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  • Fans of Dog and Wolf, one of the beloved Aesop’s Fables, or those who have ever wondered how the first dog came into being, will be captivated by the powerful novel The First Wolf Pack: A Dog’s Fable. With its rich descriptions and memorable characters, the story is a heartwarming and action-packed journey into ancient history told from the perspective of a modern dog. You will discover what every dog knows about the true beginnings of human civilization and the connection between man, wolf, and dog.

    From the Reader’s Perspective

    You’ve heard what the publisher says, but what are readers and reviewers saying? Here is a taste of some of the well-deserved praise:

    Loved it! 
    “A mythical story of the ancient origin of wolf packs told second-hand by a modern dog that shares lessons of cooperation and compassion…It’s a good read for fans of personified animal tales, dangerous adventures, and powerful female leads.” —Jada Wilson, Reedsy Discovery

    An original and compelling tale that captures the very heart of the ancestry of “man’s best friend.” I so admired the attention to detail that inspired such a novel. As I was reading The First Wolf Pack, I saw my own dogs in a new light.”–Beth Hoselton, Artist

    “J. Daniel Reed’s fantasy tale of The First Wolf Pack draws the reader into an imaginary world of two mighty predators who must decide to survive together or fight to the death...The author has created an epic saga of Gilgamesh, Beowulf, or other Norse legends of old, even faintly reminiscent of Eden and the first humans. We learn how humans and wolves intertwine. Those who love poring over those tales will thoroughly enjoy The First Wolf Pack: A Dog’s Fable.“–Lisa Lickel, Windy City Reviews

    “I was completely caught up in the telling (it felt like the re-telling) of this legend, and how a society can learn to live together, cooperate, evolve and prosper. Although on one level, it is an engrossing tale about wolves, there are also many good lessons we can all take to heart. If you’re a dog (or wolf) lover, this book is for you. And if you’re not a dog lover, this tale might just make you one.”

    “Great book, written as a fable. The story is told on many levels and makes one reflect on life and what is important. Also, a great book to read with one’s children. Looking forward to more from this writer.”

    You’ll find even more reviews on Amazon

    Where to Learn More and Connect with Author J. Daniel Reed

    You will find The First Wolf Pack on the following websites:

    Amazon , Amazon Canada

    Amazon UK

    Barnes and Noble

    Bookshop.org

    Connect with J. Daniel Reed:

    Facebook

    Goodreads

    BookBub

    Have you already read the book? Kindly leave a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Goodreads. Use the comments section on our blog to tell us which wolf-hero is your favorite character!

    The First Wolf Pack

    Buy it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

    “You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.”

    –Paul Sweeney
  • Which character from the novel are you? Take the Quiz!

    Have you ever wondered if you had a spirit animal? Or maybe you have met an animal—even one of your own pets—who reminds you of yourself or someone you know? More than likely you have.

    While there are many famous personality tests around, Enneagram, The Fascination Advantage, Myers & Briggs, and DiSC to name a few, there has never before been a personality test that links you to The First Wolf Pack!

    Let’s have some fun! Take the personality quiz to find out which character from the novel The First Wolf Pack: A Dog’s Fable you are. (Don’t forget to share with friends.)

    https://www.opinionstage.com/t3c/which-character-from-the-first-wolf-pack-a-dog-s-fable-are-you

    P.S. When you’re done with the quiz, head back to this page to see the other characters in the pack!

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    BUY IT ON BARNES & NOBLE

    Meet the Other Characters from the First Wolf Pack!

    You are Casso!

    Small and mighty, you are known as “The Pint-size Powerhouse”. People admire you for your courage, loyalty, and determination. You are quick to help others and are not afraid to take the lead. Likeable and humble, you have many friends and fans

    You are Fic!

    Sensitive and kind, you can almost see into the hearts and souls of others. You have the ability to put your thoughts and needs on hold to help people. Despite your empathetic nature, you can also connect with your inner wolf to ferociously defend your loved ones and protect others.

     

    You are Ellip!

    Beautiful in and out, you are the clever one with a side of spunk! Smart, curious and unique, you are also fiercely tender to protect those you love. Your sometimes brittle shell reveals a most loving and tender heart. You can wield sarcasm naturally, as an attractive sense of humor

     

    You are Bord!

    Quiet, brave, and reserved you are the Wolf Pack’s secret weapon. You know your past and are determined to make a better future. You do not suffer fools, cheats, or liars gladly. You love your pack and are eternally grateful for the place they have in your life. You often prefer action to words.

     

    You are Jett!

    With a calm reserve and easygoing nature, you exude joi de vivre and confidence in your abilities. While you find humor in life, you have also learned the great lesson of acceptance. When you aren’t communicating to the world, you show your devotion to your pack in all you do.

     

    You are Tria!

    Ever mysterious, you let few close to you. Your many strengths, combined with your suspicious nature, can make you seem intimidating to others. Once you find those who understand you, you shine. Sometimes anguished by your tendency to act before others are ready, you find peace with the friends who know your heart. You will make a great impact on the world!

     

    You are Arn!

    Large and in charge, you are a natural-born leader. You are a fierce warrior but you also understand that your internal flaws can make for a compelling life lesson. Counseling others, you guide them and love them like no other.

     

    You are Barr!

    Wise and reserved, with great discernment into your pack and your neighbors, you are one who has insight, understanding everyone. You are happy to lovingly defer praise and attention to others in your pack in spite of all you do.

     

    You are Versa!

    A wise and tender leader, you are devoted to your pack, discovering solutions to their needs. Fearless and persistent, you eschew fatigue and fear. You lead with trust and can easily communicate with both your pack and outsiders.

     

    You are Ammer!

    Youthful, but wise and thoughtful, you are charitable to those in need, including strangers. A confident leader, you eagerly embrace the wisdom of others in your service to your pack.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Chicago Writers’ Association

    Book Review: The First Wolf Pack: A Dog’s Fable

     

    The First Wolf Pack: A Dog’s Fable. J. Daniel Reed, Terra 3 Communications LLC, November 15, 2021. Paperback and eBook, 220 pages.

     

    Reviewed by Lisa Lickel.

    J. Daniel Reed’s fantasy tale of The First Wolf Pack draws the reader into an imaginary world of two mighty predators who must decide to survive together or fight to the death.

    When an accidental hunting convergence brings two of the greatest ancient wolves into mortal combat, they realize they are so equally matched that they must use their great intelligence to seek a common goal: survival. Versa and Arn begin to care for each other. Together, they derive an ethic called the Wolf Ways.

    Told in the manner of the great sagas, the narrator, a contemporary dog named Bingley, reveals the secret of contemporary dog heritage through Versa and Arn’s story. Bingley’s tale is filled with lofty wisdom and bits of advice on how to be a family; not just any family but the best at parenting, the best at sharing the role of an alpha couple in a pack, the best at finding nutritious food and cooperation—the first Wolf Way.

    Versa and Arn are notably the first at many things, including digging an inground den to raise their first litter. As the family grows into the First Pack, Versa and Arn form the first wolf council, the Magnificent Ones, and establish the first Wolf Utterance. Soon the offspring grow toward maturity and ponder their parents’ ways. Why do they prosper and live in a pack and work together and not fight like the lone wolves?

    When an intruder assimilates into the alpha family, they teach him their ways, leading to harsh consequences. Eventually, other lone wolves outside the First Pack hatch a plot to attack, and the scattered family packs reunite, hoping initially to make peace and teach the others the Wolf Ways.

    The story occasionally lapses into buzzable page-turning moments, such as when Versa turns to Arn and asks, “Are you as amazed at this crazy, unique life we created? There are no lone wolves who live like we or that know what we know.”

    When Tria is suffering from her turmoil, it takes her father to remind her of her greatness and uniqueness and why she’s driven: “Only you, daughter, share our genes, strength, and cleverness,” he tells her, “and only you can teach the wolf ways.” The advice changes his daughter’s heart, much like taking a Dale Carnegie class, the narrator explains.

    The author has created an epic saga of Gilgamesh, Beowulf, or other Norse legends of old, even faintly reminiscent of Eden and the first humans. We learn how humans and wolves intertwine. Those who love poring over those tales will thoroughly enjoy The First Wolf Pack: A Dog’s Fable.

  • One of the most enjoyable (but challenging!) aspects of writing fiction is the development of each character—their names, their behavioral traits, and the nuances of each character’s personality. I have been asked if any of the characters in The First Wolf Pack were modelled after real people and I can honestly answer both yes and no. The characters are amalgamations of certain personality traits of people I have known, blended with the personalities of dogs I have had the honor to adopt.  After you have read the book, I’d love to know who was your favorite character and why.

    Get to Know the Wolves of The First Wolf Pack: A Dog’s Fable

    -Arn and Versa:  the first Magnificent Ones who establish The First Wolf Pack

    -Tria:  the one who must overcome her viciousness and emotional flaws to become the greatest wolf that ever lived, and in the process, saves her species from extinction

    -Jett:  Tria’s “twin” brother who is her equal in size and strength, but with calmness of heart

    -Fic:  the wolf who sees into the hearts of wolves and men and saves Tria from insanity

    -Bord and Casso:  emaciated orphan wolves adopted into The First Wolf Pack who are willing to risk their lives for their newfound pack

    -Barr:  the only wolf great enough for Tria

    -Ellip:  the beautiful, clever, smart aleck bitch who steals Jett’s heart

    -Ket the Elder:  the most evil and cunning of lone wolves who seeks to destroy The First Wolf Pack

    -Bingley:  the modern Airedale Terrier dog who is granted the right to speak human by the great wolf spirit and narrates the story—hence it is subtitled “a dog’s fable”