Silver Road, The

Description:

AN IRISH TIMES BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF 2023
An IRISH INDEPENDENT BEST IRISH CHILDREN'S BOOK 0F 2023

An unforgettable adventure drawing on Irish folklore, from award-winning author Sinead O'Hart.

The seandraiocht - the Old Magic - isn't remembered like it once was. Its power is fading...

When Rose is entrusted with a powerful stone by a Frost Giant, she is swept into an adventure full of danger. The stone can be used for great good or great evil, depending on its keeper. It leads Rose to discover the magic that runs through all of Ireland. A magic that is threaded together beneath the land: the Silver Road. But the Silver Road is under threat.

Now Rose must keep the stone from falling into the wrong hands and embark on a quest to find its rightful owner and keep the magic alive . . .

SHORTLISTED FOR THE AN POST IRISH BOOK AWARDS 2023

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

[The Silver Road by Sinead O'Hart was featured as an Irish Times Best Children's Book of 2023 on 26th November 2023 and as an Irish Independent Best Irish kids' book of 2023 on 2nd December 2023.]

Review: An entrancing intertwining of Irish legend, language, and lore with modern themes of bullying, social class, and ecocide. * The Irish Examiner *
Hart takes her inspiration from Irish myth for a story that brings new life to characters from familiar Irish folk tales through a modern tale of personal survival. * The Irish Times *
This is a book for everyone who likes myths and legends and enjoys an exciting adventure that will whirl you away in a cloud of magic. * Reading Zone *
While deeply inspired by Irish mythology, this book is also a celebration of modern Ireland. Charming and action-packed, The Silver Road is a reminder that we can change the world with just a little bit of croigini - courage. * Children's Books Ireland *
Young readers will find a highly imaginative setting with larger-than-life villains and fascinating creatures in this page-turning middle grade novel. Together with an underdog protagonist and the fate of the old world in her hands, The Silver Road is an enjoyable read. * Armadillo Magazine *
A joy to read for fans of Irish mythology and folklore, Sinead O'Hart has hit her stride as one of Ireland's most promising authors. * The Irish Examiner *
Full of magic, mythology and adventure. * Readers First *
an absorbing tale of myth and ancient magic [...] The link between old magic and current climate concerns gives a unique twist and the finale is gripping and cinematic in scope. * The School Reading List *
Steeped in rich mythology and distinctly Irish in all the best possible ways, The Silver Road is a thrilling tale of bravery, unlikely friendships, and new beginnings. * Joseph Elliott, author of THE GOOD HAWK *
Magnificent! The Silver Road has everything I want in a book: Myth, legends and old magic woven together with real life environmental concerns and brimming with imagination and wonderful characters. Absolutely loved it! * H. S. Norup, author of INTO THE FAERIE HILL *
A magical adventure that catapults ancient Irish mythology into the 21st century, with a heroine full of heart and courage, all stitched together, like The Silver Road of the title, with themes of friendship, family and environmental conservation. O' Hart's writing sings from the pages, like a love song for old Ireland, remixed for a modern generation. My children's book of the year. Phenomenal. * Kieran Fanning, author of IRISH FAIRYTALES, MYTHS AND LEGENDS *
Wonderful. Hart skilfully mixes Irish mythology and old magic with the new to create an outstanding tale of courage, bravery and friendship. * Julie Sykes, author of UNICORN ACADEMY *
Sinead O'Hart's finest piece of work to-date, masterfully and respectfully weaving the powerful lore of Ireland's ancient past with a modern-day story brimming with heart and adventure. A powerful, intense and dazzling saga, magically bridging the gap between the ancient past and life as we know it today. Pure gold. * Eve McDonnell, author of THE CHESTNUT ROASTER *
Packed with magic, mythology and magnificent mayhem, this is a wonderful story drawing on Ireland's rich and ancient language and legends. O'Hart's deep knowledge of Irish mythology, history and language as well as her sparkling imagination make this a unique and stunning read. The Silver Road has all the makings of a classic. It's a roller-coaster of a story for fantasy lovers, big and small! * Serena Molloy, author of WIDER THAN THE SEA *
I read The Silver Road gripped, heart in my mouth, as Rose's journey into a world of old magic unfolded. Readers of all ages will treasure this tale, that establishes Sinead O'Hart as one of the great storytellers of modern children's classics, reminiscent of Susan Cooper, Alan Garner and Garth Nix. Readers will adore following the wonderful Catshee into a world of myth and magic. This is a timely exploration of how our ancient connection to the old stories is also our connection to the natural world, and a sacred thread that in turn connects us back to ourselves. O'Hart reminds us that this thread must never be broken. * Sarah Driver, author of THE HUNTRESS trilogy *

Author Biography: Sinead O'Hart is a children's author, a children's literature podcaster (she co-hosts Storyshaped, available on all podcasting platforms) and a parent, all of which keeps her busy (but not too busy to read). She's the author of The Eye of the North, The Star-Spun Web, Skyborn, The Time Tider and The Silver Road, and sometimes she can't quite believe she's lucky enough to do what she loves most (putting fictional people into frankly dangerous situations) as a job!