Sylvia Bishop longlisted for the 2025 Carnegie Medal for Writing

The longlist for the 2025 Carnegie Medal for Writing has been announced and we are delighted that On Silver Tides by Sylvia Bishop has been included! Congratulations Sylvia!

Full of heart, drama and beauty, this sweeping fantasy inspired by ancient folklore will draw you into a secret world within Britain’s waterways.

Kelda has always protected her little sister Isla from danger on the rivers, and from the suspicions of their community. For Isla cannot breathe underwater – and so her very existence is forbidden by silvermen’s Lore.
Now the rivers of England are growing sick: monstrous creatures are awakening and a fierce torrent of blame falls upon Kelda’s family. When betrayal comes, the sisters escape on a desperate journey upstream. Joining forces with a mysterious boy, Kelda discovers the darkest depths of her kind’s secret history. But to save both her sister and the very life of Britain’s waterways, Kelda will have to make a sacrifice – one that will change her life forever.

On Silver Tides was published by Andersen Press in February 2024. Rights have sold to W. F Howes (Audio), and to Turbine (Denmark).

Praise for On Silver Tides: 

A shimmering, stark, original novel for 12+, richly characterised and unforgettably atmospheric ― Guardian

A haunting, lyrical fable … Beautiful and thought-provoking ― Irish Times

Timely in its theme of protecting our rivers and streams, it also has the timeless power and craftsmanship of a classic — Nicolette Jones ― The Sunday Times, Book of the Week

This book is a gift of rare imagination and luminous writing. I haven’t read something so original and immersive in a long time. On Silver Tides is a classic in the making and I loved every word — Katya Balen

A timely environmental message underpins this beautifully written adventure… Broodingly atmospheric, this is a richly imagined world ― Daily Mail

‘I loved this book so much. It feels like a contemporary classic’ – Alice Winn