A Scrap of Moss and Magick
Thirza, an 11-year-old servant girl, works in the mansion of the disgraced former Lord High Magician, Lord Wurzic. When the lord’s young niece Cecily comes to stay, Thirza becomes her maid. Wurzic asks Thirza to befriend and look after Cecily, who is apparently dying – but all is not as it seems …
Thirza has magical abilities that she must hide. Lord Wurzic has his own secrets and will do anything to achieve his grandiose goals. Friends may be enemies and enemies may be friends. Who can Thirza trust? Will she have to betray her best friend to stay alive?
This story is told from Thirza’s point of view. We only know what she knows and understands. Her particular dialect draws us deeper into her world. Readers will enjoy puzzling out slang words like ‘keeking.’ Thirza’s down-to-earth style contrasts with Cecily and her uncle’s more affluent polished manners.
What really anchors this story is the friendship between Thirza and Cecily. Neither of them has really had a friend before, and their difference in social status doesn’t matter to them. About halfway through the book, secrets are revealed that change everything. Thirza is shocked and faces very difficult decisions when the stakes are highest, but she and Cecily never give up.
The action is well paced and interspersed with moments of character reveals and growth. The story never drags, leading to a satisfying conclusion to an exciting and dramatic story!
