Raiders from the Sea describes adventures of four children from the small Irish town of Glenelk who find their way for the third time through their secret cave, and back 2000 years to the reign of Queen Maeve of the Thousand Spears in her magic kingdom of Ardalba.
This book is third in a series, following The Black Bull of Ardalba (Mercier 2002), and The Fiery Chariot (Mercier 2003). Each book describes complete, separate adventures in magic Ardalba.
Raiders from the Sea describes Sea Raiders threatening Maeve's subjects in a distant part of her kingdom if she will not pay them tribute. Breeon, leader of the fisher folk, brings the bad news to Ardalba. If Maeve refuses to pay, the Raiders' leader, Croomloch of the Crooked Tooth, threatens to destroy all her kingdom. How does the Queen respond to this?
The children travel with the Queen's champion to give her answer to the Raiders. They meet Breeon's son, Lorca, on their way, badly wounded by the Raiders. Roisin helps him with her First Aid skills. Brona uses his belief in Other World magic to save his life.
When Croomloch kidnaps the Queen's son, sending him out in a tiny coracle to where the mysterious Isle of the Blest, just visible on the horizon, will lure him ever seaward and away from the Land of Erin, the children seek help from the Other World, from Mannanán Mac Lir, King of Oceans and Lord of Headlands. Does he help? Do they succeed? Or does Croomloch gain his way?
On their journey the children learn faithfulness, resourcefulness and courage. This book gives an engrossing and satisfying read. Its research into Celtic dress, jewellery, weapons, cooking methods, dwellings, and feasting protocols of the time, give it a satisfying authenticity for children of all ages.
