The way in which the individual characters develop together and apart is a central thread throughout this book, even as events climax and other characters are introduced. I thoroughly enjoyed the in-depth look into Vethulf and Skjaldwulf's characters. The new introduction of an invading army of men from a different culture adds to the mix. The title very much reflects the story, as counterbalancing or neutralizing situations that arise from relationship between men seems to be its main purpose - whether it's the relationship between wolfjarls Vethulf and Skjaldwulf, conflicts between the packs or the ever growing and rather delicate relationship between wolfcarls and wolfless men - tempering is the key word.
The wolves are still at the heart of the story, just not as central as they were in that first book. This was accomplished by eliminating Isolfr and Veredectichs point of view and therefore the pack sense as the focal point.
Although the first book focused on exploring the relationship and balance between man and wolf, this book's focus is centered on relationships between the men themselves. The Tempering of Men is told from three different points of view, that of Vethulf and Skjaldwulf, Isolfr's wolfjarls and Brokkolfr a new wolfcarl from whose perspective we observe Isoflr. It would be like beginning a story in the middle. And that is exactly what The Tempering of Men is, a middle book without a real beginning or a true end. As such, it works quite well in my opinion, however, this is not a book I would recommend anyone read as a stand alone as it would not make much sense to the reader. The Tempering of Men is the sequel to A Companion to Wolves and it picks up right where that book ended. They will need to learn if they are to defend their homes. The giant trellwolves and their human brothers have never hunted men before. An army of men approaches, an army that wishes to conquer and rule. And in the way of the pack, they must come to terms with each other, must become brothers instead of rivals-for Viradechtis will not be gainsaid.Ī new danger comes to Iskryne. Viradechtis has taken two mates, and so the human pack has two war leaders. Isolfr and his sister, the Konigenwolf Viradechtis, have established their own wolfhaell.
In Iskryne, the war against the Trollish invasion has been won, and the lands of men are safe again…at least for a while.
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