Empire of Wild

A Novel

By: Cherie Dimaline

Narrated by: Michelle St. John

“Deftly written, gripping and informative. Empire of Wild is a rip-roaring read!”—Margaret Atwood, From Instagram

“Empire of Wild is doing everything I love in a contemporary novel and more. It is tough, funny, beautiful, honest and propulsive—all the while telling a story that needs to be told by a person who needs to be telling it.”—Tommy Orange, author of There There

A bold and brilliant new indigenous voice in contemporary literature makes her American debut with this kinetic, imaginative, and sensuous fable inspired by the traditional Canadian Métis legend of the Rogarou—a werewolf-like creature that haunts the roads and woods of native people’s communities.

Joan has been searching for her missing husband, Victor, for nearly a year—ever since that terrible night they’d had their first serious argument hours before he mysteriously vanished. Her Métis family has lived in their tightly knit rural community for generations, but no one keeps the old ways . . . until they have to. That moment has arrived for Joan.

One morning, grieving and severely hungover, Joan hears a shocking sound coming from inside a revival tent in a gritty Walmart parking lot. It is the unmistakable voice of Victor. Drawn inside, she sees him. He has the same face, the same eyes, the same hands, though his hair is much shorter and he's wearing a suit. But he doesn't seem to recognize Joan at all. He insists his name is Eugene Wolff, and that he is a reverend whose mission is to spread the word of Jesus and grow His flock. Yet Joan suspects there is something dark and terrifying within this charismatic preacher who professes to be a man of God . . . something old and very dangerous.

Joan turns to Ajean, an elderly foul-mouthed card shark who is one of the few among her community steeped in the traditions of her people and knowledgeable about their ancient enemies. With the help of the old Métis and her peculiar Johnny-Cash-loving, twelve-year-old nephew Zeus, Joan must find a way to uncover the truth and remind Reverend Wolff who he really is . . . if he really is. Her life, and those of everyone she loves, depends upon it.

Riveting, scary, funny, and beautifully told

Wow! I don’t even know where to start! The dialogue made me feel like I was sitting and listening to my own aunties. The story was so unique and beautifully woven together. It was scary, funny and exciting to listen to. Please tell me there are more to come. I appreciate that it represented native story Michelle St John did an awesome job narrating. Bravo

Gorgeous poetic writing, excellent story

Bought this on a whim and so enjoyed it on many levels. The writing was just beautiful - truly poetic at turns. The characters were unique and flawed and strong and vulnerable. Downloading Marrow thieves now.

Victor and Joan's relationship.

I like how Cheri brought the legend alive. The ending was confusing?? Possible 2nd book.

Really wanted to love this book

The narrator was great, the story left much to be desired... okay read, if you are looking for a short adventure.

A Different Take on a Familiar Foe

This was the best werewolf story I’ve heard in a while. Creative and full of heart. While I had trouble getting into it at the beginning, I didn’t want it to end. This book does a great job at unfolding and culminating in a compelling conclusion. I like books with a big finish and this stuck the landing. If you like creature features this is a good read.