Mandrake Petals and Scattered Feathers: Tales from the Forest and Beyond

Mandrake Petals and Scattered Feathers is a tapestry of intertwined tales featuring rogues, ne'er-do-wells, and shapeshifters. Pickapple, Mullops, Elmskin, and Rimmony are just a few of the characters we meet. The story follows their journeys through a maze of twisted trees, brackish water, and a river, where they encounter a grey goose and a wizened nut-brown figure.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2021
Publisher: Hawkwood Books

Mandrake Petals and Scattered Feathers is a rich tapestry of interconnected tales, introducing a diverse cast of characters. Among them are rogues, ne'er-do-wells, and shapeshifters, each with their unique stories and motivations. One such character is Pickapple, a lovable trickster who resides at the crossroads and captivates Mullops, a hapless individual who falls victim to his mischievous schemes on multiple occasions. Another notable figure is Elmskin, a lovelorn individual who embarks on a quest to find Rimmony, the love of his life, who has abruptly dropped everything and ventured into the unknown in search of Flax Wing, a potentially mythic being whom he believes he once encountered bathing in a clearing by the river.

Mandrake Petals and Scattered Feathers intricately weaves the stories of these characters and numerous others into a captivating and intricate narrative that captivates the reader and refuses to let go. The Keeper of Secrets, residing in the hollow of an old tree, becomes the central figure in this tapestry. He listens attentively to the mutterings of various creatures, including a raddled old rook, a fox with three legs, a stub-footed pigeon, and a one-eyed frog. Additionally, hedgers, bodgers, ditchers, charcoal-burners, and even the girlen who tend to geese, the elderly, and the forgotten secrets themselves, gather around the tree, seeking solace and guidance from Old Snick, his name.

However, it is worth noting that Old Snick, despite his title, does not possess the utmost discretion when it comes to keeping secrets. In fact, he often whisks them away to the wind, the leaves as they fall, and the babble of the nearby stream. This lack of secrecy adds an element of intrigue and unpredictability to the narrative, as the characters' secrets are gradually revealed to the reader, often in unexpected and surprising ways.

As Elmskin ventures down the lane, he finds himself enveloped in a verdant tunnel, with brambles twisting on either side. This path, although familiar to the girlen and the old uns through their whispered conversations, remains a mystery to him. He takes a deep breath and dons his head to navigate through the dense greenery, when suddenly, a wizened nut-brown figure descends from the boughs above. Startled, Elmskin freezes in his tracks, unsure of what to expect next.

The figure, who introduces himself as the Hermit of the Woods, greets Elmskin with a warm smile. He explains that the lane leads to a hidden grove, where a group of fairies gathers to dance and sing under the moonlight. Intrigued by the prospect of encountering these mythical beings, Elmskin eagerly accepts the Hermit's offer to accompany him on this enchanting journey.

Together, they make their way through the winding lane, the brambles gently caressing their faces as they pass. The air is filled with the scent of wildflowers, and the sound of birds chirping in the distance adds to the sense of wonder and enchantment. Finally, they arrive at the entrance to the grove, where a shimmering curtain of light beckons them forward.

Inside the grove, Elmskin is greeted by a group of fairies, each with their unique appearance and personality. They dance and sing in harmony, their delicate wings fluttering in the moonlight. Elmskin is amazed by their beauty and grace, and he feels a sense of connection to them that he has never experienced before.

As the night draws to a close, the fairies bid Elmskin farewell, promising to return and share their secrets with him again. Elmskin returns home, his heart filled with gratitude and wonder. He knows that he has encountered something truly extraordinary, and he eagerly anticipates the next time he will be able to visit the hidden grove and immerse himself in the magic of the fairies.

In conclusion, Mandrake Petals and Scattered Feathers is a captivating tapestry of intertwined tales that introduces a diverse cast of characters, including rogues, ne'er-do-wells, shapeshifters, and mythical beings. The Keeper of Secrets, residing in the hollow of an old tree, listens attentively to the mutterings of various creatures and often whisks their secrets away to the wind and the leaves. As the story unfolds, Elmskin embarks on a journey down a lane that leads to a hidden grove, where he encounters a group of fairies who dance and sing under the moonlight. This encounter fills Elmskin with gratitude and wonder, and he eagerly anticipates the next time he will be able to visit the grove and immerse himself in the magic of the fairies.

Weight: 242g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838024734