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A review by sundragonscrolls
Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long
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
4.0
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.