World Magazine
Wolf Soldier combines action, adventure, and medieval pageantry with relatable teenage characters. Scary fight scenes keep the story moving, while Biblical elements lend spiritual depth to the tale.
Lauren H. Brandenburg
"Wolf Soldier does not disappoint! Hannibal delivers an action-packed quest through a world of fantastical creatures and unexpected friendships. A journey of faith and freedom from start to finish and an epic beginning to the Lightraider Academy series!" — Lauren H. Brandenburg, award-winning author of The Death of Mungo Blackwell
Lindsay A. Franklin
"From the gorgeous world-building to the delightful characters and surprising plot twists, Wolf Soldier thoroughly captivated me. James R. Hannibal has crafted a remarkable adventure that is sure to sweep readers away." — Lindsay A. Franklin, award-winning author of The Story Peddler
creator of DragonRaid Dick Wulf
"James R. Hannibal creates superb stories. His imagination and creativity are literally out of this world . . . Exciting and suspenseful reading!" — Dick Wulf, creator of DragonRaid
BookTrib
"Reading James R. Hannibal's Wolf Soldier felt to me what it must have been like for others to read the debut Harry Potter or Wheel of Time entry. This seminal young adult effort is that good . . . Wolf Soldier echoes Orson Scott Card’s Ender series in all the right ways. Hannibal handles genre tropes with skill and aplomb, managing to make a well-worn form seem fresh and new. This exquisite adventure is a great read for kids of all ages." — BookTrib
Kirkus Reviews
2021-09-01
Five young trainees must fight evil creatures to protect their land and people.
The Keledan live behind a barrier created by the Rescuer, protecting them from the dark creatures and oppression that live in Tanelethar, the Dragon Lands. The Lightraider Order went beyond the barrier to save others but disappeared generations ago. One day, Connor Enarian, a shepherd boy and grandson of a Lightraider, receives an invitation to attend and revive Lightraider Academy along with four other young hopefuls. They train, learn, and strengthen their faith for weeks, preparing to defeat the goblins and orcs sneaking into Keledan. Following the Rescuer’s will, they embark on a journey to stop an impending invasion. Once on the other side of the barrier, Connor realizes they must trust not only the Rescuer, but also a Lightraider spy, a talking silver wolf, and a young Tanelethar woman who might betray them all. Connor and his friends must lean on their faith in the Rescuer and follow his will or meet their demise. Inspired by the Christian fantasy role-playing game DragonRaid, the moral and religious teachings in the book are clear. With the initial focus on worldbuilding, the start of the book is a bit slow, but once readers get a handle on the names and terminology, they will find this an exciting, action-filled read. Connor and other main characters present White; Connor’s friend Lee Trang is cued as Asian, and some secondary characters are Black.
An engaging Christian fantasy. (map, author's note) (Fantasy. 12-18)
