• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Morgan le Fay was a sorceress, seducer of King Arthur and destroyer of Britain. As Morgan comes of age, she discovers her own magical powers. One day she falls in love with a young Irish chieftain. But will her drive for revenge destroy her chance for love and happiness?

“Alex Epstein is the author of seven works of fiction in Hebrew, and in 2003 received the Israeli prime minister’s prize for literature. His collection Blue Has No South is also published by Clockroot Books. “Becka Mara McKay is the author of the poetry collection A Meteorologist in the Promised Land and the translator of Alex Epstein’s Blue Has No South.

Alex Epstein's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books of 2012
• Short-listed, Quebec Writer's Federation Prize nominee
• Commended, UK Historical Novels Society Editor's Choice
• Commended, British Fantasy Association Best Fantasy Novel

"A sophisticated, stylishly written novel for the mature reader...This is a most impressive book...The book's descriptive passages are a joy to read, often more akin to poetry than prose and teachers might well wish to focus on the writer's techniques from the title itself to the use of repetition and of the simple, very short, very effective sentences."

The School Librarian

"Epstein skillfully blends the coming-of-age, the fairy, the revenge, and the legend. Through the poetry of Epstein's writing, I could feel the power of the old magic that Morgan evokes when she goes 'between the worlds,' and I could taste the salt sea air as she sails between her two lands... Fans of Arthurian legend will love this book, and so will everyone else. Great characters, great writing, great story."

Historical Novels Society

“A tasty nosh, indeed!”

Kirkus Reviews

"Epstein's writing is hypnotic."

CM Magazine

"This has the darkness of Celtic magic—not fanciful, period romance—and a poetic terseness that suits its stern, passionate hero."

The Toronto Star

"This blend of the ancient and the modern works seamlessly in Mr. Epstein's retelling, all of it linked by the deep connection we feel to the character of Morgan...Those with a longstanding love of Arthuriana are sure to take pleasure in this new vision of Morgan, and those who are new to it will no doubt be drawn into the pleasures of this multivoiced literature after reading The Circle Cast."

The East Hampton Star

"An excellent work of Arthurian fantasy, highly recommended."

Midwest Book Review

"[Epstein] skilfully weav[es] together a blend of magic, legend and history to give a very convincing picture of Britain in the Dark Ages...There is plenty of dramatic action and unexpected twists. The ending in particular gives the impression that there will be more to follow and I would certainly want to read on."

The British Fantasy Society

"Rife with adventure and drama and magic."

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