Fia and the Last Snow Deer

By Author / Illustrator

Eilish Fisher, Dermot Flynn

Genre

Historical Fiction

Age range(s)

Publisher

Penguin Random House

ISBN

9780241651964

Format

Hardback

Published

26-09-2024

Synopsis

Born under the same solstice sky thirteen years ago, Fia and her snow deer Solas have always had a powerful and unbreakable connection. But as Fia's village face a seemingly eternal winter, they turn their sights to Solas and an ancient prophecy that promises the return of sunlight and life, if the ultimate sacrifice is made . . .

Refusing to allow the worst to happen, Fia and her cousin Mish run from the village with Solas, seeking out the Deer Mother - the mythical being who wakes the sun at the winter solstice and who might be their only hope. But the wilderness is harsh and shadows lurk at every turn. Can they make it to the Deer Mother? And, if they do, what choices will Fia face to bring back the sun and save her village?

A powerful and beautiful tale set in snowy pre-historic Ireland, about hope, kindness and the power of friendship, from exceptional new writing talent, Eilish Fisher, brought to life with stunning illustrations from Dermot Flynn.

'Tender, hopeful and thrillingly wild' Abi Elphinstone, bestselling author of Sky Song

View Extract

Reviews

Fia's village is starving after unending winters and their hope lies with the hunters, due to return before the next solstice. As the hunters return empty handed and the village gathers to decide the fate of Fia's snow deer, she plots with her grandmother to seek out the Deer Mother and save them all. Accompanied by her cousin, they set off in the harsh landscape to face perils and hardship for the ultimate sacrifice. Will Fia be able to give up her snow deer, Solas, to fulfil the prophecy that promises the end of winter and the sun's return?

Fia and the Last Snow Deer is one of those magical books that manages to transport you to the terrain and emotions within. From the very beginning, written in prose, it is a beautiful, lyrical read full of love, hardship and hope. As Fia travels on her quest we learn more about her and cousin Mish, their relationship and standing within the village, along with the expectations and pressures of birthright and prophecies. Meanwhile, Fia learns about love, loyalty, family, friendship, jealousy and kindness.

I read this verse novel in one sitting: the chapters are short and the verse format makes it easy reading. But it is a book that will be read again and again, with the writing reminding me of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, for its honesty, magical nature and storytelling. Similarly, it is enhanced and melded with the stunning illustrations throughout by Dermot Flynn. I am not sure if one would work so beautifully without the other and that is the sign of a perfectly illustrated book.

Breathtaking in their simplicity, the images allow the reader to immerse in the wilderness and darkness, surrounded by the creatures of the night. One can sense the closeness of the animals and their friends from the raw emotion portrayed, along with Flynn’s stunning use of posture, viewpoints and scale, allowing the viewer to feel the energy and intensity of the scenes. The textures and contrast are matched perfectly to the landscape and nature of the quest.

The tale runs along at an even pace, leaving the reader hardly time to pause and reflect on the many sage points of advice that we could all use in our lives. Although an engaging and stunning individual read, this book is multi-faceted. It will appeal to reluctant readers due to the short chapters and illustrations but would also be excellent for able readers due to the possibilities for interpretive engagement. As a class read, or for a book group, late primary or early secondary, it would be excellent as a tool for creative exploration, including poetry, printmaking, and mixed media. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

272 pages / Reviewed by Lorraine Ansell, school librarian