Sirena is a sea spinner, whose job is to keep her village in harmony with Ocean, the spirit of the sea. In return, she is gifted sticky black fibres produced by ancient sea clams, which she turns into gold thread, using a secret process as old as time. Everyone in the village has a magical protection charm, embroidered from the golden thread that links them to Ocean.But when a boat filled with armed men arrives in the harbour, village life is turned upside down. These men have come for one reason only – to demand an entire cloth made from sea gold for their king.Sirena knows this is impossible – the shells can't produce that much fibre. But if she doesn't do as the men ask, they won't hesitate to kill every villager, and raze the village to the ground.Is there a way she can give these men what they want before they destroy everything and everyone she loves?At heart, Sea Spinners is the story of the origin of the golden fleece, and the powerful young woman who weaves it. Lu Hersey worked as an advertising copywriter until she escaped to become a librarian and study for an MA in writing for young people at Bath Spa University. Her debut book, Deep Water, won the Mslexia Children's Novel Award and was originally published by Usborne. In theory her four children have all left home, but are mostly still around, busy depleting her food cupboards. She currently lives in Glastonbury.
