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Eilish Fisher Books

A beautiful novel in verse about grief, family and the power of hope from Eilish Fisher, award-winning author of Fia and the Last Snow Deer.

Rowan was raised in the desert. Growing up all she’s known is sunshine, warmth, love. Then her beloved Dad dies, everything changes.

Now Rowan and her mum have moved from the hazy heat of the desert to the cold landscape of Ireland. Each of them hoping that living in the town Rowan’s Dad called home will bring them closer to him.

But as soon as Rowan arrives, she knows something’s not right. Why is it so cold even in August? Why do lights turn on without warning or kettles boil with no one pressing a switch?

Even more mysterious is The Wall. It surrounds the town, but no one can tell Rowan who built it or how long it’s stood, or why it’s forbidden to cross over to the other side. So, when she spots a crack in the stone, Rowan can’t resist the temptation to explore. In the woods beyond, she discovers a strange horse whom she feels an instant connection with, a bond that brings the return of warmth and hope . . . but at what price?

Fia lives in what feels like permanent winter. Her people haven’t seen or felt the warmth and light of the sun for several years, since the snow deer left.

Only one snow deer, Solas, remains. Born at the same time as Fia, Fia has sworn to protect her. Now Fia’s people are starving and their eyes are turning to the remaining snow deer. There is only one hope – for Fia to go on a treacherous journey across the frozen wastes to find the Deer Mother and fulfil the prophecy written about her long before she was born. Accompanied only by her beloved snow deer and her (sometimes irritating) cousin, Mish, the adventuresome trio strives to make it to the Deer Mother before it’s too late, knowing that sacrifices will need to be made along the way.

Beautifully told in the form of verse, with enchanting illustrations, this is a tale like no other I have read. It would make a fantastic wintry class read-aloud story as well as being used as a base for inspiring writing.

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