Title:
Within The Shadow
Of Stone

Author:
Sheri L. McGathy

Published By:
Double Dragon Publishing

ISBN #:
1-55404-110-4

Release Date:
Available Now

Format:
Electronic

Within the Shadow of Stone takes us back through history, being set in a time when the Skye people worship the great Standing Stones, even though there are none who can really remember the whys and the wherefores. Bree of the Dunstan Clan does remember experiencing religious rites as a child, and realizes that she is "Shroud Born", which means that she is destined to serve the Stones and Hertha, known as Daughter of the Dawn and to chose One with whom she is to join. However, a dark cloud has passed over the people of the Skye, making any worship of the Stones impossible. Dayan Thane, High Commander, and creator of The Way of the Reform, is a servant of the evil Blight, who has destroyed the beliefs of the Skye by means of a plague, and has set up his own government, making worship of the Stones illegal. The people now serve Blight, and The Way. Making matters even worse for young Bree, is Alric of Clan Tynan. A bitter man, Alric has joined with the hateful Reform, and rides for Dayan Thane. His one great wish is to join with the lovely young Bree, and to be her One, a wish that could be his undoing.

When she is visited by Hertha herself, Bree is told that only she can save her people and the heart of her land. Her only help is a mysterious promise from the Stone Circle. "When your need is truly great, the stones will not forsake." With the help of Shanis, her grandfather, Bree flees her home and goes in search of others who would support the return to the old ways, and of the One with whom she is to join. In a surreal adventure, Bree travels through time and space in search of those still true to the faith, aided by a mythical creature named Rowan; but will she find her One before it is too late?

I followed Bree through her journey, hoping for her success. Her fear of Alric came through, touching me in a very real way, and I found myself shuddering as many times as I cheered this brave young woman. Sheri L. McGathy gives us a tale of good vs. evil with all the elements that make a good epic tale. I find myself wanting to hear more of Bree and her people.



Reviewed by: Kate B