Title: Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves
Author: Meg Long
Genre: YA Fantasy
Published On: January 11, 2022
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: digital
Pages: 368
Synopsis:
After angering a local gangster, seventeen-year-old Sena Korhosen must flee with her prize fighting wolf, Iska, in tow. A team of scientists offer to pay her way off her frozen planet on one condition: she gets them to the finish line of the planet’s infamous sled race. Though Sena always swore she’d never race after it claimed both her mothers’ lives, it’s now her only option.
But the tundra is a treacherous place, and as the race unfolds and their lives are threatened at every turn, Sena starts to question her own abilities. She must discover whether she’s strong enough to survive the wild – whether she and Iska together are strong enough to get them all out alive.
A captivating debut about survival, found family, and the bond between a girl and a wolf that delivers a fresh twist on classic survival stories and frontier myths.
My thoughts
(Spoiler free)
“For once, I’m not alone in the woods. Beside me, Iska howls without breaking her stride. And the things in the dark howl back, raising goose bumps down my spine.”
Meg Long; Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves
At the heart of this story, and by far my favorite aspect of the book, is the relationship of Sena and her wolf Iska. Iska takes on an almost human role becoming one of the main characters, and I cared about her outcome as much as Sena’s. Much like the skittish wolf, Sena has her guard up, and watching these two break down each other’s walls was quite rewarding.
I was also a fan of the team aspect. I love a good book that involves a great cast of characters working toward a mutual goal and that’s what we have for part of this book. The ending did seem to wrap up quickly, but satisfactorily. And I’ll be very surprised if this one doesn’t become a series. Long left the ending fairly open with the possibility of future adventures and a few of the minor side stories have further potential, as well.
If you’re a fan of fantasy adventure stories set in impossible terrains, found families, and down-on-their-luck strong female characters facing impossible odds, then you should appreciate Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves!
Thank you to the publisher Wednesday Books and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
(All quotes are taken from the advance copy and are subject to change in final print.)
Rating:
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About the Author
A Song For A Book
When I started thinking about music that would accompany Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves, I immediately imagined a soundtrack by Ruelle playing as I read Sena’s adventures. I’ve chosen to highlight Ruelle’s “Game of Survival”.
Who’s in the shadows?
Who’s ready to play?
Are we the hunters?
Or are we the prey?
There’s no surrender
And there’s no escape
Are we the hunters?
Or are we the prey?
This is a wild game of survival
This is a wild game of survival
This is a wild game
This is a wild game, game of survival
This is a wild game
This is a wild game, game of survival
Will you be adding Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves to your tbr? Let me know in the comments!
I always love seeing your song picks for these books! I enjoy Ruelle’s songs and it makes me want to give this one a try 😊 Plus, this cover and the title really has me intrigued too. Great review!
Thank you Dini! I do love Ruelle. 🙂 And I think this is a book you would enjoy!
Definitely sounds like the kind of book that would make a popular series. Great review, I enjoyed reading!
Yes! I can’t imagine she created such a fascinating world without plans for more books. 🙂