The Wolf

By: Leo Carew

Narrated by: Matt Addis

Length: 16 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Violence and death come to the land under the Northern Sky when two fierce races break their age-old fragile peace and start an all-out war in this thrilling and savagely visceral epic fantasy.

Ready or not, Roper has been thrust into a position of leadership that he's woefully ill prepared for. Now, a massive army approaches from the south, old allies turn against him, and new rivals seek to undermine his rule. Facing attack from within and without, Roper must forge reckless alliances, no matter the cost, to save his kingdom.

Bellamus is a brash but capable southern general, a commoner with the rare honor of having the discreet support of the queen. Rising quickly from the minor ranks he was born into, Bellamus leads the march on the North. Victory means glory, power, and the favor of the king, but defeat promises much worse than disgrace.

A tale of war, rivalry, and honor, The Wolf creates a world that is both familiar and uncanny - one where the fiercest enemies are always closer than they seem.

©2018 Leo Carew (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"The Wolf is a work of extraordinary imagination and perhaps the most captivating first novel I've ever read." (Michael Dobbs, author of House of Cards)

"An action-packed and blood-splattered tour de force.... Carew is the real deal - an exciting new voice in fantasy." (Kirkus)

"Carew's worldbuilding skills are strong and his ability to infuse even the grittiest battle scene with emotion and drive is impressive." (RT Book Reviews)

I tried, I regret it.

I waited until I read book two before I wrote a review for this first book. I struggled through the infuriating actions of the main character hoping the review were right and he would learn and grow from his mistakes. Spoiler warning he does not. I'm so mad I got through two books just to be reminded this guy is an idiot. And the author, who tries to make him seem like such a good ruler from his persevering these obstacles doesn't make me forget they are obstacles of his own making. Wanted to love this book but I can't get past how much I hate the protagonist.

Fantastic Book!

I prefer historical fiction, especially books about Norse and Danish Vikings. I have all but exhausted my options with Audible. Since finishing James L Nelson's Norse Saga Series, I've been on the search for another really good book. Leo Carew's The Wolf is not historical fiction, however, it is an excellent book. It blends a bit of Saxon history with an alternate past, making it fantastic. Matt Addis does a wonderful job narrating the book as well. You will not want to stop listening to this one. I am currently listening to the second book, The Spider, and I hope the will be a third in this series!

fantastic!

I found the story to be very interesting and couldn't wait to listen to more. the nararation was very good.Can't wait for the next book The Spider to be available!

Descriptions of battles are totally omitted in this novel

I listened through chapter 11 and there are two major problems with this book.
1. There were two large full scale battles which the author omitted ALL details. He simply says there will be a battle then the next chapter picks up after the battle is finished. I’ve never seen an author do such nonsense before. I was starting to think I had gotten an abridged version of the book or something. Lol. Unfortunately that was not the case and it was an unabridged version so its a overall not a book worth reading considering the whole story is about a war thats going on.
2. The story is so simplistic. Its almost written as a kids book.

One fantastic character....... solid first act......

1st act great.

2nd act boooring

3rd act decent.

Honestly one character uptrend is why I kept listening to this book. He alone carried the book. This is the first fantasy book of 7 that I have actually finished. I did so in 4 days. One thing I hate is the author will build up a HUGE problem and then BOOOM one thing will magically fix it. Also descriptions of an entire battle is missing.... this is done for a point. Also not strong female characters..... saying that the main character I am literally cheering for. I also cheer for the man from the soul belamus..... though it made no sense why they never just made an alliance. I honestly felt more terror from potential military coups than I did from the full scale battles.

Adverbs are of the devils tongue.

I've nearly finished the first chapter, after being bored to death by the prologue, maybe it's better read than listened to. maybe it's falling short in character oomph, or even just the story's hook. So far all I know is that theres too many adverbs. It's perfectly alright to use dialogue to describe how the characters feeling rather than narrating it 'halfassedly'. See what i did there? Terrible. but other than that I'd say the story probably gets better and I'll re-edit once I've finished the book. Good luck Mr. Carew.

ps. Matt Addis, You sir, have an incredible narrating voice! Loving the accents, emphasis, and general accoutrement (metaphorically).

Got me through tough runs

Loved the book! It's more about military warfare than I thought, which was good surprise.

silly

I almost never leave reviews but felt compelled to say (with 3 hours remaining in the book) that I fully regret buying it. it moght be one of the few books I actually give up on before finishing. I love the idea of alternate history especially 2 different races of humans but it just does not deliver. It feels overly simplistic, like its written for kids. sorry !

Thoroughly surprising, and utterly entertaining

I bought the physical copy of this book well over a year ago and it had been sitting on my shelf collecting dust. Determined to read the idle books among my surmounting collection, I craved a story of medieval political intrigue, glorious battles, and descriptive prose. Leo Carew delivers on each point. I am always one to listen to my books with physical copy in hand, and Matt Addis does so much for the story with his deep surly voice that summons something primal in the moments of battle. Some lines of dialogue gave me chills with the cleverness for which they had been written, and the menace they portend. Give this read its due, be patient, and settle in for the worthwhile tale of epic war. Oh, and don't fight Pryce ;)

If You Are On The Fence....

Just do it. Great Story, World Building, Fantastic Pacing, and Wonderful Narration. Well Done Leo Carew.