The Wisp and the Wolf

by Jeanne Renee

Meg Quinn has a promise to keep. A talented but withdrawn artist, she begrudgingly travels to the wilds of North Wales to fulfill her late mother’s dying wish—to make amends with her estranged and pregnant identical twin with whom she shares a clairvoyant bond. But before Meg can reach her sister, an inexplicable encounter with an eldritch yew tree thrusts her deep into the past. The year is now 1402 and the native people of Wales, the Cymry, are locked in an ambitious uprising against England. Here Meg meets Steffan Blaidd, a war-weary Welsh archer who finds himself outlawed by a powerful rival and forced to join the revolt after saving Meg’s life—a revolt Meg knows to be doomed. Plunged into the harsh, vibrant world of the Cymry, Meg knows the mystical connection with her sister demands resolution—as does her growing affection for Steffan and the world to which he belongs. Torn between desire and duty, the future and the past, Meg must discover her own strength if she is to survive the treacheries of war and grasp her true fate.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Historical, Time Travel

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2024

About the author

Jeanne Renee can’t remember a time when she wasn’t in love with stories. After earning a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Arizona, Jeanne worked as a bookseller, assistant magazine editor, and elementary school reading tutor. An eclectic reader, mediocre yogi, and admirer of sunsets and dairy-free lattes, Jeanne lives outside Tucson with her husband, daughters, and the best bad dog ever, Patrick the Fierce.

Reviews

[Erin Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

With beautifully lush world-building and poetic prose, THE WISP AND THE WOLF is a debut to be reckoned with. I was throughly enchanted!

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful, breathtaking, historical romance swept me away to Wales, and my heart aches that I could not stay there for longer.

Fiery Meg Quinn had the best main character energy, invoking a deep sense of purpose and power that all readers (including this one) would willingly walk through any tree, yew or otherwise, to join in her cause. Watching her navigate the wild landscape and wild passions of the Cymry kept me glued to the page, borrowing time wherever I could find it to keep reading.

With Steffan Blaid and his complex, Robin Hood-esque vibe added to the mix alongside his mischievous, Will-Scarlet-like brother, Madoc, charming moments woven with humor and the complicated bonds of family kept the pacing at a racing speed. For me, there is nothing I love more than a story about the strength of family mixing with found family.

And speaking of family, the intriguing, clairvoyant bond between Meg and her sister was a really unique addition to this story. Memories of your home world is one thing, but having a still-present connection to someone in that world while you are hundreds of years in the past? Brilliant storytelling.

Jeanne Renee’s debut knocked it out of the park, and I can’t wait to see what awaits my new favorite ensemble of characters in Book 2! 🩵

[Hattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got me (a burnt out law student) excited about reading again! Such a cozy & beautiful read. I can’t wait for book two!!

[Sophia Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So enthralling… the attention to detail in the depiction of 15th century Wales was immaculate. The slow burn romance of a confused girl lost in time trying to discover where she is but also WHO she is, is surprisingly relatable. Her battle with her own trauma and her journey to recovery is subtle and heartwarming. The author gives the main character a vivacious personality and creates a character that is easy to love. Even minor characters are full of life and she creates a world, while drastically different from our own time, that is welcoming and familiar. The ending had me on the edge of my seat and I will be anxiously awaiting the next book.

[Rebecca Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read! I cannot wait to read more in this series and by this author. Having read Outlander, I found common threads between that book and this one. However, while it seemed influenced by Outlander it was also its own unique story and I LOVE storytelling around time travel so I was here for it! Our main character Meg is traveling to North Wales from the States after the death of her mother to make amends with her twin sister Meredith. They’ve always shared a clairvoyant bond and were close until recently. Meg’s mom’s dying wish were for her girls to be close and work out their differences. While traveling in North Wales circumstances occur that prevent her from getting to her sister and causing her to travel back in time to the 15th century. There are themes of sisterly bonds, grief and trauma. I will say our MC is a clumsy girl who’s in need of a lot of saving but then I had to remind myself that I probably wouldn’t have faired too well either. There were some funny moments too along with heart wrenching ones. There are some trigger warnings that the author mentions at the beginning of the book so definitely check those out. A five star read for me! It’s also not a super long book so it’s easy to get through with great pacing!

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a debut book! As a North Walian native I| found myself both overly critical and over invested with this story. The Author clearly did a lot of resesrch into Cymru (Wales) in 1400 and approaches Welsh history with respect my whilst creating a wonderful world for the characters. There is found family, MMC/FMC fight lesson, Medieval life/setting, time travel, slow-burn romance (slightly spicy in the last 10%). Steffan is officially added to my book boyfriend list.
I just loved this world and I can not wait for the next. I adored seeing Welsh mythology, lore and history getting the regognition it deserves in the fantasy book world.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 ⭐️
Was there a lot of old english? Yes.
Did I have to have google translate out for the Welsh? Yea.
Did I start saying “nay” instead of “no” in real life? Aye.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.

————-

There’s time travel, action, and romance- a perfect trio! Felt a little slow in the beginning but then speeds up second half and I simply couldn’t put it down. The romance was a slow burn but made sense and felt authentic to the time period. The ending was a cliffhanger and needless to say I NEED a second book.

[Ren G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though the book is set in North Wales this book brought me back to my time in the Scottish Highlands.
A determined woman & a stubborn man surrounded by rich imagery and crackle of magic-yes please!
As I read I quickly realized this adventure wasn’t going to be over quickly. The countdown until book two begins!

[Carrie Greever · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you that I FLEW through the last 100 pages or so... I can't wait for the next book!

[Emily Svenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Outlander, you will love this book! The characters were beautifully written, and the slow burn romance had me on the edge of my seat. You will not regret reading this amazing debut novel!

[Kendall Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me by the gracious author, and I am so glad she did! Her writing style is so sophisticated and thought out and I couldn't put the book down because so much was happening. The slow burn was slow but let me tell you that the burn was worth it. The language used throughout because it takes place in 1409 Scotland is so well done and adds to the feel of the book. I have to say my top three moments are 1. When Meg corners Steffan in a dark corridor, he pulls away because he knows she hasn't told him the whole truth about where she's from 2. When she and Steffan are washing in a river she begins to shave her armpits with a dagger and he looks at her with such terror in his eye because he thinks she is hurting herself 3. and obviously the ending was shocking. After she tells him where she is from, only about 600 years in the future, and he believes her, she decides to stay in this time because it's where she feels most at home and then they spontaneously get married in the forest just themselves. Can't wait for the second book, I have no idea what will happen, but I can't wait to be surprised! The PERFECT book for vacation!

[Amanda Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful prose, enchanting romance, adventure and mystery all await within these pages. A must read!

[Blythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Wisp and The Wolf and look forward to a sequel. The story is lovely, with a slow burn romance and enough other characters to add interest.

However, if I have to read about one more “amber” something (horse/hair/wood/etc), or anything “cement-colored”….I might lose it. Steffan is gorgeous and Meg is always tripping or nearly losing her stomach over any little thing, but do we need constant reminders of these details.

I did enjoy this book, but so much in the details felt repetitive, and also like too much effort was put into them.

[Carmen Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author: Jeanne Renee
Trope: Portal Romance
Rating: 3.9 Stars
Genre: Historical Fiction / Romantasy


I thought this was a great read. I can tell the author put a lot of research into this. It was very true to the culture and the land of the natives in Wales. The vocabulary and names were spot on. This did make it a bit challenging to read, but it was still a great story.

This story follows the FMC Meg Quinn, which is a talented artist. She is on a journey to Wales to fulfill her mother's dying wish of reconnecting with her twin sister, who is now pregnant.

On her journey to Wales, she encounters a Winnie the Pooh tree 😆. Ok, not an actual Winniw the Pooh tree but an Eldritch Yew Tree, which to me I envisioned as a Winnie the Pooh Tree or an Alice in Wonderland Tree. She soon realizes that this tree gave her the ability to time travel as she is trusted into 1402 Wales during war.

Meg is now faced with the decision of fighting for her past or her future.

[Cara Blaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outlander is my absolute favorite series, so I was looking forward to this--and it did not disappoint! Think Wales instead of Scotland and we travel farther back in history than Jamie Fraser's time. The historical aspect was very well done, and the characters were real, flawed, and likeable. I liked the unique twist with the twin sister connection, too.

The writing was lovely. I love these lines in particular:

"He displays his jealousy like bone China in a glass hutch for all the see."

"Each man’s shadow stretches behind him, creating an army of Gemini."

Looking forward to the rest of the series!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a fan of Outlander, you'll enjoy this adventure. Instead of traveling through stones as Claire does in Outlander, the protagonist, Meg Quinn travels through a yew tree to 15th century Wales. Meg has come to Wales to fulfill her dying mother's last wish, making amends with her twin sister who is due to give birth any day. Though estranged, Meg and Meredith share a clairvoyant relationship that transcends their separation of 6 centuries. This is book one of The Ellylldan Chronicles. I can't wait to read what comes next!

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so good, I’m finished it almost in one reading and couldn’t put myself to sleep. The characters are amazing, the plot is good and I enjoyed slow burn romance so much.
I’m sooo looking forward to the next book!
This is really very good and solid read, I wish more people will acknowledge it🧡

[Daenerys Targaryen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book Outlander in a Welsh setting. Instead of the castle in highlands the heroine time travels and ends up in a 1600's Welsh peasant village with the hero and his half a dozen siblings and stepmother. Like in the Outlander the British soldiers tortures the hero and puts him in the block and the heroine saves him... and they fall in love. I am still unclear about the falling in love part and how they managed it.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is right up my alley: fantasy, smart and spirited female lead, located in a mystical place with lots of mist and wise old trees, whimsy, and also some truly beautiful descriptions of heartbreaking humanity.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written, emotional read. This story has incredibly detailed world-building and descriptions of 15th century Wales and its history, along with fantasy, moving character development, and romance on top of everything. I loved reading it.

[Hester Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and achingly romantic, fans of Outlander will devour this immersive Welsh timeslip. A stunning debut.