Sixth-century Ireland... Five-year-old Fian finds solace from a difficult home life by drawing shapes and patterns in the sand. The artistry he reveals in interpreting the beauties of nature takes him to Iona, where he will be the 'fourth hand' on the Book of Kells, that great treasure of the Celts. Greeted on arrival by the imposing Colum (Columba), Fian is gradually drawn into a community of laughter and stories, prayer and scholarship. But his formative experiences have left him vulnerable. In encountering blue-eyed Mara, a girl who bears a terrible secret, he recognizes another soul who lives with both desolation and joy. And as their friendship begins to deepen, Colum's rough-and-ready kindness leads the master to make an error of judgement that will have devastating consequences... This lyrical, timeless story, which unfolds amidst the elemental beauty of one of the holiest places on earth, is an exploration of doubt, faith - and the brokenness of spirit that finally releases us into love.

Steven’s first novel robustly and sensitively explores the debilitating consequences of abuse, violence and the lack of love. It promises even greater things to follow -- Review of Glen Lyon * Scotland on Sunday *
There is honesty in the novel about the nature of love . . . gripping -- Review of Glen Lyon * The Lochaber News *
This is no ordinary love story but a complex tale of two people feeling their way towards each other […] wonderful descriptions of a landscape and weather unique to Scotland -- Review of Glen Lyon * Scottish Home and Country *
It’s not every day that you read a book that strikes you as something completely new. When I was offered the chance to read a review copy of Kenneth Steven’s The Well of the North Wind, I was pleased to have the opportunity -- Ben Garry * Ben Garry blog *

Kenneth Steven is a poet and children's book author. He grew upin Highland Perthshire in the heart of Scotland, and now lives in Argyllon the country’s west coast. He is the author of Blessings for Your Baptism, The Biggest Thing in the World, Imagining Things, and Stories for a Fragile Planet.