
In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen
by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+
Published by Orion Children’s Books, 2023
About this book
Ysolda desperately wishes she had the power to hear trees talk, like her sister Hari can. But when the terrifying Wolf Queen, who rules the empire that borders Ysolda’s quiet forest home, kidnaps Hari, Ysolda is forced to question everything she thought she knew.
Determined to rescue her sister, Ysolda sets out on a dangerous journey to the Queen’s fortress. It’s a journey that will take her farther than she’s ever been before and, after striking an impossible bargain with the Queen herself, she embarks on a quest to find the fabled End-World Wood and an ancient mythical being that the Queen believes will give her even greater power than she already possesses. Where will their journey lead and how much are they willing to sacrifice to each get what they seek?
The start of a new series, this is a beautifully and gently written story that is part adventure, part fairytale, part mystery, and with underlying tones of magic and mythology. With a main character as fierce and brave as any you’d find in a Katherine Rundell novel, themes of environmental consciousness, and elements of Tolkien, it’s an immersive and immensely enjoyable read.
About the author

More books like this
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The Wolf Wilder
by Katherine Rundell
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The House With Chicken Legs
by Sophie Anderson
9 to 12+ years
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Leila and the Blue Fox
by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, illustrated by Tom de Freston
9 to 12 years
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Julia and the Shark
by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, illustrated by Tom de Freston
9 to 12 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Great Books Guide 2024-25: for 11+
Our Great Books Guide recommends brilliant children’s books for 4 to 11-year-olds – but we also have some suggestions to keep them reading as they get older!
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Fantasy books for 9+
Some of our favourite contemporary fantasy titles for readers aged 9+ to enjoy