Track of the White Wolf

I am a long-time fan of the Cheysuli Chronicles. Of the series I find this book to be the least gripping - in that I could actually put it down - but it is also the most moving of the series, several scenes are intense and very well written. You feel the emotion of what is not said as much as what is. Whilst the book can be read without having read the first three books, it is much better to have read them as you have an understanding and affection for the continuing characters such as Rowan and Donal.

In my review of "Legacy of the Sword", the previous book in the Chronicles of the Cheysuli series, I said I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue reading the series. I'm glad I did. This book was much more enjoyable to me than the previous one. Niall, the main character and the son of Donal and Aislinn and heir to the Lion Throne, is very likeable, and a major component of the book is his struggle with his own identity. It's not as dark as the previous books and doesn't have as much war and fighting. It is not without these things, however, and by the end of the book Niall has acquired some scars from his battles. In addition, we begin to see a different side to the Ihlini, the other magical race who have up to now been portrayed as the evil opponents of the Cheysuli. It ends with some interesting and complex developments in the offing.Now I feel much better about continuing to read the rest of the series.

This is one of the best chronicles in the whole wide world. I love it so much.

This book is my favorite in the Cheysuli series, closely followed by Pride of Princes, Flight of the Raven, and Tapestry of Lions. If you got slowed down by book 2 & 3, don't give up, 4 is a winner. "Track of the White Wolf" stars Niall who, while not perfect, is very easy to like. The book also explores a different side to the Ilhini--a race of sorcerers considered all evil by the Cheysuli. We (and Niall) see that stereotyping all Ilini as evil is as foolish as stereotyping all Cheysuli as good. This book also features an index for definition (and pronounciation) guide of common Cheysuli words. Anyone who hasn't read the first 3 can jump right in-- "Track of the White Wolf" stands on it's own.