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Storm Keeper #1
Il Custode delle Tempeste
A ogni generazione, l'isola di Arranmore sceglie un Custode delle Tempeste che incarni il suo potere e difenda la sua magia se il Nemico dovesse tornare. E per il nonno di Fionn è giunto il tempo di cedere il passo al nuovo Custode. Fionn ha il terrore del mare, tanto che quando approda ad Arranmore per l'estate, vuole solo tornare sulla terraferma. L'isola della sua stirpe, però, lo aspetta da molto tempo e lo reclama a sé, rivelandogli la sua magia. Presto Fionn si lascerà sedurre dalla ricerca di una grotta sommersa, capace di esaudire i desideri. Ma una forza malvagia si sta destando nelle profondità dell'isola, ed è più vicina a lui di quanto non immagini.
245 pages, Hardcover
First published July 12, 2018
252 people are currently reading
7021 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Doyle
27 books2,705 followersCatherine Doyle grew up in the West of Ireland. She holds a first-class BA in Psychology and a first-class MA in Publishing. She is the author of the Young Adult Blood for Blood trilogy (Vendetta, Inferno and Mafiosa), which is often described as Romeo and Juliet meets the Godfather. It was inspired by her love of modern cinema. Her debut Middle Grade novel, The Storm Keeper's Island (Bloomsbury, 2018), is an adventure story about family, bravery and self-discovery. It is set on the magical island of Arranmore, where her grandparents grew up, and is inspired by her ancestors' real life daring sea rescues.
Aside from more conventional interests in movies, running and travelling, Catherine also enjoys writing about herself in the third-person.
Aside from more conventional interests in movies, running and travelling, Catherine also enjoys writing about herself in the third-person.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 702 reviews
August 5, 2021
Life is full of terrible things.
Hate. Sadness. Suffering. Buttered popcorn jellybeans.
But the worst thing of all might be when you stop loving something. The particular heartbreak of falling out of love when you thought that would never, ever happen.
And folks...it appears I no longer love middle grade.
There used to be no more surefire fun read for me than a children's fantasy / adventure book. The lack of romance, the goofy dialogue, the romping plot.
But now...
Guys, I don't remember the last time I really enjoyed one.
It may be time for me to retire. With great sadness, and disappointment, and dismay.
Bottom line: Book, it seems it's not you - it's me.
---------------
pre-review
always a weird thing when you don't like a book as much as you expected to.
especially when you're not even sure why.
review to come / 3 stars
---------------
tbr review
magic! middle grade! ireland!
...wish i could've kept that alliteration going.
---------------
challenging myself to read as many review copies as possible this month because i'm addicted to projects!
ARC 1: spaceman of bohemia
ARC 2: in search of us
ARC 3: aerialists
ARC 4: the sound of drowning
ARC 5: unleaving
ARC 6: the other side of luck
ARC 7: romanov
ARC 8: the storm keeper's island
Hate. Sadness. Suffering. Buttered popcorn jellybeans.
But the worst thing of all might be when you stop loving something. The particular heartbreak of falling out of love when you thought that would never, ever happen.
And folks...it appears I no longer love middle grade.
There used to be no more surefire fun read for me than a children's fantasy / adventure book. The lack of romance, the goofy dialogue, the romping plot.
But now...
Guys, I don't remember the last time I really enjoyed one.
It may be time for me to retire. With great sadness, and disappointment, and dismay.
Bottom line: Book, it seems it's not you - it's me.
---------------
pre-review
always a weird thing when you don't like a book as much as you expected to.
especially when you're not even sure why.
review to come / 3 stars
---------------
tbr review
magic! middle grade! ireland!
...wish i could've kept that alliteration going.
---------------
challenging myself to read as many review copies as possible this month because i'm addicted to projects!
ARC 1: spaceman of bohemia
ARC 2: in search of us
ARC 3: aerialists
ARC 4: the sound of drowning
ARC 5: unleaving
ARC 6: the other side of luck
ARC 7: romanov
ARC 8: the storm keeper's island
February 9, 2020
A lot of magic and heart on a beautiful Irish island.
There's also a lot of heaviness in this story, around a dead father, a mother so depressed she can't take care of her kids, a rapidly aging grandfather, and general sibling drama. But the main character Fionn was really sweet, and my favorite parts were the scenes when his grandpa was fun and wishful. I felt really connected to him from the beginning, and that's rare!
The build up around the threat of the big bad evil person and the upcoming war for the next books was... kinda lame? I'm sick of these Voldemort stand ins and their oversized place in MG fantasy. It seemed unnecessary because the rest of the magic was lovely and interesting all on its own.
But the island is lovely. There are some beautiful passages too about how the magic affects the flowers and birds and how everything moves together. The memories of the tides and the power in the storms made for a memorable setting.
Overall, there was a lot of cool magic with storms and candles and a gentle but steady focus on family sadness. Looking forward to book 2.
There's also a lot of heaviness in this story, around a dead father, a mother so depressed she can't take care of her kids, a rapidly aging grandfather, and general sibling drama. But the main character Fionn was really sweet, and my favorite parts were the scenes when his grandpa was fun and wishful. I felt really connected to him from the beginning, and that's rare!
The build up around the threat of the big bad evil person and the upcoming war for the next books was... kinda lame? I'm sick of these Voldemort stand ins and their oversized place in MG fantasy. It seemed unnecessary because the rest of the magic was lovely and interesting all on its own.
But the island is lovely. There are some beautiful passages too about how the magic affects the flowers and birds and how everything moves together. The memories of the tides and the power in the storms made for a memorable setting.
Overall, there was a lot of cool magic with storms and candles and a gentle but steady focus on family sadness. Looking forward to book 2.
August 24, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a wonderful story. The Storm Keeper’s Island follows Fionn, sent to the island of Arranmore with his sister Tara when his mother becomes too ill to care for him, into the care of his grandfather. Fionn’s grandfather is the Storm Keeper of Arranmore. The maker of storms and wielder of elemental magic that protects against the darkness of ancient sorcery. With Fionn’s arrival, this darkness starts to awaken, leading Fionn to face his fears and protect the people he loves the most.
The characters are so full of life and vigour, and really help to propel the story forward by making you care about them. Fionn and Tara have a typical sibling relationship full of bickering and fighting that’s only heightened by Tara’s teenage love for Fionn’s island enemy Bartley. It’s obvious they love each other however, and the sibling bond comes into full effect as the story progresses. I would have liked to have seen more of Tara. She’s quite the enigmatic teenager who spends most of her time either in her room or roaming the island with Bartley, and I felt she had a lot of potential that wasn’t fully explored as she comes across as quite a resilient and tough character.
It was the relationship between Fionn and his grandfather that really stood out for me. It’s a relationship full of joy and a love for each other that’s also tinged with sadness and sentimentality as it develops. It’s a passing of knowledge and stories about the island and their family from a master to the apprentice, told with a sprinkling of magic and mystery. Add to this Fionn’s desperate longing to hear stories about his father, a man who died a hero before he was born, and you get a real sense of love between these characters. Fionn’s desire to see his father Cormac is built upon to create a wonderful bittersweet moment that is both subtle and elegantly done to such an extent that it took me by surprise, yet was also so obviously meant to happen. The writing really is outstanding.
The secondary characters we meet throughout the story help support and encourage a feeling of community spirit amongst the islanders. You get the feeling that everyone of the island has a strong familial connection to the area, and will do anything to protect it and their ancient traditions. Any outsider would have a hard time integrating into the island life without a host of eyes casting suspicious glances.
The island itself could also be said to be a character in its own right. Descriptions are vivid, and really big to mind a feral and wild environment that’s filled with hidden beauty. It has a personality all of its own that welcomes and calls to Fionn and his desire to be free from his familial responsibilities. The descriptions of the weather also add to this overall atmospheric feel, and allow the reader to become deeply involved in the island. I was desperate to smell the sea air, and feel the gusty wind on my back as I stood at the port with Fionn. It’s also so distinctly and passionately Irish, and I love that.
The plot is full of mystery and magic. It’s well paced and the world building is well explored and explained properly. It’s simple, to the point, yet also compelling and believable while retaining a uniqueness about it. The writing carries you through the story as if told by an old friend or relative, with a hint of folktale about it. You could almost imagine it being told over a fire like tales of the past. My only niggle was the ending. There’s a certain degree of unfinished business that sets the story up for a follow up, however I can forgive this given the wonderful story.
I’m excited for the next novel, and would honestly encourage anyone who loves a story steeped in magic and familial love to read this.
What a wonderful story. The Storm Keeper’s Island follows Fionn, sent to the island of Arranmore with his sister Tara when his mother becomes too ill to care for him, into the care of his grandfather. Fionn’s grandfather is the Storm Keeper of Arranmore. The maker of storms and wielder of elemental magic that protects against the darkness of ancient sorcery. With Fionn’s arrival, this darkness starts to awaken, leading Fionn to face his fears and protect the people he loves the most.
The characters are so full of life and vigour, and really help to propel the story forward by making you care about them. Fionn and Tara have a typical sibling relationship full of bickering and fighting that’s only heightened by Tara’s teenage love for Fionn’s island enemy Bartley. It’s obvious they love each other however, and the sibling bond comes into full effect as the story progresses. I would have liked to have seen more of Tara. She’s quite the enigmatic teenager who spends most of her time either in her room or roaming the island with Bartley, and I felt she had a lot of potential that wasn’t fully explored as she comes across as quite a resilient and tough character.
It was the relationship between Fionn and his grandfather that really stood out for me. It’s a relationship full of joy and a love for each other that’s also tinged with sadness and sentimentality as it develops. It’s a passing of knowledge and stories about the island and their family from a master to the apprentice, told with a sprinkling of magic and mystery. Add to this Fionn’s desperate longing to hear stories about his father, a man who died a hero before he was born, and you get a real sense of love between these characters. Fionn’s desire to see his father Cormac is built upon to create a wonderful bittersweet moment that is both subtle and elegantly done to such an extent that it took me by surprise, yet was also so obviously meant to happen. The writing really is outstanding.
The secondary characters we meet throughout the story help support and encourage a feeling of community spirit amongst the islanders. You get the feeling that everyone of the island has a strong familial connection to the area, and will do anything to protect it and their ancient traditions. Any outsider would have a hard time integrating into the island life without a host of eyes casting suspicious glances.
The island itself could also be said to be a character in its own right. Descriptions are vivid, and really big to mind a feral and wild environment that’s filled with hidden beauty. It has a personality all of its own that welcomes and calls to Fionn and his desire to be free from his familial responsibilities. The descriptions of the weather also add to this overall atmospheric feel, and allow the reader to become deeply involved in the island. I was desperate to smell the sea air, and feel the gusty wind on my back as I stood at the port with Fionn. It’s also so distinctly and passionately Irish, and I love that.
The plot is full of mystery and magic. It’s well paced and the world building is well explored and explained properly. It’s simple, to the point, yet also compelling and believable while retaining a uniqueness about it. The writing carries you through the story as if told by an old friend or relative, with a hint of folktale about it. You could almost imagine it being told over a fire like tales of the past. My only niggle was the ending. There’s a certain degree of unfinished business that sets the story up for a follow up, however I can forgive this given the wonderful story.
I’m excited for the next novel, and would honestly encourage anyone who loves a story steeped in magic and familial love to read this.
April 19, 2021
This was magical.
Fionn Boyle, an eleven year old boy is travelling with his thirteen year old sister, Tara to an island where his grandfather lives since their mother cannot take care of them. Fionn has never been to this island, Arranmore but his sister tells him that the island is magic as she's been here before. Fionn doesn't believe her until he experiences it himself.
Tara along with a boy, Bartley and Bartley's sister Shelby go on to find a magically concealed cave but they don't invite Fionn. He feels sad and hurt but he has adventures of his own. He also gets to learn of so many things from his grandfather. Fionn comes across a weird stranger, Ivan whom he doesn't like for some reason and rightly so. Fionn ends up learning secrets of the Arranmore island, its magic and also that his grandfather is The Storm Keeper of the island.
Fionn's grandfather also makes candles but they are no ordinary candles, these are the candles that conceal past events in them and upon lighting these candles, one can experience those past events themselves but they can't be seen from the people or beings in the past. Until Fionn burns one such candle and it goes way past anyone else has ever burnt it and Fionn is seen by an entity of the darkness, Morrigan.
Long ago Morrigan was consumed by the darkness and she became the soulstalker who started killing innocents for their souls and then a sorcerer, Dagda rallied his forces and defeated Morrigan. Morrigan was almost about to win when the tide turned and nobody knew how Dagda defeated her as the candle never burnt past the beginning of the battle. But Fionn finds out and relays this to his grandfather.
Fionn's father was killed before his birth somewhere in the sea and that's what consumes his mother to this day and she got so sick that she wasn't able to take care of her children now. Little by little Fionn finds out more information and he also finds out that he will be the one to wake Morrigan. Once he becomes the next Storm Keeper, he also finds out that Ivan is a soulstalker and he is here to resurrect Morrigan. Will he be able to stop Morrigan? We'll find out in the next book.
I loved Fionn. He is smart, intelligent, sweet, caring and brave (even though he doesn't think so). His sister on the other hand, I didn't like very much as she was always so mean to him. Yes, that's how siblings are but she was extra mean and hurtful in my opinion. I also loved their grandfather. Other supporting characters were well developed as well. I especially loved the bonding between Fionn and his grandfather and the parts where Fionn insults Bartley and also where a seagull poops on Bartley.
This was another book where the parents/grandparents don't tell things to their kids/grandkids and normally I hate that aspect in all the YA and children books but in this, I have to say it was handled well. I do think that Fionn's connection with Morrigan reminded me of Harry Potter and Voldemort but other than that I really enjoyed the book. I finished it in one sitting.
5 stars
Fionn Boyle, an eleven year old boy is travelling with his thirteen year old sister, Tara to an island where his grandfather lives since their mother cannot take care of them. Fionn has never been to this island, Arranmore but his sister tells him that the island is magic as she's been here before. Fionn doesn't believe her until he experiences it himself.
Tara along with a boy, Bartley and Bartley's sister Shelby go on to find a magically concealed cave but they don't invite Fionn. He feels sad and hurt but he has adventures of his own. He also gets to learn of so many things from his grandfather. Fionn comes across a weird stranger, Ivan whom he doesn't like for some reason and rightly so. Fionn ends up learning secrets of the Arranmore island, its magic and also that his grandfather is The Storm Keeper of the island.
Fionn's grandfather also makes candles but they are no ordinary candles, these are the candles that conceal past events in them and upon lighting these candles, one can experience those past events themselves but they can't be seen from the people or beings in the past. Until Fionn burns one such candle and it goes way past anyone else has ever burnt it and Fionn is seen by an entity of the darkness, Morrigan.
Long ago Morrigan was consumed by the darkness and she became the soulstalker who started killing innocents for their souls and then a sorcerer, Dagda rallied his forces and defeated Morrigan. Morrigan was almost about to win when the tide turned and nobody knew how Dagda defeated her as the candle never burnt past the beginning of the battle. But Fionn finds out and relays this to his grandfather.
Fionn's father was killed before his birth somewhere in the sea and that's what consumes his mother to this day and she got so sick that she wasn't able to take care of her children now. Little by little Fionn finds out more information and he also finds out that he will be the one to wake Morrigan. Once he becomes the next Storm Keeper, he also finds out that Ivan is a soulstalker and he is here to resurrect Morrigan. Will he be able to stop Morrigan? We'll find out in the next book.
I loved Fionn. He is smart, intelligent, sweet, caring and brave (even though he doesn't think so). His sister on the other hand, I didn't like very much as she was always so mean to him. Yes, that's how siblings are but she was extra mean and hurtful in my opinion. I also loved their grandfather. Other supporting characters were well developed as well. I especially loved the bonding between Fionn and his grandfather and the parts where Fionn insults Bartley and also where a seagull poops on Bartley.
This was another book where the parents/grandparents don't tell things to their kids/grandkids and normally I hate that aspect in all the YA and children books but in this, I have to say it was handled well. I do think that Fionn's connection with Morrigan reminded me of Harry Potter and Voldemort but other than that I really enjoyed the book. I finished it in one sitting.
5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2018
I read this in one sitting. Magical, funny, heart-rending, terrifying - and with plenty more adventures still to come, I’m on tenterhooks for the next book. Fionn, his grandfather and father broke my heart and put it back together again.
October 4, 2018
My Video Review
https://youtu.be/WrnywbXh4EA
This book came to me at the perfect time in my life.
https://youtu.be/WrnywbXh4EA
This book came to me at the perfect time in my life.
July 22, 2018
‘Magic and myth combine to make The Storm Keeper’s Island a novel like no other. With a different kind of magic, this is a contemporary classic that will move its readers to feel like they’ve discovered and rediscovered their love for reading all over again.’
Inspired by Cat’s very own childhood connections to the island of Arranmore – off the west coast of Ireland – and intertwined with the ripe richness and rurality of Irish mythology, The Storm Keeper’s Island is a novel like no other.
Originally, I had started to write this review after receiving an advance proof copy of this story back in May, before it had been chosen as Waterstones’ Children’s Book of the Month for July. It is safe to say that it is no surprise to me that it has proudly earned this accolade because it blows everything out of the water and far away across the sea.
Starting off in the school holidays, Ffion and his sister Tara are sent away across the sea, by their mother (who later on we find is still riddled with shock after the death of their father), to a lonely island to stay with their grandfather. From the very first page, Fionn becomes the kind of almost hidden hero you can really start to root for, as the angsty brotherly-sisterly dynamic between him and his sibling starts to seep through.
But the island and his grandfather are not quite what Ffion first expected, in fact they too are like no other. The island of Arranmore is a larger-than-life land surrounded from within by magic, ancient folklore and legend. An island steeped in a strong sense of history and with a beating heart all of its own. Inhaling, gasping, waking up and with a voice that seemingly speaks to Ffion in his deepest dreams, this is an island that breathes and begins to come to life before your very own eyes through Cat’s choice of beautiful and almost lyrical language that lilts and sings itself off the page.
As candles, memories (including a grandfather living with Alzheimer’s) and ancient wars meander and merge, Ffion finds himself in the middle of a changing of the guard as the island seeks out to select its next Storm Keeper but more than magic, mystery and myth stand before him.
With a feel of a contemporary classic, like a blend of Funke with Millwood Hargrave and Rundell, this is an all together different kind of magic and fantasy that’s on offer. One that’s very much multi-layered; it felt like there were so many stories within stories just waiting to be awoken to be told. And it is this that I cannot wait to see progress in Catherine’s future stories.
This is a stunning, secretly-enchanting story imbued with a strong, original and inherent sense of ancestral self from Catherine that makes it shine so brightly, and will embrace its readers and move them to feel like they’ve rediscovered their love for reading all over again.
Just as once in a generation, the island of Arranmore chooses a new Storm Keeper; once in a while, a book as special as this comes around.
If I could mould this book in to its very own candle, calling it The Storm Keeper – 1st July 2018, it would continue to burn to be relived and reread. For this is a book that I hope never goes out and one that I will be waxing lyrical about for years to come.
Inspired by Cat’s very own childhood connections to the island of Arranmore – off the west coast of Ireland – and intertwined with the ripe richness and rurality of Irish mythology, The Storm Keeper’s Island is a novel like no other.
Originally, I had started to write this review after receiving an advance proof copy of this story back in May, before it had been chosen as Waterstones’ Children’s Book of the Month for July. It is safe to say that it is no surprise to me that it has proudly earned this accolade because it blows everything out of the water and far away across the sea.
Starting off in the school holidays, Ffion and his sister Tara are sent away across the sea, by their mother (who later on we find is still riddled with shock after the death of their father), to a lonely island to stay with their grandfather. From the very first page, Fionn becomes the kind of almost hidden hero you can really start to root for, as the angsty brotherly-sisterly dynamic between him and his sibling starts to seep through.
But the island and his grandfather are not quite what Ffion first expected, in fact they too are like no other. The island of Arranmore is a larger-than-life land surrounded from within by magic, ancient folklore and legend. An island steeped in a strong sense of history and with a beating heart all of its own. Inhaling, gasping, waking up and with a voice that seemingly speaks to Ffion in his deepest dreams, this is an island that breathes and begins to come to life before your very own eyes through Cat’s choice of beautiful and almost lyrical language that lilts and sings itself off the page.
As candles, memories (including a grandfather living with Alzheimer’s) and ancient wars meander and merge, Ffion finds himself in the middle of a changing of the guard as the island seeks out to select its next Storm Keeper but more than magic, mystery and myth stand before him.
With a feel of a contemporary classic, like a blend of Funke with Millwood Hargrave and Rundell, this is an all together different kind of magic and fantasy that’s on offer. One that’s very much multi-layered; it felt like there were so many stories within stories just waiting to be awoken to be told. And it is this that I cannot wait to see progress in Catherine’s future stories.
This is a stunning, secretly-enchanting story imbued with a strong, original and inherent sense of ancestral self from Catherine that makes it shine so brightly, and will embrace its readers and move them to feel like they’ve rediscovered their love for reading all over again.
Just as once in a generation, the island of Arranmore chooses a new Storm Keeper; once in a while, a book as special as this comes around.
If I could mould this book in to its very own candle, calling it The Storm Keeper – 1st July 2018, it would continue to burn to be relived and reread. For this is a book that I hope never goes out and one that I will be waxing lyrical about for years to come.
July 17, 2018
I knew immediately that I'd love this book, but Doyle's writing enchanted me and pulled me right into the story and Fionn's mind in a way I didn't expect. It's beautifully written and engaging, in a voice that feels confident and fresh, weaving humour with whimsical magic and the enchanting exploration of a family's emotional past.
Fionn and his annoying older sister Tara have been sent to stay with their grandfather on Arranmore Island by their mother in the city. It doesn't take Fionn long to realise this place is magical, with the plants and tides behaving strangely, the island shifting below his feet, and that Tara has been hiding things from him about this place. Not to mention the hundreds of candles filling his grandfather's house, dreams of ravens, a hunt for a sea cave and a magical wish, and talk of the Storm Keeper. As Fionn battles his fear of the sea and learns about the island's mythical history and his grandfather's role in keeping it safe, he's pulled into an adventure of his own, and the question of which of the island children will be the next Storm Keeper?
Rich storytelling seeps into all the corners of this story. The setting is vividly described, evoking a strong sense of the wild natural beauty of the island, as well as its temperament and penchant for magic. The writing transports the reader there easily. I could feel the wind and the chill of sea-spray, the thrum of old magic under the ground. The plot has good pacing and I loved how Doyle subverts the expectations of traditional adventure stories. Instead of joining the other children in exploring the island, Fionn's journey is grounded at home, in his dynamic relationship with his grandfather and his growing understanding of the island between the layers of its past, present, and future. It's a story about the deep bonds of family and grief, and there were moments in this book I had to pause and collect myself.
Fionn is a wonderful protagonist. The story delves effortlessly into his emotions and world-view: his nervousness of being away from home and meeting his grandfather for the first time, his loneliness after being rejected from the other children who go off exploring without him, the mixed emotions he has about being in the dark about secrets, his grief and guilt about his parents. I felt his frustration at Tara like a tangible thing, so easy to relate to in such a real way. I've read a lot of books that deal with sibling rivalry and strained sibling relationships, but the relationship between Tara and Fionn felt so much like the relationship I had with my brother as a child it was astonishing to read. Her effortlessly sharp and funny banter between the children and Fionn's grandfather was brilliant. I've not read such on-pointe sniping in a middle grade book in a long time. Doyle writes fantastically fun dialogue! There's no caricatures here. Doyle can write really complex relationship arcs and emotions with great depth and realism. She shows us a family who have suffered, and uses magic in a way that allows the characters to interact with the past, layering it over the present. It's full of rich and vibrant relationships that I'm excited to see continue developing in the next installment/s. I'm curious to find out more about Fionn's grandfather and parents in the next books, especially his mother who was largely absent in this one.
The magic is beautifully thought-through and multi-layered, with captivating originality in its concept. I loved imagining the candles. I don't think I've read a book that uses memory magic in quite this way before, and it'll be exciting to see what else it can do. But the strength of the magic for me was in the consequences on the plot and characters, how there's an element of risk and loss as well as wonder with every use. I loved how storms and memories blend, and secrets can be hidden within them.
Overall, it's hard to say what I loved most about this book. It's a short novel, but I was so in love with it, I didn't want it to end and savoured every page. It's a beautifully written story, and I'm dying to see where it goes next and follow Fionn on his next adventure.
Fionn and his annoying older sister Tara have been sent to stay with their grandfather on Arranmore Island by their mother in the city. It doesn't take Fionn long to realise this place is magical, with the plants and tides behaving strangely, the island shifting below his feet, and that Tara has been hiding things from him about this place. Not to mention the hundreds of candles filling his grandfather's house, dreams of ravens, a hunt for a sea cave and a magical wish, and talk of the Storm Keeper. As Fionn battles his fear of the sea and learns about the island's mythical history and his grandfather's role in keeping it safe, he's pulled into an adventure of his own, and the question of which of the island children will be the next Storm Keeper?
Rich storytelling seeps into all the corners of this story. The setting is vividly described, evoking a strong sense of the wild natural beauty of the island, as well as its temperament and penchant for magic. The writing transports the reader there easily. I could feel the wind and the chill of sea-spray, the thrum of old magic under the ground. The plot has good pacing and I loved how Doyle subverts the expectations of traditional adventure stories. Instead of joining the other children in exploring the island, Fionn's journey is grounded at home, in his dynamic relationship with his grandfather and his growing understanding of the island between the layers of its past, present, and future. It's a story about the deep bonds of family and grief, and there were moments in this book I had to pause and collect myself.
Fionn is a wonderful protagonist. The story delves effortlessly into his emotions and world-view: his nervousness of being away from home and meeting his grandfather for the first time, his loneliness after being rejected from the other children who go off exploring without him, the mixed emotions he has about being in the dark about secrets, his grief and guilt about his parents. I felt his frustration at Tara like a tangible thing, so easy to relate to in such a real way. I've read a lot of books that deal with sibling rivalry and strained sibling relationships, but the relationship between Tara and Fionn felt so much like the relationship I had with my brother as a child it was astonishing to read. Her effortlessly sharp and funny banter between the children and Fionn's grandfather was brilliant. I've not read such on-pointe sniping in a middle grade book in a long time. Doyle writes fantastically fun dialogue! There's no caricatures here. Doyle can write really complex relationship arcs and emotions with great depth and realism. She shows us a family who have suffered, and uses magic in a way that allows the characters to interact with the past, layering it over the present. It's full of rich and vibrant relationships that I'm excited to see continue developing in the next installment/s. I'm curious to find out more about Fionn's grandfather and parents in the next books, especially his mother who was largely absent in this one.
The magic is beautifully thought-through and multi-layered, with captivating originality in its concept. I loved imagining the candles. I don't think I've read a book that uses memory magic in quite this way before, and it'll be exciting to see what else it can do. But the strength of the magic for me was in the consequences on the plot and characters, how there's an element of risk and loss as well as wonder with every use. I loved how storms and memories blend, and secrets can be hidden within them.
Overall, it's hard to say what I loved most about this book. It's a short novel, but I was so in love with it, I didn't want it to end and savoured every page. It's a beautifully written story, and I'm dying to see where it goes next and follow Fionn on his next adventure.
March 28, 2018
The Stormkeeper's Island follows young Fionn as he travels to the island of Arranmore with his sister Tara to stay with their grandfather. Little does Fionn know just how magical and full of secrets the island of Arranmore is and most of all the dangers stirring within it...
This is a stunning, beautiful book and a great addition to the many MG titles already out there. Catherine's writing really draws you in and transports you to the island of Arranmore. I felt as if I were truly there, smelling the salt on the sea, feeling the spray thanks to the amazing craft and worldbuilding, its so vivid, and I'm sure this will be a hit with many readers young and old.
I loved Fionn and his grandfather, the dynamic between himself and Tara, the significance of the candles, how beautifully each one was described. The Stormkeeper's Island oozes magic and mystery and this breathtaking portrayal of Ireland is full of both courage and heart.
This is a stunning, beautiful book and a great addition to the many MG titles already out there. Catherine's writing really draws you in and transports you to the island of Arranmore. I felt as if I were truly there, smelling the salt on the sea, feeling the spray thanks to the amazing craft and worldbuilding, its so vivid, and I'm sure this will be a hit with many readers young and old.
I loved Fionn and his grandfather, the dynamic between himself and Tara, the significance of the candles, how beautifully each one was described. The Stormkeeper's Island oozes magic and mystery and this breathtaking portrayal of Ireland is full of both courage and heart.
July 15, 2018
Catherine Doyle weaves a touching, heart-warmingly magical adventure story from the myths and legends surrounding Arranmore Island, her childhood home. Fionn and his sister are sent to Arranmore for the first time to stay with their elderly Grandfather, unaware that they are already bound by fate to the secrets and inherent magic the island hides.
It has a lot to say about the everyday magic of self-belief, courage and the abundant gifts of the natural world. It also sensitively handles family tragedy, grief, loss, and the anxieties surrounding advancing years in a loved one. The narrative voice of eleven year old Fionn beautifully captures the often underestimated perceptiveness and emotional intelligence of childhood. A wonderfully enchanting story- poignant, wise and beautifully written.
"All Fionn ever knew for sure was that Arranmore haunted her, and he could never figure out whether that was mostly a good thing or mostly a bad thing. Only that places can be just as important as people. They can have the same power over you if you let them."
"He wanted it so badly it rocked him to sleep most nights and woke him up most mornings. All his life, it had dwelled in the sliver between his soul and his heart- where desire dissolved inti impossibility...The words swam off the page as his eyes glazed over, thoughts of the wish he'd make crawling out of his head and sitting on his chest"
"'Nothing on Arranmore is inconsequential. No blade of grass, no drop of rain, no wisp of cloud. There is magic in everything'. He pressed his lips together, like there was a secret underneath his tongue, swelling and swelling, until he chewed it up, and then simply said, 'There is magic in memory'."
"...we gave up and got sweets from the shop so we could eat our feelings instead."
"Bravery is just a matter of forgetting to be afraid, Fionn. Nothing more. Nothing less."
"There are many different kinds of bravery, Fionn. Often the journeys we take inside ourselves are more difficult than the stormiest seas."
"His Grandfather turned his face to the sun. It sprinkled its rays along the crevices of his face until he seemed not quite as old as before. 'Ah, a gift'. The seagulls circled them in muted silence, the rainbow glinting off their wings and painting colour wheels along the ground."
"Fionn wanted to say something more; he wanted to say that he loved his Grandfather fiercely, that he was the only person in the world who made him feel better about living in his own skin, that he was the brightest star in Fionn's sky, that he couldn't bear to see him forget a single thing or to find that in all of the forgetting, he would come to forget him too. The words crowded together on his tongue until he felt too full to speak at all."
It has a lot to say about the everyday magic of self-belief, courage and the abundant gifts of the natural world. It also sensitively handles family tragedy, grief, loss, and the anxieties surrounding advancing years in a loved one. The narrative voice of eleven year old Fionn beautifully captures the often underestimated perceptiveness and emotional intelligence of childhood. A wonderfully enchanting story- poignant, wise and beautifully written.
"All Fionn ever knew for sure was that Arranmore haunted her, and he could never figure out whether that was mostly a good thing or mostly a bad thing. Only that places can be just as important as people. They can have the same power over you if you let them."
"He wanted it so badly it rocked him to sleep most nights and woke him up most mornings. All his life, it had dwelled in the sliver between his soul and his heart- where desire dissolved inti impossibility...The words swam off the page as his eyes glazed over, thoughts of the wish he'd make crawling out of his head and sitting on his chest"
"'Nothing on Arranmore is inconsequential. No blade of grass, no drop of rain, no wisp of cloud. There is magic in everything'. He pressed his lips together, like there was a secret underneath his tongue, swelling and swelling, until he chewed it up, and then simply said, 'There is magic in memory'."
"...we gave up and got sweets from the shop so we could eat our feelings instead."
"Bravery is just a matter of forgetting to be afraid, Fionn. Nothing more. Nothing less."
"There are many different kinds of bravery, Fionn. Often the journeys we take inside ourselves are more difficult than the stormiest seas."
"His Grandfather turned his face to the sun. It sprinkled its rays along the crevices of his face until he seemed not quite as old as before. 'Ah, a gift'. The seagulls circled them in muted silence, the rainbow glinting off their wings and painting colour wheels along the ground."
"Fionn wanted to say something more; he wanted to say that he loved his Grandfather fiercely, that he was the only person in the world who made him feel better about living in his own skin, that he was the brightest star in Fionn's sky, that he couldn't bear to see him forget a single thing or to find that in all of the forgetting, he would come to forget him too. The words crowded together on his tongue until he felt too full to speak at all."
June 26, 2018
I was so moved with the wonder and magic of the relationship that 11 yr old Fionn has with the Grandfather he has never met.
Having been sent to live on Arranmore, with his older teenage sister, Fionn misses his mother back in Dublin, even though she isn't always really there. Nearing the anniversary of the death of his father, his mother has had to go away to be made better.
The Island seems to speak to Fionn and what follows is a lot of information he thinks his sister surely should have told him. Like the flowers and birds being there, then not there oh and the island is magic. His grandfather, on his father's side, seems to have a grand sense of humour but behind his eyes the sea seems to dance. How does he make the candles that seem to swirl containing the memory of storms themselves?
There is a wonderful nod to an actual lifeboat incident that happened near the Arran Isles that comes alive and obviously had a strong impact on the author. The whole book melts into you with magic and love.
This is a wonderful story of family, friendship and what Fionn will do to be true to himself. Also about family members losing themselves, to grief and to memory loss, how to help them find their way back.
It was a such a magical story of the relationship we have with our grandparents, the twinkle of mischief and adventure they get in their eyes when we visit and the memories we make with them are forever, they will always be with us in our hearts.
Malachie Boyle will go down as one of the best grandfather characters I have ever read and I'm sure there is more to find out about this family and their past.
Having been sent to live on Arranmore, with his older teenage sister, Fionn misses his mother back in Dublin, even though she isn't always really there. Nearing the anniversary of the death of his father, his mother has had to go away to be made better.
The Island seems to speak to Fionn and what follows is a lot of information he thinks his sister surely should have told him. Like the flowers and birds being there, then not there oh and the island is magic. His grandfather, on his father's side, seems to have a grand sense of humour but behind his eyes the sea seems to dance. How does he make the candles that seem to swirl containing the memory of storms themselves?
There is a wonderful nod to an actual lifeboat incident that happened near the Arran Isles that comes alive and obviously had a strong impact on the author. The whole book melts into you with magic and love.
This is a wonderful story of family, friendship and what Fionn will do to be true to himself. Also about family members losing themselves, to grief and to memory loss, how to help them find their way back.
It was a such a magical story of the relationship we have with our grandparents, the twinkle of mischief and adventure they get in their eyes when we visit and the memories we make with them are forever, they will always be with us in our hearts.
Malachie Boyle will go down as one of the best grandfather characters I have ever read and I'm sure there is more to find out about this family and their past.
July 18, 2018
Every so often a book comes along that wraps itself around you and uncovers your dreams. The Storm Keepers Island is that book.
Fionn travels to Arranmore with his sister Tara; his ancestral home that awakens the moment he sets foot on its’ shores. It breathes and sighs, enveloping him with its’ winds; recognising him, though Fionn has never been there. But the island knows. The island remembers. Every generation, the island chooses a Storm Keeper, guardian of secrets and memories; protector from the ancient evil slumbering deep in a secret cave. The time has come for Fionns’ grandfather to step aside as Storm Keeper and Fionn is blissfully unaware of the task and incredible dangers that lie ahead.
This book absolutely sings. It is the story of family ties and their history; so poignant and filled with truth that the reader will instantly relate. A tale of an island and its’ past, it is filled with such stunning detail and enthralling adventure that it tangibly brings to life Arranmore and its people, both past and present. The island itself stands out as a character, painted vividly and with great feeling. It is filled with magic; the magic of love, compassion, memories; of candles, storms and sacrifice. With expert language use and sensory detail, Doyle creates a mood that is eerie and curious, while also revealing genuine joy and humour. A rare, beautiful gift; this is a story that will live on in the imagination long after you've put it down.
Fionn travels to Arranmore with his sister Tara; his ancestral home that awakens the moment he sets foot on its’ shores. It breathes and sighs, enveloping him with its’ winds; recognising him, though Fionn has never been there. But the island knows. The island remembers. Every generation, the island chooses a Storm Keeper, guardian of secrets and memories; protector from the ancient evil slumbering deep in a secret cave. The time has come for Fionns’ grandfather to step aside as Storm Keeper and Fionn is blissfully unaware of the task and incredible dangers that lie ahead.
This book absolutely sings. It is the story of family ties and their history; so poignant and filled with truth that the reader will instantly relate. A tale of an island and its’ past, it is filled with such stunning detail and enthralling adventure that it tangibly brings to life Arranmore and its people, both past and present. The island itself stands out as a character, painted vividly and with great feeling. It is filled with magic; the magic of love, compassion, memories; of candles, storms and sacrifice. With expert language use and sensory detail, Doyle creates a mood that is eerie and curious, while also revealing genuine joy and humour. A rare, beautiful gift; this is a story that will live on in the imagination long after you've put it down.
June 18, 2018
This is exactly what a children's book should look like!! An absolutely beautiful read, a good old-fashioned adventure story with a strand of magic threading between the pages! Fionn is a hearty character that pulls you in from the beginning and Arranmore Island is that place where we all wish we could visit this summer - this is a must read children, but it's more than just a kids' book! There were parts of Fionn's story that stirred emotions that I'm not sure 9-12 year old's would feel, making this a perfect summer read for adults too! A definite addition to my own bookshelf and one I will be putting in my kids' hands!
July 2, 2018
Our July Kids book of the month...
Fionn and his sister Tara are sent to the island of Arranmore to stay with their grandad - the current Storm Keeper - but it's nearly time for the old man to step down and soon a new Keeper will arise.
The island is full of magic, and tales of a flying horse and an old cave that will grant you one wish - if you can find it - but as the battle to become the island's next champion rages, a more sinister magic is waking up.
A great adventure story full of Irish myth and magic that both kids and adults will enjoy. I loved it.
Fionn and his sister Tara are sent to the island of Arranmore to stay with their grandad - the current Storm Keeper - but it's nearly time for the old man to step down and soon a new Keeper will arise.
The island is full of magic, and tales of a flying horse and an old cave that will grant you one wish - if you can find it - but as the battle to become the island's next champion rages, a more sinister magic is waking up.
A great adventure story full of Irish myth and magic that both kids and adults will enjoy. I loved it.
July 15, 2018
This was a very special read that I got completely lost in. It is a timeless story of adventure, magic, and wonder. It brought to my mind some of Enid Blyton’s rollicking adventures from my childhood. It perfectly balances the humour of two siblings bickering, with the sadness of a child missing an absent mother, a lost father, and a deteriorating grandfather. It captures beautifully the relationship between Fionn and his grandfather as it blossoms and grows, and Fionn’s sense of being adrift and abandoned when he arrives at Arranmore. I look forward to seeing where the story goes next…
March 19, 2019
4,5 ⭐
E per l'ennesima volta vi ripeto quanto sia bello e speciale questo libro. "Il custode delle tempeste" è una storia che trabocca di magia, amore, leggende e di vecchie memorie. Ci ricorda che anche le storie per bambini possono insegnarci tanto e che il coraggio di superare i limiti è sempre stato dentro di noi in attesa di essere risvegliato. Ho amato come l'autrice abbia utilizzato le vecchie leggende Irlandesi su Dagda e Morrigan, così come mi è piaciuta da impazzire tutta la storia sulla magia.
Se avete amato "The Stone", "Jack Bennet" e il film "La canzone del mare" amerete anche questo libro, credetemi ❤️
E per l'ennesima volta vi ripeto quanto sia bello e speciale questo libro. "Il custode delle tempeste" è una storia che trabocca di magia, amore, leggende e di vecchie memorie. Ci ricorda che anche le storie per bambini possono insegnarci tanto e che il coraggio di superare i limiti è sempre stato dentro di noi in attesa di essere risvegliato. Ho amato come l'autrice abbia utilizzato le vecchie leggende Irlandesi su Dagda e Morrigan, così come mi è piaciuta da impazzire tutta la storia sulla magia.
Se avete amato "The Stone", "Jack Bennet" e il film "La canzone del mare" amerete anche questo libro, credetemi ❤️
March 2, 2020
Fionn and his sister Tara are sent to Arranmore Island to visit their grandfather as their mother is struggling to care for them. Their grandfather is the "Stormkeeper" and has kept the darkness in check for many years. Fionn wants to know more about his deceased father and the mysteries of the island. One of the neighboring families though wants to succeed the grandfather and is seeking a mythical cave, where great power is available for those who can find it. I thought the book was short on plot, and got tired of the bickering and Fionn's whining. The Irish mythology about Morrigan was good, but underdeveloped. Maybe there's more in book #2?
April 15, 2021
A massive dollop of magic, mixed with a charming and quick witted main character. Throw in an incredible grandfather, an island that has its own history and power and a struggle with grief. You get this. A book with clout.
There better be a second one.
There better be a second one.
July 5, 2018
Magical mix of myth and adventure. Beautifully written with great characters. There is humour, sad bits and bits to grip you. First in a series so look forward to more.
March 24, 2021
Već prvi pogled na ovu knjigu i njenu prekrasnu naslovnicu otkriva da se unutar njenih korica nalazi nešto... magično. I sam je naslov magičan: "Otok Čuvara oluja". Govori mi kako me unutra čeka neka nova, uzbudljiva, predivna pustolovina!
Prva knjiga serijala o Čuvaru oluja vodi nas na tajnovit i pomalo ćudljiv otok Arranmore. Kako saznajemo kroz priču, upravo se na ovom otoku mnogo godina prije dogodila sudbonosna bitka dvaju čarobnjaka, bitka dobra i zla, koja je odlučila o sudbini svijeta - svijeta koji je, taj put, ostao sačuvan. I sam otok doima se živim, a njegovi stanovnici pripadnici su generacija pet obitelji koje vjekovima štite i čuvaju tajnu otoka: tajnu da Arranmore može postojati u više vremenskih dimenzija istovremeno, i da je taj otok zadnje uporište obrane od zla koje negdje duboko pod njim spava. Spava, ali ne miruje.
Dječak Fionn i njegova sestra Tara došli su na otok provesti praznike s djedom. Za razliku od ostatka svoje obitelji i ostalih stanovnika otoka, koji osjećaju povezanost s otokom i morem oko njega, Fionn je pomalo kao crna ovca u stadu bijelih. Malo po malo, Fionn upoznaje tajne otoka i tajne svoje obitelji, a, kako će se ispostaviti, upravo je Fionn - čudan i neprilagođen, osamljen dječak - baš ono što je otok cijelo vrijeme čekao.
Zadaća koju je otok Fionnu namijenio promijenit će mu život, odvesti ga u nevjerojatne i magične avanture, ali ga odvesti i na prilično opasan put.
Pustolovna, zanimljiva i uzbudljiva, priča o čarobnom otoku, Čuvaru oluja, tajnovitim spiljama, zlim čarobnjacima, luckastim djedovima, napornim sestrama i traženju svog mjesta u svijetu posebna je avantura. Tehnički, ovo je knjiga za djecu, ali ja ne volim knjige zatvarati u dobne ladice. U ovoj će knjizi jednako uživati i djeca i odrasli, bilo da je čitaju sami ili nekome naglas. Ovo je knjiga za sve koji vole pustolovine i magične priče.
Napokon, nije li nam J.K. Rowling već pokazala da jedna knjiga za djecu može posve očarati čitav svijet, i čitatelje svih uzrasta?
Fionn je pomalo osamljen dječak koji misli da se nikamo ne uklapa i zbog toga se s njime jako lako povezati. Jako ga je lako razumjeti, a i zavoljeti. Ono što ćete također zavoljeti u ovoj priči, a što možda mislite da inače nije posebno interesantno su - svijeće. Svijeće Čuvara oluja nisu, dakako, obične svijeće, one vas mogu odvesti na putovanje kroz prostor, vrijeme i sjećanja, no, nakon čitanja o ovim svijećama, kladim se da ćete više uživati i u onim našim svakodnevnim, običnima. ;) Mašta je, na kraju, sve što nam je potrebno da bismo i sami otišli na neko putovanje kroz prostor, vrijeme i sjećanja - sa svijećom ili bez nje.
Uz uzbudljive avanture, ova priča ispričat će vam ponešto i o gubitku, obitelji i prijateljstvu, kao i o hrabrosti, odanosti i savladavanju prepreka, čak i onih najtežih.
Tragate li za pustolovinama, za neobičnim i tajnovitim pripovijestima, žudite li se sprijateljiti s posebnim, simpatičnim likovima i posjetiti mjesta koja su izmaštana toliko živo da ćete se osjećati kao da ste doista tamo - našli ste pravu knjigu. Priča koju će vam ova knjiga ispričati uzbudljiva je i čarobna, likovi koje ćete u njoj upoznati živopisni su i nezaboravni, a pustolovinu na koju će vas odvesti dugo ćete pamtiti. Ja sam uživala čitajući, i spremna sam za još. Srećom, drugi nastavak već je tu. :) The adventure continues...
Prva knjiga serijala o Čuvaru oluja vodi nas na tajnovit i pomalo ćudljiv otok Arranmore. Kako saznajemo kroz priču, upravo se na ovom otoku mnogo godina prije dogodila sudbonosna bitka dvaju čarobnjaka, bitka dobra i zla, koja je odlučila o sudbini svijeta - svijeta koji je, taj put, ostao sačuvan. I sam otok doima se živim, a njegovi stanovnici pripadnici su generacija pet obitelji koje vjekovima štite i čuvaju tajnu otoka: tajnu da Arranmore može postojati u više vremenskih dimenzija istovremeno, i da je taj otok zadnje uporište obrane od zla koje negdje duboko pod njim spava. Spava, ali ne miruje.
Dječak Fionn i njegova sestra Tara došli su na otok provesti praznike s djedom. Za razliku od ostatka svoje obitelji i ostalih stanovnika otoka, koji osjećaju povezanost s otokom i morem oko njega, Fionn je pomalo kao crna ovca u stadu bijelih. Malo po malo, Fionn upoznaje tajne otoka i tajne svoje obitelji, a, kako će se ispostaviti, upravo je Fionn - čudan i neprilagođen, osamljen dječak - baš ono što je otok cijelo vrijeme čekao.
Zadaća koju je otok Fionnu namijenio promijenit će mu život, odvesti ga u nevjerojatne i magične avanture, ali ga odvesti i na prilično opasan put.
Pustolovna, zanimljiva i uzbudljiva, priča o čarobnom otoku, Čuvaru oluja, tajnovitim spiljama, zlim čarobnjacima, luckastim djedovima, napornim sestrama i traženju svog mjesta u svijetu posebna je avantura. Tehnički, ovo je knjiga za djecu, ali ja ne volim knjige zatvarati u dobne ladice. U ovoj će knjizi jednako uživati i djeca i odrasli, bilo da je čitaju sami ili nekome naglas. Ovo je knjiga za sve koji vole pustolovine i magične priče.
Napokon, nije li nam J.K. Rowling već pokazala da jedna knjiga za djecu može posve očarati čitav svijet, i čitatelje svih uzrasta?
Fionn je pomalo osamljen dječak koji misli da se nikamo ne uklapa i zbog toga se s njime jako lako povezati. Jako ga je lako razumjeti, a i zavoljeti. Ono što ćete također zavoljeti u ovoj priči, a što možda mislite da inače nije posebno interesantno su - svijeće. Svijeće Čuvara oluja nisu, dakako, obične svijeće, one vas mogu odvesti na putovanje kroz prostor, vrijeme i sjećanja, no, nakon čitanja o ovim svijećama, kladim se da ćete više uživati i u onim našim svakodnevnim, običnima. ;) Mašta je, na kraju, sve što nam je potrebno da bismo i sami otišli na neko putovanje kroz prostor, vrijeme i sjećanja - sa svijećom ili bez nje.
Uz uzbudljive avanture, ova priča ispričat će vam ponešto i o gubitku, obitelji i prijateljstvu, kao i o hrabrosti, odanosti i savladavanju prepreka, čak i onih najtežih.
Tragate li za pustolovinama, za neobičnim i tajnovitim pripovijestima, žudite li se sprijateljiti s posebnim, simpatičnim likovima i posjetiti mjesta koja su izmaštana toliko živo da ćete se osjećati kao da ste doista tamo - našli ste pravu knjigu. Priča koju će vam ova knjiga ispričati uzbudljiva je i čarobna, likovi koje ćete u njoj upoznati živopisni su i nezaboravni, a pustolovinu na koju će vas odvesti dugo ćete pamtiti. Ja sam uživala čitajući, i spremna sam za još. Srećom, drugi nastavak već je tu. :) The adventure continues...
July 2, 2018
A magical adventure that had everything a great children's book should have; characters to root for, mystery, mythology, humour and did I mention adventure?
This book kept me utterly enchanted throughout and in the end not only did I feel like I had been magically transported to the island of Arranmore but also back to my childhood and the kind of books that made me fall in love with reading in the first place.
It's absolutely made my Top 5 Kids books of all time! Cannot recommend it highly enough.
Becca
This book kept me utterly enchanted throughout and in the end not only did I feel like I had been magically transported to the island of Arranmore but also back to my childhood and the kind of books that made me fall in love with reading in the first place.
It's absolutely made my Top 5 Kids books of all time! Cannot recommend it highly enough.
Becca
February 21, 2021
Schon nach wenigen Seiten hatte mich die Magie der Insel im Griff. Die wunderschöne Sprache, die die Balance zwischen poetisch und locker gekonnt meistert, hat mich tief in die Seiten gezogen. Dazu die lebendigen Charaktere, allen voran Fionn und sein Opa mit ihrem herrlich trockenen Humor und die emotionale Familiengeschichte, in die man immer tiefer eintaucht. Die Geheimnisse der Insel, die sich Schicht um Schicht (auch im wörtlichen Sinne) entfaltet und die mit der Magie der Kerzen einen ganz eigenen Zauber hervorruft. In einer Zeit, in der man nicht reisen kann, war dies ein richtig kleiner Urlaub in die irische Landschaft, zu sturmumtosten Klippen und rauer See.
Want to read
January 12, 2018La Sinopsis no me dice claramente, de que tratara este libro, pero es Catherine Doyle, así que le daré el beneficio de la duda.
Obviamente hubiera preferido saber más de su trilogía Vendetta, pero ok, leeré cualquier cosa que ella publique.
Obviamente hubiera preferido saber más de su trilogía Vendetta, pero ok, leeré cualquier cosa que ella publique.
July 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this story- a great adventure& an original idea 😊 I liked the main character, Fionn & how his relationship with his Grandfather and the island grew as the book went on. Look forward to the next one!
Read in Italy!
Read in Italy!
May 25, 2020
This is another book read at the beginning of the "sheltering in place" here in WA state.
Fionn Boyle and his sister, Tara, have been sent to spend time with their grandfather, on an island (Arranmore) that has mysterious secrets and magic. Fionn's grandfather is the current storm keeper of the island, but his days are drawing to their natural end, someone must replace this important position on the island. However, there is the Beasley family, known rivals of Fionn's family, who have every intention of taking over - with evil intentions - the storm keeper position.
Tara has become "smitten" with Bartley Beasley, who will stop at nothing to become the next storm keeper, even to the harm of not only Tara, Fionn, but also Bartley's younger sister, who has taken to assisting Fionn in his quest.
This quest is not something that Fionn has taken on with a great deal willingness - no it is something that has been thrust upon him by his ancestral ties to the island, one that his grandfather has taken him to on journeys to the very far past ---- a reverse time travel to observe how the family gained this "honor" over the centuries.
There is much about this story that is thrilling, at times a negative reaction, but with the hopes that Fionn will not only overcome the forces of evil, but to accept his destiny.
Fionn Boyle and his sister, Tara, have been sent to spend time with their grandfather, on an island (Arranmore) that has mysterious secrets and magic. Fionn's grandfather is the current storm keeper of the island, but his days are drawing to their natural end, someone must replace this important position on the island. However, there is the Beasley family, known rivals of Fionn's family, who have every intention of taking over - with evil intentions - the storm keeper position.
Tara has become "smitten" with Bartley Beasley, who will stop at nothing to become the next storm keeper, even to the harm of not only Tara, Fionn, but also Bartley's younger sister, who has taken to assisting Fionn in his quest.
This quest is not something that Fionn has taken on with a great deal willingness - no it is something that has been thrust upon him by his ancestral ties to the island, one that his grandfather has taken him to on journeys to the very far past ---- a reverse time travel to observe how the family gained this "honor" over the centuries.
There is much about this story that is thrilling, at times a negative reaction, but with the hopes that Fionn will not only overcome the forces of evil, but to accept his destiny.
March 26, 2019
Questa storia è arrivata nel momento in cui ne avevo più bisogno.
Il Custode delle Tempeste è un libro per ragazzi che non ho potuto fare a meno di amare!
La storia di Fionn mi ha conquistato dalla prima all’ultima pagina; il suo rapporto con il nonno, la magia che circonda l’isola di Arranmore, la sua crescita personale, sono tutti elementi all’interno del libro che apprezzato tantissimo.
Fionn e suo nonno mi sono rimasi nel cuore.
Il Custode delle Tempeste è un libro per ragazzi che non ho potuto fare a meno di amare!
La storia di Fionn mi ha conquistato dalla prima all’ultima pagina; il suo rapporto con il nonno, la magia che circonda l’isola di Arranmore, la sua crescita personale, sono tutti elementi all’interno del libro che apprezzato tantissimo.
Fionn e suo nonno mi sono rimasi nel cuore.
tbr-library
November 16, 2018Gorgeous cover is gorgeous! I love all the blue tones. I normally don't read much MG books (aside for Harry Potter), but her Blood for Blood series is one of my favourites so I'm going to give this one a try in the future for sure! If anyone can make me fall in love with MG fantasy genre, it's this author!
April 3, 2018
Absolute perfection, loved every minute! Magic, mythology and family. Full review to come.
July 7, 2019
De kaarsenmaker van Arranmore gaat over Fionn Boyle die samen met zijn oudere zus een bezoek brengt aan hun opa op het eiland Arranmore. Vanaf het moment dat Fionn het eiland opstapt, lijkt het onder zijn voeten tot leven te komen. Het eiland kiest eens per generatie een Stormwachter. Fionn's opa is de huidige Stromwachter en zal dus binnenkort zijn taken neerleggen, want de tijd voor een nieuwe Stormwachter is gekomen. Maar diep onder de grond bevinden zich nog duistere krachten uit het verleden die gewacht hebben op de komst van Fionn....
Van uitgeverij Baeckens books en uitgeverij Fantoom kreeg ik de eer dit boek te lezen en recenseren. En dit heb ik met plezier gedaan! Het eerste wat me opviel toen ik het boek binnenkreeg was de prachtige cover die me direct nieuwsgierig maakte naar het verhaal. Ik ben dan ook dezelfde dag nog begonnen met het te lezen.
Vanaf de eerste bladzijde werd ik het verhaal ingezogen. De schrijfstijl die gebruikt wordt is zo creatief en leest lekker vlot weg. Voor je het weet bevindt je je op het magische Arranmore en daar begint het avontuur. Samen met Fionn ga je op ontdekkingstocht en verken je stukje voor stukje de geschiedenis van het eiland. Dit gebeurt op een unieke en mysterieuze manier waardoor de interesse van de lezer echt gewekt wordt. Naarmate je verder leest in het boek wil je steeds meer te weten komen over het betoverende eiland.
Tijdens het lezen van het boek ga je vooral veel op avontuur met Fionn en zijn opa, maar ook Tara speelt een grote rol. Fionn is een lieve jongen die nog nooit op het eiland geweest is. Tara, zijn koppige zus, is er wel al eerder geweest waardoor Fionn zich soms wat uitgesloten voelt. Al snel bouwt hij een hechte band op met zijn opa die zorgt voor een gezellige sfeer in het verhaal. Doorheen het avontuur kibbelen Fionn en Tara veel. In het begin was Tara dan ook een redelijk irritant karakter, maar naar het einde toe raakte ik aan haar gehecht. De personages zijn allemaal zo uniek en leuk bedacht dat het boek eigenlijk nooit saai wordt.
Catherin Doyle heeft een meesterwerk gemaakt van Stormwachter. De wereld van Arranmore is ongeëvenaard en spreekt tot de verbeelding. Door de luchtigere schrijfstijl leest het boek als een sneltrein en voor ik het wist was het uit. Het boek bevat ook veel mysterieuze elementen die de interesse van de lezer gevangen houden tot en met de laatste bladzijde. Het boek nam me mee op een onvergetelijke en magische reis, ik kijk al uit naar het volgende deel!
Van uitgeverij Baeckens books en uitgeverij Fantoom kreeg ik de eer dit boek te lezen en recenseren. En dit heb ik met plezier gedaan! Het eerste wat me opviel toen ik het boek binnenkreeg was de prachtige cover die me direct nieuwsgierig maakte naar het verhaal. Ik ben dan ook dezelfde dag nog begonnen met het te lezen.
Vanaf de eerste bladzijde werd ik het verhaal ingezogen. De schrijfstijl die gebruikt wordt is zo creatief en leest lekker vlot weg. Voor je het weet bevindt je je op het magische Arranmore en daar begint het avontuur. Samen met Fionn ga je op ontdekkingstocht en verken je stukje voor stukje de geschiedenis van het eiland. Dit gebeurt op een unieke en mysterieuze manier waardoor de interesse van de lezer echt gewekt wordt. Naarmate je verder leest in het boek wil je steeds meer te weten komen over het betoverende eiland.
Tijdens het lezen van het boek ga je vooral veel op avontuur met Fionn en zijn opa, maar ook Tara speelt een grote rol. Fionn is een lieve jongen die nog nooit op het eiland geweest is. Tara, zijn koppige zus, is er wel al eerder geweest waardoor Fionn zich soms wat uitgesloten voelt. Al snel bouwt hij een hechte band op met zijn opa die zorgt voor een gezellige sfeer in het verhaal. Doorheen het avontuur kibbelen Fionn en Tara veel. In het begin was Tara dan ook een redelijk irritant karakter, maar naar het einde toe raakte ik aan haar gehecht. De personages zijn allemaal zo uniek en leuk bedacht dat het boek eigenlijk nooit saai wordt.
Catherin Doyle heeft een meesterwerk gemaakt van Stormwachter. De wereld van Arranmore is ongeëvenaard en spreekt tot de verbeelding. Door de luchtigere schrijfstijl leest het boek als een sneltrein en voor ik het wist was het uit. Het boek bevat ook veel mysterieuze elementen die de interesse van de lezer gevangen houden tot en met de laatste bladzijde. Het boek nam me mee op een onvergetelijke en magische reis, ik kijk al uit naar het volgende deel!
March 22, 2019
There were too many similes, but by the end of the book I didn’t even care and in fact completely forgot to be distracted by it. The story is imaginative and unique and completely absorbing. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next book!
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