The Good Hawk (Shadow Skye, Book One) by Joseph Elliott

Reviewed by Josie

The Good Hawk, by Joseph Elliott is set in olden-time Scotland. A deadly plague has ravaged mainland Scotland, and now only a few remote clans remain: the island clans of Skye and Raasay. When Skye’s Clann-a-Tuath member and Angler, Jaime, is forced to get married to Lileas, a young girl from Raasay, the entire ceremony turns out to be a trap! Clann-a-Tuath is captured by the fearsome deamhain, and Jaime and his friend Agatha are the only clan members remaining. Together with Lileas they set off on an amazing adventure across mainland ‘Scotia’ to rescue their clan.

Elliott manages to capture the emotions of the characters perfectly, which makes this book a gripping read. I also really enjoy the chapter structure of this book, as it shows the point of view of both Agatha and Jaime as they navigate the obstacles between them and their clan.

All in all, I think this story is wonderfully told, and a beautiful celebration of Scottish mythology. I think this book would be enjoyed by anyone over 9 years old, but especially people with an interest in fiction and Scottish culture.

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