Overall, a good romance story, but not as gripping as Noni’s fantasy stories.
Feature image credit: Penguin Books Australia
Australian author Lynette Noni is well known to young adult readers. She is the award-winning author of The Prison Healer series, The Medoran Chronicles and the Whisper duology. Her books have sold more than 1 million copies around the world. In Wandering Wild, Noni has moved away from her usual fantasy genre to contemporary romance.
Set in the beautiful Blue Mountains outside Sydney, it is about a young American movie star, Zander Rune (18 years old), who was the darling of Hollywood until his image hit a roadblock and he fell from grace. Thinking the career he loved was over, his manager suggests a competition where a fan could win four days in the wilds of the Blue Mountains with Zander and Rykon Hawke, a reality TV adventurer/survivalist (think Bear Grylls).
The competition is won by super fan Emma, who unfortunately is unable to accept the prize for health reasons. So, it is offered to her best friend Charlie Hart (17 years old). Charlie despises Zander for reasons that are eventually revealed. What could possibly go wrong?
Noni is deservedly an author to be reckoned with. She is able to write wonderful imagery with her words and the reader almost feels they are there, experiencing what the characters are experiencing. The main characters show great emotional depth. The obstacles they have to cross along the way are altogether too real as any Australian can attest.
I was a little horrified by the twist at the ending and it took something away from the enjoyment I had with the rest of the story. It certainly didn’t sit well with me in this day and age, and wasn’t resolved to my satisfaction. Having said that, it is hard not to get swept away with the grandeur of the scenery, described in detail, and the emotions felt by the lead characters. As readers we are totally invested in their wellbeing.
The relationship between the two leads builds throughout the story. In romance novels the reader usually can tell how it will end, and this is no exception, but it is the ride along the way that makes the story so gripping.
Both main characters felt older than they were. Their thoughts were more like those of someone who had lived and experienced way more in their lives.They both knew why they were feeling as they were, rather than the confusion of adolescence. Although, someone who has spent years in Hollywood probably has to grow up very quickly.
Wandering Wild is a story of young love, grief, trust and growing up. There are mentions of suicide, teen cancer, and trauma, so be aware this may cause triggers for some people. Overall, this book was a roller coaster of emotions that came through the protagonists dealing with assorted traumas, while set against the beautiful and rugged background of the Blue Mountains.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: April 2025
RRP: $27.99
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