Dave's second book 'The Forever Court' out next April

A West Cavan author has won the Specsavers 'Children’s Book of the Year’ award in the senior category at the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards 2016. Dave Rudden from Bawnboy scooped the accolade for his Penguin-published fantasy debut novel 'Knights of the Borrowed Dark’ at the award ceremony in Dublin at weekend.

An understandably “delighted” Dave told The Anglo-Celt this week that he still can’t believe the outcome. More than 45,000 readers voted for the individual category winners and picked his book as the best 'Senior’ children’s book of this year.
“I still can’t believe it. I keep coming down stairs and just checking it’s there, it’s amazing,” he said.
A humble David however took not time in reiterating the thanks he extended from the awards podium to his friends, family, neighbours and thousands of others who backed him.
As he rushes to a mid-morning meeting in Dublin, Dave adds: “It’s really set to take off. I think I’m booked up fully until December 22 at least. Between readings now in the run up to Christmas, in shops and schools, it’s all go. But it’s exciting.”

New book
But despite his hustle and bustle, Dave has just enough time to deliver a Celt exclusive for his fans, telling this newspaper that the second installation of the 'Borrowed Dark’ trilogy is due for release in early next year, titled 'The Forever Court’.
“It’ll be out on April 6. I’m very excited about it,” says Dave.
Asked what readers can expect, he says: “More monsters, more terror, more magic and fun, and I’m currently half-way through the second draft of book three.”