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The Wild
There’s a war coming, and Wren Aisling is at the center of it.
Wren’s deepest desire is to fall in love, marry, and raise a happy family like her adoring parents. Her prospects are meager, given her father’s minimal income and stature, but she has hope, prayer, and copious love in her heart. What her future holds, though, is more than Wren ever could have imagined.
The kingdom of Willowspire has been cursed—their former king promised death and destruction would fall upon Willowspire for their role in his son’s death. But when a mysterious stag shows Wren glimpses of the future, she begins to realize the story about their kingdom doesn’t quite add up.
Jude O’Ryan knows his place is not to fall in love with his employer’s daughter, especially when he harbors secrets that would put his head on a chopping block, but he can’t help himself. Destined for a fate worse than death, he follows Wren into the depths of despair to save their kingdom from the curse of The Wild.
Prince Cavalarius Alsandair is sick of being sick, but he cannot escape his torturous, humiliating illness no matter how far or fast he might run. His people hate him for his weakness, and prospects for marriage are nonexistent, bringing further shame to his family name. But his heart is wild and free, and all it takes is one chance encounter to change everything.
Wren, Jude, and Cavalarius’s worlds collide as they try to save Willowspire from certain death and to set right all that went wrong long before their time. However, among all the startling discoveries and the lies they uncover stands one undeniable truth: It was never their fight at all.
Wren’s deepest desire is to fall in love, marry, and raise a happy family like her adoring parents. Her prospects are meager, given her father’s minimal income and stature, but she has hope, prayer, and copious love in her heart. What her future holds, though, is more than Wren ever could have imagined.
The kingdom of Willowspire has been cursed—their former king promised death and destruction would fall upon Willowspire for their role in his son’s death. But when a mysterious stag shows Wren glimpses of the future, she begins to realize the story about their kingdom doesn’t quite add up.
Jude O’Ryan knows his place is not to fall in love with his employer’s daughter, especially when he harbors secrets that would put his head on a chopping block, but he can’t help himself. Destined for a fate worse than death, he follows Wren into the depths of despair to save their kingdom from the curse of The Wild.
Prince Cavalarius Alsandair is sick of being sick, but he cannot escape his torturous, humiliating illness no matter how far or fast he might run. His people hate him for his weakness, and prospects for marriage are nonexistent, bringing further shame to his family name. But his heart is wild and free, and all it takes is one chance encounter to change everything.
Wren, Jude, and Cavalarius’s worlds collide as they try to save Willowspire from certain death and to set right all that went wrong long before their time. However, among all the startling discoveries and the lies they uncover stands one undeniable truth: It was never their fight at all.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2023
11 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Padgett
74 books200 followersM. J. Padgett is first and foremost a mom. Her free-spirited daughter has quite the vivid imagination, and her antics sometimes find their way into her mommy’s work. She is a lover of all things chocolate, a Grimm and Dickens addict, a self-proclaimed smarty-pants, and an introvert to the core.
Writing is her true passion (after raising her daughter, of course), and she writes as often as possible. One of her favorite things about writing is creating a world where people can escape reality for a little while, maybe even walk away feeling hopeful about the real world around them. When it comes to reading, she loves a book that can make her forget where she is no matter the genre. If she can get lost and feel like the characters are her real friends, she’s a happy reader.
Writing is her true passion (after raising her daughter, of course), and she writes as often as possible. One of her favorite things about writing is creating a world where people can escape reality for a little while, maybe even walk away feeling hopeful about the real world around them. When it comes to reading, she loves a book that can make her forget where she is no matter the genre. If she can get lost and feel like the characters are her real friends, she’s a happy reader.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 23, 2023
If you're looking for a Christian fantasy that is full of twists and turns, strong friendships, and the sweetest of romances, then you need this book in your life!
I absolutely adored these characters. Each one has their own unique voice and their character development is perfection. I could live in this world forever.
This book delivers it all. Realistic faith, action, family bonds, coming of age, romance, and so much more!
*I read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely adored these characters. Each one has their own unique voice and their character development is perfection. I could live in this world forever.
This book delivers it all. Realistic faith, action, family bonds, coming of age, romance, and so much more!
*I read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
July 14, 2023
4/5 Stars - A sweet and comforting yet epic Christian fantasy.
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for M.J. Padgett's The Wild, and I am so excited to share my honest and spoiler-free review.
I've been anticipating The Wild's release ever since I saw the cover, and I do believe it met my expectations. The Wild centers around Wren Aisling, a young woman who wants to marry and have a family, only to be caught up in a war between Fae and humans.
I found Wren to be an interesting character because she is much sweeter than your typical YA female protagonist. Wren does not want to be a warrior. However, she is dragged into a battle between Fae and humans. Throughout the book, Wren remains kind and loving, which is a major shift from the dark and dangerous FMCs that have grown in popularity. Now, don't get me wrong, I love reading books with murderous FMCs. However, it is still refreshing to see a kinder type of strong female character take the lead.
The romance in The Wild can only be described as adorable. I won't go into it to avoid spoiling things, but there are some very cute (and always clean) scenes.
I do think it's important for readers to know that The Wild is a Christian fantasy. As a Christian, I enjoyed seeing characters talk about their faith and acknowledge God's hand in both good and bad things. While I think that this is a wonderful inclusion, I can see it annoying a lot of people. So, while I don't believe this should stop non-believers from reading The Wild (you can still enjoy the story without being a Christian), I do think readers should be aware that The Wild is unapologetically Christian.
I did feel as though some things were a bit convenient and/or easy (I remember feeling the same way when I read Snow Kissed); however, I believe that this occurrence fits into The Wild's audience. Despite its very real stakes, The Wild strikes me as a comfort read. It is warm and loving and perfect for readers who want an epic fantasy adventure but also want the comfort of knowing that everything will be alright in the end. While that's not my typical genre, I really did enjoy reading The Wild, and I think there is a large audience of readers looking for a book like it.
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for M.J. Padgett's The Wild, and I am so excited to share my honest and spoiler-free review.
I've been anticipating The Wild's release ever since I saw the cover, and I do believe it met my expectations. The Wild centers around Wren Aisling, a young woman who wants to marry and have a family, only to be caught up in a war between Fae and humans.
I found Wren to be an interesting character because she is much sweeter than your typical YA female protagonist. Wren does not want to be a warrior. However, she is dragged into a battle between Fae and humans. Throughout the book, Wren remains kind and loving, which is a major shift from the dark and dangerous FMCs that have grown in popularity. Now, don't get me wrong, I love reading books with murderous FMCs. However, it is still refreshing to see a kinder type of strong female character take the lead.
The romance in The Wild can only be described as adorable. I won't go into it to avoid spoiling things, but there are some very cute (and always clean) scenes.
I do think it's important for readers to know that The Wild is a Christian fantasy. As a Christian, I enjoyed seeing characters talk about their faith and acknowledge God's hand in both good and bad things. While I think that this is a wonderful inclusion, I can see it annoying a lot of people. So, while I don't believe this should stop non-believers from reading The Wild (you can still enjoy the story without being a Christian), I do think readers should be aware that The Wild is unapologetically Christian.
I did feel as though some things were a bit convenient and/or easy (I remember feeling the same way when I read Snow Kissed); however, I believe that this occurrence fits into The Wild's audience. Despite its very real stakes, The Wild strikes me as a comfort read. It is warm and loving and perfect for readers who want an epic fantasy adventure but also want the comfort of knowing that everything will be alright in the end. While that's not my typical genre, I really did enjoy reading The Wild, and I think there is a large audience of readers looking for a book like it.
April 15, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this short read after several long reads. I love the plot twists and surely looking forward to the second book.
My library's ebook copy had a lot of grammar errors to stumble through.
My library's ebook copy had a lot of grammar errors to stumble through.
May 9, 2025
y'all. buckle in. I gotta LOT to say on this book. it's so good.
let's do this in bullet points, shall we?
1.) this is the first fantasy (non-classic) that I've read in a LONG while that I genuinely enjoyed every aspect of it. I used to love fantasies and how they can just totally suck you into another world and captivate you with the happenings, history, and characters of that place. Not gonna lie, not many modern fantasies have done that for me in years! (especially ones not aimed towards middle schoolers) but this one is already a classic in my book. it has everything a good fantasy needs. but onto my next point...
2.) Secrets? wars? adventure? magic animals? faes? magic in general? a plot that twists and turns so you never know what to expect? (except what's also revealed to the characters 😜) what more could you want in a fantastical adventure?
3.) the way this book executed the romance is just *chefs kiss* I've been getting so bogged down by ANY romance in any books lately (cuz it's so cliche, not necessary, or just not well done) that I just avoid it at all costs. but this one? this is how sweet, clean, fantasy romance should be. that's all I need to say.
4.) I love how this was obviously written by a Christian author and has many Christian influences within it (such as trusting His plan, praying to God, etc) but it's not done in a cheesy, overdone manner. it's very realistic to how faith would be under the circumstances and tying that into such a magical world while not intermingling the two confusingly was just so impressive to me. mad respect to Padgett for that feat.
5.) I'll repeat the way this book SUCKED ME IN. granted it took a couple chapters, but once I hit halfway I couldn't put it down. the world building, the character development, and the added characters throughout are so well written and thought out and I can't wait to read more of their stories! She truly made lovable, real, I want to be friends with all of them, characters that I can't think of one thing wrong with any of them (including the bad guys. though I do wish the evil creature had a little more fleshed out story line, but I'm hoping to get more of that in book two 🤫)
Conclusion: Obviously I adore this book. this might be in my top 5 fiction books I'll read this year. definitely one of my favorite fantasy novels I've read in a LONG while. no hidden woke agenda, no steamy romance, no obsessive witchcraft magic, just good. solid. fantasy. I can't recommend it enough. go read it now please, and then come talk to me so I can discuss ALL of it with you 😂😂
let's do this in bullet points, shall we?
1.) this is the first fantasy (non-classic) that I've read in a LONG while that I genuinely enjoyed every aspect of it. I used to love fantasies and how they can just totally suck you into another world and captivate you with the happenings, history, and characters of that place. Not gonna lie, not many modern fantasies have done that for me in years! (especially ones not aimed towards middle schoolers) but this one is already a classic in my book. it has everything a good fantasy needs. but onto my next point...
2.) Secrets? wars? adventure? magic animals? faes? magic in general? a plot that twists and turns so you never know what to expect? (except what's also revealed to the characters 😜) what more could you want in a fantastical adventure?
3.) the way this book executed the romance is just *chefs kiss* I've been getting so bogged down by ANY romance in any books lately (cuz it's so cliche, not necessary, or just not well done) that I just avoid it at all costs. but this one? this is how sweet, clean, fantasy romance should be. that's all I need to say.
4.) I love how this was obviously written by a Christian author and has many Christian influences within it (such as trusting His plan, praying to God, etc) but it's not done in a cheesy, overdone manner. it's very realistic to how faith would be under the circumstances and tying that into such a magical world while not intermingling the two confusingly was just so impressive to me. mad respect to Padgett for that feat.
5.) I'll repeat the way this book SUCKED ME IN. granted it took a couple chapters, but once I hit halfway I couldn't put it down. the world building, the character development, and the added characters throughout are so well written and thought out and I can't wait to read more of their stories! She truly made lovable, real, I want to be friends with all of them, characters that I can't think of one thing wrong with any of them (including the bad guys. though I do wish the evil creature had a little more fleshed out story line, but I'm hoping to get more of that in book two 🤫)
Conclusion: Obviously I adore this book. this might be in my top 5 fiction books I'll read this year. definitely one of my favorite fantasy novels I've read in a LONG while. no hidden woke agenda, no steamy romance, no obsessive witchcraft magic, just good. solid. fantasy. I can't recommend it enough. go read it now please, and then come talk to me so I can discuss ALL of it with you 😂😂
August 2, 2023
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the first book of the authors that I've read but it won't be the last! It is book in The Wild Duology and doesn't end in a cliffhanger but you will want to continue the story and journey of certain characters. The book's blurb gives you an idea of what to expect. It's an excellent Christian epic fantasy told through third person omniscient pov.
While this is a book that Christians will enjoy, I think those who are open to God or aren't hostile towards Him and Christianity can also enjoy the book. Just be aware that faith themes are heavily present and the author doesn't shy away from making it known that she is writing about God.And good for her for doing that!
I know that sometimes readers aren't fond of having multiple povs used in books but it will not disorient you in this book and the story calls for it. I liked getting glimpses of what was going on in the minds of Wren, Jude, and Cav as they learned to accept the purpose that they were given. Wren wanted nothing more than to have her own family and was thrown into the role of a soldier. Jude's mission had him keeping secrets until they came to light and he became Wren's right hand in a different way than he would've thought. Cav battled his curse, physically and mentally, not knowing that he'd have to have the courage to take on a greater role. It wasn't easy for them as they were called to do things that they wouldn't have imagined for themselves. They all had their doubts and worries and I liked seeing them go through all that as they became at peace with what they were called to do.
While some plot events and resolutions were conveniently solved, I didn't mind that because it served the purpose of the story well. The solutions didn't make the story deviate from its initial course but rather kept in on the right track. The romance is clean, sweet, and a bit of love at first sight. The pacing of the story picks up in the middle, or so, of the second act but it doesn't mean that the romance is rushed or doesn't have time to develop. What I really loved about the book was the world building and how the action kept me interested in what would happen next. There are some good twists as well too. While there is some violence in the story, it's the general kind that is not too descriptive. The story was entertaining and thought provoking. I really enjoyed it. It was a great introduction for me to the author's writing and I look forward to reading more from her.
While this is a book that Christians will enjoy, I think those who are open to God or aren't hostile towards Him and Christianity can also enjoy the book. Just be aware that faith themes are heavily present and the author doesn't shy away from making it known that she is writing about God.
I know that sometimes readers aren't fond of having multiple povs used in books but it will not disorient you in this book and the story calls for it. I liked getting glimpses of what was going on in the minds of Wren, Jude, and Cav as they learned to accept the purpose that they were given. Wren wanted nothing more than to have her own family and was thrown into the role of a soldier. Jude's mission had him keeping secrets until they came to light and he became Wren's right hand in a different way than he would've thought. Cav battled his curse, physically and mentally, not knowing that he'd have to have the courage to take on a greater role. It wasn't easy for them as they were called to do things that they wouldn't have imagined for themselves. They all had their doubts and worries and I liked seeing them go through all that as they became at peace with what they were called to do.
While some plot events and resolutions were conveniently solved, I didn't mind that because it served the purpose of the story well. The solutions didn't make the story deviate from its initial course but rather kept in on the right track. The romance is clean, sweet, and a bit of love at first sight. The pacing of the story picks up in the middle, or so, of the second act but it doesn't mean that the romance is rushed or doesn't have time to develop. What I really loved about the book was the world building and how the action kept me interested in what would happen next. There are some good twists as well too. While there is some violence in the story, it's the general kind that is not too descriptive. The story was entertaining and thought provoking. I really enjoyed it. It was a great introduction for me to the author's writing and I look forward to reading more from her.
July 26, 2023
It was a cozy, sweet, and wholesome clean fantasy read!
Wren is a dependable lead, but CAV! We need to protect him at all cost (including his.. curse).
The world building was rich, love the nicely-timed pacing, and all the supporting characters especially Wren's family (they are so warm and amazing!) and JUDE!
That epilogue! I need more books of this series :))
Wren is a dependable lead, but CAV! We need to protect him at all cost (including his.. curse).
The world building was rich, love the nicely-timed pacing, and all the supporting characters especially Wren's family (they are so warm and amazing!) and JUDE!
That epilogue! I need more books of this series :))
September 9, 2023
Excellent story. Well written, good pace, good definition of characters, and their pov were very clear. Really enjoyed this and look forward to the 2nd book.
January 12, 2025
DNF @ 45%
I kept waiting for the book to get better and it has only gotten more tedious. It's not believable, the world building is lacking, and the story starts at a weird point in the timeline.
I kept waiting for the book to get better and it has only gotten more tedious. It's not believable, the world building is lacking, and the story starts at a weird point in the timeline.
April 30, 2025
I really did enjoy this book overall. The romance was adorable, and the fantasy elements added a fun, imaginative touch. The writing was strong, and I especially loved the dynamic between Wren and both Jude and Prince Cav.
That said, I wish I had researched the book more before diving in. I personally don’t engage with stories that center heavily around magic—and this book was absolutely full of it. Practically every page involved magic in some form. I also don’t believe in "good magic," so the heavy use of it, especially in ways that felt spiritual or supernatural, made me uncomfortable.
Some elements, in particular, felt dark or even borderline demonic. The Wilderwood king, for example, exists in a kind of limbo between life and death and ends up possessing the prince. Later, he uses potions and what felt like witchcraft to exit the prince’s body. That scene, and several others like it, really unsettled me.
While the story was well-crafted and the characters were engaging, the themes just didn’t align with my personal values. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy magical fantasy and don’t mind darker elements, but it ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me
That said, I wish I had researched the book more before diving in. I personally don’t engage with stories that center heavily around magic—and this book was absolutely full of it. Practically every page involved magic in some form. I also don’t believe in "good magic," so the heavy use of it, especially in ways that felt spiritual or supernatural, made me uncomfortable.
Some elements, in particular, felt dark or even borderline demonic. The Wilderwood king, for example, exists in a kind of limbo between life and death and ends up possessing the prince. Later, he uses potions and what felt like witchcraft to exit the prince’s body. That scene, and several others like it, really unsettled me.
While the story was well-crafted and the characters were engaging, the themes just didn’t align with my personal values. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy magical fantasy and don’t mind darker elements, but it ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me
November 29, 2023
Perfection.
I've never read a Christian fantasy that openly called God in the story "God" instead of something ambiguous like "the Creator" or "High One." It was so refreshing and I LOVED it! The story itself was compelling and beautifully written. I rooted for the characters, and was deeply invested in the story. The family bonding, love story, war, and magic elements held true to a classic fantasy, and the added Christian faith literally makes this book one of my all time favorite reads.
I highly recommend if you enjoy allegorical fantasy, magical animals, fae, epic battles, and found family tropes!
I've never read a Christian fantasy that openly called God in the story "God" instead of something ambiguous like "the Creator" or "High One." It was so refreshing and I LOVED it! The story itself was compelling and beautifully written. I rooted for the characters, and was deeply invested in the story. The family bonding, love story, war, and magic elements held true to a classic fantasy, and the added Christian faith literally makes this book one of my all time favorite reads.
I highly recommend if you enjoy allegorical fantasy, magical animals, fae, epic battles, and found family tropes!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews