…is the story of Olek Skillgannon, the Damned, and his quest to resurrect a wife he never truly loved. His dreams are haunted by the titular White Wolf, which he is constantly trying to kill. The wolf visits his dreams as an ephemeral presence, and is a metaphor representing his path to an inner redemption for an evil past.
The narrative studies the thin line between good and evil, as well as honour and love. He blames himself for the death of his wife and helping to turn the woman he truly loves – and saved – into the Witch Queen, Jianna.
White Wolf has all the tropes expected of a Heroic Fantasy, but it also has a lot more. I’ve read critiques where they have reported a lack of a firm plot, but I have difficulty in agreeing. The strong characterisations and 3D personalities really work for me. We have Jianna fighting to regain her throne – none too gently. Her actions could be deemed evil at various points in the plot. We have the old hag, who weaves her intrigues throughout. We have an ageing masterful warrior with a heart condition, and we have Olek, who has been on both sides of the fence in terms of good and evil. And then we have the psycho, Boranius, who loves to torture his victims.
Despite the contemporary criticism that Gemmell’s works are full of triggering events, I can’t be distracted from the truly epic heroic fantasies that they are.
Recommendation
If you can see your way through the contemporary woke attitude, I would highly recommend White Wolf. It is one of my all time favourite books from an all time favourite author. Definitely in my top ten.