Young adult novels cover a variety of genres, but YA fantasy opens a portal to other worlds where magic, myths and coming-of-age collide. These novels let readers explore some big themes: identity, loyalty and power, while cheering on heroes who defy the odds. From enchanted forests to distant realms, YA fantasy empowers teens to dream fearlessly and reimagine their own place in a universe that’s far larger than the everyday. The Secret of Skara Vhore, written by Jennifer M Calder, is one such novel. An epic YA fantasy of destiny, darkness, good vs evil and loyalty between family and friends, all set in the scenic, atmospheric setting of the remote Scottish Highlands
Katie is a troubled teenager whose life in English foster care has left her feeling like an outsider and not fitting in. When distant unknown relatives take her away to the rugged Scottish isle of Farinsay, she expects more of the same but instead she finds cousins, the perceptive Morag (who is about her own age) and the younger and more mischievous Robbie. They are soon joined by the strange and mysterious Kirig, a boy who roams the hills in solitude.
As their friendships start to blossom, they spend a lot of time roaming the hills and countryside. But strange and sinister events start to occur, and strange dreams plague Katie: dreams consisting of ghostly fires, whispered prophecies and a sense that her past, and Farinsay’s fate, are very much entwined. As sinister forces gather strength, their world is about to change when the battle of good versus evil, light over dark begins, it falls to Katie and her new friends to unlock the secret of Skara Vhore, restore balance, and claim the destiny Katie never knew she had.
Overall, I enjoyed The Secret of Skara Vhore immensely, it is an extremely enjoyable YA novel. From the very first page readers are hooked with its richly woven tale of magic, mystery and heart that will leave young page turners breathless.
The characters build up slowly during the course of the tale, revealing more and more of the strange past of the two main characters, Katie and Kirig. Katie’s distrust gives way to fierce loyalty as she navigates shifting alliances. Morag’s steady kindness and Robbie’s boundless energy provide heart, while Kirig embodies the wild magic at Farinsay’s core.
The island itself is another character in its own right: mist-shrouded moors, hidden kirks and crumbling settlements echo centuries of lore. Scottish terms appear in context – with a helpful glossary at the back of the book, so readers can absorb local flavour without ever feeling lost.
If you love fantasy novels with a dark supernatural twist then you will love The Secret of Skara Vhore. Ideal for fans of dark supernatural twists and coming-of-age quests set against unforgettable backdrops. An absorbing read with a fascinating and interesting plot.
The Secret of Skara Vhore is the first book in the this fantasy trilogy – although, since being published in 2015 the other two parts don’t seem to have been published.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £9.99 (Paperback)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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