Books
x dismiss this message

Did you know you can edit this page?

see page history

Description edit see section history

In the dawn of history, a valiant people forged a pathway from an old world into a new one. Led by a dreamer who followed the spirit of the wolf, a handful of courageous men and women dared to cross the frozen wastes to find an untouched, unspoiled continent. This is the magnificent saga of... read more

Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit

Write a ridiculously simplified synopsis.

Characters/People edit see section history

  • Raven Hunter: The brother of Runs In Light, son of Ice Fire. Hungry for power and dominance.
  • Wolf Dreamer: Formerly Runs In Light. He becomes Wolf Dreamer after he has a dream that can save his People. The book is titled after this character.
  • Dancing Fox: Woman of the People. She is married to Crow Caller, then belongs to Raven Hunter. All the while she lusts for Wolf Dreamer. A strong female character that has great importance in the story.
  • Crow Caller: the Dreamer and leader of the People. An old man with one blind eye.
  • Heron: A woman dreamer, the greatest dreamer that ever lived. she is believed to be a legend at first. She teaches Wolf Dreamer how to dream and saves his followers during a Long Dark.
  • Jumping Hare: A man of the People. Takes Moon Water of the Others as a second wife.
  • Grandmother: The respectful term given to all elderly woman.
  • Gray Rock: Add a description of this character.
  • Grandfather White Bear: Refers to a polar bear- and a sign of bad power.
  • Green Water: A strong female character that believes in and follows Wolf Dreamer.
  • Black
  • Grandfather Brown Bear
  • Bear Hunter: A character that is never presented. He is the former lover of both Broken Branch and Heron.
  • Eagle Cries: A warrior of the People that follows Raven Hunter.
  • Ice Fire: The shaman and leader of the Others. Father of Wolf Dreamer and Raven Hunter.
  • One Who Cries: A man of the People. He is skeptical at first but follows and becomes a close friend to Wolf Dreamer. Also an important character.
  • Laughing Sunshine: Married to One Who Cries. Her child dies during the terrible Long Dark.
Show all 17 characters
Popular Covers

Loading covers…

Choose your book’s cover

First Sentence edit see section history

The Long Dark continued, unending, eating their souls.

Series & Lists edit see section history

This is book 1 of 18 in The First North Americans. (standard series)

Followed by People of the Fire.

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. W. Michael Gear (Author)
  2. Kathleen O'Neal Gear (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Country: USA
Publication Date: 1990
ISBN: 0812507371
Page Count: 448

Classification edit see section history

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Adults

suitable for young adults, also


We’re hiding the errata, movie connections, books that influenced this book, books influenced by this book, books that cite this book and books cited by this book sections. If you would like to add content to them, you must first make them visible.