Strands Series by Gael Baudino

"Baudino sets this engrossing fantasy-adventure in a mythical land that replicates the political and religious tensions of 14th-century Europe. The heroine, Miriam, unwillingly gifted with the power to heal, falls victim to a savage Inquisition that condemns her ability as witchcraft, and to a ruthless nobleman who rapes her after she saves his life... more"Baudino sets this engrossing fantasy-adventure in a mythical land that replicates the political and religious tensions of 14th-century Europe. The heroine, Miriam, unwillingly gifted with the power to heal, falls victim to a savage Inquisition that condemns her ability as witchcraft, and to a ruthless nobleman who rapes her after she saves his life. Baudino understands the psychology of the persecuted, astutely motivating the self-immolating rage that consumes Miriam and leads her to undergo a complete, magical physical metamorphosis (she becomes tall, strong and beautiful) so that she can be a scourge for her enemies. Though the plot has its share of exciting sword fights, bold rescues and similar stock-in-trade, Baudino focuses on Miriam's interior journey--her spiritual (which accompanies the corporeal) transformation through contact with the uncorrupted Elves, with the pagan priestesses known as witches and with simple Christians. Her tale acquires an elegiac power, mourning the loss of innocent sources of wisdom even as it vividly imagines them." less

The sequel to Strands of Starlight. Vanessa, a young misfit at the turn of the 14th century, is in danger of persecution during the Inquisition. Baron Christopher of Aurverelle, returns to his land to discover that only elven magic can save his people. Until they realize their own elven heritage, things for Vanessa and Christopher will only get worse . . . much worse.

In the Age of Inquisition, there is no place for magic. Nor is there a role for Elves, the keepers of enchantments. Natil was the last of her people, but in this time when the Church sentenced guilty and innocent alike to torture, what place was there for one such as she?

The spectacular sequel to Shroud of Shadows. Spanning both historical and contemporary fantasy, here is the conclusion of the tale which recounts the rise and fall and rise again of the elven race.

Set in the magical, mystical worlds of the "Strands" series, these six novellas begin on the medieval world of Adria, where watchful elves tap the power of stars to guard the little town of St. Brigid against the zealots of the Inquisition, then move to modern day Colorado, where the descendants of the Elvish line rediscover their long-dormant powers.