The Wolf by Leo Carew
Book information
The Wolf by Leo Carew (an incredible human being, with the ability to be an army doctor and help the world during the pandemic as a doctor), book one in Under The Northern Sky
Published first on the 3rd of April 2018 by Orbit
4.5 stars out of 5
Political and military fantasy, with a brand new race (the Anakim) and habits and two worlds in collision course; a fascinating culture focused on military strength with their capital Hindrunn (a city where warriors are celebrated)
I also know that I need to be part of House of Alba, as their symbol is a rampant unicorn
Political story focusing on stopping civil war, two factions of the same people who are at war
Military fantasy seen from two different perspectives, with Bellamus especially expressing his own fascination with a different culture
Outstanding ending - preparing the next instalments in high fashion!
A few highlights
A brand new world and people to explore; I enjoyed peeling the onion (any Oliver Putnam’s fans out there) of this world, this civilization, a world focusing on war, on history, on making sure that leaders do not take advantage of their roles; a pretty
Blood family is an important trope and it is fantastic
Loyalty is another important factor and explored here in connection with the military
War is brutal and has brutal effects
Tropes/themes that work for me
Women are not as prominent as men in this story, although this will be different in the next books
Keturah is a wonderful multifaceted character and it will show over time even more than in this book
Characters in this story are so interesting, we feel with them, we live with them and we root for them
Roper is an incredible example of leadership - not only here and also in the next instalments of this series and this is the character that made me realize that I can track great (or poor) leadership examples in fantasy; in fact, this character made me realize that one of the reasons I enjoy fantasy so much is because there are examples of leadership in most stories!
Gray is an incredible mentor and he belongs to one of my favorite mentors in fantasy list!
Pryce became one of my favorite muscle guys in fantasy, lacking a better term and category for him.
There is an interesting commentary - and you want to keep an eye on it while reading - about Bellamy, his position and how he is recognised in this own world compared to what the Anakim actually do (and this sparks his interest in this world)
