Wake the Wild Creatures
by Nova Ren Suma
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This extraordinary, timely, and must-read novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nova Ren Suma explores freedom and rage as a young woman plots her way back to her hidden mountaintop home after her mother's arrest for murder.
Three years ago, Talia lived happily in the ruins of the Neves, a once-grand hotel in the wilds of the Catskill Mountains, with her mother Pola and their community of like-minded women. Some came to the Neves to escape cruel men, others to hide from the law, but all found safety and connection in their haven high above civilization, cloaked by a mysterious mist that kept intruders away. But as their numbers grew, complications followed, and everything came crashing down the night electric lights pierced the forest. Uniformed men arrested Pola, calling her a murderer and a fugitive, and Talia was taken away.
Now sixteen, Talia has been forced to live with family she barely knows and fit into a world scarred by misogyny, capitalism, disconnection from nature . . . everything the women of the Neves stood against. She has one goal: to return to the Neves. But as Talia awaits a signal from her mother, questions arise. Who betrayed her community, and what is she avoiding about her own role in its collapse? Is it truly magic that keeps the hotel so hidden? And what does it mean to embrace being her mother's daughter? With the help of an unexpected ally, Talia must find her way to answers, face a mother who's often kept her at arm's length, and try to reach the refuge she lost--if the mist hasn't swallowed her path home.
Fierce and lyrical, unsettling and tender, Wake the Wild Creatures marks the long-awaited return of one of the most distinctive voices in young adult literature.
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Book Details
- ISBN
- 9781616206727
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Authors
- Nova Ren Suma
- Publisher
- Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Published Date
- May 6, 2025
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 384
- Physical Info
- 1.5 in H x 8.3 in L x 5.8 in W (1.05 lb)
This book pulled me in slowly and then refused to let go once I settled into it. The setting of the abandoned mountain hotel felt eerie and vivid, almost like a character on its own. I especially loved that it was set near my new home in New York State, which made the atmosphere feel even more real and personal. Talia is a compelling main character, even when she makes frustrating choices, because her emotions feel honest and age appropriate. The themes around power, womanhood, and belonging gave the story real depth. At times the pacing felt a bit slow, especially in the middle sections. Still, the mood and writing kept me engaged. I appreciated how the story questioned whether the community was truly safe or deeply flawed. Some things are left open ended, which I didn’t mind. Overall, it was a thoughtful and emotional read that stayed with me after finishing.
What an interesting book, great for older teenager or young adult in my opinion. The book has a way of keeping you completely engaged and wanting to read more. It’s mysterious and has a great way of making you use your imagination.The book quality itself is excellent, the pages are thick and durable, and the hardcover is extremely durable.
This novel begins at a pivotal point in 13 year old, Talia’s, life, as she is captured out of the only home she’s known—hidden away in the Catskill mountains—and forced to live with her aunt in civilization. The narrative switches between flashbacks and the present to reveal layers upon layers of depth, interesting characters, and the mystery of how everything unraveled the way it did.There are some mature themes like sexual abuse, violence, and murder, but they are not portrayed in a graphic way, so I think this book would be okay for older teens and up.Once I started reading, I couldn’t put this down! It is an emotional and touching story with so many unexpected twists as the plot deepens and motivations, secrets, and betrayals are revealed! At a certain point in the story, I had doubts that I would like the ending, and yet everything is wrapped up in a beautiful way. I would heartily recommend this one!
Wake the Wild Creatures - Good read for kids over 9 years or older. Gives another view of the world, so young readers can gain empathy and understanding for people that grow up under different circumstances or maybe similar and so they don't feel so alone.
I found this book to be a haunting yet beautiful story of escape, identity, and returning to one’s roots. The writing is lyrical and the setting, a hidden mountaintop hotel in the Catskills wrapped in mist, is vividly imagined.The central character, Talia, feels real in her longing and mistrust, and the tension between the world she left and the world she reenters is deeply compelling. On the downside, at times the plot slows down in places where introspection takes over action, which might not appeal if you prefer faster pacing.I think this book delivers strong literary quality at a reasonable price—it’s well worth it if you enjoy atmospheric young‑adult fiction with depth.
