This one starts off even more dramatically than the first book, Wren to the Rescue, with several deaths. Instigating a multi-kingdom war, Andreus seems to be going all out in this book, a complete reversal from the previous book, Wren's Quest.

Book Title: Wren's War
Book Author: Sherwood Smith
Book Publisher: Firebird Fantasy (Penguin)
Release Date: May 24, 2004
Retail Price: $6.99
Buy it at: Various Outlets

This is a darker book than its predecessors, starting with the death of two secondary, yet very important characters. This leads off onto a book-long campaign to gather soldiers, allies, and support to go against Andreus in a full-out war. No political dancing here, there are skirmishes, raids, and battles on both sides.

Teresa is forced to step up her political skills by raising an army and waging war against Andreus, with a little help from her friends. Tyron once again aides Teresa while Wren and Connor help out on a different part of the battle. As seems to be tradition now, Wren must save one of her friends from another of Andreus' nasty traps. (That guy is one paranoid magician.)

We get to see more shape-changing, courtesy of Wren and a fancy little amulet, which comes in handy more times than I could count. And as always, the dangers of shifting into animal form played a dangerous part to the health and safety of Wren and her companions. Even I would like to try the whole changing into an animal trick for a while, but the concept of eventually not wanting to turn back into a human...yeah, I think I can live without that type of danger.

Andreus pops up all over the place in this book. Too bad he can't cash in all that transporting for frequent flyer miles or anything. And Hawk seems to be on Hawk's side for the war, not quite going against Andreus or Teresa. At least, not until it really counts. (Read the book to find out which side he chooses.)

One part that I couldn't quite find believable was Teresa's uncle Fortain's actions after having effectively taken control of the troops. It felt akin to a more two-dimensional Severus Snape character, where Fortain's final actions in the plot were a complete surprise and there were no magical memory tears to explain himself with. (Where's magical memory tears when you really need them?)

I keep waffling between calling this series a trilogy and a quodrology. Why? Because there is a fourth book to the Wren universe, but it's in eBook form only. I'm sure the fourth book is a fine addition to the Wren universe, but I don't know as I shy away from digital books. I'm too addicted to holding the printed books. One of these days I'll give in, get an eReader, and catch up on all the good digital content, but for now, I'll rely on you faithful readers for your opinions.

Did you read Wren's War? What did you think of it? Were things left off in a satisfactory manner or were you left grumbling about the loose ends fraying around the plot? Comment below to let me know.