Set in 1014, this book is great for kids who have an interest in history and love magic and mystery.
Broken down into four parts, over eight days in April, the book is perfect for your little one to read alone or for you to read aloud to them. The text is clear although there are no pictures which some children may or may not like. The story takes place duing the lead up to the Battle of Clontarf and the actual battle, which took place on Good Friday in 1014.
In the book, three lives are interlinked although they don’t yet know it. Elva feels helpless as her sister Arna comes under the control of an evil queen, Dara is part of Brian Boru’s army while Skari sails from Orkneys to fight with the Norse King Sitric of Dublin.
As the Irish and Norse armies get closer and closer, no one knows what will happen when they eventually meet to fight.
The book is full of magic and warfare that will appeal to the older child and will take them on an adventure that will leave them guessing what will happen next.
At the end of the story is a brief description of the Battle of Clontarf that is so seeped in folklore and history that it is hard to know where the story of the battle begins and where it ends.
The book is recommended for th eolder child from ages 8+.
