The Jewel of Saxon Wood | Ali Riley
Meet Amber, a ten-year-old girl with a passion for ancient history and a knack for noticing the little things. She’s happiest surrounded by dusty artefacts in her family’s museum, but her world is turned upside down when developers threaten to tear it down. To make matters worse, Amber’s mum, a renowned archaeologist, is called away on an urgent dig, leaving Amber in the care of her eccentric Great-Aunt Iris, who loves to tell wild tales about a magical jewel.
When Amber stumbles upon a mysterious oak tree in the woods, she’s swept into an adventure that takes her far beyond her imagination—straight into a Saxon village! There, she makes new friends, like the bold Aedre, who dreams of becoming a warrior, and tangles with the tricky Rinc, who’s always stirring up trouble. She also crosses paths with a mysterious druid who seems to know more about her family than he lets on.
As Amber explores this realm, she witnesses the leadership of Lady Aethelflaed, the powerful daughter of King Alfred, who rules with wisdom and strength in her father’s absence. Inspired by Aethelflaed’s courage, Amber embarks on shield-maiden training with Aedre, preparing for fierce battles and Viking raids. Alongside her new companions, she learns about bravery, friendship, and the strength to stand up for what’s right. But will Amber’s newfound courage be enough to save her family’s museum and uncover the secret of the legendary jewel?
Packed with mystery, adventure, and a touch of magic, Amber’s journey will have you cheering her on as she learns that sometimes, the past holds the key to the future.