Deerheart
Eoin Colfer, illustrated by P.J.Lynch
Walker Books

This is an original Irish fable set long ago in a magical forest under threat from outside forces. Created by earth goddess Danu to protect Creedon, a stone, are three sister witches born from trees who keep Creedon safe from humans. When their brother, warlock Drogool betrays one of the sisters, Deerheart, the youngest witch is born.

Years later, when she’s just eighteen, Deerheart encounters Halvar, a young human who is part of a small Norse army wanting to invade the forest, and before they realise what’s happening, the two have fallen in love.

Could she possibly have fallen in love with the first human she’d ever met, wonders Deerheart, going on to tell him, “I am not like you, Halvar … I can never leave this place. The Wood needs me and I would not survive away from it.” He responds by saying, “I know. … That is why we need a plan.” As the lovers are having this conversation though, they are watched by Drogool and before long darts are thrown, the first at Halvar; the second at Deerheart.‘

All is lost.’ we read, but is it? …

The magic of Eoin Colfer’s story telling draws you in from the opening pages and keeps you reading, totally enchanted right through to the final words, such is its power. Equally powerful are P. J. Lynch’s rather eerie charcoal black and white illustrations.