*Shortlisted

Review by Farhan, Seva School Coventry
The Wolf-Girl The Greeks, And The Gods is a book about the Persian and Greek wars. Tom Holland has written an excellent story about a young girl by the name of Gorgo.

The most interesting aspect of this story was the use of Greek mythology to explain many of the problems of Ancient Greece that also introduced their Gods and historical figures. My favourite character would have been the famous Persian King Cyrus, although only being mentioned in a story told to young Gorgo it educated me on the past and the actions that lead to thousands of years of history of the Persians and Greeks.

What stands out most to me from this book were the illustrations that gave a more in-depth understanding of the situation and never failed to impress me. I would recommend this book to pupils with a small amount of knowledge on the topic since it has lots of interesting stories which can be researched if taken an interest to.

Although the book had started off a bit slow and hadn’t yet hooked me in, the change of tone of the book from a more mythological setting to one of the political problems in Ancient Sparta had given me motivation to carry on the story, such as there being at the time 2 Kings. One to rule the city itself and one to fight battles with neighbouring City States.

Overall, this book’s great illustrations and exciting plot was what made me want to read more, the book is also short with 200 pages, making it an easy read for those who want to learn about ancient Sparta and Persia.

Review by Aaron, Claremont High School, Harrow, Middlesex
Tom Holland's "The Wolf Girl, the Greeks, and the Gods" is a remarkable fusion of ancient mythology and historical epic set during the Persian Wars, centred on Spartan Princess Gorgo. This novel stands out for its rich narrative that blends the fantastical elements of Greek myths with the gritty realities of war, all seen through the lens of a powerful female protagonist. Holland's skill full storytelling, combined with Jason Cockcroft's striking illustrations, brings this period to life in a way that is both educational and immensely entertaining. I personally recommend this book for its unique perspective on a well-trodden part of history, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction and classical mythology alike.

What truly captivates in "The Wolf Girl, the Greeks, and the Gods" is the interweaving of Gorgo's personal life with mythical elements against the backdrop of historical events. The detailed illustrations further enrich the narrative, making the ancient world come alive. This creative fusion, alongside the visual storytelling, offers a unique and immersive reading experience, making the novel a standout piece in historical fiction.

Gorgo, the Spartan princess, is likely to captivate readers with her remarkable blend of mortal bravery and divine heritage. Her journey from a young princess to a queen leading her city-state against a vast empire, all while awakening her latent supernatural powers, provides a compelling narrative arc that intertwines personal growth with epic historical events.

Review by Olivia, The British School of Milan, Sir James Henderson
The Wolf-Girl, the Greeks and the Gods by Tom Holland is a reimagining of the Graeco-Persian Wars. He intertwines historical events, such as the Battle of Thermopylae with stories of the Greek Gods. The way the mythology is weaved into the plot is ingenious, and it transforms the war into an epic adventure tale reminiscent of The Iliad. The plot is told from the point of view of Gorgo, the princess who later becomes queen of Sparta. She is one of the few women mentioned in Herodotus’ Histories. In this book, Spartans have the ability to transform into wolves, which are traditionally the symbol of the city. This allows Gorgo to transcend the barriers of being a woman in the Ancient World and play an active role in the conflict. Jason Cockcroft’s illustrations are stunning and really bring the story to life. Their opaque colours and use of silhouettes evoke the black-figured Greek pottery. I didn’t know anything about the Graeco-Persian Wars before reading this book and Holland managed to bring to life the facts in a vivid and engaging way. The book is driven by the plot rather than by a character arc, which didn’t always allow for the development of the various characters. However, The Wolf-Girl, the Greeks and the Gods is a highly enjoyable read, full of adventure and tales of the Gods, in the vein of The Iliad.