The Storm Keeper's Island: Storm Keeper Trilogy 1

By Author / Illustrator

Catherine Doyle

Genre

Magical Realism

Age range(s)

Publisher

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

ISBN

9781408896884

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

01-07-2018

Synopsis

When Fionn Boyle sets foot on Arranmore Island, it begins to stir beneath his feet...Once in a generation, Arranmore Island chooses a new Storm Keeper to wield its power and keep its magic safe from enemies. The time has come for Fionn's grandfather, a secretive and eccentric old man, to step down. Soon, a new Keeper will rise.

But, deep underground, someone has been waiting for Fionn. As the battle to become the island's next champion rages, a more sinister magic is waking up, intent on rekindling an ancient war.

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Reviews

Linda

This enchanting story is set on the real Arranmore island in Ireland, which must be a truly wonderous place to have inspired the imagination of the author in creating such a magical, fantasy adventure. From the moment that you step on the island with Fionn you are swept away on a wonderful journey, not just of magic and mystery but also of self-discovery; for a character that starts off as quiet and unassuming to one that becomes selfless and courageous.

As you have possibly guessed, I loved each magical page of this well-written adventure. In The Storm Keeper's Island: Storm Keeper Trilogy 1, Fionn and his sister Tara have to stay with their grandfather on Arranmore Island while their mother gets treatment for her illness. Fionn doesn't want to go as, amongst other things, he has a fear of water. He, according to his tiresome sister, just wants to stay at home and play boring computer games! However, as soon as he steps on the island something strange happens... 'the ground was vibrating underneath him.... he had the most absurd sensation that the island was opening its arms and enveloping him'. Tara keeps telling him that the island is magical, can this be true? Or is his imagination just playing games with him? Does it really have caves that can grant wishes? Can candles hold memories from so long ago?

Without giving too much away, as I want you to read and enjoy this adventure for yourself, Fionn's grandfather is the island's Stormkeeper, but it's time for him to step down; the island needs to choose a new Stormkeeper for the battle that is to come...

Along with the magic and the mystery of the island, there are some funny and tender moments between Fionn and his sister and with his grandfather that will have you laughing out loud and give you that warm feeling in your heart. 300 pages that create an unforgettable story that will engage the imagination of children aged 8+ and older readers. The story would also be great for reading intervention groups and book clubs as it has many discussion points. I'm now looking forward to continuing the adventure and diving back into this enchanting world with book 2, The Lost Tide Warriors.

320 pages / Ages 8+ / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian