GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain

Robert Appleton - 24 May, 2022

A wolf cub and a teenage boy form an unlikely bond in this action-packed tale that explores the perilous plight of wolves in 1970s Canada. It’s told from both animal and human points of view. Author Jane H Wood tries to blend the savage reality of a Jack London story with a wholesome coming-of-age narrative for the whole family. It works well because she’s fully invested in her characters, and has a knack for making them sympathetic for the reader.

The story opens with Joel, the alpha of a pack of grey wolves, and his mate, Mira, who’s nursing her four young cubs, forced into exile by a vicious rebellion. Two of the cubs have unusual golden hair on their ears, which echoes an ancient myth among wolf-kind. A bitter relative uses superstition to foment fear of these “freaks” in the hope that it will persuade others to help him kill them. Joel and Mira must fight to keep their youngsters alive until they can find safe new territory.

Meanwhile, moody teenager Edmund is hating his vacation in the great outdoors with his dad. That is, until he happens upon one of the lost cubs, Kegg, whom he nicknames GoldenEars. The two develop a quick bond that grows into a deep, lasting friendship. They pine for one another when they’re apart, and Edmund eventually enrols as a trainee ranger so he can be close to his beloved wolf pal. But there are malign forces closing in on the pack, and wolves and rangers alike will have to face some very tough choices.

The story is so incident-packed it leaves the reader breathless. Encounters with bears, rival wolf packs, hunters, and various other perils ensures it’s never dull. But the action is not hollow. Ms. Wood keeps the stakes high and the tension intimate, so we feel the characters’ dread and fury and loss and love alongside them. Nature is brutal, and no one is safe here. It’s an emotional rollercoaster for Kegg and his family. Edmund hops aboard partway through, but has no idea how much it’s going to affect him. His bond with GoldenEars proves pivotal in the larger context of wolves and humans.

It's a gripping read full of poignant moments and shocking bursts of savagery. There are plenty of heartwarming scenes, but just as many, if not more, that remind the reader how appalling animals and humans can be. It’s this contrast (and unpredictability) that I feel gives The Whispering Mountain an edge over the typical human-meets-animal adventure. The only element I think could use a little more finessing is the dialogue, which is clunky at times. But the other elements are so well done that they make up for it. Ms. Wood takes the story in an unexpected direction in the dramatic finale, which I liked. It also sets up a sequel, which sounds promising.

Overall, I can highly recommended this one.

Tony Parsons - 06 Oct, 2021

GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain, by Jane H Wood.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading and reviewing free books from publishers and authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font and writing style. A very professionally written elementary, MS age wilderness adventure book. It was quiet easy for me to read/follow from start/finish and never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out on line sequences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns and a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great wilderness adventure movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini - TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an amazingly easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to the author; the Book Guild Ltd: Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; ARR PDF; book Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

Bernard Jan - 04 Aug, 2021

Wolves are one of my favorite animals, so it’s not surprising that this book sucked me into a whirlpool of emotions in which it kept me until the very end.

GoldenEars is one of the most emotional, passionate, and educational animal fiction books I have read in years, even decades. Wonderfully written, this debut novel has ranked Jane H Wood among the authors who have a voice, passion to inflame others, and dedication and commitment to her beliefs.

GoldenEars is a wild, raw, savage, cold, and brutal story. But it is also tender, caring, beautiful, dreamy, warm, moving, fervent, and heartwarming. The flow of my tears I couldn’t stop is the best proof of that. Those were not sad or happy tears. Well, maybe a little. Those were tears because your heart was full and your whole being trembled from the strength of the written word. Tears that connected you with the story, its protagonists, nature.

If I were a wolf, I would howl instead of cry. Maybe I will practice my howling one day alone in the wild, away from the noise of this world. What I can do now, though, is give a loud shout-out (or howl) to everyone involved in wolf protection, either through the wolf protection programs or by spreading the word or writing a novel, like Jane did.

It is crucial to understand that wolves belong to our world. They are here with their role in the natural order of things, with their right to exist and live. Conflicts between wolves and humans happen because we invaded their habitats and took their wilderness for ourselves to make it economically valuable, destroying it. We (humans) hunt wolves not because they are dangerous but because of profit. We are the ones who cornered them, banished them, pushed them to the verge of extermination. To protect these magnificent animals, please support your local wildlife organizations not run by hunters but those who carry animal protection and rights in their hearts.

Read and review this book and spread the word about it. Each new person who better understands wolves raises the chances of their survival. Is this enough of recommendation for you?

Aimee Ann – Red Headed Book Lover - 26 Apr, 2021

GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain is a book I was keen to read ever since discovering it because I always love to find inspiring adventure stories and love wolves so I knew I had to read this book! Now that I have finished GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain I can happily write that it lived up to my expectations, and blew them away actually! GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain is one of the most well written and well-developed stories I have read in a long time, and I truly mean this as GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain is exceptional and should not be missed!

GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain is a moving, thrilling, and captivating novel that will take its readers on a wolf adventure like no other. The reader in GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain will meet Mira, a wolf who has just had a litter of pups. They all seem perfectly normal but soon two of them start to look and act differently and this forces the Alpha of the pack, Joel, to assert his dominance. This is the start of the incredible GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain and what follows is a moving and unforgettable tale with many twists and turns, and this, book lovers, is the premise of the incredible GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain!

The story of GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain is a thrilling one thanks to the enthralling and action-packed moments as well as the unpredictable nature of the book that will have the readers turning the pages with haste from beginning to end!

Jane H. Wood is an incredibly talented author who clearly knows how to write unique but engaging stories. It was evident to me from the start that Wood is a passionate writer who surely loves entertaining readers with her literature and putting a smile on readers’ faces. I loved this about the author but what I loved the most about Wood’s writing is her remarkable descriptions because they genuinely amazed me!

Adventure novels, in general, are difficult to write because you have to transport the reader quickly and effortlessly, but sadly this is rarely accomplished in an adventure/fantasy story but not with GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain. GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain is the way it is because Wood knows what she is doing! Wood knows how to whisk her readers away to a fantasy land and entice them with magnificent descriptions and keep readers entertained from start to finish!

Overall GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain is a marvelous, stellar, and supreme adventure book that will entertain, delight as well as charm young readers and even adults! And so I, of course, have to award this book five stars! Be sure to have a read of the preview below book lovers, you won’t regret it!

Sherri - 26 Apr, 2021

The lives of a young wolf pup and a teenage boy become intertwined one fateful summer, forging a friendship that transcends nature itself. I enjoyed this heartwarming tale of the plight of a wolf family who crosses paths with Edmond, a young man who is uncertain of himself and his future. He soon finds himself befriending Kegg, who he calls Goldenears, and both come to a deeper understanding of the balance between man and nature, and the misconceptions of wolves in the wild.

A thoroughly enjoyable and encouraging tale of an unconventional friendship that helps both man and wolf find a harmony that defies logic, and speaks to the heart of life itself. Well written, and well done. It was the encouraging read that I needed!

Eric Redmon - 26 Apr, 2021

Jane Wood has written a wonderful story of a young man, Edmund, who befriends a wolf pup. The wolves speak to each other about their fears (humans and other wolves). The humans fear them as well, and the story revolves around these two species and a life or death struggle. Golden Ears and Edmund work in their own ways to broach the divide, leading to a surprising end, and a sequel to follow. Great work, Ms. Wood, a novel for young and old alike!

Julie Mattscheck - 26 Apr, 2021

This book is a perfect story for young readers. I teach the 5th grade and know several students who would love this story. It provides insight into the dynamics in a wolf pack and the complicated and difficult relationship between wolves and humans. The book is full of suspense and excitement as you journey with Edmund, Golden Ears, and the rest of the wolves. The powerful friendship between Edmund and Golden Ears is compelling. You will find yourself delighted in a good story and growing in your care for these beautiful animals. I hope that there will be more from Jane Wood in this series as I can’t wait to read what happens next!

Sherri M - 26 Apr, 2021

A delightful, enjoyable, read for all ages. Author Jane has a way with words and captures the details in her writing skills. The story follows the remarkable bond between a boy and a wolf pup. I look forward to where to journey goes next. Highly recommended to other readers.

Priya’s Diary - 26 Apr, 2021

The narration of the story and the wolf characteristics are very neatly described. The writing is simple and easy to understand. If you love wolf stories then you will definitely love this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from the beginning till end. I liked the character of Kegg very much and the bonding Edmund and Kegg share is adorable.

I definitely recommend this book for everyone.

Amazon Customer - 26 Apr, 2021

Different from any other book I have read. Very enjoyable.
Feel I know more about wolves now. Hope there is a follow up book.

Sarah Starr - 26 Apr, 2021

A lovely, thought provoking and interesting debut novel, looking forward to the sequel!

Mrs Anne Walker - 26 Apr, 2021

Great read as an adult I enjoy it and my teenager enjoy would recommend.

Wayne N - 26 Apr, 2021

Not quite White Fang but Fun

The author clearly has a love for the subject. But I prefer my nature red in tooth and claw rather than quite so anthropomorphised. Comes across as a tad too twee on occasion and wolf life is far from that. Cute cover and enthusiastic prose.

Bonnye Reed - 26 Apr, 2021

I have added this British author, Jane H. Wood, to my favorite authors, and I am pleased to recommend her to friends and family. She writes a smooth story with a great deal of heart… An excellent book for reading aloud to youngsters. And it warmed my old heart, as well.

Autrement by Alexia A - 26 Apr, 2021

I think this book was really one of my favorite books for 2019. There’s adventure, friendship and the desire to change things.

The type of writing and the detail of nature reminded me of the books of the incomparable Jack London even if here, the story is even more percussive and realistic.

I really loved this story that I think is open to everyone even if some details can be better understood by adults. In addition, a legend is created around GoldenEars with his eyes and coat.

Marie-Hélène Fasquel - 26 Apr, 2021

This is the second book whose narrator is not a human being I’ve read and I absolutely loved it. The narrator seems to be a third person omniscient woolf. This children’s book is packed with adventures, action, love, suspense, and feelings. We’re seeing the story through the eyes of the wolves and their stance is more often than not much healthier than that of many human beings! However, we are faced with feelings which ring a bell: treason, fighting for power (and the dangers of power), fighting for one’s family and loving one’s own.

Everything about this book is perfect: the plotline, the characters (the bad and the good!), the setting, the fabulous mountains and forest…
If you want to make a child happy (or their parents), you can give this book without worrying about it! It personally reminded me of Call of the wild by Jack London, to some extent.

B W - 26 Apr, 2021

A must read. Written from a viewpoint not often explored by authors. A wonderful book!

Ann Feri - 26 Apr, 2021

This book is a “MUST READ”! If you like wolves and a book full of adventure, action, suspense and drama, grab this book. I’m a huge supporter of wolves, so this book was right up my alley, I couldn’t put it down. You will fall in love with Golden Ears. I would love to see the author write a part 2 of this book. Thank you The Book Guild via NetGalley for the free copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. I liked this book so much that I ordered a copy from Amazon. Thank you Jane H Wood for writing this wonderful book.

Amazon Customer - 26 Apr, 2021

The parallel stories of Edmund, GoldenEars and the wolf packs makes for an intriguing, fast moving and exciting plot line in a novel which is difficult to put down. Set in Canada, the carefully crafted descriptions add to the power of the novel and the links between Edmund and the wolves, especially GoldenEars. I look forward to reading Part 2.

Peter John Wood - 26 Apr, 2021

A really good read that is hard to put down. Fast paced, with lots of action. Strong characters, with a mixture of emotions. Thought provoking on the plight of wolves. Looking forward to part two.

Lexy Gómez - 26 Apr, 2021

A heartwarming adventure. This is a book full of joy, drama and digs deep into the bonds that a person can form with an animal. The writing is so atmospheric, you’ll fell one with the wolves and you’ll love every second of it.