Product Description

Sam has been missing for 2 years. Her best friend, Kate, has custody of Sam's 2 young children. Kate's husband, Jack, left her and she struggles alone with her own children and Sam's.

Hallowe'en, Samhain, a dark moon and abruptly, in a flurry of mystery and magic, Sam is back. Suddenly, Kate's already insecure world is torn asunder as Sam is seriously hurt and forces completely beyond her comprehension and experience flood into her life.

Lily, Kate and Sam's friend from before Sam vanished, shows more and more signs of being so much more than she first appears.

Lily guides Kate as they seek out Sam's tormentor and kidnapper (Ametsam), who has taken Kate's daughter Hayley from her home into his own world. They journey into his realm, a magical world found only by the opening of magical Portals. Retrieving Hayley they only just make it back safely.

Lily is revealed as the dreaded "Mistress" that Sam was taught to fear while she was held there - but she's not as scary as Sam was lead to believe. Someone has been telling lies.

Lily guides Sam on a journey of self discovery as Sam learns more about her own magical abilities and eventually they are ready to face Ametsam on his own territory. Lily and Sam finally confront Ametsam. Sam, realising her full magical potential, defeats him in a magical duel that tears his fortress apart.

But the personal damage is done, Sam no longer belongs in Kate's world and she remains behind. Kate is left alone once more.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1223903 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 204 pages

From the Publisher
The excellent debut novel from British newcomer Sarah Barnard with more to come in this fantasy series. The sequel, provisionally titled "The Portal Sundered", is expected towards the end of 2008.

From the Author
My first book in print! I'm really excited.

From the Back Cover
Sam has been missing for two long years. Kate struggles on with her own children and Sam's after Jack left her but she continues to believe that one day Sam will be back. It's Hallowe'en, Samhain and it's a dark moon. Abruptly in a flurry of mystery and magic, Sam is back and Kate's already insecure world is torn apart as forces beyond her experience and understanding flood into her life.

Customer Reviews

A really riveting read
The first night I had this book I had to make myself put it down, at one in the morning. I wanted to know what happened. Looking forward to the next one eagerly. Well done for a first book Audrey Heaton

Excellent debut fantasy novel
If you're looking for a story that switches between this world and another, with strong female characters, you'll enjoy Sarah Barnards new book. An alternative take on a story of growing friendships, this is a good read.

Read this in one sitting ...well I wanted to !
Sarah's book moves from the cosiness of day to day life into the realms of magic and back again with characters so well brought to life that you can see them (well I can !!). I am very much looking forward to the next book Fiona xxx