Title: The Lure of Wolves and Whispers
Author: Amanda Connolly
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: July 7, 2026
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Summary
On the isle of Eireann, magic is all but nonexistent. That is, unless you know the right people. When Maeve’s sister is poisoned, her only choice is to turn to the Whisperers. An organization that deals in magic. But the price to save her sister’s life is to bond herself with the leader of the rebels. Suddenly, Maeve finds herself pulled into a dangerous scheme to overthrow power in Eireann. A scheme that might just cose Maeve her life.
Review: The Lure of Wolves and Whispers
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly to review! There’s a lot at stake in this dark YA fantasy, and that’s immediately apparent from the beginning. Even though the writing takes a little to get its bearing, Maeve is a compelling narrator and she’s what made me keep reading. And it was worth it, because the pace definitely picks up halfway through the book.
Though there are some plot points that were a bit predictable (if you read a lot of YA fantasy), I wasn’t too bothered by it because I was enjoying the characters. There are a lot of side characters, but the ones in Maeve’s immediately circle are pretty well fleshed out. Though there is a romance, it doesn’t take over the main plot, which is refreshing for a YA fantasy. They did have good chemistry, even if their timing at the end is a little suspect.
I will say, this is quite dark for a young adult book, especially in terms of violence. I’d recommend this for the upper end of teen because of that, since it was even a lot for me.
All in all, if you want a dark YA fantasy to add to your summer TBR, this one is worth checking out! Especially if you don’t mind that you’ll definitely be left wanting that sequel.
4/5 stars