The Wolves of Midwinter

The Wolf Gift Chronicles, Book 2

By: Anne Rice

Narrated by: Ron McLarty

In Anne Rice's surprising and compelling best-selling novel, the first of her strange and mythic imagining of the world of wolfen powers, readers and listeners were spellbound as Rice conjured up a daring new world set against the wild and beckoning California coast.

Now in her new novel, as lush and romantic in detail and atmosphere as it is sleek and steely in storytelling, Anne Rice takes us once again to the rugged coastline of Northern California, to the grand mansion at Nideck Point, and further explores the unearthly education of her transformed Man Wolf.

The novel opens on a cold, gray landscape. It is the beginning of December. Oak fires are burning in the stately flickering hearths of Nideck Point. It is Yuletide. For Reuben Golding, now infused with the Wolf Gift and under the loving tutelage of the Morphenkinder, this promises to be a Christmas like no other...

The Yuletide season, sacred to much of the human race, has been equally sacred to the Man Wolves, and Reuben soon becomes aware that they, too, steeped in their own profound rituals, will celebrate the ancient Midwinter festival deep within the verdant richness of Nideck forest.

From out of the shadows of Nideck comes a ghost - tormented, imploring, unable to speak yet able to embrace and desire with desperate affection …. As Reuben finds himself caught up with - and drawn to - the passions and yearnings of this spectral presence.

Includes the Original Song "Exiles (The Wolves of Midwinter)", Performed by Mary Fahl.

"I devoured these pages . . . As solid and engaging as anything she has written since her early Vampire Chronicles fiction." (Alan Cheuse, The Boston Globe)

"A delectable cocktail of old-fashioned lost-race adventure, shape-shifting, and suspense." (Elizabeth Hand, The Washington Post)

©2013 Anne Rice (P)2013 Random House Audio

Part of a longer story

Would you try another book from Anne Rice and/or Ron McLarty?

Yes...because the story isn't over

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Set up for the next chapters

Do you think The Wolves of Midwinter needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Much more to write

Any additional comments?

Rice likes to wander through gothic corridors. Sometimes she gets a little carried away and loses direction. There was one time during the story where I shut it down and said,"Now....just where is the story heading? What events are holding me here?" things sometimes happened without conflict where conflict could've made the book more interesting. Examples: All of these ancient wolves just came together and accepted theses newbies with only one opposing them. That opponent was eliminated early, quickly, and by a girl! Another: New wolf wanders the woods on an early wolfly romp. He wanders into a woods, sees a woman. He reveals himself to her and she isn't afraid...she accepts him, then ends up having sex with him. Both scenes unrealistic even for a goth fantasy!

So.....why did I continue reading? As the characters wandered along, I got to like them! I wondered if the story would suddenly become more involved. It did a little. I still believe there is a deep plot in there somewhere waiting to be born....Book 3?

wonderful listening

this was a wonderful book. the narrator does a great job I'm bringing the story to life and giving the characters actual character. highly recommended this and the first book.

Not the best Anne Rice

I love Anne Rice's writing. This is not what I would consider one of her best.

Meh! Sorta mediocre

Well this book was boring. Nothing to exciting happens and there are lengthy descriptions of the locations that go on and on. Not my favorite of Rice’s books.

Ann Rice is BACK! Interesting, Fun Want more

I am an Ann Rice fan and missed her writings for a while, but no more--SHE’s BACK. Her new series the Wolf Gift Chronicles is just great. The warmth of her characterization makes you feel you know these people, in both their human and wolf forms. The descriptive series make you want to go walk around and enjoy the place described. The Christmas festival that I read about was amazing-if only I could have gone myself--but I did and enjoyed every minute.

I am awaiting book 3. Thank you Ann Rice for writing again.

Wonderful book!

As usual, Anne Rice does not disappoint in this book, the second book of the Wolf Gift series. She further develops the characters from the first book, and adds some new fascinating characters. As much as I enjoyed the first book, I have to say I enjoyed this one even more, because you get to know the characters better and learn more about their background stories. a page-turner I did not want to stop reading book

MIDWINTER

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It is a good book and has a good story line. And was easy to follow but it was a little long

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Wolves of Midwinter?

When they had the Christmas party. Showing they are not really that much different from everyone ells. Wanting attention but will to help the towns people out in anyway they could, and showing just like us they, they fight and argue among themselves. And try to work out their differences.

Which character – as performed by Ron McLarty – was your favorite?

I like Felix. He always seemed to have his act together even when is daughter died. He was the force that held the group together. and when the new members were added to the group it was him who supported them

Interesting Immortal Characters!

Listening to the sequel of The Wolf Gift was an absolute joy. Anne Rice’s description of setting, of the physicality of the characters, and, as always, the intricacies of each character’s being takes you to a different world. This world has its basis in the familiar world we know-family, friends, jobs. Through the characters we find ourselves in a supernatural world-but a world existing in the midst of the world in which we live, that we know to be reality. We hope to see/meet these characters at the next party, festival, or concert we attend. The realistic way we discover this fantastical fantasy world is what makes it so believable.

I have been a fan of Ron McLarty for many years. He is an experienced actor, writer, and director. This is evident in not only how he makes the story come alive, but also how the male AND FEMALE characters speak and interact with each other. His “wolf voices” show an organic transition from human to wolf-so believable!

Initially, I was unsure if this was Anne’s best work. After finishing both books, I was definitely WRONG! LISTEN TO THIS SERIES and travel once again to a lovely, yet dangerously conflicted immortal world! You will be so glad that you did!

Wolf stories

I enjoyed the follow up on the first story. Interesting side stories to the main story. Good listen.

Details, details, details...

Narration was superb. Ann Rice continues to dazzle with her attention to detail, drawing us further into her universe, captivating us, no, keeping us in shackles as our minds crave more.