Sword of the Sun: a breathtaking tale of adventure, myth and magic

By Author / Illustrator
Sinead O'Hart
Genre
Myths & Legends
Age range(s)
11+
Publisher
Piccadilly Press
ISBN
9781800785106
Format
Paperback / softback
Published
29-08-2024
Synopsis
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, 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
Reviews
Jacqueline
When Ben and his family are forced through economic circumstances to move from the city to a remote bit of countryside, what he does not expect is the magic that is lurking all around. Ben starts having dreams and is stalked by crows and an ever-increasing sense of danger and menace. As he uncovers the work his grandfather was doing before his untimely death, Ben realises the myths that surround the area are not in the past, but right here in the present.
Sword of the Sun is a very dark story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Full of ancient magic from Irish myths and legends, Sinead O’Hart weaves the old tales into a new one. Many of places referred to in the story are also real places which brings the whole story to life. You can imagine being there and how wild and remote the scenery is compared to the city of Dublin where the family have come from.
The cover by Manuel Sumberac conveys the darkness perfectly, and any mention of the scariest villain I've read about in quite a while is accompanied by feathers on the page, to add to the atmosphere that pervades the book.
Sword of the Sun is suitable for upper KS2 children and beyond. It covers the early death of a parent/grandparent and contains some very dark themes. It is also an original and compelling version of ancient stories.
352 pages / Reviewed by Jacqueline Harris, teacher
Suggested Reading Age 11+