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Tales of the Plains #2
Harper Voyager The Company of the Wolf (Tales of the Plains).
Full of David Wragg’s unique blend of humour, heart, and high stakes, The Company of the Wolf is the epic next installment in the Tales of the Plains trilogy.
Seeking a better life, Ree and Javani have traveled west into the mountains, and left their pasts - and their troubles - behind. But new places bring new problems, and when they stumble across a lone traveler under bandit attack, they make the mistake of lending a hand.
Forced to take refuge in the traveler's village, they quickly find allies among the lush, wooded hills. But then the true nature of the bandits is revealed.
With winter approaching and a vengeful company of mercenaries circling like wolves, Ree and Javani must uncover the secrets of this peaceful valley . . . or risk the ruin of it all.
Seeking a better life, Ree and Javani have traveled west into the mountains, and left their pasts - and their troubles - behind. But new places bring new problems, and when they stumble across a lone traveler under bandit attack, they make the mistake of lending a hand.
Forced to take refuge in the traveler's village, they quickly find allies among the lush, wooded hills. But then the true nature of the bandits is revealed.
With winter approaching and a vengeful company of mercenaries circling like wolves, Ree and Javani must uncover the secrets of this peaceful valley . . . or risk the ruin of it all.
469 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2024
29 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 24, 2025
David Wragg, you have my heart 💓 a Seven Samurai-esque book of mercenaries defending a small village from bandits, found family and friendships, dialogue funnier than a donkey's laugh, this book has everything! If you have an Abercrombie-shaped hole in your life, fill it with Wragg's books, because they will fill the void, and then some...
June 13, 2024
'Ma,' the kid whispered. 'Please. For a little while, could you stop making enemies of everyone we meet?'
Ree flexed her jaw. 'That depends on them as much as me.'
Still on the hunt for a better life, one preferably not on the run, Ree and Javani find themselves lost on their search for the fabled Arestan. When Javani spots a man being attacked by a small group of bandits she cannot help but intervene to save the poor man’s life. Soon Javani and Ree find themselves sheltering in the man’s village, for their horses are almost spent and Ree’s injured leg desperately needs the rest. Yet all is not as it seems and where a seemingly idyllic life is present, there is always trouble brewing underneath. As bandits and a company of mercenaries who have been exploiting the villagers for a long time threaten to attack, Ree has her work cut out keeping everyone alive. Especially when those she strives to protect won’t defend themselves.
The Company of the Wolf by David Wragg is the second novel in The Tales of the Plains trilogy and what a phenomenal sequel it is! You can expect Wragg’s humour, his morally grey characters and his action packed plot but what you’ll also find amongst this book is a thought provoking exploration into the nature of violence.
This book reminded me a lot of The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie which happens to be one of my favourite standalones by the author. Yet where The Heroes gives us two sides of utterly morally corrupt characters quick to seek violence, Wragg presents an interesting look at how far a society can thrive with an abhorrence to violence and without ever resorting to it. How do they then defend themselves? It seems that in Ar Ramas the villagers are doing just fine, they grow food, they tend to the land and animals, they govern themselves and they pay a tax to the mercenaries, the Company of the Wolf, who so righteously claim to keep bandits away from them meaning the villagers can lead their life of peace and maintain their zero tolerance for violence. Once Ree looks just a little closer it becomes clear the village is ripe for exploitation and eventual invasion. Their idyllic lifestyle, where weapons of any kind are forbidden, is all well and good, until it isn’t and a threat in which they have no means to deal with happens. So naturally the blame falls to Ree, a woman who once prospered on violence, yet all she is guilty of is opening the villager’s eyes to what was right in front of them. Wragg makes us carefully see violence from very different points of view, in all its shades of grey, and I absolutely loved this.
“Ar Ramas stands for many things, but chief among them is the right to live without fear. The right to be left alone, to make a life of your choosing among those who feel the same. The right to leave behind the misery and privations we have known first-hand, and never look back.”
If there is one aspect I would say Wragg’s books excel at it is creating great character dynamics. In this instalment Ree and Javani’s mother/daughter relationship is still on prickly grounds as Javani begins to enter adolescence and have a strong willed mind of her own. In many ways both characters are alike in their stubbornness and both overwhelmed by their love. Ree is rightfully protective of Javani, and having never really been raised by her own parents, she has very little knowledge in how to handle most situations. She is there for Javani nonetheless and does the best she knows how to do. Javani on her part cares for Ree immensely, most of her motivations are to become strong and skilled enough to help Ree, given that her mother is now older and significantly injured. She’s at that age where you see your parents as vulnerable and Ree is at the point of seeing Javani becoming an adult. Both prospects are terrifying and unsettling, yet it is also a part of life and is well played out here to deliver compelling character growth.
Then there are the people of Ar Ramas and their dynamics. Right from the onset I knew there were hidden pasts to all these characters but a few still took me by surprise in truly fun ways. Camellia was the most open in her dislike of Ree and her notion of retaining peace in Ar Ramas, even at the cost of losing a significant amount of their stores. She’s a character who frustrated me with her ideals but also made me wonder what had made her this way. Then there was Master Keretan, Mani and Volkan who were also strongly backing Camellia’s argument for they felt secure in their position, they were ignorant to the real world but when you’ve lived happily secluded for so long, it’s natural to forget what the world outside looks like. On the other side was Mariam and Vida, the two smiths, who clearly knew their way around weaponry. My favourite however was grumpy Anri, the hunter and shy and quiet Sweeper, but I’ll let readers find out about both of these themselves!
As always Wragg also gives us many characters to despise and these mainly come from the mercenary side. However, Inaï Manatas is an excellent example of a mercenary who is so tired of all the shit that comes his way, he just wants to retire somewhere warm and leave his fighting days behind. Yet being part of The Company of the Wolf doesn’t allow him to do that, especially when the company has Lado of Cstethia in their midst. I really was fond of poor Manatas, not only did his plight make me laugh on several occasions but the fact that Manatas was never one for unnecessary violence and is ultimately a fair man surrounded by ruthless ones, made me care for him too.
'There are always going to be wankers out there, looking to prey on weakness, and if you make yourself a target you'll start attracting them sooner or later.'
The Company of the Wolf is a fun filled fantasy Western where underdogs face impossible odds and make their last stand. This is a low fantasy with high stakes that I guarantee will grip you to the very end.
ARC provided by David Wragg in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the copy! All quotes used are taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
Ree flexed her jaw. 'That depends on them as much as me.'
Still on the hunt for a better life, one preferably not on the run, Ree and Javani find themselves lost on their search for the fabled Arestan. When Javani spots a man being attacked by a small group of bandits she cannot help but intervene to save the poor man’s life. Soon Javani and Ree find themselves sheltering in the man’s village, for their horses are almost spent and Ree’s injured leg desperately needs the rest. Yet all is not as it seems and where a seemingly idyllic life is present, there is always trouble brewing underneath. As bandits and a company of mercenaries who have been exploiting the villagers for a long time threaten to attack, Ree has her work cut out keeping everyone alive. Especially when those she strives to protect won’t defend themselves.
The Company of the Wolf by David Wragg is the second novel in The Tales of the Plains trilogy and what a phenomenal sequel it is! You can expect Wragg’s humour, his morally grey characters and his action packed plot but what you’ll also find amongst this book is a thought provoking exploration into the nature of violence.
This book reminded me a lot of The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie which happens to be one of my favourite standalones by the author. Yet where The Heroes gives us two sides of utterly morally corrupt characters quick to seek violence, Wragg presents an interesting look at how far a society can thrive with an abhorrence to violence and without ever resorting to it. How do they then defend themselves? It seems that in Ar Ramas the villagers are doing just fine, they grow food, they tend to the land and animals, they govern themselves and they pay a tax to the mercenaries, the Company of the Wolf, who so righteously claim to keep bandits away from them meaning the villagers can lead their life of peace and maintain their zero tolerance for violence. Once Ree looks just a little closer it becomes clear the village is ripe for exploitation and eventual invasion. Their idyllic lifestyle, where weapons of any kind are forbidden, is all well and good, until it isn’t and a threat in which they have no means to deal with happens. So naturally the blame falls to Ree, a woman who once prospered on violence, yet all she is guilty of is opening the villager’s eyes to what was right in front of them. Wragg makes us carefully see violence from very different points of view, in all its shades of grey, and I absolutely loved this.
“Ar Ramas stands for many things, but chief among them is the right to live without fear. The right to be left alone, to make a life of your choosing among those who feel the same. The right to leave behind the misery and privations we have known first-hand, and never look back.”
If there is one aspect I would say Wragg’s books excel at it is creating great character dynamics. In this instalment Ree and Javani’s mother/daughter relationship is still on prickly grounds as Javani begins to enter adolescence and have a strong willed mind of her own. In many ways both characters are alike in their stubbornness and both overwhelmed by their love. Ree is rightfully protective of Javani, and having never really been raised by her own parents, she has very little knowledge in how to handle most situations. She is there for Javani nonetheless and does the best she knows how to do. Javani on her part cares for Ree immensely, most of her motivations are to become strong and skilled enough to help Ree, given that her mother is now older and significantly injured. She’s at that age where you see your parents as vulnerable and Ree is at the point of seeing Javani becoming an adult. Both prospects are terrifying and unsettling, yet it is also a part of life and is well played out here to deliver compelling character growth.
Then there are the people of Ar Ramas and their dynamics. Right from the onset I knew there were hidden pasts to all these characters but a few still took me by surprise in truly fun ways. Camellia was the most open in her dislike of Ree and her notion of retaining peace in Ar Ramas, even at the cost of losing a significant amount of their stores. She’s a character who frustrated me with her ideals but also made me wonder what had made her this way. Then there was Master Keretan, Mani and Volkan who were also strongly backing Camellia’s argument for they felt secure in their position, they were ignorant to the real world but when you’ve lived happily secluded for so long, it’s natural to forget what the world outside looks like. On the other side was Mariam and Vida, the two smiths, who clearly knew their way around weaponry. My favourite however was grumpy Anri, the hunter and shy and quiet Sweeper, but I’ll let readers find out about both of these themselves!
As always Wragg also gives us many characters to despise and these mainly come from the mercenary side. However, Inaï Manatas is an excellent example of a mercenary who is so tired of all the shit that comes his way, he just wants to retire somewhere warm and leave his fighting days behind. Yet being part of The Company of the Wolf doesn’t allow him to do that, especially when the company has Lado of Cstethia in their midst. I really was fond of poor Manatas, not only did his plight make me laugh on several occasions but the fact that Manatas was never one for unnecessary violence and is ultimately a fair man surrounded by ruthless ones, made me care for him too.
'There are always going to be wankers out there, looking to prey on weakness, and if you make yourself a target you'll start attracting them sooner or later.'
The Company of the Wolf is a fun filled fantasy Western where underdogs face impossible odds and make their last stand. This is a low fantasy with high stakes that I guarantee will grip you to the very end.
ARC provided by David Wragg in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the copy! All quotes used are taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
December 8, 2024
This review was originally published on Grimdark Magazine
If you thought The Hunters was a thrilling and tragically funny dark fantasy romp, then you are not ready for the astonishing feat of storytelling madness that David Wragg has in store in The Company of the Wolf. In this exhilarating second instalment in the Tales of the Plains series, the dynamic duo of Ree and Javani are back and better than ever for a new unexpected adventure full of unlikely allies, hysterical witty banter, complex schemes, brutal emotional gut punches, and the most compelling morally grey misfits whose journeys will have you howling with both laughter and deep sorrow by the end.
Compared to its predecessor, The Company of the Wolf has a much smaller scope and features a lot less hectic action, but don’t mistake that for me saying that there’s a lack of tension or stakes of any kind. After all the mad dashes and crazy chases across the plains, Javani and Ree have travelled into the mountains to seek a better and more quiet life, but through a series of unfortunate events they find themselves having to seek refuge in a remote pacifist village of peaceful nomads. Which, yes, technically sounds like a dream come true for them, if only it wasn’t for the vengeful company of mercenaries threatening the peace; the same band of mercenaries that they may or may not have pissed off on the way there, oops.
To me, Wragg’s exceptionally strong character work and compelling character dynamics are easily my favourite elements of this series, and I loved how the slower pacing and more vulnerably intimate storytelling allowed those aspects to shine in The Company of the Wolf. The realistically messy development of Ree and Javani, both as individuals and as the most complicated mother/daughter pair, really tugged on my heartstrings and somehow made me love them even more than I already did. Their inner conflicts were depicted in such a beautifully authentic way, be it Ree’s frustration over losing her sense of identity because of her aging, ailing body and her struggles to be a good parental figure, or Javani’s trials and tribulations as she enters into adolescence and starts to fight to stand on her own two legs.
Though, as much as I enjoyed the almost slice-of-life vibe of the first half of The Company of the Wolf, I think the second half is where everything really clicks into place and the true gold is to be found. When Javani and Ree find themselves (accidentally and reluctantly) becoming embroiled in the politics of the village, we get to see some new unexpected relationships blossom as the heart-wrenching secrets and hidden depths of the villagers are slowly brought to light. I can’t deny that it took me a while to accept the fact that we weren’t going to see any of my favourite side characters from book 1 (you know, the ones that made it out alive), but somehow Wragg managed to get me fully invested in this brand-new vibrant cast of characters without me even realising it.
All the most loveable, hateable and intriguingly enigmatic characters just leap off the page with personality, and seeing how the villagers of Ar Ramas reacted to Ree and Javani’s disruptive presence in their deceptively peaceful lives both frustrated and amused me to no end. See, Ree might not be allowed to take her trusty weapons into the peaceful village, but that doesn’t stop her from wielding her sharp tongue as a weapon (which arguably makes her even more menacing and dangerous). For me, the most entertaining scenes were those featuring the grumpy and emotionally scarred hermit hunter Anri who becomes Javani’s new obsession, the power couple Mariam and Vida, and the delicious cherry on top of this sublime sundae for me: Captain Inaï Manatas (or Captain Longwinded, if you’d ask Ree).
I’ll admit that I wasn’t immediately sold on the idea of an additional POV that took away pagetime from my beloved Ree and Javani, but Manatas maybe ended up having my favourite storyline in the end. Not only were his ‘done with everyone’s shit’ attitude and his overly verbose way of speaking entirely too amusing, but I just loved getting a peek into the twisted minds of the exquisitely hateable adversaries (Lado of Cstethia, please choke on a brick of Lego) through his perspective. His unexpected and excitingly forbidden bond with Ree was an absolute highlight of this story for me, and his arc ended up surprising me in all the best ways.
In a way, Wragg’s nuanced exploration of all shades of grey morality and his satirisation of the concept of violence in The Company of the Wolf reminded me of how Abercrombie did a similar thing with heroism in The Heroes, except here we have a lot less bloody battles. While Wragg probably shows a bit more faith in the good of humanity than Abercrombie, he absolutely isn’t afraid to go down some dark paths and deliver some brutal emotional gut punches. The slow-burn build-up to the big action-packed climax at the end of the story resulted in so much satisfying emotional pay-off, which combined with the dark humour is exactly what makes The Company of the Wolf stand out from the generally depressing grimdark crowd for me.
The Company of the Wolf was certainly not the sequel I was expecting, but it turned out to be exactly the sequel that my heart needed and wanted. Especially fans of Joe Abercrombie, Jay Kristoff, and Sebastien de Castell will find much to love here, though I dare say that Wragg’s whip-smart storytelling is even more compelling and morbidly entertaining than those three kings of snark and sarcasm at their best. If you are a fan of dark fantasy with low-magic and high stakes, humour and heart, then the Tales of the Plains is an absolute must read (or listen, because Sara Powell’s narration is simply phenomenal); I couldn’t recommend this highly enough.
Thank you to Harper Collins UK for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
If you thought The Hunters was a thrilling and tragically funny dark fantasy romp, then you are not ready for the astonishing feat of storytelling madness that David Wragg has in store in The Company of the Wolf. In this exhilarating second instalment in the Tales of the Plains series, the dynamic duo of Ree and Javani are back and better than ever for a new unexpected adventure full of unlikely allies, hysterical witty banter, complex schemes, brutal emotional gut punches, and the most compelling morally grey misfits whose journeys will have you howling with both laughter and deep sorrow by the end.
Compared to its predecessor, The Company of the Wolf has a much smaller scope and features a lot less hectic action, but don’t mistake that for me saying that there’s a lack of tension or stakes of any kind. After all the mad dashes and crazy chases across the plains, Javani and Ree have travelled into the mountains to seek a better and more quiet life, but through a series of unfortunate events they find themselves having to seek refuge in a remote pacifist village of peaceful nomads. Which, yes, technically sounds like a dream come true for them, if only it wasn’t for the vengeful company of mercenaries threatening the peace; the same band of mercenaries that they may or may not have pissed off on the way there, oops.
To me, Wragg’s exceptionally strong character work and compelling character dynamics are easily my favourite elements of this series, and I loved how the slower pacing and more vulnerably intimate storytelling allowed those aspects to shine in The Company of the Wolf. The realistically messy development of Ree and Javani, both as individuals and as the most complicated mother/daughter pair, really tugged on my heartstrings and somehow made me love them even more than I already did. Their inner conflicts were depicted in such a beautifully authentic way, be it Ree’s frustration over losing her sense of identity because of her aging, ailing body and her struggles to be a good parental figure, or Javani’s trials and tribulations as she enters into adolescence and starts to fight to stand on her own two legs.
Though, as much as I enjoyed the almost slice-of-life vibe of the first half of The Company of the Wolf, I think the second half is where everything really clicks into place and the true gold is to be found. When Javani and Ree find themselves (accidentally and reluctantly) becoming embroiled in the politics of the village, we get to see some new unexpected relationships blossom as the heart-wrenching secrets and hidden depths of the villagers are slowly brought to light. I can’t deny that it took me a while to accept the fact that we weren’t going to see any of my favourite side characters from book 1 (you know, the ones that made it out alive), but somehow Wragg managed to get me fully invested in this brand-new vibrant cast of characters without me even realising it.
All the most loveable, hateable and intriguingly enigmatic characters just leap off the page with personality, and seeing how the villagers of Ar Ramas reacted to Ree and Javani’s disruptive presence in their deceptively peaceful lives both frustrated and amused me to no end. See, Ree might not be allowed to take her trusty weapons into the peaceful village, but that doesn’t stop her from wielding her sharp tongue as a weapon (which arguably makes her even more menacing and dangerous). For me, the most entertaining scenes were those featuring the grumpy and emotionally scarred hermit hunter Anri who becomes Javani’s new obsession, the power couple Mariam and Vida, and the delicious cherry on top of this sublime sundae for me: Captain Inaï Manatas (or Captain Longwinded, if you’d ask Ree).
I’ll admit that I wasn’t immediately sold on the idea of an additional POV that took away pagetime from my beloved Ree and Javani, but Manatas maybe ended up having my favourite storyline in the end. Not only were his ‘done with everyone’s shit’ attitude and his overly verbose way of speaking entirely too amusing, but I just loved getting a peek into the twisted minds of the exquisitely hateable adversaries (Lado of Cstethia, please choke on a brick of Lego) through his perspective. His unexpected and excitingly forbidden bond with Ree was an absolute highlight of this story for me, and his arc ended up surprising me in all the best ways.
In a way, Wragg’s nuanced exploration of all shades of grey morality and his satirisation of the concept of violence in The Company of the Wolf reminded me of how Abercrombie did a similar thing with heroism in The Heroes, except here we have a lot less bloody battles. While Wragg probably shows a bit more faith in the good of humanity than Abercrombie, he absolutely isn’t afraid to go down some dark paths and deliver some brutal emotional gut punches. The slow-burn build-up to the big action-packed climax at the end of the story resulted in so much satisfying emotional pay-off, which combined with the dark humour is exactly what makes The Company of the Wolf stand out from the generally depressing grimdark crowd for me.
The Company of the Wolf was certainly not the sequel I was expecting, but it turned out to be exactly the sequel that my heart needed and wanted. Especially fans of Joe Abercrombie, Jay Kristoff, and Sebastien de Castell will find much to love here, though I dare say that Wragg’s whip-smart storytelling is even more compelling and morbidly entertaining than those three kings of snark and sarcasm at their best. If you are a fan of dark fantasy with low-magic and high stakes, humour and heart, then the Tales of the Plains is an absolute must read (or listen, because Sara Powell’s narration is simply phenomenal); I couldn’t recommend this highly enough.
Thank you to Harper Collins UK for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 9, 2024
The continuing story of Ree & Javani with a nod to the Seven Samurai film, always a solid trope to rely on to spin a tale. David Wragg's cover art of his books is what drew me to them, so a shout out to the cover art team of Emily Langford and Gavin Reece. Nice to know there is another book coming as the dynamic between Ree aunt/ Mother? and Javani orphan/Daughter? is one of the best features of the book.
September 13, 2024
The talent and wit of author makes this a fun read from the first to last page.
July 3, 2024
David Wragg is evolving, and not since Darwin and those excessively large tortoises has the science of change been so exciting to watch.
The wise-cracking fantasy author was first introduced to the world through his endlessly entertaining Articles of Faith Duology, which featured brilliantly funny dialogue and mercenary-with-heart hijinks in a vaguely Eastern European world with a refreshingly innovative approach to worldbuilding (“you’re on your own, son”).
Last year we got the first book in his new Tales of the Plains trilogy, The Hunters, which was a statement of intent if there there was one that Wragg was getting more ambitious. Set in the same world as before, albeit the more Middle-east inspired northern deserts and plains of his world, it combined the non-stop pace of relentless chase sequences with strong, deep character work, and was one of the most memorable fantasies of the year.
Now we get the second entry, The Company of the Wolf, which for me represents Wragg’s almost final form; this is a masterpiece of the book, a fantasy marvel, that will simultaneously be the funniest fantasy you will read all year while also being the one most likely to make you leak vast quantities of salt water when you least expect it.
The first great thing about this book is that, after the frantic dashes of the previous tome, it is essentially set in one location. Ree, the warrior turned middle-aged mother figure to her increasingly capable daughter Javani, seek to pass the mountains to get to the alleged utopia on the other side, but end up in a strange remote village nestled in a mountain valley. It soon becomes clear that this village of peaceful nomads, who have congregated here from their other walks of life for various reasons, is in danger from a freelance military outfit ostensibly promising protection, and Ree and Javani might be their only saviour from an all-out assault on the village.
If this sounds familiar, then it’s because it’s essentially a take on The Seven Samurai/Magnificent Seven. But Wragg isn’t just here to copy the greats; in creating a village of phenomenally compelling and curious characters who must face up to the age-old choice of foolish peace or reluctant violence, he is creating his own classic. The desperation of Ree to make these pacifist villagers see the true nature of the threat they are up against versus their distrust of her as the cause of bringing this violence to their doorstep is a strong narrative thread that Wragg pulls on repeatedly to great effect. There are deep themes here about the nature of violence and the merits of action, whether people can change and whether they should change. Wragg is no longer hinting at thematic depth in his books; he is wading headfirst into their depths.
But the true joy of this book is the characters. Almost every villager, from the curiously stubborn village leader Camellia to the hilariously brusque and obnoxious hermit hunter Anri, feels fleshed out and vividly real, and as Ree and Javani get to know them I felt a strong sense of brotherhood emerging with this motley crew until my desperation for their survival became a burning need. The trick Wragg pulls off like a fantasy David Copperfield is to hint at reasons for the way they are and then slowly pull back the curtain with devastating effect to give us the full answers. Anri’s story in particular is as brutally poignant as it is refreshingly unconventional. This is a book that asks us not to judge people but to question how they became the way they are, and whether they can be redeemed.
However not everyone can be redeemed, and in the cunning, Machiavellian, smug, slimy creation of Lado of Cstethia, Wragg has given us one of the defining fantasy villains of the decade. One of the secrets to making a great unredeemable villain – as opposed to the ones we are meant to empathise with – is to make their actions so frustratingly obvious in their deception yet the outcome so successful, while simultaneously making the villain so gleefully self-satisfied in their lying. Or in other words, make them the biggest bastard to ever be conceived. Lato, who twists the mercenaries into a unit devoted to the destruction of the villagers with an ever escalating mountain of absurd, Trump-like rhetoric, is one such bastard. He is incredible. Your blood pressure will rocket whenever he is around.
Of course, Wragg is still one of the funniest if not the funniest fantasy authors plying his whiplash quip trade, and this book probably has the most laugh-out-loud lines of his catalogue so far. I took great pleasure in particular from one of Wragg’s trademarks, the overly loquacious character, in the form of the token good mercenary Captain Manatas, whose excessively formal long-winded dialogue is a constant joy just as Ree’s ribbing of it is. Wragg is also, perhaps for the first time, interested in a romance, and Ree and Manatas’ hesitant steps in this regard are pitch perfect, hinting at new reservoirs of tropes in Wragg’s armoury.
But it’s the combination of everything I’ve been yakking about for the last few paragraphs – character and wit – that makes this book so remarkable. There are moments of true sorrow and poignancy in this book that destroyed me. Wragg is going for the heartstrings with this one – I choked up on five separate occasions, and not a single one did I see coming. And yet mere moments later Wragg had me chuckling along to a fantastically conceived one liner. There are some fantasy authors that can wreck you emotionally. There are some who can entertain and amuse. With this book, Wragg shows he can do both on the same damn page, and I honestly can’t think of many other fantasy authors who can manage that devilishly tricky tonal highwire act.
Overall, with diamond wit, blade-sharp dialogue and a cast of characters so compelling I’d give my right hand to save them were they real, this is not just Wragg’s best book, but everything I adore about modern fantasy in one volume. Wragg is among the greats now.
The wise-cracking fantasy author was first introduced to the world through his endlessly entertaining Articles of Faith Duology, which featured brilliantly funny dialogue and mercenary-with-heart hijinks in a vaguely Eastern European world with a refreshingly innovative approach to worldbuilding (“you’re on your own, son”).
Last year we got the first book in his new Tales of the Plains trilogy, The Hunters, which was a statement of intent if there there was one that Wragg was getting more ambitious. Set in the same world as before, albeit the more Middle-east inspired northern deserts and plains of his world, it combined the non-stop pace of relentless chase sequences with strong, deep character work, and was one of the most memorable fantasies of the year.
Now we get the second entry, The Company of the Wolf, which for me represents Wragg’s almost final form; this is a masterpiece of the book, a fantasy marvel, that will simultaneously be the funniest fantasy you will read all year while also being the one most likely to make you leak vast quantities of salt water when you least expect it.
The first great thing about this book is that, after the frantic dashes of the previous tome, it is essentially set in one location. Ree, the warrior turned middle-aged mother figure to her increasingly capable daughter Javani, seek to pass the mountains to get to the alleged utopia on the other side, but end up in a strange remote village nestled in a mountain valley. It soon becomes clear that this village of peaceful nomads, who have congregated here from their other walks of life for various reasons, is in danger from a freelance military outfit ostensibly promising protection, and Ree and Javani might be their only saviour from an all-out assault on the village.
If this sounds familiar, then it’s because it’s essentially a take on The Seven Samurai/Magnificent Seven. But Wragg isn’t just here to copy the greats; in creating a village of phenomenally compelling and curious characters who must face up to the age-old choice of foolish peace or reluctant violence, he is creating his own classic. The desperation of Ree to make these pacifist villagers see the true nature of the threat they are up against versus their distrust of her as the cause of bringing this violence to their doorstep is a strong narrative thread that Wragg pulls on repeatedly to great effect. There are deep themes here about the nature of violence and the merits of action, whether people can change and whether they should change. Wragg is no longer hinting at thematic depth in his books; he is wading headfirst into their depths.
But the true joy of this book is the characters. Almost every villager, from the curiously stubborn village leader Camellia to the hilariously brusque and obnoxious hermit hunter Anri, feels fleshed out and vividly real, and as Ree and Javani get to know them I felt a strong sense of brotherhood emerging with this motley crew until my desperation for their survival became a burning need. The trick Wragg pulls off like a fantasy David Copperfield is to hint at reasons for the way they are and then slowly pull back the curtain with devastating effect to give us the full answers. Anri’s story in particular is as brutally poignant as it is refreshingly unconventional. This is a book that asks us not to judge people but to question how they became the way they are, and whether they can be redeemed.
However not everyone can be redeemed, and in the cunning, Machiavellian, smug, slimy creation of Lado of Cstethia, Wragg has given us one of the defining fantasy villains of the decade. One of the secrets to making a great unredeemable villain – as opposed to the ones we are meant to empathise with – is to make their actions so frustratingly obvious in their deception yet the outcome so successful, while simultaneously making the villain so gleefully self-satisfied in their lying. Or in other words, make them the biggest bastard to ever be conceived. Lato, who twists the mercenaries into a unit devoted to the destruction of the villagers with an ever escalating mountain of absurd, Trump-like rhetoric, is one such bastard. He is incredible. Your blood pressure will rocket whenever he is around.
Of course, Wragg is still one of the funniest if not the funniest fantasy authors plying his whiplash quip trade, and this book probably has the most laugh-out-loud lines of his catalogue so far. I took great pleasure in particular from one of Wragg’s trademarks, the overly loquacious character, in the form of the token good mercenary Captain Manatas, whose excessively formal long-winded dialogue is a constant joy just as Ree’s ribbing of it is. Wragg is also, perhaps for the first time, interested in a romance, and Ree and Manatas’ hesitant steps in this regard are pitch perfect, hinting at new reservoirs of tropes in Wragg’s armoury.
But it’s the combination of everything I’ve been yakking about for the last few paragraphs – character and wit – that makes this book so remarkable. There are moments of true sorrow and poignancy in this book that destroyed me. Wragg is going for the heartstrings with this one – I choked up on five separate occasions, and not a single one did I see coming. And yet mere moments later Wragg had me chuckling along to a fantastically conceived one liner. There are some fantasy authors that can wreck you emotionally. There are some who can entertain and amuse. With this book, Wragg shows he can do both on the same damn page, and I honestly can’t think of many other fantasy authors who can manage that devilishly tricky tonal highwire act.
Overall, with diamond wit, blade-sharp dialogue and a cast of characters so compelling I’d give my right hand to save them were they real, this is not just Wragg’s best book, but everything I adore about modern fantasy in one volume. Wragg is among the greats now.
October 6, 2024
Fantasy world meets a western action plot in a very enjoyable character focused and action packed instalment where the odds do not mean the end of the world but do matter. Highly recommended
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
August 14, 2024
“The Company of the Wolf” by David Wragg is a standout entry in modern fantasy. I’ve heard it described as a grassroots fantasy and find this to be an apt description. Wragg delivers a tale that’s small in scale but large in heart, with underdog heroes you can’t help but root for. It’s a story about growing up, growing old, betrayal, and the pursuit of dreams, all wrapped in a gritty yet humorous narrative that tugs at the heartstrings while keeping you entertained.
The story follows Ree, a middle-aged warrior, and her recently realized daughter Javani, still on the hunt for a better life free from the constant dangers that seem to follow them. Though this book is a sequel and there is much to be gained by reading its predecessor, “The Company of the Wolf” is a solid stand-alone that doesn’t rely on the previous story for much context.
Their journey leads them to a seemingly peaceful village, Ar Ramas, where the residents shun violence in favor of an idyllic, pacifist existence. However, this fragile peace is threatened by a group of mercenaries, The Company of the Wolf, who exploit the villagers under the guise of protection. As Ree and Javani navigate this tense situation, the narrative dives into complex themes of violence, morality, and survival.
Wragg’s storytelling is sharp, with dialogue that crackles with wit and banter, reminiscent of the Firefly tv series. His characters are wonderfully crafted, from the prickly yet endearing relationship between Ree and Javani to the colorful residents of Ar Ramas, each with their own hidden depths. The evolution of Ree and Javani’s dynamic, moving towards a mother-daughter bond, is one of the story’s highlights, filled with both tenderness and tension as they both tentatively feel out their new-found roles.
One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of the nature of violence. Where many fantasy stories glorify combat, “The Company of the Wolf” takes a different approach, questioning the cost of peace and the consequences of avoiding conflict at all costs. This thematic depth is reminiscent of M.L. Wang’s “The Sword of Kaigen”. Like Wang, Wragg’s exploration of violence both thought-provoking and integral to the story.
The village of Ar Ramas and its inhabitants are brought to life with nuance and care. Characters like Camellia, the village leader who opposes Ree’s every action, and Anri, the grumpy hunter with a hidden past, add layers of complexity to the narrative. Wragg excels at making you care about these people, even as their flaws frustrate you. No character is left flat in this story, no matter their role. A strong skill that Wragg has carried over from his previous works.
Of course, Wragg doesn’t shy away from giving us a villain to despise. Lado of Cstethia, the manipulative member of The Company of the Wolf, is a masterclass in creating an antagonist you love to hate. His cunning and ruthless nature make him a formidable foe, and his presence raises the stakes for our heroes in every encounter. His every action is transparent to the reader in subtle ways as you are given peaks into how he is pulling the strings toward his violent, ambitious goals. He is aggravating in a most satisfying way for a villain.
Despite the serious themes, Wragg’s humor shines through, with laugh-out-loud moments that balance the darker tones of the story. Captain Manatas, a mercenary with a penchant for overly formal speech, provides a delightful contrast to Ree’s blunt pragmatism, and their interactions are some of the most enjoyable in the book.
In “The Company of the Wolf”, Wragg proves once again that he’s a master of blending sharp wit with deep emotional resonance. This is a fantasy Western where the underdogs face impossible odds, and you’ll be gripped until the very end. It’s a low fantasy with high stakes, a tale of survival and morality that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Wragg is growing as a writer, and this novel is a great stepping stone for more great modern fantasy in the future.
This reviewer would like to thank David Wragg for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Ree, a middle-aged warrior, and her recently realized daughter Javani, still on the hunt for a better life free from the constant dangers that seem to follow them. Though this book is a sequel and there is much to be gained by reading its predecessor, “The Company of the Wolf” is a solid stand-alone that doesn’t rely on the previous story for much context.
Their journey leads them to a seemingly peaceful village, Ar Ramas, where the residents shun violence in favor of an idyllic, pacifist existence. However, this fragile peace is threatened by a group of mercenaries, The Company of the Wolf, who exploit the villagers under the guise of protection. As Ree and Javani navigate this tense situation, the narrative dives into complex themes of violence, morality, and survival.
Wragg’s storytelling is sharp, with dialogue that crackles with wit and banter, reminiscent of the Firefly tv series. His characters are wonderfully crafted, from the prickly yet endearing relationship between Ree and Javani to the colorful residents of Ar Ramas, each with their own hidden depths. The evolution of Ree and Javani’s dynamic, moving towards a mother-daughter bond, is one of the story’s highlights, filled with both tenderness and tension as they both tentatively feel out their new-found roles.
One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of the nature of violence. Where many fantasy stories glorify combat, “The Company of the Wolf” takes a different approach, questioning the cost of peace and the consequences of avoiding conflict at all costs. This thematic depth is reminiscent of M.L. Wang’s “The Sword of Kaigen”. Like Wang, Wragg’s exploration of violence both thought-provoking and integral to the story.
The village of Ar Ramas and its inhabitants are brought to life with nuance and care. Characters like Camellia, the village leader who opposes Ree’s every action, and Anri, the grumpy hunter with a hidden past, add layers of complexity to the narrative. Wragg excels at making you care about these people, even as their flaws frustrate you. No character is left flat in this story, no matter their role. A strong skill that Wragg has carried over from his previous works.
Of course, Wragg doesn’t shy away from giving us a villain to despise. Lado of Cstethia, the manipulative member of The Company of the Wolf, is a masterclass in creating an antagonist you love to hate. His cunning and ruthless nature make him a formidable foe, and his presence raises the stakes for our heroes in every encounter. His every action is transparent to the reader in subtle ways as you are given peaks into how he is pulling the strings toward his violent, ambitious goals. He is aggravating in a most satisfying way for a villain.
Despite the serious themes, Wragg’s humor shines through, with laugh-out-loud moments that balance the darker tones of the story. Captain Manatas, a mercenary with a penchant for overly formal speech, provides a delightful contrast to Ree’s blunt pragmatism, and their interactions are some of the most enjoyable in the book.
In “The Company of the Wolf”, Wragg proves once again that he’s a master of blending sharp wit with deep emotional resonance. This is a fantasy Western where the underdogs face impossible odds, and you’ll be gripped until the very end. It’s a low fantasy with high stakes, a tale of survival and morality that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Wragg is growing as a writer, and this novel is a great stepping stone for more great modern fantasy in the future.
This reviewer would like to thank David Wragg for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2024
Dave Wragg continues to be one of the best, and most criminally underrated, authors working in modern fantasy today.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the Articles of Faith duology, with Tales of the Plains, Wragg has stepped up in terms of craft, storytelling, and sheer manic comedy.
Not many people can make you cry on one page, and then cry with laughter a few pages later. I hesitate to make a comparison this big, but I really can't think of anyone else: his work, while being very, VERY different in scope and approach and number of expletives, reminds me in this regard of the great Sir PTerry Pratchett.
Company of the Wolf picks up soon after The Hunters, with Ree and Javani slogging through the mountains in an effort to get to the fabled Ashadi, land of milk and honey. Things are, predictably, going about as well as you would expect. They get even more like you would expect, in terms of cock-ups, miscommunication, Ree's general levels of irritability (stratospheric) and Javani's world-shatteringly large pre-teenage attitude.
where The Hunters moved a breathless, frenetic pace - you can't really have a chase that doesn't, unless it's a very boring one - things are slightly slower with COTW, at least in the beginning.
Javani's act of heroism when she saves a stranger from an attack by bandits on the road results in, well, let's just say Ree would rather she'd left the poor man to the bandits' predations. And so, it would seem, would the rest of the town they stumble upon not long after.
What follows is a tale of found and actual family, and navigating the joys and pitfalls of both, set against a backdrop of ever-increasing tension with the promise of ecstatic violence drawing closer by the day.
Wragg's gift for character is matched only by his gift for giving those characters absolutely unforgettable voices, and in this we are treated to two prime examples - Captain Manatas, and Anri the hunter. Never have I read dialogue like it, and some of Anri's truly astonishing insults will stay with me forever.
There's absolutely no middle-book slump here, or even a slump in the middle of the book.
The characters are in the driving seat of this narrative, and whether they're driving you off a cliff or up the wall, there's nothing the reader can do but cling on - and enjoy every second of the ride.
Sublime.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the Articles of Faith duology, with Tales of the Plains, Wragg has stepped up in terms of craft, storytelling, and sheer manic comedy.
Not many people can make you cry on one page, and then cry with laughter a few pages later. I hesitate to make a comparison this big, but I really can't think of anyone else: his work, while being very, VERY different in scope and approach and number of expletives, reminds me in this regard of the great Sir PTerry Pratchett.
Company of the Wolf picks up soon after The Hunters, with Ree and Javani slogging through the mountains in an effort to get to the fabled Ashadi, land of milk and honey. Things are, predictably, going about as well as you would expect. They get even more like you would expect, in terms of cock-ups, miscommunication, Ree's general levels of irritability (stratospheric) and Javani's world-shatteringly large pre-teenage attitude.
where The Hunters moved a breathless, frenetic pace - you can't really have a chase that doesn't, unless it's a very boring one - things are slightly slower with COTW, at least in the beginning.
Javani's act of heroism when she saves a stranger from an attack by bandits on the road results in, well, let's just say Ree would rather she'd left the poor man to the bandits' predations. And so, it would seem, would the rest of the town they stumble upon not long after.
What follows is a tale of found and actual family, and navigating the joys and pitfalls of both, set against a backdrop of ever-increasing tension with the promise of ecstatic violence drawing closer by the day.
Wragg's gift for character is matched only by his gift for giving those characters absolutely unforgettable voices, and in this we are treated to two prime examples - Captain Manatas, and Anri the hunter. Never have I read dialogue like it, and some of Anri's truly astonishing insults will stay with me forever.
There's absolutely no middle-book slump here, or even a slump in the middle of the book.
The characters are in the driving seat of this narrative, and whether they're driving you off a cliff or up the wall, there's nothing the reader can do but cling on - and enjoy every second of the ride.
Sublime.
September 1, 2024
The Company of the Wolf by David Wragg the second in The Tales of the Plain series. Released 29 August 2024
As they look for a better life Ree and Javani travel through the mountains to find a place of safety, on their way they come across a strange situation of a peaceful village “protected” by a mercenary company, but not all is at it seems and soon they find themselves immersed in a complex situation as they try to unravel the secrets of the village.
I enjoyed the first book in this series and was delighted to get an e-arc thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK
The plot kept me hooked right from the start as we meet Javani and Ree on the road and how the complications begin from first meeting the people of the village Ar Ramas and the mercenary company. As the relationships grow and develop and the arrival of more people throws things into further chaos as Ree in particular battles with how the world is versus how the people of the village see the world.
I really liked the characters, it was great to return to Javani and Ree and to see how their relationship is growing after the events of the last book. The new characters we meet are fantastic. Captain Manatas was one of those that really stood out for me and how he saw his place in the company he was in and what it meant to him which was very different to many of the others. There are so many great characters in this book I can’t mention them all.
The worldbuilding was really well done and it added another element that kept me engaged in the book as we learn about the mercenaries the villagers and the the valley they inhabit as well as hearing some of the stories of other nations and peoples in the world however, the book is based in the valley.
Overall I would happily recommend this book to any fans of fantasy but be sure you read book 1 The Hunters first. The Company of the Wolf in my opinion is the author’s best book so far.
As they look for a better life Ree and Javani travel through the mountains to find a place of safety, on their way they come across a strange situation of a peaceful village “protected” by a mercenary company, but not all is at it seems and soon they find themselves immersed in a complex situation as they try to unravel the secrets of the village.
I enjoyed the first book in this series and was delighted to get an e-arc thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK
The plot kept me hooked right from the start as we meet Javani and Ree on the road and how the complications begin from first meeting the people of the village Ar Ramas and the mercenary company. As the relationships grow and develop and the arrival of more people throws things into further chaos as Ree in particular battles with how the world is versus how the people of the village see the world.
I really liked the characters, it was great to return to Javani and Ree and to see how their relationship is growing after the events of the last book. The new characters we meet are fantastic. Captain Manatas was one of those that really stood out for me and how he saw his place in the company he was in and what it meant to him which was very different to many of the others. There are so many great characters in this book I can’t mention them all.
The worldbuilding was really well done and it added another element that kept me engaged in the book as we learn about the mercenaries the villagers and the the valley they inhabit as well as hearing some of the stories of other nations and peoples in the world however, the book is based in the valley.
Overall I would happily recommend this book to any fans of fantasy but be sure you read book 1 The Hunters first. The Company of the Wolf in my opinion is the author’s best book so far.
September 22, 2024
David Wragg has done it again! He's written another darkly humorous, nail-biting epic fantasy adventure!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ree and Javani from The Hunters are back and, no magic necessary, we follow them on another roller-coaster of a ride as they continue their travels. Stumbling upon an occurrence of what appears to be (and is) banditry, they come to an idyllic village in the hills, surrounded by cool forests, where the inhabitants just want to live a life of peace. Sadly for them, Ree and Javani's appearance brings about a cycle of events which results in said peace coming to a violent end, when The Company of the Wolf, an army of out of work soldiers decides to take more than they deserve from the villagers.
Unlike The Hunters, which has many POVs, The Company of the Wolf sticks to just three main ones: Ree, Javani and Captain Inai Manatas (from the Company of the Wolf). Ree sees the mercenaries for what they are but comes up against the obstinate village council. Javani is growing up and is frustrated that her mother treats her like a child. Meanwhile, Manatas, a stickler for order and rules, watches while his company falls into disorder.
I enjoyed The Hunters a lot, but somehow I enjoyed this even more. There are some great side characters, amusing dialogue like “you’re a right pain in the scrotum!” and dark twists and turns a plenty. Wragg is excellent at creating fascinating characters you can root for or heckle accordingly. The heroes are all long in the tooth or too young to know any better and the villains are utterly despicable. This is epic fantasy at its best! Who needs magic?!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ree and Javani from The Hunters are back and, no magic necessary, we follow them on another roller-coaster of a ride as they continue their travels. Stumbling upon an occurrence of what appears to be (and is) banditry, they come to an idyllic village in the hills, surrounded by cool forests, where the inhabitants just want to live a life of peace. Sadly for them, Ree and Javani's appearance brings about a cycle of events which results in said peace coming to a violent end, when The Company of the Wolf, an army of out of work soldiers decides to take more than they deserve from the villagers.
Unlike The Hunters, which has many POVs, The Company of the Wolf sticks to just three main ones: Ree, Javani and Captain Inai Manatas (from the Company of the Wolf). Ree sees the mercenaries for what they are but comes up against the obstinate village council. Javani is growing up and is frustrated that her mother treats her like a child. Meanwhile, Manatas, a stickler for order and rules, watches while his company falls into disorder.
I enjoyed The Hunters a lot, but somehow I enjoyed this even more. There are some great side characters, amusing dialogue like “you’re a right pain in the scrotum!” and dark twists and turns a plenty. Wragg is excellent at creating fascinating characters you can root for or heckle accordingly. The heroes are all long in the tooth or too young to know any better and the villains are utterly despicable. This is epic fantasy at its best! Who needs magic?!
July 11, 2025
4.25 scaled to 4. So part II in this trilogy was a massive step up and I get the feeling David Wragg prefers writing second books over first (see The Righteous).
No major spoilers here. This book follows on from The Hunters with a small time skip. The book sets plot into motion a lot quicker this time and doesn’t really let up.
I will say my expectation of Ree as a character were both subverted but also self misguided. Though I enjoy her as a main character and enjoy seeing her arc play out. I assume there will be finality to her arc in the upcoming finale book.
My last review of The Hunters, I stated Javani was a character is did not like. This book was an improvement; she is not the plot device to make things escalate this time but the annoying child who won’t take no for an answer still remains (a credit that Wragg writes her so well in that aspect) but I don’t enjoy reading her chapters that much.
The standout character was Inai Manatas. A perfect subversion character who started as the thought to be antagonist but is really a good guy stuck in a bad position. Hope he returns in book three.
As usual Wragg does a great job setting scenes, describing both scenery and fights with a beautiful style and this book was a heck of a fun time.
Company of the wolf has got me excited for the final book, that’s for sure.
No major spoilers here. This book follows on from The Hunters with a small time skip. The book sets plot into motion a lot quicker this time and doesn’t really let up.
I will say my expectation of Ree as a character were both subverted but also self misguided. Though I enjoy her as a main character and enjoy seeing her arc play out. I assume there will be finality to her arc in the upcoming finale book.
My last review of The Hunters, I stated Javani was a character is did not like. This book was an improvement; she is not the plot device to make things escalate this time but the annoying child who won’t take no for an answer still remains (a credit that Wragg writes her so well in that aspect) but I don’t enjoy reading her chapters that much.
The standout character was Inai Manatas. A perfect subversion character who started as the thought to be antagonist but is really a good guy stuck in a bad position. Hope he returns in book three.
As usual Wragg does a great job setting scenes, describing both scenery and fights with a beautiful style and this book was a heck of a fun time.
Company of the wolf has got me excited for the final book, that’s for sure.
September 19, 2024
Oh that was fantastic!! Possibly my favourite out of all Wragg's books. This one continues with Ree and Javani and brings in a whole host of new characters, some loveable, some fun, some aggravating in the most heinous of ways!! I need book 3 immediately!!
Want to read
April 10, 2024Can't wait! Reading book one here this month:)
November 2, 2024
Välskriven och intressanta karaktärer. Lite grisräddar äventyr berättelse. Tänk 7 vågade livet/ de 7 samurajerna av Kurosawa så är ni på banan.
March 5, 2025
A little in your face re: how propaganda works, might be valuable for some folks to learn how easily language can be twisted... Aside from that, enjoyable chaos.
March 23, 2025
Another fabulous adventure from Mr. Wragg—excitement, laughter, tears, and hope, all wrapped in stirring characters and masterful prose, as usual. Carry on, Mr. Wragg! I can’t wait for your next!
June 18, 2025
the battle took WAY too long to start and with little character development along the way. luckily the story was good once it got moving but my God was it like moving through treacle
September 16, 2025
More inventive insults that I can get behind! I enjoyed this one as much as the first. It took a bit longer to get to the action, but it was worth the wait.
November 27, 2024
The Company of the Wolf is the second installment in David Wragg’s The Tales of the Plains series. Following on from the events in book one, we follow Ree and Javani as they travel across the mountains in search of a new life. When they encounter someone being beaten up by bandits, they end up stepping in. They seek refuge in a nearby village Ar Ramas, only to discover the bandits are a mercenary company who provide “protection” for the village. When the company comes knocking Ree and Javani discover there is far more going on than meets the eye and must work together before the village is torn apart.
I absolutely adored book one in this series, it was gripping, action packed and had a great mix of humour and heartbreak. I think if it’s possible, I loved book two even more. I could not put The Company of the Wolf down and I think this is my favourite David Wragg book published so far. This is such a compelling story, it was well paced and I was glued to the book as I watched Ree and Javani attempt to unravel the secrets behind Ar Ramas. The world building is well developed and there is tons of action to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I really enjoyed the way Wragg weaved in some humorous moments and I found myself laughing even when the characters were in the midst of something intense and deadly.
With this second installment comes a host of new characters and each one felt exceptionally crafted. I really liked all the villagers, though Anri in particular stole the show for me. I loved the dynamic between him and Javani and thought they were brilliant together. The introduction of Captain Manatas as a new POV character was really gripping and I liked that it gave the reader the chance to see things from both sides of the conflict. The story continues to explore the mother-daughter relationship between Ree and Javani which was really fascinating, particularly as Javani is growing into a young woman.
Overall The Company of the Wolf is a brilliant, engaging sequel and one I did not want to put down. I cannot recommend this series enough and if you’ve read book one you absolutely need to pick up book two. This will without a doubt be on my top ten list for 2024 and I cannot wait to see where Wragg takes the story in book three.
I absolutely adored book one in this series, it was gripping, action packed and had a great mix of humour and heartbreak. I think if it’s possible, I loved book two even more. I could not put The Company of the Wolf down and I think this is my favourite David Wragg book published so far. This is such a compelling story, it was well paced and I was glued to the book as I watched Ree and Javani attempt to unravel the secrets behind Ar Ramas. The world building is well developed and there is tons of action to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I really enjoyed the way Wragg weaved in some humorous moments and I found myself laughing even when the characters were in the midst of something intense and deadly.
With this second installment comes a host of new characters and each one felt exceptionally crafted. I really liked all the villagers, though Anri in particular stole the show for me. I loved the dynamic between him and Javani and thought they were brilliant together. The introduction of Captain Manatas as a new POV character was really gripping and I liked that it gave the reader the chance to see things from both sides of the conflict. The story continues to explore the mother-daughter relationship between Ree and Javani which was really fascinating, particularly as Javani is growing into a young woman.
Overall The Company of the Wolf is a brilliant, engaging sequel and one I did not want to put down. I cannot recommend this series enough and if you’ve read book one you absolutely need to pick up book two. This will without a doubt be on my top ten list for 2024 and I cannot wait to see where Wragg takes the story in book three.
August 27, 2024
Copy received from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The Company of the Wolf was a worthy successor to the first book, The Hunters. It is exciting and the characters were just as engaging.
Much like the first book, this story is largely contained to the one book but forms a larger picture overall. I like this method of storytelling. You get to spend a whole book learning more about the characters involved and you get a good story that has a complete beginning, middle and end.
I’ve always enjoyed Wragg’s novels for the humour as well as the drama and this book has both in spades. There were times I was howling with laughter and there were times when I was concerned for the safety of all the characters involved.
The central relationship is the one I like the most and the one I am most invested in. The parent/child relationship between Ree and Javani is the highlight of the series and I love every scene they spend together. They work together well and I love how the two bounce off each other. The other characters are just as enjoyable to read but I adore those two together the most.
The Company of the Wolf is a very enjoyable read. It is exciting with some excellent character moments. I love how the characters have moved on from the first book and have encountered something new, it keeps the story fresh and even though this particular story has concluded, I am very interested in seeing what happens to Ree and Javani next.
The Company of the Wolf was a worthy successor to the first book, The Hunters. It is exciting and the characters were just as engaging.
Much like the first book, this story is largely contained to the one book but forms a larger picture overall. I like this method of storytelling. You get to spend a whole book learning more about the characters involved and you get a good story that has a complete beginning, middle and end.
I’ve always enjoyed Wragg’s novels for the humour as well as the drama and this book has both in spades. There were times I was howling with laughter and there were times when I was concerned for the safety of all the characters involved.
The central relationship is the one I like the most and the one I am most invested in. The parent/child relationship between Ree and Javani is the highlight of the series and I love every scene they spend together. They work together well and I love how the two bounce off each other. The other characters are just as enjoyable to read but I adore those two together the most.
The Company of the Wolf is a very enjoyable read. It is exciting with some excellent character moments. I love how the characters have moved on from the first book and have encountered something new, it keeps the story fresh and even though this particular story has concluded, I am very interested in seeing what happens to Ree and Javani next.
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