Overview

An alternate history/fantasy novel, The Dark Touch is a tale of the narratives we tell about ourselves and about the world around us.

For centuries, witches ruled England with cruelty, controlling the lands to suit their whims. The masses fought back against their domineering ways for eons without success until the introduction of electromagnetic devices-the telegraph, electricity, radio-which impeded the witches’ powers. Over the coming decades, they drove the witches out of power. Thought to be extinct, a handful of witches survived, living on the outskirts of civilization and extracting their few successors. Having never known monarchy or empire, the United Republic of Britain rose, with a taint of suspicion surrounding all women that permeated public consciousness and policy into the present day.

Having dropped out of uni three years earlier, 23-year old Nova’s greatest ambition is untangling her feelings about the beautiful woman who comes into her bookshop. A chance encounter in the woods reveals she’s the first witch to emerge in decades. Guided by her aloof, exacting mentor, she learns what she’s been told about witches has left much omitted. Witchcraft could give her the direction in life she’s always wanted, but commitment would mean leaving her family behind. Meanwhile, a malicious rival witch has developed a plan to reclaim power and dominance throughout England. As tensions rise, Nova must prevail against those who would do her harm, while deciding for herself who she really is.