The Tribe 1: The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf
Book 1 of The Tribe Series
Age 14+
Fantasy & Magical Realism Science Fiction Thrillers General Fiction
Ashala Wolf has been captured by Chief Administrator Neville Rose, a man intent on destroying Ashala’s Tribe – the runaway Illegals hiding in the Firstwood. Injured and with her Sleepwalker ability blocked, Ashala is forced to succumb to the machine that will pull secrets from her mind. And right beside her is Justin Connor, her betrayer, watching her every move.
The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is the first book in a thrilling new dystopian series by Indigenous Australian author Ambelin Kwaymullina. With a dollop of adventure and a dash of romance, it will grip young adult fiction readers from the first page. In 2012, this novel was short-listed in both the Science Fiction and Young Adult categories of the Aurealis Awards. Find out what happens next in The Disappearance of Ember Crow (Book 2) and The Foretelling of Georgie Spider (Book 3). Join The Tribe at http://www.thefirstwood.com.au/
“The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf sets itself apart. It is a bitingly clever dystopia, highly imaginative. Where other books fall flat, this one stands out as a startling contemporary example of the dystopian genre … Ambelin Kwaymullina draws thoughtfully on dream, myth, and human nature to create this bleak alternative reality, and her book is utterly compelling.” – Australian Book Review
“It is superbly written and is highly recommended ... If I was a fortune-teller I'd predict that this book will be a major success with young adult readers.” – Magpies
“Highly recommended. For readers who love dystopian novels, or even those whose appetites are becoming jaded with the plethora that abound at the moment, The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf opens up a new dimension in excitement and thought-provoking themes in this genre.” – ReadPlus
“This first teenage novel from an Indigenous author gives The Hunger Games an Australian run for its money … The writing is supple and confident and Ashala is an inspiring role model.” – SA Weekend
“The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is a darn-good yarn. Kwaymullina offers a heartfelt Eco-Dystopian, with a simultaneous guessing-game plot as Ashala’s interrogation reveals the layers of her memory … Kwaymullina leaves Ashala (and readers) not on the precipice of a cliffhanger, but standing on the threshold of a daunting new world that is so intriguing and dangerous, readers will be counting down the days until they can return to Firstwood and Ashala’s Tribe.” – AlphaReader
“Need something different to read, something that’s more than just your average YA dystopian? Then find yourself a copy of The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf and discover your own sanctuary and place to feel safe, your own connection to the land you walk upon, and a debut young adult novel like no other. The Tribe is waiting; they need your support.” – Book Probe
“There is a wonderful sense of emotional connection to the land through Ashala which really appealed to me. While the thriller aspects of the story keep the pages turning, Ashala’s need to have a connection with her past and with her surroundings as well as her need to be true to herself and those she loves adds a real depth and thoughtfulness to the novel.” – Kids Book Review
“An intriguing mix of dystopian society and fantasy with a Dreamtime twist … A fascinating and enjoyable read, both complex and nuanced.” – The Intrepid Reader
Resources
Creators
Ambelin Kwaymullina loves reading sci-fi and fantasy books, and has wanted to write a novel since she was six years old. She comes from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. When not writing or reading she teaches law, illustrates picture books and hangs out with her dogs. She has previously written a number of children’s books, both alone and with other members of her family. Her first novel, The Tribe Book 1: The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf, was short-listed in both the Science Fiction and Young Adult Fiction categories of the 2012 Aurealis Awards.
Reviews
This is a series that gets better as it goes – each idea is developed and the world-building is ON POINT. It’s so nice to see Australian YA making a hit with novels like this, especially ones that connect with Indigenous heritage as well. If you want a post-apocalyptic trilogy with a unique twist unlike anything else out there, then this is for you.
Genie in a Book
Stunning plot twists that will have fans gasping for the next instalment of The Tribe, a series which promises to be the new teen must-read. . . With a storyline that moves between past and present, introduces a cast of vibrant characters and embraces themes like social injustice, alienation, the environment and the misuse of power, it soon becomes clear that this is original and exciting writing
Lancashire Evening Post
The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf sets itself apart. It is a bitingly clever dystopia, highly imaginative. Where other books fall flat, this one stands out as a startling contemporary example of the dystopian genre
Australian Book Review
