Hello, Friday Fiction Fans! I’ve just read the best fantasy book, my first of 2026, and I wanted to share all the cool details with you. Jeff Wheeler is a new-to-me author, but with over thirty books to his name, he’s obviously been around for a while. Here’s the back cover copy of The Wretched of Muirwood:
She was forced to serve, but destined to lead.
In the ancient and mystical land of Muirwood, orphan Lia has known only a life of servitude. Labeled a “wretched,” an outcast, unwanted, and unworthy of respect, Lia is forbidden to read or write, and forced to work in the Abbey kitchen. Lia appears all but resigned to her fate, until opportunity arises when an injured squire named Colvin is abandoned at the kitchen’s doorstep.
Lia conspires to hide Colvin and change her life forever, but her plan becomes a perilous one when a nefarious sheriff starts a manhunt for Colvin. In the midst of a land torn by a treacherous war between a ruthless king and a rebel army, Lia finds herself on an ominous journey that will push her to wonder if her own hidden magic is enough to set things right.
Forced to serve. Destined to lead. What a tag line! I love the story of the orphan Lia, a hero in every way. Though she is treated harshly at times, she keeps her composure and bides her time while trying to reach her dream of learning to read. Different people cross her path, and she learns much during her time at the Abbey. Now, she is far from perfect, nothing like those unrealistic, sweet, and wonderful characters that I often find in books. No, Wheeler writes her like a real person with strengths and flaws. I enjoyed watching her grow and learn. And trust. Colvin is just right for Lia when he comes into her life. There’s just nothing like the camaraderie that comes with nursing another character back to life. lol
I loved following along with Lia and finding out her special powers and how she uses them to help her kingdom. The Wretched of Muirwood is a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone.
What about you? Have you read any Jeff Wheeler books? Which are your favorites?
