I Am Wolf
For ages 9+
A world built in the future, humans have found a way to be at one with machines as hosted creatures called Constructs. Wolf is one such Construct.
By Alastair Chisholm (Nosy Crow, 2024)
I haven't stopped thinking about this story since I finished it a couple of nights ago! I want to know what happens next, but I'll have to wait until book 2!! If you know me well, you'll know I'm a Star Wars fan, love sci-fi, and if you've been recently massively hooked by all the spin off series, Mandalorian, etc, on Disney+ over the last couple of years, then you'll love this - you'll also love this if you're a fan of books like Philip Reeve's 'Mortal Engines' which are filled with characters who live their lives in a futuristic world alongside machines. In Alastair's new middle grade (previous bestsellers include Adam-2, Consequence Girl), this world is built in the future, when humans have found a way to be at one with machines/technology transformed as human hosted creatures (think Japanese power ranger morphing time mega robots, but WAY MORE sophisticated) called Constructs. Wolf is one such Construct.
Unlike the cover art portrays, the creature described in the book isn't technically a furry animal, and is visually distinguishable from the wolf we are familiar with in our times. Wolf can, however, be a vicious and deadly enemy in battle, as the the colour palette and ferocity of the attack on the front cover shows. This is just a powerful a story as an RPG, the battle scenes often ending with a cost to human life implied, the graphic accounts of wounding only described as the machines lose parts or seep the priceless magical element that transforms: anthryl. Not only does it transform the Constructs, it also transforms 12 year old Coll's prosthetic lower left leg limb below the knee and left arm below the elbow. Without it he wouldn't survive this hard physical life to survive in an almost apocalyptic age.
Coll is the son or Alpha, leader of Wolf. The parental relationship is unloving, formal even, and Coll strives to be the best warrior, is religious about his faith in Wolf, his kinship to fellow Wolf peoples and their oneness and power. Meeting other Constructs from different lands (superb map at the start) mean that territories are threatened and must be defended at all costs. Raven, then Dragon turn up for battle, but in a moment of near annihilation, Coll and two other crew members are left behind, on the ground, alone and vulnerable. Luckily for Coll, one of the stranded, Reika is a Tock - a scientist/mechanic who works on the Construct itself (who sees it for the machine it really is, not the spiritual entity Coll and others do - which will get readers thinking!).
The story weaves through incredible hardship and endless challenges until the children finally track down Wolf. They're resourceful, learn about seeing the battle through the eyes of their enemies when they discover a refugee from Raven. Bringing together children from multiple Constructs shows that together differences make us stronger, bring the best of all skills, knowledge and understanding to create the ultimate solution to disparate warring power factions… sadly even Coll's Alpha, and Wolf. Coll has to overcome more than his fair share of danger, and the author has sensitively described how he needs to think and act differently (often selflessly and heroicly) due to his disability, especially when his anthryl-infused prosthetics malfunction. The author explains at the back of the book how he consulted organisations like the LimbBo Foundation and Finding Your Feet to ensure authentic representation.
I love this new band of friends, misfits who become fiercely loyal to each other in the end. I can't wait to carry on the adventure with them in 'I Am Raven' next year… I don't want to wait another 12 months though (howls loudly from mountain top)!!
Illustration © Karítas Gunnarsdöttir
Praise
An outstanding, highly original and unputdownable read! This is a bold, thought-provoking adventure perfect for fans of MORTAL ENGINES and THE LAST WILD.
"I loved every page of this gripping, dystopian thriller. Wonderful characters, thrilling action and a unique new world. Now I wish I had my own animal construct!" Kieran Larwood, author of Podkin One Ear
"I wolfed this down... Great MG sci-fi." Darren Simpson, author of Scavengers
Ad - uncorrected proof review copy provided by the publisher
