The Black North

Gr 6 Up—Thirteen-year-old twins Oona and Morris Kavanaugh live on the Divided Island in Ireland with their grandmother. All is quiet in the County of Drumbroken, but the invaders threaten to come and create ruin just as they did in the North. Morris is kidnapped by the Briar Witches, and Oona, who has only Evelyn Merigutt, a jackdaw with special powers, and a stone that reveals truths and nightmares to help her, must venture into the Black North to find him. Protecting the stone that Evelyn carries is key to safeguarding her hometown from war. The duo meet a cast of characters along the way who attempt to halt them in their tracks. Although the narrative is confusing at times, there is never a dull moment in this adventure with frightening characters. This historical fantasy will be best suited for readers who can appreciate magic and other unimaginable mishaps. Whenever it seems that nothing is likely to work out, Oona takes her skills to a new level and presses on. Readers who understand the history of war in Ireland will have a better appreciation for the author's tale.