"An original and imaginative magical realism set on Britain’s waterways, this already feels like a classic."
April 2024 Book of the Month
Kelda is a fiercely protective big sister, she loves and defends her little sister, Isla, passionately and unquestioningly. But times and their community are changing, and protecting Isla may not be possible for much longer. For the sisters are silvermen, a secret species of near-humans who live on Britain’s waterways, breathe through their skin underwater and keep strictly to themselves. When it is revealed that Isla cannot breathe water, she is decried as an abomination to silvermen lore and blamed for a sickness poisoning the rivers.
With incredible world building and intricate plotting this is an exceptional fantasy novel. A timely environmental message of protecting our waterways runs alongside the richly imagined adventure, creating an atmospheric novel that feels both modern and classic. Extracts from natural history books about the history and traditions of silvermen are woven throughout the book, adding an impressive depth and breadth to the folklore created. On more than one occasion I really did find myself wondering if maybe, just maybe, silvermen really do live amongst us!
As immersive a read as the cold waterways it describes, this is a rich fantasy that sweeps the reader along - not to be missed.
| Suitable For: | |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
Kelda has always protected her little sister Isla from danger on the rivers, and from the suspicions of their community. For Isla cannot breathe underwater – and so her very existence is forbidden by silvermen’s Lore. Now the rivers of England are growing sick: monstrous creatures are awakening and a fierce torrent of blame falls upon Kelda’s family.
When betrayal comes, the sisters escape on a desperate journey upstream. Joining forces with a mysterious boy, Kelda discovers the darkest depths of her kind’s secret history. But to save both her sister and the very life of Britain’s waterways, Kelda will have to make a sacrifice – one that will change her life forever.
Cover art by Thy Bui
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed On Silver Tides and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-14 years old
On Silver Tides features in the following genres: Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Ecological and Environmental Interest - Fiction, Fantasy / Magical, Featured Books for 13+ readers, Gifts, Romance / Relationship Stories, Stories about Family and Friends, Featured Books for 11+ readers
On Silver Tides is available in Paperback
On Silver Tides was written by Sylvia Bishop and published by Andersen Press Ltd
On Silver Tides has 304 pages
£8.09
