Description

From the award-winning author of The Silver Road comes a new tale of contemporary Ireland and ancient myth . . .

‘An eerie, gripping 9+ adventure, with strong characterisation and deftly interwoven Celtic mythology.’ Guardian

When Ben and his family have to leave Dublin and move into the remote house where his mother grew up, he’s not optimistic about what lies ahead. For him and his brother Fin, it’ll mean fitting in to life with his aunts and a cousin he doesn’t even know.

But what Ben doesn’t expect is that he will be drawn into the mysteries of the wild mystical landscape. He can sense its power, and he can see a light shining from the mountain on the horizon. Even stranger, crows are gathering, watching him and haunting his dreams.

As Ben uncovers the stories of Ireland’s mythical heroes and warriors that obsessed his grandfather right up until he died, Ben begins to wonder if there is more to the tales than pure fantasy. It seems like trouble is stirring – and will he have the power to face it?

A powerful new book for children aged 9 and up, drawing on Celtic folklore. Perfect for fans of Catherine Doyle and Ross Montgomery.

‘Sword of the Sun completely swept me away! O’Hart’s writing is rich, evocative and mysterious, but above all, total magic!’ Jennifer Bell, author of Magicalia

‘Rich in Irish mythology, this is a wonderful, pacey book with an unlikely trio of heroes. It kept me hooked throughout to its action-packed end.’ Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

Publisher Review

Past secrets and present-day heroes collide in O’Hart’s new Sword of the Sun, a thrilling adventure story about family bonds, bravery and learning who you are. Swirling with Irish mythology and folklore, Sword of the Sun completely swept me away! O’Hart’s writing is rich, evocative and mysterious, but above all, total magic. * Jennifer Bell, author of MAGICALIA * An astounding book full of truly wild, scary magic. The kind of magic that taps at your window at night and steals your soul. This is a book to be read under the blankets with a torch. The sort of book that lays down myths in children’s souls for a lifetime. * Louie Stowell, author of LOKI: A BAD GOD’S GUIDE TO BEING GOOD * Rich in Irish mythology, this is a wonderful, pacey book with an unlikely trio of heroes. The spooky atmosphere and the sense of coming doom kept me hooked throughout to its action-packed end. * Nizrana Farook, author of THE GIRL WHO STOLE AN ELEPHANT * Sinead O’Hart mixes the everyday stresses of family life with tales of the Morrigan and the Cailleach […] There is tension, drama and plenty of action but also moments of humour, self-doubt and teenage angst * Inis Magazine * Sinead O’Hart’s new book, Sword of the Sun, crackles with magic and mythology. A daring adventure story, it skilfully mixes the ancient with the contemporary in a story that will grip readers old and young. Steal a copy if you have to! * Patricia Forde, Laureate na nOg * Sinead O’Hart has spun an epic new legend, one set in today’s world yet seeped in the richness and power of Irish folklore. A thrilling and triumphant feast of folklore and family. * Eve McDonnell, author of THE CHESTNUT ROASTER * O’ Hart brings ancient Irish mythology kicking and screaming into modern-day life in this nail-biting adventure with crystalline prose which twinkles like the Dagda’s harp but is so finely polished it will leave young readers thirsty for more. With great characters and a plot laden with danger and humour, this is a must read for lovers of magic and mythology.’ * Kieran Fanning, author of IRISH FAIRYTALES, MYTHS AND LEGENDS * Sinead O’Hart is a worthy successor to Pat O’Shea and Alan Garner. Sinead’s writing brings that rare and wonderful thing – the perfect blending of the mystical and the everyday in which ancient powers resonate through the landscape. Every page sings with magic and humanity. Ben and Ji-Ah completely stole my heart. * Susan Cahill, author of THE WORLD BETWEEN THE RAIN * A wonderful feast of fantasy and folklore. * Serena Molloy, author of WIDER THAN THE SEA *