Of Wind and Wolves

The Steppe Saga #1

by J. M. Elliott

You don’t yet know what you are. What you truly love or hate. What you’ll kill or die for. Not until you’ve been out there. . . .

When Anaiti reluctantly agrees to marry the aging king of the Skythian nomads to forge an alliance, she never expects the price of peace will be an enemy’s scalp—or that she’ll have to take it with her own hands.

Trained since youth in riding and archery, her education was cut short, and she's never faced true combat. Though she has no taste for bloodshed, her desire to remain free outweighs her fear. Thrown into the lawless wilderness, she joins a ruthless warband whose loyalties and suspicions are as fierce as the unforgiving steppe. There, her skills and courage are tested to the edge, and she forms an intense bond with their commander—a formidable warrior who believes Anaiti possesses a rare gift. Determined to evade her fate, Anaiti devises a daring plan to stay with the warband. But as her defiance threatens the pact between kingdoms, she must decide if her longing for freedom is worth the cost—of countless lives, perhaps her own.

Of Wind and Wolves is the first volume in The Steppe Saga, a haunting and subversive retelling of events recorded by Herodotus. Set against a backdrop of astonishing beauty and brutality, it reveals the lost wisdom, traditions, and beliefs of the Scythian people, whose powerful women once inspired Greek myths of the Amazons.

Genres: Historical Fiction

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

About the author

J. M. Elliott lives on a Hudson Valley farm, far from the hustle of modern life. She prefers hiking boots to heels, work gloves to manicures, and humble stories to showy prose. When she's not lost in the pages of historical fiction, you might spot her astride a horse, unearthing the mysteries of archaeological sites, or trekking into the wilds where phone signals can't reach.

Reviews

[alli ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How could I ever know my true fate unless I followed this road to its end?”

I was amazed by this book, and I ended up getting entirely engulfed in this universe created by J.M. Elliott. The world building and complex dynamics created a cinematic feeling, and everything on the page played like an action-packed film in my mind. I do feel torn on the main character as I found her frustrating and confusing on several occasions, though the role she played in the course of the story was extremely compelling. I was beyond impressed by Alric’s development in this story as well. I cannot wait to read the next book when it comes out. 🐺

Thank you to NetGalley and Warden Tree Press for sharing this ARC in exchange for my full and honest review!

[Alejandro Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

The grammar of the steppe

Of Wind and Wolves by J. M. Elliott reconstructs the cultural and imaginative terrain of the fifth-century BCE Eurasian steppe through a narrative that interweaves historical speculation, mythic motifs, and psychological inquiry. The novel centres on Anaiti, a young hamazan whose martial training contrasts with her inexperience in battle, and whose impending political marriage compels her to confront the ethical and emotional demands of warrior culture. Elliott situates this personal dilemma within a rigorously realised world shaped by tribal alliances, ritual obligations, and territorial conflict, including tensions with encroaching Hellenic forces. Drawing loosely on classical historiography while reconfiguring it through a fictional lens, the text explores the social codes governing nomadic societies. It foregrounds the paradoxes of honour, autonomy, and duty that structure the protagonist’s journey. The narrative’s poetic register and reflective tone elevate what might otherwise resemble an adventure plot into a sustained meditation on survival, sacrifice, and belonging.

Elliott’s portrayal of the Skythian milieu challenges reductive depictions of steppe cultures as merely violent, instead rendering a complex social fabric defined by spiritual belief, communal loyalty, and intimate relationships with land and animal life. Detailed attention to material culture, ritual practice, and the ecological realities of the plains produces a vivid ethnographic texture, while scenes of warfare and bodily vulnerability underscore the harsh conditions governing daily existence. Yet the narrative repeatedly returns to moments of tenderness—particularly in its evocation of Anaiti’s affinity with horses and her engagement with philosophical debate—thereby emphasising the coexistence of brutality and emotional depth within this environment. Through its expansive world-building and richly articulated cultural landscape, the novel frames the steppe as a space of both existential threat and profound attachment.

At the core of the text lies a nuanced exploration of moral consciousness, as Anaiti negotiates the demands of tradition alongside her own evolving understanding of justice and freedom. Her relationships with the warband, especially those marked by mutual respect and restrained desire, facilitate a gradual process of self-definition that unfolds against the backdrop of relentless conflict. Elliott’s emphasis on internal transformation, coupled with an atmosphere of stoic reflection on violence and loss, positions the narrative within a broader discourse on the human capacity to reconcile personal agency with collective obligation. OF WIND AND WOLVES is, in sum, a sophisticated contribution to historical fiction and, thus, a great read for genre enthusiasts.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

"... in this country, tombs are the only permanent thing we build. Only the dead have ceased their wandering -- their bodies have, at least." [loc. 2343]

The setting is Scythia -- here spelt Skythia -- in the fifth century BC. Araiti's father has betrothed her to the ageing king of the Skythians, Ariapeithes, in order to forge a lasting peace between their tribes. Araiti, fostered by her mother's Amazon tribe, has earnt her status among her father's people, the Bastarnai: she's a formidable horsewoman and has been trained in the arts of war. The Skythians recognise her for what she is, androktones -- man-killer -- and decree that she may not marry the king until she has killed an enemy in battle and taken his scalp. She's sent out with the warband, led by the king's son Aric, to patrol the marches.

At first shunned by the Skythian warriors, Araiti gradually makes a place for herself, and revels in the freedom that few women have. She manages to conceal her 'spells', which seem to be epileptic fits, and gains respect for her wise counsel and her courage. She despises most women (it's mutual) and can't understand why Skythian women don't ride or fight -- as apparently they used to do. Creeping Hellenisation is changing their world, with Greek colonies springing up where they shouldn't be, and Aric's brother Skyles making deals with Hellenic traders.

The author is an archaeologist and a horse-trainer, and both these skills have coloured her narrative. I was fascinated by Araiti's descent into a plundered tomb, and more generally by the wealth of cultural detail.  (Herodotus is cited as a source: Ariapeithes and Skyles are historical characters.) And the horses are more vivid characters than some of the humans... 

There's a romantic element to the novel, but it's also an engaging piece of historical fiction. I did find some of the dialogue too colloquial ('What's that supposed to mean?') and some of the prose a little florid, but I enjoyed Of Wind and Wolves enough to be keen to read the second in the Steppe Saga.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance review copy, in exchange for this full honest review. UK Publication Date is 01 SEP 2025.

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike anything I’ve read before

It’s rare to find a book that’s both really well written and gives such a fair, honest take on how real men and women interact. It doesn’t sugarcoat the tough parts of history or life, which I appreciated. You can tell the author has done extensive research into the historical background of the steppe, and the setting feels completely real.



This isn’t your typical formulaic novel. It’s smart, original, and takes you in unexpected directions alongside the characters. It’s different from anything else out there right now—in the best way. Anaiti’s journey among the Skythians seamlessly blends history, mythology, and fiction. The book has warriors, but it’s not a war story. There’s mythology, but it’s not fantasy. A love story, but not your typical romance. It defies easy labels, and that’s part of what makes it so compelling.



Even though I’m excited for the next books in the trilogy, this one stands well on its own. The ending felt complete and satisfying. Anaiti’s transformation from beginning to end is subtle but powerful. I didn’t even realize how much she’d changed until those last scenes. Looking back over the story, her evolution feels very natural. Without giving anything away, the way she handles pain, tough choices, and stays true to herself makes her a true warrior.



All in all, a fantastic read, and honestly unlike anything I’ve read before.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

OF WIND AND WOLVES presents a story steeped in atmosphere, blending elements of wilderness adventure with emotional undercurrents that run deeper than they first appear. The natural world is vividly rendered, and the author demonstrates a clear affection for landscape and elemental forces. Wind, terrain, and the presence of wolves function almost as characters in their own right, shaping the tone and stakes of the narrative.
The novel’s strength lies in its immersive setting and the tension that simmers beneath the surface. There is a deliberate unfolding to the plot that rewards patient readers, particularly those who enjoy character-driven storytelling. That said, the pacing can feel uneven in places, with certain scenes lingering longer than necessary while others move quickly through moments that might have benefited from further development. A bit more balance between action and introspection could strengthen the overall momentum.
Even so, OF WIND AND WOLVES offers a compelling blend of resilience, instinct, and emotional struggle. It will likely appeal to readers who appreciate stories grounded in nature and shaped by the primal forces—both external and internal—that drive human behavior. As an independent work, it showcases a confident narrative voice and a clear sense of thematic purpose.

[Donna Emperador · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down

OF WIND AND WOLVES is a gripping piece of historical fiction. The authors attention to detail and vivid descriptions make it hard to put this book down.

The story takes place during the time of the ancient Greeks but focuses more on nearby nomadic tribes. When a young woman is betrothed to a neighboring tribe's king, she embarks on a journey that forces her to question assumptions she has held about the customs of others, as well as herself.

Due to her mother coming from a matriarchal warrior tribe, she learns she must complete certain achievements before she may wed. This leads her to break convention and temporarily join the male warriors from the tribe of her betrothed.

This story is about inner strength, loyalty, overcoming challenges, and courage in the face of adversity. It is about making tough choices and putting the needs of the whole before one's own wants.

I recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction. In addition, the tale contains a tumultuous romance of star-crossed lovers. Action fans will also be satisfied as there are many detailed battles.

While the book stands alone, it is the first in a trilogy. After reading this, I am eagerly awaiting the next two.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Wind and Wolves is the story today’s historical fiction genre doesn’t know it needs. Where the current market is saturated with trendy tropes, cookiecutter storylines, and sociopolitical parables, the Steppe Saga offers something unique: a thoughtful and deeply researched exploration of a little-known ancient culture, told through the lens of a heroic and humanistic fictional narrative.

Ancient civilizations receive sparse treatment in fiction nowadays, and so much rich story potential goes untapped. It was refreshing to open this book knowing very little about the Scythians and come away educated and enlightened. By no means a light read, Of Wind and Wolves is densely packed with information, yet it flows naturally, driven by story and character, and doesn’t overwhelm. The writing is elegant and noticeably superior to that of current traditionally published books. If a few similes seemed overwrought, mostly in the first half of the book, I was willing to forgive them. The descriptions are evocative, and the dialogue, at times poetic in the manner of an ancient text and other times raw and even vulgar, felt balanced and realistic—something that can be difficult to achieve when writing characters who would have been speaking in an ancient language.

The story is told entirely in first-person, through the eyes of an Amazon (or “hamazon”) warrior. Here, at last, is a “strong female character” who stands simply, unaffectedly, on her own merits, without the sense of an agenda being shoved down the reader’s throat—and most importantly, without being “strong” only at the expense and demonization of every male character in the story. In fact, the narrator is the only major female character in the book—though it took me some time to notice, as I was too engrossed in the story to tally up quotas. She is surrounded by men, some of whom are horrible, and some are heroic. Imagine that—a fair and balanced portrayal of human beings.

While the book is by no means a romance, it features a love story, of the kind that at times feels worthy of being called “epic.” Neither soapy nor overly jaded and cynical, it evolves naturally as the characters grow closer.

I can appreciate the author’s effort to portray the Scythian culture in an objective, non-judgmental way, and I made an attempt to keep a similarly open mind. To the good, I feel the portrayal is probably a realistic picture of what the Scythians might have actually been like, and the author’s enthusiasm for the subject, especially the horsmanship aspect, is evident.

It’s inevitable, though—and natural—that readers will bring their own values into play in the judgment of any work of art, and for this reason I was never able to connect fully with the Scythian culture in this book. There is a great deal of animosity portrayed against the Greeks, whom the Scythians consider effeminate, dishonest, and promiscuous. To their eyes, trade and mercantilism is suspect, and urban civilization is inferior to the nomadic way of life. No doubt this is an accurate portrayal of how the Scythian people really felt about the Hellenic influence, but as one who admires the contributions of Greco-Roman civilization, I could not relate or agree. There was a certain irony in one character’s comment about “Hellenes who came north from the colonies long ago to get rich off the spoils of trade,” since the profits of freely conducted trade are by definition not “spoils”—in fact, the very antithesis.

I sensed an effort to ascribe a certain nobility and idealism to the Scythians—though neither is the brutality and warmaking glossed over by any means—but I wasn’t convinced. While I appreciated the Scythian “side of the story,” my sympathies and preferences naturally still lie with the culture that valued, at least in theory, trade over pillage, logic over violence, enlightenment over superstition.

Another reason I did not rate this higher was a somewhat disappointing ending. I did not agree with one character’s decision and felt that plot point might have been eliminated altogether, considering its outcome. Perhaps it will be relevant later in the trilogy. Also, a character’s commitment to another, which had seemed unbreakable up to that point, suddenly weakened. This felt like a let-down, and in general the book seemed to end on a downbeat. I’m hopeful this might be resolved in the next installment.

I look forward to seeing how the story continues to play out over the next two books and would gladly read more of this inspired author. I also highly recommend her newsletter, which I found thought-provoking and informative.

[Victoria Gilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I closed Of Wind and Wolves feeling like I'd just stepped out of another world. Not because of magic or fantasy, but because J. M. Elliott makes the ancient steppe feel so vivid that I could almost hear the horses, feel the endless wind, and sense the constant uncertainty of living where survival depends on strength, instinct, and loyalty.

What surprised me most was Anaiti. I expected another fearless warrior heroine, but that's not who she is. She's capable, intelligent, and well-trained, yet she's also afraid. She questions herself. She doesn't suddenly become invincible the moment she's thrown into danger, and that made her journey so much more believable. Every difficult choice she makes feels earned.

One of my favorite aspects of the novel is that freedom comes with a real cost. So many historical adventures celebrate rebellion without forcing characters to confront the consequences. Here, every decision carries weight—not only for Anaiti, but for entire kingdoms. That constant tension kept me turning pages because I genuinely didn't know whether I wanted her to follow her heart or fulfill the duty expected of her.

The relationship with the warband is another standout. The loyalty, suspicion, respect, and gradual trust between people who have every reason not to believe one another creates some of the book's strongest moments. I especially enjoyed that these relationships develop naturally instead of feeling rushed for the sake of the plot.

What really stayed with me, though, was the setting itself. Elliott doesn't just use history as decoration. You can tell an enormous amount of thought went into portraying the Scythian world as a living culture with its own beliefs, customs, and values rather than filtering everything through a modern lens. That attention to detail makes the novel feel immersive without ever becoming overwhelming.

By the end, I realized this wasn't simply a story about a woman refusing an arranged future. It's about identity, agency, sacrifice, and discovering who you become when every comfortable certainty has been stripped away. If you enjoy historical fiction that feels both intellectually rich and emotionally gripping, I honestly think this one is something special.

[Lausanne Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anaiti, the daughter of an Amazon woman, raised among her mother's nomadic people, is also the daughter of a Bastarnai king—a settled and farming tribe who distrusts her Amazon heritage.

As her story begins, she is already a multi-cultured creature, but through a marriage agreement must now live among the Skythians—more wild and nomadic than her mother’s people, but just as distrustful of her Amazon identity as the Bastarnai.

Thus she arrives in her new world, but circumstances soon drive her to an even more remote and violent life than the secluded tent of a husband-king. To delay her marriage, she chooses to travel with her host’s warband, a border patrol that roams the farthest reaches of the territories, addressing threats along the frontier before these threats encroach Skythian lands.

This is a path where deprivation and violence are the norm, a land where courage, loyalty, and brutality are a daily matter of life and death.

In this context, Anaiti must navigate the intricacies of existing relationships and establish her own allies within the fighting unit as together they battle against the invasion of other peoples. As time passes, her bonds to the land and to her war leader increase the stakes of her impending future as the third wife of an elderly king. To spend her life confined in a tent, entangled with tribal politics rather than roaming the wilderness on the back of a horse becomes more untenable.

J.M. Elliot’s text enchants like the endless steppe she portrays. Anaiti’s worldview grows alongside ours as she learns to thrive in this hostile yet majestic land and people.

[Laura Flavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Of Wind and Wolves is a sweeping, atmospheric historical epic that blends political alliance, cultural tension, and personal transformation into a deeply immersive narrative set against the harsh beauty of the Scythian steppe. J. M. Elliott reimagines a Herodotus-inspired world with vivid detail and emotional intensity, bringing to life a society shaped by survival, tradition, and the brutal realities of power. The novel’s tone balances lyrical storytelling with stark realism, creating a reading experience that feels both cinematic and grounded in historical imagination.”

“What stood out most was Anaiti’s emotional and psychological journey as she is thrust from a life of constrained privilege into a world defined by violence, loyalty, and shifting allegiances. Her reluctant marriage alliance becomes the catalyst for a far more dangerous personal awakening, as she is forced to confront what freedom truly means when it demands sacrifice. The dynamic between Anaiti and the warband commander adds further depth, introducing themes of trust, identity, and inner strength under extreme conditions. I also appreciated how the novel centers the role of women within Scythian-inspired culture, echoing the historical legends of Amazon-like figures while grounding them in human vulnerability and agency. The result is a story that feels rich in both historical texture and emotional resonance, offering readers a powerful blend of adventure, political intrigue, and self-discovery. Epic, haunting, and emotionally layered, Of Wind and Wolves is the kind of historical fiction that lingers long after the final page.”

[Raisa Mbalule · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Warrior’s Journey Across Wind-Swept Lands

OF WIND AND WOLVES transports readers to the windswept steppes of the fifth century BCE with a story that feels both intimate and expansive. At the center is Anaiti, a trained rider and archer who must prove herself in a culture where honor and survival are tightly bound. Her agreement to an arranged marriage comes with a brutal condition, forcing her to confront what strength and freedom truly mean. The premise alone creates a steady tension that carries through the novel.

The setting is one of the book’s strongest elements. The steppe feels vast and unforgiving, shaped by wind, warbands, and deeply rooted traditions. Elliott blends historical detail with touches of mythic atmosphere, giving the world texture without overwhelming the story. Battle scenes are sharp and direct, but they are balanced by quieter moments that explore loyalty, prejudice, and belonging.

Anaiti emerges as a layered protagonist rather than a simple warrior archetype. She wrestles with duty and independence in ways that feel human and grounded. Her growth unfolds gradually, making her choices feel earned. OF WIND AND WOLVES offers a thoughtful introduction to a saga that promises both emotional depth and sweeping historical drama.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Warden Tree Press for the ARC ebook in return for my honest opinon.
Anaiti has agreed to marry the (much older) king of the Skythian nomads to further the good of her own people/family. Before she can marry the king, she has to fight alongside the nomads and collect the scalp of an enemy, despite having no combat experience. She is an Amazon (hamazon, as they refer to her in the book, which I found really off-putting) but this is still a challenge due to her lack of experience.

I truly loved this book and couldn't stop returning to it, even when I should have been sleeping or doing a million other things with my time. I loved how real the characters felt, that most of them were fleshed out so well, and I loved the pacing of the story. There were a few small things that irked me ( "hamazon" instead of "Amazon"- I couldn't help but think of an Amazon but with a little pink pig nose) but overall I was sorry to turn the last page and sorrier still to realize that it might be a long while before the rest of the books in the series are out. I only hope that the span between the first book and the next isn't too long.

[Micheal Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Wind and Wolves, the first volume in The Steppe Saga, by J. M. Elliott is a bold and immersive work of historical fiction set among the ancient Skythian (Scythian) nomads.

The novel centers on Anaiti, a trained rider and archer who is thrust into political marriage as part of a fragile alliance. Her journey from reluctant bride to warrior navigating the harsh steppe creates a compelling narrative of survival, identity, and self determination.

The story effectively blends historical inspiration drawing from accounts associated with Herodotus with rich world-building that highlights the beauty and brutality of the steppe environment. Themes of freedom, loyalty, courage, and personal transformation are woven throughout, giving the novel both emotional intensity and historical depth.

The character dynamics, particularly within the warband and Anaiti’s evolving relationships, add complexity and tension to the plot. Overall, Of Wind and Wolves presents a vivid, character-driven retelling that will appeal to readers who enjoy strong heroines, historical authenticity, and epic settings.

[Blue Ant · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stayed with me most after reading Of Wind and Wolves was the tension between freedom and obligation that follows Anaiti through every stage of the story. Even before the physical violence of the steppe arrives, the novel establishes how political bargains can trap a person long before chains ever do.

J. M. Elliott builds the world through movement, ritual, and survival rather than exposition dumps, which gives the Scythian setting a lived in texture. The warband dynamics are especially effective because loyalty never feels stable or sentimental. Trust has to be earned repeatedly, and the harshness of the wilderness sharpens every interaction. I also appreciated how the novel handles Anaiti’s evolving relationship with violence. Her reluctance never disappears completely, which keeps the emotional stakes grounded even as her skills and confidence grow.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction that combines mythic atmosphere with morally difficult choices will likely connect strongly with this book. What stands out most is how the story treats freedom not as a triumphant ideal, but as something dangerous enough to destabilize kingdoms.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Wind and Wolves is the kind of book that stays in your memory for a very long time.

I loved Anaiti. She was a fierce, uncompromising heroine.

The steppe setting is also fascinating. Its semi-nomadic horse tribes are vikingesque in that they raid and plunder, have mighty heroes and warrior women but the backdrop is unique and rich with potential.

Anaiti is a Budini princess sent to marry into a powerful Skythian tribe. She carries the weight of her obligations and her own untested courage, which as a ‘Hamazon’ is prerequisite to marriage. She must ride out with the warband and make her first kill.

The bond between Anaiti and the warband commander develops with the kind of slow dangerous intensity that is far more interesting than romance. And the ending left me longing for book 2, which is coming soon.

This is an historical fiction that brings the genuinely strange past to life. Highly recommended for readers who want intriguing, strong heroines and fascinating stories.

[Mackenze Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Of Winds and Wolves' took me on an epic journey, creating dynamic relationships and a female lead I could root for. She was fierce but still wasn't afraid to take the reader through the honest, emotional experience she had since page 1. I had some trouble getting a read on the main male character, and it started to feel a little like forced whiplash when it came to his emotions, but he was a good counterpart to her overall.

The book did an amazing job of making you feel every weather change, every injury and every bonfire chat, truly putting you inside the adventure with Anaiti. I was at first discouraged and confused with the whole seer element but I became more enthralled with it over time, after many descriptive scenes. The decisions made at the end, from both Anaiti and Aric, were heartbreaking, but the very end of the book made me want to read the next part of the saga... immediately.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Postmaster in a White Town is a powerful and meticulously researched account of racial injustice in late 19th-century America. Dr. Fostenia W. Baker brings to light the tragic story of Frazier B. Baker and his infant daughter, Julia, victims of a brutal lynching in Lake City, South Carolina. The narrative not only chronicles the horrifying events but contextualizes them within the systemic racism and violent resistance faced by African Americans in positions of authority.

Dr. Baker’s careful attention to historical detail, combined with her compelling storytelling, makes this book both a heartbreaking and essential read. It illuminates a past too often overlooked, ensuring that Frazier Baker’s life, sacrifice, and legacy are remembered. This work is a testament to courage, resilience, and the necessity of historical reckoning.

[Michael Doane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Wind and Wolves is a fierce, wind-scoured novel that feels as untamed as the steppe it inhabits. J. M. Elliott writes with a rare combination of lyric beauty and iron realism, bringing Scythian life out of the margins of Herodotus and into breathing, human presence. Anaiti is a compelling center neither mythic Amazon nor modern heroine in disguise, but a young woman learning the terrible grammar of power, loyalty, and survival. I was struck by how the novel refuses easy romance about violence; every arrow, every alliance, carries weight. The bond between Anaiti and the warband commander unfolds with slow, dangerous intensity, and the landscape itself becomes a character vast, indifferent, and sacred. This is historical fiction that remembers how strange the past truly was while making its emotional stakes feel immediate.

[Donna Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

OF WIND AND WOLVES is a wonderful historical novel that will captivate the reader with the riveting story of Araiti, a proud and fiercely independent hamazan.
The world the author creates is a rich, immersive world, honed with fine details that makes the reader feel as if they also exist in that era as the story unfolds depicting Araiti’s experiences. It is clear the book is very well researched but it doesn’t suffer from an ‘info dump’ that other historical novels seem to sometimes suffer from.
Araiti is a wonderfully complex character who stays true to herself throughout the course of the novel. making her a true heroine to readers who enjoy strong, female characters.
The book deviates from the norms within the genre, telling it’s own story instead of falling back on tired tropes, making it a truly enjoyable and original piece of work that many readers will enjoy.

[Scovia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The princess is on a mission to take on a fatal position on behalf of her people; her goal is to benefit both sides. Her father worries about her situation, but she assures him even though she's not sure herself. There are whispers about taking on a weakling to the group, and that refers to her. She pushes through regardless.The journey is wild, and they are in dangerous situations; they meet different people, some that need help and some that have absurd cultural practices.This is a great story; it'll keep your curiosity at its peak. Everything happening in the story is so unpredictable. I loved how easy it was to follow and keep up with the unfolding events without getting confused. I absolutely enjoyed this story.

[RjS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d like to thank The Niche Reader for introducing me to this new (to me) author. Having been lucky enough to read this first book as an ARC and to beta read the sequel, I am totally hooked and can’t wait for more.

I found the scene setting evocative - with a great sense of time and place. It felt well-researched and ‘real’. It was interesting to see the Greek civilization through different, less reverential eyes.

The story was exciting and I agree with a previous reviewer that it had a film-like feel. I could ‘see’ all the scenes.

Very enjoyable - and so refreshing to have an author explore a less familiar ancient civilization.

[Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Wind and Wolves is a beautiful mix of fantasy, adventure and coming of age. JM Elliot created one of the best female leads I’ve seen in recent fantasy novels, and her journey is personal, relatable to an extent, and dangerous. He also adequately checked off all the boxes for a good fantasy, with a well-developed medieval fantasy world full of different cultures, and he was able to immerse readers through his writing.

Of Wind and Wolves is an epic fantasy led by a strong female. Highly recommend to young women who enjoy fantasy novels.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG...I hate unfinished stories.

Would've been 5 stars but for the ending. The writer picked a horrendous time to end the book, leaving the reader more than a little ticked off!! Where's the 2nd book? Talk about left hanging! This is a wonderfully gritty story, realistic enough to anger you or make you cry at the hardships our FMC chooses to face. Even though I'm Extremely unhappy at how the story ends, I will wait anxiously for the next book.

[Adrian Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all historical fiction fans, this first book in The Steppe Saga will draw you into a compelling Scythian world of mythology and ancient history. Anaiti is an instantly relatable heroine and her world realistically visualised. The spare beauty and grit of the ancient Steppe is captured and reflected in sharp, elegant prose. Freedom and fate, duty and passion, expectation and surprise - saddle up for the great adventure!

[Phin Ejike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Wind and Wolves follows Anaiti, a young princess forced to marry into another tribe. The book subtly explores prejudice- with the main characters maternal tribe being constantly untrusted. While the book does this, JM Elliot delivers a strong main character that doesn’t feel cliched, playing into the femme fatale trope for fantasy audiences, while delivering a world that’s expansive- perfect for fantasy settings.

[shelby a snider · Rating 4 out of 5]

very well written

I wasn’t expecting to become engrossed in this story but…. I couldn’t lay it down. It was so well written and informative. Kudos to the author. Looking forward to book 2.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very interesting novel to read. I admit that I did have to do a little research on the Skythian Empire becausw I had never heard of them. I actually found out that empire was located in Asia and stretched from Mongolia to Iran so overall it was very impressive. There is also a touch or Greek mythology as well.
Our main focus is on the character Anaiti who is a princess of one of the tribes. Her father wants her to marry an aging King but she does not want to andd she sets out on another journey in order to achieve peace even if it means bloodshed. On this journey she learns the skills to be a good warrior and becomes close with some of the other warriors as well.
This book was indeed an interesting read from start to ending. It opened my eyes to another empire that I had no idea existed. The history lesson at the beginning was worth it and I can't wait to read what the author comes up with next.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Wind and Wolves follows the journey of Anaiti as she must wed the Skythian king to forge an alliance to help her tribe. Before she can marry, she must prove herself by collecting her ‘tally’- the scalp of an enemy she has defeated in battle. As a trained hamazon, she is no stranger to horsemanship and archery, but she has never taken a human life. This journey will be her ultimate test as she travels with a Skythian warband to complete her mission.

This story blew me away! The descriptions of the steppes were truly beautiful and I was immersed as I watched Anaiti engage with Skythian culture. Her character arc was complex and watching her struggle with her morality, assumptions, and womanhood was very satisfying. Her story is dark, bloody, and full of feminine rage. There are also elements of magic and romance that fleshed out the story without taking over the focus. This is the kind of historical fiction I didn’t know I needed. This is the first in a trilogy and I’m dying to read the next book.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

J. M. Elliott’s OF WIND AND WOLVES (The Steppe Saga Book 1) is a sweeping historical novel that blends mythic atmosphere with grounded emotional stakes, delivering a story that feels both intimate and epic in scope. Set against the harsh beauty of the fifth-century BCE steppe, the novel follows Anaiti, a trained rider and archer whose strength and independence are tested when she must prove herself worthy of both war and marriage. The cultural requirement that she take an enemy’s scalp before she can wed creates an immediate moral and emotional tension that drives the narrative forward with steady urgency.

Elliott’s prose leans toward the lyrical without sacrificing clarity, weaving poetic language into scenes of survival, loyalty, and sacrifice. Descriptions of the landscape and the rhythms of steppe life evoke a world shaped by wind, endurance, and tradition, while moments of reflection give the novel a mythological texture that enhances its historical grounding. The balance between brutality and tenderness is particularly effective: fierce battle sequences and the realities of warrior life sit alongside quieter scenes that explore duty, identity, and the fragile connections between people bound by honor.

At the center of the story is Anaiti herself, a compelling and deeply human protagonist. Her struggle to reconcile personal freedom with cultural expectation is rendered with nuance, making her journey both emotionally resonant and thematically rich. Rather than presenting strength as simple defiance, the novel shows how courage can exist alongside doubt, compassion, and sacrifice. This layered characterization allows readers to invest fully in her choices and their consequences.

With its fusion of historical detail, mythic resonance, and strong character work, OF WIND AND WOLVES offers an immersive reading experience that will appeal to fans of poetic historical fiction and character-driven epics alike. Elliott succeeds in crafting a narrative that feels expansive yet grounded, delivering a memorable introduction to what promises to be a powerful series.