Cover Image: Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves

Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves

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I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to mevia NetGalley. This book was just amazing. I just lost myself in this story anddidn’t want it to end. It was really well written and just drew in you intothese characters lives. I look forward to seeing what’s next from this author.

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Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves in exchange for an honest review!

It's a SCI-FI GIRL AND HER DOG STORY. I feel like that's all you need to know about this. My only real complaint was that I think this takes the "character starts off cold and unlikable" thing a bit too far and think her aunt's character should have been expanded a bit early so we could see them interact and experience Sena as a human character to help readers get invested earlier on, but when she starts to bond with Iska I was hooked.

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I was drawn to this story because the plot sounded unique and I had heard some positive mentions about it and I have to say, it lived up to most of them.

I was enthralled to find out what was happening to both the main character and her journey, and I was impressed with the balance, uniqueness, characters, and the world. That said I did have some minor issues: one, that the first half of this story was a bit dry and long winded and two, the repetitiveness of the main characters trauma was a bit overused. I understood, I didn’t need to be reminded so often.

Other reviewers have said this reminded them of the Max Max movies, others The Hunger Games books. I say mix those together with a very cold atmosphere, throw in an awesome dog and a kicka&* woman and you have a very good idea of this story. Action packed with amazing, courageous characters, an interesting world with new and different rules; this story is made for those who love adventure.

I received an ARC via Netgalley and Wednesday Books and I am leaving an honest review.

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I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves was such a fun adventure to dive into. In it, you will meet Sena and she's 17 years old and kind of a little bad ass. She lives in a tough place that kind of reminds me of Alaska but that's mostly because of the dog racing. While this town isn't the safest place to ever live, Sena knows the in's and out's due to her being a great thief. She wasn't really on anyone's shit list until she took a prized wolf from someone bloody important.

Now Sena had some likable traits to her but she made so many terrible decisions throughout the book. The entire time I kept thinking she was going to say '..but did you die?' after everything went chaotic. She never did but I said it to myself every now and then to spice things up. I'll even admit that she definitely knew her way around the frozen tundra and I think that's all because of her mom. This knowledge alone definitely helped keep her safe and the party she was with during this race.

As for the party? Well I think the two certain assholes definitely need to deal with some consequences if we ever get a sequel. I'm also glad another certain asshole met my friend karma. Oh and the Iska. It was beautiful and I almost slipped a tear of joy from my eyes.

I'm not sure what the heck is going to happen after that little cliffhanger but I really hope that we get another book. If not, I will be very disappointed in myself for getting my own hopes up because this definitely can't stay being a standalone. I just wont allow it. It's unacceptable in my eyes.

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A great book that got me out of my reading slump. Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves was incredibly fast-paced, with a strong lead character who's focused on surviving as an orphan on a frozen planet. It reminded me of a sci-fi Alaskan dog-sled race with the excitement of relatable space cultures. I'd read anything else by Meg Long and look forward to doing so.

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I enjoyed this book way more than I anticipated and I’m so happy I able to read it!

The pacing was a bit slow up until about 30% in but once the actions starts and it really picks up, it was hard to stop reading.

Sena was such a likable, determined character and although I found her actions a bit frustrating at times, I still related to drive.

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Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves focuses on an ice-cold planet with a girl determined to get off it. Since her mothers passed away, Sena no longer has any family on the planet. Leaving the planet is easier said than done, especially once Sena crosses a local gangster. Now Sena has a debt to pay and the clock is ticking. Sena is then approached by scientists who offer to help if she can get them to the end of a treacherous sled race. While Sena has sworn never to participate in the race that stole her mothers’ lives, she may no longer have a choice.

Sena is a determined, fiercely independent character who refuses to take the easy way out. Iska, the wolf that Sena encounters, was one of my favorite characters!! It was heartwarming to see how Sena and Iska developed such a close bond and fought to make it to the end of the race. Meg Long has put an incredible amount of thought into what it’s like to live in this type of extreme cold and it shows in the details of the tundra. I really liked how Sena utilized the survival lessons learned from her mothers, it was a nice connection. I found the beginning to be a little bit slow, but it really picks up once Sena meets Iska and the scientific team. Once the preparation for the race starts, you won’t be able to put it down!

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves stories of survival, animal companionship, and fierce characters. This was a very fun read and I’m excited to see what Meg Long writes next! Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves releases on January 11, 2022. Thank you to Meg Long, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on the publication date and I will publish it on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble etc

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This was a very interesting read. Sena was a bit annoying in the beginning but she grew on me once the race began. This was a very action packed read which kept the story moving at a good pace and I enjoyed that. I thought the relationship Sena had with Iska was really well done and you can feel the importance of it. They are similar in a lot of ways when it comes to their upbringing as outcasts.

The world building was a miss for me. It felt very irrelevant and I think the story would've been better if just set on Earth itself in an Arctic place. I didn't understand the other planets and all the sci-fi elements and to me it didn't really lend anything to the story.

If you're looking for an adventure in the world of sled racing than I think you'd enjoy this one very much. I think it'd be interesting to read more within the world to get a better understanding of it but as far as this one went I enjoyed it overall.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for the advanced copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own.

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This book is a unique and enjoyable diversion from my normal diet of ya fantasy. Although the premise might not seem like much, the setting is captivating and it's got a plot based on character development, rather than romance like your traditional ya book these days. This book feels like a well researched, well loved project, and the writing definitely proves that. Thank you to NetGalley and Meg Long for providing me an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This was such a well written and engaging read. The author did a great job with world building and character building in the initial chapters of the book so that I was hooked and eager to learn more. PAcing was solid and didn't feel like it dragged at all. The stakes were high but didn't feel unrealistic or unbelievable.

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Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with a digital copy for review.

I was fortunate enough to be given early access to Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves, and I am so grateful because it was a whirlwind that I could not put down! Right from the beginning I knew Sena was one tough heroine and someone I could root for. At the beginning of the story she's lost her way, alone, and still grieving the deaths of her mothers that occurred five years ago. She wants nothing to do with the race that killed them, even though it's basically the only way off her frozen world of Tundar. When she's tasked with healing the local crime boss's prized fighting wolf, she vows to do it as quickly as possible, not allowing herself to get attached because the wolf reminds her of her mother, who trained racing wolves back when Sena was a young girl. But, circumstances being what they are, Sena and the wolf are eventually forced to flee and join the very race she despises. What happens from there left me experiencing the full spectrum of emotions. I laughed, cried, and rooted for this unlikely pair until the very end.

I loved the writing style in this. Even though it's told in first person, the reader still gets a sense of the other characters and are distinguished enough that they don't fall flat. The pacing was great, although I think I would've liked to see a bit more of the race itself. Other than that, this was an easy five star read that any fan of young adult, survival stories, and strong bonds between human and animal will thoroughly love.

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Mad Max….. but wolf sled racing. On a frozen planet à la Hoth. I mean, come on, how can you not be curious?

The story starts a wee bit slow—but around the 50% marks it takes off at breakneck speed. The world-building is savage and atmospheric, the stakes high and the action packed. I appreciated how the story deals with trauma. Sena’s flashbacks and grief was very tangible, if a little repetitive. She does show real growth, and her friendships with Iska the wolf and Remy are fantastic. But what made this book is the vibrant characters and their friendships. Everyone needs a Remy in their lives.

If anything, it took a while to get into the story, and the left-leaning agenda was pretty strong—it seeeeeemed like the hidden message was that capitalism is the epitome of greed, and we are walloped over the head on every other page that Sena’s two moms died, and that seems to be most of Sena’s personality.

But overall, Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves is a fast-paced survivalist thriller with a delicious amount of intense atmosphere and found family. 3.5 stars.

Also, 2021 is KILLING it with its title and cover game.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc!

-Ande

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🐺 Cold The Night, Fast The Wolves by Meg Long 🐺

This YA sci fi/dystopian novel truly took me by surprise. I don’t read many YA SciFi but this book might just make me reconsider my priorities.

The main character, Sena, is a badass character who lives on an ice planet. She mostly a lonely girl since the death of her parents, and has no choice but fight for survival. She finds herself in a situation where she has to take care of a severely injured wolf, who in a way reminds me of Sena.

When Sena’s situation worsens, she barely escapes with the wolf on her tail. This story is about fighting the odds to survive when every single element seems to have been designed to kill you. Sena embarks in both a physical and psychological journey with a wolf she isn’t quite sure is going to help her or attack her. You can easily relate and root for the main character and you get attached to the wolves very fast.

This story will keep you on the edge of your seat. The book starts slowly but picks up pretty fast and past 30% of the book, it’s truly packed with action. It was very hard to put down this book. The story is one of friendship, love and respect. It’s a fight for survival. This story also did make me tear up at times as there are sad moments.

Remy and Pana are characters that brought so much to the story. I truly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys fast paced adventure and badass characters.

Thank you so much @wednesdaybooks for gifting me this e-arc of Cold The Night, Fast The Wolves by Meg Long. This review is my own.

If you liked Fable or Sky in The Deep by Adrienne Young, give this one a try. 😊

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i saw the cover of this book and immediately fell in love with the illustration. and then i read it and fell in love with the story.

"cold the night, fast the wolves" is a wonderful story about survival, about family- found both in the shape of a wolf and actual humans. about a girl and her stubbornness to live.

i loved the connection between sena and iska, the wolf. the author did such a good job expressing the emotional bond one can have with an animal. it tugged at my heartstrings and i did tear up at one part of the story. sena as a character was so well written and i loved her development from being so closed-off to finally accepting the help of other people.

the side characters were amazingly crafted as well. they weren't there just for the plot to advance and i really appreciated that fact. i loved both remy and pana, but remy has to be my favourite. she's so witty. plus - found family. who doesn't love that trope?

the setting of the story was so well done. i really enjoyed reading about the lore of the planet- the plants and the wild animals were so interesting. also loved the race part of the book. it kept me engaged until the end.

in conclusion, i loved this book sm. i think this will be my favourite read of 2021. it's fast paced, it has amazing characters and the found family aspect was so well handled.

thank you to netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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So I almost didn't finish this at 2%. Everyone has their trigger, and anything involving animals being hurt is mine. I'm glad I kept reading though because this proved to be such a beautiful (and tough and touching and moving and sad) read.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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“Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves” feels like part sci-fi and part YA dystopian with a tough female main character that readers will cheer for. The prose is easy to follow and flows well. Sena is snappy and a bit harsh, but I loved that about her character! The author also wrote Kalba’s character very well, his malice is larger than life. Over the course of the story, the author continues to develop the relationship between Sena and Iska which I appreciated. The fact that the initial unease grew into loyalty felt realistic and well thought out.

Overall I enjoyed this one and would recommend it to readers who enjoy sci-fi and dystopian novels!

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With a difficult title to remember, I wasn't sure what to expect from Long's new book. Sena is a pickpocket who does what she needs to survive on a harsh planet overrun by thieves, tourists and monsters. She spends much of the first part of the book running away from the legacy of her parents and in the end she is forced to chose. Does she follow in their footsteps or keep the walls she has built to protect herself? This book is fast paced and easy to follow along. I honestly loved it until the ending. Because realistically does a dog belong on a space ship?? Not sure why this bothers me but it does. lol Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for giving me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. Im rounding up to 5 stars but this was a 4.5 for me based on the ending.

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First, let’s all just agree that the cover is stunning!

WHITE FANG meets IRON WILL with a strong female protagonist on another planet. Sena refuses to race because her mother’s died doing it. But there’s not many other ways to make money so she can get off the planet; except thieving. Sena gets caught stealing and must work for the local crime boss, Kalba. She’s supposed to use her herbal knowledge to save the wolf. But staying alive will be the ultimate race against time, the elements, the animals, and the people who are trying to kill them.

The plot moves as quickly as a sled pulled through the snow by vonenwolves. The stakes are high and Sena and her wolf must give their all just to stay alive. Friendships and character development are the driving features of the story. A riveting race to the final page.

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Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long
Releases 1/11/2022
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I was surprised by how much I loved this story. I’m a huge animal lover and the treatment of the wolves had me a bit nervous since we start off with one severely hurt, but I’m so glad the author didn’t shy away from the reality of this fierce society.
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This is an alien planet with alien wildlife that humans have colonized despite the harsh living conditions because it’s rich in an element the entire galaxy uses. Sena is young and basically alone, stealing just to survive. When she gets caught she’s forced to use the skills her dead mother passed onto her to help a wolf named Iska heal from severe injuries and then survive the elements in a race she never wanted to run.
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You will hate the crime boss and root for Sena whose basically an underdog because of her race, age, and poverty. Iska maybe a wolf but she stole my heart and I love her loyalty to Sena. There is lots of action and I loved that she makes friends, overcomes impossible odds, and has a big heart despite the hardships she endures. Five Stars for sure.
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Thank you #netgalley and Wednesday Books/St. Martin’s Press for a free copy of this book for an unbiased review. #coldthenightfastthewolves #meglong #ctnftw

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Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long is an excellent, addictive, and fast-paced novel that has mystery, suspense, fantasy, and is truly unique and gripping.

This book is a bit out of my normal genres, but I am very glad I took the chance to dip my toes into this one.


I loved the mishmash of concepts. There is an alternate world/society…almost like a doomsday/post-apocalyptic feel, evil characters, alien-ish beings, humans, and animals. There are dark elements, but also rays of light and hope peak through as well. There are canine and sled racing with incredibly high stakes and huge risks and potential payoffs. There are also elements that transcend any genre: hope, trust, overcoming adversity, good vs evil, family, and friendship.

I loved the relationship between Sena and the wolf Iska. Imperfect, both flawed, and both coming from difficult backgrounds, they are thrust together into a situation not to their liking, but once together learn to work together and trust one another to try to come out on top and survive not only the race in question, but also to triumph and survive their situations.

It was raw, real (despite the scifi ), and wonderful. I can’t wait to see where this goes next.

5/5 stars

Thank you Ng and Wednesday Books/ St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

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