The Skidderwolves
The skidderwolves attracted tourists to Shoak Village due to their nightly runs that send electricity into the air, lighting up the night in an electrifying glow. A protected wolf-like species, the skidderwolves are a source of fear and curfews, especially when they attacked Roxie Preen in her bed – nobody wants their child to be next.
Twelve-year old Rory’s life has been overturned by the arrival of his twin brothers. He already feels as though his parents don’t have an interest in him anymore. More chaos ensues when bringing what Rory thinks is a harmless antique comb to school results in a full-blown investigation. When it turns out the mysterious comb is used for Skidderwolves fur, Rory’s dad is arrested. The village views the family with suspicion and as tensions rise it seems the Skidderwolves are back and causing even more trouble. Will they attack again? Is everything as it seems? What has Rory’s dad got to do with all of this? Is there truly cause for such fear? It is up to Rory to find out.
Ciara O’Connor’s début novel The Skidderwolves will keep readers hooked from the start. Sarah Horne’s black and white illustrations amplify the adventure, adding a shadowed edge to the text. This book feels older, like a step up for a young reader as it deals with themes of danger, suspicion, the idea of being watched, and this book also highlights that not all adults and authority figures are to be blindly trusted, which is a key lesson that everybody should learn.
