition
As I have said in the past- fantasy is probably one of my least preferred genres. It's just not one that I find myself drawn into, and as such stories like this take me longer to get into and aren't ones that I would typically choose for myself. That said, I appreciate good writing regardless of the genre and there is no denying that James R. Hannibal is a good writer. He does a great job of creating a unique world that draws the reader into the story and the characters alike. The story was a good blend of adventure and faith that I think young adult readers and fans of fantasy alike will truly enjoy. If you enjoy a good fantasy story, this is definitely one to check out for yourself.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
jazzyjan94's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t quite know what t expect when I picked up Wolf Soldier. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I would like it. However, I did like it! I think what keeps me from absolutely loving this book is that I found the world building a little confusing and there were just a few things I didn’t understand. There are things that are explained throughout the book, but they weren’t explained in full. I do know that based on the Preface and the Author’s Note that it is based on a video game, and set in that world.
I did like that it had some unique elements in the story, while still being a quest story. I also liked getting to know the characters and the world that it is set in. I also enjoyed learning about the magic system and I hope we learn a bit more about how it works in the next book.
Overall, Wolf Soldier was a good fantasy novel about good vs. evil. I think it is also a perfect book to read as a bridge between the Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings, especially since the writing is reminiscent of both C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. I hope to read the next book whenever it comes out. 3.5/5 Stars
*I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.
I did like that it had some unique elements in the story, while still being a quest story. I also liked getting to know the characters and the world that it is set in. I also enjoyed learning about the magic system and I hope we learn a bit more about how it works in the next book.
Overall, Wolf Soldier was a good fantasy novel about good vs. evil. I think it is also a perfect book to read as a bridge between the Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings, especially since the writing is reminiscent of both C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. I hope to read the next book whenever it comes out. 3.5/5 Stars
*I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.
michellef's review against another edition
5.0
Wolf Soldier is a Christian YA fantasy by author James R Hannibal. It is installment #1 of the Lightraider Academy series.
If the reader has played the game Dragon Raid (Dick Wulf) they will love Wolf Soldier who gets much of its allegorical ideas from Dragon Raid. Even if the reader has not played the game they will benefit much from reading Wolf Soldier.
Connor Enarian was a shepherd boy who was chosen, among twenty potentials, to attend the Lightraider Academy inaugural class should he pass the entry trial.
As a citizen of the kingdom, Connor is to love the High One and to love his neighbor. I appreciate reading bits of scripture throughout the text. I loved the story of Wolf Soldier and give it 5*/5*.
I purchased Wolf Soldier on 12/8/2022 in order to honestly read/review it.
If the reader has played the game Dragon Raid (Dick Wulf) they will love Wolf Soldier who gets much of its allegorical ideas from Dragon Raid. Even if the reader has not played the game they will benefit much from reading Wolf Soldier.
Connor Enarian was a shepherd boy who was chosen, among twenty potentials, to attend the Lightraider Academy inaugural class should he pass the entry trial.
As a citizen of the kingdom, Connor is to love the High One and to love his neighbor. I appreciate reading bits of scripture throughout the text. I loved the story of Wolf Soldier and give it 5*/5*.
I purchased Wolf Soldier on 12/8/2022 in order to honestly read/review it.
jennychasteen's review against another edition
4.0
If you're a fan of Narnia, Pilgrim's Progress, Chuck Black's Kingdom Series, or allegorical Christian fantasy in general, meet your new best book friend. Also, if you're looking for a Christian alternative to Harry Potter or Star Wars, this will serve rather nicely. But if you just want a Christian addition to HP and Star Wars, you'll probably fit well into this world too. Get ready for gorgeous fantasy aesthetics, hilarious character interactions, creative uses of allegory, enjoyably gross orcs, wise talking animals, and of course a big castle battle!
Now, the main character is pretty standard issue, and after Gandalf writes this David-like Luke Skywalker his Letter to Hogwarts, the chosen one attends magic school until he's ready to embark on his epic quest with his faithful fellowship, live up to his grandfather's legend, and slay the dragon. In other words, it's Fantasy Trope Land. There were several times in the story where I paused and thought, "Yep, of course that had to happen."
But the book's background gives that some context--it's a game tie in. I haven't played the RPG, but I imagine that Connor is more or less a stand in for the player. The whole point is using classic fantasy tropes for discipleship. And the truth is, I didn't find the tropes stale. They happen to be my favorite tropes. I honestly haven't seen some of them in a while because modern writers are starting to avoid them like the plague. I kinda missed them. They make me feel at home. The book has some pretty aesthetically creative ways of incorporating standard tropes.
Speaking of, can we talk about the worldbuilding for a second? There's a whole language! Sometimes I can easily recognize the words' roots in English, Greek, or Hebrew, but regardless, it's gorgeous and seems to have a pretty interesting construction. The world's backstory is interesting, I want to know more about the queensbloods (right now please?), something about the Havarra is oddly emotional for me, and just in general there are so many beautiful locations that are utilized in really cool ways. I find it fascinating that their are portals WITHIN this universe, and that the Christians and the non-Christians live in separate countries--basically different worlds within the world. The Assembly's decision about Lightraiders is thought-provoking.
The characters bring depth and honesty to the book that's missing in several allegories I've read. They ask hard questions, wrestle with hard situations, face strained relationships. Again, Connor is pretty stereotypical and his big decision at the 25% mark felt unnatural and forced to me. But I'd also say he developed as the book went on, and I liked how the story didn't go too easy on him even though he's Harry Skywalker. Dag is my favorite character, hands down! I thought he was going to be the stereotypical big guy who's super strong and always hungry, and he is those things, but he's also a bookworm? I love that juxtaposition so much. Dag is underrated. Tiran struck me as annoying at first, but just hang on, because his arc gets really interesting later. Lee is fantastic, I hope the tension between Teegan and Kara continues into future books, and while I thought it was a little convenient that the instructors always WANTED the students to find out what they found out through secret spying, I still thought Master Jairun was great. Connor's dad is interesting. I thought he was either going to be the classic Bad Dad or the classic Christian fiction stereotype of a perfect dad, but he definitely wasn't either.
The plot dragged for me in the middle section, which was basically magic (I know, it's not magic) school routine for a long time. I know the training was necessary for what the characters did later in the story, but I got tired of how many chapters started with all of them getting up in the morning and starting their studies and training for the day. Kara's chapters were what kept me reading at that part. By the last quarter of the story, I didn't want to stop reading. But that part felt a tad disjointed from the rest of it for me. It was almost like book 2 by that point, though I'm very glad we got it in book 1. Still, there's a singular throughline goal in the whole book, and in my opinion the ending brought it home very nicely.
One last note: the chapter endings are brilliant. And the chapters are so short that it's super easy to read just one more without noticing you're doing it. You'll probably want to read this in just a couple sittings.
I received a free ARC of this book, but I wasn't even required to review it in return. That's how awesome the author and publisher are. But none of that influenced my opinions.
Now, the main character is pretty standard issue, and after Gandalf writes this David-like Luke Skywalker his Letter to Hogwarts, the chosen one attends magic school until he's ready to embark on his epic quest with his faithful fellowship, live up to his grandfather's legend, and slay the dragon. In other words, it's Fantasy Trope Land. There were several times in the story where I paused and thought, "Yep, of course that had to happen."
But the book's background gives that some context--it's a game tie in. I haven't played the RPG, but I imagine that Connor is more or less a stand in for the player. The whole point is using classic fantasy tropes for discipleship. And the truth is, I didn't find the tropes stale. They happen to be my favorite tropes. I honestly haven't seen some of them in a while because modern writers are starting to avoid them like the plague. I kinda missed them. They make me feel at home. The book has some pretty aesthetically creative ways of incorporating standard tropes.
Speaking of, can we talk about the worldbuilding for a second? There's a whole language! Sometimes I can easily recognize the words' roots in English, Greek, or Hebrew, but regardless, it's gorgeous and seems to have a pretty interesting construction. The world's backstory is interesting, I want to know more about the queensbloods (right now please?), something about the Havarra is oddly emotional for me, and just in general there are so many beautiful locations that are utilized in really cool ways. I find it fascinating that their are portals WITHIN this universe, and that the Christians and the non-Christians live in separate countries--basically different worlds within the world. The Assembly's decision about Lightraiders is thought-provoking.
The characters bring depth and honesty to the book that's missing in several allegories I've read. They ask hard questions, wrestle with hard situations, face strained relationships. Again, Connor is pretty stereotypical and his big decision at the 25% mark felt unnatural and forced to me. But I'd also say he developed as the book went on, and I liked how the story didn't go too easy on him even though he's Harry Skywalker. Dag is my favorite character, hands down! I thought he was going to be the stereotypical big guy who's super strong and always hungry, and he is those things, but he's also a bookworm? I love that juxtaposition so much. Dag is underrated. Tiran struck me as annoying at first, but just hang on, because his arc gets really interesting later. Lee is fantastic, I hope the tension between Teegan and Kara continues into future books, and while I thought it was a little convenient that the instructors always WANTED the students to find out what they found out through secret spying, I still thought Master Jairun was great. Connor's dad is interesting. I thought he was either going to be the classic Bad Dad or the classic Christian fiction stereotype of a perfect dad, but he definitely wasn't either.
The plot dragged for me in the middle section, which was basically magic (I know, it's not magic) school routine for a long time. I know the training was necessary for what the characters did later in the story, but I got tired of how many chapters started with all of them getting up in the morning and starting their studies and training for the day. Kara's chapters were what kept me reading at that part. By the last quarter of the story, I didn't want to stop reading. But that part felt a tad disjointed from the rest of it for me. It was almost like book 2 by that point, though I'm very glad we got it in book 1. Still, there's a singular throughline goal in the whole book, and in my opinion the ending brought it home very nicely.
One last note: the chapter endings are brilliant. And the chapters are so short that it's super easy to read just one more without noticing you're doing it. You'll probably want to read this in just a couple sittings.
I received a free ARC of this book, but I wasn't even required to review it in return. That's how awesome the author and publisher are. But none of that influenced my opinions.
shebephoebe's review
fast-paced
3.0
The set-up gave me hope for a decent story, but the book didn’t have a plot driven by a goal so much as a bunch of action scenes stuck together with duct tape and prayer.
Wolf Soldier book does not deliver on its premise. What dreams is Connor forced to give up to save his home? How on earth does Connor’s family history threaten to betray them? The “local girl” isn’t even introduced until nearly a third of the way in (surprise! she has a POV but you wouldn’t guess it from the synopsis, where she’s barely mentioned); and it takes even longer for her to actually meet up with the rest of the team. Don’t even get me started on the titular “Wolf Soldier”.
Wolf Soldier book does not deliver on its premise. What dreams is Connor forced to give up to save his home? How on earth does Connor’s family history threaten to betray them? The “local girl” isn’t even introduced until nearly a third of the way in (surprise! she has a POV but you wouldn’t guess it from the synopsis, where she’s barely mentioned); and it takes even longer for her to actually meet up with the rest of the team. Don’t even get me started on the titular “Wolf Soldier”.
Logistically, the plot is a mess. Who plans to reinstate a hero academy but doesn’t bring along more than oats, berries, and pork fat to feed a bunch of hard-working teenagers? What about the horses? What are they gonna eat in the mountains in wintertime? And then, after giving these teenagers a scant month of training, they get sent off with no guide, no help, no armor…nothing but canticles and some spiritual admonishment. (They are literally told “stop asking questions, don’t worry about the future, there isn’t a plan, just shut up and trust God’s guidance” which is no way to stop a war.)
The kicker? We don’t meet the villain until about ninety percent of the way in.
Yes, the book is action-packed, but there’s not much in the way of an emotional payoff. Every life-or-death situation is fixed with a literal deus ex machina wherein the characters have enough faith and say the right prayer and the God-equivalent of this universe magically fixes everything, right down to magical armor.
Overall, Wolf Soldier is showy without offering much substance. While the writing style itself is clean and precise, the characters are well-defined, the audio quality and narrator are top notch, and the action keeps things moving, it doesn’t ring true. It doesn’t get brownie points for being Christian when it cares more about feel-good spiritual fluff than telling a good story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death