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** Longlisted for the Historical Association's Young Quills Prize 2024 **
Scotland, 158 AD, is a divided country. On one side of the Antonine wall, thirteen-year-old Felix is trying to become a good Roman soldier like his father. On the other, twelve-year old Jinny is vowing revenge on the ‘metal men’ who have invaded her Damnonii tribe’s homeland. At the Damnonii’s sacred circle of standing stones, her planned attack on Felix goes badly wrong, awakening a legend that threatens to bring fire and destruction down on them all. Can Jinny and Felix overcome their differences and soothe the stones back to sleep before it’s too late?
The Whistlers in the Dark is an historical fantasy for Middle Grade readers. Set at the Roman fort in the author’s hometown of Kirkintilloch, it tells the story of friendship overcoming the desire for revenge and leading to forgiveness. Based on the historical records of the Antonine wall and the tribes of Central Scotland, it brings these together with Scottish legends of standing stones going walking at night to weave a tale of courage and adventure.
** Longlisted for the Historical Association's Young Quills Prize 2024 **
Scotland, 158 AD, is a divided country. On one side of the Antonine wall, thirteen-year-old Felix is trying to become a good Roman soldier like his father. On the other, twelve-year old Jinny is vowing revenge on the ‘metal men’ who have invaded her Damnonii tribe’s homeland. At the Damnonii’s sacred circle of standing stones, her planned attack on Felix goes badly wrong, awakening a legend that threatens to bring fire and destruction down on them all. Can Jinny and Felix overcome their differences and soothe the stones back to sleep before it’s too late?
The Whistlers in the Dark is an historical fantasy for Middle Grade readers. Set at the Roman fort in the author’s hometown of Kirkintilloch, it tells the story of friendship overcoming the desire for revenge and leading to forgiveness. Based on the historical records of the Antonine wall and the tribes of Central Scotland, it brings these together with Scottish legends of standing stones going walking at night to weave a tale of courage and adventure.
I didn’t expect to fall head over heels in love with this book. The superb weaving of myths, folklore and history created a truly immersive and captivating story. The characters of Felix, Jinny, and Bram all had me in the palm of their hands. Each character is unique and refreshing. All with their personality and voice.
This book will be a super addition to primary school library and classroom collections and provides an exciting new background read on an aspect of Romans in Britain that I have not seen covered in children’s literature before.
The book was an amazing read, and I was made to feel as though I was living in that era. There were tense parts, funny lighthearted moments, and parts where you were left wondering what would happen next. The Whistlers in the Dark is a powerful read, and I look forward to reading the next Victoria Williamson book.
A brilliant [Middle Grade] historical fantasy read weaving a rich tapestry of Scottish legends and fascinating history that’s captivating and well-researched. The splendid writing captures the sense of time and place perfectly catapulting the reader into the heart of the action […] An entertaining and touching tale that will appeal to many readers.
[I] loved this liminal Samhain story - super atmospheric and perfect for any history/archaeology nerds in your life
‘I’ve been biding my time, but now the autumn leaves are blowing and the winds are whistling over the fields; and the season’s ripe for me to get my revenge. My name’s Jinny. I’m twelve autumns old, and this is the story of how I woke the sleeping stones and brought fire and destruction down on us all.’
