Seidler, writing in a style reminiscent of that of Jean Craighead George yet uniquely his own, paints word pictures of the majestic scenery. Themes such as survival of the fittest, protection of the environment, and appreciation of those who are different abound. The anthropomorphized characters are fully developed, with part of the story centered around Lamar, Blue Boy's firstborn, who is not an alphain-training, but instead prefers cavorting among flowers and pursuing a female coyote. The novel chronicles the pack's adventures: bringing down buffalo, raising a litter, avoiding capture (or killing) by humans. Instead, she is attracted to the freedom of Blue Boy, the alpha male of a small pack of wolves living near Yellowstone. I loved this book., Told in the voice of Maggie, a flippant-yet-wise magpie, the story takes off when she discovers parenting her own flock is not for her. Tor Seidler has created a brutal but beautiful anthropomorphic world that practically comes to life like those dreams. Lamar wants to make his family happy, but is doing what is expected of him worth losing the only true friend he's ever had? Full of bite and beauty that will make you think of White Fang, then Ferdinand, this story cuts to the heart of what's most important: being true to yourself, and being true to others.ĭo you ever have those vivid dreams that you wake up from with a start? That's what this book reminds me of. While the other infractions can be begrudgingly tolerated, this one cannot, and the unity of the pack is in jeopardy. Blue Boy grows increasingly dismayed at Lamar's lack of wolf instincts, and then Lamar does the intolerable: he becomes attracted to a coyote. He has little interest in peacocking in front of other clans. He worries if his younger siblings fall behind in the hunt. But Lamar is not turning out the way his father hoped.

Blue Boy, the alpha male of his pack, is the largest wolf many have ever seen, and his dream is to have a firstborn son who will take after him in every way. Born into rankings and expected to live up to their roles. A young wolf seeks the bravery to be himself in this 'rich take on the wild that quickens the pulse and fills the heart' ( Kirkus Reviews ), from the author of National Book Award Finalist Mean Margaret and The Wainscott Weasel.

Firstborn tor seidler