The Twins of Tintarfell by James O'Loughlin
PanMacmillan, 2016. ISBN 9781743548097
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. The Twins of Tintarfell is a
completely captivating fantasy adventure novel by author James
O'Loughlin. The plot changes directions, focuses on different
characters and their decisions and actions and is fast-paced,
delivering strong protagonists and an exciting array of animal
characters. O'Loughlin writes with a fluidity of style that will
capture the audience.
Orphaned at birth, twins Dani and Bart live as servants in
Tintarfell Castle, working in the kitchen. They have become friends
with spoilt Prince Edward and meet him on their afternoons off. King
Corolius gives his timid pony-loving son a new huge horse named
Midnight and demands that his son prove himself by riding the beast.
Fearless Bart who has a deep connection to animals, and can
communicate with them, takes Edward's place and rides out of the
palace only to be kidnapped and held for ransom. Dani makes it her
mission to rescue her brother; unfortunately, Prince Edward becomes
her reluctant assistant.
Deep in the forest, evil Lord Randling awaits the kidnapped victim's
arrival hidden in a hay cart. He understands Bart's special power
and greedily desires this ability. Dani follows the trail of hay
left by the sparrows and eventually discovers her much-changed
brother. Their dangerous journey takes them through the dark forest
where tigers and lions roam; up dangerous mountains and steep cliffs
guided by a talking fox, to Melindarah the healer's castle. Here,
Dani must choose to pay the highest price for loved twin brother
Bart.
With powerful themes of love, sacrifice, friendship, resilience,
acceptance and courage interwoven, this story challenges the reader
to consider their own beliefs. The power and manipulation of adults
and their affect on the lives of the children needs to be considered
as well. Use this novel for Upper Primary students to engage with
the fantasy genre.
The Twins of Tintarfell by James O'Loughlin is an excellent
class novel for Years 5-7.
Rhyllis Bignell