Ms Griffith once again takes us into the medieval world of 7th century Britain with all of its splendor, dirt, greed, war, family and love. This is a continuation of the novel Hild, beginning four months after Hild ends and covering he next four years in Hild's life. These four years in Northern British history are filled with chaos, war and changes that bring kings and religions to critical points of change.

Hild is a a tried and true warrior, viewed as a "Godspeaker" or prophet across Britain and in Edwin's court. She is also the Lady of Elmet, a wife, soon to be mother, a daughter and protector of the people who make up her world. Hild's world will soon be a stronghold, a sanctuary from the ravages of an oncoming war she builds in a damp and marshy place called Menewood. Hild has reached adulthood, she's no longer the precocious and fey child to be used by those around her. She has grown weary of serving kings and fighting for King Edwin in the ongoing wars for power. Nonetheless, Hild will do what is necessary to protect the kingdom and her people. She has gained a keen understanding of the chaos and some of the changes and perils that will be faced in the near future and she intends to be prepared for her and her people to survive it.

Menewood is an epic tale and somehow, Nicola Griffith has managed to outdo herself and her prior book, Hild. And, Hild was extraordinary. I am anxious to read more of Hild, after all, Saint Hild had a larger story than just wars and minor kingdoms; There is so much more to learn about future Prioress Hild. I hope there's a third novel of Hild in the future and that it will be told to us by this very talented storyteller!