Quick Look
Ellen accidentally stumbles into a dark, parallel world, inhabited by the creatures of Scottish legend. A unique, modern take on the story of the kelpie.
Description
'Ellen whistled again and repeated the old rhyme Aunt Marian had taught her. "I call you once. I call you twice. I call you three times over." Surely in a place as beautiful as this, anything that answered her call was bound to be friendly.'
While exploring a small loch above the village of Aldhammer with her brother Davie, Ellen repeats a childish rhyme to call something to her. What arrives is an ancient being with the ability to shapeshift and the power to destroy. Ushig is a kelpie, a water wraith, and his intentions are anything but pure.
Dragged into a dark, parallel world, inhabited by the creatures of Scottish legend, Ellen must pitch her wits against primeval magic. Can she outsmart the predatory Queen of the Night? And what does Ushig stand to gain?
Another unique and gripping tale from Annemarie Allan, presenting an innovative spin on characters from Scottish folklore in a very modern manner. If you thought you knew the story of the kelpie -- think again!
Reviews
'This is a thrilling, contemporary and darkly beautiful adventure.'
-- Teach Primary
'Ushig is the perfect, escapist, holiday read for 8-12 year olds.'
-- Suse Coon, Lothian Life
'Beautifully written... Challenging and engaging with plenty to discuss, this would work well as a group or guided reader.'
-- Sally Harrison, Write Away
'This book is well written and well researched, leaving the reader eager to learn more about the legends that surely inspired it. The plot is fast paced and believeable. The changes in location flow together seamlessly to create an immersive world that is incredibly powerful.'
-- School Librarian
'This was a really good book with a lot of detail and it explains the characters really well... It is a bit of fantasy, but realistic enough to make you want to read on.'
-- Naomi Whitney, Castlebrae Community High, Teen Titles
Author
Annemarie Allan studied at Stirling University and worked as a teacher and librarian near London. Returning to Scotland, she took up a post at the Scottish Arts Council, and started writing fantasy and science fiction for children in her spare time. She won the Kelpies Prize 2007 with her first novel, Hox, and was shortlisted for the Royal Mail Awards. Her second novel, Breaker, was published in 2009.
You can also visit the author's own website at http://annemarieallan.com
Links
Also by Annemarie Allan:
Hox (winner of the Kelpies Prize 2007)
Breaker
Visit Annemarie Allan's website:
annemarieallan.com
Don't miss the Discover Kelpies website for children with exclusive author interviews, fun stuff and latest gossip on your favourite Scottish stories.
