Magus of Stonewylde
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Magus of Stonewylde (2005) is the first in a series of books by Kit Berry, set in the fictional community of Stonewylde.
It tells the story of a girl, Sylvie, who cannot cope living in harsh inner-city London and is invited to stay in Stonewylde, a place of peace and tranquility, where paganism is still openly practiced. She and her mother Miranda are designated as being Hallfolk, the ruling class of Stonewylde. However, when Sylvie meets the dark and dangerous Yul, a simple Villager, both their lives start to change forever.
Stonewylde is a special place existing in modern Dorset. In many ways the inhabitants lead mediaeval lives, growing their own food, weaving their own cloth and living in harmony with nature. Behind the high boundary walls of this closed community, the 21st Century is irrelevant. But Sylvie's arrival triggers a series of events that seem to lead to disaster. The ancient crone in the tumbledown cottage, living alone with her crow and Book of Shadows, knows more than she's telling yet speaks only in riddles. The strange shamanic half-brother of Magus sees more than he appears to, but his hallucogenic ramblings are understood by no-one.
Beginning at the Spring Equinox, this first book takes the reader into the magical world of Stonewylde, where anything seems possible. At Beltane on May 1st, Sylvie and her mother are finally initiated into the ancient rituals that rule the lives of all at Stonewylde. Sylvie understands the power of the all-pervading Green Magic, whilst her growing attraction to the abused Village boy, Yul, creates problems for them both. Magus seems to hold all the power and will brook no defiance. His benign mask slips as his patience is tested beyond its limits. By the Summer Solstice, Sylvie is left in no doubt as to just how far this iron-willed man is prepared to go to stop the prophecies unfolding.
The second book in the series, Moondance of Stonewylde, continues the story.
