The book starts with Chen and Bilgee hiding and observing a large Wolf Pack hunting Gazelle in the winter. Bilgee takes Chen out to see this event because Chen showed a uniquely intense interest in the Mongolian Wolves. Chen Zhen is an eager student that learns much from Bilgee, who takes Chen under his wing and treats him like a son. Chen quickly develops a obsession for the wolves, who represent everything Old World, including tradition and spirituality. Later we are introduced to Bao, who represents everything New World, especially progress and irreverence. The rest of the book is a gripping drama between Bilgee and Bao over how the Olonbulang and all it’s treasures should be used. Every grasslands resource is effected, but it is the wolves that are the center of the book. Every dramatic moment revolves around whether the wolves should be revered or exterminated.

Chen, who works at herding sheep, would normally be a mere observer to this struggle. However, he is so intrigued by the wolves that his obsession leads him to the desire to capture and raise a wolf cub. When he succeeds he is quickly thrown into the center of the struggle. Chen has ties to both sides, and looks to reconcile to two and bring peace.

Jiang Rong does a fantastic job in describing the Olonbulang in vivid detail, but his greatest writing is reserved for the wolves themselves. The wolf cub, who has no name except ‘Little Wolf’, is described in such detail you can almost see him in front of you!

Ultimately, this book is very tragic. Jiang describes the wolves as ruthless, bloddy apex predators, but by the end of the book you just want to raise your head and give a long wolf howl of mourning. I highly recommend this book, it was one of the best books I have read in a long time.