The Gifting

The first of two books (Red City being the other), The Gifting is set in a strange world, reminiscent of the third-century Roman Empire, on the brink of decay. Young Sulia's merchant father dies and she leaves her city in search of her mother, who years before has returned to her native land of Alainan, far across the sea. On her way there, she meets Rufus, a young, disturbed child of Empire, and Lugan, who has come from the fabulous land he calls Gealan - Land of the Moon, the White Kingdom. But just who is he? And just who is the mysterious girl, Donna, who appears one day beside them? What is waiting for them in Alainan - powers and joy behind imagining, or danger and death? Based on Celtic legends and Roman history, this novel is a blend of magic and mystery, adventure and terror.