Title: Twin Stars

Author: Charlotte Clutterbuck

Reviewer: Gabrielle Mace

Audience: Stage 3 - 4 readers

As the twins passed Athru, Sulaire felt the force of his hatred like the bear's stinking breath, and suddenly her head swam, and she saw, almost as if it was still happening, the Night of the Totems - the dark of the woods, the dim shape of the owl flitting over their heads, the ranks smell of the bear, the flash of moonlight on the salmon in its mouth.  Then her head cleared and she followed Bhoid down the track'. (p.98)

'Twin Stars' is the opening book in The Gannet Quartert series, set in Scotland in the late Mesolithic Age.  The novel follows the journey of twins, Sulaire and Bhoid, who each believe their destiny is pre-determined in their tiered society. Sulaire is a talented healer and Bhoid is a natural hunter, but both are unable to hone their skills in public as these roles are reserved for the most senior members of society. The twins battle normal sibling rivalry and jealousy, whilst also protecting and caring for one another. As the twins become separated the intensity of the story increases. Twin Stars is set on an island in Scotland and the vivid descriptions of the landscape are amazing and highly detailed, with the author having grown up on the island.

The story is a fast-paced, page-turner and sure to entice Stage 3 - 4 readers. Looking forward to reading the next instalment!