Friday, October 30, 2015

COVER REVEAL: Bloodcraft (Bloodspell #2) by Amalie Howard + GIVEAWAY!


The wait is finally over! 


BLOODCRAFT by Amalie Howard, the sequel to BLOODSPELL (available NOW for only $2.99), will be releasing on December 15th, 2015!

Today, we, along with so many awesome bloggers, are revealing the BEAUTIFUL cover to BLOODCRAFT.

Author Amalie Howard is also giving away TWO signed paperback copies of BLOODSPELL (book one- OPEN INTERNATIONALLY), and TWO eARC copies of BLOODCRAFT to TWO lucky readers. Contest details can be found at then end of this post.

And now... here is the cover to BLOODCRAFT.




BLOODCRAFT
Release: December 15th, 2015

Cover design by Alan Pranke

All magic has its price, and no one knows that better than Victoria Warrick. Gifted with a centuries-old blood curse, Tori has finally learned to master her blood’s demands and has emerged triumphant with Christian Devereux, a vampire overlord, at her side.

But the worst is yet to come …

In the infamous City of Lights, home to both the Witch Clans and the Vampire Council, Tori enrolls at the exclusive Belles Fontaines school in Paris, where she is faced with a devastating choice: choose Christian and be an outcast, or choose the coven and secure her place with the witches.

When the fate of the supernatural world is targeted by a sinister new threat, Christian and Victoria must unite their two warring species to defeat it. Their bond will be tested, twisted, and sorely weakened, and Tori will find herself in uncharted territory—a dangerous place to be when her blood’s magic has its own dark agenda.

But to save them all, she may have no choice but to invoke its deadly power.

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If you'd like to be a part of the Blog Tour, you can sign-up HERE

For those new to the series, copies of Bloodspell will be provided, as well as Bloodcraft. 

Limited paperback copies of Bloodspell will be provided. 



ABOUT BLOODSPELL


The spell was simple...
Cruentus Protectum (Defend the Blood)

But what do you do if your blood is your enemy?

Victoria Warrick has always known she was different. An outcast at school, she is no stranger to adversity. But when she receives an old journal for her seventeenth birthday, nothing prepares her for the dark secrets it holds -- much less one that reveals she's a witch with unimaginable power.

What's more, when she meets the dazzling but enigmatic Christian Devereux, she has no idea how much her life is about to change. Enemies will hunt her. Friends will turn on her. The terrible curse that makes her blood run black will stop at nothing to control her. And Christian has a sinister secret of his own...

Without knowing whom to trust, can Victoria survive her blood's deadly desires? Or will she lose everything, including herself?
AVAILABLE ON
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ABOUT AMALIE HOWARD


AMALIE HOWARD grew up on a small Caribbean island (Trinidad & Tobago) where she spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book or running around barefoot, shimmying up mango trees and dreaming of adventure. 25 countries, surfing with sharks and several tattoos later, she has traded in bungee jumping in China for writing the adventures she imagines instead. She isn’t entirely convinced which takes more guts.
An aspiring writer from a young age, Amalie’s poem “The Candle,” written at age twelve, was published in a University of Warwick journal. At fifteen, she was  a recipient of a Royal Commonwealth Society Essay Award (a global youth writing competition). A Colby College graduate, she completed simultaneous Honors Theses in both French and International Studies, and graduated Summa Cum Laude/Phi Beta Kappa. At Colby, she was cited for research and criticism in Raffael Scheck’s article, “German Conservatism and Female Political Activism in the Early Weimar Republic,” and his subsequent book, Mothers of the Nation. She also received a distinction in English Literature from the University of Cambridge (A-levels) as well as a certificate in French Literature from the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris, France. Traveling the globe, she has worked as a research assistant, marketing representative, teen speaker and global sales executive.

She is the author of several young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Spring 2014 Kid’s INDIE NEXT title. Her debut novel, Bloodspell, was a #1 Amazon bestseller and a Seventeen Magazine Summer Read. As an author of color and a proud supporter of diversity in fiction, her articles on multicultural fiction have appeared in The Portland Book Review and on the popular Diversity in YA blog. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children. She is represented by the Liza Royce Agency and is a member of SCBWI.







  • This giveaway is sponsored by author Amalie Howard.
  • This giveaway is open to INTERNATIONALLY
  • Author Amalie Howard nor Good Choice Reading are responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged mail. 
  • Winner will be chosen at random.
  • Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or else a new winner will be chosen. 
  • Winner will be announced/contacted on Rafflecopter, Amalie's Facebook/Twitter, and via email. 




Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2) by Sara Raasch - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Balzer+Bray via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*


Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2)
Author: Sara Raasch
Upcoming Release Date: October 13, 2015

REVIEW of Snow Like Ashes

PRE-READING of Ice Like Fire

Synopsis: It’s been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring’s king, Angra, disappeared—thanks largely to the help of Cordell.

Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria’s lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity—with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses—the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm’s secrets, Meira plans to use the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe—even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves?

Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Januari—leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell’s growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter’s security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken kingdom and protect them from new threats?

As the web of power and deception weaves tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom—and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter, but for the world. 



------------------------------------------------------------

Review: In Snow Like Ashes, there was one chapter I absolutely loved everything about. That was Chapter 24. In Ice Like Fire, Chapter 30 blew me away! I loved everything about it. Raasch is an amazing storyteller and worldbuilder. This book expands the world introduced in the first book. You get to visit many places that were only mentioned in the Snow Like Ashes. 


I experienced culture shock with the characters as they traveled between kingdoms. The details that go into each different society are great. I am so looking forward to searching tumblr for fanart. 

Not only are the new locations colorful, the new characters are vibrant too. They're are great contrasts among the characters. We get to see many different ways kingdoms can be maintained. The styles of the kingdoms are great, too. 

Meira has great growth in this novel. Two parts of her are battling: the warrior and the queen.

Magic is a big part of this series and in this novel we learn more about the system. I enjoy when a magic system is set up only to be broken. Establish the rules and then amaze me with how they can be broken. It is done in a way that makes sense and excites. 

Math and Alysson's relationship was done really well. I definitely had the feels. 

I really enjoyed this book and can't wait until book 3! I give this novel a 5/5!


--PAUL

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Love Volume 2: The Fox (graphic novel) - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*


Amazon | Goodreads

Title: 
Love Volume 2: The Fox
Author: Frédéric Brrémaud
Illustrator: Federico Bertolucci
Upcoming Release Date: October 15, 2015

My Review of Volume 1: The Tiger

Synopsis: Frederic Brremaud and illustrator Federico Bertolucci turn their lens on a northeastern woodland setting to follow a single fox through its daily journey through the trees and along the seafront. Only this is not just another day -- a spectacular volcanic eruption throws the area into chaos, sending creatures of all kinds scurrying for safety. But the intrepid little fox surprising decides to run into the danger instead of away! What could send this tiny hunter towards the danger? This all-ages title will appeal to children and adults for its breathtaking illustration and gripping adventure drama.



------------------------------------------------------------

Review: The cool thing about this series of graphic novels is the lack of dialogue. The story in each volume is told with beautiful artwork. In this second volume, a fox is followed during a volcanic eruption. There are many other animals featured trying to escape from the aftermath. 


The elements are shown at odds in beautiful panels. The nature is exquisite throughout the graphic novel. 

I give this graphic novel a 4/5. It's a very interesting way to tell a story. You can read it as quick or as slow as you wish depending on how much time you want to look at the details and contemplate the situations on each page. 


--PAUL

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

M9B/Tantrum Books TWO FOR THURSDAY BLITZ: The Reaper's Rite Series by Dorothy Dreyer + GIVEAWAY!


T4T-Banner


Welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:

The Reaper's Rite series by Dorothy Dreyer!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!


My Sister's Reaper



Sixteen-year-old Zadie’s first mistake was telling the boy she liked she could bring her dead sister back to life. Her second mistake was actually doing it.

When Zadie accidentally messes with the Reaper’s Rite that should have claimed her sister Mara, things go horribly wrong. Mara isn’t the same anymore—Zadie isn’t even sure she’s completely human, and to top it off, a Reaper is determined to collect Mara’s soul no matter what. Now Zadie must figure out how to defeat her sister’s Reaper, or let Mara die … this time for good.

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WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:


I felt that the author did a great job with her character developement. She was very vivid in her details and I felt like they were people I would meet on the street.” – Michelle, Goodreads Reviewer


“My Sister’s Reaper was a great paranormal, YA novel. Dreyer did an awesome job at creating Zadie’s linage and having it make complete sense.”Tyler, Jolley Chronicles


“Okay, reapers, zombies, and death? Yeah, I was definitely reading this one.” – Kelly Hashway, Author


My Tethered Soul



Months have passed since Zadie faced her sister’s Reaper, during which time she's been under her mentor's magical protection. But now that she's turning 17, that protection is about to run out. When dark forces lure Zadie to wander at night, she's manipulated into committing unspeakable acts. With her friends and family at risk, Zadie must try to use her powers to break free from the Reaper's grasp, or surrender to the Reaper's Rite, which can only lead to death.

add to goodreads



WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:


“The series is magnificent and should be on the best sellers list!!”Holly, Author


“Dorothy Dreyer continues the fast-paced, heart pounding journey she started in My Sister's Reaper, delivering a YA paranormal romance filled with believable characters battling unbelievable odds.”Katie, Author


“Ms. Dreyer has upped the ante in terms of characterization, suspense, some down-right spooky scenes, and a playful sense of humor, particularly in the dialogue between her teen protagonists.” Stuart, Author


about-the-author


Dorothy Dreyer



Dorothy Dreyer has always believed in magic. Born in Angeles City, Philippines, to a Filipino mother and American Father, Dorothy grew up a military brat, living in Massachusetts, South Dakota, Guam, New Jersey, and New York. She now lives in Frankfurt, Germany, with her husband, two teens, and two Siberian huskies. Dorothy not only writes books with some element of magic in them, but has a fondness for reading those kinds of books as well. She also enjoys movies, chocolate, take-out, and spending time with family and friends. She’s known to make a pretty sweet cupcake when she has the time. She also tends to sing sometimes, so keep her away from your Karaoke bars.



Giveaway

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!



Chapter-by-Chapter-blog-tour-button

Monday, October 5, 2015

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Nameless by Jennifer Jenkins + GIVEAWAY!


Nameless-RDB-Banner


Happy Release Day to

Nameless by Jennifer Jenkins!!

Join us in celebrating this release from Month9Books!

Enter the giveaway found at the end of the post.

Happy Book Birthday, Jennifer!

Did you know that NAMELESS is in development for film by Benderspink! That’s the same company who optioned Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen and produced the I AM NUMBER FOUR film!


Nameless-cover



Four clans have been at war for centuries: the Kodiak, the Raven, the Wolf and the Ram. Through brutal war tactics, the Ram have dominated the region, inflicting death and destruction on their neighbors.

Seventeen-year-old Zo is a Wolf and a Healer who volunteers to infiltrate the Ram as a spy on behalf of the allied clans. She offers herself as a Ram slave, joining the people who are called the “nameless.” Hers is a suicide mission – Zo’s despair after losing her parents in a Ram raid has left her seeking both revenge and an end to her own misery. But after her younger sister follows her into Rams Gate, Zo must find a way to survive her dangerous mission and keep her sister safe.

What she doesn’t expect to find is the friendship of a young Ram whose life she saves, the confusing feelings she develops for a Ram soldier, and an underground nameless insurrection. Zo learns that revenge, loyalty and love are more complicated than she ever imagined in the first installment of this two-book series.

add to goodreads



About-the-Author2


Jennifer Jenkins


With her degree in History and Secondary Education, Jennifer had every intention of teaching teens to love George Washington and appreciate the finer points of ancient battle stratagem. (Seriously, she’s obsessed with ancient warfare.) However, life had different plans in store when the writing began. As a proud member of Writers Cubed, and a co-founder of the Teen Author Boot Camp, she feels blessed to be able to fulfill both her ambition to work with teens as well as write Young Adult fiction.

Jennifer has three children who are experts at naming her characters, one loving, supportive husband, a dog with little-man syndrome, and three chickens (of whom she is secretly afraid).

Visit her online at jajenkins.com

Connect with the Author:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest |Instagram


giveaway2

Complete the Rafflecopter for a chance to win!



Chapter-by-Chapter-blog-tour-button


Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2) by Sara Raasch - Paul's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Balzer+Bray via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2)
Author: Sara Raasch
Upcoming Release Date: October 13, 2015

REVIEW of Snow Like Ashes

Synopsis: It’s been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring’s king, Angra, disappeared—thanks largely to the help of Cordell.

Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria’s lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity—with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses—the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm’s secrets, Meira plans to use the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe—even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves?

Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Januari—leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell’s growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter’s security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken kingdom and protect them from new threats?

As the web of power and deception weaves tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom—and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter, but for the world. 



------------------------------------------------------------

Why?: Snow Like Ashes was my TOP BOOK OF 2014! This is the sequel. I am super excited for this book! I loved the world building and the characters in the first book. I'm really hoping Raasch brings it in this one!


Expectations:   It seems like this will be two stories: Meira adventuring with Theron and Mather dealing with the people of Winter. I'm interested to see Mather's POV. I hope to see the kingdoms that weren't included in the first book. 


Judging a book by its cover: The cover is stunning. I love it! 



--PAUL

Thursday, October 1, 2015

M9B FRIDAY REVEAL: Nameless by Jennifer Jenkins - Chapter 2 + GIVEAWAY!

M9B-Friday-Reveal-Bannernew


Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal!

This week, we are revealing CHAPTER TWO of

Nameless by Jennifer Jenkins

presented byMonth9Books!

NAMELESS is in development for film by Benderspink! That’s the same company who optioned Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen and produced the I AM NUMBER FOUR film!

Jennifer is also one of the co-founders of Teen Author Boot Camp, and works with amazing authors like James Dashner and Brandon Sanderson to help teens master the craft or writing.

New York Times bestselling author Jessica Day George read NAMELESS and loved it!:
"Jenkins brings edge-of-your-seat adventure to this intriguing new world. I can’t wait to read more!”

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!


Nameless_450x675



Four clans have been at war for centuries: the Kodiak, the Raven, the Wolf and the Ram. Through brutal war tactics, the Ram have dominated the region, inflicting death and destruction on their neighbors.

Seventeen-year-old Zo is a Wolf and a Healer who volunteers to infiltrate the Ram as a spy on behalf of the allied clans. She offers herself as a Ram slave, joining the people who are called the “nameless.” Hers is a suicide mission – Zo’s despair after losing her parents in a Ram raid has left her seeking both revenge and an end to her own misery. But after her younger sister follows her into Rams Gate, Zo must find a way to survive her dangerous mission and keep her sister safe.

What she doesn’t expect to find is the friendship of a young Ram whose life she saves, the confusing feelings she develops for a Ram soldier, and an underground nameless insurrection. Zo learns that revenge, loyalty and love are more complicated than she ever imagined in the first installment of this two-book series.

add to goodreads

Pre-order Links:



excerpt








Chapter 2

~~~Zo~~~

The cold air traveling over Zo’s skin smelled strangely

mineral. She walked blindfolded with Tess in her arms,

and the tip of a spear at her back. She memorized the turns as

they prodded her forward, knowing it would do little to help if

she couldn’t pass whatever trial the Ram leader had in store.

The path sloped down and the moist air grew colder. Her foot

caught on a rock and Zo fell to her knees, sending Tess flying

into the darkness. Hands grabbed Zo’s collar and hoisted her

back to her feet.



“Carry the small one,” the leader ordered.



“Zo?” Tess’ voice cracked, weak and distant.



“I’m here,” said Zo, straining to see through the blindfold.



She didn’t want her sister to say more. Her accent might betray

them both.



The ground leveled beneath them, and a guard yanked off

the blindfold, taking a chunk of Zo’s dark hair with it. She

didn’t cry out.



They couldn’t hurt her.



She looked at the limp form of her sister in the arms of a

bare-chested Ram guard and crumbled at the contradiction. It

wasn’t supposed to be this way. If only Tess hadn’t followed.



If only …



Guards lined the opposite wall. Shadows from the

torchlight made the scowls on their faces all the more sinister.

Each carried a round shield at his back, a spear in hand, and a

short sword at his hip.



A redheaded boy lay on a narrow bed in the center of the

room silently weeping. His body was long, but judging from

his young face, he couldn’t have been much older than twelve

or thirteen. The deep wound just above his hip swam in dark

red blood. He whimpered while biting down on a stick.



Zo didn’t ask questions. “I need blankets!” she yelled,

as she washed her hands in a basin of scalding water. With

pulsing, red hands, she took a stack of linens from a supply

table and pressed it to the wound. The boy kicked and jostled.



“Hold him down or he’ll bleed out!” shouted Zo.



No one moved.



Two women in white robes came in through a different

tunnel entrance carrying woolen blankets. When they saw Zo,

they froze.



“Help me!” Zo snatched the blankets from their hands

and rolled the boy onto his side. Lifting his legs, she wedged

blanket rolls under his good hip. The redheaded boy cried out

in pain but Zo needed to keep the wound above his heart. She

wrapped a bandage around his trunk, keeping as much pressure

on the open wound as possible.



The boy’s skin turned alabaster from blood loss. Zo yanked

more blankets from the hands of the women, covered him up,

and rubbed warmth into his arms and legs while muttering the

words of one of her mother’s blessings. “Hold as still as you

can,” she whispered into his ear. “You’re going to be fine. I

promise.”



Zo approached the intimidating line of Ram soldiers.



Each wore animal hide trimmed with fur. Thick leather straps

crisscrossed their chests housing a variety of evil-looking

weapons. “Where is my pack? It has the medicines I need.”

The men barely moved, barely blinked, with hands clasped

behind their backs like dangerous statues of unfeeling.



The bald leader shook his head. A taunting, wicked, grin

stretched across his face. Tess whimpered from one of the

dark corners of the cave. Water dripped from the jagged, rock

ceiling. The quiet symphony of sounds and silence contrasted

with Zo’s rapidly beating heart.



She swore and darted to the opposite wall where the

healers stood just as still and lifeless. “Do you have any pseudo

ginseng root?”



The aging healer looked over to the Gate Master, shook his

head, and looked down at his hands.

So they would put this boy’s life in danger just to see if she

would fail?



I shouldn’t be surprised.



Zo ran back to the steaming water and plunged four inches of

her long braid into the basin. Sweat dripped from her forehead.

She scrubbed the crusted mud from her hair and went to the

closest soldier, holding out the dark braid. “Cut it,” she said.



His gaze swept over her body before fixing on her face.



His lips curled into a crooked grin.



She hated when men looked at her that way.



“Cut it!” she yelled, eyeing the knife at his hip, wondering

if she had any chance of taking it from him without meeting a

quick death.



A young soldier to his left stepped out of rank. His long dark

hair was tucked behind his ears, his brows knit together and a

muscle in his neck leapt as he frowned. The unexpected flash

of his dagger made Zo scream. A small segment of her braid

dropped to the ground and the young soldier took his place back

in line, ignoring the disapproving scorn of the Ram leader.

Zo gasped as she snatched up the braid. She stumbled over

to the sink again to rinse the hair one final time to prevent

infection. Convinced the hair was clean, she darted back to

the boy and removed the crimson-soaked dressing from the

wound. The blood had slowed, but not enough. He’d die if this

didn’t work.



She shoved the hair into the wound and piled the excess

on top.



The boy screamed then passed out.



Zo placed her hands over the mound of hair and uttered

words of healing. The flame of her energy flickered as she

willed the blessing to take effect. Her head swayed without

permission as she reapplied a bandage.



When Zo finished, she slumped to the floor before they

carried her and Tess away.



~~~Gryphon~~~



Joshua’s dried blood tugged on Gryphon’s arm. A deathly

plaster, equal parts unforgiving and taunting. He scratched

away at the memory of the ambush, the way young Joshua’s

eyes doubled in size when the arrow entered his side. It was

Gryphon’s fault. He’d let the kid come with his mess unit

against his better judgment.



It was his fault.



Gryphon took the mountain trail home from the caves. He

attacked the climb like he would any enemy. After the first mile

his legs warmed. After the second they burned. He welcomed the

dull pain creeping through his fatigued muscles. Pain equaled

progress. With enough pain he might outpace his grief.



Joshua.



Gryphon sprinted the last hundred yards of the climb. The

wind picked up as he reached the summit overlooking the

ocean below. High waves crashed into the cliff wall. An arctic

spray carried on the breeze, stinging Gryphon’s eyes.



He turned and showed the ocean his back, casting his gaze

over the valley of the Ram. Wind whipped his dark brown hair

and made the metal of his weapons clink together. From this

view he could see far beyond the training grounds and housing

complexes, past the fields where hundreds of Nameless bent

over acres of dying soil. Even beyond the fabled wall of Ram’s

Gate that corralled the vast lands of his people.



He felt powerful. In control.



Not like this morning when he couldn’t slow Joshua’s

bleeding.



The twenty members of Gryphon’s mess unit were encouraged

to sleep in the barracks, even though many of them were

married men. Unity meant everything to a Ram mess unit.

Gryphon abided this and every other command issued by

his leaders with exactness. But tonight, the thought of facing

his brothers of war with all their questions and condolences

seemed too much.



No. Tonight he would hide behind the walls of his

inheritance like a child hides behind his mother’s skirt.

The brick-and-plaster house sat back on a five-acre plot.

It was one of the furthest family plots from the main gate and

the center of town. A red sun dipped behind the towering wall

of Ram’s Gate, casting an ominous glow around the house as

Gryphon climbed the dirt path. The solid oak door whined

with complaint as he nudged it open.



“Who’s there?” Gryphon’s mother reached the entry with

her arms and hands covered in white flour and her graying

bun sitting at an angle on her head. She studied Gryphon and

the corners of her mouth sank into the frown he’d come to

associate with his childhood.



“Wash the blood off your hands.” She retreated back to the

kitchen without another word.



Gryphon leaned his long spear and shield against the wall

and sloughed off his pack. He turned and noticed the rusted

metal shield mounted above the hearth. His cheeks colored in

shame. He looked away, but it didn’t stop the boiling wave of

anger that always came when he looked at his father’s shield.



The symbol of his family’s disgrace.



Despite Gryphon’s countless protests, his mother refused

to take it down. “It’s good to remember,” she would say.

Then she’d go out into the forest where she thought no one

could hear her and cry, rocking back and forth with her hands

wrapped firmly about her stomach. As if she’d fall apart if she

didn’t hold herself together.



No matter how hard he worked in the training field, that

shield would always hang over his head. Always.

In the kitchen, Gryphon plunged his hands into a basin of

water. As he scrubbed, the water turned the color of salmon

flesh.



His mother kneaded her palm into a batch of dough with

more force than necessary. She used her forearm to push aside

a clump of silver hair that fell into her face. “How many?” she

asked with her back to him.



Gryphon couldn’t scrub his hands hard enough. “One. We

were ambushed.” His excursions used to be so boring. They used

to go weeks without running into another clan, but lately …



“Who?” His mother stood up straight, prepared to take the

news like a strong Ram woman was meant to.



“Joshua.” Gryphon felt his control slip. He chewed on his

tongue until he could steel his emotions. “Spear,” was all he

trusted himself to say.



Joshua wasn’t a member of a mess unit yet. The System

didn’t allow thirteen-year-olds to join. He had still been in

training, but he’d begged to go, and Gryphon—his mentor—

didn’t have the heart to turn him down.



“Will he live?” she asked, kneading the dough again.



“I … ” Gryphon cleared his constricting throat, thinking of

the dirty Nameless girl they’d let work on Joshua in the cave.



“I don’t think he will.”


about-the-author

©NicholeV Photography, LLC 2008. http://actions.nicholeV.com. This work is registered and protected under US and international copyright laws. Any violation of this copyright will be diligently prosecuted.

With her degree in History and Secondary Education, Jennifer had every intention of teaching teens to love George Washington and appreciate the finer points of ancient battle stratagem. (Seriously, she’s obsessed with ancient warfare.) However, life had different plans in store when the writing began. As a proud member of Writers Cubed, and a co-founder of the Teen Author Boot Camp, she feels blessed to be able to fulfill both her ambition to work with teens as well as write Young Adult fiction.

Jennifer has three children who are experts at naming her characters, one loving, supportive husband, a dog with little-man syndrome, and three chickens (of whom she is secretly afraid).

Visit her online at jajenkins.com

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram


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