Firstborn is the story of a pack of wolves, and their struggles to survive in the beautiful, but often brutal, wilderness. Told from the vantage point of a Magpie named Maggie (who is less than impressed with her parents' lack of creativity in naming her), the story follows the magnificent wolf Blue Boy, one of the largest and most powerful wolves in the park.
Forcibly relocated from his original home in Canada, Blue Boy forms alliances with other similarly displaced wolves and forms his own pack. Together they endure the hardships of life in the untamed wild, and eventually claim their own territory in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley. In honor of their new-found home, Blue Boy names his firstborn son Lamar. According to wolf tradition, Lamar is destined to become an alpha-male himself, asserting his dominance over the other wolves.
But Lamar is unlike any other wolf. Less concerned with leading the hunt, and more concerned with exploring the natural wonders all around him, he is a bit of a disappointment to his father. Especially of concern to Blue Boy is Lamar's interest in befriending - of all creatures - a coyote. To the other wolves, coyotes are inferior, and friendship between the species is considered taboo.
When tragedy and treachery befall Blue Boy, Lamar must decide where his loyalties lie, and find the strength to be true to himself. Through multiple story-arcs, that is the central theme of this moving novel: that becoming who you are and accepting yourself isn't always easy.
Filled with emotion, danger, and excitement, Firstborn is an often excruciating tale of survival, loyalty, treachery, courage, honor, and love. A beautiful novel set in a beautiful world.
