The Sterkarm Handshake: Summary and book reviews of The Sterkarm Handshake by Susan Price, plus links to an excerpt from The Sterkarm Handshake and a biography of Susan Price.

The Sterkarms have plundered the border between Scotland and England for generations. Suddenly intruders, calling themselves Elves, want the Sterkarms to stop their violent ways. The Elves, time travelers from the 21st century, have found a way back to the 16th century and plan to do their own plundering of the land's rich natural resources. Their only mistake is foolishly underestimating the Sterkarms themselves. For Andrea Mitchell, an anthropologist working among the Sterkarms, none of this matters. In love with Per -- a young Sterkarm warrior -- and feted as a beautiful Elf-May, she's never known such happiness in her own time. But when Per receives a deadly injury, Andrea's decision to take him into the 21st century to save him has explosive results. Per, seeing how powerful and destructive the Elves truly are, swears to keep them from his land forever. And in the bloody battle that ensues, Andrea must finally choose whose side she is on. The Sterkarm Handshake is a stirring tale of a clash of two cultures, beautifully told by master storyteller Susan Price.

Media Reviews

Booklist A gripping story, filled with realistic details of sixteenth-century life.   School Library Journal This dazzling story combines time travel, romance, and action, along with thought-provoking ideas and memorable characters.   Publishers Weekly A ripping good tale [Winner of Britain's 1999 Guardian First Book Award]. . . Price's skill with language makes it all so believable.   Times of London Fusing the best sci-fi and history! Philip Pullman Enthralling...A thunderous, driving, unstoppable yarn.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by Me
Rubbish
I don't think this book was very good because it goes on and on about the cliffs and how stunning they are compared to the 21st side, but I know, I am a student reading this book and I would say it's ok, but don't make children read it please :(

Rated of 5 by Kelli
Wow. This book has taken me quite a while to read. Some of the words and language in there caused me to reread certain passages. I think that this book is probably one of the hardest ones that I've ever read in my life, being only 15 years of...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Cherie Cabrera
This book was a realistic and stirring tale that seemed to realistic. I found myself wrapped in the book for two whole days. I was staggered by the ending and foound that I weeped when the last words were read. I have read many books before but...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Sarah F
This is a vibrant book filed with intense characters and plot. Price's descriptive passages and unique interpretations guide the reader smoothly through the narrative which avoids at all times the feeling of disbeleif which can so eaily be...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Sally Lisle
This is the Best book I have ever read, EVER!!!

Rated of 5 by jamie Lamew
this was a great book

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Books with similar themes

• Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Alternate History
  
• Young Adults
  
• UK (Britain) & Ireland 
  
• 17th Century or Earlier 
  
• The Future