Cave of Secrets

by Morgan Llywelyn

Pirates and crooked rulers make seventeenth-century Ireland a dangerous place.

When Tom feels rejected by his father, he finds a secret second family among the group of smugglers who trade in and around Roaringwater Bay.

Though Tom doesn’t know it, his family in the Big House is under huge pressure. His father has had savage losses in business; his mother is always sad and worried, and his sisters have no hopes for a good future. This is seventeenth-century Ireland when cut-throat interests control everybody and everything, and land-grabbing is the order of the day. Friend turns into foe, and loyalty counts for nothing.

From his new family, Tom learns all about boats and smuggling – and secret treasure. And then Tom discovers the best-kept secret of all ...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 16, 2012

About the author

Morgan Llywelyn (born 1937) is an American-born Irish author best known for her historical fantasy, historical fiction, and historical non-fiction. Her fiction has received several awards and has sold more than 40 million copies, and she herself is recipient of the 1999 Exceptional Celtic Woman of the Year Award from Celtic Women International.

Reviews

[Raymond Just · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cave of Secrets, one of Morgan Llywelyn's two most recent publications, once again illustrates why she has long been considered the modern bard of Ireland. The character and plot development is subtle and well conceived, and the underlying themes resonate despite the seventeenth century setting.

I was initially surprised to find that Cave of Secrets was actually one of the middle grade/young adult historical fiction novels Ms. Llywelyn has begun writing in recent years. And while the prose and plot lines are appropriately simplified, they nevertheless succeed in drawing the reader in to Tom, Donal, and Maura's coming of age story. By the book's end, I found I really cared about these characters and how their class, money and piratical problems would be resolved, which is more than I can say for the majority of adult historical fiction and fantasy that is being published nowadays.

[Becky Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this story, I don't think it's one of Llywelyn's strongest and if this is intended for a younger audience, I'm not sure the subject matter will hold their attention.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an engaging enough story. I don't think it's one of Morgan Llywelyn's best novels, but I enjoyed reading it nonetheless.

[Haley Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!! Another of my 20p finds from a local charity shop!! Sadly some of the sectarianism seen within this book is still in both northern and southern Ireland and of course money will forever make the world go round.. but amongst the hatred there is a beautiful story of a a family split years before brought back together ♥️

[Cortney Westhoff-O'Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whole family enjoyed this story. As an Irish/American family it was fun/curious/interesting reading about Ireland's history during the time of Richard Boyle. The author did a brilliant job with all the characters - some drove us batty, others had us in fits of laughter. We can't wait to read another book from Morgan Llywelyn!

[Elaine Jong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Morgan Llywelyn
Different than any others of hers I have read
This one is from a child's viewpoint

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well constructed entertaining snapshot of the time