The Silver Stag of Bunratty | TheBookSeekers

The Silver Stag of Bunratty


No. of pages 240

Published: 2012

Great for age 9-18 years

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Richard De Clare, Lord of Bunratty, wants the head of the Silver Stag on his castle walls. Four children are determined that this will not happen, for the stag is a magical creature. The mysterious lady in the tower, Dame Anna, has told Tuan, Cliar, Maude and Matthieu that despite their differences they must work together to save the stag. But they are living in an Ireland full of war and danger and saving the stag is only the beginning of their adventures. Soon they themselves become the hunted ones. With the life of Tuan in danger, they must make their escape from Bunratty, row across the stormy waters of the Shannon and brave the dangers of the wild men of the woods. Tuan wants to return to his clan, Maude and Matthieu are seeking their lost father and Cliar is looking for the home she never knew. Who knows where their journey will lead them?

 

 

This book has been graded for interest at 9 years.

There are 240 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 2012 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).

 

'elements of the Famous Five and Secret Seven'

-- Ed Meyers, Clare FM

 

'history meets magic ... Massey cleverly mixes historical fact, legend and her own imagination to weave a story.'

-- Books Ireland

 

'...an enjoyable mix of fact, fiction and fantasy ... Pupils...will enjoy this story that Eithne Massey has blended from the geography, history and folklore of that beautiful area around Bunratty ... another useful means of exploring Irish history through

-- In Touch

 

'Massey is an accomplished storyteller ... The language is descriptive with more than the occasional nod to maximising the educational experience of the reader. The impulse to inform is rarely resisted and this gives a worthy flavour to the book. The stor

-- Inis

 

'Mystery, magic, and tension abound. The stylish language and historical detail make this a must-read for children who enjoy learning about the past.'

-- Book Fest

 

'a gripping blend of historical fact and fiction'

-- Evening Echo

 

'evocative'

-- historicalnovelsociety.org