Wolfstongue: "A modern classic" – The Times

‘Thompson’s writing vividly conveys the force with which nature and wildness strike an introverted city boy.’

‘Has all the makings of a modern classic with its exhilarating mix of ancient fable and contemporary issues. … Not since Watership Down have animal dynamics felt so true and the political undertones so live. … I predict howls of approval — and prizes.’

“Sober, stirring fantasy.”

‘Wolfstongue is a hugely original tale with classic influences and infrastructure.’

‘A stunning book.’

“Wolfstongue is fabulous.”

‘Astonishing. One of the most extraordinary children’s books I’ve ever read.’

‘The writing raises this to classic status … Gripping and profound.’

‘A children’s debut with a timeless feel.’

‘Thompson thoughtfully examines how words can hurt and heal, emphasising language’s powerful influence on characters’ self-perception. Silas’ speech difficulty is unnamed, enabling readers with a variety of similar conditions to see themselves reflected … Tromop’s realistic black-and-white illustrations accentuate the grim, mysterious atmosphere …Unusual and thought-provoking.’

‘Thompson is a superb writer. There is a dreamlike quality to his prose.’

‘An edge-of-the-seat adventure.’

‘An intelligent and powerful story about words and language and what it means to have a voice. The illustrations by Anna Tromop are stunning too!’

‘An unforgettable fable. Raw, devastating and brilliantly written.’

‘Wolfstongue has modern classic written all over it.’

‘A fiercely gentle tale, heartwarming and brave.’

‘An absolute delight. Warm and thoughtful, full of insight.’

‘Every now and again, a remarkable new children’s book comes along which is a pleasure to read, isn’t too long, and is filled with a sense of profound meaning and significance without ever feeling preachy. Wolfstongue is precisely this.’

‘Now here’s a middle grade novel that intrigues me.’

‘Brilliantly compelling whilst at the same time making profound comments about the way language and expression help to define us and, when limited, can equally confine us, really powerful.’

‘Children – and adults! – everywhere will certainly find comfort and magic within Wolfstongue’s pages.’

‘A startling entrance into children’s fiction.’

‘A stunning fantasy adventure.’

‘An amazing book.’

‘The story is fascinating, the world-building well done (with a diagram of the fox city at the front of the book). The characters are believable, the story is believable! … The black and white illustrations greatly enhance the story.’

‘The relationship between the wolves and foxes is uncommon and the role of humans in character dynamics is creative. The message regarding human culture is a valuable lesson and I recommend you give this book a shot.’

‘An impressive debut that is nicely illustrated with the black-and-white artwork of Anna Tromop, Sam Thompson’s new action/adventure fantasy novel is an engrossing, thoughtful, beautifully written story about humans and animals, Wolfstongue is an inherently entertaining, original, and fully engaging read from cover to cover.’

Sam Thompson lives in Belfast, where he teaches English and creative writing at Queens University. His first novel Communion Town was longlisted for the 2012 Man Booker Prize. Jott was shortlisted for the 2019 Encore Award. His fiction and criticism have appeared in the Times Literary Supplement, London Review of Books, The Tangerine, Still Worlds Turning (No Alibis Press), on BBC Radio 4 and in Best British Short Stories 2019 (Salt Publishing).