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Wren
A dark, gothic adventure set on the island of Anglesey in North Wales and featuring a very fantastical beast...
Wren lives in an ancient castle in the mountains near the sea. The wind whistles through it and the walls sing to her. Wren is busy inventing things, and her father is busy disapproving.
But the castle contains a mystery and as Wren is drawn further into it, she realises the answer lies in the very foundations of her home, foundations that are being shaken to their core...
The next fantastic novel from Lucy Hope, author of Fledgling!
Wren lives in an ancient castle in the mountains near the sea. The wind whistles through it and the walls sing to her. Wren is busy inventing things, and her father is busy disapproving.
But the castle contains a mystery and as Wren is drawn further into it, she realises the answer lies in the very foundations of her home, foundations that are being shaken to their core...
The next fantastic novel from Lucy Hope, author of Fledgling!
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2022
4 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Hope
2 books7 followersLucy Hope grew up in North Wales, though now she lives in the Cotswolds. After jobs ranging from managing telecoms products to working in schools, she did a master’s degree in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa university. Fledgling is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 13, 2025
I do recognise I am no longer the target age group for this book. However, unfortunately there are many things in this book which I believe would frustrate me at the age intended for this book.
I didn't hate this book. I enjoyed the friendship between Wren and Medwyn, and I loved the descriptions of the area, allowing me to slowly piece together roughly where in Anglesey the book takes place.
On the note of Anglesey, I also loved the discussions of Cymru's history and culture, with references to Yr Wyddf and Eisteddfods being featured later in the book.
My main issues mostly lie with our main character. Wren is a very smart 12 year old, she builds her own flying machine, but somehow doesn't have the awareness to maybe not discuss this secret flying machine infront of her very disapproving father???? There's also a moment where in the span of one page she goes from being very willing to destroy her home to being concerned about it, which feels very odd.
I also am not a fan on the total 180 her father, brother and aunt do at the end. All 3 characters, to varying extents, are cruel to Wren throughout the majority of the book and belittle her ideas, only for them to turn around and be nice to her and fully agree to her ideas at the end of the book??? I highly doubt that Wren's father, who has spent the majority of those book chastising Wren for not caring about their family history or their home would immediately be willing to let it be destroyed because his daughter yelled at him about it.
I also wish that the book had simply chosen one of the plot lines to follow rather than try and combine them. I think the story would have worked better if it either focused on Wren uncovering the secret of her home or on her just building the flying machine to she can escape the responsibilities laid on her by her father. As it is, the secrets of the house plot line felt neglected for most of the book, which led to the end of the book feeling very rushed as very little had been established about what was going on.
Overall, a slightly frustrating read with some nice representation of Welsh culture.
I didn't hate this book. I enjoyed the friendship between Wren and Medwyn, and I loved the descriptions of the area, allowing me to slowly piece together roughly where in Anglesey the book takes place.
On the note of Anglesey, I also loved the discussions of Cymru's history and culture, with references to Yr Wyddf and Eisteddfods being featured later in the book.
My main issues mostly lie with our main character. Wren is a very smart 12 year old, she builds her own flying machine, but somehow doesn't have the awareness to maybe not discuss this secret flying machine infront of her very disapproving father???? There's also a moment where in the span of one page she goes from being very willing to destroy her home to being concerned about it, which feels very odd.
I also am not a fan on the total 180 her father, brother and aunt do at the end. All 3 characters, to varying extents, are cruel to Wren throughout the majority of the book and belittle her ideas, only for them to turn around and be nice to her and fully agree to her ideas at the end of the book??? I highly doubt that Wren's father, who has spent the majority of those book chastising Wren for not caring about their family history or their home would immediately be willing to let it be destroyed because his daughter yelled at him about it.
I also wish that the book had simply chosen one of the plot lines to follow rather than try and combine them. I think the story would have worked better if it either focused on Wren uncovering the secret of her home or on her just building the flying machine to she can escape the responsibilities laid on her by her father. As it is, the secrets of the house plot line felt neglected for most of the book, which led to the end of the book feeling very rushed as very little had been established about what was going on.
Overall, a slightly frustrating read with some nice representation of Welsh culture.
November 12, 2022
This was such a fun read!
Wren is very creative. Like her mother before her, she likes to invent things. Her father just thinks she needs to get her head out of the clouds and act like a proper young lady.
When she starts hearing the castle singing to her and feels it shaking, she begins to think he might be right.
When her father and aunt start acting suspicious and cracks start forming in the walls, she decides she's not crazy, there is just a mystery to be solved.
I loved this! Great Gothic vibes. I loved Wren's spunky attitude.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc.
Wren is very creative. Like her mother before her, she likes to invent things. Her father just thinks she needs to get her head out of the clouds and act like a proper young lady.
When she starts hearing the castle singing to her and feels it shaking, she begins to think he might be right.
When her father and aunt start acting suspicious and cracks start forming in the walls, she decides she's not crazy, there is just a mystery to be solved.
I loved this! Great Gothic vibes. I loved Wren's spunky attitude.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc.
September 11, 2022
Publication Date: 06th Oct 2022
4 Stars
One Liner: Heartwarming
Wren lives in an ancient castle on the island of Anglesey in North Wales. She shares her home with her Pa, brother Tudur, and Aunt Efa (her mother’s sister). Wren is much like her mother, a daredevil who lost her life during an adventure. The same incident put Aunt Efa in a wheelchair (a steam-powered model).
When Pa decides to send Wren to Airey’s school for spirited girls, she knows she has to find a way to stop it. Her plans inadvertently expose a long-buried secret. Now, it’s up to Wren to do what is right, even if it costs her everything. Can a twelve-year-old girl handle the responsibility on her young shoulders?
My Observations:
The story comes in the first person POV of Wren, giving us insights into her thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc. The start feels a little tentative but picks up pace after the first quarter.
The atmospheric setting adds to the intrigue. The characters are pretty much two-dimensional, with some growth in the last quarter. It works well in the story (also because this is middle-grade fiction).
I enjoyed scenes where Wren puts her foot down and gets really reckless. Yeah, not something we would encourage in kids, but this is fiction. There’s got to be some adventure and action for Wren to grow.
The book doesn’t ignore the importance of personal safety. There are two scenes (kind of related) that stress the need to be careful even when being a daredevil (and how not doing it right can have adverse results).
The steam-powered wheelchair and the Phoenix seamlessly blend with the historical setting. The combination of mechanics and myth works well in this one. Needless to say, I couldn’t stop chuckling when Aunt Efa zoomed about in her wheelchair and elaborate hairstyles.
The gothic part wasn’t that impactful though the climax is very well done and detailed. I just wish the paranormal part was a little more impactful. I’m sure kids wouldn’t be scared. ;)
The epilogue adds a lovely finishing touch to the story. The author’s note provides more information about the flying ships and her family's connection to them.
To Summarize, Wren is a heartwarming story about a young girl who loves freedom and believes in doing the right thing. It’s a quick read too.
Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#Wren #NetGalley
4 Stars
One Liner: Heartwarming
Wren lives in an ancient castle on the island of Anglesey in North Wales. She shares her home with her Pa, brother Tudur, and Aunt Efa (her mother’s sister). Wren is much like her mother, a daredevil who lost her life during an adventure. The same incident put Aunt Efa in a wheelchair (a steam-powered model).
When Pa decides to send Wren to Airey’s school for spirited girls, she knows she has to find a way to stop it. Her plans inadvertently expose a long-buried secret. Now, it’s up to Wren to do what is right, even if it costs her everything. Can a twelve-year-old girl handle the responsibility on her young shoulders?
My Observations:
The story comes in the first person POV of Wren, giving us insights into her thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc. The start feels a little tentative but picks up pace after the first quarter.
The atmospheric setting adds to the intrigue. The characters are pretty much two-dimensional, with some growth in the last quarter. It works well in the story (also because this is middle-grade fiction).
I enjoyed scenes where Wren puts her foot down and gets really reckless. Yeah, not something we would encourage in kids, but this is fiction. There’s got to be some adventure and action for Wren to grow.
The book doesn’t ignore the importance of personal safety. There are two scenes (kind of related) that stress the need to be careful even when being a daredevil (and how not doing it right can have adverse results).
The steam-powered wheelchair and the Phoenix seamlessly blend with the historical setting. The combination of mechanics and myth works well in this one. Needless to say, I couldn’t stop chuckling when Aunt Efa zoomed about in her wheelchair and elaborate hairstyles.
The gothic part wasn’t that impactful though the climax is very well done and detailed. I just wish the paranormal part was a little more impactful. I’m sure kids wouldn’t be scared. ;)
The epilogue adds a lovely finishing touch to the story. The author’s note provides more information about the flying ships and her family's connection to them.
To Summarize, Wren is a heartwarming story about a young girl who loves freedom and believes in doing the right thing. It’s a quick read too.
Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#Wren #NetGalley
September 3, 2022
Wren lives in a grand old house on the island of Anglesey in Wales in 1870. She loves to go out rowing on the Menai Strait in her coracle but above all she longs to soar through the sky, like her mother did before she died in a tragic accident. Wren’s father thinks she’s running wild and bringing their ancient family name into disrepute so he meets with the sinister ‘Aireys’ about sending Wren away to their school for the re-education of wayward girls, which only spurs her on to build a flying machine so she can escape. And there’s something going on with Wren’s house—cracks are appearing in the walls, and she keeps hearing strange noises as though the house is singing…
Once again, Lucy Hope’s signature blend of madcap inventions and historical fantasy proves a compelling combination. Wren is a plucky and determined protagonist and I adored Aunty Efa in her steampowered wheelchair. I have Welsh ancestry and it was lovely to read a story steeped in Welsh mythology and culture. ‘Wren’ is a quieter story than ‘Fledgling’, to begin with, but the house itself and the mystery at its heart is an inspired spark of imagination, and the finale of the story builds to a stunning crescendo. Absolutely loved this!
Once again, Lucy Hope’s signature blend of madcap inventions and historical fantasy proves a compelling combination. Wren is a plucky and determined protagonist and I adored Aunty Efa in her steampowered wheelchair. I have Welsh ancestry and it was lovely to read a story steeped in Welsh mythology and culture. ‘Wren’ is a quieter story than ‘Fledgling’, to begin with, but the house itself and the mystery at its heart is an inspired spark of imagination, and the finale of the story builds to a stunning crescendo. Absolutely loved this!
March 25, 2023
Wren is a dark, atmospheric adventure set on the island of Anglesey in North Wales. It tells the story of 12-year-old Wren, who lives in an ancient castle with her father, brother, and aunt. Wren is a curious and adventurous girl who loves the outdoors. She is also a talented inventor, and she dreams of one day flying an airship.
Wren's father is a strict and demanding man, and he does not approve of Wren's adventurous spirit. He wants her to stay at home and learn to be a proper lady. But Wren is determined to follow her own path, and she sets off on a series of adventures that will change her life forever.
Wren is a well-developed and relatable character. She is brave and resourceful, but she is also flawed. She can be impulsive and reckless, and she sometimes gets herself into trouble. But she always learns from her mistakes, and she never gives up on her dreams.
The plot of Wren is fast-paced and exciting. There are plenty of twists and turns, and the story is full of suspense. The setting is also very atmospheric, and it really brings the story to life.
Overall, Wren is a great read for anyone who loves adventure stories. It is a well-written and exciting tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Wren's father is a strict and demanding man, and he does not approve of Wren's adventurous spirit. He wants her to stay at home and learn to be a proper lady. But Wren is determined to follow her own path, and she sets off on a series of adventures that will change her life forever.
Wren is a well-developed and relatable character. She is brave and resourceful, but she is also flawed. She can be impulsive and reckless, and she sometimes gets herself into trouble. But she always learns from her mistakes, and she never gives up on her dreams.
The plot of Wren is fast-paced and exciting. There are plenty of twists and turns, and the story is full of suspense. The setting is also very atmospheric, and it really brings the story to life.
Overall, Wren is a great read for anyone who loves adventure stories. It is a well-written and exciting tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
October 7, 2022
And in one fell swoop, all the good will from this author's debut work, Fledgling, is undone, and all that might have been debatably a fault with the first is magnified a thousandfold and made quite horrendous as a result. This is quirk for quirk's sake, as a girl lumpenly – oh, so lumpenly – put in a situation of needing to rebel against her stuffy Victorian father and her gurning brother, has to escape being sent to a corrective institute for wayward females. She's Wren, a tomboyish lass who likes messing about around Anglesey in the coracle her mother gifted her – the mother that died in an attempt at flight that also meant Wren's fashionista aunt has to putter around in, of course, a coal-fired wheelchair. Oh, and the house they live in sings, and of course there's a kid who can summon up Hitchcockian bird attacks. All in all, this was so unsubtle I couldn't get anywhere near seeing a scene or situation that reminded me of the author's merits, and certainly ditched it before seeing anything that justified an adult perusal.
August 1, 2024
I came across this book on a holiday in South Wales and on a whim, decided it looked and sounded good so picked it up.
I got into this book so quickly and I always looked forward to returning to the story after my days out. The Welsh, magical, historical vibes were perfect and Wrens character is so easy to like. She’s a daredevil at heart, wanting to pick up where her ma left off: building a flying machine which could see her soar far over the mountains and away from her life. Her ma sadly died in the attempt but it hasn’t stopped Wren from dreaming.
There’s also the strange occurrences going on in her house. Mysterious noises, cracks appearing.. could there be something nefarious going on behind the scenes? It’s definitely enough to keep you reading and intrigued the whole way through.
It was really well written to keep you guessing and it’s a great read for younger readers and to be enjoyed by adults too. It’s the first book by this author I’ve read and I’ll definitely have to check out her other book ‘Fledgling’ too.
I got into this book so quickly and I always looked forward to returning to the story after my days out. The Welsh, magical, historical vibes were perfect and Wrens character is so easy to like. She’s a daredevil at heart, wanting to pick up where her ma left off: building a flying machine which could see her soar far over the mountains and away from her life. Her ma sadly died in the attempt but it hasn’t stopped Wren from dreaming.
There’s also the strange occurrences going on in her house. Mysterious noises, cracks appearing.. could there be something nefarious going on behind the scenes? It’s definitely enough to keep you reading and intrigued the whole way through.
It was really well written to keep you guessing and it’s a great read for younger readers and to be enjoyed by adults too. It’s the first book by this author I’ve read and I’ll definitely have to check out her other book ‘Fledgling’ too.
Read
August 31, 2022Wren lives with her father, aunt, and brother in an old house in Wales. Mourning the recent loss of his wife, Wren's father seemingly cannot cope with the spirited girl and he tries to rein in her inquisitive nature by contacting 'The Airey's' who run a school for 'wayward/spirited' girls - but everyone knows the Airey's reputation and how the girls never come back out of the school behaving the same way they entered.
Adding to her woes. there is something wrong with Wren's house - it keeps making noises and mysterious cracks appear in its walls and what is the secret that her father hiding?
Wren attempts to recreate the flying ship that sadly caused her mother's death and her aunt's paralysis - but its the outcome of her first launch that Wren actually sees what is going on with her house.
A fantastic story with a brilliant twist 60% of the way through. Hope keeps the reader on their toes all of the way through the book - a recommended read!
Adding to her woes. there is something wrong with Wren's house - it keeps making noises and mysterious cracks appear in its walls and what is the secret that her father hiding?
Wren attempts to recreate the flying ship that sadly caused her mother's death and her aunt's paralysis - but its the outcome of her first launch that Wren actually sees what is going on with her house.
A fantastic story with a brilliant twist 60% of the way through. Hope keeps the reader on their toes all of the way through the book - a recommended read!
October 10, 2022
Wren is a rebellious young girl that lives in her ancestral home on the island of Anglesey in North Wales. She lost her mother when she was younger and now lives with her disabled eccentric aunt, imposing strict father and competitive spiteful brother. Wren loves nothing more than being out on the sea looking for migrating birds sailing on her beloved coracle. She is always at odds with her father who only takes notice of her to reprimand her about not paying attention to her studies and being more ladylike. As cracks start appearing in the castle they are also start appearing in the relationship between Wren and her father.
The story is told from the point of view of Wren, who I really liked, she is an empathetic character, kind to those around her with a talent for invention and dare devil acts. She is a real contrast to ther other inhabitants of the imposing castle. As we learn more about her deceased mother we find that Wren is very much like her and worry that she will suffer the same fate.
I really enjoyed the Gothic setting of the novel, it is very atmospheric and I hadn't predicted the direction would go in at all. It was a very moving read that left me feeling hope for Wren and her family.
Thank to Netgalley from an advanced read of this novel in return for an honest and fair review.
The story is told from the point of view of Wren, who I really liked, she is an empathetic character, kind to those around her with a talent for invention and dare devil acts. She is a real contrast to ther other inhabitants of the imposing castle. As we learn more about her deceased mother we find that Wren is very much like her and worry that she will suffer the same fate.
I really enjoyed the Gothic setting of the novel, it is very atmospheric and I hadn't predicted the direction would go in at all. It was a very moving read that left me feeling hope for Wren and her family.
Thank to Netgalley from an advanced read of this novel in return for an honest and fair review.
October 12, 2022
Look at that amazing cover. I could stare at it for hours - but then I wouldn't be reading this fantastic book, and that would be a real shame.
Between Fledgling and this book, Lucy is establishing herself as being able to blend fantasy perfectly with the 'real' world, and using the fantasy to highlight 'real' problems. I don't want to spoil the fantasy element, so I won't say too much about it, but it's so perfect for the story!
The adventure is great and certains parts are wonderfully heartwarming. This is a great read and I can't wait to see what Lucy comes up with next. It's going to be brilliant.
Between Fledgling and this book, Lucy is establishing herself as being able to blend fantasy perfectly with the 'real' world, and using the fantasy to highlight 'real' problems. I don't want to spoil the fantasy element, so I won't say too much about it, but it's so perfect for the story!
The adventure is great and certains parts are wonderfully heartwarming. This is a great read and I can't wait to see what Lucy comes up with next. It's going to be brilliant.
March 7, 2023
Lovely book. I read it on two sittings.
Set on the Menai Straits, Anglesey, an area I know well from university in Bangor.
Wren lives in an old historic house with her father and aunt. A bit of a tearaway, she wants to build a flying machine like her mother did. But her dad wants her to go to an institute where she’ll be taught to be a proper young lady.
Wren doesn’t want to go and decides she needs to build her plane and escape over the mountains.
In the meantime the house is starting to fall apart and there are songs coming from the roof.
What Wren discovers about her history and the house will have you reading on to find out what happens next.
Set on the Menai Straits, Anglesey, an area I know well from university in Bangor.
Wren lives in an old historic house with her father and aunt. A bit of a tearaway, she wants to build a flying machine like her mother did. But her dad wants her to go to an institute where she’ll be taught to be a proper young lady.
Wren doesn’t want to go and decides she needs to build her plane and escape over the mountains.
In the meantime the house is starting to fall apart and there are songs coming from the roof.
What Wren discovers about her history and the house will have you reading on to find out what happens next.
October 4, 2022
Many thanks to the wonderful elves at NetGalley. May you shine as brightly as the sun in the sky!
This book is such a slow breeze on a warm day. It builds into its own crescendo of magical and wonderful freedom. I felt like I was breathing this book as it opened itself, wing like.
I loved our main character, Wren. Her voice rang true and natural thanks to Lucy’s soft and delicate touches of craftsmanship. The mystery of this novel just spoke to me in a way that kept me flowing through.
A rare species of soft story telling.
This book is such a slow breeze on a warm day. It builds into its own crescendo of magical and wonderful freedom. I felt like I was breathing this book as it opened itself, wing like.
I loved our main character, Wren. Her voice rang true and natural thanks to Lucy’s soft and delicate touches of craftsmanship. The mystery of this novel just spoke to me in a way that kept me flowing through.
A rare species of soft story telling.
November 2, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Nosy Crow Books for access to this ARC. I really enjoyed Lucy Hope’s first book Fledging but Wren is even better. The characters are more real and the relationships are really well developed. I love the slightly steam-punk background of the Victorian adventurer and the fact that it’s anchored in a sort of factual as well as mythological context really impressed me. The final chapter was a wonderful moment of joy, nostalgia and gave a lovely sense of completion.
I can’t wait to see what Lucy writes about next. Brilliant stuff for KS2 and early KS3.
I can’t wait to see what Lucy writes about next. Brilliant stuff for KS2 and early KS3.
June 4, 2023
When I read this book I was actually really excited because it looked so good and perfect but then nothing happens.. It try’s to cram a lot into one little book, the plot was interesting enough to keep reading but I think it would be much better if it focuses on one particular thing. The reason I rated it 3 stars is because the ending was actually not what I expected! I found it confusing still but it was actually the kind of book towards the end which interested me. This is a good book but it takes a very very very! Long time to get you ‘hooked in’
October 21, 2022
I haven't read Fledgling, but I WILL because this girl can write. One thing is thinking up incredible stories, scary ones, MAD ones, another thing is writing them up in a way that is engaging, lyrical at times, exiting and just really wonderful. But in a dark and unsettling way too. Lucy Hope is doing a Nordic almost Noir thing that is both thrilling and trailblazing. I can't wait to read all her books as they come out.
September 1, 2022
I loved gothic tales as a child and reading them as a middle grader really helped me grow into the genre, and this is the perfect story to do just that for kids. I read it really quickly, it is well written with a creepy story but not too scary, with a good level of mystery and well developed characters.
October 5, 2022
This is a stunning historical adventure. Wren is such a vibrant explorer, and I loved the Welsh mythological elements and the heart in the story. It was beautifully written and reminded me of The House with Chicken Legs, I cannot wait to read more from Lucy Hope. Thank you Nosy Crow for this special ARC. I think Wren soars, it’s a classic.
September 21, 2024
My first Lucy Hope book and I absolutely loved it! The darkness at the start of the book, with this underlying hope and a joyous ending. A real story of female grit, determination and bravery and why we should raise more girls like Wren. All adults should give this a try…it will have you on the edge of your seat throughout
October 4, 2022
We all loved this book by Lucy Hope, just as much as the previous one. They are always well written and engaging. They are a bit scary (child friendly level) , great characters and brilliant storylines. Will be looking out for the next book.
August 30, 2023
Very interesting, finished it just this morning. I love the way it's so mysterious and exciting, couldn't stop reading.
September 8, 2023
Crazy but I loved it!
September 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this gothic adventure with such a brilliantly relatable lead. I loved the setting and how determined Wren was to be her own person and do her best despite everything being stacked up against her
March 30, 2023
This book is stunning. The attention to detail and historical accuracy was a delight to read. Resonating loudly with me was the determination, self belief and courage of the main character, Wren. This book will have a fond place in my heart for many years to come.
November 11, 2022
Loved this! One of the best Middle Grade's I've read this year for suspense, drama, and mystery, as well as having a great strong female character (who isn't flawless by any means, and isn't able to instantly do great feats of daring without consequence either, I really appreciated that).
I found the father very overbearing in an unexplained kind of way, so that jarred a little bit early on as I didn't get why he was so harsh to his daughter other than just because he was a Victorian father(?) but I think that is explained as the story progresses, and the use of fear as a motivator for his actions, and greed as the motivator of others is well done.
Loved the ending!
I need to read Fledgling now.
I found the father very overbearing in an unexplained kind of way, so that jarred a little bit early on as I didn't get why he was so harsh to his daughter other than just because he was a Victorian father(?) but I think that is explained as the story progresses, and the use of fear as a motivator for his actions, and greed as the motivator of others is well done.
Loved the ending!
I need to read Fledgling now.
March 7, 2024
Although it took me a while to get into this book, I did mostly enjoy it. The ending was particularly good and very unexpected.
I found it a bit dull at the start, as it felt like your typical 'not like other girls" story, where Wren was different, into mechanics and going out on her boat, which was very undignified for a young lady. And her father isn't happy about this, so wants to send her off to a 'school' which everyone knows is just a place where they basically torture high spirited women into being docile and submissive.
This put me off a bit, as it's kind of over done as a concept. However, the mystery underneath this story kept me reading. I wanted to find out why the house was making strange noises and moving. Which is really the most important part of the story, but I felt like it really took too long to get to the point of this, which was also when the book got good, and then it was over with pretty quickly. And really I wanted more of this exciting, interesting bit and less of the overdone suppressed girl story.
But overall, with the ending being as interesting as it was, I did enjoy this book.
I found it a bit dull at the start, as it felt like your typical 'not like other girls" story, where Wren was different, into mechanics and going out on her boat, which was very undignified for a young lady. And her father isn't happy about this, so wants to send her off to a 'school' which everyone knows is just a place where they basically torture high spirited women into being docile and submissive.
This put me off a bit, as it's kind of over done as a concept. However, the mystery underneath this story kept me reading. I wanted to find out why the house was making strange noises and moving. Which is really the most important part of the story, but I felt like it really took too long to get to the point of this, which was also when the book got good, and then it was over with pretty quickly. And really I wanted more of this exciting, interesting bit and less of the overdone suppressed girl story.
But overall, with the ending being as interesting as it was, I did enjoy this book.
January 3, 2023
Young Wren can be compared to the likes of Violet Baudelaire and Amelia Earhart with the way she creates and dreams. I loved the premise of this book and the epilogue made me shed a little tear of joy. Set in Anglesey, North Wales, Wren dreams of building a flying machine, following in her Ma’s footsteps. Rebelling against her father and what is expected of proper young ladies in the 19th century, she is a force to be reckoned with. She learns her family history isn’t as it’s always been told and discovers a shocking secret. All round joyous read. My one request would be more Welsh mythology and stories woven into this exciting tale!
March 22, 2025
I liked the idea of this book, but nearly all of the characters bothered me.
Wren is Not Like Other Girls. She doesn’t like embroidery or frilly dresses so the men of the era want her to be quiet and obedient. She takes after her mom, who is of course dead. She has an annoying brother, who is of course their father’s favourite.
Why is it always ‘the main character is special because she is adventurous’ and never ‘the time period was horrible to girls in general’?
I wouldn’t say there’s anything truly wrong with this book, but I’ve felt like I’ve read Wren’s character multiple times before. (in other middle grade books with a plot I liked better)
Wren is Not Like Other Girls. She doesn’t like embroidery or frilly dresses so the men of the era want her to be quiet and obedient. She takes after her mom, who is of course dead. She has an annoying brother, who is of course their father’s favourite.
Why is it always ‘the main character is special because she is adventurous’ and never ‘the time period was horrible to girls in general’?
I wouldn’t say there’s anything truly wrong with this book, but I’ve felt like I’ve read Wren’s character multiple times before. (in other middle grade books with a plot I liked better)
November 12, 2024
Wren - Lucy Hope
Wren lives in a grand old house on the island of Anglesey, North Wales. The house is in the mountains and close enough to the sea to hear the waves crashing.
Despite her father’s disapproval Wren is an inventor and is obsessed with the thought of flying, so much so that she builds her own set of wings!
Wren becomes suspicious of her father and tries to get to the bottom of what turns out to be imbedded in the foundations of her house.
Full of fun characters (including one in a noisy, steam-powered wheelchair!) Wren is a delight to read. Although a YA novel I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I also loved Lucy Hope’s earlier book Fledgling.
Perfect for fantasy fans.
Wren lives in a grand old house on the island of Anglesey, North Wales. The house is in the mountains and close enough to the sea to hear the waves crashing.
Despite her father’s disapproval Wren is an inventor and is obsessed with the thought of flying, so much so that she builds her own set of wings!
Wren becomes suspicious of her father and tries to get to the bottom of what turns out to be imbedded in the foundations of her house.
Full of fun characters (including one in a noisy, steam-powered wheelchair!) Wren is a delight to read. Although a YA novel I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I also loved Lucy Hope’s earlier book Fledgling.
Perfect for fantasy fans.
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