“The Wolf’s Curse” is an inquisitive tale, which J. Vitalis weaves into a masterpiece. Captivating the reader into a world similar to our own, she seamlessly conveys the reader though an interesting and witty perspective.

Gauge finds himself labeled as a “voyant”, shunned from all he knows; when his beloved grandpapá departs for The Sea-in-the-Sky. Losing a loved one is never easy, even when imminent. The recent void has Gauge questioning what he should do, who will protect him, and how to avoid death for being labeled a “voyant”?

“The Wolf’s Curse” is a tale of wonder, story of life and death, perceptions and traditions, a story of change, one of belief, and one of hope.

I thoroughly enjoyed J. Vitalis’s writing style and the ingenious analogies throughout. I am looking forward to see what she has in store for us next.

A sincere thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children’s Books, and Greenwillow Books for providing me an advance copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read this story and leave my review voluntarily.

I throughly enjoyed this book! I only wished I could have listened to it on audiobook because I am absolutely positive my own kids would have adored this story! The potential for a full cast of voices and characters would bring this beautiful story to life. Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This fantastical tale of love, death, grief and the rituals we create to keep us tethered to life amid loss is wrapped up in an exciting adventure. Set in a wholly unique world, and told from a unique and very well executed POV, THE WOLF’S CURSE is a rich and heart affirming book. With multiple layers of meaning this is a story readers can come back to time and time again and keep finding new meaning and insight.
Highly recommend for upper Mg readers.

Thank you to Greenwillow/HarperCollins and NetGalley for the Arc

You would think a story narrated by a grim reaper type character would be depressing, especially after a year with so many deaths. But the author weaves a story full of wonder, and heart. Gauge's pursuit of peace for his grandfather explores the traditions created around death, that may ultimately be more for those left behind. A beautiful story beautifully told.

This story follows a young boy who has been rejected by his community because of a gift that even he doesn’t understand. A wolf keeps showing up when things go awry, but is the wolf there to help or is the wolf the cause of all the chaos?

There are so many foundational understandings introduced in this book. I am not sure that the audience this book is meant to reach will walk away from it understanding what they have just learned, but it will plant that seed that will spur recognition later in life.

The death of the boy’s grandfather and then the death of another shows how differently people are treated and comforted. It also points out how sometimes the ‘comfort’ services exploit the bereaved for financial gain. If you can afford to live extravagantly, you can afford to die with dignity. But if you are just getting by, death can rack up a bill that will put your family close to death as well.

The book doesn’t dwell on these issues as it entertains, but it also doesn’t hold back the ugliness of the predators that come calling when you are at your lowest.