The Ragnor Trilogy
Book One: Irina The Wolf Queen
'This child,' said Raizel, 'will be the greatest ruler this kingdom has ever known'
Kidnapped at birth, raised by a she-wolf, then taken in by kind farmers, Irina is no ordinary foundling. Wild and beautiful, she can see in the dark, hunt better than any farm hand, and communicate with the creatures of the forest.
One day in the woods, Irina meets the ancient wise-woman, Raizel, who reveals the truth: Irina is a princess, the long lost daughter of King Harmon and Queen Chloe of Ragnor.
Unsure of her place, Irina returns home, only to find her kingdom threatened by a wicked magician intent on revenge. Yet in the coming days of battle, could it be that a princess with the courage of a warrior and the instincts of a wolf is exactly what Ragnor needs?
To buy, click on the cover.
Available at Collins, Readings, and independent booksellers, and as an ebook through Amazon and iTunes.
Kidnapped at birth, raised by a she-wolf, then taken in by kind farmers, Irina is no ordinary foundling. Wild and beautiful, she can see in the dark, hunt better than any farm hand, and communicate with the creatures of the forest.
One day in the woods, Irina meets the ancient wise-woman, Raizel, who reveals the truth: Irina is a princess, the long lost daughter of King Harmon and Queen Chloe of Ragnor.
Unsure of her place, Irina returns home, only to find her kingdom threatened by a wicked magician intent on revenge. Yet in the coming days of battle, could it be that a princess with the courage of a warrior and the instincts of a wolf is exactly what Ragnor needs?
To buy, click on the cover.
Available at Collins, Readings, and independent booksellers, and as an ebook through Amazon and iTunes.
Reviews for Irina The Wolf Queen
"This charming children's fantasy... begins...within the conventions of fairytale. A wise woman is invited to the castle of King Harmon and Queen Chloe, the rulers of Ragnor, to lay a prophecy over the newborn princess. The baby Irina, she says, "has courage. She is strong-willed; full of action; she has the intelligence of kings and the swordcraft and intuitive power of the Holy Women." However, an evil nemesis hangs over her future – an enemy curdled by envy and unrequited love. Irina, as a child, will be abandoned to the wilderness.
Leah Swann's tale moves from fairytale to epic fantasy, with shades of Shakespearean romance thrown in. It's a winning combination, handled with an imaginative focus that should keep younger readers immersed. Gender is an issue in epic fantasy, and this young heroine, with her supernatural, physical and intellectual ability, has you barracking for her all the way." Cameron Woodhead, The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age
The children in class four listened every day with rapt attention to Leah Swann's beautiful children's novel, 'Irina The Wolf Queen.” Right from beginning to end the story grips you with a wealth and richness of character, adventure and atmosphere. It plucks at our emotions and fears, but never tips into mere sentimentality...I literally had spine tingling moments, as pearls of great truth and wisdom seemed to drop from it and enter the room in a sacred listening space. Yet they came not as dry morals, but in a story thrilling with adventure and intrigue where we all just wanted to know what would come next! Swann has mastered the magical art of story writing for children in this first book of the Ragnor trilogy. The children and I are eagerly awaiting the next instalment!
Ali Staley, Primary School Teacher
Leah Swann's tale moves from fairytale to epic fantasy, with shades of Shakespearean romance thrown in. It's a winning combination, handled with an imaginative focus that should keep younger readers immersed. Gender is an issue in epic fantasy, and this young heroine, with her supernatural, physical and intellectual ability, has you barracking for her all the way." Cameron Woodhead, The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age
The children in class four listened every day with rapt attention to Leah Swann's beautiful children's novel, 'Irina The Wolf Queen.” Right from beginning to end the story grips you with a wealth and richness of character, adventure and atmosphere. It plucks at our emotions and fears, but never tips into mere sentimentality...I literally had spine tingling moments, as pearls of great truth and wisdom seemed to drop from it and enter the room in a sacred listening space. Yet they came not as dry morals, but in a story thrilling with adventure and intrigue where we all just wanted to know what would come next! Swann has mastered the magical art of story writing for children in this first book of the Ragnor trilogy. The children and I are eagerly awaiting the next instalment!
Ali Staley, Primary School Teacher
Book Two: Irina and The White Wolf
Irina felt joy flood through her. Adventure! She climbed onto Durrell's back and the pair sped off, leaving tracks in the white snow....
Irina the Wolf Queen's mission to save the wolves of Ragnor is under threat. Having defeated Vilmos, she must now embark on a seemingly impossible quest to find the white wolf and unlock the kingdom's prophecy.
Irina travels through icy forests deep into the heart of the Narrowlands. At every turn, wicked magicians lay traps and she must use all her wits, intuition and courage in order to survive. Can Irina overcome the forces of evil, or is Ragnor destined to return to another age of darkness?
To buy, click on the cover.
Available at Collins, Readings, Dymocks, Winterwood and independent booksellers, and online as an ebook through www.xoum.com.au, Amazon and iTunes.
Irina the Wolf Queen's mission to save the wolves of Ragnor is under threat. Having defeated Vilmos, she must now embark on a seemingly impossible quest to find the white wolf and unlock the kingdom's prophecy.
Irina travels through icy forests deep into the heart of the Narrowlands. At every turn, wicked magicians lay traps and she must use all her wits, intuition and courage in order to survive. Can Irina overcome the forces of evil, or is Ragnor destined to return to another age of darkness?
To buy, click on the cover.
Available at Collins, Readings, Dymocks, Winterwood and independent booksellers, and online as an ebook through www.xoum.com.au, Amazon and iTunes.
Book Three: Irina and the Lost Book
A terrifying army marches south towards Irina’s family and friends. Locked in prison, she is powerless to stop it. The Book of the Junsong is lost, her mother is under an evil enchantment, and she is separated from her beloved wolves. Now, Irina must face her ultimate foe: the Venerated Dragon. And she must do it alone, with nothing to help her but a charm on her neck – and the truth. Can Irina fulfil her destiny and bring the Age of Peace to Ragnor? Irina and the Lost Book is a captivating new fantasy novel for children aged 8–12. To buy, click on the cover. |
Also available at Collins, Readings, Dymocks, and independent booksellers, and online as an ebook through www.xoum.com.au, Amazon and iTunes.