Beneath

‘She plunged beneath the surface, her eyes blind in the murky, green water: dived again and again until she couldn’t take another breath. There was no trace. Freya was gone.’ Jess has heard the rumours, old folk tales of creatures that live beneath the water: dangerous shapeshifters with a taste for human children. She’s dismissed them as crazy stories — until her best friend is stolen and Jess discovers all the legends are true…Trying to rescue her friend, she meets one of them — a kelpie — but he turns out to be nothing like she imagined. Caught between two worlds, between kelpies and humans, and between mysterious Finn and brave Magnus, Jess must chose between what she’s always known – and what lies beneath. Gill Arbuthnott creates an enthralling world of love and revenge, divided loyalties and imminent danger in this brilliant fantasy novel for young teens set in 16th century Scotland.

Reviews of Beneath

'It's a story of agonising choices and heartrending consequences for the characters, gently told but emotionally gripping.' — The Scotsman 'Beneath was an enjoyable read with well drawn characters, and enough excitement at the end to keep reader's interest throughout the story. This book would appeal to confident Year 7 readers, particularly girls, upwards.' — The School Librarian 'This is a gentle fantasy, related in formal, sometimes-heightened language that makes the most of the story's evocative setting. Give this Scottish import to lovers of horses and folkloric fantasy.' — Kirkus Reviews 'I found this book a lot like another book I have read, but I thought Beneath was way better! There was a lot of imagination and I liked that as I like that kind of stuff. My favourite character was Jess because she is quite mysterious, she doesn't give too much of herself away to people.' — Kelsey, Castlebrae Community High pupil, Teen Titles 'It is a book really full of details. The author uses a lot of imagination. It is also a kind of scary book. I would recommend this book to teenagers.' — Sofia, Castlebrae Community High pupil, Teen Titles