Fay Sampson expertly weaves her mathematical background with a natural talent for storytelling. After years of teaching, she now dedicates herself full-time to writing, with her earlier children's books frequently recognized in prominent selections. Sampson's adult novels delve into history and legend, showcasing her skill in blending factual and mythical elements. Her work is characterized by its depth and engaging narrative style, drawing readers into captivating worlds.
Set in a captivating fantasy world, this story weaves together elements of epic poetry and heroism, creating a thrilling narrative that is sure to engage young readers aged 10 to 13. With its blend of suspense and enchanting storytelling, it promises to transport them on an unforgettable adventure.
The narrative explores the theme of desire and the consequences of one's choices. It presents a cautionary tale where characters can attain their deepest wishes, but must confront the peril of deceitful intentions. The story delves into the tension between longing and the potential for self-destruction, emphasizing the importance of honesty in the pursuit of fulfillment.
The narrative centers around Morgan the Fay, traditionally viewed as a villain, who reveals her complexities as both a witch and a queen. This retelling explores her desire to reshape her story, highlighting her role in Arthur's healing and challenging the perception of her as purely evil. The book delves into themes of redemption, power, and the reinterpretation of classic legends, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known character in Arthurian lore.
Set in a vibrant court, the story follows Taliesin, a young bard with aspirations of immortalizing King Arthur's legacy through song. Despite his talent, he grapples with the fear that he may have arrived too late to capture the king's heroic deeds, as Arthur's age looms over his ambitions. The narrative explores themes of legacy, artistry, and the passage of time against the backdrop of a legendary era.
Luned's aspirations of becoming a scholar-nun at Tintagel are challenged when she becomes the guardian of the troubled young Morgan, who is accused of attempting to kill her baby brother, Arthur. As Luned navigates her responsibilities, she confronts the complexities of compassion and the consequences of Morgan's actions, all while striving to maintain her own dreams amidst the turmoil. The story explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the struggles of youth against a backdrop of ambition and danger.
Set in a mystical Cumbrian landscape, the story follows Teilo, a blacksmith deeply rooted in the ancient Old Religion. His life intertwines with that of Morgan, an enigmatic princess from Cornwall, as their shared heritage sparks Teilo's ambition to unite their powers. The narrative explores themes of ambition, identity, and the interplay between personal desires and ancient traditions, as Teilo seeks to forge a connection that could alter the balance of power in their world.
Amateur sleuths Hilary Masters and Veronica Taylor face a real-life murder mystery at a crime writing weekend. Is a dark conspiracy unfolding on a West Country estate?Friends Hilary Masters and Veronica Taylor are eager to embark upon their weekend-long masterclass in crime writing at the evocative, fourteenth-century Morland Abbey, hoping to gain inspiration for their own novels. The queen of crime fiction herself, Dinah Halsgrove, is the guest of honour, giving the opening talk. But when Dinah suddenly falls ill later that evening, the pair can't help being suspicious. Has her mysterious illness been staged by the organisers, or does someone in their writing group have murderous intent?A series of sinister incidents draw Hilary and Veronica into a real-life murder mystery as gripping as any bestselling crime novel, but the biggest twist is yet to come . . . Can they separate fact from fiction to solve a deadly puzzle?
The first in The Aidan Mysteries, a series of modern whodunnits set in Celtic locations.
Morgan le Fay's life is irrevocably changed after her father's murder by King Uther Pendragon, who desires her mother, Ygerne. The story explores themes of betrayal and treachery as Uther uses Merlyn's magic to deceive Ygerne into bearing him a child, intertwining Morgan's fate with the powerful men of her time. This dark tale delves into the complexities of her lineage and the impact of her parents' choices on her future.
Recently retired teacher Hilary decides that the best way to stop herself worrying about her husband, who's away doing voluntary work in war-torn Gaza, is to distract herself with a holiday. She invites her good friend Veronica, a recent widow, to accompany her on a trip to Glastonbury, to see the ancient sights. The pair are saddened to discover that the sacred Glastonbury Thorn tree has been severely damaged, and they wonder whether other local sites are under threat too. But even they are unprepared for the shocking discovery Hilary makes at the Chalice Well: an abandoned bag, containing a bomb ... Who is to blame? A foreign tourist? An eccentric pagan author? Or an angry local who resents that a Christian place has been 'overun' by other beliefs? Hilary and Veronica just want to be on holiday, but they can't help but be sucked in to the investigation.