The Ransom of Dond

As the younger of a pair of twins, Darra has always known the terrible destiny that awaits her. To bring good luck and prosperity to her island community, the thirteenth child of any woman is sacrified to the dark god, Dond, when they reach the age of thirteen. But as the fateful day of her thirteenth birthday grows closer, Darra discovers an unexpected truth that will change everything.

The last of Siobhan Dowd's novels, this is a wonderfully atmospheric story, that will sweep readers away to the wild, windswept island world where it is set. The beautifully-crafted text is short, but very far from slight. Gorgeously illustrated throughout by Pam Smy, in soft, two-colour pencil drawings, this is classic children's storytelling at its best.