Nevertell

Candlewick/Walker Book has done it again. Katherine Orton's Nevertell is a lovely book and one I'd highly recommend for its lush prose and superb historical setting.

Twelve-year-old Lina was born in a Soviet prison camp and the cruelty and coldness of it is all she's ever known. After she escapes with a trio of fellow prisoners and her best friend, Bogdan, her plan is simple: get to Moscow to find her grandmother, and return to the camp to rescue her mother, Katya. But that plan is put at risk when she runs into a powerful sorceress and her army of shadow wolves. Now Lina, who discovers she may have magical powers too, and Bogdan will need all of their strength if they are to survive not only the Siberian cold and the long journey ahead, but the clutches of this seemingly evil witch as well.

I can't think of anything that detracted from this book. It's simply wonderful. The historical setting is spot on and there is just the right amount of magic to still make this feel grounded in our world. And Orton's world building is a bit magical itself: you are fully immersed in the cold Siberian forest as Lina and Bogdan make their escape.

This is as perfectly paced as any middle grade (or any age category, for that matter) I've read, and I loved the subtle addition of Russian fairy tales. This adventure will be perfect for so many readers.

And much cover love to the ARC version. Look for this special book when it releases on April 14, 2020.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing this copy for review.