The Emperor's Wolves

The Wolves of Elantra, Book 1

By: Michelle Sagara

Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Length: 17 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

“Enjoyable, entertaining, engaging fantasy.” (Tor.com)

At the Emperor's Command

Multiple races carefully navigate the City of Elantra under the Dragon Emperor’s wing. His Imperial Wolves are executioners, the smallest group to serve in the Halls of Law. The populace calls them assassins.

Every wolf candidate must consent to a full examination by the Tha’alani, one of the most feared and distrusted races in Elantra for their ability to read minds. Most candidates don’t finish their job interviews.

Severn Handred, the newest potential recruit, is determined to face and pass this final test — even if by doing so he’s exposing secrets he has never shared.

When an interrogation uncovers the connections to a two-decade-old series of murders of the Tha’alani, the Wolves are commanded to hunt. Severn’s first job will be joining the chase. From the High Halls to the Tha’alani quarter, from the Oracles to the Emperor, secrets are uncovered, tensions are raised and justice just might be done…if Severn can survive.

The Wolves of Elantra

Book 1: The Emperor’s Wolves

©2020 Michelle Sagara (P)2020 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Excellent and long waited for

This is a spin off from the Chronicles of Elantra series, but you don’t need to read that series to follow and enjoy this book. This book is part of the back story for Severn, one of my favorite characters from the Cast books. It tells us how he came to be a Wolf; how he met the Tha’alani Cast Lord Ybelline, the Keeper Evanton, and the Eternal Emperor; and his introduction to the High Halls.

The characters were engaging and the plot was interesting. The pace was well done. It was definitely worth the credit and I’ll probably listen to the book again every time a new book comes out in the series. I can’t wait for the next book which is supposed to be Severn’s journey to the West March.

Kristine Hvam, who also narrates the Cast novels, did a great job and the voices of the characters were consistent with their voices in the Cast novels which I really appreciate. The only criticism I have is that the pronunciation for Ellieann was different in this book than in the Cast novels. Probably not a big deal to most, but did make me cringe the first time I heard it. I liked the diversity of her voices for the characters which makes it easy to keep track of who is talking. The tone she gives the book is exactly what I imagine the author intended.

more please

The world Michelle creates in the Cast series, and now this side story, is one of my favorites. I have always had a fondness for Severn and this story only further entrenches my love for him as a character. Getting some insight into his background was enlightening and has me wanting more. Can't wait for the second book (and hopefully more) to come!

So well written

Michelle Sahara has a style of her own. She delves into the minds of her characters, thereby letting the reader know the nuances of what was said and thought. She spares the reader the character’s flights of fancy or deep introspection. Although her books can be read or heard individually, this series is best understood if taken in order. And yes, I have read or heard her books in order many times,

A+++++++++++++

Yes this is great spinoff of the Elantra series love all the characters and story line was excellent. I love Severen and Kaylan. I was wordering about the wolf lord from original series and great to finally meet him.

New perspective in a favorite world

I so enjoyed getting a peak at Severn's time with the Wolves. The author did a great job balancing between giving us totally new info and characters and giving us additional perspective on the events in the Chronicles of Elantra series. Definitely worth a credit.

Dissapointed

Too much talking. They didnt DO anything. I love Michelles Cast series but the last few books have been just boring.

Nothing but boring conversations

I’m surprised at all the 4 & 5 star reviews, I guess my expectations for this book are vastly different than others.
The premise I thought was good, however the follow through was poorly executed.
It started out with promise, a different story than most that sounded intriguing. This is a 17hr listen, I listened to 8 hrs (only because I was stuck for a day in an area without cell or internet coverage) and there was zero action! All that occurred in the first 8 hours were conversations. The lead character had conversations with various other characters, sometimes these other characters had conversations with each other, and nothing at all actually happened! Other than some (not a lot) character development with the lead, there was no other character development with all the others. I never grew any feelings one way or another towards the lead & was left completely neutral on all others. I couldn’t be more disappointed!
On the bright side, the narrator did an excellent job! She spoke at a good volume with a good speed & maintained a good flow all while doing various different voices - great job narrator- you get 5 well deserved stars!

Severn & the Wolves

Thank you Michelle Sagara for this great addition to the same world as the Chronicles of Elantra. It starts with how Severn Handred became one of the Wolves, one of Elantra's three parts of law enforcement. The book also brings up several of Severn's peculiarities, base knowledge and mysteries surrounding him. Be prepared for several familiar characters to pop up throughout.

Khristine Hvam's narration adds to the story and brings the characters and situations off the page.

frequent reader

Good stand alone book, but also fills in back ground from others in the series. enjoyed this book very much.

severns story

loved this book. we get too see how severn became a wolf. cannot wait for the next in the series. great start.

Brilliant

I have been looking forward to this book for months, and I have to say it definitely didn't disappoint. I love the Cast In series and have read/listened to all of them so far, and Severn is by far one of my favourite characters - I'm really hoping that he and Kaylin finally get together - so when I saw there was going to be a series more focused on his side of things I was utterly delighted.

This book is set right back at the beginning and tells you how he became a Wolf, and many other aspects of his story that you get hints of in the other series. It is, as always, well written and thoroughly enjoyable. Also, I am glad they kept Khristine Hvam as the narrator as not only is she one of my personal favourite when it comes to narrators, but it also really felt like a continuation of the other series as the charters were recognisable.

Would recommend, and can't wait for the next book.

Already waiting

As always Sagara knocks you out with her stunning command of the written word, wow!