IRON WOLF

In Pettersen’s new series opener set in the same universe as her Raven Rings trilogy, a young wolf hunter is drawn into an ancient struggle to which her family holds the key.

Born into a leading family of blood readers, Juva, 19, left home to hunt wolves rather than read blood samples and craft fake fortunes for the vulnerable, like the desperate blood users whose addiction will kill them. Hunting’s a messy but vital job; wolf blood fuels the city of Náklav’s magical stone gates that serve as travel gateways. Her hunting companions are Juva’s chosen family now, but confused images from her father’s death haunt her. Did the devil kill him? Was the devil a wolf? Why did her mother insist Juva saw nothing, then demand she tell no one? What impels Juva to sketch wolves, then burn her drawings? Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Juva, the Might, a long-banished magical force, is returning to upend the powers of the vardari, shadowy immortals like Nafraím, who supplies readers with blood and bribes Juva’s blood-addicted ex-boyfriend to inform on her family. Taut and suspenseful, the intricate plot unwinds and repeatedly resets as Juva (and readers) uncover truths buried in ancient lies and traumatic memories. More human than superhero, anxious, ethical, passionate Juva’s an apt heroine for hard times. The masterful worldbuilding and vivid Nordic setting populated with compelling secondary characters (most read as blond, Scandinavian analogs) are well served by the stirring prose.

An immersive, darkly exhilarating read.