Lying in a hospital bed, Sylvie is half-dead. She has given up on life; given up on the twenty-first century as a whole. But then she is offered an opportunity: the chance to visit a place in the heart of rural Dorset: Stonewylde, a closed community, hidden away behind tall boundary walls, and ran by the charismatic Magus.
When Sylvie and her mother, Miranda, arrive at Stonewylde it seems idyllic; perfect. But all is not what it seems. Because when Sylvie meets the mysterious Villager, Yul, when he is digging their garden as punishment, things seem to spiral out of control.
This really is one of my favourite ever books! From the first page I was gripped! Some people may find it hard to grasp but I was lost in the world of Stonewylde straight away! It really is a life-changing book. After reading this book, and the rest of the series, I really started to change my attitude; and for the better. The things around me: birds, plants, wildlife; all became much clearer. I wanted to be out, roaming the fields around my house. I also started to mark each Moon Fullness (Full Moon) and the 8 festivals of the year (Samhain, Winter Solstice, Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lammas and Autumn Equinox!)
The plot is fantastic. When I close my eyes I can literally see Stonewylde! I really wish that Stonewylde was a real place (well, it is in my mind, I suppose!)
Sylvie was a great character: vulnerable at the start but then becoming her own person; with a great personality.
My favourite character was Yul, though. He showed bravery even in the hardest of times (no spoilers!)
For more information visit Kit Berry’s website