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Torcal Trilogy #2.5

Elixa: Prequel to The Torcal Trilogy

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The year is 1178, and in the remote, mountain community of Abadía del Torcal a young girl, Elixabet Luz, witnesses a startling lunar event. She begins to unlock the mysterious healing powers of the stones that have been sent to earth, but in just a few short weeks she must forsake the young hunter she loves and be married off to a local nobleman.

As she struggles in the little time she has left to convince those around her of the wondrous gift from the skies, she falls foul of a fanatical monk who accuses her of heresy and witchcraft.

Now she faces the worst fate of all: to burn at the stake.

* Elixa is the prequel to The Torcal Trilogy with award-winning The Grotto's Secret being the first in the series.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2019

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About the author

Paula Wynne

20 books284 followers
Paula Wynne is the award-winning author of The Grotto's Secret which won The People's Book Prize. She has appeared on TV several times, including the BBC Show, Escape to the Continent, which showed her and her husband's quest to live in Spain so Paula could become a full time writer.

The Grotto's Secret is a fast-paced thriller that laces together historical and modern global settings with a supernatural hint. The Sacred Symbol and The Luna Legacy follows the characters and their journeys with Elixa's story kicking it all off in the prequel! The Torcal Trilogy series is described by readers as a 'must' for fans of Kate Mosse and Dan Brown.

Paula is currently writing more conspiracy thrillers with historical mystery twists. She brings her love for thrillers and history, along with the beauty of European countries into her books.

Paula runs regular book giveaways, so join her news or find out more about Paula at https://www.paulawynne.com.

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5 stars
32 (54%)
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17 (28%)
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7 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,436 reviews36 followers
June 5, 2019
This is a prequel to a series I've already read but it is very good. I'm so glad I got a chance to read it.
Love Elixa! It was fun reading about the abbey and it's inhabitants. I cannot imagine living there in that time and how difficult it must have been. There are hints of supernatural happenings but not so much to turn you off if you don't like that kind of thing. I'm not a huge fan of it but I loved this book and the subsequent trilogy. Wonderful read!!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,654 reviews28 followers
June 24, 2019
I enjoyed the book, Fast paced with many twists and turns, although I can't imagine reading it without the background knowledge of the rest of the trilogy. Paula Wynne creates memorable characters that you get wrapped up & invested in. As much as her characters this is a complicated story that's rich in historical detail. If you like Kate Mosse' Languedoc series you'll love this. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,822 followers
December 22, 2019
‘Nothing in life is as sacred as our hopes and dreams’

American author Paula Wynne began her career in writing after moving to rural Andalusia, Spain. This journey/change of location was documented: Paula and her husband Ken starred in the BBC Show, ‘Escape to the Continent’, which showed their quest to live in Spain. Paula has won acclaim for the Writers’ Resource Series – ‘A-Z Writers’ Character Quirks’, ‘Pimp My Fiction’, ‘Create a Successful Website,’ and ‘Pimp My Site’ as well as for her exceptional historical fiction novels – THE TORCAL TRILOGY, consisting of THE SACRED SYMBOL, THE GROTTO’S SECRET, and THE LUNA LEGACY.

ELIXA is a ‘conspiracy mystery thriller’ that is the Prequel to her TORCAL TRILOGY series and Paula does indeed know how to spin a yarn that involves the reader from page one. At the end of this book Paula shares her discovery of the historical sites and concepts and how she became so immersed with her new home in Sierra del Torcal that she created this series. She sets the flavor of her trilogy as this story opens: ‘With rigid muscles and a clenched jaw, Elixa Luz ran through the rocky labyrinth in the twilight. Away from Abadia del Torcal. Her stomach knotted. Every word she had just burned through her heart, searing and hotter than a summer’s night. The sweet scent of wildflower blossoms filled the air as their petals were tugged by the breeze…’ Without further probing we have a finger on the pulse and direction of the novel – except for the well-paced twists that offer background and purpose of the story’s drive.

Paula offers a fine synopsis: ‘The year is 1178, and in the remote, mountain community of Abadía del Torcal a young girl, Elixabet Luz, witnesses a startling lunar event. She begins to unlock the mysterious healing powers of the stones that have been sent to earth, but in just a few short weeks she must forsake the young hunter she loves and be married off to a local nobleman. As she struggles in the little time she has left to convince those around her of the wondrous gift from the skies, she falls foul of a fanatical monk who accuses her of heresy and witchcraft. Now she faces the worst fate of all: to burn at the stake.’

Able to put this book down before finishing it? Doubt it. Propulsive and rich in imagery and tension, ELIXA is a superb opening for the TORCAL TRILOGY – rich in poetic elegance and searing adventure. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Lana.
2,786 reviews59 followers
April 18, 2019
A thrilling book about a young woman living in the Abadia del Torcal, in a small community in the mountains of Spain, at a time when commoners were not educated, however she was brought up by an open minded abbot who taught her to not only read and write, but to crave a thirst for knowledge and to always keeps an open mind, and this is what brought Elixa into so much trouble. She had witnessed a lunar eclipse and she had found what she called her Luna stones which she said had healing powers, and she saw the small lake of water being formed when a massive burning rock fell right in front of her very eyes from the sky, she declared the water to be holy however the dark ages were not called this for no reason. People were kept ignorant by the church who knew that knowledge was power, and they were not ready to share their hold over the commoners with anyone. In the abbey itself an evil, ambitious, lecherous and hypocritical brother lived and wanted nothing else but to be chief abbot so he schemed and branded Elixa as a heretic, witch and thief in that order and She was to be the first woman to be burnt at the stake by his evil hand! However other people from different parts of the world and who were not Catholics and bigots, such as Grigory were at the same time studying alchemy and astrology and knew that the phenomenon Elixa had witnessed was explainable through science. One of these people was Arif a Moor from Arabia and his path crossed hers. She was a woman well before her times in so many things, she fought against marrying a man she hated in order to marry the person she loved, she studied in secret and wanted nothing more but to share her knowledge and be a healer. She fought against superstition and fear of sin and Satan, but mainly she fought against ignorance. However others had other ideas for her and they wielded more power than a young woman with nothing to her name or did they? An amazing prequel to the Torcal Trilogy which I am so glad to have read first, though many readers I am sure have already read the trilogy which I am now dying to get my hands on, as this story which I found so riveting is still going through my mind needing to know more!
626 reviews
June 8, 2019
SETTING: June 18, 1178 A.D, Sierra del Torcal
A young servant girl observes a starling event along with the presiding monk: an explosion on the moon. Uncertain of the significance, she continues pondering the event and prays for understanding. Several days later a storm of rocks fall to the earth, one of which is huge and burrows its way deep into the earth. The subsequent rain fills the hole and suddenly the mountain has a supply of much needed fresh water, a seeming answer to prayers.
Upon this event, the story is built as the girl, Elixa, and the monks and people try to understand the event, as do scholars around the world who also experienced similar events. The religiosity of the times does not lend itself to allowing peasants to study such phenomenon, and those who do are often branded as heretics or witches. Such is the situation with Elixa. How she survives, who comes to her aid and why, and the other treasures of past scholars she finds, make for a most intriguing story!
CRITIQUE: I had previously read The Torcal Trilogy, so having this additional information filled in the gaps to make the story complete. For readers just coming to the series, I would recommend reading this book first, as the others naturally follow. However, wherever you begin, you will not be disappointed in this delightful tale that, when read in it’s entirety, covers centuries of events. Bravo Ms. Wynne for a wonderful treat for your readers!
Profile Image for Kay.
1,722 reviews18 followers
May 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this entertaining tale of a small Spanish community, and an extraordinary girl named Elixa.

Unusually for that time, Elixa is given a slightly different education by the abbot, Brother Luiz, for whom her mother and herself have a lot of love and respect. Elixa turns out to be an intelligent, questioning student and she devours the books in the monastery library. Brother Grigori is not a man of God and talks the abbot into accepting bad things, such as Elixa being betrothed to a nasty, violent, rich man.

I loved the idea of the stones and the water, and the fact that Elixa wanted to help everybody, however, inevitably, she plays in to Grigori's hands. It is unbelievable what happens to her, when all she wanted to do was heal them and teach the truth of the moon in the sky.

It's an engrossing story, the characters feel real, and - unfortunately - so does the action. Makes you think how many Elixas there have been over the centuries who have been 'disposed' of, just to get them out of the way because they were too intelligent for their own good.

Having enjoyed this prequel, I may now indulge in the author's trilogy. I chose this tale from a selection in a giveaway, which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own.
645 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2019
I was given a copy free for an honest review, and this is the prequel to the Torcal trilogy which at the moment I have only read the first two and they are brilliant a little bit of supernatural just enough to make you wonder and not taken out of the concept. This is the same. the first time events start to happen in the skies she sees this some stones fall to Earth, and glow do these have a meaning, she also finds a library set in a cave that nobody knew what' was there, she should tell the Abbot. Another monk Brother Grigori decides that he is better equipped to take over the Abbey, and so put the fear of God into the parishioners, and the talk of heresy and of witchcraft which in medieval times was to burn at the stake. He also talked the Abbot into an arranged marriage for Elixa, which she is dead against as she was bought up with her friend Rosa who suddenly disappeared and a woodcutter, which she has fallen in love with, but he has no money, and her intended is not very personable, but Grigori has been paid handsomely, so what does become of Elixa. Paula Wynne does have a knack of writing these novels and are well thought out different places brilliantly researched, give her a go you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Linda.
428 reviews15 followers
June 6, 2019
I received a copy of this book for free from the author as an ARC and have voluntarily chosen to review it.
This is a prequel to the Torcal Trilogy and it really does add to the understanding of the other books without spoilers to ruin the suspense of the other books. I always enjoy the background to the stories. The characters were all well written and believable. You know people just like them even with them living in the dark ages. And you can feel the wonder and awe Elixa feels as she discovers new knowledge. It is a wonderous feeling.A few times I had the feeling this was a young adult novel, but the content really wasn't young adult material. The action was fast and kept me reading to see what would happen hext. This is a good book to add to the trilogy, especially if you like historical thrillers full of suspense.
405 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2019
Fantastic prequel to the Torcal Trilogy!

I read the Torcal Trilogy before reading this book. This is a really good lead-in to the Trilogy. The book is set around 1178 and our heroine Elixa is way ahead of her time and doesn't fit the mold of a girl/woman of that time period. The Abbott takes her under his wing and allows her more education then would be given at the time. She is thirsty for knowledge which tends to mess with someone else's plans. This is such a page turner! Loved this book and the Trilogy.

I received an ARC from the author but liked it so much, I purchased the book. Having read this, I think I will have to go back and re-read the Trilogy. I'm sure I'll pick up more the second time around.
153 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2019
I was not sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised on how I enjoyed the book.
This historical fiction is an amazing well written story that takes place around 1178.
I love how the Author has interwoven historical facts with fantasy in this intriguing tale that includes suspense and mystery and many unpredictable twists.
With an excellent plot, the characters are believable and well developed, the tale well thought out runs smoothly, and the world and era they live in is described beautifully.
There is a lot happening in this rich and rewarding prequel that captures and holds the reader's interest throughout that it is almost impossible to put the book down.
Recommended!
I received a copy from the Author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
277 reviews4 followers
May 22, 2019
Great story that tell us about the supernatural/magic in the medieval time. We follow the story of a young curious girl that lives in an abbey and tries to make sense of her world and help everyone.
I found the descriptions of the places compelling and the story very emotional.
It's a very good story, even though I think it goes a bit too long (lengthwise) for a prequel novel. A bit slow in the beginning, after the first half, the story starts to get pace and you won't be disappointed.
The book is marked as book #2.5 here in Goodreads listing but in reality it is book #0 of the series (written only after the trilogy was finished).
Even so, I found the book can be totally read as a standalone, as this was the first book I've read from the serie and I didn't felt any problem. There is not much of a cliffhanger, though I wouldn't mind to continue the story. There can be many more adventures.
Profile Image for Lucinda Clarke.
Author 26 books157 followers
June 21, 2019
I would give this book four and a half stars. The story is excellent and a little out of the ordinary, but in places I found it a little slow and repetitive. The tale of a young rural peasant living in 12th Century Spain who witnesses what I guess to be a meteorite shower creating a crater which promptly fills with water. Her love for her mother, the penniless hunter, her repugnance for the man chosen for her and her relationship with the local abbey make for a great backdrop. It is part well researched historical drama, part fantasy the two weave together in a surprisingly believable way. Easy to read, well edited and I enjoyed the book.

Profile Image for Trick Wiley.
961 reviews5 followers
June 22, 2019
I don't usually read these kinds c books,but I thought I would change it cause it did say it had history n it and I'm s glad I did!! You get to know the characters and the ones you really like and the one you want to"pot be gone",lol. Story line had me trying to read faster where I had to slow down cause I started missing things but was in a hurry to find out what's next,description of different things was wonderful and the whole book fantastic!! The saying,you can't judge a book by its cover,well this is so true with this one and I'm so glad I went ahead and read cause I'm not one for medieval stories.
Profile Image for Hope Gerhardstein.
507 reviews
June 7, 2019
I have read all the books in the Torcal Trilogy before reading this prequel. The books can be read in any order an each is a complete story. Paula Wynne does a great job developing her characters. In this book Elixa is unusual in that she is a educated woman. Practically unheard of in this time. Her quest for knowledge lands her in trouble with the church. Can she convince the people of the healing powers of the lunar stones? A definite page turner! I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review and comments.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,087 reviews
May 30, 2019
Oh my, I have found another author to read. This is a prequel to her Torcal Trilogy which I will have to read. It's set in Spain in the 1100's. Elixa is a girl that's lucky to have the Abbot teach her. Most girls during this time were not taught. She is Blessed, but must hide this blessing, for there is a crocked monk in the Abbey. Full of great characters, fast paced and an easy read. Happy Reading 😊
Profile Image for Lady The Owls.
389 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2019
What a great story! I pictured a lot of it in my eyes as it was read and it was glorious to see. Then at the end of the book Paula Wayne gives a link to her site to see what inspired her for scenes inside the story. Wow I was so surprised she could bring it to life as she saw it. There is a lot of mystery, suspense and evil going on in the book. Also an awakening to learning. Grand book I am anxious to read the next in the series. Will be a joy to do so.
11 reviews
July 6, 2019
Best prequel to a set

Having read the Georgia Secret and really enjoyed it. Was really glad to find further books in the set. This one explains a lot of the back history and is well worth reading. The story explains how the legacy comes into being and shows a very strong main character in Elixa which follows down her descendants in the trilogy. Would really recommend. Now going to re-read the trilogy. Who needs sleep!!!
Profile Image for Jane.
74 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2019
Elixa is the prequel to the Torcal Trilogy, detailing how the Luna Legacy came about.

This wonderful medieval tale combines history, mystery, and thriller to capture you from the first chapter and eagerly keep you turning pages.

The storyline is intriguing, the characters well-developed, and the writing flows well with rich detail. This was a book I couldn't put down.
173 reviews
June 5, 2019
Not a history buff, BUT...

These stories in the Torcal series have grabbed me and I love every minute of it. The "based on history" but the "what ifs" has absolutely made me want to read more. ELIXA is the prequel to this great series that makes you think about what might have really happened...who knows?

I received an ARC of this book, but I would have bought it anyway. Fantastic read!!
Profile Image for Riann.
538 reviews22 followers
June 12, 2019
A very well written and beautiful story that I absolutely adored! The characters were complex and very well developed. I could relate to Elixa's pursuit of knowledge as learning is also very important to me. I could vividly picture the Abbey and the surrounding area. Such a fascinating community! The ending was perfect! I look forward to reading more books in this trilogy!
Profile Image for Michelle Ferrari-Johnson.
1,559 reviews39 followers
June 17, 2019
Strong Woman

Holy Wow! There is so much going on in this story that will have you questioning the decisions and actions of all the adults in this story. Not everyone is as they seem. Some secrets are genuinely fantastic! Others are so terrifying they will have your skin crawling and you screaming!!

I have read book one of the series and am looking forward to reading the rest.
667 reviews26 followers
September 11, 2019
I enjoyed this book. I loved the main character' personality and how she helped the entire village win against ignorance! The plot was unique and kept me wanting to read more. The author writes where you feel the main character's emotions. I believe the series will be a great one. I will be following this author for more.
2,074 reviews13 followers
April 30, 2019
Intriguing tale with enough twists and turns to keep you wanting more. This book contains mysteries, secrets, sacred stones and hidden agendas, all of which culminate in a memorable ending. An enjoyable addition to the series.
1,724 reviews12 followers
June 9, 2019
An excellent beginning for a trilogy based on strong female characters. Women who will fight for their families and communities. Starting with a gift from Heaven that spreads far and wide. A great prequel for an outstanding series.
Profile Image for Terry Lynn.
33 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2023
Amazing story

This book kept me fascinated with the ideas and lovely images that were created by the author. Even the sad parts kept me engrossed and I can't wait to read more by this author
475 reviews4 followers
June 8, 2019
I liked it

It was kind of difficult to get into but after reading a bit I was quite enthralled with it. It definitely had a strong female presence which I like.
Profile Image for Dave.
747 reviews7 followers
June 21, 2019
Great characters, plot, conflict and intrigue. Maybe a little too much wrapped up in this prequel.
I have the next two books in my queue.
11 reviews
July 24, 2019
I enjoyed this book, lots of twists & turns and just when I thought I figured it out, bam! Looking forward the Torcal Trilogy now.
539 reviews8 followers
November 28, 2019
Sensational

Magic, spirituality, and determination work together in this tale in a wonderful way. Struggle resulting in obtaining knowledge allows thanks!
Profile Image for Elisabeth.
141 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2021
Not my usual thing, but a nice read, well written with a bit of history and bit of luna magic too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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