Starred review from January 8, 2018
Set in a rugged Scottish landscape in the early 13th century, debut author Magras’s tale of courage and heroism centers on Drest, the youngest child and only daughter of Grimbol, the dreaded Mad Wolf of the North. As fierce Drest becomes a legend in her own right, she must confront difficult truths about her family’s storied past. Always protected by her father and five brothers, Drest has never ventured far from the headlands she calls home, but when her family is captured by knights from Faintree Castle, she must rely on her warrior training and intellect to save them. Traveling with a wounded knight abandoned by the enemy contingent, Drest has five days to reach the castle and trade the knight for her family’s freedom. Drest’s drive to help those in need wins her devoted allies, including a canny boy named Tig and his raven companion. Empathetic, bold, and entirely herself at a time when women were dismissed as weak, Drest shines in this fast-paced adventure. Ages 9–12. Agent: Adriann Ranta Zurhellen, Foundry Literary + Media.
