(This review will also be shared on Instagram on Tuesday June 10th)

A Bird Among Wolves by Tracy Leonard Nakatani - ARC Book Review

3.5 ⭐️ | 🌶️🚫 - No spice

Thank you to Tracy Leonard Nakatani, NetGalley, and Three Amigas Press for the chance to review this book early! What follows is my honest and fair review.

From the first chapter, I was all in. I was so intrigued and it had such a good hook/premise. The story follows Wren, a half-human and elven-Demoran mix, who after the death of her father finds herself tangled in his secrets. He wasn’t just a man in seclusion but someone on the run who possessed an important artifact that can win a war. It is very apparent from the beginning that Wren is very much in the dark. Through a series of events, she finds protection from the Brotherhood (a group of wolven warriors) and finds a family she didn’t expect. But secrets are running amok, and people she loves are endangered because of this. Will Wren find her answers and save those she loves from the rest of the kingdom?

My Thoughts – Characters and Story

As I mentioned earlier, the story from the first page captured my attention. This novel reads like a video game and feels very much like you’re in it. Additionally, the author mentioned that it had Princess Mononoke vibes, and it really does. That was a major draw for me, along with the elven lore, which I am new to in fantasy. I enjoyed learning more about the various kingdoms and castes of people. By the end of the story, you can tell the author truly fleshed out this world for her understanding.

Now, let’s talk more specifically about the plot and characters. We have our key players and go through a rotation of POVs that expand the reader’s understanding of the world. The pacing felt fast as the story continued, and we were given just enough information to keep moving forward. Even with the addition of new POVs, the story itself remained somewhat ambiguous. I found that the continuity of the story was hard to follow at times. As I kept reading, and boy did I want to keep reading, all my questions were answered with more questions, which I know will be addressed in future books. I also admit that the flow of the writing was clunky at times, as if it was stuttering, but this wasn’t often enough for me to want to put the book down and not pick it up again. This is a debut novel, and I can’t help but be impressed with it.

Now, let’s discuss the characters! Our FMC, Wren, is everything you want in a leading character. She is intelligent, strong, and of course brash—like most FMCs in fantasy today. I found her to be stubborn and standoffish, which makes sense given her history. We know very little about her origins, and from the beginning, we have to rely on her limited knowledge of the world she lives in. I love the mystery surrounding our FMC, but I wish we had been given more initial information—perhaps a prologue or something from her father. I get that keeping secrets maintains the reader’s interest, but when the main character, who is your main perspective, doesn’t inform you of everything she knows, it creates a sense of confusion in the world-building and plot development.

There are many additional side characters in this story, ranging from her best friend Arlon to the rebel King Marius. Some of the POVs we received felt disruptive within the narrative. I found myself wanting to rush through to get to the POVs I cared about—the ones involving Wren, Faelan, and Randon. The interactions among these characters fueled the story forward for me. I loved the found family dynamic and the slow-burn romance brewing between a few of the characters.

Overall, this was a good story and a promising start to the series. I can only speak for myself, but I will definitely read the next one, as I MUST know what happens.

Shall this spill into your TBR? I think if you are interested in the premise and love elven lore with a dash of Studio Ghibli, go for it!

You’ll love this story if you enjoy…
🪄 High fantasy
Found family
🧝‍♀️ Elven lore
🤫 Family secrets
♥️ Slow SLOW burn romance

I had a rocky start with A Bird Among Wolves—the world-building in the beginning felt a little light, and I was confused about the political setup.
But once the story found its rhythm, I was completely drawn in.

From the beginning it’s a fast-paced ride filled with danger, secrets, and reluctant alliances. Wren is a fantastic protagonist—strong, layered, and easy to root for. Her bond with the Brotherhood, especially the found family vibes, was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The multiple POVs worked really well, adding depth without being overwhelming. I loved how each character had their own clear voice, strengths, and flaws. The slow-burn romance was also a nice touch—low on spice, high on tension, and it never took over the plot.

Emotionally, this book hits harder than expected. There’s grief, trust issues, and a constant sense of being on the edge of something bigger. And that ending? Brutal in the best way.

If you’re into fantasy with strong female leads, found family, buried secrets, and a hint of romance, definitely check this one out. I can’t wait for the sequel!

✨ Fantasy
🔥 Slow Burn Romance
🏹 Strong Female Lead
🛡 Found Family
📖 Multiple POV
⚔ Political Intrigue

The first half of this book I was quite lost. There wasn't any world building and I didn't understand the rivalry between the Noverans and the Demorans or how they differed from each other and the political structure.

As the story developed I got into it more and I enjoyed where it took me. I did really like how the relationship between Wren and Randon wasn't a main focus and they weren't put together too fast, so you can see how that progresses in the next book. Wren's story is bulk.


Thank you to Three Amigas Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.

A Bird Among Wolves is a gripping, fast-paced fantasy debut that drops you straight into chaos from the very first page. Wren, our resilient and headstrong protagonist, is captured by mistake and nearly hanged—an explosive opening that sets the tone for a story brimming with danger, mystery, and magic. What follows is a high-stakes escape, a reluctant alliance with a warrior faction known as the Brotherhood, and a slow unraveling of long-buried secrets tied to Wren’s past.

This book is perfect for fans of The Witcher—with a richly imagined world, complex political tensions, and the kind of brooding, sword-wielding men that steal your heart when you least expect it. But don’t be fooled—Wren can handle herself. Raised in isolation by her secretive, overprotective father, she’s been trained to survive, not thrive. When he’s murdered, she’s thrown into a conflict far bigger than herself, with ancient creatures stirring and kingdoms preparing for war.

Told through multiple POVs, the narrative stays dynamic and engaging, giving insight into the broader world without ever feeling scattered. Each character voice is distinct and purposeful, and the shifting perspectives only enhance the story rather than complicate it. Wren’s arc, however, remains central—and she’s an easy heroine to root for: compassionate yet cautious, fierce yet vulnerable. And yes, there is a romantic thread (Randon, we see you), but it never overshadows the primary narrative. This is fantasy first, with just the right touch of tension and longing.

What really stands out is the emotional depth. This isn’t just a story of sword fights and secret powers—it’s about trauma, trust, and the ache of being an outsider trying to belong. The found family dynamic with the Brotherhood is incredibly well done, laced with banter and quiet moments that hit unexpectedly hard. And while some characters (looking at you, Faelan) are still enigmas, you can feel the groundwork being laid for bigger reveals and shifting alliances in future books.

There’s very little romance or spice in this installment, but the tension is there, simmering beneath the surface. And that cliffhanger? Brutal in the best way.

In short, A Bird Among Wolves is a sharp-edged, emotionally layered fantasy with found family vibes, mysterious creatures, hidden powers, and a female lead worth cheering for. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in and doesn’t let go—and leaves you counting the days until the sequel.

Review published on Goodreads

I was first drawn to A Bird Among Wolves because of the interesting title and the beautiful cover.

The story itself did not disappoint. I absolutely felt captivated more and more as I read it. I even found myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading it.

I enjoyed the variety of characters, & their different POVs giving the reader bits of the world, it's lore, and past/present questions and answers. I also appreciated that each character had their own strengths and flaws, without either being too unrealistic for a fantasy novel.

The pacing was fast, but still felt that you had time to learn about the world, the characters, and important aspects of the story progression. And the ending definitely left me wanting more in a good way.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read A Bird Among Wolves.

A Bird Among Wolves is a fantastic first book in a new fantasy series. It starts shortly after Wren’s father is killed, and she is mistakenly arrested with a group of rebels. Then the Nagendron, long dragon-like creatures with antlers and the living embodiment of the forest’s energy, reemerge from myth to attack. And all in the first few chapters.

Things swiftly escalate from there, putting Wren right in the middle of plots and schemes spanning countries. Everyone wants to get their hands on Wren; some with good intentions, others not so much.

I was utterly enthralled by this book. The writing was so compelling, and the characters were complex and engaging, making mistakes and suffering the consequences despite (sometimes) good intentions. I was never bored. I constantly reevaluated what I thought I knew, which is a good thing because it means nothing was predictable. All in all, a great start to the series.

A Bird Among Wolves gave me major Game of Thrones vibes – in the best way possible. It’s a rich fantasy with multiple POVs, political tension, and a world that feels like it’s just beginning to unfold. I’ll admit, it took me a little while to get my head around all the characters and who was who, but once I did, I was hooked.

There are still a lot of unanswered questions by the end, but it feels like the story is just getting started. The setup is really strong, and I’m super keen to see where it goes next. I especially loved the characters – they were complex and interesting, and I already have a few favourites.

If you enjoy layered fantasy with big stakes and shifting perspectives, this one is worth checking out. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!

A Bird Among Wolves had the bones of something truly compelling, a world brimming with dark potential, layered lore, and a main character who almost had me. Wren could have been unforgettable, and the world she’s set in should have swallowed me whole.

But the writing… oh, the writing. It felt like watching a robot try to mimic human movement, jerky, rushed, and ultimately distracting. Scenes jumped too quickly, characters blurred together, and what could’ve been deeply emotional moments were lost in translation. The heart was there, I could see what Tracey was trying to create, but the execution lacked fluidity and depth.

That said, there’s something here. With refinement, this world could shine. I genuinely hope future works give it the space it deserves to breathe.

Huge thanks to Tracey, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. I’ll be keeping an eye on what she creates next.

A Bird Among Wolves felt like some of the great epic fantasies but held its own uniqueness. I really appreciated the world building being a part of the narrative as opposed to all the details being dumped in the beginning. It created a really nice imagery throughout the story. At first, I was a little lost because it feels as though the reader is thrown into the middle of the story however, I did appreciate the timing of things being revealed. This first book in the series really set the stage for what is probably going to be a grand adventure for Wren. While there were some threads left loose, they were done so in a way that leaves me excited for the next book. I also really appreciated the book not ending in a huge cliff hanger. There are definitely some questions to be answered, this book wrapped up nicely until the next. I did wish to see a little more character development or maybe a better exploration of all the hardships Wren and other characters faced to make them the way they are.

Thank you to Tracy Leonard Nakatani and Netgally for this ARC.

A Bird Among Wolves is an interesting new novel with multiple POVs and good world building. Our main protagonist is Wren, a half human, half elven woman who grew up with her father who lived in hiding. We are thrust straight into the story with Wren having to flee after her father's death and navigate the world on her own with only her fathers teachings to guide her. His final piece of advice ‘burn everything, run, and trust no one’.

I like when a book puts me straight into the thick of it with little snippets being uncovered through reading. In this case I found that we don't learn enough information to be able to understand what came before. We also don't uncover much understanding of why all of this has happened to Wren. All while this is happening we learn Wren has a connection to the forest and ‘monsters’ which puts her in danger of people wanting to kill her or use her power.

We also have an important development with Wren (It’s a spoiler, but if you know you know what I mean) which in my opinion doesn't add anything extra to the story but is added to give another fantasy element. Maybe this is developed in the next book but for now isn't necessary.
I also found the amount of POVs to follow quite difficult and it made it hard to connect with the characters. It had great potential with found family and possible romance or even enemies to lovers but this did not develop fully. I felt as though I need another few characters dispersed throughout to round off some of these relationships.

Overall I gave 3 stars and would be curious to see where Wren goes from here.

I loved the storyline and world building. This had me entertained from the beginning! I highly recommend this book if you want a fantasy with a strong FMC. I really don't know what to say without giving away any spoilers but this book had me from the beginning. I want more now!

A multi-POV book that centers our main character, Wren, hidden and trained by her elven father to be the ultimate weapon. When he is murdered she burns everything and runs on his final order. She is thrust into a world she wasn’t prepared for with powers that are coming to light the longer she’s there. Being swept into the power struggle of these foreign kingdoms who seek to control her. Wren’s blood calls to the forest—and the forest answers—she must face the facts. Something is waking….and it knows her name.

The character dynamics were fantastic, great banter, the relationships, and how they all interacted with one another. The flora and fauna in this book is also fantastic, very lush and colorful. The differing POVs were fun to follow, and while I do enjoy multi-POV books, sometimes the momentum gets thrown when the POV changes, and this book does suffer a little bit from that.

I would have liked a little more world building(and a map)—the religion, the different races, the wars, and the kingdoms/cities—but this is the first book in a series so I hope that it will be built more throughout the books. The pacing felt a bit off too, like there was so much with so little time. I do feel like this series has a lot of potential, the concepts were cool, but this felt like a pilot episode of a new tv show that is a little uncertain of where it’s going. It’s still super interesting and I really enjoyed reading it. I will be reading the next book when it comes out.

3.75⭐️

Hello there strangers and welcome to the Library of Babel for a new review, this time of a book not published yet but will be in 2026. I'm talking about "A Bird Among Wolves" by the author Tracy Leonard Nakatani. As you know, if someone mentions wolves, I'm gonna be there.
Before starting my review, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishing house for the ARC digital copy of the book and the trust :)

Wren has lived in the woods with her father Seith for all her life, but one day coming back home from hunting she found him dead and she runs. Her plan is to reach Arlon, her only childhood friend and then figure out what to do next. Unfortunately, on her way to him, she's captured with the rebel chief Marius and when she's about to be hanged in Fort Stolos, a legendary beast shows up killing everyone. She's the only survivor and everybody is searching for her: Demorans, Norverans, Wolves.
After reaching Arlon, he convinces her to go to the High King of Roudvale to ask for help and communicate that a dangerous Nagendron was behind the attack at Fort Stolos.
After talking to the High King, Wren is sent to live with the Brotherhood where their chief Ulfred is going to keep an eye on her and verify her story. But during her stay she will become a recruit and then a warrior, meeting people that will become a sort of family for her. A family that she never had.
But Wren is not the only one with a secret also the Brotherhood hides jealously one. Who could she trust?

First, I have to say the writing style of the author surprised me. At the beginning, I found the reading and the story development a tiny bit slow and I felt confused with all the names and different sides thrown out in the first chapter. But after a few chapter, I felt completely involved in the novel and in the world the author created. You have everything a fantasy reader searches for: elves, magic, wolves, warriors and mythological creatures.
Not to forget, I really appreciated the different POVs in order to better understand each of the main characters.
Another good decision was to put at the end of the book a glossary with all characters' names and who they were. In this way, it is easier to have a complete idea of what is going on and who is fighting for what.

Second, what I can say about the characters. I loved Wren, she is smart, she doesn't trust people easily, always on guard and can fight. I felt a tiny bit sad for her at the end of the book, she never had a true family and now that she had found one she was forced to escape. Her ability to speak with Nagendrons is really interesting and I hope there are going to be more explanations in the next book on how she earned that and why.
Not to mention I enjoyed a lot the alchemy between her and Randon, a fellow from the Brotherhood, who spoiler, can turn into a wolf. Randon is friendly and likes teasing Wren even when she just wants to be left alone. He seems to be happy and smiling but he hides a fate that nobody would be eager to have. Can't wait to see them together again.
Also, Randon has a twin brother, Faelan who is an asshole but a good asshole. He cares for his family and Brotherhood and will do anything for them.

To conlcude, I'm looking forward to reading the second novel and I suggest this novel to all fantasy readers who wants a story that will leave you speechless as soon as you're going to read the last sentence. I believe also fans of Game Of Thrones will enjoy this book, the Nagendrons really reminded of dragons :) But be mindful, you have to be ready to remember lots of names and associations so it's not for a reader in search of an easy and quiet reading.

A pretty good and enjoyable book. I would have liked for there to be more worldbuilding to give a better understanding of the magic, religion and previous wars. But all in all it was a good book and I look forward to reading the next.

Sadly I was once again mislead by the blurb, what I thought was a single pov book turned out to be so many different povs and my brain is just not made for that. The book showed promise but i could not get through it with all the pov changing.

Thank you NetGalley for this early release! I enjoyed the story overall but it was wayyyy too long. I also thought Wren would have made more sense with the other twin and I am curious to see how it all plays out in the next book. There is some gore and very violent scenes as well. I did enjoy her writing and the character development!

"When the darkness comes," Ulfred said, "you will stand with the light, hold fast to truth, and protect your Brothers and Sisters with honor, valor, and strength.”

"What's the point of a life you don't share with people?"

★★★★☆ - really liked it!

"Sometimes people do bad things, but it doesn't make them bad people."

- Book one of a series - Ashes of Akkavara
- Prequel Novella - Crimson Coronation is available now
- Multi-POV
- Epic fantasy - werewolves, elves, warriors, magic and more

My review

I really enjoyed reading A Bird Among Wolves.

The faster pace of the book was great in my opinion. After reading a couple of very long fantasy books lately this was a breath of fresh air. Each chapter has a purpose and adds to the story. However, I would have loved a little more world building to learn more about the different races, places, beliefs etc. I imagine this will be built upon throughout the series.

In relation to the world building I would have loved an addition of a world map to the book. You are able to view a map if you sign up to the newsletter on Tracy’s website.
There is a reference and glossary on the back which does help with understanding the world, but I usually try to avoid these while reading in case there are spoilers.

I enjoyed the multi-POV chapters as I felt this helped to develop the plot and world organically. The characters feel developed and well thought out. If you are not used to reading multi-POV books it may take some getting used to, but just think of it like a TV show like Game of Thrones. I was invested in most of the characters, except Ardelain, but that may come in the next book. I didn’t feel like there was too much going on or hard to follow which sometimes happens with multi-POV books.

I enjoyed the vibes of the book, and loved all the characters. The banter in the book was great, especially between the Brotherhood characters.

Some of the plot twists I managed to guess but others got me!

Summary
I would recommend this book to fantasy lovers. The series has great potential and I’m already invested in the story and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

I have added the prequel novella to my TBR and will read and review it shortly.


Thank you to Tracy Leonard Nakatani, Three Amigas Press and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A Bird Among Wolves is an incredibly well written fantasy tale that is reminiscent of The Witcher world. I was drawn to the all the different character stories, the locations, and different magics in the realms.

There's twists and turns in all the right places with multiple POVs, a strong FMC, and a bit of slow burn romance - all the makings of what felt like a great TV mini series playing out in my head.

Im so excited I got to experience this world early with an ARC and now comes the extreme hard part .. anxiously waiting for the next book in the series!

A Bird Among Wolves by Tracy Leonard Nakatani

A vague history awaits Wren. She can recall a reclusive lifestyle provided by her father, Seith, a Demoran elf, which begs the question: why are they on the run? Her physical appearance depicts a riveting story: her father is an elf, and her deceased mother was a human. Wren soon begins to spread her wings and untangles a tale pillaged with the nobility's lust for power and dominance. The author, Tracy Leonard Nakatani, invites readers to a magical novel brimming with warring factions and wondrous beasts. Our novel challenges our ability to trust and revels in the safety of what we call home and those within it. What happens when fights spill out onto our sacred land and those whom we love are caught in the crossfire?

Darting through forests filled with brilliant flashes of green and blue hues, the Nagendron have returned. Beasts intertwined with the very nature and fabric of the land have become unsettled. Legends appear true, and the inhabitants within the kingdom are in danger. Ravaged fields of smoldering soil lie in the Nagendron’s wake. Why? Nagendrons, by nature, are docile creatures, and yet now they are being used as weapons. By whom?

I strolled silently through the town of Raudvale. I have heard of King Josef’s famed Brotherhood. Hoping to witness the Brotherhood in action, I listen for the sounds of weaponry and instruction. Reaching Wolfsreach, by happenstance, I meet with the Brotherhood: Randon, Wilk, Gayle, Ze’v, Faelen, and their leader, Ulfred. They warn of troubled times and speak in mysterious tones, warning me to leave. I insist that I want to help their cause, but I am denied access to their prestigious fraternity. Upon exiting, I run into a tall woman with white hair; could this be the infamous Wren? She asks if I might do her a favor and send word of her safety to a Dryas named Arlon, whom she was supposed to meet and unable to do so. Never one to let someone down, I made my way out of the city gates in search of a small village called Arrowwood.

A cinematic adventure unspools from its projective wheel. Villagers under siege and kings and queens plotting their next preemptive strikes. Wren is tossed into a fire and seeks answers from a handful of active participants who all want to befriend her. Why?

With ease, pages turned. The world was alive, brazen in its brutality, and beautiful in its depth. Is it grimdark fantasy? Is it Game of Thrones-esque? Joe Abercrombie-esque? Possibly yes to all three. However, the creativity shown by Tracy Lenoard Nakatani's writing deserves more than those simple comparisons. Wren deserves more than that. I have yet to mention the god Akkavara or the wolven—yes, I said wolven, as in the kind that come out at night, blood dripping from their teeth, moon-glistened hardened muscles flexed, claws extending and retracting, snout sniffing for their next victim. The gore and horror of it all!

As I see Arrowwood in the distance, the dark settles in. I awaken to jet-black crows waking me from my slumber at the base of an enormous tree. One bird in particular assures me no harm but rather urges me forward as I look down on its cracked beak. So, as I dust myself off, I walk down a narrow path to the unknown, with the knowledge that this story is well worth your time.

I am giving this 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounding up to a solid 5 stars! This is everything I want out of a fantasy novel. Happy reading!

Many thanks to Three Amigas Press for the ARC through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.

This book had me hooked from the very beginning and I devoured it over a long weekend, I’m now following the author for updates on book 2!

I love that the reader is immediately dropped into Wren’s pending execution which sets the pace for the whole story, its action packed and the world building is perfectly blended into the action, I wasn’t bored at all. This book was like being immersed in a Skyrim quest (the humans and different races of elves, the assassination of a king and resulting war and rebellion, the wolven brotherhood/fighters guild, flying dragon/bird beasts returning after being gone for a long time, mention of bandit camps and hunters lodges, etc.), I imagined the world as straight out of the video game.

I like how the story ends, it’s set up well for her quest to continue with book two, although I felt like it ended a bit abruptly. Maybe needed more closure or a cliffhanger.

The changing POVs were really nice, it added so much to the story to see what’s happening from different characters perspectives and motivations and how they all cross paths.

I enjoyed this and will definitely be buying the book when it comes out, hoping for a forestry sprayed edge special edition and multi narration audiobook!

Thank you Tracy Leonard Nakatani, Three Amigas Press and NetGalley for this ARC!