Next month, Gollancz are due to publish the new paperback edition of THE WILDING, the latest acclaimed stand-alone novel by Ian McDonald! Available from November 27th, here’s the synopsis…
Strange things have been happening at Lough Carrow.
Local villagers have told dark rumours about the vast peat bog ever since the huge project to rewild it began.
Strange tracks have been seen leading into and out of the site. Livestock has been mutilated in the area. And on their trek to a camp site in the heart of the bog some of Lisa’s group – five teenagers and three teachers she’s guiding on a wilderness experience – spot wolves, wolverines, and something that looks older and scarier than either… even though Ireland’s lost wild animals are yet to be introduced to the park…
They have planned one cosy campout in this strange wilderness, where time and space themselves seems to be shifting, but as darkness falls it’s clear they have a very different night ahead.
The camp is attacked.
The campers are trapped.
And something out there has only just begun to hunt…
Here are just a few of the great reviews the novel has received so far…
‘[A] sharp thriller with a healthy dose of folk horror… With strong characterisation, a deep sense of place and real wit… entertaining and often surprising.’ — Irish Times
‘The latest from one of Britain’s best writers of speculative fiction… Vividly written, this is perfect scary fare for the Halloween season.’ — Guardian
‘McDonald is brilliant at evoking a sense of claustrophobia and, in particular, in exploring what the wild brings out in his characters… beautifully written… melds the urban and rural to take folk horror somewhere unexpected, spooky and, rather paradoxically, new.’ — SFX
‘Undeniably powerful… told with beauty and grace’ — Locus
‘Personal backstories and mythical Irish creatures jostle for attention in the foetid landscape. As a group of ill-prepared teenagers and their guide battle their way through the bog, there’s suspense, gore, death and revelation. While monsters do what monsters do, you’ll be sucked down, held and left spluttering for breath. Brilliant stuff.’ — Daily Mail
‘… an ideal bit of science fiction-infused horror for an autumn night… After a long, teasing set-up, the action suddenly explodes and the last two-thirds of the novel move at speed from one danger to another.’ — Morning Star
