Secret of the Stones

Weaving together fact and fiction, this short adventure, written by Tony Bradman, is set in 2,300 BC and the advent of the Bronze Age.

The tale opens at Stonehenge where Maglos and his high priest father are preparing for the important mid-summer sacrifice. Suddenly Maglos’ uncle murders his father on the sacred altar and makes Maglos his slave. He is rescued when two strangers arrive from a far distant land and he travels with them learning the secrets of smelting copper and then bronze. He eventually returns to Stonehenge to avenge his father’s murder.

The story reflects on the value of friendship and companionship and also demonstrates the skill, resilience and humanity of our ancestors so long ago. As with all Barrington Stoke books, the text is a well-sized font on coloured paper to support readers who have dyslexia, and the text will appeal to older readers without being condescending. The black and white illustrations by Martin Remphry add atmosphere throughout.