Scottish Myths & Legends

by Daniel Allison

The blue-skinned old woman who made the mountains. Witches, seal-people and the makers of dreams. Within these pages are the little-known stories of Scotland, collected and retold by an oral storyteller who performs them throughout the world. From folk-tales and local legends to ancient epics, these stories will astonish and delight readers everywhere.

‘This book deserves to be a classic! It is a very personal journey into the depth of a country the writer loves with every breath, so every story is chosen with his heart. Once you dive into these gems of wisdom, you feel the rhythm of the hearts of the people, and the language is so vivid that you can taste the water in the burns, see the green pastures in the glens and feel the wind from the ocean. Amazing that this book is written by such a young man! Well written, full of spot-on insights on stories made to be told, and filled with love and compassion for Scotland.’

Svend-Erik Engh, Oral Storyteller

‘Captivating and inspiring… I could not put it down’

★★★★★ Amazon Reader Review

'One of the best collections I have ever read'

★★★★★ Amazon Reader Review

'Beautifully written'

★★★★★ Amazon Reader Review

'A stunning journey into the Scottish landscape and collective imagination'

★★★★★ Amazon Reader Review

'There is no shortage of books on Scottish stories, but this one is a standout'

★★★★★ Amazon Reader Review

Irish Mythology;

The Children of Danu

by Daniel Allison

In Irish Mythology; The Children of Danu, Daniel Allison retells the ancient myths at the heart of Irish tradition. These are the sublime tales of Lugh and Balor, of the Dagda and the Morrigan, and of the titanic battles fought for Ireland by waves of conquering peoples.

Working from centuries-old manuscripts compiled by medieval monks, Allison brings the stories rampaging to life in his trademark, gripping style. From epic battles to savage betrayals, and from sky-breaking spells to quests beyond time, this cycle of tales is as wildly fantastical as it is starkly human.

‘A spellbinding testament to the power of Irish myth’

Sorcha Hegarty, Candlelit Tales

'A much-needed telling of the Irish ‘in the beginning’… beautifully written and very accessible'

Sandy Dunlop, Bard Mythologies

'Despite the historical remoteness of these ancient tales, Allison’s telling is deeply engrossing; his exuberant style illuminates what is human and deeply relatable in material known for the lofty and the grand… friendship, love, and betrayal alike shine with realism, and moments deeply moving and beautiful arise from the text like healing herbs growing from the dark soil of the past.'

Danica Boyce, Fair Folk Media

'Irish Mythology is the perfect blend of respect for tradition, deep love for myths, and creative storytelling. This book bridges the divide between oral storytelling and written fiction with a lively style that begs to be read aloud. Epic battles, formidable heroes, powerful magic, and deep emotions create a mythic landscape that is vividly alive. If you enjoyed Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology, you will love this book.'

Csenge Zalka, Author of Dancing on the Blades

Full of action, wonder and melancholy leavened by sprinklings of humour, Irish Mythology is an approachable, concise, and gripping read by an author who loves the stories, writes with agility, and knows what he’s talking about. Highly recommended.

Laura Sampson, Author of Enchanted Tales

Finn & The Fianna

By Daniel Allison

Available Now 

The stories of Finn MacCoull and his warriors were once told at every fireside in Scotland and Ireland. After centuries in obscurity, this collection brings the tales roaring to life again.

Here you will find Diarmuid, whom no woman can help but fall in love with, and Ossian, a warrior-poet raised in the woods by a wild deer. There is Grainne, ancient ancestor of Iseult and Guinevere; and Finn himself, whose name was once a byword for wisdom, generosity and beauty.

Enter a world of feasting and fighting, battles and poetry, riddles and omens; join Finn and the Fianna on their never-ending quest to drink deeper and deeper of the cup of life.

‘A masterpiece… this is Celtic myths & legends at their fantastic best! Your eyes dare not blink for fear of missing a single word. Mythical, flirty, thumpingly violent and divinely nasty!’

Jess Smith, Author of Way of the Wanderers

‘Allison's vivid style mixes gore and terror with wit and wisdom, bringing the landscapes of Scotland and Ireland, the mystical otherworld that flows through them and the heroic yet relatable characters lucidly to life. This book deserves to be on every bookshelf in Scotland and Ireland. Highly recommended!’

Fiona Herbert, Oral Storyteller

’This book made me fall in love with my favourite stories all over again’

Csenge Zalka, Author of Dancing On The Blades

The Shattering Sea: Book I of The Orkney Cycle

by Daniel Allison

previously published as The Bone Flute

In Iron Age Orkney, two races stand on the brink of war.

The finfolk have summoned an Awazan, a creature of nightmare, and the Orkadi are powerless to stop it.

Talorc, whose family were slain by the demon, and Runa, Princess of the Orkadi, set out to destroy the Azawan.

The secrets they uncover will change their world forever - if they live long enough to share them.

The Shattering Sea is a thrilling fantasy adventure suitable for adults and older children. It is perfect for fans of Michelle Paver, Philip Pullman, Rick Riordan and Robin Hobb.

A tremendous read… no end of dramas, surprises & reversals of fortune… a rattling good plot… wonderful stuff’

Fay Sampson, Guardian Children’s Book Award-Nominated Author

‘A born storyteller weaves Scottish island myths into a driving narrative of survival’

Ian Stephen, Saltire Award-Nominated Author

‘A thrilling tale that twists and turns as you eagerly turn the pages. It breathes new life into the creatures of Orkney’s folklore for a new generation of readers.’

Tom Muir, Author of Orkney Folk Tales

'Extraordinary... my daughter is a big fan of Chronicles of Ancient Darkness and this is right up there'

★★★★★ Reader Review

'Absolutely incredible. Has you gripped with hooked talons from the first page!'

★★★★★ Reader Review

'Up there with my favourite fantasy adventures'

★★★★★ Reader Review

‘One of the best books I have ever read’

★★★★★ Reader Review

‘I simply could not put this book down’

★★★★★ Reader Review