History, myth and legend collide in this thrilling novelisation of the full-length Oscar nominated animated feature The Secret of Kells.
For as long as he can remember Brendan has never been allowed outside the monastery of Kells. Then, one day, the famous illuminator, Aidan of Iona, arrives with his cat, Pangur Bán, and everything changes. Brendan longs to help Aidan with the Great Book. Aidan needs special ink berries that can only be found in the forest. But Brendan’s uncle, Abbot Cellach, forbids him to set foot outside the walls. ‘The Northmen are coming,’ he warns. ‘We are all in danger!’
In the dark of the night, Brendan defies his uncle and sneaks into the forest. There he is attacked by wolves and meets a strange fairy girl. Together they find the berries, but they also make another terrifying discovery. They stumble on the cave of Crom Cruach, the Dark One …
Can Brendan outwit the serpent god? Will the walls of Kells protect Brendan and the monks from the invading Vikings? And will the Great Book ever be finished?
This novel brings to life the fictionalised story of Brendan, a young monk in the monastery of Kells and his part in the completion of one of the world’s most famous and treasured books, The Book of Kells.
'this was one of the best books I have read … I would give it 10 out of 10' Evening Echo (Reader Review)
'a well-crafted novel … beautifully illustrated …a rich, exciting and distinctive narrative that should greatly appeal to young readers, especially those aged 10+' Inis
'an exciting adaptation of the Cartoon Saloon’s film … the line illustrations are an interesting mix of the realistic and the imagined with a strong emphasis on pattern and design' Books Ireland
'full of eye catching, imaginative illustrations' Books Ireland
