Jude Reid is an author from Glasgow, Scotland. She finds time to write for adults and children in the narrow gaps between full-time work as a surgeon, wrangling her own kids and trying to tire out her border collie. Jude won the 2020 Kelpies Prize for Writing and developed The Nightkeepers Apprentice, her debut childrens novel, as part of the Kelpies Prize mentorship.
When Second World War bombs start falling, twelve-year-old Eilidh Flett is evacuated to a place shes never heard of, to live with family shes never met. Stuck on a remote Orkney island, Eilidhs aunt gives her just two rules: dont touch anything that washes up on the shore, and never ever enter the islands lighthouse.
But this seemingly dull island is full of surprises. With the help of a ghostly new friend, Eilidh begins to unravel the lighthouses mysteries: long-kept family secrets, a hidden order of Nightkeepers, and a darkly dangerous magic that could change the world as she knows it.
Does Eilidh have what it takes to become a Nightkeepers Apprentice?
This enthralling upper middle grade mystery explores destiny, loss and hope. Jude Reids lyrical debut childrens novel is inspired by the wild places and magical folklore of Scotland.