'An exciting new background read on an aspect of Romans in Britain that I have not seen covered in children's literature before.' - Veronica Price, chartered librarian and blogger

Scotland, 158 AD, is a divided country. On one side of the Antonine wall, thirteen-year-old Felix is trying to become a good Roman soldier like his father. On the other, twelve-year old Jinny is vowing revenge on the 'metal men' who have invaded her Damnonii tribe's homeland. At the Damnonii's sacred circle of standing stones, her planned attack on Felix goes badly wrong, awakening a legend that threatens to bring fire and destruction down on them all. Can Jinny and Felix overcome their differences and soothe the stones back to sleep before it's too late?

Written by Victoria Williamson, author of The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle and Boy with the Butterfly Mind Headline comparisons include The Eagle of the Ninth series by Rosemary Sutcliff and Shadow Forest by Matt Haig

About the Author
VICTORIA WILLIAMSON is a former teacher and full-time author from Glasgow. Her previous novels include The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, The Boy with the Butterfly Mind, Hag Storm, and War of the Wind. She has won the Bolton Children's Fiction Award 2020/2021, The YA-aldi Glasgow Secondary School Libraries Book Award 2023, and has been shortlisted for the Week Junior Book Awards 2023, The Leeds Book Awards 2023, the James Reckitt Hull Book Awards 2021, The Trinity School Book Awards 2021, and longlisted for the ABA South Coast Book Awards 2023, the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2020, and the Branford Boase Award 2019.

Reviews

'I didn't expect to fall head over heels in love with this book. The superb weaving of myths, folklore and history created a truly immersive and captivating story. The characters of Felix, Jinny, and Bram all had me in the palm of their hands. Each character is unique and refreshing. All with their personality and voice.' - Sharon Rimmelzwaan, blogger

'This book will be a super addition to primary school library and classroom collections and provides an exciting new background read on an aspect of Romans in Britain that I have not seen covered in children's literature before.' - Veronica Price, chartered librarian and blogger

'The book was an amazing read, and I was made to feel as though I was living in that era. There were tense parts, funny lighthearted moments, and parts where you were left wondering what would happen next. The Whistlers in the Dark is a powerful read, and I look forward to reading the next Victoria Williamson book.' - Helen Byles, blogger

'A brilliant Middle Grade historical fantasy read weaving a rich tapestry of Scottish legends and fascinating history that's captivating and well-researched. The splendid writing captures the sense of time and place perfectly catapulting the reader into the heart of the action (...) An entertaining and touching tale that will appeal to many readers.' - Books With Dan Sam End, blogger

'(I) loved this liminal Samhain story - super atmospheric and perfect for any history/archaeology nerds in your life.' - Fran Moldaschl, Winner of The Kelpies Prize for Writing and book reviewer

Book Information
ISBN 9781910895801
Author Victoria Williamson
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint Scotland Street Press
Publisher Scotland Street Press
Weight(grams) 222g