Keeper of Matter: Book 2

In the stunning sequel to "The Keeper of Time," seventeen-year-old Dylan Bennett from Blackpool faces his greatest challenge when reality itself begins to unravel. Technology across Blackpool starts mysteriously failing as plastic crumbles to ash, electronics die inexplicably, and modern civilisation teeters on collapse.

Dylan discovers that synthetic materials worldwide are experiencing systematic molecular breakdown. This isn't random decay but an attack on the fundamental forces holding matter together. The Matter Sigil, one of six cosmic entities maintaining reality's stability, has been corrupted for seven centuries, its influence spreading like a virus through existence itself.

To heal the damaged Sigil, Dylan must journey back to medieval Scotland in 1314, where he'll master Highland magic, an ancient form of cooperation-based spellwork that asks rather than commands, that invites partnership instead of forcing compliance. Alongside his cosmically enhanced Guardian companion Bruno and the brilliant analytical Rowan from Dravengate, Dylan must navigate treacherous Highland clan politics whilst learning that the most powerful magic comes from understanding what each element wants to become.

But their enemy is cunning. Corvus, the ancient entity who believes isolation is superior to connection, has spent centuries systematically corrupting the Matter Sigil's understanding of its own purpose. He's convinced the cosmic consciousness that cooperation always leads to exploitation, that trust inevitably results in betrayal. Now every Highland creature, from shape-shifting kelpies to ancient stone guardians, has been twisted into weapons designed to prove that working together is weakness.

As Dylan struggles to master Highland invitation techniques whilst fighting corrupted mythical beasts, he discovers this battle isn't just about magical ability but fundamental questions of what it means to be different in a world demanding conformity. His autism, which makes social interactions challenging, becomes an unexpected strength when dealing with Highland magic that values unique perspectives and authentic communication over social conventions.

With time running out and reality degrading daily, Dylan must prove that consciousness can choose hope over despair, connection over isolation, and love over the terrible certainty that love always leads to disappointment. The Mathematics of Hope, Dylan's term for universal principles making cooperation possible, will either triumph over seven centuries of carefully constructed despair, or watch as the cosmic consciousness network collapses into perfect, lifeless isolation.

"The Keeper of Matter" weaves together quantum physics and Celtic mythology, autism representation and coming-of-age romance, cosmic adventure and deeply personal growth. It's a story about finding strength in differences, discovering that the most powerful magic comes from chosen partnership, and learning that some battles are won not through superior force, but through the stubborn, magnificent unreasonableness of choosing hope when logic suggests despair is more appropriate.

At its heart, "The Keeper of Matter" is about the healing power of authentic connection: between human and dog, between past and present, between individual brilliance and community wisdom. It's about learning that your differences aren't flaws to be fixed but gifts to be celebrated, and that the universe has a remarkable sense of humour about cosmic consciousness breakthroughs happening to ordinary teenagers from Blackpool who just want to protect the people they love.