In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen

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.