Deadly Connection by Dave Rudden - read an excerpt
In the upcoming horror series for young readers, "Tales of Darkisle," author Dave Rudden delves into the supernatural with an action-packed tale of an Irish mind-controlling zombie. The first book in the collection, titled "Conn of the Dead," is an entertaining mix of Irish folklore and captivating storytelling.
Aimed at reluctant readers or those with short attention spans, this short and pacy illustrated read is suitable for those aged 9 and above and offers a thrilling adventure filled with safe scares.
The narrative centers around Conn, an 11-year-old troublemaker exploring the halls of the National Folklore Collection at University College Dublin, where his aunt works. Intrigued by a case marked 'hazardous' among the clutter, Conn opens it, unleashing the ancient power of the Abhartach: an undead monster of terrible might.
Readers can follow Conn's thrilling adventure in the first chapter, which is now available. Dave Rudden, the author of the bestselling novel "Knights of the Borrowed Dark," has promised more heart-pounding horror experiences with the second book in the series, set to release in early 2026. The new book will feature a new hero and a new monster to terrify and enthrall young readers.
Dave Rudden, an accomplished Irish author and scriptwriter, has made a name for himself crafting engaging tales steeped in fantasy and folklore. With "Conn of the Dead," he demonstrates his ability to create appealing horror stories that resonate with contemporary readers, seamlessly blending Irish mythology with exciting plotlines.
In addition to his work on "Tales of Darkisle," Dave Rudden serves as an Ambassador for Ireland Reads since 2022 and holds the Writer-in-Residence position for the Kids Love Books podcast on RTE and Artist-in-Residence at Dublin City University. UK-based award-winning graphic designer and illustrator Ali Al Amine will bring the terrifying world of "Conn of the Dead" to life with his captivating illustrations.
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This captivating series, "Tales of Darkisle," combines entertainment from the Irish folklore-influenced books with nail-biting horror entertainment. With the first book, "Conn of the Dead," readers can delve into a world filled with books, Irish mythology, and thrilling adventures.
