Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Ace (2003), 400 pages
Description
Louisiana, 2065. A lot has changed in the forty-third year of the Kurian Order. Possessed of an unnatural and legendary hunger, the bloodthirsty Reapers have come to Earth to establish a New Order built on the harvesting of enslaved human souls. They rule the planet. They thrive on the scent of fear. And if it is night, as sure as darkness, they will come. On this pitiless world, the indomitable spirit of mankind still breathes in Lieutenant David Valentine. Brought into the Wolves--an elite guerrilla force sworn to win back Earth--Valentine leads his first command in the Kurian Zone. Driven by the losses of his past and the hope of a future, Valentine is in it to win. No matter how long it takes. No matter what doom awaits him beyond his wildest nightmares. Bonus Audio: Includes an exclusive introduction by author E.E. Knight.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member kayceel
This was pretty interesting - it has tons of elements that I love, inlcuding vampires (though they're a bit...strange), survivors of the "end of the world," underdogs fighting their oppressors, tough as hell characters...
The main character, David Valentine, is that sort of guy who only exists in
The format of the book is a bit annoying: every charpter begins with an italicized "let's sum up where we are now!" introduction, and while I understand what the aim of this was, I still could have done without it. The same sort of thing (flashing forward in thime past stuff that really doesn't need focusing on) is done much better (though without the supernatural elements) in Stirling's apocalypse series beginning with Dies the Fire.
Despite my jokes and pickiness, I did enjoy this. The slightly different take on vampirism, added to the apocalypse/humans-as-underdogs, is very compelling, and despite Valentine's handsome, smart, deadly, yet sensitive, completely unrealistic character, I do like him. He's a total stud, and were I in this book, I'd stick to him like glue, and be assured of my survival... I will definitely be following Valentine's exploits in more of this series' books!
The main character, David Valentine, is that sort of guy who only exists in
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fiction: orphaned in a horrible manner, and not only survives, but becomes all the more focused as a result. He's raised by a priest/teacher, and therefore becomes very educated and learns to question and to think *deeply*. He also thinks out of the box (for lack of a better term), and has an uncanny talent for sensing vampires. But that comes later...The format of the book is a bit annoying: every charpter begins with an italicized "let's sum up where we are now!" introduction, and while I understand what the aim of this was, I still could have done without it. The same sort of thing (flashing forward in thime past stuff that really doesn't need focusing on) is done much better (though without the supernatural elements) in Stirling's apocalypse series beginning with Dies the Fire.
Despite my jokes and pickiness, I did enjoy this. The slightly different take on vampirism, added to the apocalypse/humans-as-underdogs, is very compelling, and despite Valentine's handsome, smart, deadly, yet sensitive, completely unrealistic character, I do like him. He's a total stud, and were I in this book, I'd stick to him like glue, and be assured of my survival... I will definitely be following Valentine's exploits in more of this series' books!
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LibraryThing member the_hag
The main character in this book is David Valentine, an orphan taken in by the local priest and we are shown his general development from childhood, through his training, and into young adulthood, with the parts about his training and young adulthood being more detailed than his childhood. In the
What we get in the Way of the Wolf (the first book in the Vampire Earth Series) is a post-apocalyptic world complete with characters that ring true (even if they are a little flat and one dimensional)...here you see the best and worst of human nature close up and while the world this new world is a violent and unpredictable, we still find flashes of happiness, humor and love as humanity survives and adapts to life in the Kurian Order. Additionally because Knight places the story not too far into the future, we still have characters that remember life before the Kurian order, so the author cleverly gives himself access to literature, television and other popular culture references that might not otherwise be available and I think this helps keep the story from being too bleak and depressing and keeping it accessible/familiar to the reader.
The way of the Wolf was in the Science Fiction section...but I think it has broader appeal than that and could be considered a mix of horror, sci-fi, mysticism, and dystopian society. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this...and while I'm a true horror fan and was a bit disappointed that this isn't more about the "vampires" I wasn't disappointed in the overall feel of the book. It's dark, depressing (sometimes oppressively so) and just plain disgusting in places...but it also has an authentic feel to it that is very appealing despite the bleakness of it all. The story is told in a kind of slice-of-life fashion that at give the book a bit of a disjoined feel...but which serves, I think to give a real rounded look at life under the Kurian order from the "free territory" to those living with the reality of day to day life living directly under the influence of the Kurians and their minions. Since this is a "debut" novel, I can only assume Knight's style and storyline will only get better, so I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series, as I'm quite anxious to see what becomes of Valentine! I give it a B+, it's a good, entertaining read...but it's not without problems.
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Way of the Wolf, Valentine is chosen by a "good" Kurian, a Lifeweaver, to become a Wolf, an elite warrior with the finely honed senses and strength of a wolf. The purpose of the Wolves is to help destroy the minions of the Kurians (Reapers) and protect the safety of the Free Territory. What we get in the Way of the Wolf (the first book in the Vampire Earth Series) is a post-apocalyptic world complete with characters that ring true (even if they are a little flat and one dimensional)...here you see the best and worst of human nature close up and while the world this new world is a violent and unpredictable, we still find flashes of happiness, humor and love as humanity survives and adapts to life in the Kurian Order. Additionally because Knight places the story not too far into the future, we still have characters that remember life before the Kurian order, so the author cleverly gives himself access to literature, television and other popular culture references that might not otherwise be available and I think this helps keep the story from being too bleak and depressing and keeping it accessible/familiar to the reader.
The way of the Wolf was in the Science Fiction section...but I think it has broader appeal than that and could be considered a mix of horror, sci-fi, mysticism, and dystopian society. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this...and while I'm a true horror fan and was a bit disappointed that this isn't more about the "vampires" I wasn't disappointed in the overall feel of the book. It's dark, depressing (sometimes oppressively so) and just plain disgusting in places...but it also has an authentic feel to it that is very appealing despite the bleakness of it all. The story is told in a kind of slice-of-life fashion that at give the book a bit of a disjoined feel...but which serves, I think to give a real rounded look at life under the Kurian order from the "free territory" to those living with the reality of day to day life living directly under the influence of the Kurians and their minions. Since this is a "debut" novel, I can only assume Knight's style and storyline will only get better, so I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series, as I'm quite anxious to see what becomes of Valentine! I give it a B+, it's a good, entertaining read...but it's not without problems.
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LibraryThing member dswaddell
An interesting combination of horror, vampire, mysticism and military adventure. This book does a good job of establishing a base world and characters that will have to be fleshed out a bit in later books of the series.
LibraryThing member TheCrow2
A better-than mediocre SF with some horror elements. Lots of cliches, two dimensional characters and déja vu feelings but it's a good evening reading. Nothing more and nothing less....
LibraryThing member NightHawk777
When I first began this book, it reminded me of Stargate Atlantis.
Mysterious doors that connect distant planets (stargates).
Vampiric beings from these other places using humans as cattle (wraith).
This resemblance was only on the surface. The setting of this book is actually in the US Midwest and
"One of the barking dogs decided nothing interesting was going to happen and flopped on its side with a sudden motion, almost as if it had been shot."
If you've had pets or been around animals much, you'll enjoy the descriptions of their different personalities and behaviors, which give a nice flavor to the story.
I also really enjoyed the descriptions of the locations. They seemed very genuine and realistic. Maybe the fact that I've been in most of these places helps.
The feeling of history and culture comes through quite often, and it's a nice change to see a fantasy story with the US heartland and South as a backdrop. I don't mean in the big cities, but in the country, the mountains, the farmlands.
The action is good. The descriptions of battles, fighting, and weapons all feel realistic.
The story itself is a dark tale where humans are basically cattle, hunted by creatures called Reapers. The earth is apparently in disarray, and the conquering forces (Kurians) use the Reapers to rule through fear. The Reapers are the vampires of the story.
There are another set of aliens known collectively as Grogs. These appear to be used as foot soldiers for larger battles.
Between the Kurians, Reapers and Grogs, apparently most of earth has been conquered.
There are humans known as quislings that aid the Kurians in their ruling of the earth. It seems some of them do so in hopes of obtaining a token that is basically a "Don't Eat Me" ultimate badge of survival.
There are other humans who have not caved in to the Kurians. There are hints of several such places, but we learn of one in the Ozarks. They are basically the resistance.
A third type of human are people who live in the sort of contested area's between the KZ and the free territories. These are battled over by both sides.
There is a fourth special subset of humans, known as Hunters. These are people who are in a special forces type of military group. They are in at least three varieties that I am aware of, Wolves, Cats, and Bears. These great warriors are used to strike, raid, or spy in the KZ.
One humorous comment from a Wolf:
"Ever drunk water out of a hoof print to wash down a couple handfuls of ground up ants?"
If you like adventure tinged with horror, chances are you'll enjoy Way of the Wolf.
Mysterious doors that connect distant planets (stargates).
Vampiric beings from these other places using humans as cattle (wraith).
This resemblance was only on the surface. The setting of this book is actually in the US Midwest and
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part of the US South. The descriptions of the places, people, animals, plants were all wonderfully written. There are so many nice little touches, for example:"One of the barking dogs decided nothing interesting was going to happen and flopped on its side with a sudden motion, almost as if it had been shot."
If you've had pets or been around animals much, you'll enjoy the descriptions of their different personalities and behaviors, which give a nice flavor to the story.
I also really enjoyed the descriptions of the locations. They seemed very genuine and realistic. Maybe the fact that I've been in most of these places helps.
The feeling of history and culture comes through quite often, and it's a nice change to see a fantasy story with the US heartland and South as a backdrop. I don't mean in the big cities, but in the country, the mountains, the farmlands.
The action is good. The descriptions of battles, fighting, and weapons all feel realistic.
The story itself is a dark tale where humans are basically cattle, hunted by creatures called Reapers. The earth is apparently in disarray, and the conquering forces (Kurians) use the Reapers to rule through fear. The Reapers are the vampires of the story.
There are another set of aliens known collectively as Grogs. These appear to be used as foot soldiers for larger battles.
Between the Kurians, Reapers and Grogs, apparently most of earth has been conquered.
There are humans known as quislings that aid the Kurians in their ruling of the earth. It seems some of them do so in hopes of obtaining a token that is basically a "Don't Eat Me" ultimate badge of survival.
There are other humans who have not caved in to the Kurians. There are hints of several such places, but we learn of one in the Ozarks. They are basically the resistance.
A third type of human are people who live in the sort of contested area's between the KZ and the free territories. These are battled over by both sides.
There is a fourth special subset of humans, known as Hunters. These are people who are in a special forces type of military group. They are in at least three varieties that I am aware of, Wolves, Cats, and Bears. These great warriors are used to strike, raid, or spy in the KZ.
One humorous comment from a Wolf:
"Ever drunk water out of a hoof print to wash down a couple handfuls of ground up ants?"
If you like adventure tinged with horror, chances are you'll enjoy Way of the Wolf.
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LibraryThing member crazybatcow
I hadn't expected much - this genre tends to be stereotyped and cheesy.
I really like how this future was woven into our "real" existence - the story is linked to events that occurred milennia ago and is acceptably believable that events could occur this way.
Near the middle it got a tad bit
For the most part, the story is told from the point of view of the main character (Valentine) but from time to time it seems to switch to an independent "narrator" who presents some history/explanation of the geography/politics/new world order... it's not particularly annoying, but seems to change the tone of the story and eliminates some of the tension/suspense as to whether or not Valentine will make out okay.
There isn't a cliffhanger, but it's clear that this book is intended to be part of a longer series - one which I'll be reading because I want to find out how we make out against the bad aliens!
I really like how this future was woven into our "real" existence - the story is linked to events that occurred milennia ago and is acceptably believable that events could occur this way.
Near the middle it got a tad bit
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"lecturey" on political subjects (war, racial politics, international politics, etc) but not nearly as bad as most apocalyptic stories which usually blame the apocalypse on [insert rival political party/government here]For the most part, the story is told from the point of view of the main character (Valentine) but from time to time it seems to switch to an independent "narrator" who presents some history/explanation of the geography/politics/new world order... it's not particularly annoying, but seems to change the tone of the story and eliminates some of the tension/suspense as to whether or not Valentine will make out okay.
There isn't a cliffhanger, but it's clear that this book is intended to be part of a longer series - one which I'll be reading because I want to find out how we make out against the bad aliens!
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LibraryThing member sensitivemuse
The format in which this book is done is interesting. I haven’t come across this until now. For a good part of the novel, you get what looks like short stories of Valentine’s life before the actual plot begins. I understand how some readers thought this wasn’t the most perfect way to
The setting is also interesting, however it took me a while to finally get the hang of it (without consulting the glossary at the back). The vampires here are ruthless and evil, so you will definitely not find the romantic stereotype anywhere in this book. There’s a blend of post apocalyptic characteristics, with dark fantasy, and science fiction elements. So really you have a good mixture of just about everything in here. Personally, I like the dark fantasy and post apocalyptic parts. Earth really is a bleak place to be and the descriptions, and characters enhance the setting.
Valentine is all right as a character. He does seem like your most awesome hero and at times it could get a little annoying. I wish he could have a bit of a darker edge to him (ie: he could be a jerk once in a while) but he seems to be your average good guy with a troubled past. I suppose that’s not too bad although it could be considered cliche and overdone by other readers.
What I did enjoy most about the novel is the overall plot. The pace was good although certain areas did experience a bit of a bump here and there. However all I will ask is for the author to not do any more romantic scenes and I’m shuddering to think if there will be more romance in the other books to follow. I read a particular romance moment and I just about nearly choked. Really? a man would do what Valentine did?? that’s just gross! after having a fit for about a few minutes I resumed with the story (Apologies for not being specific. It is detailed and explicit so I won’t go further than that). After finishing the book I still found that particular passage to be still unnerving. That’s the only part that I strongly dislike in the book. Seriously, just take the romance out of this. It wasn’t necessary and the plot was fine without it!
This was a nice interesting start to what looks like an action packed series. I’m definitely going to follow this series for sure. If you like dark fantasy with sci fi elements in a post apocalyptic world try this. Plus, the vampires aren’t sparkling. You might just like it!
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introduce the story. However I thought it was not only different but a good way to introduce the main character, and his background, with background information about the setting in this way. You follow Valentine throughout his youth, then you follow him through the period on where he first starts training to become a “Wolf” (a special elite unit). It’s not until a good later part of the book is where the actual plot begins. I liked this kind of introduction. It made getting to know Valentine easier. It gave Valentine a three dimensional form and it chronicles his development in good detail.The setting is also interesting, however it took me a while to finally get the hang of it (without consulting the glossary at the back). The vampires here are ruthless and evil, so you will definitely not find the romantic stereotype anywhere in this book. There’s a blend of post apocalyptic characteristics, with dark fantasy, and science fiction elements. So really you have a good mixture of just about everything in here. Personally, I like the dark fantasy and post apocalyptic parts. Earth really is a bleak place to be and the descriptions, and characters enhance the setting.
Valentine is all right as a character. He does seem like your most awesome hero and at times it could get a little annoying. I wish he could have a bit of a darker edge to him (ie: he could be a jerk once in a while) but he seems to be your average good guy with a troubled past. I suppose that’s not too bad although it could be considered cliche and overdone by other readers.
What I did enjoy most about the novel is the overall plot. The pace was good although certain areas did experience a bit of a bump here and there. However all I will ask is for the author to not do any more romantic scenes and I’m shuddering to think if there will be more romance in the other books to follow. I read a particular romance moment and I just about nearly choked. Really? a man would do what Valentine did?? that’s just gross! after having a fit for about a few minutes I resumed with the story (Apologies for not being specific. It is detailed and explicit so I won’t go further than that). After finishing the book I still found that particular passage to be still unnerving. That’s the only part that I strongly dislike in the book. Seriously, just take the romance out of this. It wasn’t necessary and the plot was fine without it!
This was a nice interesting start to what looks like an action packed series. I’m definitely going to follow this series for sure. If you like dark fantasy with sci fi elements in a post apocalyptic world try this. Plus, the vampires aren’t sparkling. You might just like it!
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LibraryThing member revslick
Louis L'Amour would be proud. This is the best western I've read in a long time. Please note that the post-apocalyptic, alien, vampire tale enclosed is masquerading as a western, but it is a delightfully satisfying western at its core.
LibraryThing member Jarandel
Liked the world-building in this one, and the take on vampires.
Less thrilled with how most of the female characters who do get some screen time show a rather distressing patternof all ending up endangered and/or dying horribly as hero motivational fuel .
Less thrilled with how most of the female characters who do get some screen time show a rather distressing pattern
LibraryThing member jimmaclachlan
The first in an interesting, post apocalyptic series. The earth has been invaded & the story unfolds from the POV of Valentine, a soldier in the resistance. Exactly what invaded & how is left a bit open. We know they are the Kurians, but not what they look like or exactly what their abilities are.
Half the interest of the series is that there aren't many certainties. Odd creatures, a broken civilization plus infighting among the conquerors all make for a rather confusing mix for our hero to sort out. Not only are there a lot of moral gray areas, but it's difficult to tell the good guys from the bad guys a lot of times. The resistance is a piecemeal affair, several major organizations plus a lot of folks that just want to live free. Some of the new arrivals are good guys, interested in helping mankind, while others aren't interested in them at all.
Each book adds to Valentine's, thus our, knowledge of the world. It's a hard one & he faces some very tough choices. He's not a super hero, but a pretty tough guy in a very hard situation doing the best he can.
Overall, I'd rate the series with 3.5 stars. The first couple of books were excellent, a couple are just OK & a few were pretty awesome.
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Other creatures came with them & our civilization was devastated with much of mankind becoming slaves & food. Half the interest of the series is that there aren't many certainties. Odd creatures, a broken civilization plus infighting among the conquerors all make for a rather confusing mix for our hero to sort out. Not only are there a lot of moral gray areas, but it's difficult to tell the good guys from the bad guys a lot of times. The resistance is a piecemeal affair, several major organizations plus a lot of folks that just want to live free. Some of the new arrivals are good guys, interested in helping mankind, while others aren't interested in them at all.
Each book adds to Valentine's, thus our, knowledge of the world. It's a hard one & he faces some very tough choices. He's not a super hero, but a pretty tough guy in a very hard situation doing the best he can.
Overall, I'd rate the series with 3.5 stars. The first couple of books were excellent, a couple are just OK & a few were pretty awesome.
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LibraryThing member jimmaclachlan
This was an excellent read, but I read it when it first came out a decade ago or so. Since then I've kept up with the series & enjoyed it, but it was very nice to go back to it in audio format. Excellent reader & Knight does his own little foreword - very short, sweet, & to the point.
This is the
There is a strong military thread in the book, some light romance, & plenty of adventure. For all the wonderful detail, it's a fairly quick read. I can't recommend this series highly enough in both written & audio format.
This is the
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beginning of a journey in a really neat, very realistic world. The 'vampires' & other monsters are not the normal UF or PNR fare at all, but more of an SF take on it. Our civilization has been shattered & the way people are coping is awesome. No super heroes, although there are plenty of heroic & despicable deeds, but the people are very real. There are no angels, but devils abound while most are somewhere in between. They're regular people in hard situations doing the best they can. Sometimes they don't measure up or die trying.There is a strong military thread in the book, some light romance, & plenty of adventure. For all the wonderful detail, it's a fairly quick read. I can't recommend this series highly enough in both written & audio format.
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LibraryThing member krazykiwi
Stargate meets Falling Skies, with added Vampires.
Likeable protagonist, good dialogue and action set pieces, let down by intermittent info-dumping and said protagonist being quite the Marty Stu, and that it's all wrapped up in an oddly episodic wandering plotline that doesn't really take off until
Full review @Booklikes.
Likeable protagonist, good dialogue and action set pieces, let down by intermittent info-dumping and said protagonist being quite the Marty Stu, and that it's all wrapped up in an oddly episodic wandering plotline that doesn't really take off until
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far too late in the book for me.Full review @Booklikes.
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Subjects
Awards
Compton Crook Award (Winner — 2004)
Darrell Award (2004)
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
400 p.; 4.2 inches
ISBN
0451459393 / 9780451459398