The Silver Road

by Sinéad O'Hart

Myth and magic combine in this unforgettable adventure drawing on Irish folklore, f rom award-winning author Sinéad O'Hart.

The seandraiocht - the Old Magic - isn't remembered like it once was. Its power is fading...

When Rose is entrusted with a powerful stone by a Frost Giant, she is swept into an adventure full of danger. The stone can be used for great good or great evil, depending on its keeper. It leads Rose to discover the magic that runs through all of Ireland. A magic that is threaded together beneath the the Silver Road. But the Silver Road is under threat.

Now Rose must keep the stone from falling into the wrong hands and embark on a quest to find its rightful owner and keep the magic alive . . .

A stunning new fantasy adventure for children, drawing on Celtic folklore. Perfect for fans of Catherine Doyle and Ross Montgomery.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Magic, Ireland, Fiction, Childrens

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2023

About the author

Sinéad O'Hart was born on a long-ago Monday in one of the many corners of Ireland. She grew up - not very far up, to be honest - with one brother and two parents, in a small house full of books. She always wanted to be an author, but somehow managed to wander through a variety of careers (including butcher, bookseller, and university lecturer, among others) before finally getting around to what she should have been doing all along, which was writing.

Her first book, THE EYE OF THE NORTH, was published by Knopf BFYR (US/Canada) in 2017, and by Stripes Publishing (UK/Ireland) in 2018. Her second book, THE STAR-SPUN WEB, came out in 2019 (Stripes, UK/Ireland; Knopf BFYR, US/Canada). In 2021 she published THE RAVENS' CALL with Harper Collins Children's Books and a third novel with Stripes/Little Tiger Press, SKYBORN, a prequel to her first book, The Eye of the North. Her fourth and fifth novels, THE TIME TIDER and THE SILVER ROAD, came out in 2023, the former with Stripes/Little Tiger Press and the latter with Piccadilly Press. In 2024 she began publishing her series of younger readers with Nosy Crow, beginning with LOLA AND LARCH FIX A FAIRY FOREST. Three titles in this series published in 2024, along with her sixth novel, SWORD OF THE SUN (Piccadilly Press).

She lives with one husband and one energetic youngster in the midlands of Ireland, in a small house full of books.

Reviews

[Matilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I buy this book because of the cover art? - Yes.
Did I completely miss the targeted audience? - Also yes.

That being said, this book is targeted towards a younger audience, but it is rather wholesome and sweet. I know I would have loved to read this book when I was around 10-12 years old.

I love that the author used irish words and had a lexicon at the end so I as a reader could look up the words easily.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Another banger of a book! I docked half a star cause it takes a little while to get going but the set up is still great and the second half is all action! I love a fairytale or myth retelling and this is a new one to me, though I recognise parts from other stories I’ve come across which is cool. The way the myth folds into the story worked really well, especially as Rose is largely learning about it with us.

I loved Rose, and could feel her isolation with friends at a different school and a busy family. And Emer getting affected was so nicely done too :)

Definitely a good addition to all my fave retellings and one I will come back to. 4.5 stars.

[Kieran Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical adventure that catapults ancient Irish mythology into the 21st century, with a heroine full of heart and courage, all stitched together, like The Silver Road of the title, with themes of friendship, family and environmental conservation. O' Hart's writing sings from the pages, like a love song for old Ireland, remixed for a modern generation. My children's book of the year.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing you notice is how eye catching the cover is, I'm one of these people that will go straight for an amazing book cover.
The plot wwas really interesting and addictive, one of these that's hard to put down.
I liked how there wasn't really many characters in the story, I always feel that you get to know the characters better. The two main characters Rose and Emer were really good and completely different to each other.
It had a nice pace to the story and was easy to follow.
The descriptions and writing was fantastic.
This book is full of myths and magic, and Irish folklore. This book will be perfect for school libraries and anyone who enjoys stories of bravery and adventure.
This has a strong environmental message and the fight between good and bad.
This is a really good read and I will be recommending it in my school to the children.

[Organized Anarchy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book about Irish Folklore, the story was simple and fairly predictable of urban fantasy, there are very obvious influences of Harry Potter, especially in the way certain parts of the story were written.

However there were multiple sections where neither the protagonist or her allies did anything, instead the story just happened around them, like they were spectators --- some 40 pages at one point without the protagonist doing anything other than being dragged along from event to event.

All in all a good little fantasy book, that is a little derivative of other series in the same genre.

[Victoria Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silver Road is a thrilling tale of Irish legends come to life. It has everything you could possibly want in a children’s novel packed into a fast-paced narrative – a call to adventure for an unlikely hero, a school bully you hope will get her come-uppance, a loyal group of magical allies, and a roller-caster ride of a magical ending that will have you on the edge of your seat. This is an absolute must for school libraries, legend lovers, and anyone who enjoys exciting tales of peril and bravery.

[Graham Connors · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just delightful from start to finish. I have always enjoyed Sinéad O'Hart's writing (full disclosure - she is my sister), but this book was something different, not better than her other works, just different.

The Silver Road brings new life to the old Irish myths and legends. Reading of the Fomorians and the Tuath de Dannan just brought me back to my own childhood, to the wonder of the old Irish magic we learned in school. This is Sinéad's gift. Her story acts like a time machine (especially for adults of my vintage), but it also works as a brilliant entry point for kids who might not have yet heard of our rich mythological history.

Would I recommend this book? I can't recommend it highly enough, I loved reading it!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful, amazing tale!
I love Irish mythology and this story was jammed packed with references to characters and myths which may be unfamiliar to people - so this is a great introduction! It has a helpful guide at the back.
13 year old girl called Rose who finds herself tasked with the mission of putting a stop to the rising of Balor, an evil one-eyed god who would destroy the world. She learns to find courage in herself,
The descriptions in this book are just incredible - the battles, the magic, the stunning Silver Road. It's not easy writing furious battles involving undead warriors, but Sinead does a fantastic job. The opening descriptions are great. I'm actually sad that we didn't get more of the Frost Giants, but you can't get everything.
The characters were really likable - loved Gracie and Nellie! Their kitchen was easy to picture, like a scene out of the anime adaption of Howl's Moving Castle.
What a great story. Thank you to Netgalley and Piccadilly Press for letting me read it!

[Phoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounding up to 4. The tale is well told, mixing Irish mythology with the story of a young girl, struggling with bullying and her worries about her own family and stability, entrusted with safeguarding something straight out of legend. On the way she meets new friends, confronts her own fears and family, and learns to trust herself.

The narrative is compelling, with a strong environmentalist heart, and I loved the Irish mythology-details at the back for anyone not familiar. Also, extra points for an adorable animal companion!

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with the cover and then with the plot. It fascinated me, kept me hooked and entertained.
Wonderful world building, well plotted and great characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.readersfirst.co.uk/books/...

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, it's finally happened. The Eye of the North has been replaced as my favourite book.
I always knew it would take something really quite special to win that place in my heart, and The Silver Road is the one. It's an extraordinary story full of magic and wonder and heart.

Now, before we continue, I'd like to take a moment to clear up some debate that was on Twitter X this morning. It doesn't matter what Rachel Delahaye says, I'm Sinéad's biggest fan. And as soon as I heard about The Silver Road, there was something about it that just sounded special, but my high expectations were still absolutely blown away by what I read when I got a review copy.

So what makes it so special? This story has the feel of a story that has been waiting for the right time for it to be told, by the right storyteller. Yes, I absolutely adore Sinéad's debut novel, The Eye of the North, but this isn't a story that a debut novelist could have told. There's such richness, complexity and depth here that it needed to wait until Sinéad had a few novels under her belt, it had to wait while she learnt her craft, developing magical worlds with The Eye of the North and The Star-Spun Web, weaving in comtemporary settings with The Time Tider, and then bringing all of that experience together to create The Silver Road.

I can feel so many of the influences Sinéad has talked about on her Storyshaped Podcast. (If you haven't heard her waxing lyrical about Alan Garner's Elidor, please go check that episode out, and then all of the others!) Alan Garner's influence runs deep here, as, like Elidor, The Silver Road is a story about magic from another world seeping into ours. It's not really a portal to another, magical world story so much as a Garneresque barriers breaking down story. Pat O'Shea, who's The Hounds of the Morrigan was a blend of the domestic and the ancient Celtic magic, feels like another significant building block.

This isn't to say that it isn't original, because it is, there's a new, powerful story in here, but one that knows and loves the older tales. Because that's the magic of stories. We take what came before and we look at it in new ways and we tell the tales of old in our own voices. And that's exactly what The Silver Road does. It even adds new Celtic heroes into the mix, with the Mac Tire fitting in perfectly alongside longer established figures like Cethlenn and Balor. And that's the thing about the oral tradition, that's what it was, people shaping stories, realigning them, adding new parts that fit and taking parts out that no longer worked.

It's a quintessentially Irish book too. It's a book about old Ireland and it's a book about new Ireland, and it's a book about how they can sometimes clash, how they can have their differences, but also about how intricately woven together the two still are. Ireland is a land where the magic and the mythology is still just below the surface, never forgotten though occasionally built over. Alan Garner couldn't have written this. Sinéad O’Hart did, and I'm glad. it's so uniquely hers, so steeped in the magic of Ireland, and the charm of its people and its language and its mythology.

It's full of magic and mythology, but one of the things I loved most about The Silver Road were actually the more grounded, domestic scenes. There's one where Rose, the central character, this young girl who chooses to be a chosen one, is sitting at the dinner table. She's in trouble with her mam and waiting for her dad to get home. Her twin brothers are grizzling away and she's anxiously waiting for this telling off that she knows has been coming for days. It really captures the real life struggles that Rose is going through and contrasts them beautifully with the wonder and awe of the magic now entering her life.

And there's Gracie and Nellie, the mysterious, comforting heart of the story. Their kitchen is one of those places I just wish was real, and that I could sit there for an hour and listen to them.

The Silver Road. It's exceptional. A masterpiece. It feels like this is the story Sinéad has been waiting I don't know how long to tell. It feels like a story only she could tell. It feels like my new favourite story.

[Rachel Lefever · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silver Road by Sinead O'Hart

Now THIS is a special kind of book: the kind that, like Neverending Story, insists that you are not an onlooker but a passenger. From the very first page, I knew I just had to cancel my plans and surrender to the story. It’s absorbing, captivating, and exquisitely written - everything a children’s book should be. And for adults, it’ll ignite the perhaps dormant quest-lust, dust off the sense of adventure and put you back in that pocket of wonder you once inhabited, long ago when magic wasn't a fantasy, rather a piece of life that merely needed to be discovered.

Drawing on Irish mythology (with a sprinkle of Sinead’s own creations), this is an epic battle between good and evil, with ancient creatures, old magic, destiny and duty… And the fate of the world lies in the bravery and heart of a single girl: the brilliant Rosaleen Darke. Although, she is not the only brilliantly drawn character in this story. The elderly and enigmatic shopkeepers, Nellie and Gracie, and the young troublemaker, Emer, for instance. And then there’s the ancient ones: the terrifying witch Cethlenn, wife of the hideous Balor, god of chaos and destruction; Sioc the ice giant; Mac Tire, the wolf warrior; and let’s not forget Catshee – the fern-eared cat that is not a cat (no spoilers). All of them are breathed to life by O'Hart's exceptional writing. So vivid, they leap from the page. In the case of Cethlenn, that's terrifying. In the case of Catshee, that's leap-for-joy amazing. In the case of them all coming together... It's awesome, in the true sense of the word.

While there are plenty of references to mythology, the story is extremely accessible and by no means stuck in the past. Rosaleen is a modern-day girl, with regular pressures such as school, homework, family, friendship, technology. And although those paired worlds of old and new, magic and mundane, could be jarring, Sinead sews them together with perfect stitching, leaving between them a seam of time-freeze in which the adventure takes place. During those paused moments, Rosaleen rediscovers the old Irish stories and mythology her grandmother used to tell her, she realises that not everyone is as they first seem, she learns how to wield her weapon and look for signs of the Silver Road – the network of old magic that will give her strength for the almighty end-of-days battle that's coming. And as the dark forces begin to seep through the seam, so Rosaleen’s light starts to shine brighter, and her sense of self and purpose grow stronger.

Nothing has consumed me quite like this since The Dark Is Rising series by Susan Cooper, and there are parallels. The power of a stone, mythology, chosen ones, dark forces that must be thwarted. It’s heady, thrilling, timeless. And Sinead has some of the magic, herself, I feel. Not just because of how the intricacy of the story is relayed with such a light and lyrical touch, but also because while there are themes of understanding, friendship and environment in this, too, they are not battering rams, but shimmering slivers beneath the brilliance of the real magic, the story of the Silver Road.


Is it going to be the book of the year? I'd be surprised if I read anything better.

[Valinora Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fast-paced, exciting story, with lots of magic and mythology and heart woven into it. Best of all (for me) is the Irish setting, the Irish mythology, the very Irish characters and the occasional word as gaeilge. With so much to love in this book, I will call out the things I particularly liked:
The imagery of the Silver Road as a gigantic invisible net placed over Ireland of old well-woven magic.
Nellie and Gracie, two fabulous characters, and I loved the magical side street with the cobblers and the sweet shop.
Rose is a strong heroine, both likeable and relatable, and I felt for her in the difficult position she was in with her tormentor Emer’s dad employing Rose’s father. A situation Emer was able to exploit to the full.
I have to say I loved Emer too, and she really came into her own at the end of the book.
I loved the madcap midnight race across Ireland, and all the Irish places that Rose travelled past, and how these were woven into the story.
There’s a lovely exchange at one point between Rose and Emer, when Emer says to Rose: ‘Why you?…What makes you special?’ Rose replies ‘Maybe nothing does… I’m not any more special than you, right? But that doesn’t mean we’re not important.’ The combination of Rose’s humility with the acknowledgement that everyone matters (even Emer) is one of my favourite themes of the book.
It's a story full of magic, with high stakes, the twists and turns, plenty of humour and wonderful friendships between many very different characters (and species) and I highly recommend it. I’ve really enjoyed other books by this author but this is my absolute favourite of them. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!

[Omiai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually really enjoy books that weave mythology into modern times, but i struggled with this one. It was very slow to get going, and there was so much about Rose being bullied at school (Which kind of triggered me a bit, as it took me back to my own time at school, and made it hard and unplesant to read at times), and then little bits about the mythology. Then suddenly it's like the story happens all at once! there's a huge battle which, although epic and exciting, got to the point that i wanted them to just get on with it (i often have this problem with books/films where i get annoyed by battle scenes going on far too long). It was interesting in parts, because the author had brought in lots of characters from gaelic folklore along with a few she'd made up, which were also great inclusions, but it was just getting a bit samey.

I did, however, love the inclusion of the pronounciation guide at the end, as this is often something that bothers me, not having a clue how to say the names correctly, so this in itself was a huge bonus.

overall, i wasn't a huge fan, as you can probably tell. It was slow then the battle lasted too long. it had some decent characters (i liked Nellie and Gracie), but I didn't find Rose all that relatable. And overall i just finished it to finish it, not because i had any real investment in the story.

spoiler: i was annoyed by the trope of the bully and her victim suddenly becoming friends. this is something that always annoys me, especially as someone who was relentlessly bullied through childhood.

[Mojoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst this book is aimed at an audience much younger than I am, I became fully immersed in this tale. It fuelled my imagination and I can only think it will have a much bigger impact upon those younger than me.

I have long been a fan of old magic. I knew something about the Old Magic of Ireland, more of the Irish storytellers. This book certainly brought the Old Magic to life and gave it meaning in this modern world.

I certainly see a link between old magic and environmental issues. I see young girl befriending two elderly people. I see a bully and a victim and I see the different lives of those two people. I feel the magic swirling around them all, good and evil.

I adore Catshee.

Top marks for the letter to the reader and the appendices.

It is a remarkable book.

I confess I have some confusion about the stone but cannot pursue that without spoilers – and I do hate spoilers.


Thank you to Readers First, Piccadilly Press and Sinead O’Hart for the ARC in return for my honest review.

[Sarah Driver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinéad O'Hart's latest offering is one of my most anticipated books of the year, so I was beyond delighted to sneak an early peek at this. My anticipation was richly rewarded.

The Silver Road is a timely exploration of how our ancient connection to the old stories is also our connection to the natural world, and a sacred thread that in turn connects us back to ourselves.
O’Hart reminds us that this thread must never be broken.

I would have absolutely cherished this book as a child, and it really took me back to the experience of being immersed in a story at a young age.
I read it gripped, heart in mouth, as Rose Darke’s journey into a world of old magic unfolded. Reminiscent of Susan Cooper, Alan Garner and Garth Nix, O’Hart is firmly established as one of the great storytellers of modern children’s classics.
Rose is an instantly relatable protagonist, and her initial sense of isolation connects us to her story as the tension and mystery build. O'Hart's devotion to old Irish folklore and writing for children makes the story sing from the page, and readers will adore following characters like the wonderful Catshee into a world of myth and magic. Children — and readers of all ages — are going to treasure this.

Thank you so much to Sinéad O'Hart and Bonnier books for the opportunity to read this early.

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinion.

THE SILVER ROAD is an engaging Middle Grade weaving Irish mythology into the modern world in a tale of good against evil.

There has been increased interest in mythology-filled books for children in the last ten years, where instead of retelling the tales set in their original time periods, the magic and monsters are brought into the modern day, and the children have to be the heroes. THE SILVER ROAD does this with Irish mythology.

It's a short book but it brings so many myths to life, weaving them into the story. I loved how these references that might only appear for a few pages really helped give an impression of just how large the body of Irish mythology is - one that's given far less prominence than, say, that of the Ancient Greeks. It's a great way to get kids aware of it and interested to learn more. The glossary/myth crib sheet at the end is also another great way to start kids off on that journey too.

It's also a story of friendship as two girls who do not get on learn to trust and rely on one another after discovering what makes them similar. The intense magical events works as a nice catalyst to speed up what would, in real life, likely be a much longer process, allowing for a more intense emotional arc between the girls.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose Darke has recently started a new school on a scholarship, resulting in her being bullied, but her mum and dad both work long hours, and she has twin baby brothers! So, when the most amazing thing happens to her, resulting in something she can't quite believe, there isn't anyone she can tell.

Taking the long way to school has made Rose two unusual friends, and she finds they are very good listeners! As she discovers the magic hidden throughout Ireland and her town’s importance in what she thought was a world of legend, Rose is joined by a most unexpected ally as they fight to restore both good and evil to their rightful place.

Author Sinéad O'Hart has painted a magical landscape where real life runs alongside a magical existence with guardians in place to keep everything running smoothly. In addition to the fantasy, environmental concerns, the strains of everyday life, and the pressure children are under to conform, are all included, but not in a preachy way and instead are dealt with, sympathetically and, for the most part, realistically.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bonnier Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an enjoyable middle-grade book with a strong message.

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced magical adventure that draws extensively on Irish folklore. For many of us, who aren't familiar with these myths, the book provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about them. And it is the Silver Road that weaves the mythical stories together.

It all starts when 13 year old Rose is given an enchanted stone by a Frost Giant and entrusted with the task of thwarting the plans of the evil god Balor. This, on top of the fact that Rose already has to deal with being a scholarship student at school where she doesn't really fit in, and has parents who are kept busy with work and looking after her twin baby brothers.

Not that that's the only challenge that Rose is dealing with - she also has to avoid reacting to the machinations of Emer, a girl whose father very inconveniently happens to be in an influential position wrt Rose's family.

The battle scenes in the book are epic, and the story features an excellent ensemble cast, who do a great job of supporting Rose in her various adventures. Gracie and Nellie (and ultimately, even Emer), along with Rose's other magical allies, play in their part well in this thrilling story. All in all, worth a read.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review

[Tami Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinead O’Hart is one of my favourite authors. I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into this one. I devoured this book and loved it! It is expertly written, with distinguished characters and a real insight into the myths and legends of Ireland. I loved the way the characters spoke; it was so easy to hear them speaking with their Irish accents because of the use of common Irish terms. Once again, Sinead has created some fabulous magical creatures, my favourite being Catshee, the not cat, who could transform into a mythical Irish Elk. There was a lot of action, especially when it was time for the ultimate battle near the end. These seems were imaginative and delectably described in every minute detail to put the reader at the scene. I also liked the fact that, r woven throughout the story, was the underlying message about caring for the environment and the consequences of we don’t. There was also the subplot of Rose and Emer’s relationship and how it changes and develops. This book is perfect for classroom use as well. I can’t think of any child I know that wouldn’t love this book. Thank you Piccadilly Press for my review copy.

[Jane Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for 9-14 years old, well that has long passed me by and I loved this book, an escape from realism for a little while.

This is a take on some of the legends that come out of Ireland and modernised.

Something I really liked about this book is at the back it tells you the pronunciation of the words and the meaning but also some of the symbolism of some of the items that are used or lost.

Rose has twin brothers and it seems one or the other is always crying. One night Rose thought she heard something downstairs so she went to see, grabbing her mum’s good wooden spoon on the way down.

When she stood near the back door window there was hail coming down and for some reason she goes outside where the hail turned into a person in front of her eyes, the iceman gave Rose a red stone and said to look after it and then he was gone.

This stone is very special and this book tells of something that happened when having this stone.

Really enjoyable.

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is variously fantastical and down to earth, amusing but poignant. There is a sense of a quest and even a crusade, providing plenty of action. The otherworldly elements are described rather beautifully. The mythical story emerges from Rose's normal family and school life. Her gift for making friends helps her make the transition back and forth smoothly. The publisher's touch of illustrating the most magical pages works very well to enhance the reading experience, drawing the reader in to The Silver Road. It's a lovely touch.

The writing is smooth and easy to read aloud. The vocabulary treads a middle path, being neither too challenging nor too simplistic. The characters, those from both worlds, are graually fleshed out with real personalities. Rose surprises herself with her bravery and ability to cause change. Her capacity for friendship is vital. The mix of description, action, feelings and dialogue is excellently balanced throughout

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story that encapsulates so much Itish folklore/legend. It's a wonderful, easy read and a great story for young teens. The descriptive prose is beautiful and really comes to life in your mind. It's on the younger side of YA, but the battles are epic, and some of the themes take it closer to older YA.

I would love to be in this world with all its magic and mayhem, and the characters are so wonderful. I can't wait to see this in schools and hear about it for decades to come as generations of readers fall in love with this book over and over again.

My only comment is that the gaelic words are quite difficult to read as an adult, so a pronunciation guide would be good for the younger audience.

Thank you to net galley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Ramsha Rukhsar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical and exciting read from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the action throughout, and I could picture everything in my head. This was a true page-turner and Sinead's descriptive writing and imagination kept me on the edge of my seat. The heroin is brave and awe-inspiring, and a great inspiration for young readers. The book combines friendship and adventure on a background of ancient folklore Ireland. It was so interesting delving into a new world, and learning so much about Ireland's rich mythology. The gaelic words slowed me down a little, but nevertheless contributed to the feel of the book. Rose - the heroin - is given a powerful stone which she must protect and use to save Silver Road and its magic. I can see this becoming a beautiful classic, and perfect for classrooms as well. A great fantasy read, and I highly recommend.

[Tarsila Krüse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silver Road is an epic and adventurous tale about friendship, coming of age, belonging and magic. So much magic. With scope to explore climate change, bullying, listening to your own instincts, family dynamics and more, the Silver Road has so much to offer. We follow our heroine Rose as she blossoms into who she is meant to be but also who she chooses to be in a world in which reality and magic intertwine.
Peppered with unexpected friendships, mythological creatures, magical places, and old Irish language, The Silver Road fills the mind with fantastical imagery that nod to The Labyrinth and Neverending Story though rooted in Irish roots. It is heartwarming, exciting, and filled with clever ideas and characters that will surely stay with you long after you’ve put the book down. Highly recommended for children (and children at heart) who love magical adventures. Ages 8-12

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose Darke doesn't have it easy.
Life is complicated, her gran died recently, her home life is challenging as her parents work hard to provide enough and school is a nightmare due to bullying Emer.
Then one cold night a mysterious being called an Ice Giant landw in the garden and gives her a magical stone to look after.
But unbeknownst to Rose that stone is the object that will help her to save the last remaining magic left in Ireland.
But the evil witch Cethlenn is trying to wake Balor to help her to take over the world.
Rose must act fast to prevent them and she learns she needs help but help comes in all forms and unexpected places.
Even so can she work quickly enough to thwart Cethlenn's plans and save the future?
This waa such a fun read, magic, myth and also a modern storyline that also touched on the serious issue of bullying.
Great fantasy novel.

[Peta Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose is given a magical stone by a frost giant.
Thereafter she is caught up in the adventure of a lifetime.
The stone has the power to be used for good or bad depending on who holds it.
Rose discovers magic running all the way through Ireland in the shape of a road, the Silver road.
But this ancient, mythical road is in danger and Rose must stop the stone falling into the hands of one who would use it for ill purposes.
So starts a quest to find the right owner who can save the magical Silver road.
This was a magical fairy tale steeped in myth and history but with a modern twist that is relevant to now and highlights social issues like not being able to fit in, bullying and feeling outside.
Definitely one for fantasy fans, or those just interested in myth and history.
Characters were great and really likeable and believable and an all round good read.

[Serena Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed with magic, mythology and magnificent mayhem, this is a wonderful story drawing on Irelands rich and ancient language and legends. Rose is a plucky no-nonsense sort of heroine who we want to cheer on for from the start and who we just know will step up when the inevitable call to action comes.
Gracie and Nellie are beautifully drawn characters who, without giving too much away, fulfil their roles wonderfully. I adored Catshee form his first appearance and knew he had potential far beyond his feline limits! O’Harts deep knowledge of Irish mythology, History and language as well as her sparkling imagination make this a unique and stunning read. ‘The Silver Road’ has all the makings of a classic. It’s a roller-coaster of a story for fantasy lovers, big and small!

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose Darke's life is complicated, her grandmother has recently died, life at home is hard as her parents are working hard to make ends meet and she is getting bullied at school by Emer.
Then one night an ice giant lands in her garden and entrusts a powerful, magical stone to her safe keeping.
She doesn't know that it's the one thing that could help her to save the silver road and the magic that is left in Ireland.
But an evil witch Cethlenn, is intent on waking Balor to take over and destroy the world.
Rose must work quickly and try to stop this happening and she finds that at times your greatest enemies can sometimes turn into a useful ally.
This was a wonderful, magical tale steeped in Irish myth and legend to weave a modern tale blended with folklore.
A really great fantasy read.