A truly timeless verse novel set in snowy pre-historic Ireland, about hope, kindness and the power of friendship, from exceptional new writing talent, Eilish Fisher, brought to life with stunning illustrations from Dermot Flynn.
Born under the same solstice sky thirteen years ago, Fia and her snow deer Solas have always had a powerful and unbreakable connection. But as Fia’s village face a seemingly eternal winter, they turn their sights to Solas and an ancient prophecy that promises the return of sunlight and life, if the ultimate sacrifice is made…
Refusing to allow the worst to happen, Fia and her cousin Mish run from the village with Solas, seeking out the Deer Mother – the mythical being who wakes the sun at the winter solstice and who might be their only hope to save Solas and their village.
But the wilderness is harsh and shadows lurk at every turn. Can they make it to the Deer Mother? And, if they do, what choices will they face to bring back the sun?
Eilish Fisher grew up in a 200-year-old haunted farmhouse in the Vermont, but has lived most of her life in Ireland so considers herself both a Vermonter and Irish and brings the legends and history of both to her writing. She has a Degree in English, History and Medieval Irish Studies, a Master’s degree in Early Medieval Irish History and Literature and a Doctorate in Medieval English Literature from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUI Maynooth). She has also received both a Words Ireland mentorship and a full Literary Bursary Award from the Arts Council of Ireland.
Eilish lives in Co. Wicklow with her partner and son, dog Axel, cat Smudge, and Shadow; a giant, wolfy critter who might be a dog, but is probably something else entirely.
Dermot Flynn is an artist and illustrator who has worked with clients such as Paramount, Apple, Disney, Penguin, Walker Books, Adidas, the New Yorker, Vogue, and the Guardian. Since returning to Dublin after spending twenty years living and working in London, his work has become more and more concerned with the light and darkness in Ireland’s people, humour, everyday life and culture – and in particular its history and folklore. When not drawing, painting or reading he can usually be found standing and shivering beside the nearest freezing cold ocean or body of water working up the courage to jump in.
