A review by motherbooker
In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

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.