Tales of Darkisle is the new horror series from award-winning author Dave Rudden, and we have an extract from the first book in the collection - Conn of the Dead.
These short and pacy illustrated reads are perfect for reluctant readers or those with short attention spans, packed with safe scares suitable for readers 9+.
Conn of the Dead follows Conn, an 11-year-old serial troublemaker exploring the halls of UCD's National Folklore Collection where his aunt works. When he spots a case among the clutter marked 'hazardous’, he opens it, of course. Inside lies the ancient skill of the Abhartach, an undead mind-controlling monster of terrible might...and Conn just set him free.
Read the first chapter here...
Full of heart and horror, Tales of Darkisle will continue with a second book in early 2026, featuring a new hero and a new monster. On the comeback of horror in kids' literature, Dave says: "Horror is essential for kids – it tells them monsters can and should be defeated."
About the Author
Dave Rudden is an Irish author and scriptwriter. His bestselling novel, Knights of the Borrowed Dark, won Children's Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards in 2016 and is now a syllabus text. He has also authored multiple works in the universe of Doctor Who. Dave has been an Ambassador for Ireland Reads since 2022 and is Writer-in-Residence for the Kids Love Books podcast on RTÉ and Artist-in-Residence at Dublin City University.
The book is illustrated by Ali Al Amine, an award-winning graphic designer and illustrator from the UK.
Listen to Dave chatting Brendan Courtney on RTÉ Radio 1!
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