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!