The Wolves of War

The king of heroic fantasy and New York Times bestselling author John Gwynne returns with a blockbuster epic fantasy inspired by Slavic mythology and packed with ancient magic, heroic sacrifice, and thrilling adventure.

"Gwynne is a rare breed of writer whose gift lies not in his panoply of talents, but in his authenticity. The Wolves of War is a beautiful book."- Pierce Brown, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"A tour de force by one of fantasy's greatest writers." - Jay Kristoff, New York Times bestseller author

THE WOLVES OF WAR ARE BARING THEIR FANGS

The Clans once lived freely, honouring their gods and traditions. Then the northern invaders unleashed a tide of blood and fire. Now the Clans are a conquered people.

Ivan cares not for wars or kings. His only concern is the safety of his family, especially his daughter Halia, whom he would protect with his life. Halia has been trapped in her own body since birth, yet at night she has dreams of running with wolves and speaking with fae creatures of the forest. Many believe her cursed, but Halia's awakening powers may be the only way she and her family can survive the coming storm.

For the wolves of war are stalking the horizon. Two princes have become mortal enemies, and an iron-toothed witch haunts the shadows. As mighty nations clash, Halia must master her strange magic to protect those she loves. To do so, she must accept a terrifying truth.

Sometimes, the only way through the darkness is to embrace it.

"Tough, authentic, and full of heart - the book you want beside you in the shield wall." - Joe Abercrombie, New York Times bestselling author

"Gwynne artfully weaves myth and history to capture the reader from the very first sentence." - Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"A masterclass in heroic fantasy." - Danielle L. Jensen, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Gwynne is a master storyteller whose heroic characters remind us that even in dark and violent times, there is goodness and light." --Fonda Lee, author of The Last Contract of Isako and the Green Bone Saga

"Exceeds expectations from the very first sentence." - Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author

Author: John Gwynne
Publisher: Orbit
Published: 11/03/2026
Pages: 496
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.52lbs
Size: 9.55h x 6.29w x 1.59d
ISBN: 9780316595001


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 10/01/2026 pg. 83
Booklist 10/01/2026

About the Author
John Gwynne studied and lectured at Brighton University. He has played double bass in a rock 'n' roll band, packed soap in a soap factory, and dug ditches for a landscaping crew. He is married with four children, eight goats, five sheep, three dogs, two horses, and three ducks, and lives in East Sussex, where he is part of a Viking reenactment group. When not writing or running around after his wife and her crazy animals, he can be found standing in a shield wall with his three sons about him.