Review: 'Gray Wolf', by James Nava

Grey Wolf is a gripping story, handled with mastery, which wisely integrates various narrative lines, in which love, friendship, loyalty, but also emotion and action are present. I have found in this novel a exaltation of human values most important, treated with excellence in the creation of their characters.

James nava reveals in this novel an immense sensitivity towards the human and towards the natural. Written with passion, it's easy to get into the history of Grey Wolf. This novel hooks you from the start, and not because I get into the action. Unlike. Nava begins the story in a calm way, delighting in the descriptions of the environment, the characters and, above all, the first scenes, the first encounters. However, Nava manages the narrative rhythm to perfection, accelerating correctly in the most intense moments.

Reading Grey Wolf I have especially enjoyed the descriptions, especially with those of the different landscapes and natural elements of Montana and the Rocky Mountains. Despite the fact that the story takes place in a fictional place, Wild Creek, the town invented by James Nava immerses you fully in what are the true rural centers of North America, in its people. I have also really enjoyed the action scenes, especially those in which the wolves are involved, although no less interesting are the scenes of armed confrontations, or even the scenes with sensual and even erotic content.

The novel

The plot of this story, worthy of a good movie or television series, is full of interesting resources. On the one hand, we have the love story of its protagonists, Jason and Catherine, who progresses from the most carnal to the most sentimental, without losing passion and eroticism. On the other hand, we have the story of the wolves, who have to overcome a double threat and who unwittingly become the center of the story. Because the true reason for the story is not known until well into the story, despite the fact that it is gradually intuited through the dialogues of its characters. We really do know it, because the cover already tells us, although it is easy to forget it if you let yourself be carried away by the narration.

The story that gives body to the novel, in which they are mixed terrorist threats e political intrigues, shows the great knowledge that the author has of this world. Not surprisingly, James Nava joined an elite unit in the US Army at the age of 17 and, in addition to being a great connoisseur of the Special Forces and the Intelligence Community of this country, he is a specialist adviser on matters Americans and works as a military and intelligence adviser.

The author's deep interest, both in popular culture and in native culture, is also reflected in this novel, in which the human values ​​it deals with are also reflected in the natural and ecological, in respect for natural spaces , which Nava claims as a whole in this story. His extensive research and interest in accessing reliable sources of information give this story a strong foundation on which to build the narrative.

The 495 pages of the book are divided into twenty-five chapters - divided into 133 sections - an epilogue and an author's note. The sections facilitate reading, which is very enjoyable and easy to follow. The treatment of history and the rhythm that it takes allows both people who like to read little by little - or have more choice - and those who devour books and spend hours reading can enjoy their reading.

Characters

The protagonists, a young couple who have in common their admiration for nature, wildlife and wolves, sustain a story in which love and passion encompass everything, in every way. Both overcome obstacles by staying firm in their values, and maintain a relationship in which respect for one another takes precedence over everything else. The approach of Jason Rovin and Catherine Rush has enchanted me.

Another important person in the story is the town sheriff. I can't help but comment on what the name of this character has struck me: sheriff Thorpe. At first I did not realize it, because I was reading it directly in English, but one day my eyes fell on the letters without further ado and I read it as it would be read in Spanish. And I was really amused. The point is that the clumsy sheriff has nothing, quite the opposite, and I did a little more research on the name which, apparently, comes to mean something like "from the village." I don't know if Nava would take this into account or not, but it seemed very appropriate.

Another character of great importance is the town banker, Ted Morgan III, as well as all the characters around him. Not only is it of vital importance in history, but its construction represents everything reprehensible about the human race. She embodies the worst of humanity, as well as everyone around her, especially her secretary, who represents a very specific model of woman. Both characters are very well built and handled.

The head of the militia is another very important character. Nava characterizes him very well, physically and psychologically. Those around him are also treated in depth. It is vital to understand the story. But I can't tell you more without spoiling the story.

I have left until the end the character who gives the story its name and who, without being the absolute protagonist, is the center of the plot. The gray wolf, but not just any one, but the alpha male, Sishika, a wolf linked to the past, present and future of Wild Creek and the history of the protagonist. The moments in which this wolf appears in the story are key. All the magic that this story has, understood from an emotional point of view - and not a fantastic one - is thanks to this wolf.

The edition

Grey Wolf, James Nava's third novel, was first published in 2008. The 2014 reissue by Sniper books expands the original edition, recovering texts that were eliminated in the first version and adding new elements to enrich the story. The cover, made by José del Nido, is an illustration that perfectly captures the essence of the main characters.

The soft cover book with flaps and included bookmark is very pleasant in the hands and is easy to handle, despite its size. The chosen typeface, font size and line spacing make reading agile and can be read without tiring for a long time - if you are lucky to have it.

Final assessment

I have to admit that I usually "consume" these types of stories in film or television format, which is why I have personally discovered a very interesting type of story to read. At first it took me a bit to get into the rhythm, precisely because on screen, these kinds of stories tend to be much more dynamic at first. But I soon learned to enjoy reading, because storytelling grabs you with the depth of detail. Regardless, the story is fairly light and at no point does it get stuck or wander.

On a narrative level, I have liked two things above all. One, the way to finish off the endings of a section or chapter; another, the way the tension builds up to climax.

I have been wanting more Jason Rovin, and I would like Nava to reprise the character in the future, in a new adventure.