Stonewylde is a place of standing stones and earth energy -an idyllic refuge. But all is not quite as it seems. There's another side to Stonewylde; a darker side where brutality is rife. When Sylvie and her mother are invited to Stonewylde, an alternative community in Dorset, they believe their troubles are over. But gradually they discover the hidden aspects of life in a world ruled by one man, the enigmatic Magus. He promises them fulfilment; that they will lack for nothing. But there's a price to be paid for this sanctuary from the Outside World. There's a more sinister purpose behind the pagan rituals held in the Stone Circle than simply honouring the Earth Goddess and the elements of nature. One boy alone understands why Sylvie has been brought here - and what danger her arrival has triggered for both of them. Magus of Stonewylde is a story of ancient alchemy; of passion, cruelty and a prophecy to be fulfilled. Once you've entered the world of Stonewylde, you'll never be quite the same again.
Synopsis
"Magus of Stonewylde" is the first title in a series of five, appealing to readers of all ages. Stonewylde is an alternative community, a vast country estate hidden away in Dorset and enclosed behind high boundary walls. Ruled by the charismatic Magus, life here is simple and seems idyllic. Into this magical world come Sylvie and her mother, trying to escape the stresses of modern inner-city life. Sylvie suffers from chronic eczema and a strange malaise, but soon begins to heal in the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful Dorset countryside. She and her mother are entranced, both by their new life in a place where time seems to have stood still, and by their attractive benefactor.But then Sylvie befriends Yul, a dark and rebellious Village lad, and slowly she begins to see that Stonewylde, and particularly Magus, are not quite what they appeared to be. Why is Yul so damaged? What secret is he trying to protect?
And is the old crone on the hill a powerful wise-woman or simply a demented hag bent on destroying the equilibrium with her wild prophecies? Sylvie and her mother Miranda are initiated into the community at Beltane, which is celebrated in a great Stone Circle hidden amongst the oak trees. They take part in the pagan festivals that are an element of everyday life here, and Miranda is introduced to the full moon rituals by Magus himself. Sylvie has her own problems to contend with at the full moon, which has always affected her in a strange way. She discovers a special standing stone where the hares dance to the moon and with Yul's help realises that she is in fact moongazy.But this brings the wrath of two men on Yul's head, and the boy is taken away for punishment of a barbaric kind. Sylvie must learn to fight, and Yul must learn to bide his time. As the young pair's friendship deepens into something more, Miranda realises she is expecting Magus' child. The old crone's ramblings take on a new meaning and Sylvie realises the full extent of Magus' ruthlessness, and just how much danger Yul is in. Only she can save him.
If not, the boy will be destroyed by the dark forces that Magus has at his command.The first book in the "Stonewylde" series ends in an exciting and satisfying manner, and yet leaves the reader longing for the next book to take the story further. Meticulous research ensures authenticity to every detail of rural Dorset life, which makes the dazzling setting seem so real. Earth energy, moon magic - strange stuff, and yet all seems possible at Stonewylde.
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