Review: In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen (Geomancer Book 1)

In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen is the first adventure in an epic new fantasy, the Geomancer trilogy, and what a stunning start it is!  I was completely captivated by this all-encompassing story in a world where nature fights back, where elemental magic lives and where a sister’s love ignites an incredible adventure.

Ysolda is in her beloved Glaw Wood with her loyal sea hawk, Nara, trying to use her sister’s amulet to listen to the trees, a gift her sister Hari has, but one which evades Ysolda.  When Nara is captured by a stranger, Ysolda follows and is saved from sinking into a bog by the stranger who is wearing the uniform of one of the fierce wolf queen’s guards.  Running home, Ysolda discovers that the fierce wolf queen has sent her Ryders to the Glaw Wood to take its gifted.  In the wake of a terrible earthquake that destroys her home, and sees her sister taken by the Ryders, Ysolda determines to rescue her.

Her determination to save her sister brings her to make a bargain with the wolf queen which leads her on an epic quest filled with danger, discovery and daring.  Could there be truth in the myth that the queen is hunting?  Is there hope for a world in which queens and thanes fight for the power to control earth-magic?  And, what happens when nature decides to fight back against those who would destroy if for their own ends? 

This is a thrilling, action-packed adventure with incredible world-building that kept me turning pages as I was gripped by Ysolda’s quest and eager to find the truth of the myth.  Danger and tension build perfectly side-by-side with beautifully lyrical, atmospheric writing.

Ysolda is a wonderfully strong and courageous girl who puts herself in great danger to save her sister.  She understands the need to respect nature and to live in harmony with it.  She has a gorgeous bond with her sea hawk, Nara, who is never far from her when needed. 

I found the wolf queen a fascinating and complex character and am really looking forward to finding out more about her and the goal she is prepared to do anything for, including sacrificing others, in order to achieve. 

This really is an unmissable start to an enchanting, epic fantasy adventure.  The ending has really made me eager to continue Ysolda’s quest to save her sister -and the world! 

Thank you to Toppsta and the Publisher for a stunning hardback which I am looking forward to sharing with my class.