By Sylvia Bishop (author)
"An original and imaginative magical realism set on Britain’s waterways, this already feels like a classic."
Paperback In Stock £8.99 £8.09
View All Editions (1)
April 2024 Book of the Month
Kelda is a fiercely protective big sister, she loves and defends her little sister, Isla, passionately and unquestioningly. But times and their community are changing, and protecting Isla may not be possible for much longer. For the sisters are silvermen, a secret species of near-humans who live on Britain’s waterways, breathe through their skin underwater and keep strictly to themselves.
When it is revealed that Isla cannot breathe water, she is decried as an abomination to silvermen lore and blamed for a sickness poisoning the rivers.
With incredible world building and intricate plotting this is an exceptional fantasy novel. A timely environmental message of protecting our waterways runs alongside the richly imagined adventure, creating an atmospheric novel that feels both modern and classic. Extracts from natural history books about the history and traditions of silvermen are woven throughout the book, adding an impressive depth and breadth to the folklore created.
On more than one occasion I really did find myself wondering if maybe, just maybe, silvermen really do live amongst us!
As immersive a read as the cold waterways it describes, this is a rich fantasy that sweeps the reader along - not to be missed.
Kelda has always protected her little sister Isla from danger on the rivers, and from the suspicions of their community. For Isla cannot breathe underwater – and so her very existence is forbidden by silvermen’s Lore. Now the rivers of England are growing sick: monstrous creatures are awakening and a fierce torrent of blame falls upon Kelda’s family.
Read the full description
When betrayal comes, the sisters escape on a desperate journey upstream. Joining forces with a mysterious boy, Kelda discovers the darkest depths of her kind’s secret history. But to save both her sister and the very life of Britain’s waterways, Kelda will have to make a sacrifice – one that will change her life forever.
Cover art by Thy Bui
'This book is a gift of rare imagination and luminous writing. I haven’t read something so original and immersive in a long time. On Silver Tides is a classic in the making and I loved every word' - Katya Balen
' On Silver Tides is a beautifully constructed book about the love of family and the importance of embracing what we don't understand. I was with Kelda through every triumph and betrayal, every hurt and heartbreak. Bishop's writing transforms Britain into a magical network of rivers, channels and lochs that will fill you with wonder' - Ann Sei Lin
'I loved this book so much. It feels to me like a contemporary classic: thoughtful, literary, with clear and gorgeous prose, yet urgent and relevant. It touches painlessly and obliquely on our own troubled relationship with the environment, but above all it’s a great story with vivid, complex and lovable characters. The world-building reminded me of Susanna Clarke in its rich and playful inventiveness. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read more by Sylvia Bishop!' - Alice Winn
'Sylvia Bishop has a written a whole new world in On Silver Tides, with its own myths and history. It's a watery Twilight, or a freshwater version of Helen Dunmore's Ingo books. The kind of storytelling that stops your breath and weaves knots around your heart. Exquisite, and hard to leave behind' - Nicola Penfold
'Spellbinding storytelling brilliance – I absolutely loved it' - Katharine Orton
‘This is a gorgeous book full of heart, drama and beauty. I loved the way Sylvia Bishop wove threads of old folklore into her vivid and original fantasy Britain. It is one of those rare books I’ll want to read again and again’ - Anna Kemp
‘A richly imaginative story with home and heart flowing in its veins. I loved the world-building and the lore Sylvia has created, and the themes of acceptance and environment are more important now than they have ever been’ - Dan Smith
Sylvia Bishop is the author of several books for young readers, and her work has been translated into seventeen languages. She lives in Bristol, England. When not writing, she can be found reading, performing comedy and - when she gets the chance - swimming in rivers.
Eco Reads - Children's Books on Climate Change, the Environment and Sustainability for a Greener Future
Longlists Announced for the Carnegies 2025
2025 Carnegies Nominations Announced
2024 Preview - Brilliant Children's Books to Look Forward to This Year
the best books for teenagers
Three Brides for the Devil
One Thousand Dreams of Shoelace
Five Children on the Western Front
Kelda has always protected her little sister Isla from danger on the rivers, and from the suspicions of their community. For Isla cannot breathe underwater – and so her very existence is forbidden by silvermen’s Lore.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed On Silver Tides and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-14 years old
On Silver Tides features in the following genres: Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Ecological and Environmental Interest - Fiction, Fantasy / Magical, Featured Books for 13+ readers, Gifts, Romance / Relationship Stories, Stories about Family and Friends, Featured Books for 11+ readers
Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
On Silver Tides was written by Sylvia Bishop and published by Andersen Press Ltd
On Silver Tides has 304 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
©PTC International Ltd T/A LoveReading is registered in England. Company number: 10193437. VAT number: 270 4538 09. Registered address: 157 Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
The National Year of Reading starts here. Join thousands of families and schools supporting reading for pleasure across the UK.