When the cave that acts as the home for their pack is in danger, the elderly wolf leader Rinzler uses the magical abilities passed down from his ancestors to help protect the wolves under his care. To do so, he casts a spell that results in him, a wolf named Lily, and her sister wolf Zinnia falling into a deep sleep that places them on the very edge of death. Before he succumbs to the effects of the spell, he sends other wolves—Jasper and Iris—to find his daughter Daffodil and guide her through the dangerous forbidden forest. As the story progresses, Daffodil comes to learn more about the powers passed down through her family, encounters dogs who reside in the “human place” near the forest, and then must lead her new pack against the vengeful Smoke-Dealers.

This novel is impressive from such a young writer (a ten-year-old). The wolves occupy their own mystical world of long-held traditions with mythological roots. Human beings live not far from all these fantastical events, but they are always on the periphery of the action. It is the dogs living around the human habitations who can interact with Daffodil and her companions and who can participate as characters in the larger story that unfolds. This tale is very much in the same line as other novels and book series where there are groups of creatures with their own unique cultures and folktales, and who often go on journeys during which they overcome challenges and gain members. However, although this story is in the same line, it has its own distinctive voice and memorable characters. It is a joy to read for animal lovers everywhere, and especially for anyone who is fond of wolves.

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