Magus of Stonewylde: Book 1 (Stonewylde Series) [Paperback]

"Dramatic and exciting story with a brilliant, original setting. Difficult to put down once you've begun." (4.5 stars) (THE BOOKBAG ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Deep in the green hills of Dorset lies a hidden place of secrets, passion and fatal conflict. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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.

Magus of Stonewylde is the first in a series of five books. Originally written for the young adult market, it has proved to be a runaway success with readers of all ages and tastes; from a retired nurse aged 86 to a male prison officer in his 30s, as well the intended teenage readers. It's quite compulsive reading - the two most voiced comments from readers are that they couldn't stop reading it and stayed up half the night to find out what happened next, followed by wondering when the next one will be published because they're desperate to carry on with the story! Read it for yourself and find out exactly why Stonewylde is such a different story - one that refuses to be categorised easily under mystery / romance / adventure / fantasy / horror / paganism - for it's a mixture of all these elements with a little extra magic thrown in. It's quite unique and will weave its own spell around you - see below what Kevin Crossley-Holland had to say about it.

I wrote the Stonewylde series of books after a very magical experience in a labyrinth made of fallen autumn leaves one Hallowe'en. If you feel a little strange when you gaze up at the full moon - if you sense some greater power when you stand on a hilltop with the skies arching over you - if you feel the presence of something unseen when walking in woods - then you'll understand the pull of Stonewylde. And if you don't - then come with me and enter the world, and I'll show you what it's all about.

She felt terror prickle through her body and ripple down her arms. Something was stirring in the shadows below. She knew with absolute certainty who the victim was ...

Kit Berry is a Dorset teacher turned author. She loves the natural world and enjoys walking in hills, woods and fields. The beautiful countryside of Dorset inspired her to write the Stonewylde Series. She's also interested in history, folk-lore and green magic. She lives in Reading now with her partner and two Burmese cats. Find out more about her by visiting the Stonewylde website: stonewylde.com and when you've read the books, do join the Stonewylde Forum. Kit is available for talks and book signing events.