Today is my stop on the blog tour for Wolf’s Quest by Don Baldwin.

Here’s the blurb

A feral child named Wolf is being raised by wolves deep in the forest until he is suddenly whisked away to a subterranean netherworld by the Tuatha De Danann; a strange and elusive race. In this otherworldly realm, where mortal time moves imperceptibly quickly, these ‘ever-living ones’ raise and train the boy for their own ends; returning a formidable stealth-warrior, back to the world of men.

In Wolf’s absence, Ireland has become a more dangerous place, as the Vikings strive to gain control of the country. But a young southern commander called Brian Boru and his enigmatic counsellor, Amergen, mean to thwart the Vikings’ plans. But they desperately need Wolf’s particular set of skills for a perilous mission deep into enemy territory. They set a trap to ensnare Wolf and his daring band of Rangers.

Review

Wolf, a young child, abandoned to the wild is raised by wolves. One day a higher power comes to take Wolf away… it’s time to prepare him for what’s to come.

Time passes very differently in the netherworld and when Wolf is returned to the world of man he really has no memory of his past as such.. but his connection with the wolves remains strong.

As the years pass Wolf has trained to be a ranger, an elite team able to carry out any task and leave without a trace.

When a job offer is thrown Wolf’s way he has no choice but to accept but little does he know the whirlwind adventure this will start.

Tasked with kidnapping a girl Wolf is torn.. things aren’t adding up.. the truth is being hidden from him but why and what is the ultimate end?

Wolf’s Quest is a fast paced epic fantasy novel without the word count.. it’s perfect for young readers or those not familiar with the genre.

So development wise.. the plot.. oh my this is one amazing world the author has created. I loved the setting of Ireland, the Vikings and the complex plot and even more so the netherworld. Being so fast paced there’s not questions per se, but areas I’d be interested to see the author visit again, it’s a vast world with so many options and the ending left me in no doubt more will follow which I’m very happy about.

Development of characters can be difficult in such a fast-following tale, but the author did a fantastic job of bringing them to life, infusing individuality along the way and giving meaning to their involvement. I think the author has neatly allowed himself space for development in future works.. While Wolf is the most developed there’s still room for growth and to explore his past and motivations more.. and that’s why I’m giving a 5* and not a 4* star.. I think the decision to focus more heavily on plot than characters was the right choice but it leaves a reader like me excited to see where the author will take me next.

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221461095-wolf-s-quest

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/wolfsquest-zbt

My thanks go to the authors, publisher and Zoé @ Zooloo’s Book Tours for having me on the tour!

Why not follow the tour

Don’s Bio

Don lives in Ireland, where he feels a deep sense of connection to the land. He is married and a father of two, a daughter and a son. Don has been writing for over forty years, and he has a healthy portfolio; mostly feature articles and Short Stories (two of which were prize winners –‘The Sea-maid’ and ‘Deep Thoughts’; a result of his deep fascination with the sea). He is also a regular contributor to several Irish national magazines, including ‘Ireland’s Own’, ‘Ireland’s Eye’ ‘The Irish Mountain Log’ and ‘Subsea’, supplying them all with a variety of articles on Vikings, mermaids, wildlife, mountains and history: while all four magazines have also published his short stories. Don also regularly publishes feature articles in both of his local newspapers, ‘The Dundalk Democrat’ and ‘The Argus’.

Don is an avid hill-walker and scuba diver, and he draws great inspiration from both the mountains and the sea, as, he notes, did the poet William Wordsworth (1807) “Two voices are there; One is of the Sea, One of the Mountains; Each a mighty Voice…” Don is also an ‘Advanced Adventure Sport Instructor’, reflecting his passion for outdoor adventure activities.

Besides his background in construction, Don has also completed several courses in English, Creative Writing, Short Story Writing and Freelance Journalism. He has also served for three years in the Irish Permanent Defence Forces, serving with the 27th Battalion along the Irish Border. Don also did a six month peace-keeping tour of duty with the 46th Irish Battalion with the U.N., in the troubled lands of south Lebanon.

Don writes full-time now, having closed down his construction business and taken early retirement; so that he could finally focus on what has always been his real passion, writing!

‘Wolf’s Quest’, is Don’s first Novel