Shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2009
The dramatic, horrific and sometimes romantic events of the French Revolution, which Sally Gardner so brilliantly portrayed in The Red Necklace are moved on a stage in this equally vivid and richly imagined sequel, yet stand-alone novel, which allows those already hooked to the exploits of the fascinating and compelling characters to really engage in a turbulent time in world history. Yet those who have not read The Red Necklace will be equally drawn into the quality and richness of the story and the superb characterisation. As well as providing a terrific insight into a brutal and sometimes horrific period of European history the reader will find many threads - secrets, magic, heroism and murder as well as a touching love story - to keep them turning the pages to the very end.
Meg Rosoff on The Silver Blade:
"The Silver Blade is a tale of swashbuckling heroics, a tragedy dripping with blood and loss, a delicious loves story set in the whirling heart of the French Revolution."
With Sido safely in England and the Terror at it's height, Yann returns to France to smuggle out aristocratic refugees who will otherwise face the guillotine. But when Sido is kidnapped, he must use all his strength and courage to outwit the evil Count Kalliovski, and rescue her for a second time. Set against a vivid historical background, prize winning author Sally Gardner brings to life the horrors of the French Revolution in this breath-taking adventure, complete with intrepid heroism and a touching love story.
Sally Gardner is an award-winning novelist from London. Her books have been translated into 22 languages and have sold more than one million copies in the UK.
Her historical novel for older readers, I, Coriander, won the Smarties Children's Book Prize in 2005. Two thrillers both set at the time of the French Revolution, The Red Necklace and The Silver Blade, which was shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize in 2009, followed. Actor Dominic West (The Wire) has bought the film rights to both titles.
Her YA novel, The Double Shadow, was published in 2011 to critical acclaim. Sally Gardner's stories for middle readers include Lucy Willow and the popular Magical Children series of six titles: The Strongest Girl in the World, The Invisible Boy, The Boy with Magic Numbers, The Smallest Girl in the World, The Boy with the Lightning Feet, and The Boy who could Fly, which are also available as audio books. She has also written and illustrated picture books including The Fairy Catalogue, The Glass Heart, The Book of Princesses and Playtime Rhymes. Sally Gardner continues to be an avid spokesperson for dyslexia, working to change the way it is perceived by society. She is dyslexic and argues that it is not a disability, but a gift.
If you'd love to know more about Sally, click here to download a more detailed biography and Q&A.
To see a video of Sally talking about her book Fairy Shopping - CLICK HERE
Or watch a video of her talking about The Silver Blade:
