Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

I have tried to read this one several times since I was approved and unfortunately can't get into it, so am officially DNFing it.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Unfortunately it wasn't my vibe, but the potential is there.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book, in exchange for this honest review.

The extraordinarily rich, dark, panoramic tale of an orphaned boy's quest for truth and then for vengeance as war rages across 17th-century Europe. A book that stands out from the crowd. The characters and the setting are written exceptionally well.

Always a pleasure to read novel about a period and setting that is less explored than, say, Tudor England. This is truly a pan European novel. The Silver Wolf is set across Europe riven by strife and major and minor states wage near constant war to gain power and prestige. At its heart are the Hapsburg empires. JC Harvey's novel digs deep into life across the classes in France, the Netherlands, Prussia and Italy, with an interesting emotionally scarred protagonist as its hero. An excellent read .

Jean Fiskardo, soldier, husband and father, is pulled back to complete a task, an assassination that will free France from the yolk of tyranny. However instead of getting paid he is murdered to silence him and his wife is hunted down. His young son, Petit Jacques, is left to fend for himself. As Jack grows up he finds out the truth about his parents deaths and vows vengeance on the two men involved, his search taken him across a Europe embattled.
This is a terrific book which uses as its background the Thirty Years War. The research is immense, from the death of Colini to the battles to the life of the Jews of Golden Age Amsterdam it really feels immersive. OK so the characterisation is lacking a little at times but the action is gripping and the story incredibly engaging. I can't wait for the next episode.

Atmospheric tale of a 13 year old orphan boy working in the Amsterdam docks in 1600s who sets out first to discover who he is and then to avenge his parents' deaths. Super details, well researched and thestorytelling is superb - we flit from character to character who tell their story of Jacques/Jack/Jag's life at different times. (making it super easy to keep track on time and dates).
We move around Amsterdam, France, Germany and the Polish border; Cardinal Richlieu, King Gustavus Adolphus, Ferdinand, Frederick of Bohemia all spread their influence and we experience some of the clashes between the armies of General Tilly and Christian of Brunswick and Frederick of Bohemia. The warfare is superbly written and the characters are lively, real and very "swashbuckling"! (No pirates, lol, but I can't think of an equivalent word for soldiers!) The deaths are detailed and bloodthirsty. Very unusually written (compared to my usual fare) - the only weakness I felt was near the end when some soldiers seemed to be described as the next 'Mad Max ' crew - perhaps aiming for a Netflix adaptation?

Beautifully written historical fiction. J.C. Harvey paints a vivid picture. Set during the thirty year war the book follows the life of the mysteriously orphaned boy Jack as he grows to adulthood and tries to learn the truth of his father’s death.

Everything felt so real while reading this book. Whilst there were many characters they were juggled well and felt very human and alive.

An entertaining and gripping book, the first in a series, set during the Thirty Years War in a Europe divided by religious differences and plagued by war.
The story of an orphan, the secret of his father death. Picaresque at times, full of colourful and fleshed out characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

*A big thank-you to J.C. Harvey, Atlantic Books, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
A gripping tale of an orphaned boy who grows up at the beginning of the 17th century in most unfavourable circumstances and learns how to fend for himself. Jack Fiskardo treasures some memories which continue to haunt him and prompt him to seek revenge for the deaths of his parents.
The book has a strong plot and character development, with the main theme of military history focusing on The Thirty Years' War which is of some interest to me. Superbly presented life of soldiers and those who were in train of the troops, privation of daily life, cruelty at the battlefield and towards the civilians who happened to find themselves on the track of war. With the character of Jack's father, we are introduced to the period after the assassination of Henry IV and its aftermath.
Historical fiction at its best.
A superb Book 1 of the series and now I am looking forward to next instalment.

An epic tale of historical fiction spanning the chaos of The Thirty Years War across Europe during the Seventeen century. We encounter a full cast of characters in this dark and intricate quest, but focus on the protagonist Jack Fiskardo as he seeks to unveil the truth about his father's death. We follow Jack from boyhood into manhood, across Europe, as the orphan turn adventurer and truth seeker uncover s the truth and ultimately seeks revenge. Love and War, treachery and secrets, courage vs adversity are at the forefront. Jack is our epic hero in battle against the backdrop of deadly war, hunted by those he hunts. This is a huge story intricately woven with meticulous research on historical detail, supported with a map, a huge cast of characters, titled chapters with images and quotations to illustrate the journey. A fantastic work of fiction. The first of what promises to be an exceptional series. I look forward to reading more about Jack in the near future. His tale of vengeance is not over. #thesilverwolf #JCHarvey #Netgalley

The Silver Wolf is the first book of a trilogy and takes place during the course of the Thirty Years' War that ravaged Europe and basically caused a 50% decline in population in some parts of Germany.

Anyone who enjoys sagas and historical fiction should read the book. We follow Jack's life and growth as he seeks vengeance while remaining a good and honorable man.

The book is packed with vivid characters, military tactics, conflicts, adventures, stories, and history.

It's rich, atmospheric, and beautifully written.

I am looking forward to the next one.