Reviews

In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen, a dark enough story for a children's book, eerie and a little haunting in some places. The fantasy is nicely woven and given opportunities to build a good cast of characters that don’t act solely for plot convenience.

It treats kids like smart readers (as many often are) rather than babies and I appreciate that from the author a lot. In all, a good children's book that I would happily let my younger siblings sink into! Will be tuning in for the sequel.

gabliotecaria's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

missoliviareadsbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I was very lucky to win a copy of this arc in a competition run by the School Library Association with support from the publishers (Released 31st August 2023)

This was not my first book by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (if you haven't read The Deathless Girls, you must!) but it was so joyous to see so many of her trademarks in this new start to The Geomancer Trilogy - a Nordic inspired fantasy tale full of mystery, intrigue and the most captivating setting

The way Kiran Millwood Hargrave builds atmosphere and setting in her books is absolutely fantastic - you actually feel like you are in the scenes you are reading it is that evocative. In this Nordic inspired setting, the weather and the magical creatures we encounter in particular are so vivid, engaging and all kinds of enchanting. And even in our protagonist Ysolda, you feel at one with her as she is drawn into this new strange world.

I must say, I love Ysolda's growth throughout the story as she grows in confidence and stature, especially as it is clearly shown to us that she is considered the baby of her village in early chapters As much as I loved the bond between her and sister Hari, it was Ysolda's relationship with General Shiv that really made my heart full. ❤️❤️

A cracking start to what I have no doubt will be a phenomenal trilogy - the question is though, when are we getting Book 2?

eilidhreads's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

sinclairn's review

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A

4.0

mrsemmaknightley's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

5.0

motherbooker's review

Go to review page

4.0

I've loved everything I've read by Kiran Millwood Hargrave so far and this just sounded great. I'm not a massive fantasy lover because I feel like some writers get too caught up in the lore of their worlds. Not everyone can be Tolkien and I'd rather just get straight into the story. Thankfully, In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen doesn't get too preoccupied with the history of the different realms. Instead, it catapults us straight into the action. It was perfect for me and I was hooked from the beginning. Although, that's not to say that there isn't adequate world-building or context here. It's just that it comes out when it needs to and you don't get bogged down by it. I still felt totally absorbed in this world but didn't have to get my head around a load of historical context. It was wonderful.

I think Kiran Millwood Hargrave has such a great writing style. She finds the perfect balance between immersive and being straight to the point. Her descriptions are luscious and she paints such a beautiful picture. She speaks to all of your senses and her settings are so realistic. Her prose also has a musical quality to it which makes it's so easy to engage with the story. You just get caught up in the flow and the rhythm. Her books are so easy to read but aren't simplistic. The narrative is complex enough to set you up for the series ahead but it does know when to stop. It makes it a great book for young and older readers alike.

This book is great at balancing the different elements. There's enough action and adventure to keep you happy but still plenty of character development. It's full of traditional fantasy tropes but it feels different. This is such a refreshing fantasy novel that's mainly concerned with telling a good story. Well, good storytelling and strong characters. Ysolda is such a wonderful protagonist. Unlike her older sister, Hari, she doesn't have any special abilities. What she does have is bravery and a determination to help people. When her sister is taken, Ysolda knows that she has to save her. She's also clever and resourceful. Her wit and quick thinking help her out when she comes face-to-face with the Wolf Queen herself.

I don't think that I loved this book quite as much as I have her others but this is another hit from Kiran Millwood Hargrave. I loved the prominence of nature in this book. It feels very relevant and offers an interesting perspective. This is a lovely blend of folk tales and fantasy to create something cosy and mystical. I know the ending won't be something that everyone would enjoy but I really liked that it was more subdued. It's not as if it isn't a cliffhanger but it just doesn't fall into the trap of being too dramatic a cliffhanger. All in all, I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy.

More...