A Companion to Wolves by Sarah Monette

 A Companion to Wolves is written by a partnership between Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear. The book details the growing relationship between a boy and his wolf. In a world where villages are protected from bloodthirsty trolls by strong men who are connected "telepathically" to wolves. Njall, who was once the son of a jarl, is taken to their encampment as a result of a tithe, fulfilling his family's duty to the wolfheall. He later changes his name to Isolfr and is bonded to a female wolf who is destined to become the leader of her own wolf pack. As a result, Isolfr is thrust into a strange, brutal, and fascinating world full of violence and sex.


I did not like this book at all. The bond between man and wolf was a rather interesting idea, and, when I first read the blurb at the library, it didn't seem to be quite bad of a book.The unusual character names made comprehension rather difficult. Often times I would find myself flipping back every couple of pages in an attempt to remember who this one character was. Also, there are several scenes of extremely graphic male-male sexual intercourse and in such a way that it can almost be considered as rape because Isolfr isn't quite eager. He is being forced to do things that he doesn't want to do, all because of his wolf. In the end, it leaves an unsatisfactory feeling because Isolfr has not found his happiness.