Thank you Three Amigas Press, Netgalley and Tracy Leonard Nakatani for an e-ARC of A Bird Among Wolves. I went into this not knowing what to expect but LET ME TELL YOU - this was such a journey to read. I think I’m in my wolf era now.

Vibes you can expect:
- 🦌princess mononoke 🦌vibes
- found family 🐺wolf pack version🐺
- ✨skinship✨
- ancient gods, forest monsters 👹
- medieval/tavern/guild setting ⚔️
- political intrigue 👑

A Bird Among Wolves is told in multiple POVs but centres around Wren - a halfling who grew up in hiding her entire life but forced into society when her father was killed in mysterious circumstances.

Left in the dark about her past and without purpose in life, Wren plans to spend her life running away like she always did. But life has other plans for her. The ancient gods are waking, the legacy her father left behind slowly unravels around her and Wren finds herself tangled in political and societal drama she never wanted to be a part of.

This is a journey of self-discovery, acceptance and learning how to love. The story is fast-paced, plot-driven but also draws out the nuances and the subtle moments as Wren begrudgingly comes to the realisation that there is so much more out there for her, and that she is capable of forming new bonds and connections that are stronger than what she’s known.

There is so much more that happens that I won’t be able to put into words without spoiling too much, but this is definitely already one of my top reads of the year. We’ll have to wait until March 2026 for its official publish date but we’ve got news that Book 2 <A Wolf Among Men> will also be coming out late 2026 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

Binge read this book in a day. The writing was easy to read and the storyline was interesting. There was always something going on and the author did a good job of world building while also making you feel connected with characters. It’s a really fun read and the ending made me interested in book 2.

I loved this book! After the first couple of chapters it completely had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the style of writing and felt it flowed really well. The story felt well paced and was full of action, adventure and mystery. There were lots of twists and turns to keep me on my toes and I loved the reveals later on in the book! Didn’t see any of them coming as I was so engrossed in the story itself.

I loved the world building - it was detailed, interesting and felt really immersive. The details were beautifully interwoven throughout the narrative which meant there were no big information drops to try and get your head around. I enjoyed the multiple pov aspect of this book. It added to the depth of descriptions but also gave information about some of the wider cast of characters and filled in background details in a more interesting way.

The characters were my favourite part by far. I loved the mix of wolves, elves, humans and mystical creatures. This was a new and really interesting take on these types of characters for me. I loved Wren as the FMC - strong and determined but loved her quietness and vulnerability too. I really enjoyed seeing the dynamics between her and the other characters, particularly Randon, who I absolutely adore. It was so lovely to see how their friendship/relationship developed. I think Faelan is great; such a fascinating character and I’m looking forward to seeing more of his storyline.

I am totally invested in this story, it’s world and the characters and cannot wait for book 2 to see what happens next!
I was lucky to have the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book, which is always a huge privilege. So thank you to the author and Netgalley for that opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A fast-paced fantasy debut with strong found family themes and a heroine caught between worlds. A Bird Among Wolves follows Wren, a half-Demorian girl forced to run after her father’s murder, as she’s swept into a dangerous web of magic, monsters, and shifting alliances.

The story’s energy and heart are clear, but uneven pacing, vague world-building, and some awkward character dynamics (particularly when it came to the romance) held it back. Still, readers who enjoy morally grey casts, ancient magic, and fast-moving plots may find this a promising start to a new series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The opening chapters immediately gave me flashbacks to the iconic intro of Skyrim—a strong, immersive start that pulled me right in. From there, we follow Wren, our main protagonist, who has been raised in total seclusion by her father. Her journey into the wider, dangerous world is both thrilling and emotional.

I especially loved how the different elven races were woven into the story and how vividly the forest demons were described. The world-building felt lush and layered, and just when I thought I had a handle on the plot—bam! The twists hit, and they hit hard.

This is a multi-POV story, and I thought it was handled perfectly. It was always clear whose perspective we were in, and it added depth without ever being confusing.

Overall, I had a fantastic time reading this. It definitely delivers the Witcher-like atmosphere it promises—dark, magical, and deeply immersive.

Big thanks to Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

A Bird Among Wolves is an absolutely captivating and unforgettable debut from Tracy Leonard Nakatani. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into this richly imagined world and completely invested in the characters’ fates. The writing is lyrical yet sharp, perfectly balancing heart-pounding tension with moments of quiet reflection.

The characters are what truly shine here — layered, flawed, and deeply human. Their struggles and triumphs felt so authentic that I found myself holding my breath during the tense moments and cheering for them when things turned in their favor. The pacing was excellent, the world-building immersive without ever feeling overwhelming, and the plot twists kept me guessing right to the end.

I love discovering new voices in fantasy, and Nakatani has quickly earned a place on my auto-buy list. If you enjoy dark fantasy with morally gray characters, political intrigue, and prose that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished, this book is a must-read.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC — I’m voluntarily leaving this honest review, and already looking forward to what Tracy Leonard Nakatani writes next!

This is a fantasy read that immerses you straight into the drama. The story is fast paced and comes at you with multiple POVs which can become distracting. I didn't feel the opportunity to fully understand the world and live the story as it evolves with the characters.

📚 I rated this 3.5⭐️
The world building is done as you read through so there is no mass info dump and it is a really interesting world.
The magic system is unique and I really enjoyed the various races and the politics between them all.
I was very intrigued by the Brotherhood and found myself wanting to know more about their story.

I loved Wren’s character, she is strong and independent with a fighting spirit.

The pacing did lag at times and I struggled to keep engage during those slower moments and I think part of that is there are so many POV’s. I think we had 5 or 6 different POV’s and so you were chopping and changing every chapter to someone new which made it hard to stay in the story

A Bird Among Wolves is a wonderfully crafted fantasy, well-written and gripping in every way. Our FMC is Wren, and she is not your typical fantasy heroine. She is super relatable and, in a sense, normal. She's basically trying to figure out life after the death of her father, trying to navigate through a world that she was taught not to trust, and most importantly, learn who she truly is. She's an instantly likable character.
There are several other characters and POVs in this book, however, they are easy to keep up with. They each have unique characteristics and motives, and are all built up throughout the book, which I appreciate. (Huge plus for the author providing a reference and glossary at the end of the book!)
The world-building is also incredible, and you could tell the author had intentions to make the reader feel as if they're placed in each particular setting. I thought the blend of human and supernatural/mythical beings was perfect - we have humans, elves, werewolves, dragon-like creatures, and large deer-like creatures. Phenomenal, gripping, unique, and all-around consuming! I'm definitely looking forward to book #2!
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Three Amigas Press, and Tracy Leonard Nakatani for this one!

Thank you to NetGalley, Tracy Leonard Nakatani, and Three Amigas Press for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be officially published on March 31, 2026!

6/17/2025: I unfortunately had to DNF this book at 50%. :cc While the premise and title immediately caught my attention, suggesting a unique, atmospheric fantasy with depth, I found myself struggling to connect with the story and characters from the start.

The worldbuilding, while clearly ambitious, felt disjointed and difficult to grasp. The narrative throws readers into a richly detailed setting with little to no context or grounding. We are thrown straight into the action. I often felt as if I was reading the middle of a book without having access to the foundational elements needed to understand what was happening. There is a glossary but it's placed at the end of the book. I honestly wish it had been included at the beginning or integrated into the story itself. The book jumps between multiple POVs, but none of the characters really stood out to me in a memorable or meaningful way.

Overall, this story has a lot of potential; but the lack of emotional connection to the characters made it a disappointing read for me. All things considered, with slight refinement this book could shine.

A Bird Among Wolves has an intriguing premise with great potential . I loved the darker vibe, elven lore, and Wren’s mysterious backstory. & it does definitely have The Witcher / Princess Mononoke vibes.

However, the pacing felt off and the multiple POVs made it harder to stay focused in the story. The world-building took a while and was lacking, and I wished for more context Wren is a strong, stubborn FMC and who I did like though.

Thank you to Tracy Leonard Nakatani, Three Amigas Press, and NetGalley for this ARC of A Bird Among Wolves for my honest review below:

First, I was hesitant to start this book simply because there were a number of reviews that stated they didn't finish it. I am SO glad I went ahead and dove head first into this fantasy! I do agree that there were bits that seemed to either jump around or I couldn't quite keep the world building, races of elves, and characters all straight at first. Then it dawned on me to check for a glossary of terms and references, and sure enough there was one in the back of the book. I read it entirely and it helped tremendously. I would suggest to the publishers to put this at the beginning of the book so people read it first off and possibly avoid some confusion. This is a HUGE world that the author built - it is possible she could have added a few details to help the reader with bits of clarity. As an example why did Arlon come to live alongside her and her father if they had been so secluded? How did her father, who trusted NO ONE, allow this to happen - did the author leave these details vague for a reason? Is there more that we will discover about their backstory as the series progresses? I think there were just so many things that felt unknown or unanswered that for some it could become confusing- but for me it made my imagination run wild with all the different possibilities that could eventually unfold.
Now, for the book itself. This felt like a huge story with the potential of diving into so many other characters stories/histories and prequels - and as a reader we haven't even begun to understand all of Wren's story and where the world will lead her in subsequent novels. I can't help but wonder if she will develop a love interest outside of the one she somewhat explored in this first book of the series. I can definitely see the potential for a 'Tamlin to Rhys' type switch moving forward for Wren. But what I loved the most is that the romantic aspect was such a small part of this novel - it was truly just an entire world being built for the reader, with complex history and characters throughout. I actually loved that romance was not needed to keep this story moving - in fact quite the opposite. I quite literally felt like I opened the book and started running with how fast this story moved. But somewhere in this high speed action packed high fantasy, very real human emotions were ever present and I cannot wait to find out how this story will continue and if Wren will reconnect with her found family. Well done to author Tracy Leonard Nakatani!

I absolutely loved this book. I wasn't quite sure how it was going to play out but it didnt disappoint. I do have a lot more questions though, lol. Now I have to patiently wait for it's release so I can buy it and then not so patiently wait for the second book but I will definitely recommend this book.

I enjoyed reading a bird among wolves for the action, banter, and twists right from the beginning. I struggled with so many characters and points of view that I felt like I couldn't connect with them. The world building is definitely there. You have found family, grief, war, politics, mythical creatures, and banter. The story ends on a cliffhanger , and I'm hoping all the world building in book one will lead to an epic book two!

Thank you, Tracy Leonard Nakatani, publisher, and netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

WoW, what a mystical, suspenseful ride! Intrigued by the title and book cover, I ventured into my first read from Tracy Leonard Nakatani. I can tell you, it won't be the last! It's a mixture of high fantasy and contemporary suspense, with well fleshed out characters and a writing style that helps emerge you so you get lost in the story. I'm waiting eagerly for book two in this series!

4.5 out of 5 stars

An Addictive Forest Fantasy with Teeth

Tracy Leonard Nakatani’s A Bird Among Wolves is an electrifying start to what feels like a larger saga of myth, survival, and the call of something ancient in the dark. Wren, trained from childhood to vanish, becomes a deadly player in a kingdom unraveling as forest demons rise again—and magic she never understood begins to wake inside her.

🔥 What Worked Beautifully:
• Pacing: Fast but deliberate—every chapter moves the story forward without losing atmosphere.
• Tone: Dark, raw, and emotionally charged. The book balances ferocity with moments of introspection.
• Magic & Myth: The forest demons, the mysterious soul magic, and Wren’s connection to it all are gripping and original.

🌲 What to Watch:
• World lore is dense and sometimes elusive—it could use a glossary or a bit more explanation early on.
• Some court intrigue moments felt a little familiar—but Wren’s presence keeps it fresh.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a must-read for fantasy lovers who crave emotional grit, fierce heroines, and magic that feels as wild as it is powerful.

i loved the world building in this book so so much! this is my first book from nakatani, and i cannot wait to read more from her. it was full of characters that you like, dislike, and are not sure whether you should like or dislike, making this such a well rounded book. i think my only complaint would be the pacing, as i felt that at times it was dragged, but at other times there was so much happening, i could barely understand. other than that, however, i loved the characters and the twin brothers in the brotherhood, and the high stakes in the book!

thank you to netgalley and tracy leonard nakatani for the arc in exchange for an honest opinion! <3

I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with A Bird Among Wolves. Early on, I seriously considered DNF’ing — around the 28% mark, the pacing felt all over the place, and the world-building was so vague I couldn’t tell if we were in a forest, a city, or a village. It left me feeling unanchored, and that made it hard to get invested. It got repetitive fast. And the romantic interest calling Wren “pup”? That just didn’t work for me. It felt awkward and undermined the emotional weight of their relationship.

But despite all that, I’m really glad I stuck with it.

Once the story found its rhythm, I was hooked. The pacing may be fast — almost too fast at times — but it kept me turning pages. The found family dynamic was a highlight for me. I loved watching the relationships between characters evolve, especially as Wren began to find her place in a world that constantly tried to push her out. There’s a rawness to the emotional arcs that felt genuine, even when the plot was racing ahead.

Wren herself grew on me. She’s not your typical fantasy heroine — she’s messy, reactive, and often unsure — but that made her feel more real. And while the world-building was thin at first, some of the later scenes hinted at a much richer world beneath the surface. I just wish we’d gotten more time to explore it.

In the end, this book wasn’t perfect, but it had heart. If there’s a sequel, I’d be curious to see where the story goes next — especially if the author takes a bit more time to let the world and characters breathe.

What I Enjoyed:
- the slightly unique take on werewolves
- Wren was a solidly likeable character who does not suffer from the typical main-character-bad-decision-making often used
- diverse cast of characters that make the world believably lived in

What Could Be Improved:
- pacing as the introduction and conclusion are strong but the middle pacing could drag on at times
- was not expecting a huge swath of the plot to focus on the found family interactions, leaving the plot to slowly limp along in the meanwhile
- this first book in the series is a set-up for the ones to follow and does not stand strong on its own

5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A bird among wolves was a really cool read. I’ll confess it took me until about 20% in to be sure I was going to love it but that is when I had got my head around the world, figured out who everyone was and was hooked.

What I loved in particular:
- The opening is great, we are dumped straight into the action and need to quickly catch up to the predicament that Wren is in.
- I liked Wren as a main character, she was tough and smart without being annoying.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Starts off running but slows in the middle for some world building. Takes off again towards the end. Multiple POV was a bit draining but necessary for the plot. Hoping it comes together for the next book. Seems like the plot got in the way of bonding to the characters. Possibly from jumping povs.

Excited for some answers.