GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls

WILLIAM F WILLOUGHBY (Guest Review) - 26 Apr, 2021

An original work that will keep you wondering how it will end. A young man goes on an adventure befriending and forming an empathic relationship with a wolf (golden ears) a very special wolf.

The story defines how some people have entrenched views about wolves and others have an understanding of all the creatures in our world and the dark fears that can challenge us. If you are wondering what this means then go and read this intriguing book.

Julia Moore (Guest Review) - 26 Apr, 2021

In GoldenEars The Pale Skulls, we are carefully and meticulously reacquainted with Edmund, his family and friends from GoldenEars:The Whispering Mountain as the relationship between Edmund and his special wolf friend GoldenEars is developed through many twists and turns and especially the chance meeting in the Library with the Native Indian Joe who shares his knowledge and understanding of wolf lore.

In his quest to find his beloved GoldenEars Edmund, and indeed the reader, is taken on a roller coaster journey which takes him from the Huxforest Wildlife Reserve to the strange, supernatural world dominated by the Pale Skulls and beyond. A really gripping story full of intrigue and emotion.

Sarah Jayne Harry (Guest Review) - 22 Jun, 2021

A truly wonderful sequel in the GoldenEars series. The Pale Skulls takes place not long after the events of The Whispering Mountain as we follow Edmund on a new quest as he tries to find his beloved wolf, GoldenEars. The Pale Skulls is an intriguing and captivating story that once again left me wanting more. I just couldn't stop reading.

I enjoyed many aspects of this book: the unique worlds that the author creates, the compelling characters, and the unwavering bond between man and wolf. The author plays with my emotions with this one as each scene is played out. I was frustrated at Edmund's naive nature, saddened by loss, but ultimately happy by how everything played out in the end.

Although it started off quite slow, The Pale Skulls takes us on an exciting journey to the darker side of a spirit world, and it ends in a satisfying place for both Edmund and his wolf as they learn the part they must play in their new future.

Reviewed by Cecilia Hopkins for Readers’ Favorite (Guest Review) - 26 Apr, 2021

GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls by Jane H. Wood presents a charming combination of animal fantasy and adventure. Wood has created an empathetic character in Edmund, the newly qualified ranger. I really identified with his longing to be reunited with his animal companion, GoldenEars, and eagerly followed his mission. The withdrawal of the wolves into the other realm formed a sustaining metaphor for their being an endangered species, and the conservation message was clear as the rangers struggle to set up a protected environment. Wood cleverly personified the canines, making them appealing. GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls by Jane H. Wood is suitable for young adult and new adult audiences.

Sherri Moorer (Guest Review) - 26 Apr, 2021

An excellent story that follows up on The Whispering Mountain in an exciting manner. The Pale Skulls has all of the elements of a great story: suspense, intrigue, compelling characters, and even a supernatural element. I especially like how Jane H Wood focuses on the bonds not only between Edmund and Kegg/GoldenEars, but amongst all of the characters, from family to friendships. This story has a wonderful depth that you can take from the book to real-life with you as it helps you realise that good, pure balanced relationships are truly the most important thing in life. Plus, you get the added bonus of learning about Native American culture and spirituality from a great new friend that Edmund crosses paths with on his journey.

Sarah Starr (Guest Review) - 26 Apr, 2021

A truly wonderful follow up book to GoldenEars ( The Whispering Mountain). The story is full of beautiful description while being of a darker nature, perhaps reflecting some of the anguish and desperation of adolescence. Edmund’s loyalty to his wolf is unwavering, ending in an exciting and moving climax to the book.

Reviewed for Luminosity Media Group by Sheena Monnin on March 2nd, 2021 (Guest Review) - 26 Apr, 2021

GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls by Jane H. Wood is riveting from start to finish. Excellently crafted characters bring you along for every page of adventure, catastrophe, triumph, and surprise in this well-written adventure tale. With the feel of a cult hit like Harry Potter, each character and scene draws the reader in with all their senses and makes the reader feel part of the story – a rare accomplishment! All age groups from young adult upwards would enjoy reading GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls. Author Jane H. Wood crafts a surprising plot and provides upbeat pacing throughout the story that demands the reader continue on to see what happens next, Valuable themes of family, friendship, and loyalty pervade this work, driving home the message and leaving the reader uplifted. It is with excitement that I look forward to more from this author.

Karen Inkle (Guest Review) - 08 Mar, 2023

Fantastic sequel.
Edmund undertook his new challenge with vigor and purpose, to research the myths and legends surrounding wolves. He needed to find something positive to underpin the reason for a new hunting law but his journey took him to dark places of death and destruction never before seen so close to home. The Pale Skulls!
A fantastic sequel which didn't disappoint. The story gallops along at a great pace, keeping the suspense, thrills and action captivating. The author pens descriptions of each character, scenery, battle with such graphic detail and definition that the reader's imagination easily pictures the events of every chapter, moving the story along and adding so much insight. Heartwarming story with a darkened twist, fraught with danger, loss and mystery, it has it all! Thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend.

Amanda Sheridan (Guest Review) - 15 Jun, 2022

The Pale Skulls is a great sequel to Wood's debut novel, Golden Ears: The Whispering Mountain.

In the Whispering Mountain, there was a hint of a supernatural element which I found intriguing and I was delighted to find the author had developed it in the Pale Skulls.

Edmund is determined to find Golden ears again and returns home to research the myths and legends of the wolves. With the assistance of Native American, Joe he finds what he is looking for. But will he be able to use it to find his beloved wolf.

I loved this book. Edmund's story is one of bravery, love and determination. I love how the author took the myths around the wolves and created a world full of dangerous beasts and good people, and animals, who try to stop them. The story of Golden ears and his family runs alongside that of Edmund and his mum and dad, and the connection between the boy and the young wolf is strong, though at times dangerous.

The setting was also very beautifully described.
Five stars all the way.

Bernard Jan (Guest Review) - 22 Oct, 2021

OMG, I love it, I love it, I love it! I’m in love with this book, and this is my raw, non-edited explosion of emotions. If you’ve read and liked White Fang or The Call of the Wild, this book is a definite must for you. It’s just so . . . AMAZING. Endless love and tender emotion for the animal kingdom (wolves!) in this gripping, adventurous tale. Pure and honest as a snowflake, shiny as a crystal of ice. I wish there is no end to GoldenEars. So, Jane, please, I want book three!

All of you who are reading my review of The Pale Skulls, please also read my review of The Whispering Mountain to see why I’m helplessly in love with this story. I can’t think straight, I am choking with emotions. And it’s fine, it’s all good because I know GoldenEars will never be erased from my memory.

Courtney Moore (Guest Review) - 23 Oct, 2022

This was an epic adventure from the start! Ideal for readers to start with book 1 ( Whispering Mountain ) to get a grasp and understanding as to what is going on in the second book. Then just sit back, strap in, and get ready to take the deep dive with the beloved characters as they embark yet another adventure. I adore the bond between boy and wolf - the eager to be inseparable and the love they share in their hearts for one another. If you enjoy reading stories such as 'Call of the Wild' and immersing into adventure the big unknown world, this is the one for you! Highly recommended! Wolf-lovers will love this series!