Returning to a near-future, rewilded Britain for another thrilling and thought provoking adventure, award-winning author Brogen Murphy brings us a story of bravery, friendship and hope. Finn lives in the Buffer Zone on the edge of the Wildlands, surrounded by a vast, rewilded landscape filled with boar, bison and beavers. But his quiet life is up-ended when his father takes in an orphaned bear cub – a secret that could cost them everything.
After being rescued from the Wildlands, Astrid is doing everything she can to expose the poachers that threaten this protected sanctuary – but no one is listening. When Finn’s bear grows too big to hide, and Astrid’s Mum hatches a daring plan to get proof of the poachers, both children set off on parallel journeys – over land, sea and sky. But winter is closing in, and a terrible storm is brewing . . . Stranded in the heart of the Wildlands – with secrets between them and danger far closer than they realise – can they learn to trust each other to save what they both love most? This series is perfect for 8-12 year olds and fans of The Explorer and The Last Wild. Wildlands was the winner of the Children's Wainwright Prize for Fiction 2025.
