The Last of the High Kings

The Last of the High Kings follows JJ Liddy, an Irish teenager living in modern times who discovers his family's connection to ancient fairy folklore. After the events of The New Policeman, JJ must now protect the portal between the human world and the fairy realm of Tír na nÓg. The story takes place in rural Ireland, where JJ balances his normal teenage life with his role as guardian of supernatural boundaries. His daughter Jenny becomes involved in events that connect to both Irish mythology and environmental concerns about the modern world. Strange occurrences and mysterious characters begin to appear as JJ faces challenges that bridge both the mundane and magical aspects of his world. The narrative moves between past and present while incorporating elements of Irish folklore and contemporary issues. The book explores themes of responsibility, family legacy, and the relationship between humans and nature. Through its blend of mythology and modern life, it raises questions about preservation - of both ancient traditions and the natural environment.

Readers note this book has a slower, more contemplative pace compared to its predecessor "The New Policeman." Many found the Irish folklore elements and environmental themes compelling, though some felt the plot meanders. Likes: - Rich descriptions of Irish landscapes - Complex portrayal of teenage protagonist JJ - Integration of fairy mythology with modern issues - Thought-provoking commentary on human impact on nature Dislikes: - Takes time to build momentum - Less action than expected - Some found the ending unsatisfying - Character relationships could be better developed Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (240 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.2/5 (12 reviews) Notable Reader Comments: "Beautiful writing but moves too slowly" - Goodreads reviewer "The environmental message feels natural, not preachy" - Amazon review "Not as engaging as The New Policeman, but still worth reading" - LibraryThing user "Atmospheric but needs more plot development" - Goodreads review

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley A girl discovers her connection to ancient magic while living at the edge of a mysterious desert kingdom.

Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper Three siblings uncover their family's ties to Arthurian legend during a summer in Cornwall.

The New Policeman by Kate Thompson A boy travels between modern Ireland and the fairy world to discover where all the time goes.

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander An assistant pig-keeper becomes entangled in Welsh mythology and must face dark forces to save his homeland.

The Moorchild by Eloise McGraw A changeling struggles between the world of humans and folk magic in a medieval village setting.

✦ The book blends Irish mythology with contemporary life, featuring the púca - a shape-shifting creature from Celtic folklore that often appears as a black horse with golden eyes ✦ Author Kate Thompson won Ireland's prestigious Bisto Book of the Year Award (now called Children's Books Ireland Award) for The Last of the High Kings in 2008 ✦ The story takes place on Howth Head, a peninsula near Dublin that has real historical and mythological significance in Irish culture ✦ The novel is a sequel to The New Policeman, but follows different characters and can be read as a standalone story ✦ Thompson wrote the book while living in Kinvara, County Galway, an area rich in fairy forts and ancient Celtic sites that inspired many elements of the story