Hungry Like the Wolf

Hungry Like the Wolf
Novella by Christina F. York
Publication
Published	14 February 2025
Publisher	Catalyst Game Labs
Illustrator(s)	Helena (cover art) David Allen Kerber (design) Alan Blackwell, Eldon Cowgur, Harri Kallio, Matt Plog, Anthony Scroggins (interior art)
Pages	183 (POD)
ISBN	1-947335-91-X, 978-1-947335-91-2
MSRP	$4.99 (EPUB) $12.95 (POD)
Chronology
Era	ilClan era
Timeline	2 July 3151 — 7 September 3151

Hungry Like the Wolf is a novella by Christina F. York that was published in EPUB and POD format on 14 February 2025.

Canonicity

As essentially a joke product, Hungry Like the Wolf is considered not canon as per a statement of BattleTech Line Developer Ray Arrastia.

Inception

The concept started out as a poll on the Big Red-40TECH Youtube channel where fans voted to have "shirtless Alaric Ward" artwork commissioned, and it ballooned from there:

The resulting image became a mock novel cover titled Hungry like the Wolf - Taming the ilKhan, Book One by "Mykaelya Stakepoole" which was published by Catalyst Game Labs on their Facebook page on April 1, 2024. As this was being prepared in March of 2024, it prompted Michael Stackpole to write "a few lines" (approximately two pages) of text ostensibly from the novel as an "Advanced Reader Copy" after meeting Big Red-40TECH in person and some spitballing with the CGL team, Jordan Weisman, and Bryan Young over the course of two conventions within 12 days.

The mock-up cover and teaser in turn led to Loren Coleman approaching Christina York, wife of author J. Steven York, about actually writing the book. She said she couldn't stop laughing long enough to say "No". The book came out on Valentine's Day 2025, using the cover but without the "Taming the ilKhan, Book One" line.

From the Back Cover

“

THE WAY TO THE ILKHAN’S HEART… In the aftermath of the bloody, brutal campaign for Terra, Alaric Ward's Clan Wolf is victorious, but has paid a fearsome price. Their touman nearly crushed, the Clan must rebuild quickly, for there are more adversaries outside the Fortress Wall. Alaric, however, is resolute in his ability to not only restore the Wolves to their former glory, but to protect humankind's homeworld from all potential enemies. However, there is much more that needs rebuilding—including the ravaged planet of Terra itself. And leading the charge is Dr. Darvendra Ellstone, head of one of the largest remaining non-government organizations tasked with helping save the exhausted, defeated populace and start restoring the planet's shattered cities…a monumental undertaking that pits her against the newly declared ruler of Terra, ilKhan Alaric Ward. And when they finally meet, sparks do fly…but of a kind neither one expected. As the peacemaker and warrior work together, both try to deny the growing attraction between them. But when a new enemy arises, they must join forces to stop a deadly threat that endangers everything they’ve built together…including their clandestine love affair.

”

Featured Characters

• Darvendra Ellstone
• William James
• Chance Vickers
• Alaric Ward

Featured Places

• Terra