The Sleeping Stones

Gruff has lived his whole life on a small island off the coast of the Welsh mainland, along with a small community of fellow islanders, including his Dad and Nain (Grandmother). As a new family arrive to start their island life, Gruff has mixed feelings as his family farm is running out of money and his own future there is potentially under threat.

Meanwhile, legends are beginning to stir and the islanders find themselves increasingly drawn to the Sleeping Stones which lead out from the beach.

As the only two children of similar age, Gruff and Matylda, or Mat as she prefers to be called, are encouraged to become friends and although begrudging at first, Gruff soon begins to enjoy her company. He introduces her to the beauty and wildness of his beloved island, but something about her immediate fascination with the sea and the Sleeping Stones concerns him. Is he imagining the deep sea he sees within her eyes?

Gruff is also experiencing new feelings that he finds hard to explain and initially wonders if he has imagined his sightings of a mystery figure standing out at sea atop a seventh stone, when he knows that there are only six. Older members of the community have always shared stories of the island’s history and myths and once he meets the legendary blacksmith, Gruff realises that ancient forces are coming to life, threatening life on the island he loves.

Gruff and Mat are plunged into a race against time adventure, risking their own lives to help save the community from a terrifying storm driven by an ancient magic anger.

This really is a jam-packed magical thriller of a book. Welsh culture and language are woven beautifully into the story, with the inclusion of songs and stories, translated very naturally for the non-Welsh readers. I enjoyed the magical elements as Gruff and Mat accept the challenge to finish the sword and attempt to stop the dangerous storm. The scenes during the storm had me gripped, as the tension built almost as high as the stormy waves themselves and I don’t mind admitting that a few tears were shed.

This debut novel from Beatrice Wallbank is a glorious mix of magic, mythology and adventure, showcasing the author’s obvious love and respect for the natural world. Readers of all ages are in for a treat.