The Storm and the Sea Hawk

Geomancer #2

by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

The thrilling second Geomancer book in the epic fantasy trilogy from the bestselling, award-winning Kiran Millwood Hargrave, for readers of Philip Pullman and Katherine Rundell.

'Destined to be a classic' - Garth Nix
'This tale of adventure and magic is as brave as it is exciting' - Independent
'A stunning adventure' - Cressida Cowell
'Fierce, lyrical ... an earth-shattering fantasy' Piers Torday

Unlock a magic that could change the world ... or destroy it.

Ysolda is on the run, travelling with a rebellious princess to the wilds of the Drakken Peak - on the back of a huge sea wolf. With her faithful sea hawk Nara by her side, her quest to find the fabled magic of the Geomancer is just beginning ...

From the author of The Girl of Ink and Stars, Julia and the Shark and The Mercies, the Geomancer trilogy is a new modern classic for readers young and old.

Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Middle Grade, Magic, Family, Childrens

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2024

About the author

Kiran Millwood Hargrave is an award-winning writer whose work has been translated into over 30 languages and optioned for stage and screen. Almost Life, her third novel for adults, will be published by Picador (UK) and Summit (US) in March 2026.

Her debut adult novel The Mercies debuted at number one of the The Times bestseller list, was a top-ten Sunday Times bestseller, and was selected for the BBC Radio 2 Book Club and the Richard and Judy Summer Reads. It was a finalist for the prestigious Prix Femina in France, won a Betty Trask Award, and was called 'unquestionably the book of the 2018 London Book Fair' by The Bookseller. The Dance Tree was shortlisted for the HWA Gold Crown Award and picked for the BBC Two Between Two Covers Book Club, as well as Florence + the Machine's Between Two Books Book Club.

Between them, her children's books have won numerous awards including the Wainwright Prize, Children's Book of the Year at the British Book Awards, the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, the Historical Association Young Quills Award, and the Blackwell's Children's Book of the Year. They have been shortlisted for the Kirkus Prize, the Barnes and Noble Award, Jhalak Prize, the Little Rebels Prize, the Branford Boase Award, the Blue Peter Best Story Award, Costa Children's Book Prize, Foyles' Children's Book of the Year, and thrice-longlisted for the Carnegie Award.

Kiran lives in Oxford with her husband, the artist Tom de Freston, their daughter, cats, and usually a litter of foster kittens.

Reviews

[Daniella · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Childrens for providing me an eARC to review!

I think this is a really good young fiction series that works in climate change without feeling preachy/hopeless. There's also interesting layers to the characters despite these books being relatively quick and easy reads!

There are some darker moments so not for really young readers, but I think they're handled in a way where they're not super scary. I also loved Ysolda's relationship with her trusty hawk and there were some sweet moments too.

Will be interested to see how everything wraps up in book 3!

[Abbie Toria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Storm and the Sea Hawk even more than the first book in the Geomancer trilogy! It's a quest, but so much more than that, the stakes are really raised this time. I felt we really got to grips with the themes in the series and the emotions of our heroine Ysolde.

Kiran Millwood Hargrave skilfully weaves an adventurous middle grade tale that may seem simple on the surface, but seamlessly delves into the depths of many complex issues. Not only do we explore "happenings" (environmental disasters), but we see environmental refugees from these events and how they are treated. We explore; nature, sisters, family, grief, fear, kindness, prejudice, racism, and trust. Ysolde's relationships are deepening and she's realising that not everyone she considers a friend is someone she can trust. Nara, her faithful sea hawk, is incredible, and I'm sure will be a favourite for many.

The author's beautiful, lyrical writing showcases her roots as a poet, and I can just imagine this story being told aloud around a campfire, just like the Norse sagas that inspired it. I'm really excited by the new characters introduced at the end of the novel and where the next book is heading!

[Timothy Burbage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What. A. Book.

This is the sequel to my favourite book of 2023 and boy did it deliver. We follow Ysolde and Erie as they travel trying to find the Anchorite, a mythical person who can bring back balance to nature.

This is a quest novel. Full of adventure and trials and tribulations every step on the way. Ysolde is such a great protagonist as she isn't given any special gifts or abilities. Everything she achieves is through hard graft and tenacity. There are interesting character dynamics in play here between the two main characters and the different people they meet along the way. We also get more of Nara which is great. She even gets her own POV chapter!

The worldbuilding here is really interesting, as this is an apocalypse in action. The world is fighting itself, and everyone is losing. You can't be sure of anything in this story, even the ground under your feet.

What really elevates this to a 5 star is the prose. Kiran always has gorgeous writing and this is just another installment in her brilliant back catalogue.

I've got the World Book Day special to read and book 3 comes out later this year and I can't wait!

[Alyssia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second installment in Kiran Milwood Hargrave's Geomancer trilogy is a perfect example of what children's fantasy should be.

We pick up Ysolda's quest where it left off at the end if In The Shadow of the Wolf Queen as she continues to seek the Anchorite, an ancient girl who holds the answers to everything. We all know that picking up a continuing story in a sequel can be difficult for writers; there's a balance to be struck between maintaining momentum and helping the reader remember key details. I may not be the best to judge this particular aspect as I read book one right before reading this, but I felt like Milwood Hargrave struck that balance well enough to keep readers in the loop.

Milwood Hargrave's writing is full of depth and allows her readers to feel fully immersed in the landscapes her characters find themselves in. I do feel that while accessible to middle grade readers, the bigger questions and themes tackled by the author in this series will hit harder with readers in KS3. It's a bit of a trademark of Milwood Hargrave to raise questions of our impact on the environment, and the nuances surrounding good, evil and everything inbetween. She also embraces and reflects the multiculturalism of Britain, with ideas around racial bias being quite prevalent in this second Geomancer novel.

All of this makes for a fantasy series that shows how the genre can and should remain relevant. This series would make for an excellent teaching tool to tie together curriculum threads around colonialism, tyranny, immigration and conservation. As a school librarian I still get asked (far too much in my opinion) for Harry Potter books, and I'm always glad to find new series that I can suggest instead, and this is a far superior offering.

[Cute Rabbit · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this second book kind of boring.I don’t know why there just wasn’t an interesting plot.I feel like it’s just because it was really slow.But I was shocked when Sami betrayed eira and ysolda.I also was shocked about the anchorite .I was really shocked when we found out hari was dead too.But I still just found the book boring .Idk why.I was just skimming through the pages so I can finish it quickly.I wish it had more stuff going on than just finding the anchorite as it was kind of boring just being based around that. 🥱 I am kind of sad that this book came out like this.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Orion Children's Books for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I've never been quiet about my love for Kiran's books, adult or child. I would read anything she wrote, even her shopping list if she let me. In fact, I either own, or have read, every single one of her published books. A fact I'm quite proud of!

I really enjoyed the first in this series, In the Shadow of a Wolf Queen, and was upset when I finished it because I knew I'd have to wait so long for the sequel, but the day has arrived.

I read the first one in September 2023, and I thought I'd written a review for it then, but after searching through everything, it turns out I didn't. Which was annoying as I was trying to refresh my memory as to how it ended, seeing as it's been almost a year. And so it did take me a little while to get bac into, but that's because of my terrible memory. But it does start well, straight into the action.

If I'd re-read the first one, or at least the ending, I may have got more out of this one, but having said that, I think it's just as enjoyable whether you read it as a series or a standalone.

It's a story led, for the most part, by three children. Okay, not young children, but children all the same. And it's a big book for them to head but it was interesting. And I think younger readers will appreciate that the heroes are relatable in that sense.

I'd say it is definitely a book aimed at older children or young adults, but this 31-year-old is thoroughly enjoying it and am looking forward to reading the third - and I assume last - in the series.

It's not as action filled as I thought it would be. What I can remember from the first one was there was a bit more action, whereas this one felt more conversational and character heavy and plotting, ready for what I assume is going to be a full-on third part.

There are some very difficult topics, including abandonment, death, grief, desperation, loneliness, injury, and war, but it's also about friendship and family and love and trust. It is a fun and thrilling adventure with more than a little danger, peril, and heart.

Kiran is such a master at world building, everything feels so vivid and real, no matter how fantastical it is. She's got an unorthodox group of individuals - human and animal and even legendary - and has created such a powerful story for them to lead.

[Balguthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to receive an Advance Reader Copy of this book, the second in the Geomancer Trilogy. To read the second book in a series ahead of its publication date feels like a real treat, and I was overjoyed this this lived up to all expectations (and surpassed them).

In this book, main character, Ysolda, travels to Norveger in her quest to find the mysterious Anchorite, whom she hopes will help to stop the strange, climate-change-like occurrences which are destroying the world. Travelling with companions Eira, Sami, Ravi the Sea Wolf and Nara the Sea Hawk, Ysolda encounters curious new characters along the way, learning new stories and folklore. She discovers ancient magic which brings her closer to Nara, and also learns that grief can affect different people in very different ways. Indeed, the theme of loss features heavily within this book, as with the first in the series, and I found it interesting to read how the characters perceived and adapted to their situations, how, for some it gives a sense of purpose, some live on in denial, and for others loss becomes all-consuming.

I have written before about the beautiful, ethereal quality of Kiran’s writing, but this book hits a little differently. It feels as if there is more focus and direction in this book, which is reflected in Ysolda’s travels and growing sense of purpose. Here we have a character who has matured, and continues to grow in depth and likeability. Of course, that is not to say that this book isn’t also beautifully written – the prose absolutely dances and glitters across the page, resulting in an incredibly immersive and moving adventure.

I feel that like her main character, Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s writing has also matured and this is reflected in this exquisitely written novel. It finishes on a wonderfully intriguing and hopeful ending, so I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Thank you to @netgalley, @hachettekids, and @teambkmrk for the ARC!

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is building towards an almighty conclusion.

The novel is structured around a journey to find the anchorite, picking up where we left off in book one. And then, perhaps, towards a bigger destiny. I really enjoyed reading The Storm and the Seahawk especially the last third, in which threads came together and a destination, of sorts, was reached.
Ysolda is travelling with Eira, her wolf, Ravi, and Sami towards the formidable Drakken Peaks. The journey is heavy with the tension of mistrust. Trust is difficult in these perilous times where existential threats are everywhere.

This is not a quest where they set off and reach their destination swiftly: there are many dangers on the road and much physical and mental adversity for the young protagonists. As such, there is a lot of focus on the interactions between characters.
It was interesting to watch the relationship between Eira, the wolf queen’s estranged daughter, and Ysolda develop. Their communication varies from sniping and repartee to loaded pauses and meaningful looks which show glimpses of understanding between the pair. Many other damaged and unpredictable characters join the story along the way adding to the tension, the lore and the uncertain future. Interestingly, in this novel, the wolf queen and Thane Boreal’s actions are all off stage: we never see them, we only hear rumours of their terrible deeds and have the set up for the mother of all reunions!

Lots here is allegorical. We see a world struggling with the breakdown of nature. We are shown how anyone can become a refugee especially when the place you live becomes uninhabitable.

This novel takes more reading stamina than many MG reads and as such, most of its readership will be in KS3 and above. Any young people who will read this will see brilliantly crafted prose. The author delights in the details and her language choices are superb. I was thinking how I would specifically like to show my Year 7s how the author so often picks THE perfect verb.

I’m really looking forward to the concluding part.

I read an eARC via Netgalley. Thanks to the author and Hachettekids

[Tracy Lander · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending in the last book drove me mad....because i knew I'd have to wait ages for this! It ended with Ysolda and Eira about to begin the journey alone to find the Anchorite.
This book follows their journey onwards with Ravi the Wolf as their steed. Sami the slave captured by Eira's mum, Seren The Wolf Queen, is also with them. They find it hard going, much of the land is barren and the rabbits Nara, Ysolda's hawk, catches are off - Ysolda make them all gloves with the skins though. They meet different people along the way - many Eira steals from to replenish their food. One such woman has a house which above the door has a sign in Ogham - Ysolda's language - it is the last house. Sten lives here with his mother who was saved from the cold years ago when she was a baby by a strange girl who came out of a snowstorm and knocked on their door - she warmed the baby with a touch. Her son Brun had listened to this story and tried to find her, he had never returned - she takes a like to Sami who refuses to leave her. Her other son, Sten, tells Eira and Ysolda the full story. This just increases their belief they are nearly there. But Sami has a gift - the gift of weather - and her hates Eira, so he calls a snowstorm. Eira pushes Ysolda from Ravi's back. Ysolda falls and only Nara's calls at Sten's house get help to her. Eira is nowhere to be seen and nor is Ravi.
Alone Ysolda persuades who knows more than he is letting on, to help her find the strange girl. But when they do he is so angry because they have found Brun's body on the way that he does something awful, because he thinks the Anchorite is hurting Ysolda. Ysolda is angry, but then an earthquake turns things upside down again. Sten escapes but Ysolda is buried by rock.....can Nara help again...

Utterly spellbinding, Amazing story, I can only assume KMH had the whole thing in her head as she wrote the first book because it is seamless. And again it ends on a cliffhanger!

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE STORM AND THE SEA HAWK is another great entry full of icy settings and morally grey characters.

The greyness of the characters continues in this book, but the focus of this uncertainty is Eira, a girl about Ysolda's age. While the Wolf Queen is a generation above Ysolda, this time the questions about trust and motive come to someone who seems only a few years Ysolda's senior. I liked that they were close in age as it made Ysolda look at herself - it's not just an "adult thing" to be so complex. Plus it acts as a comparison that makes Ysolda justify her own positions.

It is overall a much darker book than the last. There are some personal betrayals as well as deep loss and the happenings continue to ravage the world, nature fighting back against humanity's callousness. It adds to a feeling of the series trusting younger readers to grapple with big topics, not talking down to them. This is very much a series about environmental collapse and it the young who will have to live with it - who are already fighting for change. By having a young girl at the heart, the series is celebrating the hope of the next generation.

This is such a wintry entry to the series. The country visited this time is inspired by the Nordic countries, their impressive mountains and the dangers of such beauty. Ysolda faces so many perils, from frostbite to avalanches. It is very much a book that respects as much as it admires nature, which is definitely a good lesson for readers.

One book to go, which is out later this year. It looks to be headed to a much warmer place (which is a nice contrast!) Also it's at least starting onboard a boat, and I do like "boat books".

[Haxxunne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing threats and new mysteries in a thrilling sequel

Ah, the 'difficult' middle book of a trilogy. It has to do many simultaneous things, from retaining and building on the energy of the first, to keeping up anticipation for the final volume, whilst being its own thing entire, complete (up to a point), with a proper beginning, middle and end. Now, as I hadn't read the first book, the challenge was to get me into a story that began with an entire novel's worth of backstory, a journey that had got the main characters to where they were. Forgive me if you're as in the dark as I am, but:

Ysolda, Eira and Sami cross the strait to escape from Eira's mother, the wolf queen and her army, still searching for the Anchorite. On the coast of a foreign country, will the three find what they are looking for, or will their enemies, old and new, find them before they can reach the Ancient Girl?

A rollicking fantasy adventure based on Celtic and Norse folklore and language, with Scandinavian and Indian traces too, this is a sequel that does its job beautifully, giving enough for a new reader to get drawn in whilst keeping up the wins and challenges of the first book. Ysolda is the main voice in this book, and her determination and grief drive the journey from landing in a hostile land to the eventual start of the next (and last) part of the quest. Ir also made me want to go back to the first book, which is a netter recommendation than any other I could make.

Four stars

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second book of the Geomancer trilogy, there is enough adventure, magic, travel and danger to satisfy the most demanding reader. Despite not having (as yet) read the first tale in the series, I really enjoyed the story.

With a band consisting of a giant seawolf, a princess with a mind of her own, and an injured servant in tow, Ysolda and the others will have their work cut out navigating their way successfully through the wilderness leading to the Drakken Peak. At least she can rely on her faithful hawk, Nara! Yet by the end of the story, this unlikely group of misfits will learn to fit together more effectively than they ever thought possible...

Hargrave is marvellous at worldbuilding, and the creativity demonstrated with respect to the storytelling in this book is very impressive. Ysolda's surroundings are brought vividly to life, and the adventure itself is all the more exciting for it.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Rebecca Dee Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of the 2nd book in a trilogy where it picks up right from book 1, so spoilers for that but not this book

We join Ysolda, Eira and Sami as they continue their journey... after the firey finale in the first book they are continuing in an attempt to find the fabled Anchorite, and they have their wonderful animal companions to help them along their way - Nara the Hawk and Ravi the Wolf

The world they live in is becoming more and more perilous and they are running on faith for the most part... Will they be able to find the Geomancers magic before its too late...

I loved this story, the girls relationship is terse but they need each other. And the animal companions are just something special....Nara especially has my heart and if they don't get yours too by the end of the book, I'd be surprised

Out 30 August, you've still got time to get this one. Definitely packed with action and for a second book it definitely doesn't feel lacking... now just to wait for book three

Thanks to NetGalley and Orion/Hachette books for the review copy, all opinions my own

[Nrlhakimin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Storm and the Sea Hawk by Kiran Millwood Hargrave is a magical adventure full of heart and bravery. It’s the second instalment in the Geomancer trilogy.

The story follows a young girl named Ysolda and her loyal sea hawk, Nara, as they journey through rugged landscapes with a rebellious princess named Eira and her giant red wolf, Kari, in search of a mystical figure called the Anchorite.

Hassan loved the courageous characters and the thrilling quest. The magical sea hawk & wolf capture his imagination, transporting him to another world. I love that this book touches on important themes like colonialism and racism, which are essential for nurturing a thoughtful mind and soul. I’m glad Hassan is reading it.

If your kids enjoy stories with magic, mystery, and adventure, I highly recommend this book! It’s a fantastic choice for young readers, but adults will find the story equally captivating.

[Kate Wileman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the first book, this series is taking an unexpected turn by killing important characters and forcing changes in the protagonists intentions. While the first book set up a lot of world building which seemed a bit too descriptive, the protagonists home and all the other islands we are introduced in book 1 being completely destroyed makes this previous flaw purposeful as it adds to the emotional impact of the novel.

Many characters do insidious things for their own pride or are racist to the immigrants seeking help after fleeing their homes due to the wars or the happenings and I like the inclusion of these moments as they are realistic and create a sense of tension and danger when the protagonists should be safe.

I will definitely read the final novel in this series when it is released next year.

[Linda Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ysolda, Sten and Eira are continuing their search for the Anchorite. Through cold mountain rivers, bad weather and avalanche they follow their path to .... where? They meet a woman and her son at Last House. Her other son left but she still believes he will return. They learn that happenings have been escalating and many people are heading for Hamar, a town on the coast believed to be a safe haven.
Really enjoyed this book. It would have been better for a few paragraphs to remind the reader of what happened in the last book as I got a bit lost. Just my opinion, based on the length of time between the books being published, and I soon picked up the storyline. Looking forward to the next one.

[Mary Pimbblet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This continuation of the Geomancer series had both me and my nine year old daughter hooked. I don't think it would really work as a stand alone novel, but its an exciting way to continue the quest started in the first book.
There are plenty of surprises along the way with this, and I really have no idea where the next book will end up. It's unpredictable, but the things that happen make sense to the plot and aren't just there for shock value.
Including Nara, the sea hawk, as a main character is brilliant. My daughter loved reading about her and the way she helped Yosalda.
I'm really looking forward to reading the last one in this series.

[A.K. Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This carries on directly from the end of book 1, so it would definitely help to have read that first! But if, like me, you haven't, then Hargrave gives enough subtle reminders of the previous storyline that you'll be able to catch up and join this wonderful adventure.

The writing is beautiful, especially the descriptive language that brings the world right off the page. The characters are engaging and the story dark yet hopeful. I think this will speak to the hearts of children growing up in this time of environmental uncertainty and help them see a way forward.

[Claire Smith-Simmons]

Ysolda and Eira continue on their combined quest to find the anchorite, taking them across the seas to another land in their searches.

new adventures await as they meet strangers and friends throughout. Where will the quest take them and what price must be paid.

The characters develop with the story as they grow into strengths they didn't know they had or needed. The world building increases with the new expanded realms they visit. A great sequel in the Geomancer series, which leaves you turning the last page ready to reach for the next book to find out more.

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It doesn't have the magic and drive of the author's other books. Because it offers little in terms of worldbuilding and past events reminders, it's hard to get back into the series after a while with this volume although nothing much happens. They travel to find someone which I found very boring because it's just the same descriptions of the same dark sharp cold peaks over and over again. Now and then something exciting happens but soon it drags again and since the thrilling moments are so fleeting, they aren't emotionally captivating.
I'm lowering my hopes for the third book massively. It's even called "Ship of Strays" like it'll be mostly about a sea voyage. And I hate sea voyages.

[Maggie Timlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ysolda's adventures continue at great pace.

This series entwines old magic and the geology of the land into a beautiful tale.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this book is that all the characters are nuanced. No one is either a baddy or a goody. They all feel like rounded people which is very sophisticated writing for a children's book. I am enjoying this series and really looking forward to the next installment.


Thank you to the publisher for a review copy of this book

[trijnewijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bevatten kinderboeken altijd al zoveel lagen of is dat een recenter fenomeen? Onder het laagje avontuur en een tikkeltje magie zit een wereld waar natuurrampen steeds talrijker worden, mensen die natuur vernielen uit eigenbelang, hebzucht, macht en afgunst. Er is de eeuwige vraag of je onbekenden durft vertrouwen nadat je vertrouwen werd beschaamd, hoe sterk je wilskracht is en hoe ver je wil gaan om te doen wat je denkt dat het juiste is.

[LeslecturesdeMylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Le géomancien, tome 2 : Le blizzard et l'épervier de Kiran Millwood Hargrave
J'ai beaucoup aimé cette suite, on va vivre de nouveaux des aventures extraordinaires, faire des rencontres, être parfois déçus des protagonistes et j'ai adoré la manière dont Yseult va apprendre de ses expériences. Vivement la suite !!
17/20 - https://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/2...

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has a very distinctive writing style that is both lyrical and accessible. The book deals with some more mature topics, so it might be more suitable for KS3 children. This instalment goes deeper into the interactions between the characters and as such will be perfect for teaching characterisation.

[˗ˏˋ maddie ˊˎ˗ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the way this author writes, it's just so satisfying! I'm also very invested in the goings on; I hope Sten remembers he's more than just grief and anger, I like that Eira is finally admitting that Ysolda matters to her, and I love that Nara and Ysolda can understand one another now. Nara wins all the awards this book.

[Kenzie Bloomer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't think this book was as powerful as the first and, as I had very high expectations, I was left a little disappointed. The vocabulary was just as rich but I found the plot to be less engaging than the first. However, the action increases in this novel which could entice fast paced pupils to read this series.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

je pense que j’ai même préféré ce tome 2 que le premier tome car on continue directement l’aventure, la mise en place est déjà faite et voir l’évolution d’Yseult est super intéressant. j’aime tjrs autant l’ambiguïté des personnages qui ne sont ni bons ni mauvais et qui nous permet de les apprécier malgré tout. j’ai adoré avoir un POV avec Nara et la fin donne vrmt envie de savoir la suite !

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible epic across lands, promises made, myths told and retold, friends made, families found. Ysolda is such a gorgeous main character and the love she shares with Nara is just so touching. There is so much I loved about this - can’t wait for the 3rd!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️