Books for children, especially junior fiction and middle grade readers (the 7-12 years age group) have a lot of choice of a wide range of subjects. But historical adventure stories always have a special kind of magic. They are excellent at whisking their young readers back to worlds that feel both distant and yet strangely familiar – places where survival depends on courage, friendship and quick thinking, yet the emotions and challenges mirror those children face today. The best of these stories blend real history with gripping adventure, giving readers a sense of stepping into another time while still recognising themselves in the characters. The Whispering Stones, written by Saviour Pirotta, is the second book in The Wolfsong Series and it continues Wolf’s journey through the Neolithic era with even more heart, danger and discovery than before.
We were first introduced to Wolf in The Stolen Spear – a boy living around 2500BC whose life changed forever when he set out on a perilous mission to retrieve a sacred spear stolen from his village’s burial mound. Not only did he succeed, but he also uncovered something far more important: a sense of who he truly is and who he wants to become. The Whispering Stones picks up right where that adventure ended and it wastes no time pulling readers back into Wolf’s world and his adventurous journey of discovery.
After he returned the spear, Wolf hopes life in the village will finally settle. But things are still far from easy. During his previous journey, Wolf discovered he could see visions, glimpses of the future, and now he longs to become a shaman (a spiritual healer). His determination only grows when he is gifted a powerful amulet that brings him “seeing dreams”, vivid and sometimes unsettling visions that guide him towards what lies ahead.
But when Moon, the village shaman, is poisoned during a secret ritual, life is about to come crashing down again. Wolf is blamed and Moon’s son, Rain, turns on him with frightening intensity. As before, Wolf is ostracised by his community, forced into hiding until he can prove his innocence. With Moon gravely ill, Wolf needs to act to not only find a cure for Moon but to clear his name. Guided only by a seeing dream and by his loyal dog, Shadow, he sets out to find the answers at the mysterious Whispering Stones. Trouble, of course, follows close behind.
Overall, this instalment in The Wolfsong Series feels richer and more engaging than the first, partly because we already know the characters and partly because the stakes feel higher. There is more action, more tension and more emotional depth. The story touches gently but meaningfully on themes children will recognise: the struggle to fit in, the pain of being misunderstood, the courage it takes to stand up for what’s right and the importance of persistence even when the world feels against you.
The characters within the story are excellent and Crow, who we were introduced to in the first book, is back and now with an even stronger presence. A skilled hunter and warrior, Crow is a brilliant female role model: brave, capable and fiercely loyal. Her dynamic with Wolf adds warmth and balance to the story, especially as Wolf continues to grow into himself – kind, thoughtful, determined, and learning from every mistake he makes.
I also liked that at the back of the book there are some discussion questions that will help parents and teachers ger involved with their child’s reading. They encourage young readers to think more deeply about the story, the characters and the real historical context woven through the narrative.
The Whispering Stones is an exciting, atmospheric adventure that transports children to a faraway time while keeping its heart firmly rooted in experiences they understand. Well‑written, easy to follow and full of both danger and hope, it’s a fantastic coming‑of‑age tale, historical fiction that will appeal to readers aged 8 and up. It’s a strong continuation of a series that promises even more to come.
Rating: 4.5/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback)
For more information, visit spirotta.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
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