Magus of Stonewylde Book One

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ReviewI read a dozen pages of Magus of Stonewylde and was trapped, for the duration of the book. In fact, I got so emotionally involved with the two main characters that I lay awake at night worrying about them, and had to exert all my strength of character not to flick to the last chapter to reassure myself that they won through. And then I was left on the biggest cliff-hanger at the end of a first novel in a sequence since "The Fellowship of the Ring". Of course I can't wait, now, to get my hands on book two, and I couldn't imagine that any sane person would feel otherwise. Kit Berry is an amazing natural storyteller, as much a magician in her effect as any of her characters. There is nobody who has taken the spirit of modern British Paganism, and infused it into a thrilling tale, as convincingly and alluringly as she. In a deeper sense, however, this is achievement is an extra one, because her people, her places and her plots are all so vivid that they would in themselves establish her as a major novelist of what can be termed 'fantastic realism'. --Professor Ronald Hutton in Pagan Dawn (UK magazine) A reader knows they are hooked on a story when a few pages into a book they suddenly realise that all everyday preoccupations are temporarily suspended in favour of a complete obsession with the characters and their fates. The Stonewylde books are absolutely at the top of the league of unputdownable novels. Kit Berry has pulled off a remarkable coup. Her detailed description of the small, remote community makes it very believable despite the unlikely scenario of an alternative agrarian society living by farming along medieval lines, ruled over by a rich despotic tyrant in complete isolation from the modern world. The author s descriptive powers also indicate a deep love of landscape and an acute observation of nature, while the brutality of some of the action brings a disturbing tension to the story. There are few enough Pagan fiction writers, and unfortunately even fewer examples of good Pagan fiction. The Stonewylde series has to be among the best in what is a fledgling genre. These books are such a terrific read that I have absolutely no reservations about recommending them to anyone. And yes, I can t wait for the next one! Highly Recommended --Jerry Bird, in Merry Meet (UK magazine) Kit Berry has written what is destined to be a best-selling commercial smash and an award-winning darling of the critics. In all honesty, I loved this book. From the moment that I first picked it up to read, I had a very hard time putting it down. What Kit Berry has done with Magus of Stonewylde is create one of the most amazing worlds and some of the most vibrant and fully-fleshed characters that I have encountered in my reading career. I found myself completely caught up in the triumphs and tragedies of Sylvie and Miranda; hating Buzz and rooting for Yul; cautious of Magus and wary of Mother Heggy. I loved every aspect of this book and am amazed at Berry s boundless imagination. I highly recommend that you get hold of the book ... I promise that you will not regret reading Magus of Stonewylde. This is a wonderful book. I, for one, am itching to get my dirty little mitts on a copy of Moondance of Stonewylde and see what happens to Sylvie and Yul and Miranda and Magus next. --American blogger: bryansbookblog.blogspot.com Product DescriptionMagus of Stonewylde is the first book in a series of five, the Stonewylde Series. Just published in the USA, it's enjoying great success in the UK. It's contemporary fiction set in an authentic pagan context. It appeals to adults and teens who like an unusual, exciting read. Stonewylde is a place of standing stones and natural earth energy - an idyllic refuge from the stressful modern world. But all is not quite as it seems. There's a darker, more sinister side to the vast country estate, hidden away in the green hills of southern England. Sylvie and her mother are invited to the alternative community of Stonewylde and believe their troubles are over. But slowly they discover hidden aspects of life in the enclosed world ruled by the enigmatic Magus. There's a price to be paid for this sanctuary. One boy alone understands why Sylvie has been brought here, and the danger her arrival has triggered. Meticulous research into pagan rituals and customs, and ancient rural crafts and folklore ensures authenticity to every detail. A cast of unforgettable characters play out this exciting story against the dazzling backdrop of English countryside. This series is one that will linger in the reader's imagination long after the books are finished.