Exciting, entirely believable, and beautifully written, this is a middle-grade novel that blew me away and one that I’m hoping will be on many readers’ radars already because it most definitely deserves to be.

When we first meet the two girls, they are safe, if a little bored, as they journey on the train between Manchester and Glasgow that cuts directly through the Wildlands, enroute to meet their Mum. Like most teenagers, Astrid is glued to her phone, while the younger Indie gazes out of the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the creatures that now roam the Wildlands below. When the train makes an unexpected stop, Astrid and Indie find themselves accidentally stranded in this vast, untamed landscape. With no phone signal and no way to call for help, they must rely on their wits and each other to survive.

What follows is a heart-pounding adventure as the sisters navigate the dangers of the Wildlands—predatory animals, treacherous terrain, and their own fears. Murphy’s writing is both vivid and evocative, bringing the rewilded landscape to life in stunning detail. The Wildlands are as much a character in this story as Astrid and Indie, with their beauty and danger woven into every page.

Astrid and Indie are wonderfully drawn characters, each with their own strengths and vulnerabilities. Astrid, the older sister, is practical and resourceful, but her reliance on technology is tested in this unfamiliar world. Indie, on the other hand, is curious and brave, with a deep love for nature that proves invaluable. Their relationship is the heart of the story, and Murphy captures the bond between siblings with warmth and authenticity.

The pacing is excellent, with short chapters that make it easy to keep reading “just one more.” The tension builds steadily as the sisters face one challenge after another, and there are moments of joy and wonder that balance the darker, more perilous scenes. The themes of resilience, family, and humanity’s relationship with nature are explored with nuance and depth, making this a story that will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page.

Wildlands is a fabulous read for Year 4 upwards, and I can’t wait to see what Brogen Murphy writes next. It’s a book that not only entertains but also encourages readers to think about the world around them and their place within it.

A thrilling and thought-provoking adventure, Wildlands is a must-read for anyone who loves stories of survival, sisterhood, and the power of nature.