Review of ‘Don’t Call the Wolf’

Synopsis

Fans of Leigh Bardugo and Holly Black will devour this gorgeously imagined fantasy about a dark forest besieged by monsters--and the wild queen who has sworn to drive them out.

A fierce young queen, neither human nor lynx, who fights to protect a forest humans have long abandoned.

An exhausted young soldier, last of his name, who searches for the brother who disappeared beneath those trees without a trace.

A Golden Dragon, fearsome and vengeful, whose wingbeats haunt their nightmares and their steps.

When these three paths cross at the fringes of a war between monsters and men, shapeshifter queen and reluctant hero strike a deal that may finally turn the tide against the rising hordes of darkness. Ren will help Lukasz find his brother...if Lukasz promises to slay the Dragon.

But promises are all too easily broken.

This Eastern European fantasy debut, inspired by the Polish fairy tale "The Glass Mountain," will take you on a twisting journey full of creeping tension, simmering romance, and haunting folklore--perfect for readers who loved An Enchantment of Ravens and The Hazel Wood.

Review

Don’t Call the Wolf is an excellent debut by Aleksandra Ross. As a fantasy novel, it opens and closes so much like a fairy tale that one could start the story with “once upon a time” and it with “and they all lived happily ever after.” That is the beauty of this novel; it has this fantasy that breathes so much beauty and wonder into the story to keep it engaging.

The structure of the fantasy, the opening sequence with the invasion of the dragon and the monster coming from the darkness are mesmerizing. It flows exactly like a fairy tale would flow, no dialogue, just storytelling, giving the world a proper foundation.

Great Imagination

Don’t Call the Wolf has excellent world-building, it gives a sound structure to the mechanics and the use of language, the setting and scene structure gives and the novel an old-world edge.

Using her Polish roots, Ross gives this story the old-world edge, using stories she grew up with a foundation to breathe fire into something new.

The dragon, Ren, and Lukasz are all interesting characters and elements that bring the story to life. Ross also brings in this recurring theme that monsters are not only the creatures int eh dark but also humans. There is this idea that there is also duality between good and evil, that every being has this capability of being both good and evil, and it is fear that usually brings out one’s darker nature.

Ross also gives creates wonderful backstory to highlight the growth of Lukasz and building dynamics between him and his brothers. These segments that break up the story are short and thoughtful, giving some history to Lukasz and his culture. Lukasz is a wolf lord, a dragon hunter, so his world is different than the world he is trying to be a part of.

Final Thoughts

Don’t Call the Wolf is a compelling way to build a narrative and the structure of society. With her clever use of language and folktale, Ross builds this wall within society. The interludes as well showcase the ill-treatment of Lukasz and his brothers. Wanted for their strength, high society continues to look down on them because they are nomadic.

A profoundly thoughtful novel Don’t Call the Wolf is a fantastic debut for anyone who loves fantasy, fairy tales, and magic.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband and son and their two cats, Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx.