The Story of Place
Every place has a story...
Perhaps it has happened once to you. Perhaps you sat once amongst the stones in solitude and felt something, a wavering sense of the ancient, a feeling that something significant had happened right here where you sat.
What if, as you were lost in that feeling, a spry old woman invited herself to sit down beside you? What if she leaned in and whispered, “Once upon a time, right where you are sitting, a youth lifted up his bow and his quiver and set off to become a man….”
And suddenly you no longer sat in a tumble of stones, but in a vibrant, living place where the soil and the forgotten foundations remembered their stories to you in resonant voices. Just sitting, absorbing those stories, brought your soul to life in ways you hadn’t felt in years, in ways that would stay in your memory for always.
Welcome to a place where the stories of the past combine with the stories of the future and the stories of never was.
What if, as you were lost in that feeling, a spry old woman invited herself to sit down beside you? What if she leaned in and whispered, “Once upon a time, right where you are sitting, a youth lifted up his bow and his quiver and set off to become a man….”
And suddenly you no longer sat in a tumble of stones, but in a vibrant, living place where the soil and the forgotten foundations remembered their stories to you in resonant voices. Just sitting, absorbing those stories, brought your soul to life in ways you hadn’t felt in years, in ways that would stay in your memory for always.
Welcome to a place where the stories of the past combine with the stories of the future and the stories of never was.
Welcome to the worlds of novelist Tonya Macalino
The Gates Of Aurona Series
BOOK 1
Into The Hare Wood
Something spooky is coming to a backyard in Hillsboro, Oregon...
Today is the first day of summer! But instead of trips to the pool and hikes in the mountains, Hannah and Cameron find themselves solemnly guarded by ranks of neighborhood cats and haunted by a mad man from the woods. Could there be something their Italian father forgot to tell them about their ancient heritage?
Today is the first day of summer! But instead of trips to the pool and hikes in the mountains, Hannah and Cameron find themselves solemnly guarded by ranks of neighborhood cats and haunted by a mad man from the woods. Could there be something their Italian father forgot to tell them about their ancient heritage?
"reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia or the Dark is Rising series...Into the Hare Wood is charming from the outset." - Portland Book Review
BOOK 2
The Anguana's Tale
MAGIC ONCE MET…
Spina de Mùl vanished into the night, leaving only the ashes of magical poppies; the Congress of Marmots disappeared from the Between woods, leaving only the echo of their sad story. But Hannah and Cameron understand now that the world is much more magical—and dangerous—than they ever knew. When a flock of turkey vultures blacks out the sun, Hannah and Cam realize the ancient saga of their father’s people is beginning anew!
Spina de Mùl vanished into the night, leaving only the ashes of magical poppies; the Congress of Marmots disappeared from the Between woods, leaving only the echo of their sad story. But Hannah and Cameron understand now that the world is much more magical—and dangerous—than they ever knew. When a flock of turkey vultures blacks out the sun, Hannah and Cam realize the ancient saga of their father’s people is beginning anew!
"Tonya Macalino writes her characters with a realistic empathy that sometimes breaks the heart and always captivates." - Portland Book Review
BOOK 3
Spinwatch
WHEN THE TRUTH SOUNDS LIKE A LIE…
Dad’s home! Their dad, Antonio, is the key to understanding this mythical mystery. But how will Hannah and Cameron ever make him believe the impossible story they are caught up in? And then a dragon starts circling the night skies of Hillsboro, a glowing red jewel clutched in his claws…
Dad’s home! Their dad, Antonio, is the key to understanding this mythical mystery. But how will Hannah and Cameron ever make him believe the impossible story they are caught up in? And then a dragon starts circling the night skies of Hillsboro, a glowing red jewel clutched in his claws…
"For young readers, this story may well kindle an interest in family folktale and local legend, and many may hope they, too, are secret royalty and inheritors of magic." Portland Book Review
BOOK 4
Spirits Of The Silver Screen
NOT ALL MAGIC IS FROM THE ANCIENTS…
Hannah and Cameron are determined to have a day of normal amidst all this fantastic madness! A visit to the town's restored old theater, the Venetian, should be just the fun they need.
Unless, of course, Mom's ancestors get tired of letting Dad's forefathers steal the show!
Hannah and Cameron are determined to have a day of normal amidst all this fantastic madness! A visit to the town's restored old theater, the Venetian, should be just the fun they need.
Unless, of course, Mom's ancestors get tired of letting Dad's forefathers steal the show!
BOOK 5
The Curse Of The Children
STORIES ANCIENT, STORIES NEW. WHAT SECRETS WILL THEY REVEAL? Hannah and Cameron are leaving town. Mom and Dad have decided to steal the family away to a cabin in Champoeg State Park where they can wrap their heads around everything that’s happened to them. But have they just walked into Spina de Mùl’s clutches and an ancient family curse?
BOOK 6
The Gates of Aurona
SO MUCH HAS CHANGED; AND YET NOTHING... The battle is over. Hannah and Cameron survived the rain of thirteen arrows and Spina de Mùl has vanished. They can finally set their family's weapons aside.
But then the Rayéta Stone sets every music box and talking stuffed animal in the Hillsboro Pharmacy to singing...
But then the Rayéta Stone sets every music box and talking stuffed animal in the Hillsboro Pharmacy to singing...
BOOK 7
The Battle At Five Oaks
KNOW YOUR PEOPLE'S SECRET HEART, HEAL YOUR OWN… The final battle has begun. Hannah and Cameron must lead the Hillsboro Army against the mad sorcerer, Spina de Mùl. But will this be a battle doomed to repeat their family’s tragic history? Or will Hannah and Cameron finally find a way to defeat three thousand years of Spina de Mùl’s rage?
More books from this series
Heroes and Legends of Hillsboro
Filled with notes, pictures, and sketches, Hannah and Cameron’s mom’s personal collection of stories from Hillsboro’s colorful history is both magical and inspiring. Meet Bridget’s inspiration, newspaperwoman Emma McKinney. See images of the Jackson family who inspired Hannah and Cameron’s Jackson School Elementary. Learn the story behind Antonio’s favorite hangout: the Cornelius Pass Roadhouse.
Bridget has even left pages for you to create your own record of your hometown’s secret and enchanted story.
Let it not be forgotten!
Bridget has even left pages for you to create your own record of your hometown’s secret and enchanted story.
Let it not be forgotten!
The Gates of Aurona Coloring Book
BRING HANNAH AND CAMERON'S WORLD TO LIFE! You become the artist, filling in the black and white art of The Gates of Auròna with wonderous color Revisit the beloved adventure and make it all your own.
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"What a delightful book for young readers!"
- William J.C. (Amazon review)
"Engaging, imaginative, and just the right amount of spooky!"
- LyP (Amazon review)
"This story takes an ordinary suburban neighborhood, a brother, a sister, and a thoughtful mom... and opens doors into mysteries!"
- Kay D. (Amazon review)