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The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars
A boy and his pet fox go on a quest to find a wolf who has eaten all the stars in the sky before the Shadow Witch destroys the stars and removes good magic from the world forever.
Long ago, the land of Ulv was filled with magic. But that was before a wolf ate all the Stars in the night sky, ridding the world of magic and allowing Shadow Creatures, beasts made of shadow and evil, to flourish. Twelve-year-old Bo knows the stories but thinks the Stars and the wolf who ate them are nothing more than myths—until the day Bo’s guardian, Mads, is attacked by a giant wolf straight from the legends. With his dying breath, Mads tells Bo that Ulv is in danger and the only way to prevent the Shadow Creatures from taking over is to return the Stars to the sky.
And so Bo—accompanied by his best friend, a fox called Nix, a girl named Selene who’s magic is tied to the return of the Stars, and Tam, a bird-woman who has vowed to protect Bo at all costs—sets off on a quest to find the three magical keys that will release the Stars. But Bo isn’t the only one who wants the Stars, and the friends soon find themselves fleeing angry villagers, greedy merchants, and a vengeful wolf. And all the while, an evil witch lurks in the shadows and time is running out.
Long ago, the land of Ulv was filled with magic. But that was before a wolf ate all the Stars in the night sky, ridding the world of magic and allowing Shadow Creatures, beasts made of shadow and evil, to flourish. Twelve-year-old Bo knows the stories but thinks the Stars and the wolf who ate them are nothing more than myths—until the day Bo’s guardian, Mads, is attacked by a giant wolf straight from the legends. With his dying breath, Mads tells Bo that Ulv is in danger and the only way to prevent the Shadow Creatures from taking over is to return the Stars to the sky.
And so Bo—accompanied by his best friend, a fox called Nix, a girl named Selene who’s magic is tied to the return of the Stars, and Tam, a bird-woman who has vowed to protect Bo at all costs—sets off on a quest to find the three magical keys that will release the Stars. But Bo isn’t the only one who wants the Stars, and the friends soon find themselves fleeing angry villagers, greedy merchants, and a vengeful wolf. And all the while, an evil witch lurks in the shadows and time is running out.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published November 17, 2020
20 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
About the author
Shivaun Plozza
9 books136 followersShivaun Plozza is an award-winning author of books for children and young adults. Her debut novel, Frankie, was a CBCA Notable Book and won a number of awards, including the Davitt Awards and a commendation from the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award. Her second novel, Tin Heart, sold in three foreign territories, received two starred reviews, and was nominated to ALA’S Best Fiction for Young Adults list. Her debut middle-grade novel, The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars, is forthcoming in 2020 from HMH Books for Young Readers and Penguin Random House Australia. She is a frequent contributor to anthologies, and when she is not writing she works as an editor and manuscript assessor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 27, 2020
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by AB Endacott
I was watching an interview with Neil Gaiman in which they discussed the fact that his children’s books were far more terrifying than those written for older readers. That thought kept returning to my mind as I read The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars by Shivaun Plozza. While it is for younger readers, that doesn’t make it in any way reductionist. Far from it. The couple of chapters were among the most haunting and terrifying that I’d read in some time, and there were points across the story where I was on the verge of tears, which is something unusual for me to experience when reading.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
I was watching an interview with Neil Gaiman in which they discussed the fact that his children’s books were far more terrifying than those written for older readers. That thought kept returning to my mind as I read The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars by Shivaun Plozza. While it is for younger readers, that doesn’t make it in any way reductionist. Far from it. The couple of chapters were among the most haunting and terrifying that I’d read in some time, and there were points across the story where I was on the verge of tears, which is something unusual for me to experience when reading.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
December 15, 2020
I'm a sucker for books that manage to tackle complex, darker morals while still making the material managable for younger readers and The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars definitely does not disappoint there.
Carried by the adventure on its heart, this book is a beautiful look into friendship, belonging, grief, how society views us, and how we choose to view ourselves.
Carried by the adventure on its heart, this book is a beautiful look into friendship, belonging, grief, how society views us, and how we choose to view ourselves.
February 15, 2021
Wowza! This story was everything & more. Absolutely loved it! Long ago the world used to be full of magic before the wolf ate all of the Stars in the sky. But that rid the world of magic, & allowed evil Shadow creatures to flourish. Bo thinks this is all a myth until his guardian Mads is attacked by a wolf straight from legend. Magic has been unlocked. W/his dying breath he tells Bo that the whole world is in danger, & the only way to prevent the shadow creature from taking over is to return the Stars to the sky. So Bo & his pet fox Nix go on a quest to find the wolf who ate all the stars in the sky before the Shadow Witch destroys the stars, & removes good magic from the world forever. Along the way he meets Tam(a bird woman who vowed to protect him), & Selene(whose magic is tied to the return of the stars), & they join him & Nix on their quest to find 3 magical keys that will release the Stars. He isn’t the only 1 who wants the stars though. They have to deal w/greedy merchants, angry villagers, & a vengeful wolf. There is also a witch lurking waiting to steal the stars. So good! My heart aches for each of this group of friends. Such a unique & creative story. I was so engrossed, & read this so fast. Bo & his friends are amazing, & are all connected by a same heartache they each have known. Great messages on friendship, grief, belonging, anger, abandonment, mob mentality, & how others see us & how in turn, we see ourselves. Such a great lesson of how to not let anger overtake you, & to not let hate win. A beautifully written story, & a great adventure w/a found family that I love so much. Nix has my heart of course. Highly recommend! Beautiful cover by Julia Iredale too!💜”But their hate isn’t my responsibility.” “..I won’t let hate win.”-Bo
October 28, 2020
| Read on Reader Fox |
Their hate isn't my responsibility.
There's something thoroughly poetic about the premise behind Shivaun Plozza's The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars. This is probably the most I've felt whisked away into a fairytale while reading a book in a long time. And it was amazing. I kind of entered this book not really knowing what to expect and I left it feeling like I'd experienced an entire world and made new incredible friends along the way.
The Boy
The story begins with Bo, an orphaned child who is ostracized by the village he lives near thanks to some unfounded rumors that he is in league with evil. In a world where the night sky is empty of stars and the setting of the sun brings about dark creatures of every sort, young Bo has been tasked with caring for a very important tree.
But despite his caretaker's vehement instructions, one evening as Bo finds himself envying the kids who have friends, he neglects his duties.
All in one night, magic begins to return to and along with it comes an evil that must be faced. The tale of the wolf who swallowed the stars is at the forefront of Bo's journey. It's a truly entrancing and harrowing tale. Though the directions he receives are simple, Bo is in for an incredibly difficult quest. One in which he is to return the stars to the sky and save their world.
The Wolf
The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars has the most superb world-building through which the author has built Bo's story. I was incredibly captivated by the way the plot was interwoven with the lore. A number of chapters have excerpts from the histories of Ulv, slowly building upon your insight and knowledge of Bo's realm.
As the story progresses, it becomes incredibly easy to grow quite attached to the characters. For me, none was more endearing than young Nix, a fox who accompanies Bo on his travels. But there are also a bird woman called Tam and young Selene, a girl very impacted by the return of magic. Each have their own struggles to contend with, everything merging with the theme of families we build for ourselves.
And the Stars
Admittedly, as endearing as I found this book, I didn't feel a lot emotionally toward it. That is, right up til the end. In a surprising turn of events, the conclusion of Bo and everyone's tale breaks your heart several times over before the quest's goal is fulfilled. It genuinely feels as though the author left all the emotional punches for those final chapters, hitting you one by one in a short span of time.
And it's really poignant in the end. Though I'll freely admit that the first big emotional hit really made me mad, the way it culminates was actually incredibly brilliant.
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Their hate isn't my responsibility.
There's something thoroughly poetic about the premise behind Shivaun Plozza's The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars. This is probably the most I've felt whisked away into a fairytale while reading a book in a long time. And it was amazing. I kind of entered this book not really knowing what to expect and I left it feeling like I'd experienced an entire world and made new incredible friends along the way.
The Boy
The story begins with Bo, an orphaned child who is ostracized by the village he lives near thanks to some unfounded rumors that he is in league with evil. In a world where the night sky is empty of stars and the setting of the sun brings about dark creatures of every sort, young Bo has been tasked with caring for a very important tree.
But despite his caretaker's vehement instructions, one evening as Bo finds himself envying the kids who have friends, he neglects his duties.
All in one night, magic begins to return to and along with it comes an evil that must be faced. The tale of the wolf who swallowed the stars is at the forefront of Bo's journey. It's a truly entrancing and harrowing tale. Though the directions he receives are simple, Bo is in for an incredibly difficult quest. One in which he is to return the stars to the sky and save their world.
The Wolf
The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars has the most superb world-building through which the author has built Bo's story. I was incredibly captivated by the way the plot was interwoven with the lore. A number of chapters have excerpts from the histories of Ulv, slowly building upon your insight and knowledge of Bo's realm.
As the story progresses, it becomes incredibly easy to grow quite attached to the characters. For me, none was more endearing than young Nix, a fox who accompanies Bo on his travels. But there are also a bird woman called Tam and young Selene, a girl very impacted by the return of magic. Each have their own struggles to contend with, everything merging with the theme of families we build for ourselves.
And the Stars
Admittedly, as endearing as I found this book, I didn't feel a lot emotionally toward it. That is, right up til the end. In a surprising turn of events, the conclusion of Bo and everyone's tale breaks your heart several times over before the quest's goal is fulfilled. It genuinely feels as though the author left all the emotional punches for those final chapters, hitting you one by one in a short span of time.
And it's really poignant in the end. Though I'll freely admit that the first big emotional hit really made me mad, the way it culminates was actually incredibly brilliant.
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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December 29, 2020
Voy a pensármelo un poquito mejor.
Calificación provisional.
Calificación provisional.
November 24, 2020
Why is it that middle-grade books have the best ability to nearly reduce me to tears? A story about a boy who makes a mistake and puts in a phenomenal effort to put it right with the help of his newfound friends who become more of a family. You can’t help but feel for Bo – even though he technically has the most basic needs met, he lacks a home. Without Nix, I have a feeling the Bo we go on an adventure within The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars would not be the same boy. The story behind the Un-King and his mentality remind me of a character that you would find in Wonderland. Tam was by far my favorite character (besides Nix), and seeing her dedication to Bo was heart-warming.
The land of Ulv is beautifully described – even right down to the gloomy and haunting forests, the names of which have more meaning than Bo thought they did. The finished book will feature a map, and I can’t wait to see it – I LOVE book maps. My favorite area was the Forest of Tid, and I would be just as enchanted with it as Bo was. Tam’s home with the Korahku, while interesting, would be downright creepy – I’m not entirely sure I would be willing to enter that area of Ulv. I will admit I wish the story covered the weird beasties that often get mentioned throughout the story better. Are they real? I know at least some of them turned out to be.
“Doesn’t mean I’ll forget what they did and it doesn’t excuse it,” he said. “It means I won’t give them power over me anymore. Because that’s what hate does. It gets me all tangled up with people who don’t even care about me — trying to figure out why they treat me bad, what I did wrong, how I can get my revenge on them. But their hate isn’t my responsibility. I’ll do what I can to put things right but I won’t hate them; I won’t punish them like for like. I’ll fight back. I’ll make a difference. I might even forgive them one day, if they earn it. But I won’t let hate win.”
The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars was such a beautiful, mesmerizing book sprinkled with tough subjects for middle-grade readers. To name a few – the death of a loved one, abandonment, anger/hatred, mob mentality, and last but not least, warped opinions. It also has its fair share of positive things for kids to learn – the beauty of found family, defying ignorance, hate, and tradition, standing up for yourself and others, and believing in yourself. I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy magic, found family, middle-grade, and fantasy. If there ever happens to be a continuation of this story I will 100% read it. A huge thank you to TBR & Beyond, HMH Books for Young Readers, and Shivaun Plozza for the opportunity to read this beautiful adventure of a boy, his fox, and his chosen family – all opinions are my own.
The land of Ulv is beautifully described – even right down to the gloomy and haunting forests, the names of which have more meaning than Bo thought they did. The finished book will feature a map, and I can’t wait to see it – I LOVE book maps. My favorite area was the Forest of Tid, and I would be just as enchanted with it as Bo was. Tam’s home with the Korahku, while interesting, would be downright creepy – I’m not entirely sure I would be willing to enter that area of Ulv. I will admit I wish the story covered the weird beasties that often get mentioned throughout the story better. Are they real? I know at least some of them turned out to be.
“Doesn’t mean I’ll forget what they did and it doesn’t excuse it,” he said. “It means I won’t give them power over me anymore. Because that’s what hate does. It gets me all tangled up with people who don’t even care about me — trying to figure out why they treat me bad, what I did wrong, how I can get my revenge on them. But their hate isn’t my responsibility. I’ll do what I can to put things right but I won’t hate them; I won’t punish them like for like. I’ll fight back. I’ll make a difference. I might even forgive them one day, if they earn it. But I won’t let hate win.”
The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars was such a beautiful, mesmerizing book sprinkled with tough subjects for middle-grade readers. To name a few – the death of a loved one, abandonment, anger/hatred, mob mentality, and last but not least, warped opinions. It also has its fair share of positive things for kids to learn – the beauty of found family, defying ignorance, hate, and tradition, standing up for yourself and others, and believing in yourself. I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy magic, found family, middle-grade, and fantasy. If there ever happens to be a continuation of this story I will 100% read it. A huge thank you to TBR & Beyond, HMH Books for Young Readers, and Shivaun Plozza for the opportunity to read this beautiful adventure of a boy, his fox, and his chosen family – all opinions are my own.
November 19, 2020
4.5 stars
The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars is definitely a middle grade story that took me by surprise and in a good way. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down. Bo's story sucked me in and wouldn't let me go until the very end.
This book deals with a lot of heavier subjects, but in a way for this age group to understand without making it childish. Themes like grief, abandonment, greed and forgiveness are talked about during Bo's adventures. The characters Bo meet along the way help support these themes and make Bo understand them more. I loved the cast of characters in this story, even if Nix will always be my favorite. There's definitely a soft spot in my heart for him.
The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars is an emotional read. I actually had tears in my eyes near the end. That doesn't happen often when I read middle grade books. Shivaun Plozza definitely had me bonding with these characters and I could feel the emotions they were feeling. Besides the heavier emotions in this book, there is a magical adventure with myths and fairytales. My favorite of that being chapters of The True Histories of Ule. These little excerpts are more lighthearted and even have some sarcasm hidden in their stories. I saw it as a great addition in this book.
As I said, grief is a bigger part of the story and I do want people to be aware of this. It could be a hard book to read for children and even adults dealing with their own loss (human or animal). I would really highly recommend this adventure though. The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars is a book I won't be forgetting anytime soon!
The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars is definitely a middle grade story that took me by surprise and in a good way. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down. Bo's story sucked me in and wouldn't let me go until the very end.
This book deals with a lot of heavier subjects, but in a way for this age group to understand without making it childish. Themes like grief, abandonment, greed and forgiveness are talked about during Bo's adventures. The characters Bo meet along the way help support these themes and make Bo understand them more. I loved the cast of characters in this story, even if Nix will always be my favorite. There's definitely a soft spot in my heart for him.
The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars is an emotional read. I actually had tears in my eyes near the end. That doesn't happen often when I read middle grade books. Shivaun Plozza definitely had me bonding with these characters and I could feel the emotions they were feeling. Besides the heavier emotions in this book, there is a magical adventure with myths and fairytales. My favorite of that being chapters of The True Histories of Ule. These little excerpts are more lighthearted and even have some sarcasm hidden in their stories. I saw it as a great addition in this book.
As I said, grief is a bigger part of the story and I do want people to be aware of this. It could be a hard book to read for children and even adults dealing with their own loss (human or animal). I would really highly recommend this adventure though. The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars is a book I won't be forgetting anytime soon!
June 7, 2021
3.5 stars
Bo was left in the forest to die as a baby and were since the people who live in the village have believed he is cursed. After his guardian dies and the shadow creatures plaguing the land worsen, Bo and his fox best friend Nix, go on a quest to find the stars and bring good magic back to the world.
The Boy, The Wolf and The Stars is such a sweet story about grief, friendship, acceptance and forgiveness. It gave me Harry Potter/Magisterium vibes without the school setting. Bo talks to Nix and answers back to him like he can actually talk and its so cute!
At the start of their journey they make a friend called Tam a 700 year old bird/human. Tam joins them on finding the stars, despite believing it pointless. It wouldn't be a middle grade book without a few bumps in the way, in the form of a wolf, angry townspeople, an unking, a witch and Gavin.
The ending was heartbreaking and I was trying to read as fast as I could to make sure everyone would get a happy ending. I loved the magic system and the world as it was so interesting and different to what I've seen before.
If you are after a warm hearted, feel good book that has a good story and messages but also kind deep and dark, I would recommend this book.
Bo was left in the forest to die as a baby and were since the people who live in the village have believed he is cursed. After his guardian dies and the shadow creatures plaguing the land worsen, Bo and his fox best friend Nix, go on a quest to find the stars and bring good magic back to the world.
The Boy, The Wolf and The Stars is such a sweet story about grief, friendship, acceptance and forgiveness. It gave me Harry Potter/Magisterium vibes without the school setting. Bo talks to Nix and answers back to him like he can actually talk and its so cute!
At the start of their journey they make a friend called Tam a 700 year old bird/human. Tam joins them on finding the stars, despite believing it pointless. It wouldn't be a middle grade book without a few bumps in the way, in the form of a wolf, angry townspeople, an unking, a witch and Gavin.
The ending was heartbreaking and I was trying to read as fast as I could to make sure everyone would get a happy ending. I loved the magic system and the world as it was so interesting and different to what I've seen before.
If you are after a warm hearted, feel good book that has a good story and messages but also kind deep and dark, I would recommend this book.
November 19, 2020
I voluntarily read this book as part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours. Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars
This book had all the elements that I normally love in a middle-grade fantasy! We get an amazing landscape in the world of Ulv that's rich in culture and myth, an innocent and curious protagonist, a cute and mischievous furry companion, and best of all wonderful friendships and found family! This also had surprisingly deep themes about abandonment and Plozza also doesn't shy away from showing the darker side of humanity.
Check out my blog to read my full review!
This book had all the elements that I normally love in a middle-grade fantasy! We get an amazing landscape in the world of Ulv that's rich in culture and myth, an innocent and curious protagonist, a cute and mischievous furry companion, and best of all wonderful friendships and found family! This also had surprisingly deep themes about abandonment and Plozza also doesn't shy away from showing the darker side of humanity.
Check out my blog to read my full review!
December 28, 2020
I’ve been thinking about how to write a short summary of this story, but for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out how to begin. The whole thing was such an experience with some terrifying scenes, plus moment that made me want to cry. It will speak to more than just children and it made me think of books like The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden and Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier and even a little similar to the feeling of The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock (or perhaps LOTR due to the long, detailed journey). There were twists and turns, but the character development and relationship building was truly outstanding.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
November 21, 2020
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for use on the blog tour.
After reading the synopsis of this one, I knew I wanted to pick it up. It looked like just the middle grade fantasy I was craving and promised to be a fun adventure. It was all that and more. I did not expect to fall in love with some of the characters as much as I did or sympathize with some of their plights as much as I did. Bo really has his own internal struggles that he battles with more of the book, which also tie into a lot of the core theme of the story.
The story flowed so well and turned this book into such a quick, enjoyable read. I was seriously bummed when I finished it because I wanted to read more about the characters and their lives - not because the story was lacking, but because the characters and world were woven so well. If you're looking for a fun fantasy adventure, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
After reading the synopsis of this one, I knew I wanted to pick it up. It looked like just the middle grade fantasy I was craving and promised to be a fun adventure. It was all that and more. I did not expect to fall in love with some of the characters as much as I did or sympathize with some of their plights as much as I did. Bo really has his own internal struggles that he battles with more of the book, which also tie into a lot of the core theme of the story.
The story flowed so well and turned this book into such a quick, enjoyable read. I was seriously bummed when I finished it because I wanted to read more about the characters and their lives - not because the story was lacking, but because the characters and world were woven so well. If you're looking for a fun fantasy adventure, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
March 31, 2021
This was my entry for Middle Grade March. I like middle grade books, in some ways more than YA. I like their simplicity, that if done well, lends itself to profundity. This book is a solid middle grade fantasy. It's probably not destined to become a classic, but it is a very enjoyable read. It's about a 12yo boy who is hated and abandoned, and how he saves the world. Tropey? You bet, but very well done in a completely original world.
May 6, 2022
This was almost perfect, with a few small plot holes that I feel like the average reader wouldn't pick up because its meant for 10 year olds 😅
Wholesome but full of adventure, this novel is a great entry into the world of middle grade fantasy. The tale of a boy and his quest to right the biggest wrong ever done, it's a tale of endurance, determination and found family. Definitely recommend for all the kidlets!
Wholesome but full of adventure, this novel is a great entry into the world of middle grade fantasy. The tale of a boy and his quest to right the biggest wrong ever done, it's a tale of endurance, determination and found family. Definitely recommend for all the kidlets!
September 16, 2020
A thrilling and thoughtful read!
May 10, 2023
I absolutely love this book. I wanted to read it any time I had free time because it was so good. When Bo got the two keys back from Galvin, I was on the edge of my seat. FOR ANYONE WHO DOES NOT LIKE THIS BOOK, I think you read the wrong book!!! Thanks for reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2021
A fun fantasy adventure with a well crafted mythology of the world that Bo must save with the help of his new found friends.
October 23, 2020
The Boy, The Wolf, and The Stars was exactly what this twice-locked down reader needed in dire times in COVID-Victoria - a completely transporting, middle grade fantasy quest/adventure that let me travel (remember travel?) through strange and perilous lands in company with a feisty, good-hearted boy, an unpredictably powerful and sassy girl, an exiled, feathered Korahk princess and a brave and empathetic fox.
In a narrative packed with magical battles, spitting slug creatures, sentient forests, enraged hordes of villagers, sly villains, witches-of-celestial-origin, powerful talking wolves, death and sacrifice, a strong thread of loyalty, love and friendship ran through all of it. It reminded me of being a small kid in a tiny public library the size of a toilet block, just inhaling a great fantasy novel that took you away from the dust in the air, the carpet smells, the sense of being in the physical world because the world inside the book was so real. I loved it.
In a narrative packed with magical battles, spitting slug creatures, sentient forests, enraged hordes of villagers, sly villains, witches-of-celestial-origin, powerful talking wolves, death and sacrifice, a strong thread of loyalty, love and friendship ran through all of it. It reminded me of being a small kid in a tiny public library the size of a toilet block, just inhaling a great fantasy novel that took you away from the dust in the air, the carpet smells, the sense of being in the physical world because the world inside the book was so real. I loved it.
May 19, 2021
Normally, middle grade fantasy novels seem pretty set in stone, at least in my experience, with predictable plotlines and a shallow, good vs evil premise that we've seen time and time again. But I was so refreshed to see that The Boy, The Wolf, and the Stars had woven mythology, enticing worldbuilding, and exciting adventure that made it stand out from others of this genre I had read.
Right away, we're introduced to our protagonist, Bo, who has had to endure being abandoned by his mother and left to die in a haunted forest, and then again is left alone when his guardian, Mads, is killed by a wolf, harboring several secrets Bo has yet to discover. I liked Bo a lot and was rooting for him the entire time, and his internal battle with feeling like he'd be abandoned yet again and isn't capable of his mission was well executed. The subjects of abandonment and the pulls between revenge and forgiveness were approached in this book and were tackled excellently for a middle grade book, putting enough focus on the topic to deliver a lesson while also not pulling the reader away from the thrilling plot.
The concept was what hooked me: It sounds rather basic at first, with the Stars having to be returned to the sky, but it was so much more than that. It feels more fleshed-out and complicated, straying away from the one-sided good vs evil plot so sought after in this genre. The worldbuilding was phenomenal, and it was weaved through the story as the characters met new challenges, always offering new knowledge to build out understanding of this world and feeling as if we were a part of it. No exposition dumps here, just carefully placed lore that constantly has you yearning to find out more about the world of Ulv. The different races of people and cultures were exciting and adds to the strength of the world.
The plot was well-paced and there was always action coming right at you while also giving the story time to breathe and the characters to interact with one another. At points, the clues felt like they were deciphered way too quickly and things came a bit fast, but it didn't take away from the overall enjoyment of the story. I grew attached to Bo's friends, Tam and Selene, who all had very clear morals and suffered the same fate Bo did, which touches on the heavy topic of abandonment once again. I would've loved to see more of these characters and their backstories, but what we were given was satisfying enough.
The ending was thrilling and heartwarming, and I felt a sense of closure. I noticed the way Bo's mother seemed to be foreshadowed throughout the story, and I was thinking some cliche would be revealed at the end where he turns out to be the son of some all-powerful force. I'm really glad it wasn't, because sometimes that's just how life is; the moral wouldn't have felt as powerful as told any other way, and I'm glad that these characters are able to realize that love and support can come from other places.
I highly recommend you give this a read. You'll be certain to grow attached to this world and it's characters, and for a middle grade book, it delivers in every possible way.
Right away, we're introduced to our protagonist, Bo, who has had to endure being abandoned by his mother and left to die in a haunted forest, and then again is left alone when his guardian, Mads, is killed by a wolf, harboring several secrets Bo has yet to discover. I liked Bo a lot and was rooting for him the entire time, and his internal battle with feeling like he'd be abandoned yet again and isn't capable of his mission was well executed. The subjects of abandonment and the pulls between revenge and forgiveness were approached in this book and were tackled excellently for a middle grade book, putting enough focus on the topic to deliver a lesson while also not pulling the reader away from the thrilling plot.
The concept was what hooked me: It sounds rather basic at first, with the Stars having to be returned to the sky, but it was so much more than that. It feels more fleshed-out and complicated, straying away from the one-sided good vs evil plot so sought after in this genre. The worldbuilding was phenomenal, and it was weaved through the story as the characters met new challenges, always offering new knowledge to build out understanding of this world and feeling as if we were a part of it. No exposition dumps here, just carefully placed lore that constantly has you yearning to find out more about the world of Ulv. The different races of people and cultures were exciting and adds to the strength of the world.
The plot was well-paced and there was always action coming right at you while also giving the story time to breathe and the characters to interact with one another. At points, the clues felt like they were deciphered way too quickly and things came a bit fast, but it didn't take away from the overall enjoyment of the story. I grew attached to Bo's friends, Tam and Selene, who all had very clear morals and suffered the same fate Bo did, which touches on the heavy topic of abandonment once again. I would've loved to see more of these characters and their backstories, but what we were given was satisfying enough.
The ending was thrilling and heartwarming, and I felt a sense of closure. I noticed the way Bo's mother seemed to be foreshadowed throughout the story, and I was thinking some cliche would be revealed at the end where he turns out to be the son of some all-powerful force. I'm really glad it wasn't, because sometimes that's just how life is; the moral wouldn't have felt as powerful as told any other way, and I'm glad that these characters are able to realize that love and support can come from other places.
I highly recommend you give this a read. You'll be certain to grow attached to this world and it's characters, and for a middle grade book, it delivers in every possible way.
April 25, 2024
Middle-grade literature gets overlooked quite a bit, written off as juvenile and simplistic. Middle-grade fantasy seems to get this a lot too -- people assume it can't explore darker themes like supposedly "mature" fantasy literature like Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. But those who read The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars should be dissuaded of that notion. It's a thrilling adventure story that also explores themes of forgiveness and anger, and gives us a unique world to discover.
Bo lives in Ulv, a land left in darkness every night thanks to a powerful wolf who devoured the stars generations ago. Bo is an outcast, considered a freak and dangerous by the rest of his village for having survived a night in the woods without being attacked by the Shadow Creatures that rule the nights. When his guardian is killed, Bo finds himself on a quest to find the wolf who devoured the stars and restore light -- and magic -- the kingdom. Accompanied by his pet fox, a bird-woman sworn to protect him, and a talkative apprentice healer, Bo must track down the source of a legend and save Ulv... even if the people of Ulv don't seem to appreciate what he's doing for them.
The worldbuilding of this book is a little haphazard, but no worse than a lot of acclaimed "adult" fantasies I've read. I appreciated the unique mythology and magic system of this world, as well as some of the quirks of its governing system. (One kingdom refuses to have a king, considering monarchs bad luck, and so is ruled by an "Un-King.") The plot moves at a brisk pace, but does take moments to reflect on what's happened to its characters and the ramifications of Bo's quest. And the characters are well-done and see real growth over the course of this book.
What struck me the most about this book is its exploration of themes like forgiveness and resentment. All three of the main characters are distrusted and hated to some degree, and their quest is made all the more complicated by various forces trying to hunt them down. It would be all too easy for resentment to build to the point of each of them wanting to abandon their quest, because why save people who hate you? But this book shows that anger and hatred don't have to be returned in kind... and that you can forgive someone without letting them back into your life. This is a hard lesson, but a valuable one.
This book is a fantastic dark fantasy for younger readers, and well worth the read. And though the story ends on a satisfying note, there's a door left open for further adventures...
Bo lives in Ulv, a land left in darkness every night thanks to a powerful wolf who devoured the stars generations ago. Bo is an outcast, considered a freak and dangerous by the rest of his village for having survived a night in the woods without being attacked by the Shadow Creatures that rule the nights. When his guardian is killed, Bo finds himself on a quest to find the wolf who devoured the stars and restore light -- and magic -- the kingdom. Accompanied by his pet fox, a bird-woman sworn to protect him, and a talkative apprentice healer, Bo must track down the source of a legend and save Ulv... even if the people of Ulv don't seem to appreciate what he's doing for them.
The worldbuilding of this book is a little haphazard, but no worse than a lot of acclaimed "adult" fantasies I've read. I appreciated the unique mythology and magic system of this world, as well as some of the quirks of its governing system. (One kingdom refuses to have a king, considering monarchs bad luck, and so is ruled by an "Un-King.") The plot moves at a brisk pace, but does take moments to reflect on what's happened to its characters and the ramifications of Bo's quest. And the characters are well-done and see real growth over the course of this book.
What struck me the most about this book is its exploration of themes like forgiveness and resentment. All three of the main characters are distrusted and hated to some degree, and their quest is made all the more complicated by various forces trying to hunt them down. It would be all too easy for resentment to build to the point of each of them wanting to abandon their quest, because why save people who hate you? But this book shows that anger and hatred don't have to be returned in kind... and that you can forgive someone without letting them back into your life. This is a hard lesson, but a valuable one.
This book is a fantastic dark fantasy for younger readers, and well worth the read. And though the story ends on a satisfying note, there's a door left open for further adventures...
December 6, 2021
The Boy, The Wolf, and The Stars
By: Shivaun Plozza
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing
Publish date November 2020
Middle-Grade
I would like to thank the amazon vine program for allowing me to read and review this book.
Good Reads Synopsis:
A boy and his pet fox go on a quest to find a wolf who has eaten all the stars in the sky before the Shadow Witch destroys the stars and removes good magic from the world forever.
Long ago, the land of Ulv was filled with magic. But that was before a wolf ate all the Stars in the night sky, ridding the world of magic and allowing Shadow Creatures, beasts made of shadow and evil, to flourish. Twelve-year-old Bo knows the stories but thinks the Stars and the wolf who ate them are nothing more than myths—until the day Bo’s guardian, Mads, is attacked by a giant wolf straight from the legends. With his dying breath, Mads tells Bo that Ulv is in danger and the only way to prevent the Shadow Creatures from taking over is to return the Stars to the sky.
And so Bo—accompanied by his best friend, a fox called Nix, a girl named Selene who’s magic is tied to the return of the Stars, and Tam, a bird-woman who has vowed to protect Bo at all costs—sets off on a quest to find the three magical keys that will release the Stars. But Bo isn’t the only one who wants the Stars, and the friends soon find themselves fleeing angry villagers, greedy merchants, and a vengeful wolf. And all the while, an evil witch lurks in the shadows and time is running out.
Review:
I was not impressed with this story. So sadly, I have to give it 2 stars. This is a story is very slow paced. I think for the age group it is intended for it needs to faster pace to hold their interest. If an adult finds it slow and had a hard finishing, I think the children will to.
I enjoyed the thought behind the story, just not the pacing. I cannot recommend this book.
This story is about a young boy and his fox go exploring the woods to find the legend that is talked about in stories. There are wolves and witches and magic in the woods. The boy and his fox go on these adventures and comes some things to excite them.
By: Shivaun Plozza
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing
Publish date November 2020
Middle-Grade
I would like to thank the amazon vine program for allowing me to read and review this book.
Good Reads Synopsis:
A boy and his pet fox go on a quest to find a wolf who has eaten all the stars in the sky before the Shadow Witch destroys the stars and removes good magic from the world forever.
Long ago, the land of Ulv was filled with magic. But that was before a wolf ate all the Stars in the night sky, ridding the world of magic and allowing Shadow Creatures, beasts made of shadow and evil, to flourish. Twelve-year-old Bo knows the stories but thinks the Stars and the wolf who ate them are nothing more than myths—until the day Bo’s guardian, Mads, is attacked by a giant wolf straight from the legends. With his dying breath, Mads tells Bo that Ulv is in danger and the only way to prevent the Shadow Creatures from taking over is to return the Stars to the sky.
And so Bo—accompanied by his best friend, a fox called Nix, a girl named Selene who’s magic is tied to the return of the Stars, and Tam, a bird-woman who has vowed to protect Bo at all costs—sets off on a quest to find the three magical keys that will release the Stars. But Bo isn’t the only one who wants the Stars, and the friends soon find themselves fleeing angry villagers, greedy merchants, and a vengeful wolf. And all the while, an evil witch lurks in the shadows and time is running out.
Review:
I was not impressed with this story. So sadly, I have to give it 2 stars. This is a story is very slow paced. I think for the age group it is intended for it needs to faster pace to hold their interest. If an adult finds it slow and had a hard finishing, I think the children will to.
I enjoyed the thought behind the story, just not the pacing. I cannot recommend this book.
This story is about a young boy and his fox go exploring the woods to find the legend that is talked about in stories. There are wolves and witches and magic in the woods. The boy and his fox go on these adventures and comes some things to excite them.
July 20, 2020
THE BOY, THE WOLF, AND THE STARS is a perfectly magic, poignantly heartwarming, powerfully inspiring story about Bo, a boy whose mother abandoned him long ago who is now on a mission to save his community. All of the stars in the sky have been swallowed by a wolf, and Bo and his friends new and old set off on an adventure to release the stars and set the world right again.
There are witches, magical creatures, and messages about trusting yourself, the chosen family with whom we surround ourselves, and the importance and power of friendships. Plozza does a fantastically efficient and effective job world-building so we remain in the story and invested but also get a good sense of the characters, their environments, and their back stories. It helped me feel connected to the story and Bo and his comrades throughout the book.
I also loved the way the magic was so engrained in the world of Ulv that seeing it occur didn’t feel like it was overthought or contrived; it was a lovely balance of realistic experiences interspersed with magical ones. The magic felt believable even for my adult lens, and that’s remarkable!
I think this is a boon that middle-grade and YA readers will just devour. I also greatly appreciated that the wolves were not just vilified needlessly; that’s a hot-button issue for me based on what’s happening in the world, and too often children’s media shows wolves in a horribly violent light. The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars was not reckless in its portrayal of wolves, and instead showed the pain and trauma of what they had been through as a way of increasing the reader’s compassion for them. This is a technique that’s being used more and more in children's lit and I am all the way here for it.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough! It’s creative, relatable, and fast-paced enough to keep younger readers engrossed. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance copy. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading THE BOY, THE WOLF, AND THE STARS.
There are witches, magical creatures, and messages about trusting yourself, the chosen family with whom we surround ourselves, and the importance and power of friendships. Plozza does a fantastically efficient and effective job world-building so we remain in the story and invested but also get a good sense of the characters, their environments, and their back stories. It helped me feel connected to the story and Bo and his comrades throughout the book.
I also loved the way the magic was so engrained in the world of Ulv that seeing it occur didn’t feel like it was overthought or contrived; it was a lovely balance of realistic experiences interspersed with magical ones. The magic felt believable even for my adult lens, and that’s remarkable!
I think this is a boon that middle-grade and YA readers will just devour. I also greatly appreciated that the wolves were not just vilified needlessly; that’s a hot-button issue for me based on what’s happening in the world, and too often children’s media shows wolves in a horribly violent light. The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars was not reckless in its portrayal of wolves, and instead showed the pain and trauma of what they had been through as a way of increasing the reader’s compassion for them. This is a technique that’s being used more and more in children's lit and I am all the way here for it.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough! It’s creative, relatable, and fast-paced enough to keep younger readers engrossed. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance copy. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading THE BOY, THE WOLF, AND THE STARS.
November 13, 2020
As soon as I read the premise of The Boy, The Wolf, and The Stars, I knew that I had to add the book to the top of my never-ending TBR list. A story about a world that had no stars was unique idea. Immediately, I wanted to discover the reasoning behind the stars' initial disappearance and learn whether (and how) the stars would return. Many thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
When I read stories, I like characters who are flawed. For me, flawed characters are more realistic and as such, those are the ones that readers can learn the most from. In The Boy, The Wolf, and The Stars, all of Plozza's main characters are flawed. Bo, Tamira, and Selene each make mistakes and regret their decisions. Yet, each of them still strives to be a better person. They are not perfect, and it is the imperfection that makes them such wonderful role models. The only perfect (and adorable!) character is Nix, but he is Bo's pet fox and as such, is given a pass.
Reading usually becomes an immersive experience for me, so I also like it when authors incorporate strong wordbuilding into their stories. The Boy, The Wolf, and The Stars is a phenomenally written standalone! Not only is the worldbuilding fantastic, but Plozza also incorporates mythology that is specific to her created world. Sprinkled throughout the novel are excerpts from The True Histories of ULV, which provides extra tidbits about Plozza's world. I particularly like how an excerpt of The True Histories of ULV would build upon events that were simultaneously occurring in the story.
The Boy, and The Wolf, and The Stars is more than just a tale about a boy who embarks on a quest with his friends to return the stars. The story is also about found family, inner strength, and forgiveness. For those readers who are looking for a great standalone, The Boy, The Wolf, and The Star is a thoroughly enjoyable read that includes strong characters and fantastic worldbuilding.
When I read stories, I like characters who are flawed. For me, flawed characters are more realistic and as such, those are the ones that readers can learn the most from. In The Boy, The Wolf, and The Stars, all of Plozza's main characters are flawed. Bo, Tamira, and Selene each make mistakes and regret their decisions. Yet, each of them still strives to be a better person. They are not perfect, and it is the imperfection that makes them such wonderful role models. The only perfect (and adorable!) character is Nix, but he is Bo's pet fox and as such, is given a pass.
Reading usually becomes an immersive experience for me, so I also like it when authors incorporate strong wordbuilding into their stories. The Boy, The Wolf, and The Stars is a phenomenally written standalone! Not only is the worldbuilding fantastic, but Plozza also incorporates mythology that is specific to her created world. Sprinkled throughout the novel are excerpts from The True Histories of ULV, which provides extra tidbits about Plozza's world. I particularly like how an excerpt of The True Histories of ULV would build upon events that were simultaneously occurring in the story.
The Boy, and The Wolf, and The Stars is more than just a tale about a boy who embarks on a quest with his friends to return the stars. The story is also about found family, inner strength, and forgiveness. For those readers who are looking for a great standalone, The Boy, The Wolf, and The Star is a thoroughly enjoyable read that includes strong characters and fantastic worldbuilding.
March 10, 2021
The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars by Shivaun Plozza is a thrilling adventure. Plozza deftly creates a magical world full of fantastical creatures and people and wastes no time immersing readers in that setting. Such a powerful and engaging start will keep readers turning pages to the end. The diverse cast of characters, both in form and skin color, contributes to Ulv’s intrigue and mythical mood. No character is without flaws, grounding the action-packed tale in real-world believability. When the author explores these vulnerabilities, the descriptive prose sometimes struggles to find its footing and purpose. These instances slow the dramatic pace of the journey, providing a respite for some readers or an obstacle for others. Still, Plozza’s world-building abilities shine with the inclusion of the True History of Ulv chapters. These brief insights help bring Ulv and its past to life, offering helpful context about people, places, and things throughout the rest of the novel. The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars will excite, shock, and awe every reader that desires a mythical, magical hero’s journey adventure.
Middle grade students and teachers will delight in The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars. It presents the perfect opportunity to delve into the hero’s journey, either as a standalone anchor text or as part of literature circles. Couple the novel with a narrative writing unit focused on fantasy, and students will be inspired to create worlds of their own through words. At the very least, middle grade students will enjoy Bo’s tale and transformation, getting lost in Uly’s unique story and finding the power that comes from seeing the force that follows from being your unique, true self.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and publisher, HMH Books for Young Readers, for an eARC of this book!
Middle grade students and teachers will delight in The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars. It presents the perfect opportunity to delve into the hero’s journey, either as a standalone anchor text or as part of literature circles. Couple the novel with a narrative writing unit focused on fantasy, and students will be inspired to create worlds of their own through words. At the very least, middle grade students will enjoy Bo’s tale and transformation, getting lost in Uly’s unique story and finding the power that comes from seeing the force that follows from being your unique, true self.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and publisher, HMH Books for Young Readers, for an eARC of this book!
November 10, 2020
THE BOY, THE WOLF, AND THE STARS is an enchanting middle grade fantasy. Bo was left in the woods as a baby, and the townspeople have rejected him because he was able to survive it. In this world, the wolf has eaten all of the Stars, allowing the Shadow Creatures to arrive in the dark and do terrible things. People have found a way to live around this fear, but the Creatures are getting bolder and more dangerous.
When Bo forgets to do a seemingly meaningless task, things escalate and his caretaker is killed, sending Bo on a journey to find the stars he was sure never existed and save the world before the witch and the wolf take over.
This book captures an enchanting adventure, and I loved the inclusion of all the mythology of this world in addition to Bo's story. As a hero, Bo is unassuming and not quite confident, but he believes in his caretaker and the mission he sent him on. As he forges ahead, his confidence grows, and he begins to come into his own. The other characters we get to know, such as Tam, are equally as compelling, but the world-building really blew me away. I would add a note of caution for sensitive readers that the book definitely has some dark and creepy parts, as Bo is faced with the many sides of human nature and death (particularly those via the Shadow Creatures).
THE BOY, THE WOLF, AND THE STARS is a compelling and enchanting middle grade fantasy with memorable characters and fantastic world-building. Highly recommend for fans of THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON and THE WITCH'S BOY. Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
When Bo forgets to do a seemingly meaningless task, things escalate and his caretaker is killed, sending Bo on a journey to find the stars he was sure never existed and save the world before the witch and the wolf take over.
This book captures an enchanting adventure, and I loved the inclusion of all the mythology of this world in addition to Bo's story. As a hero, Bo is unassuming and not quite confident, but he believes in his caretaker and the mission he sent him on. As he forges ahead, his confidence grows, and he begins to come into his own. The other characters we get to know, such as Tam, are equally as compelling, but the world-building really blew me away. I would add a note of caution for sensitive readers that the book definitely has some dark and creepy parts, as Bo is faced with the many sides of human nature and death (particularly those via the Shadow Creatures).
THE BOY, THE WOLF, AND THE STARS is a compelling and enchanting middle grade fantasy with memorable characters and fantastic world-building. Highly recommend for fans of THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON and THE WITCH'S BOY. Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
November 13, 2020
***ARC Review***
I would’ve been obsessed with this book in middle school! The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars is actually a very heavy book in terms of themes and difficult events that happen throughout the story, but this is interspersed with hilarious interludes, incredible magic, and absolutely adorable moments, creating a wonderful narrative. My favorite part of this book is the magic system and the lore. I mean shadow creatures, star-eating wolves, STARS, it’s so much fun!! There is also an absolutely adorable found family and just so much sweetness all around, this is a book that will break your heart and then put it back together and leave your heart glowing. The main characters are lovely although not as deep as they could be and the villains are SO COOL! As you can see, there are lots of things I loved about this book but now for the not fun part, that one big thing I didn’t like: the plot was boring. Don’t get me wrong, the emotions it invoked are incredible and I loved the ending but I didn’t feel that pull towards picking it up and continuing to read, I wasn’t wondering what was going to happen next, it just didn’t have that level of intrigue. But like I said, I would’ve loved this book in middle school. Now, though, I think my expectations are just too high. Anyway, The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars is overall an incredible and heartfelt story of love, hope, and friendship so if you’re looking for some fun magic and a bit of warmth, I do recommend picking this one up!
I would’ve been obsessed with this book in middle school! The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars is actually a very heavy book in terms of themes and difficult events that happen throughout the story, but this is interspersed with hilarious interludes, incredible magic, and absolutely adorable moments, creating a wonderful narrative. My favorite part of this book is the magic system and the lore. I mean shadow creatures, star-eating wolves, STARS, it’s so much fun!! There is also an absolutely adorable found family and just so much sweetness all around, this is a book that will break your heart and then put it back together and leave your heart glowing. The main characters are lovely although not as deep as they could be and the villains are SO COOL! As you can see, there are lots of things I loved about this book but now for the not fun part, that one big thing I didn’t like: the plot was boring. Don’t get me wrong, the emotions it invoked are incredible and I loved the ending but I didn’t feel that pull towards picking it up and continuing to read, I wasn’t wondering what was going to happen next, it just didn’t have that level of intrigue. But like I said, I would’ve loved this book in middle school. Now, though, I think my expectations are just too high. Anyway, The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars is overall an incredible and heartfelt story of love, hope, and friendship so if you’re looking for some fun magic and a bit of warmth, I do recommend picking this one up!
November 24, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
I picked up this book mainly because of the cover- the colors and artwork are absolutely stunning, but I was also very intrigued to read about a wolf who swallowed the stars and a boy who has to save them. Shivaun does deal with some heavier topics such as abandonment, abuse (verbal and physical), degradation, and prejudice. I found it refreshing that she doesn’t shy away or brush the situations under the rug and that it all plays a vital role within the story. This book was filled with world building, tons of description, and folklore.
I really felt bad for Bo and the way he was treated, even by his own guardian Mads. My heart broke for him and all of the children out there who really do get treated like this or worse. I’m not sure if I had a favorite character, but I did like Nix a lot. He was very intuitive for a fox and extremely loyal to Bo. I liked learning of Ulv’s history, its magic, lore, and creatures. My favorite creature was probably the colossal-spit mouth slug.
I love that in the end, there is a lesson of self worth, friendship, and found family- it was emotional. I really wish that the pace of this book was a tad faster, but overall I thought the world/ kingdom that Shivaun built was interesting and extensive for a middle grade novel. I don’t really know what to compare this book to, but if you like full fleshed fantasy worlds, this book is definitely for you!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
I picked up this book mainly because of the cover- the colors and artwork are absolutely stunning, but I was also very intrigued to read about a wolf who swallowed the stars and a boy who has to save them. Shivaun does deal with some heavier topics such as abandonment, abuse (verbal and physical), degradation, and prejudice. I found it refreshing that she doesn’t shy away or brush the situations under the rug and that it all plays a vital role within the story. This book was filled with world building, tons of description, and folklore.
I really felt bad for Bo and the way he was treated, even by his own guardian Mads. My heart broke for him and all of the children out there who really do get treated like this or worse. I’m not sure if I had a favorite character, but I did like Nix a lot. He was very intuitive for a fox and extremely loyal to Bo. I liked learning of Ulv’s history, its magic, lore, and creatures. My favorite creature was probably the colossal-spit mouth slug.
I love that in the end, there is a lesson of self worth, friendship, and found family- it was emotional. I really wish that the pace of this book was a tad faster, but overall I thought the world/ kingdom that Shivaun built was interesting and extensive for a middle grade novel. I don’t really know what to compare this book to, but if you like full fleshed fantasy worlds, this book is definitely for you!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
November 19, 2020
This was a fast-paced book that was full of heart. I found it handled a lot of heavier topics such as grief, abandonment, and greed/power very well and did so without dumbing it down for the age range.
I absolutely loved the added excerpts from The True Histories of Ule, which I kind of want as its own book. It added a lot of interesting history to it and read like a fairytale/myth. And let me just say that map at the beginning is beautiful!
With this book handling the topic of grief, I did find it to be an emotional read, especially in the last few chapters. I am happy with how Plozza ended this topic/book – I don’t know if I could have handled her not ending it the way she did without it completely ripping and stomping on my heart. That being said, not everything ends with sunshine and rainbows, so it may be more emotionally impactful to those who have had recent deaths of family members or pets.
Overall, I thought this was a very enjoyable read and the later half really made the book for me.
I absolutely loved the added excerpts from The True Histories of Ule, which I kind of want as its own book. It added a lot of interesting history to it and read like a fairytale/myth. And let me just say that map at the beginning is beautiful!
With this book handling the topic of grief, I did find it to be an emotional read, especially in the last few chapters. I am happy with how Plozza ended this topic/book – I don’t know if I could have handled her not ending it the way she did without it completely ripping and stomping on my heart. That being said, not everything ends with sunshine and rainbows, so it may be more emotionally impactful to those who have had recent deaths of family members or pets.
Overall, I thought this was a very enjoyable read and the later half really made the book for me.
October 28, 2020
I absolutely adored this book. My heart was utterly captured but Bo and his little fox companion Nix. Their friendship was endearing. From the beginning poor Bo meets misfortune after misfortune. From being abandoned as a baby to die, being outcasted by the townspeople who believe he is evil, to accidentally releasing evil beyond imagination, Bo has had it rough. Heartbreak after heartbreak made me want to whisk Bo away and protect him from all the evil. But alas, it’s just a book and that’s not possible. He ends up teaming up with two very unlikely friends on his quest to vanquish the evil and hopefully free the stars.
There was so much adventure and just amazing visual storytelling I couldn’t help but be sucked into this fantastical world. My emotions dipped high and low during this roller coaster story. I can’t wait to read this to my own kids as this book has earned its spot on my forever shelf.
There was so much adventure and just amazing visual storytelling I couldn’t help but be sucked into this fantastical world. My emotions dipped high and low during this roller coaster story. I can’t wait to read this to my own kids as this book has earned its spot on my forever shelf.
November 22, 2020
Thank you to the publisher for this novel in exchange for an honest review!!
If you loved Percy Jackson as a kid, I think you'd love this stand alone fantasy too😍 I adored this book, it was full of heart, humor and adventure. I thought the world building was fantastic and the lore and magic system was so interesting!! I really enjoyed the setting of a world without stars, I've never encountered that before and enjoyed what the author did with it. This book is about found family and finding your way. In light of the middle grade genre, there was plenty of hope and spirit to Bo our main character and his animal companion fox Nix🤩 I felt engrossed in the story as it unfolded and was eager to see what Bo would do next. I admired his courage and bravery, despite being ostracized by his town and abandoned as a child. I felt my heart break several times reading this but it was oh so good😭❤️
If you loved Percy Jackson as a kid, I think you'd love this stand alone fantasy too😍 I adored this book, it was full of heart, humor and adventure. I thought the world building was fantastic and the lore and magic system was so interesting!! I really enjoyed the setting of a world without stars, I've never encountered that before and enjoyed what the author did with it. This book is about found family and finding your way. In light of the middle grade genre, there was plenty of hope and spirit to Bo our main character and his animal companion fox Nix🤩 I felt engrossed in the story as it unfolded and was eager to see what Bo would do next. I admired his courage and bravery, despite being ostracized by his town and abandoned as a child. I felt my heart break several times reading this but it was oh so good😭❤️
July 15, 2025
A Wonderful Story!
My grandson told me this was one of his favorite books, so I decided to read it. He was right - it is an excellent story. It is filled with magic, myths, adventure, and some wonderful lessons to learn along the way.
Bo is a young boy abandoned in a forest, but saved by a curmudgeonly man who raises him. Where they live is a land under a curse of dark magic. Because he had survived the night in the forest, the villagers believe and blame Bo for their troubles. And troubles do come!
Bo is given the task of trying to save the land from the dark magic. He meets two new friends as he tries to carry out this monumental job. As they work together, save each other, and fight the darkness, their friendship changes them all in the best way possible.
I highly pass along my grandson’s recommendation.
My grandson told me this was one of his favorite books, so I decided to read it. He was right - it is an excellent story. It is filled with magic, myths, adventure, and some wonderful lessons to learn along the way.
Bo is a young boy abandoned in a forest, but saved by a curmudgeonly man who raises him. Where they live is a land under a curse of dark magic. Because he had survived the night in the forest, the villagers believe and blame Bo for their troubles. And troubles do come!
Bo is given the task of trying to save the land from the dark magic. He meets two new friends as he tries to carry out this monumental job. As they work together, save each other, and fight the darkness, their friendship changes them all in the best way possible.
I highly pass along my grandson’s recommendation.
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