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Geomancer #1
In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen
From bestselling, award-winning author Kiran Millwood Hargrave comes an epic new fantasy about the magic of nature, the lure of power and the strength of love.
In the lakes, the wolf queen sharpens her spear.
In the mountains, an ancient girl opens an eye.
In the forest, an orphan is summoned by the trees.
Our story has begun ...
Ysolda has lived her life in the shadow of the wolf queen's tyrannical rule but, safe in her forest haven, she has never truly felt its threat.
Until one day when a mysterious earthquake shakes the land and her older sister Hari vanishes in its wake.
Accompanied by her loyal sea hawk, Nara, Ysolda embarks on a desperate rescue mission. But when she is forced to strike a bargain with the wolf queen herself, she soon finds herself embroiled in a quest for a magic more powerful - and more dangerous - than she could ever have imagined ...
This is the first in the Geomancer trilogy, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Julia and the Shark, The Mercies and The Girl of Ink and Stars.
In the lakes, the wolf queen sharpens her spear.
In the mountains, an ancient girl opens an eye.
In the forest, an orphan is summoned by the trees.
Our story has begun ...
Ysolda has lived her life in the shadow of the wolf queen's tyrannical rule but, safe in her forest haven, she has never truly felt its threat.
Until one day when a mysterious earthquake shakes the land and her older sister Hari vanishes in its wake.
Accompanied by her loyal sea hawk, Nara, Ysolda embarks on a desperate rescue mission. But when she is forced to strike a bargain with the wolf queen herself, she soon finds herself embroiled in a quest for a magic more powerful - and more dangerous - than she could ever have imagined ...
This is the first in the Geomancer trilogy, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Julia and the Shark, The Mercies and The Girl of Ink and Stars.
311 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2023
About the author
Kiran Millwood Hargrave
38 books2,765 followersKiran 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
August 9, 2023
I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy of an ARC of In The Shadow of The Wolf Queen. As I had only read The Girl with Ink and Stars I decided to get three other books by the author to make sure I knew the writing and hoped it would make reading it much easier
Which it did. I quickly picked up the story of Ysolda and her hawk Nara. She had taken her sister's amulet and went to a tree that she felt connected to, to try and listen to the trees as her sister Hari does. She makes it back to her people, where finds that Ryders have been there and finds her sister missing where an earthquake happens. She realises she has to go and find her sister who has been taken by the Ryders of the Wolf Queen. She sets off on a journey to find her sister with Nara.
I really love Hargrave's writing, the way she writes her characters are always great. The world building also really good.
I loved how Ysolda and Nara work as a team and how Ysolda thinks about certain stuff and what she needs to do to get her sister back.
I enjoyed the journey we go on with Ysolda and was feeling the emotions as she undertakes what she has to do.
You give me an animal friendship/companion that the main character has and I will love it just love it even more. The loyalty, the compassion, the love for each other is seen throughout.
Which it did. I quickly picked up the story of Ysolda and her hawk Nara. She had taken her sister's amulet and went to a tree that she felt connected to, to try and listen to the trees as her sister Hari does. She makes it back to her people, where finds that Ryders have been there and finds her sister missing where an earthquake happens. She realises she has to go and find her sister who has been taken by the Ryders of the Wolf Queen. She sets off on a journey to find her sister with Nara.
I really love Hargrave's writing, the way she writes her characters are always great. The world building also really good.
I loved how Ysolda and Nara work as a team and how Ysolda thinks about certain stuff and what she needs to do to get her sister back.
I enjoyed the journey we go on with Ysolda and was feeling the emotions as she undertakes what she has to do.
You give me an animal friendship/companion that the main character has and I will love it just love it even more. The loyalty, the compassion, the love for each other is seen throughout.
November 19, 2024
This book was really good I highly recommend it to any lovers of wolves and fantasy.
May 9, 2025
E-reader vergeten op reis en genoodzaakt zijn een boek in de luchthaven te kopen. Kwaliteit van het boek was recht evenredig aan de kwaliteit van de luchthaven (kleine tip, het was niet Zaventem).
September 6, 2023
⭐️ 4.5 ⭐️
I ordered this book on a whim, and I’m so pleased I did! The book itself is beautiful. The detail on the hardcover (when the dust jacket is removed) is gorgeous.
Fantasy isn’t a genre I read very often; in fact, the last fantasy book I read was probably Harry Potter, so it’s been a while.
In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen is the first book in the Geomancer trilogy. The book is superbly written with vivid, detailed descriptions. I loved the cast of characters, in particular Ysolda (and her sea hawk, Nara).
The world building is excellent, and I could picture everything clearly in my mind's eye. The story is well-paced, interesting, and exciting, and it strikes the perfect balance between character-driven and plot-driven. It's a story of nature (and the importance of it), love, family, and friendship.
I was fully immersed in Ysolda's story and raced through the pages in one sitting. I’ll definitely be dipping my toes further into the fantasy genre after reading this wonderful book.
Although classed as a middle grade book (ages 8-12), In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen is one that can be read, appreciated, and loved by everyone — children and adults alike.
My only complaint is that I'll have to wait ages to read the next in the series!
I ordered this book on a whim, and I’m so pleased I did! The book itself is beautiful. The detail on the hardcover (when the dust jacket is removed) is gorgeous.
Fantasy isn’t a genre I read very often; in fact, the last fantasy book I read was probably Harry Potter, so it’s been a while.
In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen is the first book in the Geomancer trilogy. The book is superbly written with vivid, detailed descriptions. I loved the cast of characters, in particular Ysolda (and her sea hawk, Nara).
The world building is excellent, and I could picture everything clearly in my mind's eye. The story is well-paced, interesting, and exciting, and it strikes the perfect balance between character-driven and plot-driven. It's a story of nature (and the importance of it), love, family, and friendship.
I was fully immersed in Ysolda's story and raced through the pages in one sitting. I’ll definitely be dipping my toes further into the fantasy genre after reading this wonderful book.
Although classed as a middle grade book (ages 8-12), In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen is one that can be read, appreciated, and loved by everyone — children and adults alike.
My only complaint is that I'll have to wait ages to read the next in the series!
August 2, 2024
J'ai lu "Les graciées" et "La danse des damnées" de K.M. Hargrave que j'avais adoré, j'étais donc carrément partante pour un roman de Fantasy à destination de la jeunesse de la même autrice.
On retrouve ses thèmes récurrents dans les personnages de ce roman, puisque la grande majorité sont des femmes ou des jeunes filles (je n'ai compté que 3 personnages masculins qui ont une réplique dans l'histoire et sur ces 3 personnages seul l'un d'entre eux a une importance réelle dans le récit, en tout cas pour le moment)
Pour l'histoire en elle même c'est plutôt classique de la Fantasy : situation initiale, héroïne obligée de quitter son chez elle pour une quête initiatique épique dont elle est la clef, voyage et rebondissements sur la route.
J'ai hâte de découvrir les deux autres tomes de cette série, surtout pour retrouver le style de l'autrice que j'aime beaucoup.
On retrouve ses thèmes récurrents dans les personnages de ce roman, puisque la grande majorité sont des femmes ou des jeunes filles (je n'ai compté que 3 personnages masculins qui ont une réplique dans l'histoire et sur ces 3 personnages seul l'un d'entre eux a une importance réelle dans le récit, en tout cas pour le moment)
Pour l'histoire en elle même c'est plutôt classique de la Fantasy : situation initiale, héroïne obligée de quitter son chez elle pour une quête initiatique épique dont elle est la clef, voyage et rebondissements sur la route.
J'ai hâte de découvrir les deux autres tomes de cette série, surtout pour retrouver le style de l'autrice que j'aime beaucoup.
August 6, 2023
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
We follow Ysolda and her sea hawk Nara as they journey through the lands, looking for her missing sister and being roped into a much larger quest along the way.
Ysolda was very likeable, and I enjoyed her point of view. Though she was supposed to be 13, she felt quite grown up at times. I did often forget her age until someone in the story brought it up.
I really enjoyed a lot of the side characters, though I did wish I'd been able to see some of them for a little longer.
The inclusion of so many animals from start to finish was absolutely fantastic. The wolves and Nara were so interesting to hear about throughout, and their bond with the humans who raised them. Though I will say that I found certain moments throughout this story a bit difficult to read. There were moments when animals were either in pain or unfortunately died. There was one moment in the middle of the book that had me crying. It was fantastic writing, but it was also worth noting in case that is not something you can stomach.
The writing was a bit advanced for a children's book in my opinion, and I do wonder if younger kids would struggle to read it, but as an adult reading this, it painted a picture so well! The pacing was sometimes a little off, but it picked up quite a bit towards the end.
The story was enthralling, one twist after another. However, the ending was mostly unsatisfying. I wish there was at least a little bit of a resolution towards the end, but it felt almost as if we had stopped mid story to me. This left me wanting more, but not in a satisfying, cliff-hanger type of way.
I will still definitely be picking up and reading the next book in this trilogy when it's released. Despite a few flaws, this was a solid read.
➛ 𝟑.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
We follow Ysolda and her sea hawk Nara as they journey through the lands, looking for her missing sister and being roped into a much larger quest along the way.
Ysolda was very likeable, and I enjoyed her point of view. Though she was supposed to be 13, she felt quite grown up at times. I did often forget her age until someone in the story brought it up.
I really enjoyed a lot of the side characters, though I did wish I'd been able to see some of them for a little longer.
The inclusion of so many animals from start to finish was absolutely fantastic. The wolves and Nara were so interesting to hear about throughout, and their bond with the humans who raised them. Though I will say that I found certain moments throughout this story a bit difficult to read. There were moments when animals were either in pain or unfortunately died. There was one moment in the middle of the book that had me crying. It was fantastic writing, but it was also worth noting in case that is not something you can stomach.
The writing was a bit advanced for a children's book in my opinion, and I do wonder if younger kids would struggle to read it, but as an adult reading this, it painted a picture so well! The pacing was sometimes a little off, but it picked up quite a bit towards the end.
The story was enthralling, one twist after another. However, the ending was mostly unsatisfying. I wish there was at least a little bit of a resolution towards the end, but it felt almost as if we had stopped mid story to me. This left me wanting more, but not in a satisfying, cliff-hanger type of way.
I will still definitely be picking up and reading the next book in this trilogy when it's released. Despite a few flaws, this was a solid read.
➛ 𝟑.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
December 28, 2024
I loved every page of this book! This is the kind of fantasy that I'd have loved as a child and still love as an adult.
From the Glaw Woods, our story starts with Ysolda who sets off on a mission to save her sister from the Wolf Queen. Ysolda is such a great character and she shines within the pages - her voice is so well written. And the descriptions of the lands are beautifully evocative - the author's lyricism makes for gorgeous prose.
Forced to aid the Wolf Queen, Ysolda becomes a begrudging ally to save her sister and she journeys with them in search of the Anchorite. The journey takes them from several regions, allowing the worldbuilding to take centre stage. I loved her interactions with the Wolf Queen! The Wolf Queen is an intriguing character, one who almost steals the show in places.
The plot, the characters, the setting - these novel has all the hallmarks of a fantasy classic!
From the Glaw Woods, our story starts with Ysolda who sets off on a mission to save her sister from the Wolf Queen. Ysolda is such a great character and she shines within the pages - her voice is so well written. And the descriptions of the lands are beautifully evocative - the author's lyricism makes for gorgeous prose.
Forced to aid the Wolf Queen, Ysolda becomes a begrudging ally to save her sister and she journeys with them in search of the Anchorite. The journey takes them from several regions, allowing the worldbuilding to take centre stage. I loved her interactions with the Wolf Queen! The Wolf Queen is an intriguing character, one who almost steals the show in places.
The plot, the characters, the setting - these novel has all the hallmarks of a fantasy classic!
April 1, 2026
When young girl Ysolda’s sister kidnapped by the tyrannical Wolf Queen, she sets out to rescue her and ends up being sucked into the queen’s plot to take over the world.
I feel like this book focused on the wrong character. Ysolda is quite a boring protagonist without much of a personality. I was much more interested in her sister, who can “talk” to trees, but we don’t get to see much of her. I was also expecting the wolves to have a more significant role, but they are essentially just mounts for the queen and her minions.
The author several times mentions horses “snickering”, which gave me the image of horses giggling – this threw me for a moment as this isn’t a world where animals are sapient. The author presumably meant “nickering”, but perhaps was not aware of the correct term. She also makes references to wolves’ incisors when it’s obvious she is actually talking about canines.
Like so many books these days, this is the first of a series, and you have to read them all to get the full story. I doubt I’ll read the rest as I can’t say it really grabbed me.
I feel like this book focused on the wrong character. Ysolda is quite a boring protagonist without much of a personality. I was much more interested in her sister, who can “talk” to trees, but we don’t get to see much of her. I was also expecting the wolves to have a more significant role, but they are essentially just mounts for the queen and her minions.
The author several times mentions horses “snickering”, which gave me the image of horses giggling – this threw me for a moment as this isn’t a world where animals are sapient. The author presumably meant “nickering”, but perhaps was not aware of the correct term. She also makes references to wolves’ incisors when it’s obvious she is actually talking about canines.
Like so many books these days, this is the first of a series, and you have to read them all to get the full story. I doubt I’ll read the rest as I can’t say it really grabbed me.
February 22, 2025
Knihy K.M.Hargrave mám moc ráda už pár let... a tahle nebyla vyjímkou. Rychlá a čtivá jednohubka na jedno odpoledne.
3.5/5*
3.5/5*
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December 4, 2023This was in the regular fantasy section, but I think it's for a much, much younger audience (13?). So it wouldn't be fair for me to rate this. It would be a great book if I were a wee babe, but I'm old and curmudgeonly.
September 21, 2024
I’ve always admired Kiran’s work, and In The Shadow Of The Wolf Queen was searingly good. The first of her new Geomancer trilogy and one I have high hopes for.
This was a body of exceptional work and layered with elemental earth magic. Idyllic mountains, treacherous lakes and a formidable Wolf Queen with sharpened spear and unspeakable power over her wild dominion.
Hargrave does well to inhabit the reader in her world of mountains and murk. This takes you on a journey, or rather a quest, into the far flung corners of Ancient Britain. Wound in threads of mythology and whispers of old magic everywhere. I just can’t fault it. I’ve loved dipping into another Kiran masterpiece.
This was a body of exceptional work and layered with elemental earth magic. Idyllic mountains, treacherous lakes and a formidable Wolf Queen with sharpened spear and unspeakable power over her wild dominion.
Hargrave does well to inhabit the reader in her world of mountains and murk. This takes you on a journey, or rather a quest, into the far flung corners of Ancient Britain. Wound in threads of mythology and whispers of old magic everywhere. I just can’t fault it. I’ve loved dipping into another Kiran masterpiece.
June 4, 2023
what a wonderful book! I read it in one sitting, so it is very manageable for a younger reader. Full of magic and excitement, something new happens in every chapter. The characters are very relatable, even the bad guys have redeeming softer sides. Totally recommended!
May 4, 2026
If you’re looking to go on an enthralling adventure with majestic animal companions in an effort to save the natural world then this is a book you just have to open.
Kiran Millwood Hargrave writes with such rhythm and pacing that reading her book is like following a flowing river through a woodland, you can smell the earthy, feel the dew in the air as you read - it echoes the magic of the storytelling in a way that is unparalleled. This story feels like it takes place in a real world, it’s foundations are grounded in the natural world that inspired the story.
This story leaves us awaiting the next instalment of the Geomancer trilogy where more danger, more magic and more adventure awaits.
Kiran Millwood Hargrave writes with such rhythm and pacing that reading her book is like following a flowing river through a woodland, you can smell the earthy, feel the dew in the air as you read - it echoes the magic of the storytelling in a way that is unparalleled. This story feels like it takes place in a real world, it’s foundations are grounded in the natural world that inspired the story.
This story leaves us awaiting the next instalment of the Geomancer trilogy where more danger, more magic and more adventure awaits.
April 16, 2025
I’m surprised by how little ratings this book actually has on it! Well from when I read it anyway which is 480 and only 106 reviews I just can’t believe it! How good this book is crazy I mean I picked this up all because of the cover and the naked foil art cover I am surprised that this book actually got a five stars from me. But that’s only because I wasn’t interested like that much in the beginning and then it just got so much better!!! Okay now if anyone ever asks me for a great kids book I am definitely recommending this! It is well written I will say it is rather fast paced but that doesn’t let it down one bit! Ysolda as a character is great but I just don’t understand why she is even bothering to get her sister back when the wolf queen was said to just destroy the world obviously they must have to have a deep bond. Obviously every other person who’s read this will probably be like, “well yeah duh of course she wants to save her sister she doesn’t believe the anchorite (however you spell it.) so she doesn’t believe that the wolf queen is going to you know become the Geomancer.”
Anyway to just break off of that before this goes to some argument with a nonexistent being.
Ok so I honestly kinda have a feeling that Ysolda is the Geomancer but I have a slight feeling that she is t and could somehow be the anchorite but oh well I guess we’ll see!
Anyway I loved the giant sea wolves so adorable and just so cute I can’t I love wolves like a lot! I will say I looked at the end of The Storm and the Seahawk kinda by accident but on the very last page I saw, you know those kind of silhouettes at the beginning of a chapter instead of a wolf or hawk it looked like a giant cat! Oh my I haven’t read it but am hoping for giant cats like the wolves! I would definitely love that!!!
Anyway I loved this book and definitely hope that more people decide to read this and enjoy it as much as I did! Because let me tell you it is brilliant and brilliantly written so much better than some of those questionable children’s books these days! So worth reading for any age!
I hope my review has convinced you to read this wonderful novel!
Anyway to just break off of that before this goes to some argument with a nonexistent being.
Ok so I honestly kinda have a feeling that Ysolda is the Geomancer but I have a slight feeling that she is t and could somehow be the anchorite but oh well I guess we’ll see!
Anyway I loved the giant sea wolves so adorable and just so cute I can’t I love wolves like a lot! I will say I looked at the end of The Storm and the Seahawk kinda by accident but on the very last page I saw, you know those kind of silhouettes at the beginning of a chapter instead of a wolf or hawk it looked like a giant cat! Oh my I haven’t read it but am hoping for giant cats like the wolves! I would definitely love that!!!
Anyway I loved this book and definitely hope that more people decide to read this and enjoy it as much as I did! Because let me tell you it is brilliant and brilliantly written so much better than some of those questionable children’s books these days! So worth reading for any age!
I hope my review has convinced you to read this wonderful novel!
January 3, 2025
3.5*
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Ve stínu vlčí královny je middle grade kniha, která skrývá kouzelný příběh a klade velký důraz na pouto s přírodou. Jedná se o moc fajn dobrodružství kombinující magii a přírodu, které má co nabídnout pro mladší, ale i dospělé čtenáře.
Příběh je zasazen do světa inspirovaného skutečnou historií a přírodou, což mi přijde jako skvělý a originální nápad. Navíc autorka na konci knihy přidala nejen poznámky o místech, které jí inspirovaly, ale je zde přidána i možnost prozkoumat lesy v okolí Česka. Za mě jde o krásné propojení fikce a reality.
Přestože mě příběh bavil, musím říct, že mi hlavní hrdinka Ysolda úplně nesedla. Její rozhodnutí a chování mi občas přišly trochu neuvěřitelné, což mi kazilo celkový dojem z příběhu. To je ale můj častý problém u middle grade knih - vzhledem k absolvovaným dobrodružstvím velmi nízký věk hrdinů. Věřím ale, že mladší čtenáři ji mohou vnímat jinak a třeba se s ní lépe ztotožnit. Vlčí královna byla oproti tomu velmi zajímavou postavou a těším se, jestli dostaneme možnost jí v dalších dílech lépe poznat.
Kniha je nabitá akcí, která se střídá s nečekanými momenty. Některé mi přišly zbytečně až moc drastické, když uvážím, že kniha se nese spíš v pohádkovém duchu. Velký prostor je zde věnován také tomu, jak hlavní hrdinka nabírá víc a víc odvahy. Pokud máte rádi dětské knihy, které vás přenesou do skvěle vymyšleného světa, určitě po vydání sáhněte i po této sérii.
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spolupráce s booklab
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Ve stínu vlčí královny je middle grade kniha, která skrývá kouzelný příběh a klade velký důraz na pouto s přírodou. Jedná se o moc fajn dobrodružství kombinující magii a přírodu, které má co nabídnout pro mladší, ale i dospělé čtenáře.
Příběh je zasazen do světa inspirovaného skutečnou historií a přírodou, což mi přijde jako skvělý a originální nápad. Navíc autorka na konci knihy přidala nejen poznámky o místech, které jí inspirovaly, ale je zde přidána i možnost prozkoumat lesy v okolí Česka. Za mě jde o krásné propojení fikce a reality.
Přestože mě příběh bavil, musím říct, že mi hlavní hrdinka Ysolda úplně nesedla. Její rozhodnutí a chování mi občas přišly trochu neuvěřitelné, což mi kazilo celkový dojem z příběhu. To je ale můj častý problém u middle grade knih - vzhledem k absolvovaným dobrodružstvím velmi nízký věk hrdinů. Věřím ale, že mladší čtenáři ji mohou vnímat jinak a třeba se s ní lépe ztotožnit. Vlčí královna byla oproti tomu velmi zajímavou postavou a těším se, jestli dostaneme možnost jí v dalších dílech lépe poznat.
Kniha je nabitá akcí, která se střídá s nečekanými momenty. Některé mi přišly zbytečně až moc drastické, když uvážím, že kniha se nese spíš v pohádkovém duchu. Velký prostor je zde věnován také tomu, jak hlavní hrdinka nabírá víc a víc odvahy. Pokud máte rádi dětské knihy, které vás přenesou do skvěle vymyšleného světa, určitě po vydání sáhněte i po této sérii.
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spolupráce s booklab
November 24, 2023
Ysolda loses her sister, Hari, to The Ryders. In Glaw Wood she meets a stranger who helps her out of the bog before disappearing. She is herself captured by Ryders and taken to Queen Seren who is collecting all people who have gifts. Riding huge sea wolves, fights and chases, getting into sticky situations, meeting strange people, can she survive and get her sister out of Seren's prison?
This is an excellent start to a new series. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I did wonder if it's a 'play' on our world situation where destruction is so very close but certain people believe that saving our planet is achievable if we try as it seems to mirror that idea closely. Perhaps I was reading too much into it as an adult when this is a children's book, but whether it is meant or not it's a great story to follow.
This is an excellent start to a new series. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I did wonder if it's a 'play' on our world situation where destruction is so very close but certain people believe that saving our planet is achievable if we try as it seems to mirror that idea closely. Perhaps I was reading too much into it as an adult when this is a children's book, but whether it is meant or not it's a great story to follow.
October 29, 2023
I thought that In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen was so intriguing ,as always with Kira this really is really is an unmissable read. The world building, the characters, brilliant, complex, but not overwhelmingly so, this is epic fantasy at it’s best, full of adventure and quests. That ending will make you want to see where this is going without a doubt, five star read again, although more if I could
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2023
I think I expected more from this book. The writing style was nice, and the characters were interesting. I loved the battle scene, but to me it was a book about a journey, and not a lot else. I also found the ending every unended. It also took me a while to get through this relatively short book. I liked the feel of it, but I definitely needed more. Can I just add I am an adult reading this.
June 10, 2024
I thought this was a great fantasy adventure. When I read Kiran's first book I had the sense that we could be friends - now I feel that even more. The images that climbed out of this story are the kind that climb out of my own imagination.
May 23, 2024
boring
at least i’m done
at least i’m done
September 2, 2023
3.5
Thank you to Orion for providing an ARC to review!
At this point I think we've established that I'm just a Kiran Millwood Hargrave stan, but this was a quick and fun read. I don't think she's written a series before so I'm excited to see how it will pan out, but this was an interesting story about environmentalism and human interactions with the natural world.
I feel this would lend itself really well to a graphic novel format - lots of beautiful descriptions of landscapes, and some characters it would be cool to see in visual form. Looking forward to continuing with the series!
Thank you to Orion for providing an ARC to review!
At this point I think we've established that I'm just a Kiran Millwood Hargrave stan, but this was a quick and fun read. I don't think she's written a series before so I'm excited to see how it will pan out, but this was an interesting story about environmentalism and human interactions with the natural world.
I feel this would lend itself really well to a graphic novel format - lots of beautiful descriptions of landscapes, and some characters it would be cool to see in visual form. Looking forward to continuing with the series!
May 14, 2026
4,5 ⭐️
August 10, 2023
'In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen' is a refreshing fantasy novel - the first installment of the 'Geomancer' trilogy by Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
The story is really well paced, and I appreciate that the chapters are short and to the point - the plot doesn't suffer from being bogged down by overly descriptive world-building, and something interesting happens in each chapter to keep the reader's interest.
I enjoyed the magic system being nature based, and that the most interesting characters are girls/women. Even the 'villians' of the story are more nuanced than the typical 'good vs. evil' fantasy trope.
I'm looking forward to continuing with this series and checking out the author's other works in the meantime :)
~ Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this title ~
The story is really well paced, and I appreciate that the chapters are short and to the point - the plot doesn't suffer from being bogged down by overly descriptive world-building, and something interesting happens in each chapter to keep the reader's interest.
I enjoyed the magic system being nature based, and that the most interesting characters are girls/women. Even the 'villians' of the story are more nuanced than the typical 'good vs. evil' fantasy trope.
I'm looking forward to continuing with this series and checking out the author's other works in the meantime :)
~ Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this title ~
November 19, 2024
The world was written very well, it almost felt like I could smell all of the nature around. The characters are great involving huge wolves that can be ridden. I loved all the nature involved and Nara the hawk is cute. 🐺🌳
May 18, 2026
In de schaduw van de wolvenkoningin is het eerste deel in de fantasierijke geomancer-trilogie van Kiran Millwood Hargrave. Het boek is geschikt vanaf ongeveer vijftien jaar, dus tieners en volwassenen, daar er redelijk veel gewelddadige scènes in voorkomen. Sandra C. Hessels zorgde voor de vertaling. In 2020 verscheen Hargraves debuutroman De vrouwen van Vardø. Ze kreeg vele nominaties en won meerdere prijzen. Het werk van deze succesvolle Britse schrijfster is in meer dan 30 talen vertaald.
Deze trilogie vol avontuur is gebaseerd op de fundamenten van onze wereld. Het idee voor het verhaal ontstond tijdens een wandeling door het gematigde regenwoud in Noord-Wales waar de auteur zich verbonden voelde met de natuur. Hargrave is opgevoed met een mengeling van Welshe, Indiase, Viking en Oost-Europese mythes die ze in het boek terug laat komen. De plekken in het boek bestaan echt en aan het eind van het verhaal geeft de auteur hier nog een toelichting op.
Bij het openen van In de schaduw van de wolvenkoningin springt een landkaart in het oog die met de avonturen in de volgende boeken mee zal groeien. Op de voorkant van de groene hardcover staat Seren, de wolvenkoningin groot, afgebeeld tegen de achtergrond van een gele maan. Op de achterzijde vinden we het meisje Ysolda terug dat het opneemt tegen haar. Het begin van de hoofdstukken is voorzien van bijpassende zwart-wit illustraties.
Ysolda en haar zeearend gaan op zoek naar haar ontvoerde zus. Haar zoektocht voert zhen ver weg van de hun vertrouwde omgeving, het Glauwwoud, waar zij in harmonie met de natuur wonen. Onderweg reist ze door vreemde oorden, waarin de natuur zich tegen de mens heeft gekeerd. Ze ontmoet mysterieuze, verwarrende personen die haar op weg helpen en raakt onbedoeld verstrikt in de netten van de wolvenkoningin Seren in een nog grotere queeste. Meerdere malen komt zij in spannende situaties terecht en maakt een onverwachte twist het verhaal weer wat spannender. Het meeslepende verhaal heeft een traag tempo, dat tegen het einde oploopt, maar de lezer onvoldaan achterlaat door het abrupte einde.
De auteur beschikt over veel fantasie in dit karakter gedreven plot waarin hoop op een goede afloop volop aanwezig is. De wereldopbouw gebeurt geleidelijk, waardoor je de tijd hebt om in het verhaal te komen en zo langzaam een beeld kunt vormen van wat er gaande is.
De bijzondere personages spreken tot de verbeelding. De dertienjarige protagonist Ysolda en haar tamme zeearend roepen beschermende gevoelens op. Ze komt slim over en weet zich goed uit netelige situaties te redden met behulp van de door haar zelf gecreëerde verhalen. Lezen over de band die mens en dier krijgen is fijn. De binding die Ysolda heeft met haar zeearend is voelbaar, hij gidst haar feilloos in de goede richting en zorgt voor hoop op een goede afloop. Seren en haar zeewolven komen in eerste instantie griezelig en vijandig over. De liefde die zij voor ze heeft laat van haar een onverwachte kant zien. De rol die ze heeft in het boek is nu nog niet helemaal duidelijk, maar de verwachting is dat dit in de volgende delen verder uitgewerkt wordt.
Hargrave geeft in het boek mee dat onze natuur opmerkelijk is en dat we meer gewone mensen nodig hebben die buitengewoon voorzichtig en zorgzaam ermee om moeten springen.
In de schaduw van de wolvenkoningin is een verhaal waarin familie, vriendschap, vertrouwen en verbondenheid met de natuur belangrijk zijn.
Graag gelezen voor Boeken-cast
Deze trilogie vol avontuur is gebaseerd op de fundamenten van onze wereld. Het idee voor het verhaal ontstond tijdens een wandeling door het gematigde regenwoud in Noord-Wales waar de auteur zich verbonden voelde met de natuur. Hargrave is opgevoed met een mengeling van Welshe, Indiase, Viking en Oost-Europese mythes die ze in het boek terug laat komen. De plekken in het boek bestaan echt en aan het eind van het verhaal geeft de auteur hier nog een toelichting op.
Bij het openen van In de schaduw van de wolvenkoningin springt een landkaart in het oog die met de avonturen in de volgende boeken mee zal groeien. Op de voorkant van de groene hardcover staat Seren, de wolvenkoningin groot, afgebeeld tegen de achtergrond van een gele maan. Op de achterzijde vinden we het meisje Ysolda terug dat het opneemt tegen haar. Het begin van de hoofdstukken is voorzien van bijpassende zwart-wit illustraties.
Ysolda en haar zeearend gaan op zoek naar haar ontvoerde zus. Haar zoektocht voert zhen ver weg van de hun vertrouwde omgeving, het Glauwwoud, waar zij in harmonie met de natuur wonen. Onderweg reist ze door vreemde oorden, waarin de natuur zich tegen de mens heeft gekeerd. Ze ontmoet mysterieuze, verwarrende personen die haar op weg helpen en raakt onbedoeld verstrikt in de netten van de wolvenkoningin Seren in een nog grotere queeste. Meerdere malen komt zij in spannende situaties terecht en maakt een onverwachte twist het verhaal weer wat spannender. Het meeslepende verhaal heeft een traag tempo, dat tegen het einde oploopt, maar de lezer onvoldaan achterlaat door het abrupte einde.
De auteur beschikt over veel fantasie in dit karakter gedreven plot waarin hoop op een goede afloop volop aanwezig is. De wereldopbouw gebeurt geleidelijk, waardoor je de tijd hebt om in het verhaal te komen en zo langzaam een beeld kunt vormen van wat er gaande is.
De bijzondere personages spreken tot de verbeelding. De dertienjarige protagonist Ysolda en haar tamme zeearend roepen beschermende gevoelens op. Ze komt slim over en weet zich goed uit netelige situaties te redden met behulp van de door haar zelf gecreëerde verhalen. Lezen over de band die mens en dier krijgen is fijn. De binding die Ysolda heeft met haar zeearend is voelbaar, hij gidst haar feilloos in de goede richting en zorgt voor hoop op een goede afloop. Seren en haar zeewolven komen in eerste instantie griezelig en vijandig over. De liefde die zij voor ze heeft laat van haar een onverwachte kant zien. De rol die ze heeft in het boek is nu nog niet helemaal duidelijk, maar de verwachting is dat dit in de volgende delen verder uitgewerkt wordt.
Hargrave geeft in het boek mee dat onze natuur opmerkelijk is en dat we meer gewone mensen nodig hebben die buitengewoon voorzichtig en zorgzaam ermee om moeten springen.
In de schaduw van de wolvenkoningin is een verhaal waarin familie, vriendschap, vertrouwen en verbondenheid met de natuur belangrijk zijn.
Graag gelezen voor Boeken-cast
October 19, 2024
I’ve just finished “In The Shadow Of The Wolf Queen,” which I surprisingly really enjoyed. It’s a middle grade quest adventure filled with whimsy and adventure. I got through it in 2 days, so I was certainly captivated. The chapters are really short, which I’m sure helped too!
We follow Ysolda, a young girl who loses her sister to the Wolf Queen after her home is destroyed by the Wolf Queen’s magic. The story is basically at first, a quest to retrieve her sister and destroy the Wolf Queen. Does this happen? You’ll need to read to find out for yourself!
I read “In The Shadow Of The Wolf Queen” for a few readathons! They were:
Reading Rivalry - Book that is the colour of a character - the theme for October 2024 is Cluedo so the cover has to be primarily one of the Cluedo characters. “In The Shadow Of The Wolf Queen” is green so Reverend Green!
Always Fully Booked Reading Challenge - Read a book with a 6 word title - now, I’m slightly cheating here, but I class at least a 6 letter title to count as well.
Always Fully Booked Reading Rainbow Challenge - Pattern - I class the sparkly raindrop shapes to be a pattern.
Spoilers below…
“Up, she thought in her terror, up, and her exhausted, bruised body obeyed, propelling her over ground, along the switchbacks and over the final bluff. She straightened, Nara landing heavily on her forearm, and opened her mouth to call for Hari. But her voice died in her throat. The Rhyg had swallowed their stone home.”
This is the first big event of the story. It happens at the end of chapter 4, so not very far into the story at all. As this is a middle grade story, the events need to be swift to keep a reader of that age’s attention, I feel. This is the catalyst for the rest of the story.
Hari, Ysolda’s sister has been taken by the Wolf Queen because she’s special. She’s essentially been kidnapped. It’s Ysolda’s task to get her back! That is until she meets the Wolf Queen, or Seren as she’s known. After she meets the Wolf Queen, she’s not scared of her.
“Seren did not have wolf’s teeth, or eat raw meat like in the stories. Nor, according to the torch burning in her hand, could she see in the dark. But still, it was strange to know the wolf queen was a woman with a knack for training wolves, not some supernatural beast. She was like Ysolda and her hawk.”
The legends portray Seren as this mean, bestial character when she isn’t either of those things. She’s searching for her daughter, Eira, who’s run away to be difficult. This is another part of the quest, finding Eira. The main quest in “In The Shadow Of The Wolf Queen,” however, is finding the Anchorite, a mystical being, which the evil characters want to get first, of course. Can Ysolda and Seren find them or will it be Thane Boreal, the evil male antagonist? I look toward to reading Geomancer, book 2 hopefully soon to get more answers.
We follow Ysolda, a young girl who loses her sister to the Wolf Queen after her home is destroyed by the Wolf Queen’s magic. The story is basically at first, a quest to retrieve her sister and destroy the Wolf Queen. Does this happen? You’ll need to read to find out for yourself!
I read “In The Shadow Of The Wolf Queen” for a few readathons! They were:
Reading Rivalry - Book that is the colour of a character - the theme for October 2024 is Cluedo so the cover has to be primarily one of the Cluedo characters. “In The Shadow Of The Wolf Queen” is green so Reverend Green!
Always Fully Booked Reading Challenge - Read a book with a 6 word title - now, I’m slightly cheating here, but I class at least a 6 letter title to count as well.
Always Fully Booked Reading Rainbow Challenge - Pattern - I class the sparkly raindrop shapes to be a pattern.
Spoilers below…
“Up, she thought in her terror, up, and her exhausted, bruised body obeyed, propelling her over ground, along the switchbacks and over the final bluff. She straightened, Nara landing heavily on her forearm, and opened her mouth to call for Hari. But her voice died in her throat. The Rhyg had swallowed their stone home.”
This is the first big event of the story. It happens at the end of chapter 4, so not very far into the story at all. As this is a middle grade story, the events need to be swift to keep a reader of that age’s attention, I feel. This is the catalyst for the rest of the story.
Hari, Ysolda’s sister has been taken by the Wolf Queen because she’s special. She’s essentially been kidnapped. It’s Ysolda’s task to get her back! That is until she meets the Wolf Queen, or Seren as she’s known. After she meets the Wolf Queen, she’s not scared of her.
“Seren did not have wolf’s teeth, or eat raw meat like in the stories. Nor, according to the torch burning in her hand, could she see in the dark. But still, it was strange to know the wolf queen was a woman with a knack for training wolves, not some supernatural beast. She was like Ysolda and her hawk.”
The legends portray Seren as this mean, bestial character when she isn’t either of those things. She’s searching for her daughter, Eira, who’s run away to be difficult. This is another part of the quest, finding Eira. The main quest in “In The Shadow Of The Wolf Queen,” however, is finding the Anchorite, a mystical being, which the evil characters want to get first, of course. Can Ysolda and Seren find them or will it be Thane Boreal, the evil male antagonist? I look toward to reading Geomancer, book 2 hopefully soon to get more answers.
September 12, 2023
So, this is one of the best books I have read. I am a huge fan of Kiran's and I think this is her best work.
1. The edition is beautiful. The end papers are gorgeous. The map is great. The art is great. Every book she writes is published in an amazing way. My edition also had a short story on how Ysolde got her hawk, PLUS the first chapter of the next book.
2. The worldbuilding here is brilliant. It shows how invading nations pick and choose from the lands they conquer and bring into their own ethos and religion. I love how The Wolf Queen picks a new native name for whenever she conquers a new land. I love how she brings along her favourite things to make herself feel special.
I loved how Ysolde and Hari see the forest, and nature, and wood itself. If you wanted to play a druid in D&D, then read this book. All of nature is together, and it is starting to fight with humans.
I loved the magic in this. It is soft, and not world breaking. The Wolf Queen is gathering listeners who listen to the trees, dowsers who can find water and other people with gifts. I like how False Gold is used to stop these gifts. I love how The Wolf Queen trained the wolves and there is no innate magical connection, just good training. None of the main characters have magic, but they are all special.
I like how this world is the UK, and it is clear and obvious. But everything is just changed by 10%. Names, places and people are all just enhanced by magic by a small amount. I think it is most similar to Lyra's world in His Dark Materials. Like outs in lots of ways, but completely different in others. The Wolf Queen's castle is such a cool idea.
3. The Characters here are brilliant. Ysolde is a liar. Eire is a thief. Seren is harsh. None of these people are perfect, but they all end up working together. We get to know quite a small cast of characters, and we know them well. I can't wait to see what else they get up to. Also, Nara is a great companion, and all of the animals are great in this.
4. The plot is plentiful. The characters have a goal, and there is a journey to get there. There is no real super strong antagonistic force until quite late into the book, but the tension and the situation caused by these people is the force pushing them back. Ysolde is not just a passenger either, but takes affirmative action to drive the plot forwards. She is useful, despite her age.
5. Kiran's prose is always a strength, and this was no exception. It was purple and punchy. It drove home the key themes of nature really well without being too flowery.
6. I was glued to this. I wanted to stop work and read it. I wanted my children to go to bed so I could read it. I wanted to devour this and now I am gutted I have to wait for the sequel.
1. The edition is beautiful. The end papers are gorgeous. The map is great. The art is great. Every book she writes is published in an amazing way. My edition also had a short story on how Ysolde got her hawk, PLUS the first chapter of the next book.
2. The worldbuilding here is brilliant. It shows how invading nations pick and choose from the lands they conquer and bring into their own ethos and religion. I love how The Wolf Queen picks a new native name for whenever she conquers a new land. I love how she brings along her favourite things to make herself feel special.
I loved how Ysolde and Hari see the forest, and nature, and wood itself. If you wanted to play a druid in D&D, then read this book. All of nature is together, and it is starting to fight with humans.
I loved the magic in this. It is soft, and not world breaking. The Wolf Queen is gathering listeners who listen to the trees, dowsers who can find water and other people with gifts. I like how False Gold is used to stop these gifts. I love how The Wolf Queen trained the wolves and there is no innate magical connection, just good training. None of the main characters have magic, but they are all special.
I like how this world is the UK, and it is clear and obvious. But everything is just changed by 10%. Names, places and people are all just enhanced by magic by a small amount. I think it is most similar to Lyra's world in His Dark Materials. Like outs in lots of ways, but completely different in others. The Wolf Queen's castle is such a cool idea.
3. The Characters here are brilliant. Ysolde is a liar. Eire is a thief. Seren is harsh. None of these people are perfect, but they all end up working together. We get to know quite a small cast of characters, and we know them well. I can't wait to see what else they get up to. Also, Nara is a great companion, and all of the animals are great in this.
4. The plot is plentiful. The characters have a goal, and there is a journey to get there. There is no real super strong antagonistic force until quite late into the book, but the tension and the situation caused by these people is the force pushing them back. Ysolde is not just a passenger either, but takes affirmative action to drive the plot forwards. She is useful, despite her age.
5. Kiran's prose is always a strength, and this was no exception. It was purple and punchy. It drove home the key themes of nature really well without being too flowery.
6. I was glued to this. I wanted to stop work and read it. I wanted my children to go to bed so I could read it. I wanted to devour this and now I am gutted I have to wait for the sequel.
September 19, 2023
I've loved everything I've read by Kiran Millwood Hargrave so far and this just sounded great. I'm not a massive fantasy lover because I feel like some writers get too caught up in the lore of their worlds. Not everyone can be Tolkien and I'd rather just get straight into the story. Thankfully, In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen doesn't get too preoccupied with the history of the different realms. Instead, it catapults us straight into the action. It was perfect for me and I was hooked from the beginning. Although, that's not to say that there isn't adequate world-building or context here. It's just that it comes out when it needs to and you don't get bogged down by it. I still felt totally absorbed in this world but didn't have to get my head around a load of historical context. It was wonderful.
I think Kiran Millwood Hargrave has such a great writing style. She finds the perfect balance between immersive and being straight to the point. Her descriptions are luscious and she paints such a beautiful picture. She speaks to all of your senses and her settings are so realistic. Her prose also has a musical quality to it which makes it's so easy to engage with the story. You just get caught up in the flow and the rhythm. Her books are so easy to read but aren't simplistic. The narrative is complex enough to set you up for the series ahead but it does know when to stop. It makes it a great book for young and older readers alike.
This book is great at balancing the different elements. There's enough action and adventure to keep you happy but still plenty of character development. It's full of traditional fantasy tropes but it feels different. This is such a refreshing fantasy novel that's mainly concerned with telling a good story. Well, good storytelling and strong characters. Ysolda is such a wonderful protagonist. Unlike her older sister, Hari, she doesn't have any special abilities. What she does have is bravery and a determination to help people. When her sister is taken, Ysolda knows that she has to save her. She's also clever and resourceful. Her wit and quick thinking help her out when she comes face-to-face with the Wolf Queen herself.
I don't think that I loved this book quite as much as I have her others but this is another hit from Kiran Millwood Hargrave. I loved the prominence of nature in this book. It feels very relevant and offers an interesting perspective. This is a lovely blend of folk tales and fantasy to create something cosy and mystical. I know the ending won't be something that everyone would enjoy but I really liked that it was more subdued. It's not as if it isn't a cliffhanger but it just doesn't fall into the trap of being too dramatic a cliffhanger. All in all, I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy.
I think Kiran Millwood Hargrave has such a great writing style. She finds the perfect balance between immersive and being straight to the point. Her descriptions are luscious and she paints such a beautiful picture. She speaks to all of your senses and her settings are so realistic. Her prose also has a musical quality to it which makes it's so easy to engage with the story. You just get caught up in the flow and the rhythm. Her books are so easy to read but aren't simplistic. The narrative is complex enough to set you up for the series ahead but it does know when to stop. It makes it a great book for young and older readers alike.
This book is great at balancing the different elements. There's enough action and adventure to keep you happy but still plenty of character development. It's full of traditional fantasy tropes but it feels different. This is such a refreshing fantasy novel that's mainly concerned with telling a good story. Well, good storytelling and strong characters. Ysolda is such a wonderful protagonist. Unlike her older sister, Hari, she doesn't have any special abilities. What she does have is bravery and a determination to help people. When her sister is taken, Ysolda knows that she has to save her. She's also clever and resourceful. Her wit and quick thinking help her out when she comes face-to-face with the Wolf Queen herself.
I don't think that I loved this book quite as much as I have her others but this is another hit from Kiran Millwood Hargrave. I loved the prominence of nature in this book. It feels very relevant and offers an interesting perspective. This is a lovely blend of folk tales and fantasy to create something cosy and mystical. I know the ending won't be something that everyone would enjoy but I really liked that it was more subdued. It's not as if it isn't a cliffhanger but it just doesn't fall into the trap of being too dramatic a cliffhanger. All in all, I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy.
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