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Wildlord
A suspenseful teen fantasy about young love, dark mystery and magic. 16-year-old orphan Tom Swinton is not looking forward to spending the summer at his boarding school. So when he receives a strange message from his uncle James, inviting him to visit his Suffolk farm, he jumps at the chance.
However, Tom quickly realises that something is menacing Mundham Farm. But does it come from outside, or within? The mystery deepens when Tom finds old diaries describing a romance with a member of a supernatural race known as the Samdhya.
As the secrets of the farm begin to unravel, pressure mounts, and Tom finds his loyalties under threat. On one hand, he is offered infinite power. On the other, his freedom. Which will he choose?
Tom must now face up to his parents’ deaths, and expose the truth about his uncle, and his relationship with the Samdhya. Who are these extraordinary creatures, and what has his uncle kept hidden for so long?
However, Tom quickly realises that something is menacing Mundham Farm. But does it come from outside, or within? The mystery deepens when Tom finds old diaries describing a romance with a member of a supernatural race known as the Samdhya.
As the secrets of the farm begin to unravel, pressure mounts, and Tom finds his loyalties under threat. On one hand, he is offered infinite power. On the other, his freedom. Which will he choose?
Tom must now face up to his parents’ deaths, and expose the truth about his uncle, and his relationship with the Samdhya. Who are these extraordinary creatures, and what has his uncle kept hidden for so long?
264 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 4, 2023
Tom is an orphan who must stay at boarding school during the boring summer months. When his uncle Jack invites him to stay the summer in the country, Tom jumps at the chance. However, it soon becomes apparent that Tom's uncle is hiding a devastating secret. Jack is using magic for unimaginable ends, and he expects Tom to be his heir and take over the magical responsibilities of their ancient family. But Tom worries that Jack is not telling the whole truth about the magic. Could there be evil at the root of it?
I really enjoyed the imaginative magic system and setting. It's very mystical and mysterious!
The plot is a little bit slow, but there is a lot of tension in the atmosphere that keeps your attention. I really liked the way different threads in the story hint at particular mysteries and then we see those threads connect later on in the story. However, there were a few things that weren't quite explained. The plot could have been a bit more cohesive.
The writing style is a bit discontinuous at times. For instance, there is a scene where the characters are eating in the kitchen and Zita asks Tom, "Do you dance, darling?" and she starts to do a "little jig" in the kitchen. Tom thinks to himself that his experience of dancing is "with music that wasn't anything like this..." But nowhere in the scene does it say that there is any music. I actually went back and reread the scene three times to see where the music was coming from. There is no mention of music. No one is humming or singing. There is no radio on. So why is a character reacting to music that doesn't exist? There are lots of little missing details like this that are confusing.
I loved the characters and their complex relationships. Tom is a great main character. I like that he's curious and always exploring around to find the truth. His mind is constantly analyzing and puzzling things through until he finds the answers.
I found it interesting that two of the side characters are trying desperately to be cheerful and find a little happiness in a bad situation. They have decided that even though their entire existence is torturous, they are determined to grasp onto whatever little pleasures and comforts they can find each day. So they dance and eat good food and enjoy the sunshine while they can. It's pitiful and heartbreaking and beautiful.
Overall, a good book, but it has a few continuity problems in the plot.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I really enjoyed the imaginative magic system and setting. It's very mystical and mysterious!
The plot is a little bit slow, but there is a lot of tension in the atmosphere that keeps your attention. I really liked the way different threads in the story hint at particular mysteries and then we see those threads connect later on in the story. However, there were a few things that weren't quite explained. The plot could have been a bit more cohesive.
The writing style is a bit discontinuous at times. For instance, there is a scene where the characters are eating in the kitchen and Zita asks Tom, "Do you dance, darling?" and she starts to do a "little jig" in the kitchen. Tom thinks to himself that his experience of dancing is "with music that wasn't anything like this..." But nowhere in the scene does it say that there is any music. I actually went back and reread the scene three times to see where the music was coming from. There is no mention of music. No one is humming or singing. There is no radio on. So why is a character reacting to music that doesn't exist? There are lots of little missing details like this that are confusing.
I loved the characters and their complex relationships. Tom is a great main character. I like that he's curious and always exploring around to find the truth. His mind is constantly analyzing and puzzling things through until he finds the answers.
I found it interesting that two of the side characters are trying desperately to be cheerful and find a little happiness in a bad situation. They have decided that even though their entire existence is torturous, they are determined to grasp onto whatever little pleasures and comforts they can find each day. So they dance and eat good food and enjoy the sunshine while they can. It's pitiful and heartbreaking and beautiful.
Overall, a good book, but it has a few continuity problems in the plot.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
September 1, 2022
Thanks very much for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book!
Wildlord follows an orphaned boy at a boarding school who gets swept into a fantasy world of magic and evil forces, which sounds like everything I love. The mystery was quite compelling, but for some reason I could not get invested in the characters or the plot and I found myself just turning pages.
It was written in a really classic fantasy style - may be perfect for Narnia fans, or the underrated Here There Be Dragons.
It wasn't for me, but it certainly wasn't bad!
Wildlord follows an orphaned boy at a boarding school who gets swept into a fantasy world of magic and evil forces, which sounds like everything I love. The mystery was quite compelling, but for some reason I could not get invested in the characters or the plot and I found myself just turning pages.
It was written in a really classic fantasy style - may be perfect for Narnia fans, or the underrated Here There Be Dragons.
It wasn't for me, but it certainly wasn't bad!
January 29, 2022
Tom Swinton, an orphan, is invited by his uncle to spend his holidays on his farm in Suffolk, and he is keen to go, because the alternative is to spend the holidays alone at the empty school, even though he has never met the uncle. When he arrives, he is met by a strange taciturn boy who seems to be his own age, and a somewhat more talkative but equally strange girl. His uncle, and the house are more strange still, and seems almost paranoid about setting up magical barriers to keep some fairy-like creatures at bay.
The more he learns about the place and his uncle, the less Tom likes it, and Tom wonders whether it might not be better to spend his holiday at school, but then there are obstacles to his leaving. His uncle seems to have invited Tom there for a sinister purpose, though it is difficult to find out what that purpose is, but Tom also discovers that he had magical powers of his own, which seem to run in the family. The only think that seems normal abut the place is the dog, which helps to keep Tom sane, and he also receives some support from a human girl who had joined the fairy-like Samdhya people.
I had to order this book specially, because the local bookshop did not stock it, but I learnt of it through a favourable mention on Twitter, and I hoped it might be a story in the tradition of the early Alan Garner, and in that I was not disappointed, and those who enjoyed the Harry Potter stories might also like it. It's a good and exciting read, though I thought some of the scenes at the climax were a bit over the top, and debated whether to give it four or five stars, but in then end thought it deserved five.
The more he learns about the place and his uncle, the less Tom likes it, and Tom wonders whether it might not be better to spend his holiday at school, but then there are obstacles to his leaving. His uncle seems to have invited Tom there for a sinister purpose, though it is difficult to find out what that purpose is, but Tom also discovers that he had magical powers of his own, which seem to run in the family. The only think that seems normal abut the place is the dog, which helps to keep Tom sane, and he also receives some support from a human girl who had joined the fairy-like Samdhya people.
I had to order this book specially, because the local bookshop did not stock it, but I learnt of it through a favourable mention on Twitter, and I hoped it might be a story in the tradition of the early Alan Garner, and in that I was not disappointed, and those who enjoyed the Harry Potter stories might also like it. It's a good and exciting read, though I thought some of the scenes at the climax were a bit over the top, and debated whether to give it four or five stars, but in then end thought it deserved five.
February 20, 2026
I read this after the second one, accidentally in the wrong order, but I’m so glad I did. The world building and magical elements were super, the pacing was really good and there weren’t too many characters to keep track of. I love that as well as the classic spells, transportation powers and shapeshifting, we also have the element of time travel in this world.
Wildlord follows 17 year old Orphan Tom Swindon, who receives a mysterious letter at his boarding school from a long lost uncle, urging him to come and stay at his family home in Suffolk. Tom goes and discovers things completely unlike anything he’s seen before, dealing with the supernatural, shape shifters, magic and more. He makes some new friends along the way, and learns a lot about his family and his place in the world.
My favourite character was Zita, she was so wonderfully observed and she was very witty and charming. The character development happens quite fast for everyone but it is impressive that a relatively short book manages to achieve that in so few pages.
I really enjoyed Wildlord, and now that I’ve read it, Ghostlord, which I read first, makes so much more sense. I’d recommend for ages 13 and up, it’s a really solid introduction into the fantasy genre. I’d say that it’s more accessible than other popular fantasy books, because there’s not too many instances of difficult words or massive amounts of prior ‘world context’ to understand, like in LOTR or His Dark Materials, which are both fab but a different level I feel.
Wildlord follows 17 year old Orphan Tom Swindon, who receives a mysterious letter at his boarding school from a long lost uncle, urging him to come and stay at his family home in Suffolk. Tom goes and discovers things completely unlike anything he’s seen before, dealing with the supernatural, shape shifters, magic and more. He makes some new friends along the way, and learns a lot about his family and his place in the world.
My favourite character was Zita, she was so wonderfully observed and she was very witty and charming. The character development happens quite fast for everyone but it is impressive that a relatively short book manages to achieve that in so few pages.
I really enjoyed Wildlord, and now that I’ve read it, Ghostlord, which I read first, makes so much more sense. I’d recommend for ages 13 and up, it’s a really solid introduction into the fantasy genre. I’d say that it’s more accessible than other popular fantasy books, because there’s not too many instances of difficult words or massive amounts of prior ‘world context’ to understand, like in LOTR or His Dark Materials, which are both fab but a different level I feel.
February 2, 2024
Elegant and atmospheric, yet restrained and well-paced. Unlike lots of teen magical/gothic/mystery sorts of supernatural tales that throw you into the action from the get-go, this book is a slow burner that builds up tension and mystery while dropping clues and suggestions of where it's headed. There isn't any early declaration about who is a Chosen One and there isn't any obvious macguffin. It's not even clear what sort of magic is going on, who the opposing forces are, or who is or isn't the "villain". That's all fine because our hero is a perceptive and engaging sort who dithers at first, but basically has his wits about him and so draws us into his complicated situation. The supporting characters have distinct and shifting sorts of personalities, which contributes to keeping our hero, and the reader, off balance. The buildup of creepy atmosphere, and introduction of doubt and dread is understated, but exceptionally effective for all that. And once things get up and running, the tale becomes gripping and quite satisfying. A wonderful and entertaining find.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
March 31, 2023
How often did I want an unknown relative to whisk me away to a secret mansion when I was a kid/teen? So often. Tom, who would otherwise be spending his summer at boarding school, is thrilled when he gets a letter from an unknown uncle inviting him to stay at his farm for the summer. But as Tom gets to know the land and the people that live there, he realizes that not everything is as it seems, and Tom has a difficult to choice to make.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding in this book. I enjoyed exploring this place just as much as Tom did. There were secrets and twists to discover around every corner. I enjoyed the mysteries as well. I think the best part of the book was the relationships forged between the characters. I also thought the addition of the dialects spoken by the characters lent a great authenticity to the characters. Dialects aren't done as often as they used to be and it was so fun to read in the characters' voices.
Great read for fantasy and mystery fans!
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding in this book. I enjoyed exploring this place just as much as Tom did. There were secrets and twists to discover around every corner. I enjoyed the mysteries as well. I think the best part of the book was the relationships forged between the characters. I also thought the addition of the dialects spoken by the characters lent a great authenticity to the characters. Dialects aren't done as often as they used to be and it was so fun to read in the characters' voices.
Great read for fantasy and mystery fans!
December 20, 2022
Interesting tale, not as easy to categorize as most. Tom, Zita and Kit are all characters you can't help but like and root for. Tom's uncle, however is deserving of intense dislike at the very least. How the trio with help from the Samdhyia, are able to save themselves, makes for a fine literary ride.
July 3, 2025
3.75
The first part of this book was a five star - Lyrical writing, instantly intruiging, exactly the kind of book child me would've loved.
But then as it moves on it gets progessively darker (it reminded me strongly of V E Schwab's Gallant) and towards the end the magic just gets a bit too free of rules & convoluted for my taste.
The first part of this book was a five star - Lyrical writing, instantly intruiging, exactly the kind of book child me would've loved.
But then as it moves on it gets progessively darker (it reminded me strongly of V E Schwab's Gallant) and towards the end the magic just gets a bit too free of rules & convoluted for my taste.
June 30, 2022
An enjoyable read. Interesting enough that I was able to read it fairly quickly but will I read it again? Unlikely. Still a good book though. Kit and Zita are probably my favourite characters here. I wanted a good life for Kit.
November 28, 2022
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This book started off good and had interesting characters. There were some twists and turns but after a bit; it was hard to get back into.
January 1, 2024
DNF’d Stopped at 25%.
B says: “The plot was weak, the characters were weak, the writing was weak. The main char was inconsistent. It felt cartoon-y in a cringey way.”
C says: “The plot was cliche and hard to follow, the characters were weird (and not in a good way), the writing was not my jam.”
B says: “The plot was weak, the characters were weak, the writing was weak. The main char was inconsistent. It felt cartoon-y in a cringey way.”
C says: “The plot was cliche and hard to follow, the characters were weird (and not in a good way), the writing was not my jam.”
May 21, 2023
A suspenseful tale of ancient sorcery as it clashes with wild magic, Wildlord explores those unknown realms that exist on the other side of the world we know so well. With exquisite, textural world-building and rich characterisation and relationships, the clear, simple writing anchors the reader as it reveals complicated and conflicting ideas. We are standing on uncertain ground. It slides, twists and conjures unimagined possibilities that pull at us, demand we look at what is hidden, not what is obvious. The story questions our own concepts as it deals with loyalty, friendship and the lure of power. Darkly evocative, atmospheric and wild, this is magic of a most unsettling nature that tests and triumphs.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews