SYNOPSIS: Finn the half-Great, Theo Caldwellʼs first novel for young adults, tells the story of Irelandʼs most beloved hero. Finn McCool, at fourteen feet, thinks he is the tallest thing in the Emerald Isle. That is, until he ventures outside his childhood valley. Finn soon discovers that ancient Britain is a land of Giants, dragons, wizards and men, in which he is only one little fellow.
Despite treating those about him as decently as he can, Finn finds he has enemies all over. Even before he was born, cruel creatures known as the Frost Giants killed Finnʼs dad, who was a Giant, and tried to do away with his mum, a mortal woman. When Finn becomes a young man and hears of the unpleasantness that befell his parents, his first order of business is to seek out the Frost Giants and take revenge.
In later years, Finn becomes a calmer chap, living in idle bliss on his hill, known as Knockmany, with his beloved wife, Oonagh. But Finn the half-Greatʼs troubles are not over. Ireland and all of Britain are being overrun by mortal men, who have no patience for bigger fellows like Finn. When Knockmany is attacked by humans and Oonagh is kidnapped by their leader, Jack in the Green, Finn sets out to rally Britainʼs remaining Giants and bring her back.
Finn the half-Great will be released with McClelland & Stewart-Random House, Tundra Books, in the autumn of 2009.
