Blood Brother, Swan Sister: 1014 Clontarf; A Battle Begins

Book Description

A thrilling tale of magic and warfare in ancient Ireland.

April 1014. Dubliner Elva watches helplessly as her sister comes under the control of an evil queen. Dara marches towards the city as part of Brian Boru’s army, while Skari sails from the Orkneys to fight with King Sitric of Dublin. As the armies come ever closer to each other, no one knows what will happen when they meet to fight what has been called the last battle. Nor do the children realise that their fates are linked in ways they could never have imagined, ways which will test all their courage and loyalty.

Review

gripping … magic and warfare are unexpectedly but skilfully mingled in this atmospheric tale … engrossing (parentsintouch.co.uk)

treats the reader to an excellent mix of fact and folklore, centred …. around the Battle of Clontarf … the atmosphere of Viking Dublin is brilliantly delineated (Irish Examiner)

an intriguing confluence of fact, fiction and fable, marking the battle’s millennial anniversary (Evening Echo)

a skilful blend of fiction, mythology and folklore … an atmospheric and exciting tale that will be a very enjoyable read for children aged 9 and over (Theswallowsnest.net)

interesting … characters were well made and it was good overall … exciting, interesting and adventurous (Seomraranga.com)

About the Author

Eithne Massey is a graduate of University College Dublin and NUI Maynooth, and a short-story writer. She has worked with the Arts Council and as a librarian. Her interest in mythology has been a lifelong one. Although she lives in Dublin, she is often found traveling to old and secret places around the country.