Blood Brother, Swan Sister: 1014 Clontarf; A Battle Begins
No. of pages 176
Published: 2014
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This book is the winner of numerous awards
This book has been graded for interest at 9 years.
There are 176 pages in this book.
It is aimed at Young Adult readers. The term Young Adult (YA) is used for books which have the following characteristics: (1) aimed at ages 12-18 years, US grades 7-12, UK school years 8-15, (2) around 50-75k words long, (3) main character is aged 12-18 years, (4) topics include self-reflection, internal conflict vs external, analyzing life and its meaning, (5) point of view is often in the first person, and (6) swearing, violence, romance and sexuality are allowed.
This book was published in 2014 by O'Brien Press Ltd .
Eithne Massey has written many books for both adults and children, mainly based on the legends of Ireland. Her adaptation of the award-winning movie The Secret of Kells is set in the time of the early Viking raids; The Silver Stag of Bunratty and Where the Stones Sing are set in Norman Ireland and Blood Brother, Swan Sister at the time of the Battle of Clontarf. All blend together historical detail with myths, legends and folklore, resulting in stories which will appeal to "young readers who enjoy an adventure with well-rounded characters and a touch of magic and history" (www. childrensbooksireland. ie).
This book has been nominated for the following award:
Literacy Association of Ireland Award
This book was recognised by the Literacy Association of Ireland Award.
an enjoyable way to spark interest in the excitement of Clontarf
-- CBI Recommended Reads Guide 2014
exciting and engaging ... Massey offers up a unique twist on an iconic chapter in Irish history
-- Through the Looking Glass
exciting and engaging ... Massey offers up a unique twist on an iconic chapter in Irish history
-- Through the Looking Glass
very interesting, well written and exciting ... very balanced and give equal treatment to both the Norse and Irish viewpoints ... fast moving ... ideal for the senior classes in a primary school. It could be used as in religion, geography, SPHE and undoubtedly history classes
-- InTouch
I really enjoyed this book. Like Rosemary Sutcliff, a writer I much admire, Eithne Massey has the ability to get across the emotional complexities of divided loyalties. And the fierce determination of the Norsemen to conquer Ireland, no matter what the cost, comes across vividly; as does the Iron Age half-Pagan, half-Christian way of life. Clontarf was a real battle, but tales of sorcery have sprung up around it. Eithne Massey weaves these into the story in a way which is completely believable. Highly recommended for imaginative children of 11 plus
-- www.historicalnovelsociety.org
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
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