Wren by Lucy Hope - Book Review

Wren by Lucy Hope

Publication Date: 06th Oct 2022

Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fantasy 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming 

Wren lives in an ancient castle on the island of Anglesey in North Wales. She shares her home with her Pa, brother Tudur, and Aunt Efa (her mother’s sister). Wren is much like her mother, a daredevil who lost her life during an adventure. The same incident put Aunt Efa in a wheelchair (a steam-powered model). 

When Pa decides to send Wren to Airey’s school for spirited girls, she knows she has to find a way to stop it. Her plans inadvertently expose a long-buried secret. Now, it’s up to Wren to do what is right, even if it costs her everything. Can a twelve-year-old girl handle the responsibility on her young shoulders? 

My Observations: 

The story comes in the first person POV of Wren, giving us insights into her thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc. The start feels a little tentative but picks up pace after the first quarter. 

The atmospheric setting adds to the intrigue. The characters are pretty much two-dimensional, with some growth in the last quarter. It works well in the story (also because this is middle-grade fiction). 

I enjoyed scenes where Wren puts her foot down and gets really reckless. Yeah, not something we would encourage in kids, but this is fiction. There’s got to be some adventure and action for Wren to grow. 

The book doesn’t ignore the importance of personal safety. There are two scenes (kind of related) that stress the need to be careful even when being a daredevil (and how not doing it right can have adverse results). 

The steam-powered wheelchair and the Phoenix seamlessly blend with the historical setting. The combination of mechanics and myth works well in this one. Needless to say, I couldn’t stop chuckling when Aunt Efa zoomed about in her wheelchair and elaborate hairstyles. 

The gothic part wasn’t that impactful though the climax is very well done and detailed. I just wish the paranormal part was a little more impactful. I’m sure kids wouldn’t be scared. ;) 

The epilogue adds a lovely finishing touch to the story. The author’s note provides more information about the flying ships and her family's connection to them. 

To Summarize, Wren is a heartwarming story about a young girl who loves freedom and believes in doing the right thing. It’s a quick read too.

Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for the eARC.  

#Wren #NetGalley