HomePublished BooksIn Deep Dark Wood

In Deep Dark Wood

By: Marita Conlon-McKenna
Publisher: O'Brien Press Ltd
Published: September 1999
Pages: 208
Categories: Children
Language: English
Available as: Paperback
On sale at:
ISBN-13: 9780862786151
ASIN: 0862786150

'When Bella Blackwell moves in next door, life takes a frightening and thrilling turn for Mia. Her brother and granny don't trust "The Bird Woman", and when she disappears their fear become real. A thrilling adventure story from Ireland's best-selling children's author. The mysterious arrival of Bella Blackwell, 'The Bird Woman', to the village of Ballyglen disturbs the peace and quiet of the Murphy household next door. Granny Rose is suspicious of Bella, and Rory doesn't trust her, but ten-year-old Mia falls under the old woman's spell. Bella tells Mia of a faraway place, a world where dragons and giants and ancient magic still exists, and asks Mia to become her apprentice and learn the old ways. One dark night Mia disappears and Rory, determined to find his sister, follows her to a world he does not believe in. Riding the 'Shadow Hound', he journeys to a strange land of legendary creatures and terrible dangers. Bella uses all her powers to prevent the brother and sister finding each other, but Rory begins a brave quest to rescue his sister, break the strange enchantment that Bella has over her and find a way home. 'An enchanting story with a magical touch.' -- Southside People Southside People 'An absorbing tale of magic and dragons by one of our most popular children's writers.' -- Sunday independent The Sunday Independent 'You will have to read this enchanting book. And as you read, you will find yourself falling under the spell of Conlon-McKenna's wonderful writing and vivid imagination.' -- Dublin Echo 'Marita Conlon McKennas is rightly famous for her ability to tell a good story and In Deep Dark Wood is no exception.' -- Children's Books in Ireland Children's Books in Ireland Born in Dublin in 1956 and brought up in Goatstown, Marita went to school at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Mount Anville, later working in the family business, the bank, and a travel agency. She has four children with her husband James, and they live in the Stillorgan area of

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