From the award-winning author of The Silver Road comes a new tale of contemporary Ireland and ancient myth . . .

'An eerie, gripping 9+ adventure, with strong characterisation and deftly interwoven Celtic mythology.' Guardian


When Ben and his family have to leave Dublin and move into the remote house where his mother grew up, he's not optimistic about what lies ahead. For him and his brother Fin, it'll mean fitting in to life with his aunts and a cousin he doesn't even know.

But what Ben doesn't expect is that he will be drawn into the mysteries of the wild mystical landscape. He can sense its power, and he can see a light shining from the mountain on the horizon. Even stranger, crows are gathering, watching him and haunting his dreams.

As Ben uncovers the stories of Ireland's mythical heroes and warriors that obsessed his grandfather right up until he died, Ben begins to wonder if there is more to the tales than pure fantasy. It seems like trouble is stirring - and will he have the power to face it?

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

'Sword of the Sun completely swept me away! O'Hart's writing is rich, evocative and mysterious, but above all, total magic!' Jennifer Bell, author of Magicalia

'Rich in Irish mythology, this is a wonderful, pacey book with an unlikely trio of heroes. It kept me hooked throughout to its action-packed end.' Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

An eerie, gripping 9+ adventure, with strong characterisation and deftly interwoven Celtic mythology. -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian *
Fusing the contemporary and the ancient, O'Hart's combination of familial bonds, Irish folklore and a good old-fashioned quest make for an unputdownable story. * Irish Examiner *
Sinead O'Hart mixes the everyday stresses of family life with tales of the Morrigan and the Cailleach [...] There is tension, drama and plenty of action but also moments of humour, self-doubt and teenage angst * Inis Magazine *
This engrossing and atmospheric adventure will appeal to KS2 and KS3 readers who enjoy being whisked away into their imaginations. Highly recommended. * School Reading List *
Thank heavens then for writer Sinéad O'Hart, whose last middle grade, The Silver Road, and this, her latest read, both have their roots very firmly in traditional Celtic folklore and will bring those old stories to the attention of a modern audience, helping to keep them alive for future generations. Full of magic and adventure, this is a contemporary story that will hook in young readers with its mystery and keep them engaged as it introduces references to characters and objects from their past in a book that is destined to quickly become a firm favourite. * World's Smallest Library *

Sinéad 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!