sylviabishopbooks
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On Silver Tides

 Publisher: Andersen Press
 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.

​Useful links:
> Read a preview
> Buy a copy
> Download class resource and printer-friendly extract
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> Download reading group resource

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Press reviews
'Has the timeless power and craftsmanship of a classic' -- Sunday Times, Book of the Week

'
A shimmering, stark, original novel, richly characterised and unforgettably atmospheric' - The Guardian

'A haunting, lyrical fable... Beautiful and thought-provoking' - The Irish Times

'Broodingly atmospheric, this is a richly imagined world' - The Daily Mail

'Sure to be a future classic' - The Bookseller, Book of the Month

'A spellbinding adventure' - ReadingZone, Author of the Month

'Elegant and witty... Richly imagined and written with authority' - Literary Review

'Stunning and original fantasy' - Book Trust

'An incredible escape into fantasy that hints at the world we live in' - Inis Magazine

'A truly wonderful read with excellent character and world building' - Peters, Book of the Week

'Clever and beautifully atmospheric... It's brilliant' - Sue & Pakka's

'If you're looking for immersive, stand alone fantasy with rich world building and a thrilling, emotional story, then look no further' - Read Nerdy With Me

Advance reviews

"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" -- Katya 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 through 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 story with vivid, complex and lovable characters. The world-building reminded me of Susanna Clarke in its rich and playful inventiveness. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read more by Sylvia Bishop!" -- Alice Winn

"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" -- Nicola Penfold

"Spellbinding storytelling brilliance - I absolutely loved it" -- Katharine Orton

"
This is a gorgeous book full of heart, drama and beauty. I loved the way Sylvia Bishop wove threads of old folklore into her vivid and original fantasy Britain. I was completely engrossed in Kelda’s world from the cosy family canal-boat to the terrors and thrills of the open sea. I found the story to be both a moving tale of family, friendship and growing up, and a thoughtful reflection on learning to live with uncertainty. It is one of those rare books I’ll want to read again and again. I loved it, and very much look forward to the sequel." -- Anna Kemp
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  • About
  • Books
    • On Silver Tides
    • Erica's Elephant
    • The Bookshop Girl
    • The Secret of the Night Train
    • Trouble in New York
    • A Sea of Stories
    • The MIdnight Thief
    • 44 Tiny Secrets
    • 44 Tiny Acrobats
    • 44 Tiny Chefs
  • Resources and activites
    • Mice!
  • Events
    • Bookings
    • Workshops
  • Writers With Faces
  • Contact