An exciting mix of action, adventure, and the supernatural. ( )

Part historical fiction of the Yukon Gold Rush and Jack London's early experiences, and part dark fairytale fantasy, this is one wild tale. Jack and his older brother-in-law James leave San Francisco for the Yukon territory of Alaska, where they plan to search for the gold they've heard so much about. Alaska is a feral, vicious place, though,and Jack discovers quickly how little civil behavior means there. James bails out on the trip early on, realizing his health problems will be the death of him there. Jack continues on, gaining friends who trek through the mountains and raft the raging rivers to get to the gold fields with him. Trapped in a cabin when they can travel no further, they face starvation, blizzards and wolves, and later they are kidnapped by slavers -- forced at gunpoint to pan for gold during the day and chained together in a wretched camp at night. When the monstrous cannibal Wendigo appears, Jack barely escapes, aided by his oversize wolf spirit guide and protector, and the human-spirit hybrid woman who both protects and imprisons Jack. A great mix of myth and history, violent and bloody at times: Jack battles men, spirits, Nature, and his own self doubts. Great for anyone who enjoyed Call of the Wild, or anyone who loves adventure! 7th grade and up. ( )