This book doesn't quite fit in with my usual reading preferences. I typically avoid books with wolves as a major plot point, perhaps because they almost always give me werewolf romance vibes. It also isn’t particularly dark.

However, I have a soft spot for tribal-like and nomadic society stories, and this didn’t fail to disappoint in that (or any other) aspect. Unexpectedly, it also had arena fights, which are another soft spot of mine! It flitted between medium and fast paced throughout, with the plot unfolding in good time and producing a late-book plot twist that was not entirely unexpected but still quite satisfying.

As suspected, this wasn’t really dark, but it was filled with action and light but natural character work and worldbuilding. It isn’t overly complex, and I’ll classify this as a fun and easy read without the typical epic fantasy bog to wade through. The cast of characters was small and the plot was left with a solid conclusion in addition to plenty of hints as to the future of the series.

The FMC was quick-witted and a good problem solver, which is something I always appreciate over power/brute-force resolutions. Problems didn’t resolve easily or quickly either, so every point of victory and failure held a bit more weight.

There was the slowest of burns side plot romance that I suspect will take more shape in future books. I don’t think there’s enough romance in it to deter those who aren’t fans of romance, as it’s just a subtle, occasional thing in the interactions that doesn’t amount to actual romance content. It added to the story and had a place in moving the plot forward.

This is a very intriguing story. With warriors, wolves, bears. It’s also full of interesting people & different lands. Fun read.

Astrid’s lifelong ambition is to become an Ulfsarka-to be bonded with an Amorak wolf-a wolf the size of a horse-and together become an elite unit of hunter warrior.

At age 19 Astrid finds Fate is leading her somewhere else.

I really enjoyed learning about this new world and its inhabitants. Looking forward to book two!