The Dampening Stone
Book One of the Wizards Without Magic Series
Some secrets have remained hidden for centuries. Others are worth killing for.
1907. In the fog-shrouded streets of London, an elderly scholar makes a discovery that will cost her life.
For young James Mackenzie, the mysterious death of his great-aunt Jessie is only the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Drawn across the Irish Sea to a remote island dominated by an ancient castle, he finds himself among a remarkable gathering of individuals brought together for a Competition held only once every seven years.
Here, in a world concealed from ordinary Edwardian society, magic is very real — although its practitioners are not always quite what one might expect.
Accompanied by the formidable Sir William Medsey, his spirited granddaughter Elizabeth, and an increasingly eccentric collection of acquaintances, James encounters mysterious scholars, extraordinary abilities, ancient rivalries and individuals whose true natures might best remain undiscovered.
But beneath the castle's traditions and apparent grandeur lies a secret that has endured for centuries. As strange events multiply and suspicions deepen, James begins to realise that his aunt's death may be connected to something far more dangerous than he could ever have imagined.
And at the heart of it all lies the mystery of the Dampening Stone.
Blending historical mystery, supernatural intrigue, adventure and distinctly dry British humour, The Dampening Stone is a tale of friendship, courage, unexpected discoveries and the dangers of judging others by appearances.
For in a world where magic is possible, nothing — and no one — is necessarily what it seems.
The Measure of a Wizard
Book Two of the Wizards Without Magic Series
- COMING SOON -
Late 1907. Having survived the extraordinary events surrounding the Dampening Stone, James Mackenzie is beginning to settle into his new position as secretary to the formidable Sir William Medsey.
He had hoped that his new employment might offer a degree of stability and respectability. Unfortunately, the Medsey household has already proved rather less peaceful than anticipated. But when a mysterious appeal arrives from the King of the Hellenes, domestic disturbances are soon eclipsed by matters of considerably greater consequence.
From London to Sussex, by way of the mysterious Office of Strange and Secret Matters, and onward to the sun-kissed Mediterranean, the extraordinary world into which James has stumbled becomes ever more real — and increasingly impossible to ignore.
On the island of Crete, an archaeological excavation is uncovering the remains of a civilisation lost for thousands of years. But behind the excitement of the discoveries lies a secret that may prove considerably more dangerous than anyone suspects.
Drawn into a mystery involving ancient legends, international intrigue and the extraordinary possibilities of magic, James discovers that his late great-aunt Jessie may have known considerably more about the secrets of Crete than anyone suspected.
As Sir William and his companions confront dangers both ancient and modern, James faces a question that no amount of magical knowledge can answer.
For the true measure of a wizard may lie not in the power he possesses, but in the wisdom with which he chooses to use it.
Combining historical adventure, supernatural mystery, memorable characters and distinctly dry British humour, The Measure of a Wizard continues the world introduced in The Dampening Stone.
The adventure continues…
