One Saturday evening I opened Dan Smith's 'She Wolf' under low lighting, getting settled in my bed, and was immediately absorbed, excited and on tenterhooks. I haven't read a beginning soooo good in a long time, and there are lots of great openings out there.  In fact, it was so good a beginning that I dreamed about sinister wolf skulls that night and woke up wide-eyed like a child. Any book that gives me nightmares is a book that has worked sheer magic. I really don't want to say much about the plot because this a story much deeper, darker and heartening than you might expect. It is an imaginative tour de force. Dan Smith's writing is as taut as a bowstring; his descriptions let fly and strike with power. I was absolutely immersed in Northumbria 866, and quite honestly it gave me goosebumps on several occasions. Ylva is the fiercest and most brave, but flawed, character since Lyra in Northern Lights. I felt so much for her while admiring her grit and sheer force of will. I really want to see Ylva again - please!  ​There are lots of wonderful children's books out there. It really is a golden age. But I'm really not exaggerating when I say that 'She Wolf' is among others at the top of the mountain, howling its delights and staring you down with heart-pounding brilliance.

Thank you to Dan for arranging an early review copy for me! Whether you read one of Dan's children's book or his adult thrillers you will always be in for a treat, so I had very high expectations for this book. We have hosted him many times in Waterstones Durham and his books are loved by young and old alike. This book is clearly very well researched, includes Durham & my name in the acknowledgements so it is obviously going to be good - but how good? Well I have read this in 2 sittings, I did have a little sleep overnight mid way through - but I took it out to breakfast so as not to loose any potential reading time. The verdict: Excellent, Tense, Absorbing and quite a twisty tale when you try and decide which if any of the adults can be trusted. I will be very happy to recommend this to all when Dan comes to Durham to sign - 23rd March & then again for children's book group on 4 May - so good we invited him twice!

As the back cover says: This book in three words: Vikings. Vengeance. Wolves. You had me at Vikings! Dan Smith’s latest actioneer hauls us into the chill of 866AD, where survival and vengeance rule. We follow Ylva (eel-va) on her epic journey of revenge, as she learns of trust and bravery. I now can’t look at a group of trees without wondering if they are hiding a horde of Vikings! Axe-ellent stuff!

Rarely have I been so gripped and immersed in a book, right from the first chapter. She Wolf masterfully tells the story of Ylva, a Dane lost and alone in a hostile Northumbria during the Viking age. Her unfolding tale takes you on an adventure through a harsh winter in enemy territory, pursued by murderous villains, bears, and wolves. It was a violent time, a time of the primacy of revenge, and the story reflects that; but the violence is balanced by lessons of trust and bravery. The revelations are perfectly paced, each adding to the richness of Ylva's story; the setting is vivid and convincing; and the characters varied and engaging. Highly recommended.

A beautifully moving adventure that touches upon slavery, grief and revenge in a fantastic historical setting.