The Waters and the Wild

A beautiful novel in verse about grief, family and the power of hope from Eilish Fisher, award-winning author of Fia and the Last Snow Deer. 
 
Rowan was raised in the desert. Growing up all she’s known is sunshine, warmth, love. Then her beloved Dad dies, everything changes. 
 
Now Rowan and her mum have moved from the hazy heat of the desert to the cold landscape of Ireland. Each of them hoping that living in the town Rowan’s Dad called home will bring them closer to him. 
 
But as soon as Rowan arrives, she knows something’s not right. Why is it so cold even in August? Why do lights turn on without warning or kettles boil with no one pressing a switch? 
 
Even more mysterious is The Wall. It surrounds the town, but no one can tell Rowan who built it or how long it’s stood, or why it’s forbidden to cross over to the other side. So, when she spots a crack in the stone, Rowan can’t resist the temptation to explore. In the woods beyond, she discovers a strange horse whom she feels an instant connection with, a bond that brings the return of warmth and hope . . . but at what price?

Eilish Fisher lives in a small coastal town in Co. Wicklow with her husband and son. Eilish received both a Words Ireland mentorship and a full Literary Bursary Award from the Arts Council of Ireland.

Eilish Fisher

Dermot Flynn

Born under the same solstice sky thirteen years ago, Fia and her snow deer Solas have always had a powerful and unbreakable connection. But as Fia's village face a seemingly eternal winter, they turn their sights to Solas and an ancient prophecy that promises the return of sunlight and life, if the ultimate sacrifice is made . . . 
 
Refusing to allow the worst to happen, Fia and her cousin Mish run from the village with Solas, seeking out the Deer Mother - the mythical being who wakes the sun at the winter solstice and who might be their only hope. 
 
But the wilderness is harsh and shadows lurk at every turn. Can they make it to the Deer Mother? And, if they do, what choices will Fia face to bring back the sun and save her village? 
 
A powerful and beautiful tale set in snowy pre-historic Ireland, about hope, kindness and the power of friendship, from exceptional new writing talent, Eilish Fisher, brought to life with stunning illustrations from Dermot Flynn. 
 
Praise for Fia and the Last Snow Deer 
 
'Tender, hopeful and thrillingly wild' Abi Elphinstone, bestselling author of Sky Song 
 
'A beautiful, lyrical read full of love, hardship and hope . . . I cannot recommend this book highly enough.’ Reading Zone, five star review 
 
'Visually delicious and lyrically lovely' Oliver Callen, RTÉ Radio One 
 
'A stunning debut, which should become a classic, with immediate appeal for fans of writers like Michelle Paver and Abi Elphinstone.' The Irish Times 
 
'An otherworldly debut' Image Magazine 
 
'Writing and illustration of equal beauty' Sara Keating, Best Books of 2024 selection, The Irish Times

Eilish Fisher

Books by Eilish Fisher

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