Original title: Myrskynsilmä
Author: Meri Luttinen
Published: 2020
Publisher: WSOY
Genre: Young Adult (13 or 14+)
Pages: 397
Reading material:
English sample & synopsis
A beautiful historical fantasy debut - Topelius Prize Winner 2020!
Nominated for both Kuvastaja Award and Finlandia Prize for Children's & YA literature 2020.
Stormseye is an adventure set in the ancient Finnish fantasy world, and a touching story about a young woman finding her own place in the society.
On the white night of the summer solstice, 16-year-old Kainu stands at the edge of rings of earth drawn on the ground in her coming of age ritual. Young girls in her village discover their future role in life by taking part in this ancient “rite of the rings”. The rings they land on determine their role in the community, as matrons, mothers, or craftswomen. The five inner rings are reserved for shamans and sages, and no one has landed on the innermost ring, the tenth ring, in over 500 years.
However, when Kainu enters the innermost ring, that of a Great Sage, heavy responsibilities fall on her, and she has to go on a long journey to find out who she really is.
Awards & Nominations
Winner or the Topelius Prize 2020
Nominated for Finlandia Prize for Children's & YA literatue 2020
Nominated for Kuvastaja award 2020
Praise:
“Situated in an Ancient Finnish fantasyworld, this debut novel is an excellent story of personal growth, dealing with themes of loneliness, of being different and of overcoming your own fears.” -The Jury of the Topelius Prize 2020
"Meri Luttinen is a skillful writer, her debut novel Myrskynsilmä is a masterful story that progresses effortlessly." – Kirjavinkit blog
“Stormseye has a smooth flow and it progresses at a good pace. The book is a nice read and I enjoyed its imagery.” – ruusunnuppuja blog
“Luttinen writes impressively beautifully, and the aroma of Nordic pine forests engulfs the senses.” – Sinisethelmet Blog
“The language of the book is highly nuanced, and the narrative flows like a gushy stream. Despite its volume, the novel is a real page-turner.” – Lastenkirjahylly Blog
“The Finlandia Prize Nominee YA book Stormseye expands on the subject of being seen and being seen in the right way. -- The story haunted me.” – Kangasalan Sanomat newspaper
“Placed in an Ancient Finnish fantasy world, this debut novel is an excellent story of personal growth, dealing with themes of loneliness, being different, and overcoming your own fears.”
The Jury of the Topelius Prize