`The fantasy book of the year.’ – Eoin Colfer, bestselling author of Artemis Fowl; `A novel that truly stands apart for its originality and relevance… a book about words, about language, about their power to civilise – and, in the wrong hands, to abuse and dehumanise. For a writer to deal with such themes it is the most basic of requirements that she herself should handle words in a manner which exploits their potential richness and resonance. Forde rises magnificently to the challenge’ – The Irish Times; `The Wordsmith is warm, original, thought-provoking but most of all a tremendous page-turner; I hope this won’t be the last we hear of Letta, a brave and spirited heroine’ – School Library Association; `[A] gripping postapocalyptic thriller… it is a well-crafted page-turner, as well as a compelling commentary on censorship and the role of language, while also inviting discussion about what distinguishes humans from animals. For dystopian fiction aficionados, this well-paced entry offers plenty of food for thought.’ – School Library Journal; It is a salutary story, a powerful story and a story that I highly recommend and thoroughly enjoyed. Patricia Forde is great new voice to look out for.’ – Armadillo Children’s Book Magazine