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Gnaverworld: Ghosts and Iron
The Ghost in the Trees
Rodents rule and trees pierce the clouds in Gnaverworld.
Risu is the Ghost—trained in the art of stealth and sabotage. After her village is attacked, Risu sneaks away to the big city to deliver a message to their allies. But when she comes home, she finds her village aflame and her family disappeared.
Her adopted brother and sword-wielding rival agree to help her find her family at the evil emperor’s citadel in the capital. The fastest route is through the dark Sea of Trees, where they have to navigate wild animals and roaming bandits.
Fans of REDWALL and USAGI YOJIMBO will love the high-flying, blade-slicing action of THE GHOST IN THE TREES.
Risu is the Ghost—trained in the art of stealth and sabotage. After her village is attacked, Risu sneaks away to the big city to deliver a message to their allies. But when she comes home, she finds her village aflame and her family disappeared.
Her adopted brother and sword-wielding rival agree to help her find her family at the evil emperor’s citadel in the capital. The fastest route is through the dark Sea of Trees, where they have to navigate wild animals and roaming bandits.
Fans of REDWALL and USAGI YOJIMBO will love the high-flying, blade-slicing action of THE GHOST IN THE TREES.
310 pages, Hardcover
Published February 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 28, 2024
I’ve read other books by this author, but this is my favourite so far. It was action packed, humorous and was led by three main characters with oodles of personality. Though aimed at a much younger audience than me, I still found loads to enjoy. I especially loved the characters.
The plot was fine, but in my opinion, it’s the three MCs that make this story a hit.
Risu, a young flying squirrel with the heavy burden of being her village’s ninja protector, is a capable fighter and survivor, but isn’t nearly as adept with dealing with people on a personal level. She sometimes judges her friends as harshly as she does her enemies, and her scathing verbal attacks made me wince and guffaw in equal measures.
I think some of her comments could have even come across as little too cutting if not for the fact her noble-born samurai frenemy, Itansha, gives back as well as he gets. The verbal sparring between the odd couple was just as tension filled and entertaining as their swordfights.
The third main character, a foreigner to their island, Marsvin, might not have been quite as skilled at witty takedowns, but his botched attempts to speak the local language were endlessly amusing.
But there is more to these characters than their fighting skills and banter. All three have dark pasts that plague them into the present, which adds much depth to their personalities and adds weight to every choice they make throughout their adventure. These are well developed characters that you won’t be able to help but cheer for.
The world building is great too. The story combines historically accurate elements with fantastical ones. All the characters are anthropomorphic rodents, some of which are skilled in ancient warrior fighting styles. This definitely makes for some interesting action scenes. Even as the characters clash with weapons, they might also attack with a tail or glide through the air on their winglets. It’s pretty cool.
I definitely recommend this novel, though be warned: a certain plot line will have you craving cheese like a… well… like an anthropomorphic rodent.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot was fine, but in my opinion, it’s the three MCs that make this story a hit.
Risu, a young flying squirrel with the heavy burden of being her village’s ninja protector, is a capable fighter and survivor, but isn’t nearly as adept with dealing with people on a personal level. She sometimes judges her friends as harshly as she does her enemies, and her scathing verbal attacks made me wince and guffaw in equal measures.
I think some of her comments could have even come across as little too cutting if not for the fact her noble-born samurai frenemy, Itansha, gives back as well as he gets. The verbal sparring between the odd couple was just as tension filled and entertaining as their swordfights.
The third main character, a foreigner to their island, Marsvin, might not have been quite as skilled at witty takedowns, but his botched attempts to speak the local language were endlessly amusing.
But there is more to these characters than their fighting skills and banter. All three have dark pasts that plague them into the present, which adds much depth to their personalities and adds weight to every choice they make throughout their adventure. These are well developed characters that you won’t be able to help but cheer for.
The world building is great too. The story combines historically accurate elements with fantastical ones. All the characters are anthropomorphic rodents, some of which are skilled in ancient warrior fighting styles. This definitely makes for some interesting action scenes. Even as the characters clash with weapons, they might also attack with a tail or glide through the air on their winglets. It’s pretty cool.
I definitely recommend this novel, though be warned: a certain plot line will have you craving cheese like a… well… like an anthropomorphic rodent.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2024
I discovered Nottingham's work on a different series set in the same story world as this book. I wasn't sure what to expect from ninja squirrels but The Ghost in the Trees had all the elements I enjoyed from the other series: funny fully-developed characters, heartfelt relationships, and non-stop action.
I really enjoyed the irreverent wise-cracking main character, Risu. Though she could be mean at times, I found myself reading the next chapter waiting to see what biting smack down she would give to her adopted brother or to that cute squirrel she thought was her enemy.
I also appreciated all the lore and world building that went into the story. All the characters are rodents that are like people in that they walk on two hindpaws, drive wagons, and ride horses. But they are still rodents - all the different kinds! From marmots to gerbils. And even ones I had to look up. The world setting is very unique, but the author weaves in historical context into the story, anchoring us into familiar settings.
In this case, Risu must navigate changing politics on their island as their current lord is over-taxing villagers in an attempt to stave off an invasion. Risu must learn to accept her role while figuring out how to save her family.
I found The Ghost in the Trees to be a very fast read that had me laughing out loud at several points. It's an easy read that young and old will enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed the irreverent wise-cracking main character, Risu. Though she could be mean at times, I found myself reading the next chapter waiting to see what biting smack down she would give to her adopted brother or to that cute squirrel she thought was her enemy.
I also appreciated all the lore and world building that went into the story. All the characters are rodents that are like people in that they walk on two hindpaws, drive wagons, and ride horses. But they are still rodents - all the different kinds! From marmots to gerbils. And even ones I had to look up. The world setting is very unique, but the author weaves in historical context into the story, anchoring us into familiar settings.
In this case, Risu must navigate changing politics on their island as their current lord is over-taxing villagers in an attempt to stave off an invasion. Risu must learn to accept her role while figuring out how to save her family.
I found The Ghost in the Trees to be a very fast read that had me laughing out loud at several points. It's an easy read that young and old will enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2025
Animal fantasy stories has ancient roots and has proved enduringly popular for at least twenty-three centuries; interest today is arguably the strongest in that long tradition. PC Nottingham’s The Ghost in the Trees is a worthy addition to the field, and fills a unique niche: medieval ninja squirrels and other rodents, each with a warm heart beneath a battle-tough exterior.
This tale, for readers from middle-grade to adult, is an action-adventure story with three appealing principal characters—two squirrels and a guinea pig in what humans would call their early teenage years—who begin as hostile or clueless strangers to one another. They go on journeys, both physical and internal, are battle-tested along the way (in vividly described fight scenes with opponents), and by book’s end come to realise they have more in common than ever they thought.
Young-adult readers in particular will enjoy the sarcastic battles of wits between Risu, the inventive Ghost (spy) squirrel, and Itansha, her opponent from the nobility who abandons his heritage in favour of doing the right thing. The growing romantic attachment between them adds to the appeal. The third character, guinea pig Marsvin, starts off as a hapless bumbler but evolves to play an important redemptive role in the final few chapters.
The fantasy universe is fictional, but I enjoyed Nottingham’s reliance on real-world cultural anchors for his characters: Marsvin would be right at home in Sweden, there are amusing minor characters straight out of any Welsh village, and Risu could be a smart small-town American kid with crazy-good fighting skills.
There are enough plot twists to keep any reader guessing—authority figures aren’t always as good or bad as they appear—and the ending is satisfying for those who just want to read this book, while setting the stage for more intrigue and action in the second and third volumes.
Ghost in the Trees compares favourably to the Redwall series. I would say that readers who like one will enjoy the other, page after page.
I’m a satisfied reader. Recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This tale, for readers from middle-grade to adult, is an action-adventure story with three appealing principal characters—two squirrels and a guinea pig in what humans would call their early teenage years—who begin as hostile or clueless strangers to one another. They go on journeys, both physical and internal, are battle-tested along the way (in vividly described fight scenes with opponents), and by book’s end come to realise they have more in common than ever they thought.
Young-adult readers in particular will enjoy the sarcastic battles of wits between Risu, the inventive Ghost (spy) squirrel, and Itansha, her opponent from the nobility who abandons his heritage in favour of doing the right thing. The growing romantic attachment between them adds to the appeal. The third character, guinea pig Marsvin, starts off as a hapless bumbler but evolves to play an important redemptive role in the final few chapters.
The fantasy universe is fictional, but I enjoyed Nottingham’s reliance on real-world cultural anchors for his characters: Marsvin would be right at home in Sweden, there are amusing minor characters straight out of any Welsh village, and Risu could be a smart small-town American kid with crazy-good fighting skills.
There are enough plot twists to keep any reader guessing—authority figures aren’t always as good or bad as they appear—and the ending is satisfying for those who just want to read this book, while setting the stage for more intrigue and action in the second and third volumes.
Ghost in the Trees compares favourably to the Redwall series. I would say that readers who like one will enjoy the other, page after page.
I’m a satisfied reader. Recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2024
Ninja squirrels, crazy missions, finding hope in tragedy… oh my!
There’s a lot to love as you journey along with Risu, The Ghost, and her family and friends. Readers learn a lot as they enter Risu’s world. She’s a reluctant heroine, who didn’t want to be the Ghost—a prize her twin brother dreamed of. After his death, Risu took up his training to fulfill his goal as a protector of their village and family.
Being the Ghost means keeping a lot of secrets and going on clandestine missions to keep the bad guys from doing bad guy things. Risu is helped on her adventures by her foster brother (a boy who happens to be from the clan terrorizing Risu’s village) and an Ironheart in training (another tween squirrel who’s also very knowledgeable in the martial arts—who Risu is also training in the Ghost ways.
What I love most is that while the kids are trying to discourage the bad guys from doing their terrible deeds—they try really hard to live their standards and respond in kinder, gentler ways that are also effective (and sometimes very funny) in thwarting the bad guys.
5/5 squirrels for a story that makes a lot of hard right choices rather than easy wrong ones. Good job!
There’s a lot to love as you journey along with Risu, The Ghost, and her family and friends. Readers learn a lot as they enter Risu’s world. She’s a reluctant heroine, who didn’t want to be the Ghost—a prize her twin brother dreamed of. After his death, Risu took up his training to fulfill his goal as a protector of their village and family.
Being the Ghost means keeping a lot of secrets and going on clandestine missions to keep the bad guys from doing bad guy things. Risu is helped on her adventures by her foster brother (a boy who happens to be from the clan terrorizing Risu’s village) and an Ironheart in training (another tween squirrel who’s also very knowledgeable in the martial arts—who Risu is also training in the Ghost ways.
What I love most is that while the kids are trying to discourage the bad guys from doing their terrible deeds—they try really hard to live their standards and respond in kinder, gentler ways that are also effective (and sometimes very funny) in thwarting the bad guys.
5/5 squirrels for a story that makes a lot of hard right choices rather than easy wrong ones. Good job!
October 28, 2024
MG series that's perfect for fans of Redwell! Immersive and complete world jam-packed with adventure, fun, and heart.
"I am the ghost in the trees."
Main character Risu is the village "Ghost," trained in the arts of deception and stealth--she's essentially the town ninja. As a young flying squirrel, she glides between the colossal treetops, protecting her village from any threats. When she spots a strange shipment creeping through her forest home, she races to the larger cities to alert others. Upon her return home, she finds her home destroyed and her family missing. Her adopted brother and infuriating rival have to all work together to save everyone from the forces seeking to overcome their home.
It was a great read! A really enjoyable story that's making me nostalgic. It has great Redwall vibes as far as animals completing missions to protect their home, but it's got a different and younger tone and new missions/themes/world. It really is adorable and really well written. You will fall in love with Risu and all her friends.
"I am the ghost in the trees."
Main character Risu is the village "Ghost," trained in the arts of deception and stealth--she's essentially the town ninja. As a young flying squirrel, she glides between the colossal treetops, protecting her village from any threats. When she spots a strange shipment creeping through her forest home, she races to the larger cities to alert others. Upon her return home, she finds her home destroyed and her family missing. Her adopted brother and infuriating rival have to all work together to save everyone from the forces seeking to overcome their home.
It was a great read! A really enjoyable story that's making me nostalgic. It has great Redwall vibes as far as animals completing missions to protect their home, but it's got a different and younger tone and new missions/themes/world. It really is adorable and really well written. You will fall in love with Risu and all her friends.
November 5, 2024
Middle grades fantasy for fans of daring adventure with lots of laughs and feels. I can't wait to get this book into the hands of every middle schooler (or precocious upper elementary student) I know!
Risu is a flying squirrel who (rather irately) gives up her own dreams to take up the family Ghost legacy and save her village from the distant beaver tyrant squeezing them dry with taxes while he lives in cheese-eating luxury. When she and her awkwardly adorable adopted guinea pig brother cross paths with a noble-but-misguided Ironheart gray squirrel, Risu starts to realize the world isn't black and white, and maybe she shouldn't be so quick to judge other rodents.
Wholesome, action-packed, hilarious, and full of heart. Can't wait for the rest of the series!
Risu is a flying squirrel who (rather irately) gives up her own dreams to take up the family Ghost legacy and save her village from the distant beaver tyrant squeezing them dry with taxes while he lives in cheese-eating luxury. When she and her awkwardly adorable adopted guinea pig brother cross paths with a noble-but-misguided Ironheart gray squirrel, Risu starts to realize the world isn't black and white, and maybe she shouldn't be so quick to judge other rodents.
Wholesome, action-packed, hilarious, and full of heart. Can't wait for the rest of the series!
December 14, 2024
I seldom read children’s books or YA, so I started The Ghost in the Trees by PC Nottingham with some trepidation. However, my apprehension was for nothing, as I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series. As an animal lover, I adored the rodent characters. The dialogue and plot will appeal to readers of all ages because Nottingham is an excellent writer, and his attention to delightful details about his characters' looks, behaviors, and feelings makes the story pop. The twist at the end is intriguing and I’m eager to see how the characters fare, especially Risu, Itansha, and Marsvin, throughout the Gnaverworld: Ghosts and Iron series.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
February 3, 2025
I was hooked from the first page and thought it was a unique concept in this type of book. I was invested in what was happening andenjoyed the fantasy elements throughout the book. It was a strong start to the Gnaverworld: Ghosts and Iron series and left me wanting to read more. PC Nottingham wrote a strong story and was glad I got to read this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2025
I loved this book! This is the second series I've started by this author, the first being the Earthquake Wars. Every book of his that I've read I've enjoyed, but this may be my favorite of the bunch. I related to all three of the mains, they each were struggling with things that I remember facing growing up. I think that kids and adults will love reading this novel.
I was in a reading slump, and this book among others helped bring me out of it. I loved the pacing of the plot, the world of rodents, and especially the characters in this novel. The ending had me absolutely gripped, and made me want to start the sequel today. Very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
I was in a reading slump, and this book among others helped bring me out of it. I loved the pacing of the plot, the world of rodents, and especially the characters in this novel. The ending had me absolutely gripped, and made me want to start the sequel today. Very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 27, 2024
In many ways, Risu's story is our story. It's infinitely relatable in our crazy modern world, although the author places us in a very imaginative and compelling parallel one. And, in any case, who doesn't want to know about an evil emperor's citadel? A great mix of fun and action for readers of all ages.
October 30, 2024
What do you get when you put a flying squirrel, a squirrel, and a guinea pig together?
You get a high-flying, nail-biting, and paw-thumping adventure!
Risu, Itansha, and Marsvin are practically your rodent avengers in this fun and entertaining MG book, which is just as enjoyable for adults! Highly recommended.
You get a high-flying, nail-biting, and paw-thumping adventure!
Risu, Itansha, and Marsvin are practically your rodent avengers in this fun and entertaining MG book, which is just as enjoyable for adults! Highly recommended.
March 23, 2025
Ghost in the Trees is such a fun-filled fantasy. I loved that the animals had their own kingdoms, villages, and even a warrior class. Squirrels, marmosets, and assorted other animals were so well personified. The author was able to focus with laser precision on the attributes of each animal to provide character development as well as realism. It is a must read for fantasy fans!
October 31, 2024
Pick up this book, read a couple of pages, and you’ll fall in love with Risu just like I did — a flying squirrel trained in Ninjutsu protecting her village from the forces of injustice. Accessible but immersive world-building, a cast of well-drawn characters, and loads of action!
February 7, 2025
Wow does this book hold such a special place in my heart. I genuinely think this has the potential to be the next big MG sensation. This is such a fun read for everyone, it's like Redwall with ATLA-coded characters. So excited to see it finally out in the world!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews