The Wolf RoadAuthor: Beth Lewis
Published by: Crown
Publication Date: July 5, 2016
Format: eARC
Pages: 370
Source: Publisher
In the remote wilds of a ravaged land, Elka has been raised by a man who isn't her father. Since finding her wandering in the woods when she was seven, he has taught her how to hunt, shoot, set snares and start fires--everything she needs to survive. All she knows of the world outside is gleaned from whispers of a cataclysmic event that turned the clock back on civilization by a hundred and fifty years and reduced governments and technology to shambles, leaving men at the mercy of the elements--and each other.
Everything changes when Elka learns that the man she has been calling father is harboring a terrible secret. Armed with nothing but her knife and her wiles, she decides to escape his clutches and sets out on a long journey to the frozen north in the hope of finding her long-lost parents.
But as the trail of blood and bodies grows in her path, Elka realizes that daddy won't be letting his little girl go without a fight. If she's going to survive, she'll have to turn and confront not just him, but the truth about what he's turned her into.
So here’s the thing: True Grit is one of my all-time favorite movies. And I mean the one with John Wayne, not the re-boot I refuse to watch. Anyway, when I saw The Wolf Road described as “True Grit meets The Road”, a psychological thriller with a serial killer, I was all over it! I don’t think True Grit is quite apt in this case, but, oh boy, was it ever full of gritty, disturbing goodness!
This takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where it’s like living in the 19th century with some crazy-deadly storms. It’s a rough and dangerous place to live, especially when you’re raised by a man like “father”. When Elka discovers who he really is and what he does, she hightails is out of there and decides to go cross-country to find her real parents. Only thing is, he’s right behind her and the outlook is bleak.
Elka is a wonderfully written heroine. She’s full of mettle and drive, and is someone I found easy to root for. We follow her on this perilous journey where she encounters various obstacles and menacing people. It’s not for the weak, that’s for sure. As the story progresses, we begin to discover more and more about Elka – memories and truths slowly emerge.
Not all is bad, though. Elka gains two companions along the way, who teach her about trust and friendship. Even if being with her can have dire consequences.
The Wolf Road is a gripping dark tale that will keep you totally enthralled until the very last page. This is a thrilling debut that has me eager for what Beth Lewis writes next.
Ooo this sounds fantastic.
This sounds like my kind of read for sure. Where the heck do you find all these Christy!?
I hadn’t heard of this one, but wow! It sounds phenomenal. The main character sounds like my kind of girl. I love that it kept you so hooked throughout.
Great review,Christy! I’ll keep an eye out for it!
It’s great that you foudn something that good! I’m always cautious with references because it’s always a bit tricky
How have I not heard about this one. Sounds awesome and different. Love that is good right up to the end. Great review!
Love the darkness the book implies. And while I have not read or seen The Road or True Grit, I think I can appreciate this one a bit more because it’s a new story to me. 🙂
Neither a True Grit fan nor have I seen The Road but this really sounds like an interesting read. 🙂 It will go on my list.
Oh wow…I’d not heard of this one but it sounds really promising!
Ooh I’m intrigued. Love thrillers and Elka sounds like a great character. Nice review. Glad you enjoyed the story. You’ve made me curious about it 🙂
So if it’s like True Grit, then the guy would be a good guy, riiiiiight???? They can’t say it’s like that movie and give away a spoiler, can they? Oh, I’m so freakin’ confused. See? I’m always trying to figure out what I’m getting into before I read it – bad reader *slaps back of hand*
btw, I never saw the reboot, either. Why would they DO that?? John Wayne is the MAN!!! Can I tell you I have a secret crush on Glenn Ford, too (I’m weird).
I just added that the True Grit comparison isn’t quite right. The only things that could come from that is the sort of old west setting and the girls willfulness. So nothing even close to a spoiler can be gleaned from that.
John Wayne was my hero since I was a little girl. Him and Mel Brookes. Which if you knew me growing up explains a lot. lol!
The Grit meets the Road sounds scary and depressing
I am glad you enjoyed this one. It’s been on my radar since I first heard about it. I remember the original True Grit. It is the better of the two–so you aren’t missing anything.
oh wow this one sounds pretty crazy and gritty!! Love those books. And yeah I love the original True Grit—John Wayne rocks it.
Bummer, it wasn’t really like True Grit, but wow, it sounds pretty intense and engaging anyway.
I’ve probably seen most of the John Wayne movies and liked them. This sounds like a good one.
I hadn’t heard of this, it sounds intense!
Huh this sounds interesting. And totally new to me, but it has me at post apocalyptic and wilderness. Adding this to my list.
And yeah I’ve seen the reboot. Whatever. I’m sure the original is better although I haven’t seen it. I like his stuff though. There’s something about a John Wayne movie on a Saturday…
This sounds really good! I love both movies adaptations of True Grit, so I would’ve definitely picked this book up because of a possible connection with the movie lol. Great review, I’m definitely adding this read to my wish list.
Where have I been? I didn’t even know there was a remake! LOL
Elka sounds like a heroine that I would love to read about. I haven’t heard of this one but I’m so glad you brought it to my attention. Brilly review.
I liked this one a lot too. I haven’t quite finished it but I have only 20 pages or so left to read. Unfortunately, the book disappeared from my tablet and I couldn’t get it to download again. I should get a copy in my hands soon.
I liked Elka a lot, too. I also thought that the people that she met along the road really added to the appeal of the story. Great review!
Now this sounds interesting… will be adding this one to the wishlist!
So mysterious! Sounds awesome to me. I like when the world is rough like that.