THE STORM AND THE SEA HAWK is another great entry full of icy settings and morally grey characters.

The greyness of the characters continues in this book, but the focus of this uncertainty is Eira, a girl about Ysolda's age. While the Wolf Queen is a generation above Ysolda, this time the questions about trust and motive come to someone who seems only a few years Ysolda's senior. I liked that they were close in age as it made Ysolda look at herself - it's not just an "adult thing" to be so complex. Plus it acts as a comparison that makes Ysolda justify her own positions.

It is overall a much darker book than the last. There are some personal betrayals as well as deep loss and the happenings continue to ravage the world, nature fighting back against humanity's callousness. It adds to a feeling of the series trusting younger readers to grapple with big topics, not talking down to them. This is very much a series about environmental collapse and it the young who will have to live with it - who are already fighting for change. By having a young girl at the heart, the series is celebrating the hope of the next generation.

This is such a wintry entry to the series. The country visited this time is inspired by the Nordic countries, their impressive mountains and the dangers of such beauty. Ysolda faces so many perils, from frostbite to avalanches. It is very much a book that respects as much as it admires nature, which is definitely a good lesson for readers.

One book to go, which is out later this year. It looks to be headed to a much warmer place (which is a nice contrast!) Also it's at least starting onboard a boat, and I do like "boat books".

Another amazing story by Kiran Millwood Hargrave. I hadn't read the first in this series, but had no problem picking up the storylines. This is a brilliant fantasy story for middle grade readers, and I can't wait for the next instalment. Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC copy (this has not affected my review).

I’ve only just read the first book in this trilogy and absolutely adored it, so when Netgalley recommended this book, I knew I had to read it. It didn’t disappoint.
Kiran Millwood Hargrave has a beautiful poetic style to her prose that never fails to completely enthral me. That being said, this book was not quite as good as the first book. This, I think is completely down to setting. Norveger is not quite as evocative location as the fantasy UK from the first book. This is because it is complete winter and a good half of the novel is spent climbing a foggy mountain.
I adored the chapter from Nara’s point of view. Not only did it flesh out what would’ve been an uncomfortable time skip without it, but it really highlighted the trust and the bond between Ysolda and her hawk.
One thing I really appreciate about this trilogy is the lack of trust and friendship between the children. Many middle grade books, the power of friendship wins, no matter the situation in which their relationships begin. Kiran Millwood Hargrave does not fall into the trap of that trope and the characters are scared and suspicious and work in their own interests which makes for an unpredictable plot.
I cannot wait to read the next and final instalment in this trilogy.

another 5 star read from KMH! My niece (10) loved it and said that the characters were developed more from book 1

This carries on directly from the end of book 1, so it would definitely help to have read that first! But if, like me, you haven't, then Hargrave gives enough subtle reminders of the previous storyline that you'll be able to catch up and join this wonderful adventure.

The writing is beautiful, especially the descriptive language that brings the world right off the page. The characters are engaging and the story dark yet hopeful. I think this will speak to the hearts of children growing up in this time of environmental uncertainty and help them see a way forward.

The author has a very distinctive writing style that is both lyrical and accessible. The book deals with some more mature topics, so it might be more suitable for KS3 children. This instalment goes deeper into the interactions between the characters and as such will be perfect for teaching characterisation.

A superbly nostalgic read full of heart, emotion and so many cosy vibes. A must for all fans of Book 1, as the brilliant Kiran Millwood Hargrave does it again.