Kelda's little sister's very existence is forbidden by their kind's Lore - when betrayal comes, Kelda must save her and uncover the darkest secrets of the waterways.
'A classic in the making' Katya Balen
Kelda has always protected her little sister Isla from danger on the rivers, and from the suspicions of their community. For Isla cannot breathe underwater – and so her very existence is forbidden by silvermen’s Lore.
Now the rivers of England are growing sick: monstrous creatures are awakening and a fierce torrent of blame falls upon Kelda’s family. When betrayal comes, the sisters escape on a desperate journey upstream. Joining forces with a mysterious boy, Kelda discovers the darkest depths of her kind’s secret history. But to save both her sister and the very life of Britain’s waterways, Kelda will have to make a sacrifice – one that will change her life forever.
Creators
Sylvia Bishop is the author of several books for young readers, and her work has been translated into seventeen languages. She lives in Bristol, England. When not writing, she can be found reading, performing comedy and - when she gets the chance - swimming in rivers.
Reviews
Sylvia Bishop has a written a whole new world in On Silver Tides, with its own myths and history. It’s a watery Twilight, or a freshwater version of Helen Dunmore’s Ingo books. The kind of storytelling that stops your breath and weaves knots around your heart. Exquisite, and hard to leave behind.
This book is a gift of rare imagination and luminous writing. I haven’t read something so original and immersive in a long time. On Silver Tides is a classic in the making and I loved every word.
Kate Balen
On Silver Tides is a beautifully constructed book about the love of family and the importance of embracing what we don’t understand. I was with Kelda though every triumph and betrayal, every hurt and heartbreak. Bishop’s writing transforms Britain into a magical network of rivers, channels and lochs that will fill you with wonder.
Ann Sei Lin
I loved this book so much. It feels to me like a contemporary classic: thoughtful, literary, with clear and gorgeous prose, yet urgent and relevant. It touches painlessly and obliquely on our own troubled relationship with the environment, but above all it’s a great tory with vivid, complex and lovable characters. The world-building reminds me of Susanna Clarke in its rich and playful inventiveness. I absolutely loved it and I can’t wait to read more by Sylvia Bishop!
Alice Winn
Spellbinding storytelling brilliance – I absolutely loved it.
Katharine Orton
