Do you enjoy medieval thrillers?Then you’ll love this historical thriller filled with conspiracy, heresy, the might of the medieval church, a mysterious Moor, alchemy, a love-struggle and a touch of the supernatural.“Thrilling and Gripping… I read it in one sitting.” ARC ReaderelixaThe year is 1178, and in the remote, mountain community of Abadía del Torcal a young girl, Elixabet Luz, witnesses … 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.
Strap in for a roller-coaster ride through a vivid medieval mountain monastery. Grab your copy today!
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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.
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.
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!
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!!
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.
This is a superbly written story set in rural Spain in 1178 and featuring a young woman who lives in a monastery and has, unusually, been given a basic education.
There is a lot going on in this book, a spectacular lunar event, a threatened forced marriage, a hidden library, an evil, scheming monk and Elixa facing being burnt at the stake accused of heresy.
The writing really keeps the interest piqued and features great descriptions of the various characters and also of the spectacular locations where the action takes place.
So, in summary, this is a very believable, exciting historical thriller (although of course it is fiction), with great characters.
I did receive an advance copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
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.
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.
Loved this prequel. Now I have to read the Torcal Trilogy. Found another author to read. The characters were developed well. Easy read and at times fast paced.
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.
When wayward women were punished by being burnt alive…
Most Medieval thrillers feature a hint of witchcraft, superstition and religion as those were embedded in everyone’s psyche at a time when the church ruled supreme. This powerful tale of that era is the prequel to Paula’s excellent Torcal trilogy which explores these intriguing themes. A thoroughly engaging and well researched story for any fan of ‘The Name of the Rose’ or similar historical thrillers. A highly enjoyable read.
I found the characters simplistic and not especially likeable, perhaps because the prose tends to the melodramatic. The basic story could be good but needs much better writing.