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The Blackthorn Branch
Cassie’s older brother Byron has fallen in with the wrong crowd – it’s soon clear these boys are wild, reckless and not human at all. They are tylwyth teg – Fair Folk, who tempt humans down into the dark places of the world. And Byron is tempted.
When he goes missing, Cassie and her cousin, Siân, follow his trail to an old abandoned railway tunnel which goes down and down into Annwn, the underworld. Here they find that the tylwyth teg are restless – and angry. Their leader, Gwenhidw, wants to protect Annwn from the damage humans are doing to the world. Byron is part of her plan. But Cassie won’t let her big brother be part of anyone’s plan. Can she rescue her brother before it is too late?
When he goes missing, Cassie and her cousin, Siân, follow his trail to an old abandoned railway tunnel which goes down and down into Annwn, the underworld. Here they find that the tylwyth teg are restless – and angry. Their leader, Gwenhidw, wants to protect Annwn from the damage humans are doing to the world. Byron is part of her plan. But Cassie won’t let her big brother be part of anyone’s plan. Can she rescue her brother before it is too late?
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2022
3 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Elen Caldecott
62 books58 followersI love to write stories about ordinary children doing extraordinary things.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 1, 2022
Strong writing, brave characters, tense story.
Super satisfying resolution.
Super satisfying resolution.
April 11, 2023
Longlisted for this year's Carnegie Medal. I can't remember reading any books that feature Welsh mythology so strongly before and so was interested in this one, especially as the original Welsh names are used. Not only is this is a story about family and grief, it also contains natural magic as can been seen by the gorgeous cover. Our main character is Cassie who lives with her parents and teenage brother Byron. When she discovers that Bryon has been enticed by the tylwyth teg and will be kept in Annwn she joins forces with her cousin Siân to rescue him. The descriptions of Annwn are so magical and otherworldly and the tension and drama is perfect for an older child. A story with a very brave heroine who will do anything to save her brother. A good read.
April 11, 2023
Kindle Rewards | Lovely | Tales of humans stolen by the faeries aren't new, of course, but this is quite a good one, and does a good job of sprinkling in Welsh language while making the translation feel naturally included instead of forced. This take on the tylwyth teg is somewhat unusual, but interesting. My only real issue was that I didn't actually like Cassie, particularly. She was thoughtless and unkind to her cousin, full of bubbling temper with no contrition when it boiled over, pushy and selfish and dismissive of any interest, idea, or suffering that wasn't her own. That these are not uncommon traits in a child that age should have provided a growth opportunity for the character, but it didn't. She didn't seem to have learned anything in the entire process.
May 29, 2022
The Blackthorn Branch
A fast paced middle grade story full of mystery, adventure, legends, magic, family relationships and the devastation of loss.
Cassie, with the help of her cousin Siân and their Nain, embarks on a rescue mission for her brother Byron from the tylwyth teg in the depths of Annwn. Only those who have been invited can enter.
It was the front cover and title that originally attracted me to this story, the cover is literally beautiful and I could instantly tell that the story would contain a natural magical element.
I've never read stories that involve Welsh myths and legends, but I loved it. It's great to see the Welsh countryside with it's people and language portrayed in a child's story. The children of Wales must be thrilled to be able to see themselves portrayed through the characters in this book. Plus I got to read this while holidaying in the Welsh hills. It contained links to the old druid religion and had just enough magical elements to make it enchanting but not Harry Potter-ish. There were a fair few welsh words and I hope I did their pronunciation justice.
The backstory of a families relationship, their struggles after a family loss and navigation of teenager-hood is heartwarming. Cassie is a brave young girl who is determined and will not stop at anything to save her brother, even perhaps trade her own life.
A fast paced middle grade story full of mystery, adventure, legends, magic, family relationships and the devastation of loss.
Cassie, with the help of her cousin Siân and their Nain, embarks on a rescue mission for her brother Byron from the tylwyth teg in the depths of Annwn. Only those who have been invited can enter.
It was the front cover and title that originally attracted me to this story, the cover is literally beautiful and I could instantly tell that the story would contain a natural magical element.
I've never read stories that involve Welsh myths and legends, but I loved it. It's great to see the Welsh countryside with it's people and language portrayed in a child's story. The children of Wales must be thrilled to be able to see themselves portrayed through the characters in this book. Plus I got to read this while holidaying in the Welsh hills. It contained links to the old druid religion and had just enough magical elements to make it enchanting but not Harry Potter-ish. There were a fair few welsh words and I hope I did their pronunciation justice.
The backstory of a families relationship, their struggles after a family loss and navigation of teenager-hood is heartwarming. Cassie is a brave young girl who is determined and will not stop at anything to save her brother, even perhaps trade her own life.
May 22, 2022
Being Welsh myself, I was pleasantly surprised to see Welsh names, language and mythology discussed. It was really refreshing to see as there are hardly any books that reference Welsh at all!
The imagery was fantastic and it felt magical from the offset. As well as the magic in the novel, the storyline itself was really fun and mysterious and the two were combined really well.
The only thing that makes me nervous is the fact not a lot of people speak or read Welsh so not everyone could appreciate the writing or story completely. For myself, I really enjoyed the integration or Welsh into the storytelling and felt I benefitted from previous knowledge and the ability to speak Welsh.
I really enjoyed this magical story and think it's a great novel for an older child.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this!
The imagery was fantastic and it felt magical from the offset. As well as the magic in the novel, the storyline itself was really fun and mysterious and the two were combined really well.
The only thing that makes me nervous is the fact not a lot of people speak or read Welsh so not everyone could appreciate the writing or story completely. For myself, I really enjoyed the integration or Welsh into the storytelling and felt I benefitted from previous knowledge and the ability to speak Welsh.
I really enjoyed this magical story and think it's a great novel for an older child.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this!
May 13, 2022
Elen Caldecott is a new author for me. I had seen the cover image of The Blackthorn Branch shared on Twitter, and it sounded really interesting. I definitely don’t regret reading it!
The Blackthorn Branch is one of those books where you’re immediately sucked into and immersed in the story. Somehow, I cared about the characters right from the first page.
I really liked the way that Cassie and Siân interacted. They didn’t always agree, but they’re always there to support and help one another. They are the ones who are determined to take action, who figure out what’s going on, and in the end, with a little help from their father, save the day.
Overall, this was a compelling adventure that kept me turning the pages.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
The Blackthorn Branch is one of those books where you’re immediately sucked into and immersed in the story. Somehow, I cared about the characters right from the first page.
I really liked the way that Cassie and Siân interacted. They didn’t always agree, but they’re always there to support and help one another. They are the ones who are determined to take action, who figure out what’s going on, and in the end, with a little help from their father, save the day.
Overall, this was a compelling adventure that kept me turning the pages.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
May 26, 2023
This is a beautifully written, contemporary story set in Wales. The tone, world building and characters spring off the page in a true to life adventure until something magical changes the ordinary lives of two cousins and they know, no one will believe them. One night they follow an older brother, Byron. He dances with some teens in the evening and discovers a secret tunnel in the mountain. But after this encounter the brother is never the same again and goes missing. Only the girls can save him as no-one else will believe where he is or that he has been enchanted.
A stunning representation of family life, sprinkled with Welsh language and myths. Imaginative, heartfelt and enjoyable.
A stunning representation of family life, sprinkled with Welsh language and myths. Imaginative, heartfelt and enjoyable.
July 17, 2022
Honestly I have to say the contrasting colours on the books cover were the first things to draw me in and find out what the book was about. Reading the first chapter, I wasn’t sure I would get into it but gave it a chance and as I read on and the magic and the myths and legends were introduced I was hooked. I think this will be a great story to read to the class as a whole and open up discussions on what their object would be, that they would give to Gwen, that would eventually free them. It is definitely another book that I will be adding to our book corner!
April 7, 2022
I loved this book. well written with an enchating storyline and well developed characters that I think children will love. This was the sort of book I wanted when I was a child and couldn't find a book that made me engage with the sci-fi/fantasy genre. I thinkthis book will do exactly that for children and will make them realise how magical that genre is. I loved the dark elements of the book that were dark without being too creepy. I really enjoyed it.
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March 23, 2022A terrific adventure brimming with magic, and a fascinating introduction to ancient Welsh folklore. The Blackthorn Branch is a touching family drama that touches on grief and environmental issues in a delicate way, avoiding overwrought sentiment.
April 25, 2022
I absolutely adored this book. It is magical and wonderfully crafted. It is set in Wales and uses lots of Welsh names and some phrases. It follows a girl called Cassie who follows her brother one night and ends up finding an underworld called Annwyn
December 3, 2023
I wanted to like this book more than I did - particularly because I was happy to find a book that featured Welsh mythology. It would probably be a good read for an upper primary reader but the ending was a bit rushed and there wasn't enough flesh to the story of Byron.
May 21, 2024
Loved the unique fantasy world building inspired by Welsh mythology. We need more such fresh concepts within the fantasy genre. The book was wholesome and cozy but also touched on deeper serious topics like feeling disconnected from loved ones and grief
June 23, 2022
Would have enjoyed this as a kid, but I love the portrayal of the family relationship. One scene that really stood out was when Nain spoke about her late husband. It was a really beautiful moment.
March 4, 2023
Nice sense of place and atmosphere, a deft and satisfactory ending. Enjoyable magical adventure.
June 18, 2023
This book was a treasure trove of Welsh culture and heritage. The ending was superb, and I would definitely read again.
December 6, 2023
Actual Welsh, not "Celtic" fantasy, set in a small modern village. It's a Tam Lin story but this time it's a sister rescuing a brother.
Loved it.
Loved it.
December 10, 2024
Loved it.
An emotional, well-paced, exciting book with a beautiful conclusion. It's also quintessentially Welsh, like a big loving cwtsh.
An emotional, well-paced, exciting book with a beautiful conclusion. It's also quintessentially Welsh, like a big loving cwtsh.
April 28, 2023
Perfect for fans of: Mythology and Folklore of any description
This book follows Cassie, Siân and Bayron on their adventure rooted in welsh mythology. Through the book the mystery of Byron’s disappearances begin to unravel with secrets of other children in the towns history long forgotten being bought back to the surface. It was a really easy read and I got through it in less then an hour and a half which was good. It was a good story. However the reason the rating is so low is because it wasn’t really for me. I’d say it’s aimed at younger readers and as someone who is very used to reading books aimed at 13-16 year olds which is my age range this just was not for me. I think it will be good for people around late primary school age (9+?).
Although I have to say I really loved the Percy Jackson and Greek Mythology references.
This book follows Cassie, Siân and Bayron on their adventure rooted in welsh mythology. Through the book the mystery of Byron’s disappearances begin to unravel with secrets of other children in the towns history long forgotten being bought back to the surface. It was a really easy read and I got through it in less then an hour and a half which was good. It was a good story. However the reason the rating is so low is because it wasn’t really for me. I’d say it’s aimed at younger readers and as someone who is very used to reading books aimed at 13-16 year olds which is my age range this just was not for me. I think it will be good for people around late primary school age (9+?).
Although I have to say I really loved the Percy Jackson and Greek Mythology references.
March 14, 2023
The Blackthorn Branch by Elen Caldecott - 5 stars!
This gorgeous middle-grade read was funnily enough another dip into Welsh mythology and the tylwyth teg! A coincidence after just finishing The Drowned Woods, but a lovely one!
Bits I liked:
- accurate portrayal of life growing up in a small Welsh village, with so much of it reminding me of home!
- characters all felt solid and believable, with distinct personalities
- wonderful writing style that kept a middle-grade level without being overly simple or childish
- beautiful exploration of dealing with grief in a family and growing up
- lovely use of Welsh language and terms of endearment
- exciting plot with great folklore element
Bits I liked less:
- I actually can't think of anything!
It made me really happy to read this one as it evoked so many memories for me of growing up in my home village, playing out in similar streets and with the same sort of neighbourly feel. The fairytale element worked really well alongside the real exploration of how loss can affect a family, and I think it was a really moving plot overall
Thanks to NetGalley and Anderson Press for the chance to read this lovely ARC!
This gorgeous middle-grade read was funnily enough another dip into Welsh mythology and the tylwyth teg! A coincidence after just finishing The Drowned Woods, but a lovely one!
Bits I liked:
- accurate portrayal of life growing up in a small Welsh village, with so much of it reminding me of home!
- characters all felt solid and believable, with distinct personalities
- wonderful writing style that kept a middle-grade level without being overly simple or childish
- beautiful exploration of dealing with grief in a family and growing up
- lovely use of Welsh language and terms of endearment
- exciting plot with great folklore element
Bits I liked less:
- I actually can't think of anything!
It made me really happy to read this one as it evoked so many memories for me of growing up in my home village, playing out in similar streets and with the same sort of neighbourly feel. The fairytale element worked really well alongside the real exploration of how loss can affect a family, and I think it was a really moving plot overall
Thanks to NetGalley and Anderson Press for the chance to read this lovely ARC!
September 10, 2023
4. This was a quick and easy book, and I liked the ending
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews