Foyles

(Paperback)

by Nicola G

A great read. I hurtled through it like a high-tech train through the Wildlands! The year is 2050. Imagine an area of northern England & southern Scotland, from coast to coast, that has been reserved for a massive rewilding project. Introduce all sorts of previously indigenous species, some back from extinction; banish all people; and then let nature do its thing. This is the Wildlands– a bold attempt to redress the damage done by people in the anthropocene. Now imagine a chain of events that would lead to two young girls becoming lost in the Wildlands, with only the clothes on their backs, a couple of satsumas and some festering sibling tension. You have the makings of a compelling adventure! I really enjoyed this middlegrade eco-adventure. I loved that the girls, despite being ill-equipped materially, were able to dig deep: using their intelligence, resilience and resourcefulness in adversity. I loved the girls’ opposing natures and views with regards the Wildlands and how the reader learns alongside Astrid to love the area and to see its wild beauty. I also loved Astrid’s parallel journey -of soul-searching & reconnection-which sees her seeing her sister anew too: it takes being lost in the wilds for her to really find herself. There is lots of information about the wildIife encountered and the knock-on effects on eco-systems by allowing nature to repair. I also liked the fact that critical thinking is invited: the pros and cons of the Wildlands intervention are presented. Raising questions of morality and the greater good. Take time to read the author’s note of their inspiration too. I found it uplifting and hopeful.

(Paperback)

by Krissy

What a stunning read! I have a 8yr old nature enthusiast and David Attenborough fan, safe to say also Brogen Murphy fan now! My children 8 and 10 were engrossed just as much as me with this story about family, survival and the captivating ability for nature to reclaim land previously occupied by humans! My 10yr old particularly enjoyed the survival aspect, my nature lover obviously enjoyed the nature aspect, and I adored the family relationship between Astrid and Indie! I laughed, cried and was biting my nails! Thank you for such a captivating read!

(Paperback)

by jazzy.in.the.wild

The Wildlands is a vast, untouched haven for nature, where once-extinct species can thrive undisturbed by humans - with Lynx, Bears, Wolves, Boars & Bison roaming freely. Human interference is forbidden in this part of the UK, with the exception of the high speed train that allows safe passage through the country. So when Astrid & Indie find themselves stranded all alone in the middle of the Wildlands, their survival skills are put to the test... This is an absolutely wonderful debut from Brogen Murphy, I can't wait to see what this author does next! Jam-packed full of adventure, inspiration and British wildlife, Wildlands is a beautiful story about the importance of nature, family and the power of rewilding. Alongside the wonderful wildlife facts & fantastic world building, this book will have you questioning absolutely everything about how we live on this beautiful planet. One of the questions that kept cropping up throughout the book is if it is possible for humans & nature to exist in the same spaces anymore, or can nature only truly thrive in our absence? There was something quite emotional reading about the incredible British species Astrid & Indie encountered on their journey - most of which are currently endangered or already lost in the wild. From wildcats to red squirrels, I don't think I have seen a single species that was mentioned in this book, which sadly will be the same for many others too. A very important book for all to read. I know young readers are going to find so much hope and strength in this book - just like Astrid & Indie. A huge thank you to @puffinbooksuk for the #gifted review copy! P.S. that might be the prettiest cover I have ever seen!

This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.

(Paperback)

by Selma - Waterstones Islington

I thought this was a great kids book! Near-future Britain has been rewilded and 2 sisters get stuck in the middle of the Wildlands. It covered some deep topics (e.g. removing people from their homes for the sake of nature; queer parenthood and the meaning of family) but without feeling patronizing. The adventure kept me hooked!

(Paperback)

by Jessie Grimes

Brilliant! I couldn’t put it down! I love the whole world that Murphy has created. Kids, in fact all of us, need to read stories where the future is hopeful and inspiring. The premise of the world in Wildlands is so optimistic! My 9 y/o nephew read the back of the book and immediately said “this is how the future SHOULD be!” The characters are so vividly painted, I love both the sisters equally in different ways. Astrid’s journey from surly teen only interested in her phone, to loving and understanding the Wildlands was so gorgeous. And Indie is just a bucket of joy! The back story of conception, identity and family is also so powerful. It’s great to see diversity of families in this age bracket so that kids can see themselves represented, or understand what their classmates families might look like. I read it in one sitting, couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to share it with everyone I know, kids and adults!

Wildlands: Exclusive Edition