“Exquisite… a tale which will haunt readers’ dreams long after the final page.”
The Scotsman
“A wildly original Elizabethan fantasy, steeped in atmosphere and dark beauty. Deliciously creepy.”
Elizabeth Wein. Award-winning author of Code Name Verity.
“For a novel of such breathtaking imagination, Black Snow Falling also has a deep sense of history and its characters are satisfyingly complex. It’s rare to find all three at once, let alone fused together so effectively, and in all my time as The Scotsman’s books editor (15 years and another 10 as deputy) I don’t think I ever have. I recommend it highly.”
David Robinson. Literary Critic.
“Black Snow Falling had me from the very start. The language is rich and lyrical, the characters empathetic and real, the ideas strong enough to get under the skin — and MacWhirter’s dream-thieves filled the room with their stink.
This is a story with classic bones, told in a new and exciting way, crossing genre-boundaries with effortless strides. Highly recommended.”
Martin Stewart. Author of Riverkeep and The Sacrifice Box.
“Superb debut. A richly textured tale full of vivid history and fantastic imagination.”
Keith Gray. Award-winning author of The Ostrich Boys.
“This very imaginative debut elegantly combines a rich historical setting and some interesting elements of magic, with a good dose of feminism and relatable characters.”
Agnes Guyon. Senior Librarian and 2015 CILIP Chair of Judges
“A powerful new mythology.”
Anna Claybourne. Award-winning author of I Love This Tree.
“A strange and wonderful tale.”
Kathy Evans. Award-winning author of More of Me.
“Black Snow Falling by L J Macwhirter pushes the boundaries of imagination, superbly crafted, multi-layered, a book of hope for our dark times, a book that will endure. This book is set to become a classic for all ages.”
Jennifer Robertson. Author.
“MacWhirter’s writing is the gateway to a wonderful new universe which I’m sure will only go from strength to strength. The depths of her imagination, and impressive literary talents place MacWhirter amongst the very best of current fantasy writers. I cannot wait to watch her career unfold as I’m sure it will be brilliant. Black Snow Falling is the sort of writing we need at a time when hope for some can feel very far away.”
Andrew Lindsay. Reviewer.
REVIEW by My Book Corner
“… a turbulent and fast-paced story filled with love, the desire for truth and Ruth’s unwillingness to give herself over to the evil that threatens her very soul… LJ MacWhirter’s fantastic prose takes you on a journey into the blackness we all fear from that moment we close our eyes.” Full review by Sarah Broadley.
REVIEW & Interview by YALMC (The Young Adult Literature, Media, & Culture Association)
“I loved it… Before I even opened the book, I was hooked: secrets, heresy, black snow, a girl with spirit, dream thieves, hope. The premise felt simultaneously new and fresh as well as deeply rooted in the past — no small feat! … The way in which MacWhirter handles the many, many threads of story is the treat of this novel.” Full review and interview by Dr Leah Phillips.
REVIEW by blogger Zoe Anna
Review by 18yo blogger Anna Zoe “…powerful storytelling… I really loved the way the story portrayed hope and how much power it can have against the dark – even in the worst of times.”
REVIEW by The Book Witch
In Ann Giles’ review on The Bookwitch, she says that she, too, may have had a dream or too stolen at some point…
Speaking with Melvin Burgess on Coping with Change – 22 August 17.45
I’m delighted to join Melvin Burgess and Steve Camden to discuss Coping with Change at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Edinburgh International Book Festival 2018
I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be appearing at three events at EIBF 2018, just after the hardback launch of Black Snow Falling. The novel is also nominated for the EIBF FIRST BOOK AWARD!
11 August 18.30-19.30 FEISTY FANTASY with Alice Broadway and LJ MacWhirter
15 August 17.30-18.15 EIBF Amnesty Imprisoned Writers Series with Suria Tei and LJ MacWhirter
The Bookseller January 25 2018
Scotland Street Press launches YA list
