Ms Becket is also the author of The Magicians and Mrs Quent and The House on Durrow Street .

With her husband about to gain undreamed-of power, Ivy Quent fears for her family. War is looming across Altania and Ivy finds a temporary haven in the long abandoned manor as she races to master her forbidden talents and learn the truth that threatens her land.

If you crossed the Brontes with fantasy you get a world that is established by a red star that changed pre-history. This is a very literate fantasy of manners and magic with beautifully developed characters and world. As book three of a trilogy, I want more. My only problem lies in the changing of period from the world of pre-history to the present of this world that often leaves a sense of disorientation. But this is well worth the read. You will want to read the whole trilogy if you love fantasy or the Brontes. ~~ Pam Allan