cover image Hear the Wolves

Hear the Wolves

Victoria Scott. Scholastic Press, $16.99 (240p) ISBN 978-1-338-04358-7

In this stark and terrifying tale of survival in the wilderness, a group of children and adults makes its way through the unforgiving Alaskan wilds while being stalked by ravenous wolves. Twelve-year-old Sloan Reilly has been terrified of being alone ever since she partially lost her hearing in a blizzard; when her family leaves her behind for a day, it’s supposed to give Sloan an opportunity to rediscover her independence and self-sufficiency. Instead, a vicious storm and a grievous accident force Sloan and the last few people remaining in her small town to abandon their shelter and make for proper civilization. But not everyone can be trusted; one by one, they fall prey to dangers inside and outside their group. Scott (Titans) offers up a bone-shivering, unrelenting story about the will to succeed against all odds, where the horror comes from within and without, and from human and nonhuman predators alike. It’s a fast-paced adventure, and although the material may be a bit too grim for more sensitive readers, it’ll stick with them long after it’s over. Ages 8–12. Agent: Sara Crowe, Pippin Properties. (Mar.)