Black Snow Falling

"The world-building in this book is exquisite, from the finely textured tapestries to the deadening blackness of the ship of shadows. It’s a tale which will haunt readers’ dreams long after the final page."—The Scotsman

“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

“Shortlisted debut is a gripping read for all ages…There is action, betrayal, love and a powerful spiritual element running throughout the book that reminded me of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe… a powerful tale with real moral complexity, and standing strong at the centre is the message of hope – and it is that message that makes it a book that all ages, not just young adults, will enjoy. MacWhirter has got off to a cracking start – I could not put the book down.”—The Oban Times

“A wildly original Elizabethan fantasy, steeped in atmosphere and dark beauty. Deliciously creepy.”—Elizabeth Wein, award-winning author of Code Name Verity

“Black Snow Falling is beautifully written and is an enchanting work of magical realism. Exploring themes of loss, hope and resilience, this book would be an excellent choice for groups looking to explore these issues.”—Scottish Book Trust

“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.”— 2015 CILIP Carnegie Awards