Stonewylde is an alternative community hidden away in Dorset; a place of standing stones and earth energy where green magic is strong. Into this enclosed world come two ordinary people, Sylvie and her mother, looking for healing and an escape from the stresses of modern materialistic life. They are entranced by the simplicity of life at Stonewylde, which is run on almost mediaeval principles. Everything is organic and home-produced; the religion is pagan as no outside influences have ever breached the boundary walls of the vast country estate. The community is led by the charismatic Magus who holds everyone in his thrall, and Sylvie and her mother soon fall under his spell.
But Sylvie befriends Yul, a tough rebellious boy from the Village, and gradually she realises that all is not quite as it seems at Stonewylde. Why is Yul so damaged? What secret is he trying to protect? There’s a darker, more sinister side to the seemingly idyllic retreat, which slowly reveals itself with terrifying consequences as the story unfolds.
The eight pagan festivals are celebrated in a great stone circle on a hill. The full moons are honoured at places where the earth energy is potent. Extensive research provides authenticity to the developing storyline, with powerful descriptions of pagan ritual, the divine scenery of rural Dorset, and ancient rustic crafts. But lyrical prose never slows the pace of the plot; there’s intrigue and action and incidents that make the hair stand on end.