The forces of darkness are about to assail York – and the city’s only hope rests in the hands of an unlikely hero.
That’s the plot of a new fantasy novel, which will be launched this month with two readings in York.
Monsters at the Gate by Ben Sawyer is the sequel to his debut novel, Holly Trinity and the Ghosts of York.
The urban fantasy series follow Holly Trinity, supernatural defender of York, who fends off the forces of darkness with just an umbrella, an arsenal of 17th century swear words, a Kate Bush mix tape, and a little help from her best friend Mira.
The Holly Trinity stories feature many locations around York and imagine the strange world lurking in its dark snickleways.
This new adventure puts Treasurer’s House at the centre of the story, sending Holly and Mira to the most haunted site in the most haunted city in Europe.
Here, otherworldly creatures are gathering, Holly’s past returns to haunt her, and the famous ghosts of the Roman Ninth legion put in an appearance.
The launch will be marked by two readings:
- at the Lapin Café and Flowers in South Bank on Friday 27 October, with two sittings at 6pm and 8.30pm – more here
- at York Gin, Pavement at 6.30pm on Halloween night, 31 October – tickets here.
Ben has lived in and around York for more than 15 years. “This ancient and unique city has grown very close to my heart so I decided to give it the hero it deserves,” he said.