The Storm Keeper’s Island is Catherine Doyle’s first foray into middle grade fiction. Hailing from the West of Ireland, she set this book in the island of Arranmore, where her grandparents were raised.
I would say that the writing in this book is very lyrical, possibly the most lyrical I’ve come across for in this age category, save for Michael Morpurgo’s books. The descriptions are evocative and beautiful, whilst the characters are lively and relatable. For one, the author certainly captures how siblings annoy one another very well!
Want to know the plot of the book in a nutshell? Here’s the blurb from the publishers:
When Fionn Boyle sets foot on Arranmore Island, it begins to stir beneath his feet …
Once in a generation, Arranmore Island chooses a new Storm Keeper to wield its power and keep its magic safe from enemies. The time has come for Fionn’s grandfather, a secretive and eccentric old man, to step down. Soon, a new Keeper will rise.
But, deep underground, someone has been waiting for Fionn. As the battle to become the island’s next champion rages, a more sinister magic is waking up, intent on rekindling an ancient war.
It sounds mysterious, and the book is actually inspired by the author’s ancestors’ real life daring sea rescues.
As ancient Irish folklore and magic is woven into this yarn, some parts of the book can be frightening to younger readers, as soulstalkers and dead ghouls are described. Overall, I would say it’s nothing a mature 10 or 11 year old can’t handle.
In a nutshellCathC, I’d say this book beautifully captures the love of family, the mental quandary of how much of a secret to reveal to the ones you want to protect, and how bravery is sometimes just ‘forgetting to be afraid’. I felt quite inspired by this book!
The Storm Keeper’s Island can be purchased from all good bookstores.
GIVEAWAY TIME!
Book distributors Pansing are generously sponsoring a giveaway of one book each, to two loyal readers of this blog!
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The giveaway ends on 2359 hrs on 31 Oct 2018, and the winners will be contacted via email.
The usual terms and conditions apply.
[Congratulations to Rebecca Sim and Ajeek Syasya who have each won a copy of this book!]
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