For children facing big changes or feeling scared, this epic tale of rabbit siblings on the run will ignite their courage and show the strength of family.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing a big, scary change or feeling powerless in the face of overwhelming events. This epic fantasy follows Podkin One-Ear, a young rabbit prince, who must flee his home with his older sister and baby brother when monstrous, iron-clad villains called the Gorm invade. It's a thrilling adventure about survival, but at its heart, it's a story about finding courage you didn't know you had and the incredible strength of family bonds. For kids 8 to 12, it frames difficult themes like loss and fear within an accessible, high-stakes fantasy world, making it an excellent choice to inspire resilience and open conversations about bravery.
The monstrous Gorm are genuinely scary. Scenes of invasion and pursuit are tense.
Sensitive Topics
The story deals directly with the death of a parent, which happens off-screen but is a catalyst for the entire plot. It also features a main character with a physical disability: Podkin loses an ear in the initial attack, and his journey to accept this new identity is a central theme. The resolution is hopeful, reframing his injury as a symbol of survival and strength. The book's approach to these topics is secular. Violence is present and the Gorm are genuinely menacing, but it remains within the bounds of middle-grade fantasy.
Ideal Reader
A 9-11 year old who loves immersive fantasy worlds like Redwall or The Hobbit. This is a perfect book for a child feeling anxious or powerless due to external circumstances (like a family move, parental conflict, or even scary news headlines). It offers a powerful fantasy metaphor for finding your footing and fighting back when your world is turned upside down.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the first few chapters are intense. The invasion of the warren is frightening and the Gorm are described as monstrous and cruel. Previewing chapters 2 ("The Gorm") and 3 ("The Warren Catastrophe") is recommended for more sensitive readers. The rest of the book, while containing peril, is less concentrated in its intensity. No other specific context is needed. A parent notices their child is expressing feelings of being small, helpless, or scared of a new situation. The child might be saying things like "I can't do it" or seem overwhelmed by a challenge they perceive as too big for them.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will latch onto the exciting adventure, the cool magic dagger, the scary monsters, and the relatable sibling squabbles. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the themes of trauma, leadership, what it means to be a hero, and the clever world-building. They will also pick up on the emotional nuance of Podkin's journey from spoiled prince to scarred survivor.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many lone-hero fantasies, this story's core is the dynamic between the three siblings. Each has a vital role, and their survival depends entirely on their bond. The framing device of a bard telling the story adds a unique, legendary tone, making the events feel both immediate and epic. The Gorm are also exceptionally well-realized villains for this age group: terrifying, mysterious, and a perfect embodiment of implacable dread.
Read plot summary
Podkin, a lazy young rabbit prince, has his life upended when the Gorm, a terrifying army of iron-armored rabbits, invade his warren and kill his father, the chief. Podkin escapes with his resourceful older sister, Paz, and their toddler brother, Pook. They are pursued relentlessly across the countryside, carrying one of the clan's legendary gifts, the dagger Starclaw. The story is framed as a tale being told by a traveling bard many years after the events, lending it a mythic quality as Podkin's group seeks allies and safety.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the start of the book, Podkin is lazy and spoiled. By the end, he is a brave leader. What key moments on his journey do you think changed him the most?
2
Podkin, Paz, and Pook all have very different personalities and skills. Can you think of a time when Paz's planning, Podkin's courage, or Pook's surprising abilities saved them?
3
Podkin is ashamed of his lost ear at first, but later it becomes part of his famous name. Why do you think his feelings about his injury changed?
4
The storyteller tells Podkin's story long after it happened. How does hearing it as a 'legend' from the past change the way you experience the adventure?
