Menewood by Nicola Griffith, Book 2 in The Hild Sequence

Menewood continues the epic historical saga begun in Hild, returning readers to 7th‑century Britain, a world of shifting alliances, rival kings, and religious upheaval. Hild—now eighteen and no longer the precocious child of the first book—has become the formidable Lady of Elmet, responsible for defending her people as political tensions escalate.

The novel follows her as she:

• Builds her stronghold in the valley of Menewood

• Navigates fraying alliances and rising threats

• Trains new warriors while preparing for inevitable war

• Faces devastating losses and must forge a new path for her people

The book is widely praised for its rich world‑building, meticulous historical detail, and powerful character development.2