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The Book of Secrets #2
The Harp of Power
‘Cat didn’t notice a shadow slinking into the room and leaning in closer … as if it were listening.’
When Cat finds out that her cool new neighbour, Dr Becca Ryan, is a witch, she’s fascinated. Cat already loves magic – she has The Sight – and she’s sure she can learn loads from Becca.
But Cat has other things on her mind – her mum has a boyfriend and Cat’s not happy. When she turns to Becca for advice, she gets more than she bargained for. Cat and her friend Shane are sent off on a perilous quest for an ancient harp that, when played, can influence the thoughts of anyone who hears it – and it seems like Cat will go to any lengths to find it …
As they face shape-shifting wolves, demons and magic on the island of Hy-Brasil, Cat and Shane learn many things about themselves – and prepare to battle an ancient and terrifying power …
When Cat finds out that her cool new neighbour, Dr Becca Ryan, is a witch, she’s fascinated. Cat already loves magic – she has The Sight – and she’s sure she can learn loads from Becca.
But Cat has other things on her mind – her mum has a boyfriend and Cat’s not happy. When she turns to Becca for advice, she gets more than she bargained for. Cat and her friend Shane are sent off on a perilous quest for an ancient harp that, when played, can influence the thoughts of anyone who hears it – and it seems like Cat will go to any lengths to find it …
As they face shape-shifting wolves, demons and magic on the island of Hy-Brasil, Cat and Shane learn many things about themselves – and prepare to battle an ancient and terrifying power …
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2023
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Alex Dunne
3 books21 followersAlex Dunne is an Irish author living in Canada. She spends her time thinking up fantastical tales for children, teens, and adults and drinking far too much tea. Alex has a BA in English & History from the University of Limerick and an MA in Literature & Publishing from NUI Galway. She is a co-founder of Silver Apples Magazine, an online literary journal dedicated to showcasing the best of Irish and international writing. Her first children's novel is being published by The O'Brien Press in September 2022. You can follow Alex on Twitter and Instagram @alexdunnewrites.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 22, 2023
This is a fantastic sequel to the equally amazing novel The Book of Secrets. In this story, we catch up with Cat as she embarks on an epic and perilous quest for an elusive magical Harp that Cat feels compelled to obtain.
The Harp of Power is fast-paced, exhilarating and a wonderful story to get lost in. I love this series as fantasy is one of my favourite genres and I work with students who are also obsessed. You will not regret sinking your teeth into this fantastic novel!
The Harp of Power is fast-paced, exhilarating and a wonderful story to get lost in. I love this series as fantasy is one of my favourite genres and I work with students who are also obsessed. You will not regret sinking your teeth into this fantastic novel!
December 14, 2025
I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
THE HARP OF POWER is a fun follow up book with Irish mythology occurring in the modern day.
This instalment dives into the myths of the Tuatha Dé Danann. As the title suggests, the harp (Uaithne) is the focus of this book, but the other treasures and the battle between the Tuatha Dé Danann and Fomorians are involved in the tale. There's also a bite sized summary of the myths mentioned at the end, a jumping off point for kids to learn more. I really like that we're getting more Irish Kid Lit available here in the UK - it certainly helps push back against the general misappropriation of "Celtic" to have books like this.
While Cat is still the focus of this book, Shane and our villainess (Cethlenn) get a few chapters here and there. This book has a larger scope than THE BOOK OF SECRETS and seeing their perspectives helps keep the reader informed of what else is happening. I liked getting a glimpse into Shane's head and what was going on with his family.
As well as a contemporary take on old myths, the book also explores how family life can be more complicated than we expect. Shane is no longer having to cope with his mum's illness on his own but he's starting to understand that there will be good days and bad. Meanwhile, Cat is confronted with the idea that her mum is dating again.
I believe this is the last book in this world - the author's next book is not part of the series. Perhaps one day we will return - there certainly feels like there could be more to explore here.
THE HARP OF POWER is a fun follow up book with Irish mythology occurring in the modern day.
This instalment dives into the myths of the Tuatha Dé Danann. As the title suggests, the harp (Uaithne) is the focus of this book, but the other treasures and the battle between the Tuatha Dé Danann and Fomorians are involved in the tale. There's also a bite sized summary of the myths mentioned at the end, a jumping off point for kids to learn more. I really like that we're getting more Irish Kid Lit available here in the UK - it certainly helps push back against the general misappropriation of "Celtic" to have books like this.
While Cat is still the focus of this book, Shane and our villainess (Cethlenn) get a few chapters here and there. This book has a larger scope than THE BOOK OF SECRETS and seeing their perspectives helps keep the reader informed of what else is happening. I liked getting a glimpse into Shane's head and what was going on with his family.
As well as a contemporary take on old myths, the book also explores how family life can be more complicated than we expect. Shane is no longer having to cope with his mum's illness on his own but he's starting to understand that there will be good days and bad. Meanwhile, Cat is confronted with the idea that her mum is dating again.
I believe this is the last book in this world - the author's next book is not part of the series. Perhaps one day we will return - there certainly feels like there could be more to explore here.
December 25, 2023
Alex Dunne's sequel to the Book of Secrets tells the story of a new adventure embarked by the main protagonist, Cat, and her best friend, Shane.
After being put under a geas by an evil Fomorian spirit, Cethlenn, Cat sets out to retrieve the Harp of Power called Uaithne from a mythical island called Hy-Brasil.
Whilst the first book draws inspiration from Irish folklore, The Harp of Power leans more into Irish mythology, referencing the Fomorians and the Tuatha De Danann. Dunne takes good advantage of the rich Irish stories of old and makes them her own.
What I liked about this book was that despite its fantastical themes, it was grounded with the personal problems faced by Cat and Shane, which makes the characters both relatable and likeable.
Hopefully, we'll see another entry into this series, but for now, Dunne has two strong books, which I highly recommend for those who like stories inspired by Irish mythology and folklore.
After being put under a geas by an evil Fomorian spirit, Cethlenn, Cat sets out to retrieve the Harp of Power called Uaithne from a mythical island called Hy-Brasil.
Whilst the first book draws inspiration from Irish folklore, The Harp of Power leans more into Irish mythology, referencing the Fomorians and the Tuatha De Danann. Dunne takes good advantage of the rich Irish stories of old and makes them her own.
What I liked about this book was that despite its fantastical themes, it was grounded with the personal problems faced by Cat and Shane, which makes the characters both relatable and likeable.
Hopefully, we'll see another entry into this series, but for now, Dunne has two strong books, which I highly recommend for those who like stories inspired by Irish mythology and folklore.
July 12, 2024
Really enjoyed this. A cracking middle-grade adventure dealing with relatable relational issues and referencing the Formorians & the Tuatha de Danann from Lebor Gabála Érenn so a great intro to Irish mythological pre-history.
November 7, 2024
I didn’t know there was a series and a book that came before it. Very cute story, informative about Irish mythology and different perspectives.
November 16, 2023
What a fantastic sequel to the first! Fast-paced, intriguing and filled with tension and magic! We see Cat torn by a family turmoil (in her eyes) and longing for things to be the way they used to be. Surely she can use her new-found magical skills to fix this, can’t she? She struggles with that rush of power in her hands and the niggling possibilities of consequences. There are always consequences. Shane is facing a similar dilemma…perhaps Cat can help them both. But then there’s this notion of right and wrong. And with the sheer, unbridled power that Cethlenn seeks to wield again; and her ability to manipulate and control by, let’s just say unethical means. The re-enacting of Irish folklore in the modern world; wild magic; a geas; an ancient battle come to the fore…it is just thrilling! Even better than the first, if you love fantasy and folklore, you cannot miss this one! I loved every single page.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews