Wren to the Rescue

Wren #1

by Sherwood Smith

With the help of a prince and an apprentice wizard, Wren strives to rescue her best friend, a princess named Tess, from the fortress of a wicked king.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Magic

216 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1990

About the author

I am a writer,( Patreon here) but I'm on Goodreads to talk about books, as I've been a passionate reader as long as I've been a writer--since early childhood.

I'm not going to rate books--there are too many variables. I'd rather talk about the reading experience. My 'reviews' of my books are confined to the writing process.

Reviews

[Sherwood Smith]

I wish they would show the original covers, which are so very much nicer.

This series was conceived when I was in high school. What happened was, a friend from Dutch Indonesia asked me somewhat wistfully to write a story with a heroine who wasn't tall, with pure white skin and golden hair and blue (or emerald) eyes. So I proposed writing a story about a brown girl with brown eyes and dark curly hair . . . but another friend scolded me, saying that a WASP like me should not presume to write about a minority heroine, as I did not know the least about how minority people felt while living in WASP-majority America.

So I compromised, letting Wren's stripey hair be a secret signal for the fact that she wasn't all white--in later books I slipped in her brown skin, and made her short and round, rather than tall and elfin.

I kept all that when I rewrote it for publication in 1990.

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just reread this to see if it would be good for my niece. It help up pretty well to adult reading -- in fact I think I may have enjoyed it more. I can't have loved it as a kid since I didn't reread it or continue the series beyond the second book, which I don't recall the plot of. Maybe it felt too juvenile to me then (I think that was how I felt about Smith's YA books as teen, as well). Now I may actually look for more with Wren. After all, the evil king is sure to try for revenge, and I'm curious about the mysterious party who helped him gain his unusual powers.

[Andrea]

Re-reading this series as a kind of palate cleanser - so wonderful to have scads of female characters - especially ones who aren't aliens from Planet Women-Are-Inscrutable-Vixens.

Wren is indefatigable - but my fave is Idres, a powerful mage with a bad reputation.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love just about everything about this book except the front cover--Wren looks like a total derp.
Otherwise, it is a truly fun story about magic and friendship. The princess gets kidnapped by an evil magician and Wren sets out on a quest to save the day. It is familiar storyline but executed well.

[Melissa McShane]

For an explanation of why I read this book, click here.

Well, this is embarrassing. I picked this one for Project 53 because it's a series by Sherwood Smith I've never read--only apparently I have, and have no memory of doing so. Even reading it didn't trigger any memories, but here it is in my Goodreads record from ten years ago and not in my reading history spreadsheet. So I'm going to go ahead with it being a new read.

And it's charming and fun! I liked Wren and the trouble she gets into, and I love how devoted she is to her friend. But I especially love the way the story walks the line between "the children are the heroes who save the day" and "no responsible adult would let kids go into danger like that." Every act makes perfect sense. I wish I had my Utah library on hand, because I know I own the rest of the series, and I could read it immediately. But that will have to wait for later.

[Quicksilver_ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my childhood favorites, and although it's aimed at a younger audience I still occasionally re-read it as an adult.

I found the title a little silly even when I first read it at age eleven, but the unusual name (Wren) drew me to at least read the summary on the back, which lead me to read the first page... and then I was hooked. Wren is a cheerful, energetic protagonist who immediately captured my heart, I quickly grew fond of the other youthful protagonists, and I loved reading their adventures.

However, what really made this book memorable for me was a supporting cast member who was both an adult and morally ambiguous -- even though these were both character traits I found hard to respect as a child.

At age eleven, I had never really questioned why villains did bad things, assuming they did evil for the sake of doing evil. It took this key adult character relating her childhood (her family did not speak of morality, but simply of power, and what it could accomplish) to get me questioning the characterization and motivation of antagonists. (Somewhat ironically, the Evil Emperor in this book comes off as a pretty standard "evil because he wants to be" villain.)

This character is not the only adult character I found likable in the Wren series. Unlike the adults in so many childrens' books that feature clueless and/or boring adults, the adult characters in this book are written as competent, complex people whose interactions with the child protagonists are marked with understanding and attention rather than condescension.

So I remember this book not only because it was fun and exciting, but because it quietly broke from the cliches I had grown used to, and because I learned from it.

[Wealhtheow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wren is a young orphan whose bff Tess confesses that far from being an orphan too, she's actually their country's princess. The time has come for Tess to stop hiding from her parents' enemies, and she takes Wren along to the palace for courage and companionship. Once there, they see the king and queen--but Tess is abruptly kidnapped! While the powerful nobility gather their forces for war, Wren slips away unnoticed to mount her own rescue attempt. She is quickly joined by two Mage prentices, who have secrets and causes of their own. The three young would-be-heroes undertake the quest together.

The plot itself is fairly simple and straightforward. It's the characterization that shines here. Wren is the very definition of "pluck": stalwart and true to her friends, always resourceful and cheerful. Far too many fantasy novels [i]tell[/i] us that the companions become friends, but this quest showcases their growing trust and friendship. And I 100% bought that Tess and Wren had been friends since infancy, from their in-jokes to their rock-hard belief in each other.

This is a really sweet fantasy novel, particularly for tweens. There's no forced romance, but there's loads of believable, heartfelt friendships and low-key heroism.

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I read a story with a quest that involves traveling across fantasy-world country, I can’t help but think and compare it to Lord of the Rings. And while there were some similarities (the creatures they met, the impending war, the evil mastermind lording over a bleak country…) there was plenty of originality to this, from energetic Wren (with some of the most creative phrases I’ve ever heard!), to Prince Connor (loved his reputation at the magic school! Though with his willingness to jump into battle all the time, one wonders why he was sent to the magic school to begin with). And, yes, things felt a bit contrived at times (with all the teleportation going on, you’d think they would have used that rather than crossing country on foot), but I still enjoyed the trip. I immediately had to request the next book in the series from the library.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun girls adventure book. I like it when characters have to go on a quest. The book was a little jumbuly. She adds characters that you wonder why they are here in this book, they have no relevance (the brother with the army)(the Uncle) but I think they are set up for the next book. You can tell the author has this whole world detailed out in her head and we just get a glimps of it in this book. I liked Wren she is funny, plucky and knows when to keep her mouth shut. I thought it unrealistic at first but then you discover she has her characteristic because of living in the orphanages. I will be reading the rest of this series to see how Wren does.

[annapi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series appears to be more for young adults than the Crown Duel/Court Duel duology. Wren and Tess, best friends who live in an orphanage, are around 12-13 years old when Tess tells Wren her secret - she is a princess who has been in hiding from a magician who threatens her. Now it's time to go back to her family, and she asks Wren to come along. But when Tess is kidnapped, Wren is fiercely determined to do anything she can to get her back. With the help of a prentice from the magic school and a relative of Tess', the three youngsters set off to the rescue.

A little choppy in the pacing and telling in parts, this story nevertheless was a fun and enjoyable romp. I loved the characters, who all develop nicely, and in particular Wren, who begins to show an aptitude for magic. I have enjoyed Smith's books very much so far, and look forward to Wren's next adventure.

[Elentarien · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly simple read and a semi-classic fantasy. Prisoner taken, questors head off to the big-bad fortress to rescue said prisoner. But still, it was a fun, and fairly light read. The children were a bit younger than I expected, but they came across well enough to be able to handle the adventure, and when the main character gets shape-changed things take an interesting little twist.

Good ending, and all comes right, as a proper story should. Nothing to heavy or dark in the story, so it was quite enjoyable for a light read.

I did find the 'modern' speech of the children a little bit odd, given the 'medieval' type world they were in, but it did make it easier to follow rather than stiff speech that one might otherwise expect.

[Jaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ADORED this series when I was a little kid. I remember thinking that while it was kind of a worn-out story (orphan girl suddenly realizes she's a princess with powers!) it was a lot more complex than other fantasy books I was reading at the time (I was all of 9. So.) There was a lot more discussion of politics and how each character had something they wanted, and those wants often conflicted. I think it was the first book I read that actually made me think about whether or not I agreed with what the "good guys" were doing, or if the "villains" were all that bad.

I really want to re-read this book and see how I feel about it as an adult. :) But I seriously LOVED these as a kid.

[Rachel Feeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy read with a cousin. Gets four thumbs up, proving once again that children's/MG stories can be engaging for all ages, Sherwood Smith is amazing, and there was amazing 'modern' style fantasy before Harry Potter. This is the story of Wren, who grew up in an orphanage and always wished she was a princess or adventurer or at least a grand thespian. Turns out, her best friend actually is a secret princess, and soon a dramatic kidnapping by an evil sorcerer sends Wren on a quest with a magic student and a quirky prince to save her best friend, and possibly the kingdom.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read! I read this not too long after it first came out, when I was in 8th or 9th grade, and I've re-read it several times since. Still a cracking good adventure and a comfort read.

I wish _someone_ would publish book 4 in this series! IIRC, Sherwood Smith has had it written for ages.

Also, re-reading it as an adult has made me want to know more about the adults, who are necessarily somewhat secondary to the kids in this one. Idres Rhiscarlan fanfic, anyone?

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It's a fun book, and even though they're off delaying a giant war it's interesting. The characters all have their own quirks, and it's told in a wonderful fashion. The characters have wonderful relationships between each other and this book can't help but make you smile. I've reread this for the fifth time and it's just as joyful as the first time.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, well-rounded, and relatable characters. Wren is imperfect but not the overused imperfectly perfect heroine. The kids are smart and spunky but not ridiculously precocious, and the adults are given their due as full characters, even the villains and antiheroes. The story sucks you in, and the world building is good.

[Jacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming story of what it means to be friends. Wren finding that her best friend needs her begins a journey to be there for her no matter what. Wren is a true friend braving everything that could go wrong to show that she meant everything that she shared with Teressa. A very good read!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I'm aware this is a children's book but it's better written than many YA and adult novels I have read. Step up your game, people. There are lots of interesting plot details woven together into a story that is fun for both younger and older readers. Good stuff!

[Reepacheep · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written story about a young orphan and her friends and the quest that brings them all together. I enjoyed it immensely myself and would consider reading it to my children.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is still on my self, and it barely holds together. Another tale of adventure from my childhood days that I found captivating!

[KateNZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wren and Tess are best friends in the orphanage. When they're not weeding, darning socks or deterring bullies, they enjoy acting out adventures from old stories and plays. Then their lives become a real adventure. Tess returns to her true life as a princess, only to be kidnapped. Wren needs to go to her rescue, with a magic apprentice and a minor royal for company, and some assistance from complex older magics in the background.

The book is obviously written primarily for children, but it's also appealing for adult readers. It's well written, accessible without being simplistic, and with a nicely nuanced focus on friendships, loyalty and honesty. There's a pleasant innocence to it, an unapologetically straightforward adventure story. Most characters have a degree of depth to them too - bad king Andreus is an exception, but there are hints that we might find out more about his motivations and character in the rest of the series.

I'll definitely read the others in the series, and will also try some of Sherwood Smith's others.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

I somehow lost track of reading Sherwood Smith after a binge a few years ago and am delighted to discover how many stories I haven't read yet. This one reminds me a bit of Tamora Pierce's Circle or Magic (one of my all time favorite series), or maybe Dealing with Dragons -- in any case -- it reminds me of favorite books for your magic seekers. Great characters, great quest, new and interesting world, satisfying storyline. There's a little bit too much deus ex machina that occurs, but in a way I like it because I think it links to a larger storyline, and I am very much interested to see where stubborn, loyal, pragmatic Wren ends up next.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple enough story, but it’s fun to see certain tropes played around with or outright subverted. The main character isn’t the secret princess; it’s her best friend. And she’s not implausibly smarter and stronger and braver than everyone including adults; she’s just determined to do whatever she can to help save her friend. She has a few unorthodox tricks she’s picked up from her hardscrabble orphan background, plus the very fact that she and her companions are callow kids is part of what lets them slip beneath the bad guy’s radar, at least initially. Good for tweens and younger teens. I might read more of the series at some point.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an adventure book with a girl who is trying to rescue her princess friend who had been kid-napped for political reasons. There is magic, some adults helping out when most needed and it had no disgusting, horrible things happening. I'd call it a light read and a good one for young teenagers. I know Sherwood Smith has written a number of books, so I might seek out others. This one may even have a sequel.

[Lily Evangeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember, very vaguely, reading this book when I was much younger and loving it a great deal. I’d quite forgotten about it until I came across it on goodreads. Rereading it now, I’m not sure I can love it quite as purely as I did the first time around (such is the cost of growing up), but in the spirit of 10-year-old Lily, I liked it very much. It’s exactly everything a children’s fantasy book should be, and I appreciated the chance to be young and dreaming of adventure again.

[Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly an early book, with a structure very much based on sequential threats dealt with and move on to the next. Some nice characterisation, but fairly mundane. (But I did buy the rest on Kindle, so there's that.)

Like many Brits I suspect, my initial reaction to the title was to think of a WW2 naval adventure!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pretty average fantasy book. No character development or very interesting features at all. I like that the main character and hero is female but she has a big ego and makes very few mistakes, let alone learns from them.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun adventure story. Wren is a matter-of-fact main character - no emotional drama here, which is a nice change of pace from a lot of books in this genre these days. I'm not sure that I'll remember the plot or characters a year from now, though.

[Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt comfortable, like a deep chair under a trusty lamp. I love Wren being the driver of her quest and ultimately the one to succeed in it.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars