Publishers Weekly
09/30/2013
Constable's fantasy debut depicts a fiercely romantic Russia, "a world made out of winter." Sophie Smith is a bored student and neglected orphan who attends the New Bloomsbury College for Young Ladies in England. Perpetually self-conscious about her impoverished roots and low social standing, Sophie is baffled when a wealthy and mysterious visitor from St. Petersburg is drawn to her, whisking Sophie (and her two friends) away on a trip to Russia—ostensibly to draw new students to enroll at New Bloomsbury. But the girls are abandoned at a hut in the Russian countryside and saved by Princess Anna Feodorovna Volkonskaya, who invites them to her winter palace where there are far more questions than answers. Why aren't they allowed to speak to the servants? What are the princess's motives for lavishing Sophie with attention? And, most importantly, are they guests or hostages? Constable's lyrical storytelling creates a hypnotic realm of ice, and from this mythical setting emerges a message about rising above one's circumstances and discovering a sense of belonging. Ages 10–14. Agent: Hilary Delamere, the Agency (U.K.). (Sept.)
From the Publisher
Praise for The Wolf Princess : "A very special debut with a spellbinding fairytale ambiance. Contemporary but deliciously nostalgic..." -- The Bookseller UK "Constable's passion for Russia comes across vividly; she knows you have only to give reality a slight push to make it marvelous. A classic winter's tale." -- The Financial Times "Adventure, mystery, a touch of romance; elements of fairy tale, good triumphing over bad; best friends; a gorgeous horse -- and wolves to boot. Timeless." -- Books for Keeps “Lyrical storytelling.”—Publishers Weekly “Breathtaking…Readers can practically hear the howling winds, the cry of the wolves, and the silent beauty of moonlit snowfall.”—School Library Journal
Kirkus Reviews
2013-09-01
An uneasy mix of school story, adventure and fairy-tale tropes, this British import hits all the expected notes--orphaned heroine, exotic setting, hidden treasure, unknown heritage and exciting events--but never quite manages to produce an engaging composition. Heroine Sophie Smith is only slightly more fleshed-out than her friends, Delphine (part French, very stylish) and Marianne (the smart one who, of course, is not stylish and wears glasses). Orphaned at a young age, Sophie spends the majority of her time at boarding school. With only vague memories of her father, Sophie treasures the necklace he left her and hears his voice in her dreams. When the chance to visit Russia, a country that has always fascinated her, on a school trip arises unexpectedly, Sophie jumps on it. Diverted from the school's itinerary, the three girls wind up in an isolated, dilapidated castle complete with hidden passages, loyal retainers and a real, live princess. Readers will realize much sooner than Sophie that all is not what it seems and will surely wonder at the naïveté of contemporary kids who willingly go off with a complete stranger. The uneven plot drags before taking a sharp turn into melodramatic violence. Unfortunately for readers who persevere, the ending is ultimately both unbelievable and essentially unresolved. Considerably less than the sum of its parts, this mash-up won't satisfy fans of fantasy or realistic fiction. (Adventure. 9-12)
