"John S. McFarland wrote with poetic brilliance while creating intriguing and sympathetic characters. A truly masterful story." Nella Warrent, author of Sin Full and Time Thief 1757. "You are an herbalist, a doctor, a midwife, and a seer, some have said. A protector of women."
So is described Euphrosine, Meres des Sicles, the Mother of Centuries. Her age is unknown, but she knows her purpose: to protect women from the demon Balphoroth, a monstrous being who infects the bodies of men to carry out his lustful desires against innocent women.
Euphrosine's journal from 1757 details her time in November of 1348 through January of 1349, her destiny leading her to gain the trust of young Seraphica to save her life. Back then, she knew the ancient demon was influencing Orien Bastide, an affluent man who was grateful for the immortal life he'd been granted, even though it was turning him into a living corpse.
- "I hoped you would not have the sight, but you do... and stronger than anyone before you."
Anatolia Montes is a young woman gifted-or perhaps cursed-with prophetic abilities. In 1888, she was at St. Perpetua's school for girls in 1888 in Ste. Odile when she met Perdita Badon-Reed. Perdita sacrificed her own life but sadly failed to save Anatolia from Bastide, who has now attacked the young woman as his newest victim.
Anatolia must now return to Ste. Odile to meet with Moira Keane Parnell, Perdita's dear friend. Moira has found Euphrosine's journal and believes Anatolia's life is at stake. When Anatolia discovers herself pregnant, she knows she is the key to stopping Bastide's evil reign and that she must find him. Her desperate search leads her to South Carolina, to meeting the Gullah people who understand the curse and can lead her on her journey. She must find the strength to get to Bastide, stop him, and banish the demon Balphoroth forever.
McFarland has woven two time periods together in this gothic historical novel, the sequel to his highly praised work The Black Garden. Come learn the fate of the loving Anatolia, the history of the enigmatic Euphrosine, and how both women's lives will entwine to hopefully save countless women to come.
"Masterfully written with the perfect blend of historical setting, folklore, suspense, and horror. I couldn't put it down." D. L. Andersen, author of Across Unstill Waters and That Far Distance Country
