Rath: My teacher claims that a rath is a kind of Bronze Age fort, usually shaped like a big ring (that’s why they’re sometimes called ringforts). But Granny would tell you that a rath is really a fairy fort where the Sídhe like to hold their Revels.

Sídhe: The Sídhe (pronounced ‘Shee’) are probably what you picture when someone mentions fairies. They look almost human, but really beautiful and graceful. Like the Clurichaun, they’re not evil, but they’re definitely not good. If you find yourself among the Sídhe, be careful not to eat any of their food (even if it does smell amazing) and if you need to protect yourself, use something made of iron.

Stock: A kind of changeling made out of a lump of wood enchanted to look like a human. They don’t eat or drink anything and they can’t talk. They’re pretty freaky!

About the Author

Alex Dunne is an Irish author living in Canada. She spends her time thinking up magical tales for children, teens and adults and drinking far too much tea. Alex has a BA in English & History from the University of Limerick and an MA in Literature & Publishing from NUI Galway. She is a co-founder of Silver Apples magazine, an online literary journal dedicated to showcasing the best of Irish and international writing. The Book of Secrets is her first published novel. You can follow Alex on Twitter and Instagram @alexdunnewrites

Copyright

This eBook edition first published 2022 by
The O’Brien Press Ltd,
12 Terenure Road East, Rathgar,
Dublin 6, D06 HD27 Ireland.

Tel: +353 1 4923333; Fax: +353 1 4922777

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: obrien.ie
The O’Brien Press is a member of Publishing Ireland
First published 2022

eBook ISBN: 978–1–78849–401–4

Text © Alex Dunne 2022
The moral rights of the author and illustrator have been asserted
Cover by Shona Shirley MacDonald
Internal illustration by Emma Byrne
Design by Emma Byrne
Copyright for typesetting, layout, editing, design
© The O’Brien Press Ltd

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or in any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

The Book of Secrets receives financial assistance
from the Arts Council.