Valerie Biel

Circle of Nine: Beltany Valerie Biel

A Gotham Writers' Young Adult Novel Discovery Contest Top Six Finalist.

?Since I was a little girl I?ve been labeled a freak in my small town. There?s no blending in when your mom practices an ancient pagan religion and everyone believes she?s a witch. On my 15th birthday my secret wish is the same as always ? to just be normal. But that?s not what I get. Not even close.? ? Brigit Quinn

Instead, Brigit is shocked to learn she?s descended from a legendary Celtic tribe - powerful people who serve as guardians of the stone circles of Ireland. A spellbound book of family history reveals the magical powers of her ancestors. Powers that could be hers - if only she wanted them.

And when someone sinister and evil returns to steal her family?s strength, Brigit has to make a decision. Fight to keep her unique heritage or reject it for the normal life she?s always wanted.

This contemporary coming-of-age novel will appeal to teen (and adult) readers who enjoy stories of magic steeped in the mysticism surrounding the standing stone circles of Ireland.