Nevertell

Two children brave the wilds of Russia after they flee a prison camp, pursued by a vengeful sorceress and her shadow wolves.

Born in a Soviet prison camp, Lina has never seen the world outside until the night she escapes with her best friend, Bogdan. As the pair journey across a snowy Russian wilderness, they are pursued by a vengeful sorceress and her pack of shadow wolves. The children will need every ounce of courage - and a whisper of magic - if they are to survive...

NOTE : There are mentions of the terrible conditions in the camp, and references to friends & family who have disappeared under Stalin's regime. These are not graphically described but may upset sensitive readers.

NOTE: Branford Boase Award Longlist 2020

Lina was born in a Soviet prison camp, and the harsh life there is all she has ever known. The thought of one day leaving and being able to find her grandmother gives her hope. So when she gets the chance to escape, Lina jumps at the chance to start a new life. But along with her friend Bogdan, she soon discovers that there are worse things in the forest than the hunger and cold...

A skillful, immediately engaging read, this is a fantastic debut from an author to watch. The combination of historical novel, Russian folklore and fantasy quest is perfectly pitched and hugely enjoyable. Not only is the writing a joy, but the believable and likeable characters, and fast-paced plot should keep readers hooked. Neither the historical or fantasy elements are overdone, making this appealing to a wide range of interests. An essential addition to shelves.