Sword of the Sun

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 *
Past secrets and present-day heroes collide in O'Hart's new Sword of the Sun, a thrilling adventure story about family bonds, bravery and learning who you are. Swirling with Irish mythology and folklore, 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 *
An astounding book full of truly wild, scary magic. The kind of magic that taps at your window at night and steals your soul. This is a book to be read under the blankets with a torch. The sort of book that lays down myths in children's souls for a lifetime. * Louie Stowell, author of LOKI: A BAD GOD'S GUIDE TO BEING GOOD *
Rich in Irish mythology, this is a wonderful, pacey book with an unlikely trio of heroes. The spooky atmosphere and the sense of coming doom kept me hooked throughout to its action-packed end. * Nizrana Farook, author of THE GIRL WHO STOLE AN ELEPHANT *
Sinéad O'Hart's new book, Sword of the Sun, crackles with magic and mythology. A daring adventure story, it skilfully mixes the ancient with the contemporary in a story that will grip readers old and young. Steal a copy if you have to! * Patricia Forde, Laureate na nÓg *
A fabulous traditional feeling, adventure story, filled with wondrous Irish mythology and the magic of ancient goddesses and gods. The real-world characters felt like family and I loved how Ben found his deep courage to take on the formidable force of Morrigan, and the folklore characters were majestic - who wouldn't want the impressive and noble bear and powerful Cailleach as mythological aides! The words thoroughly transported me to the rugged and enchanting landscapes of Clare. A cracking adventure which O'Hart tells with terrific heart and flair. * Vashti Hardy, author of BRIGHTSTORM *