Contractions

“There are many different kinds of bravery, Fionn. Often the journeys we take inside ourselves are more difficult than the stormiest seas.”

How would you describe bravery? What does it mean to be brave?

Fionn and his sister, Tara, are sent to Arranmore to visit their grandfather during the summer holidays. Arranmore is an island off the west coast of Ireland, but it is no ordinary island. Beneath its soil lays ancient and great magic. Fionn later discovers that his grandfather is the Storm Keeper on Arranmore with an ancient heritage. The Storm Keeper uses the island’s power to keep it safe from its enemies. However, the time has come for Fionn’s grandfather to step down, and for Fionn to take on the new role of Storm Keeper. At the same time, dark forces are at hand, and a battle is coming.

As the first book in a two-part series, readers will immediately be charmed by Catherine Doyle’s engaging storytelling. Going beyond the story, Doyle also focuses on real and present issues in young children, such as anxiety and rejection. Throughout the tale, Fionn wishes he were brave and strong enough, and constantly feels rejected by his mother and sister. Yet, readers will see what it means to be brave and how bravery can come in many types and forms.

In all, Doyle has not only created charming and likeable characters, but has also immersed us in a spellbinding world. Readers will feel inspired as they witness Fionn go through the struggles of everyday life, and learn to face his fears and soldier on. In a world of heroes and villains, this is one story not to be missed.