The Horses at the Gate

In the second novel of the Earthsong Trilogy, a war queen is born and embarks on an “epic quest in a stirring novel of prehistory” (The New York Times).

In ancient Europe, a dreadful prophecy has come to pass. Nomadic warriors astride strange creatures called “horses” have pillaged and raped their way across the land, burning the villages of the peaceful worshippers of Goddess Earth. One woman has arisen as a hero: the priestess and healer Marrah. Once a captive of the vagabonds, she knows their secrets, and now she can use their evil ways against them. But at what cost to her people who have lived in harmony for thousands of years? How can she conquer a ruthless enemy without becoming like them?

Now, the nomads are coming for her, the woman they have branded a witch, the she-demon who has brought drought and rebellion upon them. But Marrah has gained strength from sacrifice. She has known fear and humiliation, survived the loss of friends and family. And when she is initiated into the powers of the Dark Goddess, the thoughts of revenge that plague her once joyful heart will uncoil like a snake that’s about to strike, and she will find a way to defeat the wanderers that make all their weapons useless.

“A heart-pounding evocation whose lessons lie in the hearts of the characters.” —Thomas Moore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author

“Literary grace and powerful storytelling.” —Theodore Roszak, author of Flicker

“Deserves a place on the shelves next to the works of Jean Auel.” —Booklist

“Mackey is a superb storyteller. She takes history and makes it human.” —Tillie Olsen, author if Tell Me A Riddle

“[Mackey] provides the insight into history that is the hallmark of good historical fiction . . . She creates realistic characters who provide the flavor of past culture without the lectures.” —New Age Journal