Legend of the Wildlings

by Brittney Brewer

At fifteen, Ember Lothbrok has spent half her life passing through the Galway foster system at the mercy of the strange sightings and occurrences that seem to follow her like a cloud of bad luck.

Everything changes the day a mysterious new social worker appears for her next family transfer, and instead whisks her across the Loch Lurgan to Ellesmere, an island of mythical creatures and a magical school. An island inhabited by Vala—of the magic blooded northmen, like her.

She arrives in time to unearth a prophecy promising destruction. With her newfound friends and a boy with a secret, Ember must try and stop the dark forces threatening her found family and home before it's too late.

But what if the legend was wrong?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Ebooks, Romantasy, Witches, Magic

430 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Honduran-American Young Adult author with a penchant for adventure. When Brittney isn’t writing about magical schools and sarcastic Norse witches and wizards, she can often be found burrowed in her nest on the couch with her emotional support water bottle, reading Dramione Fan Fiction. Brittney lives in the East Tennessee mountains and spends her days chasing dogs, kids, and chickens around their small homestead with her husband. She loves to crochet, explore, and get lost down winding dirt roads. Legend of the Wildlings is her first novel- born of her rich Norse, Honduran, and Irish ancestry- and she hopes to have the privilege of writing about magical worlds for the rest of her life. If you enjoy reading, writing, and incoherent rants, Brittney can be found on both Instagram and TikTok @bbrewerauthor for your entertainment.

Reviews

[Brittney Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author I think this book is amazing and everyone should read it 🫶🏻

[Books_and_Crafts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harry Potter with a Norse filter. That is exactly what this book is (which is how it’s marketed). But that’s also the problem. It is LITERALLY the story of Harry Potter.

The writing isn’t bad at all. This is a true YA story following a girl from young teen years through a foster home and then being swept away to a magical school after she’s told she’s a witch. Queue everything in Harry Potter… including the game.

If you haven’t read HP, you’ll likely have a great time through this story.

If you’re a die hard potter head, well, you need to stay clear of this one. You’ll just be mad.

If you’re somewhere in between like me- it’s a hit or miss.

[Alyssa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading this book and I am HOOKED! From page one it’s giving off Ella Enchanted meets Harry Potter meets the best of Norse folklore and mythology vibes. Fast paced, engaging, spirited, and fun - let this story envelop you and transport you to an island of magic!

[Ally · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to love it. I really did. It sounded fantastic.
However. I’m a massive Harry Potter nerd. That said. I couldn’t make it past Chapter 4. The beginning of chapter 5 is where I lost it completely.
I feel like had this gone a little more original in the beginning it would’ve been okay for me. It just took after Harry Potter wayyyy too closely for me to be comfortable continuing.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hands down one of the best I've read this year. It has just enough inspo and nods to Harry Potter to give you that magical feeling but progresses into something different and amazing on its own. The twist, the found family, Norse mythology, and just all of this story was so interesting. Devoured and cannot wait for more.

-YA
-No cliffy
-Magic
-Found Family

[Alli Savana Ferris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know where to even begin!? This book is a page turner!! I’m hooked!!! You could binge the book easily!!! So far in this series I’m a huge fan of Maeve and Ember! Maeve is this sweet innocent little girl full of spunk. Ember is man so many words could describe her! She’s a fighter! She’s overcome so much and doesn’t want to lose hope once she’s found it again in her new home on Ellesmere where she can finally be herself. She does have tons of questions now that she’s finally settling to her normal. Normal that should’ve been all along.
Eira! Don’t get me started on Eira! Everyone needs a mom like her 😭
Star Wars and Harry Potter references I give it a chiefs kiss 😚

A HUGE SHOCKER OCCURS AT THE END OF CHAPTER 23!!! I NEVER SAW THAT COMING!!! Like REALLY!? SHE PLAYED EVERYONE SO WELL!! YOU WOULD HAVE NEVER GUESSED IT EITHER!!!



I’m hooked and need to know what happens next! Come on book number 2! I’m ready for more adventure and shocking events that leave you on your seat hanging on to see what happens next!

[Kayla and books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a girl with nothing left to lose. An island filled with magic and mystery. And the legend that could destroy it all… but what if the legend was wrong? Legend of the Wildlings is the first book in The Ellesmere Saga, a YA Fantasy series based on Norse mythology, full of mythical creatures, dark forces, and set in a magic school. Out now & it’s available to read on Kindle Unlimited!

If you’re a fan of books like Percy Jackson and Narnia, or if you’re still waiting for your invitation to a magical school, then you’re gonna love this book! It’s packed with Norse mythology and folklore which transports you to a whole other realm! I absolutely adore the heartwarming cast of characters! Fen is my absolute favourite. I was totally captivated by the intricate magic system and loved the school setting. The plot twists had my head spinning! @brittbrewerauthor I need book two now! I hope you all enjoy this one as much as I did🫶🏻

𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞?

[Savannah Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review⭐️

I would like to start out by stating that I really did enjoy this book. I enjoyed the setting and world it took place in immensely. The story was decently engaging and I really enjoyed the Scandinavian and Viking spin on a lot of the mythology and magic system within this world. That said, my biggest issue with this book was that it really did remind me of the HP universe… so much to the point that I found myself feeling as though this was another magic school in THAT universe. I really like the originality of the idea of a Norse based magic and magic system. I wish the book had stuck more to that as opposed to using scenes and tropes we have already experienced in the HP universe. In the next book (which I probably will read) I look forward to learning more about this universe and the original aspects of magic associated with it.

[Wanderlust Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brittney, you did an absolutely amazing job, and I am so proud and excited for your series! I was HOOKED from the first page!!!! Harry Potter meets Norse Folklore meets Narnia meets The Unfortunate Events meets The House Witch!!! I felt at peace, cozy, and at home reading this book! Engaging, spirited, magical, and loads of fun!! It is a lot like Harry Potter, and I definitely could picture the Hogwarts game as I was reading, but it didn’t make me love this book any less. It was deep and I really enjoyed the world building, character development and character relationships. I am so excited for Book 2 and to travel back to Ellesmere! This series will definitely be a physical set on my shelf! Brittney thank you so much for the opportunity to be an ARC reader, and for responding to my messages. It definitely melted my heart!

[Brittany Lansford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was absolutely fantastic. As a lover of the Harry Potter series, I was immediately sucked in. You’ll notice a few similarities between HP and Legends of the Wildlings but with so many creative spins to make it its own. This is such a moving story and I cannot wait to see where the series takes us.

If you are looking for a (true) YA with a captivating and strong FMC and a wonderful magic system, look no further. This is the one for you. But be prepared for quite the plot twist!

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legend of the Wildlings is a fun, action packed, magic filled fantasy book. I agree with other reviewers that there are a lot of similarities to Harry Potter, especially at the beginning of the book. However, once you continue reading, the story takes off and you get invested in these characters and their storylines.

I really enjoyed this YA fantasy and am looking forward to see where the story goes!

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ciara Reads 5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to be an ARC reader for this author. This book is being released soon and definitely worth the read! It's a YA fantasy, and if you liked Percy Jackson or Series of Unfortunate Events and HP, you'll love this book series. This is the first book, I've seen sneak peeks of the 2nd book, and I can't wait! My heart is in love with these characters already. The mom gives Mrs. Weasley vibes in the best possible way and made me feel cozy and welcome with the way she is.

[niks bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

this read was so much fun! if you’re a fan of harry potter or the chronicles of narnia - this one may be for you because it absolutely takes you into a different world with fun mythical creatures plus a setting of a magic school! its such a cozy read and fast-paced, you will not want to put it down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // 4 stars from me!!

[Veronique Wallrapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wished that Harry Potter or Percy Jackson had a female protagonist instead, you’re in for a treat! This was a fast paced, magical, mythological read that drew me in immediately. I can’t wait for my daughter (aged 10) to read it as well.

[Melissa Peppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a coming of age magical story! Brittney reels you in right away and has you wanting more! I wish I could take the ferry to Ellsemere and just wander around and see all of the places she describes! Can't wait to learn more about the legend in book 2!

[Cassie Goodling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was my first ARC. It took me a few chapters to get into but once I was I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for book two and I’m hoping to be another ARC reader!

[Courtney Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you been looking for a book that gives Harry Potter in Scotland with Norse mythology? Then look no further!

After reading several reviews upon finishing, and as a HUGE Harry Potter nerd myself, if you spend this whole book constantly comparing it HP, you’re going to have a bad time. If you let yourself appreciate the nostalgia of the similarities while recognizing it has its own story line, then you’re likely to have a good time. I mean, there’s even specific nods to HP in the book - the similarities are purposeful. But it’s different enough (and sometimes I wish the similarities would have stayed instead of changing it up - I mean hoverboards instead of brooms?!)

This book has a touching story of an orphan finally finding a real family and home after many years of failed foster families due to her differences (aka magic). When Ember’s true background is revealed and she goes to live with a magical foster family instead and attend the local school for magic, things start to click in place for her.

Ember really annoyed me at times, as she had all of this support trying to support and love her and she just refused to accept it out of fear that it wouldn’t last. I am glad she was able to grow and accept that she is no longer alone by the end of the book!

This was a fun read, and I’m glad I waited until book 2 was out so I can just jump right into that one next!

[Danielle Bilyeu Johnston · Rating 1 out of 5]

I believe that the reviews for this book are skewed because many people do not finish it, and those people do not feel qualified to leave a review. I made it over halfway through, as it was a Book Club assignment. At that point, everyone in my Book Club unanimously agreed that the book was not worth finishing. If you have read Harry Potter, don’t bother with this book. She borrows so much material from Harry Potter that it’s quite annoying. It would have been better as fanfiction. That way instead of having to suffer through the paragraph describing a port key (called an echo point in this book) she could have just called it a portkey and gone on with life.

I also found that the writing style was repetitive and contained too many short sentences. Instead of showing a characters personality through actions or dialogue, the author simply tells you what the characters traits are. Boring! There were grammatical errors as well as errors of logic. For instance, there was a scene in which the main character Ember and her friend were talking to a couple of Mermish people. After the conversation, the friend marvels that Ember was speaking a different language, and Ember is surprised to learn that. Aside from the obvious rip off of Harry Potter’s speaking of parseltongue, the friend had been participating in the conversation, including reacting to things Ember had said!

in short, it seems as though the author had received no honest editorial feedback.

[Eveline (MagicBookMom) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book. However, I did not LOVE it. I liked the family aspect of it, and I think teens might like this book more. However, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the Harry Potter series, as the story's beginning closely mirrored it. It was hard not to compare as almost all the aspects were similar. I wish the story was a bit more different. Nonetheless, if you haven't experienced the magic of Harry Potter, this book might offer a fresh and enjoyable adventure for you.

[Melissa Thyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing!!! It is such an amazing world to be drawn into. Ember feltlpst without her family. She went through so much. Who doesn't love magic, friends, discovery, and so much more. Her journey in discovering her true self is phenomenal, and I can't wait to read book 2. If you love Harry Potter, Maze Runner, etc, this is the series for you.

[Cambree McNeiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My.

Honest to God Review:

There is nothing like the feeling of reading something so magical for the first time. This book took me into a whole different world, and I saw EVERYTHING crystal clear.

This book was so powerful in teaching that not all family is blood, and how friendships can turn into some of the greatest joys of life.

How one can go from feeling like nothing can ever get better, to feeling like it couldn’t get any better.

The plot in this story was so interesting and compelling, and it had me continually turning the page to find out what would happen.

Brittney takes you back to being a kid when we all thought magic was real.

This is my favorite read of the year for me. Absolutely breathtakingly adventurous and fun.

The twist was so incredibly amazing, and I need my hands on the next book IMMEDIATELY.

Thank you Brittney for sharing this world, and now I never want to leave. ❤️

[Jenny Mcvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK IN ALL ITS WAYS!!!! So much fun. It’s a twist of Harry Potter!!!! But a female version. Absolutely love everything about Ember. The being an foster child to finally making it stick! Literally best read ever. This is like one of my top 5. I love everything about Harry Potter so this literally gave me everything and more. I got Luna vibes off one character. Ron, Hermione and Harry vibes off the friend group. But in all honesty Ember is a legit heroine Harmione!!!! Loveeee it so much. And of course you got your Twins who act like Draco. Haha 😂 then Professor Bjorn is of course every professor Harry went to for help each year. Such an amazing way to portray him though!!! Such amazing imagination. But wow I was not expecting THE PLOT TWIST in it. Well the one I did. I literally messaged Brittney my exact thoughts of it happening but the other one I was not expecting but absolutely loveeee it. No spoils here because it’s just that good you have to read to understand what I’m talking about!!!!!!! Literally these are my favorite lines.

“Sometimes the unknown is scary” - he nodded- “but we shouldn’t fear the things we don’t understand just because we don’t understand them.”

“The walls were lined from floor to ceiling with hundreds upon hundreds of books of all colors and sizes. A ladder leaned against one side, wheels on the top and bottom so it could glide across the bookshelf with ease. A white spiral staircase sat in the corner, traveling up to what Ember could assume was even more books on the third floor. In front of the window was a large comfy chair with a blanket draped over the top. Plants of various sizes filled the room and hung from the ceiling, turning the library into what resembled the most magical forest Ember could have ever seen.”

“Will I get a want today?” Ember blurted out after slurping the last of her now cold tea. That was what witches used, wasn’t it? Eira smiled at her gently. “No dear, no wands. Our magic works a little differently.” Her eyes quickly flitted between Ember’s and the piece of metal around her neck as she nodded her head. “What about robes? Will we be sorted into houses during school?” “You read too much.” Fen laughed. “No fancy castles or flying brooms, either, before you ask. You’ve got a lot to learn!”

“Lower your head before you pet him,” Fen said, as he held his hand on Ember’s wrist, “Let him make the first move. Drains are gentle creatures, but they require respect.”

“Ember took in a deep breath as her head spin, trying to soak in all of the details carved into the walls. “Right, but you also forgot to mention that the school was inside of a giant tree.”

“Ember looked up from her book and felt like her eyes were going to bulge from her head. Standing in front of her, with a gold monocle covering one of his eyes, was a giant grizzly bear.”

“Odette Quinn,” Rowen answered before Ember could even ask. “She’s a bit…” “She’s bleedin’ crazy is what she is,” Killian interjected as he adjusted his backpack on his shoulder. “Thinks the Fair Folk speak to her, the loon.”

“It doesn’t.” Eira nodded. “Sad things happen to us, and a lot of times, there is no rhyme or reason for it.” She gently brushed the stray hair from Embers eyes as she shifted her weight toward her. “Some of those things will be awful. Some of those things will rip the breath from your lungs and make you wonder if it’s worth it to come up for air, but come up for air you must.”

“And to think,” Rowen laughed, “we almost didn’t get the chance to do this since you left your bedroom window open.”

“You’re a dragon trying to be a fairy.” He smiled, tilting her chin upwards. “Your wings are made of scales, my dear.”

“Killian was there and then he wasn’t. Not really, anyway. In a matter of seconds, she watched his hands and feet…. “

“You know…” Killian smirked. “It’s a beautiful night for a coup. You could count the stars, it’s so clear.” He lifted his hand to the sky and began tracing patterns in the air. Ember breathed a small laugh, “it’s quite pointless to count stars.” “Aye.” He nodded. “It’s also pointless to count freckles, but I know you have 24 on your left hand.”

“There’s nothing there, You’re hearing things,” but whatever words he planned to say died in his throat when another twig snapped, this time much closer to them. “Should we run?” Fen whispered. “I feel like we should be running.”

[Mariam Behiry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is amazing (to say the least)! It gave me a lot of Harry Potter and Narnia vibes, especially at the beginning. But, it does take its spin and become its own story. You have a strong FMC, a great magic system and best if all, it is a clean YA story! I would totally recommend giving it a try and however prepared you think you are for the plottwist, you aren't!!!

[Alison Boniface · Rating 5 out of 5]

magic, Norse mythology and magical creatures

What more could you ask for from this debut novel.
It has so many perfect elements that immerse you in a totally different world.
I found myself picturing the characters in my head,imagining I was walking alongside them.
To me that is the sign of a great writer.
To be so pulled in like this.
I cannot wait for the next instalment.
Thank you Brittany Brewer.

[Belle Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book centers around fifteen-year-old Ember Lothbrok, who has been continuously passed through the Galway foster system. She can never find a family that sticks because they are all put off by strange, magical occurrences that constantly seem to follow Ember around. One day, Ember meets an interesting social worker who brings her to her new foster family in Ellesmere- a magical island. As Ember begins to grow more comfortable in this new environment, she discovers a secret prophecy that dooms all magical beings on the island. Ember begins working to stop this dark force from coming, but darkness may be lurking closer than she thinks…

When I first spoke to Brittney about this book, she told me her goal was that reading it feels like coming home. This is exactly how I felt while reading. I was completely transfixed by all the magic and wonder that Ellesmere brought. The setting was so magical and cozy, it truly did feel so much like reading fantasy novels as a child. Remember how you felt after reading Harry Potter or the Percy Jackson series for the first time? Yep, same feeling reading Legend of the Wildlings. I absolutely loved the magical, homey undertones this book gave.

Additionally, I loved the lore in this story. I am a huge sucker when it comes to good lore and this book definitely delivered. It was so refreshing to see Norse mythology as opposed to Greek mythology in the story. I feel like Greek mythology is constantly used, which is great, but it was a nice change of pace to have a book centered on Norse mythos and lore. I also loved how it was woven throughout the story so that it was natural lore, as opposed to an information-dump. It was beautifully crafted throughout, with lore and mythology effortlessly written in.

Most importantly, I fell in love with the characters. Ember Lothbrok is truly so lovable and seeing her grow throughout the story was so amazing. I love when a protagonist is able to consistently grow throughout the story and that is exactly what Ember did. Her found family is just as wonderful and I fell in love with all of them. Even the antagonist (no spoilers) was understandable in a way that made me feel almost sympathetic towards them. The characters in this story were truly so well-written and that is always what makes a book so special to me.

Good news for readers, this is the first book in the series! I was ecstatic to find out that Ember’s story is far from over and I cannot wait to see what Brittney has in store for this amazing cast of characters. Legend of the Wildlings is officially out today, so you can grab your copy! I highly recommend it for cozy fantasy lovers, YA fans, fantasy fans, found family trope fans- honestly, I truly think anyone could read and enjoy this book. It truly is magical.

Link to original blog post: https://bellainwndrlnd.wordpress.com/...

[Laiceps · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this, although I couldn't help thinking the whole way through that this might have started as a HP, Draco focussed fanfic that had been adapted to seem more original. I try not to compare book series as I think similar ideas can be used in lots of different ways, but this was so much like HP it was hard not to look past that. On the other hand I think the author has some great talent here and for a first book it was smashing! The writing style was smooth, interesting and engaging and I loved the sarcasm. I'd definitely read another series by her if she writes one, but I probably won't read any more of this one. Great job though!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a thrilling journey of finding self-worth, believing in yourself and others, knowing who your true friends are, and self-discovery with a large dose of magic on top. The magic of Ellesmere intertwines familiarity and innovation, using bits and bobs from fantastical stories that we all know and love while telling a story that is new and fresh. The book follows the cautious, untrusting heroine Ember along her path to understanding herself, finding her family, making mistakes, and experiencing triumphs. There are twists, surprises, and crossroads along this path, just like any other.

The writing in this book was exceptional, in my opinion. The author's use of description was plentiful without being overly done. The world-building was easy to follow and understand. The characters each have quirks, flaws, and imperfections while still remaining true to their personality. The depth of the thought in the world-building and character choice and placement were well thought out and splendid. I would say that Legend of the Wildlings would be suitable for many ages, possibly 12 and older. There are some depictions of violence, however, they are not so gory that I wouldn't let my 12-year-old read it.

The only flaw I saw in Legend of the Wildlings was that there were points where I found the twists slightly predictable. I'm unsure if that's because of the large volume of reading I do or if it's because it was slightly obvious. There were some twists I completely did not predict so that is why this small fault does not change the rating I've given.

I've given this story a 5/5 which is very rare for me. I do feel as though we can expect great things from Brittney Brewer and I look forward to reading everything she has to say.

"Your story has been a hard one, with more sad endings than happy, but you mustn't forget the happy ones. I'm not asking that you be happy that those parts of your story are over, but you must keep reading." - Professor Bjorn

[Bret White · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Who made you think you weren’t worthy of a family who would fight for you, besides you?”

My favorite character is obviously Killian - he’s witty, charming, and sarcastic so it’s the perfect combination for a favorite character. Ember, the main character, has emotions that are described so perfectly and I enjoyed the rawness of her character. The Kitts are a wonderful family, and I’m glad they were able to make Ember feel at ease. The way Eira is makes me feel warm; she’s the perfect mother and is so soft and gentle I almost felt like one of her children too. The magical aspect of the book is also really neat and it was cool to see it come to life on the pages.

The author advertised this as a Percy Jackson meets Harry Potter cross-over except instead of Greek roots, they’re Norse roots. I do think it is a great combination, but there are a lot more Harry Potter elements to the story. I did my best not to compare the two, but there are very similar elements between the two stories, which is why I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5. I do believe the story is well-written and will be reading the next book this author writes because her story building is easy to follow, and I love a good story.

[Katelyn Dillard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just realized my review never posted 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

I received an ARC of this book and these opinions are entirely my own from reading the book. I have not been compensated nor coerced into providing this review.

Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Did I like this book? Yes.
Did I have a bit of trouble getting through it? Also yes.

I love the plot of this book and feel like the story was executed well. I feel like there were some really good world building elements, but also some unnecessary ones that made the story get a bit slow. There were times when the story made my brain feel sludgy, so I would have to take a break and read something else. This 100% could have just been my neurodivergent brain, but I figured it best to point out.

I am a plot twist detective, so I saw the twists coming a mile away. However, it was not so obvious that most people would notice it.

I love the integration of Norse mythology and also of found family bonds. I chuckled at the nod to HP, being a Harry Potter fan myself. I do think there were a lot of parallels between the two, but reminding myself to separate the two stories made it much easier. Overall great job and I’m eagerly anticipating a sequel.

[Charlie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed!!!! And that's an understatement!

So I was hooked from the get go, honestly after I finished that first chapter there was no slowing the pace, I couldn't put it down, I couldn't stop! I've never wanted to travel anywhere more then the wizarding world (I'm obsessed with HP) but now ellesmere is right up there on joint first place! 🤣

Absolutely loved the characters, Killian is my pure fave! 😍 but each character is loveable (maybe not so much rowan) mrs Fritz gives more molly Weasley vibes then molly herself!
Cannot wait to see more character development in the next book 😍 no pressure Brittney but please I'm desperate here 🤣🙈

Story line easy to follow, great twists and turns..
Perfect story for all the magic loving readers out there!

No negatives. Not a single one. Never been so sure about a 5 star rating ever!!

Well done Brittney! 🥰🥰