Reading has always been one of life’s greatest joys. It opens doors to new worlds, introduces us to unfamiliar cultures and enriches our vocabulary in the most enjoyable way possible. Whether it’s for learning, escapism or pure entertainment, books are a constant presence in our lives – scattered across rooms, stacked on shelves, buried in backpacks and often clutched in someone’s hands (probably mine and yours). In my family, while some members of the family are more voracious readers than others, there’s rarely a moment when a book isn’t being read by someone. So, when a new title arrives, it sparks a ripple of excitement. That was certainly the case when Maverick Books kindly sent us The Stolen Spear by Saviour Pirotta, the first thrilling instalment in The Wolfsong Series.
Set around 2500 BC during the Late Neolithic period, The Stolen Spear transports junior readers to the windswept, what we now call, Orkney Islands of Scotland, a time when the Stone Age was giving way to the Bronze Age. The story centres on a young boy named Wolf, who lives in a small village on Great Island, what we now call Mainland, home to the ancient settlement of Skara Brae. In Wolf’s community, bravery is everything and any sign of weakness is met with disdain. Unfortunately, Wolf doesn’t quite fit the mould. He’s not the strongest or the boldest, and as a result, he often feels like an outsider.
When a sacred spear is stolen from the village’s burial mound, suspicion falls squarely on Wolf, especially since he had recently brought a stranger into the village. Determined to clear his name and earn the respect of his family and neighbours, Wolf vows to retrieve the stolen spear from a distant place known as Seal Island. The problem? He’s never left the village before, he’s terrified of the sea and he’s not exactly built for heroic quests. What follows is a gripping journey filled with danger, discovery, and unexpected friendships.
Overall, The Stolen Spear is a story of courage, discovery, self-belief, kindness, family and friendship. It is historical fiction set in the neolithic age that expertly combines history with children’s action/adventure. Wolf’s adventure is anything but smooth sailing – it is a hard, perilous journey, fraught with plenty of danger. Along the young Wolf is shipwrecked, kidnapped and forced into slave labour, all while battling the constant challenge of overcoming his own fears. And it’s these trials and tribulations that help to shape and define his true character. Young page turners will be captivated by the action, adventure and thrilling suspense that is packed throughout the story as Wolf finds out more about himself. Young readers will find themselves rooting for him as he learns the true value of courage, kindness and self-belief.
Wolf is a strong and relatable character, which offers young readers someone that they can identify with. With themes of isolation, self-esteem and friendship woven naturally into the narrative, it makes it a thoughtful as well as exciting read. While the story is fictional, Saviour Pirotta has clearly done his research – the historical setting feels authentic and readers will come away with a deeper appreciation for Neolithic life, customs and beliefs (all without knowing that they are learning something new, what a bonus).
At around just 140 pages, it is good length for young readers and it is divided into easily manageable chapters. The chapters are broken up with evocative illustrations by Davide Ortu, which help bring the ancient world to life, making it an accessible and engaging read for children aged 7 and up. Whilst it is a work of fiction, the historical aspects of the books are faithful to Stone Age life, customs and culture. At the back of the book, readers will also find a set of discussion points that perfect for helping to spark conversations, whether that’s at home or in the classroom, about courage, cultural differences and historical understanding.
Saviour Pirotta’s The Stolen Spear is an intriguing and compelling blend of exciting stone age adventure superbly blended with historical facts about the time period, perfect for young readers who enjoy stories full of adventure, bravery, friendship and personal growth. It’s a strong start to what promises to be an exciting series.
Rating: 4/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback)
For more information, visit spirotta.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
