The Secrets of the Wild Wood

The story continues – Tiuri has been knighted and he carries proudly the pure white shield proclaiming his allegiance to King Unauwen. But all is not well. One of the King’s knights has gone missing; what has happened to him and what secrets are hidden in the Wild Wood? Accompanied by his squire, Piak, Tiuri sets out on the quest to find Sir Ristridin. On the way he will meet great kindness but also deception and evil. He will find his loyalties tested and learn that fighting for what seems right is not always simple and can involve difficult choices. He will also learn that victory comes at a price.

The success of The Letter for the King in which Tiuri’s adventures begin will ensure there are eager readers keen to follow the story. Nor will they be disappointed. Though in many ways very different from the current crop of action packed thrillers aimed at a young audience, the author draws the reader in and does not let go. Filled with the chivalry of an Arthurian age, Dragt also presents the reader with questions and ideas about such chivalry adding a reflective element to the adventure. However, the conviction that right will prevail is not in doubt. Laura Watkinson’s translation never flags, and though not a slim volume, the prose would be accessible to quite young able readers.