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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves reads like Star Wars if Anakin was a cynical thief girl who grew up on Hoth instead of Tattooine. There are even a few moments later in the book where I went "Is that an intentional Star Wars reference?" I can't tell! Anyway, the Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves is very the Iditarod meets pod racing. Mobsters included!
The entire first third of the book is just: This planet focuses entire on racing, I hate racing, I need to get off planet, all anyone cares about it racing and I hate everything about racing! 'Sena, why don't you race?' I hate racing, why doesn't anyone understand that?! I need to get off this planet. I hate racing, the only way to make money is racing and that's why I'm a thief, because I refuse to have anything to do with racing. Sena, why don't you just race? UGH, I hate racing, I need to get to a different planet! ...Lather, rinse, repeat.
I almost DNF'd, but WOO, I'm glad I stuck with it because right at the 30% mark the plot picks up and takes off and the book gets way better. Basically, methinks the lady doth protest too much (especially since the blurb already let us know she ends up racing...) This would have been a better book overall if the opening third didn't have so much complaining about the planet and the racing culture and how much Sena hates everyone and everything.
Once she actually starts working with the fighting wolf, Iska (another thing that bugged me about the blurb, it's not really accurate to say "her" fighting wolf...) and with the science team, the pace picked up somewhat and it became a lot harder to put the book down. There's a plot-twist/reveal I saw coming from 100 miles away, but it was still a really enjoyable read (after getting past the initial slog). I love the world building, and I hope there's another book about the continued adventures of... well, read the book and then you'll know who, I don't want to spoil anything! I was originally going to give this book 3 stars but I liked the ending enough that I bumped it up to a solid 4 stars.
A digital ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
The entire first third of the book is just: This planet focuses entire on racing, I hate racing, I need to get off planet, all anyone cares about it racing and I hate everything about racing! 'Sena, why don't you race?' I hate racing, why doesn't anyone understand that?! I need to get off this planet. I hate racing, the only way to make money is racing and that's why I'm a thief, because I refuse to have anything to do with racing. Sena, why don't you just race? UGH, I hate racing, I need to get to a different planet! ...Lather, rinse, repeat.
I almost DNF'd, but WOO, I'm glad I stuck with it because right at the 30% mark the plot picks up and takes off and the book gets way better. Basically, methinks the lady doth protest too much (especially since the blurb already let us know she ends up racing...) This would have been a better book overall if the opening third didn't have so much complaining about the planet and the racing culture and how much Sena hates everyone and everything.
Once she actually starts working with the fighting wolf, Iska (another thing that bugged me about the blurb, it's not really accurate to say "her" fighting wolf...) and with the science team, the pace picked up somewhat and it became a lot harder to put the book down. There's a plot-twist/reveal I saw coming from 100 miles away, but it was still a really enjoyable read (after getting past the initial slog). I love the world building, and I hope there's another book about the continued adventures of... well, read the book and then you'll know who, I don't want to spoil anything! I was originally going to give this book 3 stars but I liked the ending enough that I bumped it up to a solid 4 stars.
A digital ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
DNF at 18%.
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for a copy of this book for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves follows Sena, who is desperate to get off a frozen wasteland. Except, after being orphaned when her parents died in a sled race, Sena is only willing to save up by job that don't involve racing. On their planet, that means... she's not willing to do... anything but steal from others.
That's pretty much all Sena did for the first almost 20%: mostly fail at stealthily stealing from off-world tourists, run away from people who noticed, whine that she doesn't want to work a racing-related job, and repeat. I didn't despise the writing, and would try another book by this author, but I didn't care for the MC or feel compelled to keep reading for any reason other than being curious who Sena saw in the woods.
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for a copy of this book for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves follows Sena, who is desperate to get off a frozen wasteland. Except, after being orphaned when her parents died in a sled race, Sena is only willing to save up by job that don't involve racing. On their planet, that means... she's not willing to do... anything but steal from others.
That's pretty much all Sena did for the first almost 20%: mostly fail at stealthily stealing from off-world tourists, run away from people who noticed, whine that she doesn't want to work a racing-related job, and repeat. I didn't despise the writing, and would try another book by this author, but I didn't care for the MC or feel compelled to keep reading for any reason other than being curious who Sena saw in the woods.
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
tense
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:
No
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
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
adventurous
adventurous
2024 Conference Key Note Author! Meg was amazing and so much fun. We love her books!
I was impressed with this book, a debut from Meg Long! It was an interesting read, but something about it didn't hook me completely. I struggled to really get attached to the characters but overall did enjoy the story.
I just wasn’t that interested in the book.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Tropes:
*loyalty and friendship
*overcoming trauma
*animal companion
*hunted heroine
*found family
*strong FMC
*survival
Triggers:
*Violence
*Animal Harm
Language: mild cursing
Spice: 0 out of 5 - No romantic relationship
Overall Rating: 8.5/10 or 4 out of 5 stars
plot: 1
pacing: 1
themes: 1
setting: 1
originality: 1
characters: 1
writing style: 1
emotional impact: .5
ending: .5
overall enjoyment: .5
Summary
In a frozen world where survival is never guaranteed, Sena has learned to live on her own after the death of her mothers. She’s unwilling to get involved in the deadly races that drive others to riches and fame—until she’s forced to join the race herself. Teaming up with an injured wolf named Iska, Sena must navigate deadly terrain and dangerous competitors, all while discovering that the wolf may be her best chance at surviving.
The story follows her journey of survival as she grows closer to Iska, learns more about herself, and discovers that sometimes survival is about more than just making it to the finish line.
Plot
The plot revolves around Sena’s struggle to survive in a frozen, dystopian world while forming an unlikely bond with a wolf. Her journey through the wilderness, facing both natural dangers and human enemies, drives the story forward. The race itself is a key element, and Sena's growth as a character is tied to her ability to confront her past and her survival instincts.
Pacing
The book is fast-paced, especially with the constant dangers Sena faces in the wilderness. There’s a good balance of action, emotional development, and quieter moments of character introspection. The pacing helps keep the reader engaged with the survival aspect of the story.
Setting
The book is set in a frozen, dystopian world, combining elements of sci-fi and wilderness survival. The environment is harsh, with dangerous wildlife, freezing temperatures, and treacherous terrain. This frozen landscape is almost a character in itself, as it poses constant threats to Sena’s survival.
Originality
The combination of a post-apocalyptic world with a strong focus on survival and the bond between the protagonist and her wolf companion gives the book a fresh twist on familiar sci-fi and dystopian tropes. The blend of futuristic technology with ancient survival instincts adds to the book’s unique flavor.
Writing Style
Meg Long’s writing is sharp and descriptive, with vivid depictions of the cold, brutal environment. The writing captures both the intensity of the action scenes and the emotional depth of Sena’s journey. The bond between Sena and the wolf is also portrayed with care and nuance.
Ending
The ending wraps up Sena’s journey of survival but leaves room for potential growth and future development. It provides closure on her emotional journey and her bond with Iska, but also leaves the reader wanting more, especially in terms of the larger world and the dynamics of the race.
Overall
Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves is a thrilling and emotional YA survival story with strong themes of companionship, loyalty, and personal growth. Fans of dystopian worlds, animal-human bonds, and high-stakes adventure will find this book an engaging and heartfelt read.
*loyalty and friendship
*overcoming trauma
*animal companion
*hunted heroine
*found family
*strong FMC
*survival
Triggers:
*Violence
*Animal Harm
Language: mild cursing
Spice: 0 out of 5 - No romantic relationship
Overall Rating: 8.5/10 or 4 out of 5 stars
plot: 1
pacing: 1
themes: 1
setting: 1
originality: 1
characters: 1
writing style: 1
emotional impact: .5
ending: .5
overall enjoyment: .5
Summary
In a frozen world where survival is never guaranteed, Sena has learned to live on her own after the death of her mothers. She’s unwilling to get involved in the deadly races that drive others to riches and fame—until she’s forced to join the race herself. Teaming up with an injured wolf named Iska, Sena must navigate deadly terrain and dangerous competitors, all while discovering that the wolf may be her best chance at surviving.
The story follows her journey of survival as she grows closer to Iska, learns more about herself, and discovers that sometimes survival is about more than just making it to the finish line.
Plot
The plot revolves around Sena’s struggle to survive in a frozen, dystopian world while forming an unlikely bond with a wolf. Her journey through the wilderness, facing both natural dangers and human enemies, drives the story forward. The race itself is a key element, and Sena's growth as a character is tied to her ability to confront her past and her survival instincts.
Pacing
The book is fast-paced, especially with the constant dangers Sena faces in the wilderness. There’s a good balance of action, emotional development, and quieter moments of character introspection. The pacing helps keep the reader engaged with the survival aspect of the story.
Setting
The book is set in a frozen, dystopian world, combining elements of sci-fi and wilderness survival. The environment is harsh, with dangerous wildlife, freezing temperatures, and treacherous terrain. This frozen landscape is almost a character in itself, as it poses constant threats to Sena’s survival.
Originality
The combination of a post-apocalyptic world with a strong focus on survival and the bond between the protagonist and her wolf companion gives the book a fresh twist on familiar sci-fi and dystopian tropes. The blend of futuristic technology with ancient survival instincts adds to the book’s unique flavor.
Writing Style
Meg Long’s writing is sharp and descriptive, with vivid depictions of the cold, brutal environment. The writing captures both the intensity of the action scenes and the emotional depth of Sena’s journey. The bond between Sena and the wolf is also portrayed with care and nuance.
Ending
The ending wraps up Sena’s journey of survival but leaves room for potential growth and future development. It provides closure on her emotional journey and her bond with Iska, but also leaves the reader wanting more, especially in terms of the larger world and the dynamics of the race.
Overall
Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves is a thrilling and emotional YA survival story with strong themes of companionship, loyalty, and personal growth. Fans of dystopian worlds, animal-human bonds, and high-stakes adventure will find this book an engaging and heartfelt read.