The Review

It is early morning, Breehan McHugh who is the man of the house since the death of his father has already gone to milk the family cow before setting out to hunt for a rabbit or deer when he sees a Viking raiding party approaching. Hugh was killed during a previous Viking raid by a hulking giant, Bandor. Hurrying to ring the warning bell he finds Connor and the women and children of the village making their way to a tall stone tower. With Connor’s help Breehan is able to set the heavy wooden ladder in place and save the group. When Breehan reaches his home he finds his mother hurt, his sister Kathleen kidnapped and a dead Viking laying on the floor with his father’s silver blade in his back.

Breehan hurries toward to the coast to try to rescue Kathleen before she is carried away into slavery. On his journey he meets one Sean O’Shaunessy, a leprechaun who has lost the Lord High King of the wee folk’s spell book, as punishment speaks in rhyme and knows one incantation; the one for making porridge. The pair reach Dublin where they find many Viking ships in the harbor and many Vikings walking the streets. Breehan is caught and thrown into jail with other prisoners, he finds Kathleen and both are taken for auction. Kathleen is to be sacrificed by the Viking High Priest, Breehan is bought by a druid in monk’s robes. Before the story ends Breehan is able to avenge the death of his father Hugh, rescue his sister and another girl Maura, who knew him when they were children, and use his the silver blade to protect all of his people from the invasion planned by the Vikings. Breehan learns something of his father and of himself as he wields the silver blade.

The Silver Blade is an admirably crafted work by an author who clearly knows something of Ireland, wee folk and Vikings. From the opening paragraph as we read of Breehan and his desperate dash to warn his village the reader is caught up in the thrill of the tale. Exhilarating action, pleasantly puzzling suspense, and clever dialog all add to the narrative in this fast paced, action packed work. Conflict is abundant and aptly resolved. Characters are well developed, interesting and entertaining. Sean with his penchant for rhyme, Breehan’s steadfast determination and Kathleen’s spunk are exceptional. The reader can almost feel the spray of surf upon his face, hear the shouts of the Vikings and the call of sea birds overhead, smell the smoke and feel the mist of fog. Reader interest is held fast in this gripping, fast paced tale of ancient days when life was rigorous, savagery common and people were often forced to fight for their lives.

Writer Lunney has captured the essence of the Irish with canny wit and style in this well written book. The Silver Blade is a delightful first work by retired school teacher Lunney.

An excellent book, The Silver Blade sure to please the target audience of middle grades. Boys in particular will enjoy the tumult and tumble of the fight against the Vikings, girls will be caught up in the thrill of the rescue of both Breehan’s sister and the girl he knew as a child. Good book for the home library, classroom multi culture unit as well as free reading time. This is a book kids are sure to read and read again.

This is a book I would use in my own classroom. Enjoyed the read, Happy to recommend. Genre: Irish folk tale mid grades to mid high Author: . Gary Lunney Line/Publisher: ISBN: 1 920741 73 9 eBook formats I was sent a PDF for review Reviewed by: molly martin 20+ years classroom teacher

MOLLY’S REVIEWS