Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Review: Anarchy (Advent Trilogy #2) by James Treadwell

Title: Anarchy (Advent Trilogy #2)
Author: James Treadwell
Source: First Reads
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

If there's one thing Gavin Stokes knows, it's that something unimaginably dangerous has returned to the world. A mad dog runs amok, a mermaid floats in the bay, and a wild beast stalks the countryside. He and others make the same strange claim: magic has returned. All signs point to it.

Now, Gavin's aunt has disappeared. A young girl who's been accused of murder vanishes from a locked cell. She is at large somewhere in a vast wilderness. Meanwhile, a desolate child leaves the home that has kept her safe all her life and strikes out into the unknown. And a mother, half mad with grief for her lost son, sets off to find him.

There is a place where all their journeys meet. But someone is watching the roads . . .




Review of Book One: Advent

Book two of the Advent Trilogy strikes off and leaves the realm of young adult, in my opinion.  It is a much more adult novel with a much darker feel to it.  There was quite a bit of jumping around from place to place and person to person, I had a very hard time following parts of it.  

I don't think I really "got" what the story was trying to say in this one.  I enjoyed book one, Advent, but I struggled to finish Anarchy.  Since I wasn't able to follow where the author was trying to with this one I'm afraid I just didn't enjoy it.  A reader who is able to follow the story better or fall into the characters will probably love it - it just wasn't meant for me.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*


Cover Reveal: Drawn #2 by Lilliana Anderson

Drawn #2
Lilliana Anderson
Genres: New Adult, Romance

**Special Announcement** 

This sequel is a special "choose your hero" sequel where the reader will have the choice of which of the two heroes they would rather see the heroine end up with, so YOU get to pick the sequel that will suit your favourite. One is called Drawn-Obsession and the other is called Drawn-Redemption.



Drawn - Obsession
Choose your hero wisely. Have you ever wanted the power to decide who the heroine of a story will ultimately end up with? In Drawn, we met Etta and watched as her obsessive relationship with Damien sent both of them into world of darkness and self-destruction. We also met Aaron, the constant in Etta's life - the man who was willing to do anything it took to keep her safe.

Two Men. One woman. A decision that will change everything...

That decision is yours...


Three years have passed since Aaron rescued Etta from Damien. In that time, things have changed, and they have made a life together.

When Damien returns, demanding what he feels is rightfully his, Aaron will have to stand his ground or risk losing everything he holds dear.

Their love, trust and commitment will all be put to the test in this tale of fighting for those you hold dear - even if the consequences could be catastrophic.


In Drawn - Obsession, we follow Etta, Aaron and Damien. They will walk the path you set them on when you make the choice to support Aaron. To support Damien, you will need to read Drawn - Redemption. 



Drawn - Redemption 
Choose your hero wisely. Have you ever wanted the power to decide who the heroine of a story will ultimately end up with? In Drawn, we met Etta and watched as her obsessive relationship with Damien sent both of them into world of darkness and self-destruction. We also met Aaron, the constant in Etta's life - the man who was willing to do anything it took to keep her safe.

Two Men. One woman. A decision that will change everything...

That decision is yours...


Three years have passed since Damien lost Etta. His obsessive and irrational behaviour drove her away and destroyed his life.

For three years he has languished in prison. Every day he had but one thought - Etta. She is the holder of his soul and he can't see a life without her in it.

When he is finally released and tracks her down, he is faced with something he didn't expect. His daughter, and Aaron.

Damien needs to redeem himself in the eyes of the woman he loves. He needs to prove to her that he is the kind of man she can build a life with - even if that means telling her all of his secrets and possibly ruining everything for good.

In Drawn - Redemption, we follow Etta, Damien and Aaron. They will walk the path you set them on when you make the choice to support Damien. To support Aaron, you will need to read Drawn - Obsession.

AUTHOR BIO
Australian born and bred, Lilliana Anderson has always loved to read and write considering it the best form of escapism that the world has to offer. Besides writing Angelien's biographical trilogy, she also writes contemporary romance and drama all based around Aussie characters.

When she isn't writing she is a wife, and a mother to four children. She has worked in a variety of industries and studied humanities before transferring to commerce/law at university.

She currently lives a fairly quiet life in suburban Melbourne.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Reviwe: The Shadow Queen by Sandra Gulland

Title: The Shadow Queen
Author: Sandra Gulland
Source: Amazon Vine
Genre: Historical Romance, 1660's France
Release Date: April 8, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

From the author of the beloved Josephine B. Trilogy, comes a spellbinding novel inspired by the true story of a young woman who rises from poverty to become confidante to the most powerful, provocative and dangerous woman in the 17th century French court: the mistress of the charismatic Sun King.

1660, Paris

Claudette’s life is like an ever-revolving stage set. From an impoverished childhood wandering the French countryside with her family’s acting troupe, Claudette finally witnesses her mother's astonishing rise to stardom in Parisian theaters. Working with playwrights Corneille, Molière and Racine, Claudette’s life is culturally rich, but like all in the theatrical world at the time, she's socially scorned. 

A series of chance encounters gradually pull Claudette into the alluring orbit of Athénaïs de Montespan, mistress to Louis XIV and reigning "Shadow Queen." Needing someone to safeguard her secrets, Athénaïs offers to hire Claudette as her personal attendant. 

Enticed by the promise of riches and respectability, Claudette leaves the world of the theater only to find that court is very much like a stage, with outward shows of loyalty masking more devious intentions. This parallel is not lost on Athénaïs, who fears political enemies are plotting her ruin as young courtesans angle to take the coveted spot in the king's bed. 

Indeed, Claudette's "reputable" new position is marked by spying, illicit trysts and titanic power struggles. As Athénaïs, becomes ever more desperate to hold onto the King's favor, innocent love charms move into the realm of deadly Black Magic, and Claudette is forced to consider a move that will put her own life—and the family she loves so dearly—at risk. 

Set against the gilded opulence of a newly-constructed Versailles and the War of Theaters, THE SHADOW QUEEN is a seductive, gripping novel about the lure of wealth, the illusion of power, and the increasingly uneasy relationship between two strong-willed women whose actions could shape the future of France.





The Shadow Queen delivered much more than I expected.  Full of intrigue, scandal and secrets - religious cults and fantastic plays.  The tale of Claudette begins as a poor player and spans many levels fame.  From helping her mother become a famous actress to being the confidante of The Shadow Queen - with much in between.  

As part of a family of players, Claudette leads a very interesting life surrounded by some very unique people.  One of these people is knows as Athenais - met in a variety of ways throughout the year, Claudette finds herself the woman's confidante.  This leads to quite an interesting series of events as Athenais tries to maintain her place as the king's favorite mistress.  There was a surprising amount of action in this - duels, floods, missing people - at times the book got quite exciting for a historical fiction novel that wasn't about a war.

I loved the way the story was told.  I really felt like I was there watching it all from a hidden little nook in the wall.  The clothes, the rooms, the people - all come to life very nicely.  The ending was very nice and I loved how Sandra Gulland wrapped up so many of the pieces so nicely and naturally.  I don't know much about the time period, but she did include a little bit at the back covering where she too literary licence and what was considered fact which helped me understand the time even more.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*


Monday, April 28, 2014

Review: Within the Realm (The Gifted Realm #1) by Jillian Neal

Title: Within the Realm (The Gifted Realm #1)
Author: Jillian Neal
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

The Gifted walk among us. They are unseen, but in plain sight. The Earth’s energies are as visible to them as the tangible world is to us and they can harness and bend these forces to their will. Atop the Pentagon resides the government of the Gifted Realm.

Rainer Lawson is set to join the ranks of Elite Officers in the Gifted Police force. With his fellow officers, they will work together, using their abilities, to try and end the most sinister criminal organization in existence. His parents fought and died to re-establish the Realm, and he won’t allow them to have sacrificed in vain.

The will to protect those he loves has always driven Rainer, but his desperation to protect Emily, the love of his life, consumes him. While passions ignite and vengeance is sought, Rainer may discover that all of his money, fame, and power, could cost him the only thing that has ever truly mattered.




This book was not quite what I expected.  As the first in the series there was a lot of world and character building - setting the stage for the story.  But it seemed like that was all it was.  I just couldn't seem to figure out what the big conflict was for the story.  Almost the whole book was about the two couples trying to be "together" and all the doubts and insecurities they experienced trying to make this happen.  I thik it would have been nice to this once or twice, but not for the majority of a 400+ page book.

It wasn't until the last 10% or so that I really got a fee for what was going to be happening - it still hadn't happened yet until the last few pages.  I love character and world building, descriptive passages, and anticipation.  This one took it too far for me though.

There were some things I really liked, too.  In the beginning, we are introduced to our main characters and part of the world history as they are taking their last final exam at college.  The essay questions Rainer was answering and a bit of his internal dialog about them were a great way to introduce The Gifted political system and some of both the character and the world history.

I'm hoping that book two will be a little more interesting.  I'm curious to see what the last few pages of the book will lead to now that we have what I think is our major conflict.  I do enjoy to concept of their energy.  It's not exactly magic, more of a way of manipulating the world around them.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*


Cover Reveal: The Harvesting by Melanie Karsak

The Harvesting by Melanie Karsak 
(The Harvesting #1) 
Genres: Dark Fantasy, Young Adult, Zombies


“The world, it seemed, had gone silent. It was something we knew but did not talk about. We were alone.”

While Layla Petrovich returns home to rural Hamletville after a desperate call from her psychic grandmother, she never could have anticipated the horror of what Grandma Petrovich has foreseen. The residents of Hamletville will need Layla’s cool head, fast blade and itchy trigger finger to survive the undead apocalypse that’s upon them. But even that may not be enough. With mankind silenced, it soon becomes apparent that we were never alone. As the beings living on the fringe seek power, Layla must find a way to protect the ones she loves or all humanity may be lost.

This exciting new dark fantasy/horror hybrid blends the best of the zombie genre with all the elements a fantasy reader loves!

It’s all fun and games until someone ends up undead!






AUTHOR BIO
Melanie Karsak grew up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania and earned a Master's degree in English from Gannon University. A steampunk connoisseur, white elephant collector, and zombie whisperer, the author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children. She is an Instructor of English at Eastern Florida State College.

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Carnival by K.B. Nelson

Carnival by K.B. Nelson 
Publication date: June 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance





Blue’s a carny and he’s got molly. Charlie’s a local and she’s got ninety-nine problems but Blue ain’t one. Enter the world of neon lights….
Charlie never intended to sleep with a perfect stranger at the county fair. Finding out he was a carny was like winning the bonus round of the worlds worst game. Blue grew up in the carnival, never staying anywhere long enough to call home. He didn’t mean to seduce Charlie that night, but he’s use to living life on the edge.

Charlie’s supposed to be packing her bags for college. Blue’s supposed to get in his jeep and drive to the next town. She’s ready to leave for a life she’s not certain she wants and he’s searching for a place to call home.

Unable to resist him, Charlie makes the choice to stay. She follows Blue down the rabbit hole; into a world with no regard for rules and consequences. But when tragedy strikes, will it send her and Blue down a more destructive path? Or will it bring them closer together? Either way, they both come to realize that life is just like a carnival ride.




AUTHOR BIO
I grew up on a farm in Ohio, but that's not very interesting, is it? When I'm not writing you can find me doing one of two things; getting lost on highways or getting lost in the lives of fictional characters. If my heart had two feet, one foot would be in romance and the other solidly in geekdom. I hope you'll all follow me on my journey through this carnival they call life.I promise there will be a happy ending. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, April 25, 2014

Review: Bound by M.J. Stevens

Title: Bound (The Guardians #1)
Author: M.J. Stevens
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Release Date: January 21, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

‘No good deed ever goes unpunished, Mellea…’

Mellea Wendorn hasn’t exactly had a normal life. Misfortune seems to follow her, and her family, wherever she goes. 
However, when Mellea stops to assist a mysterious young man suddenly her prior hardships seem trivial.

His name is Leo. He is a Successor, a child of the Guardians of Selestia. 

He is royalty. 
He is handsome. 
And he wants Mellea completely to himself. 

Unable to escape the Guardian's laws, Mellea must learn the ways of the royals. She is convinced her life can’t get much worse. But when a timeworn Guardian enemy arises from the shadows, Mellea must make a choice that will change her destiny forever.




Bound is an interesting mix of fantasy with a touch of science fiction technology mixed in.  Mellea is a poor country girl trying to save up money to go to university.  She never expects to be picked up and "claimed" by one of the royal sons - a Successor.  Leo is an ass.  Yes, a giant royal pain in the butt.  But there are moments when it seems he might be more.  It's his only redeeming quality for most of the book.  Mellea on the other hand, it stubborn, honest, and tells it how it is.  Things don't go very well for this opposites attract type of couple.

There is also quite an adventure going on throughout the story.  With people disappearing and the Guardians threatened, things quickly spiral out of control.  M.J. Stevens does a fantastic job of balancing parts in this book.  The Guardians are equal parts great people with good motives and stuck up snobs that can't admit when they're wrong.  The bad guys (I can't tell you who they are) are smart with actual cause to want to fight, but they do it dirty and don't really care who may get caught in the middle.

This was a great start to a series.  I wish I had liked Leo earlier in the book.  It was difficult to read when he seemed like he was supposed to be a good guy and I didn't even like him.  Their religion and magic and how it manifested was a great idea and well developed.

Be warned - there is a cliffhanger and it looks like we may have to wait until December (according to goodreads when I wrote this) to find out what happens.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*




Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Shadows Fall Away by Kit Forbes



Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

Shadows Fall Away by Kit Forbes

presented by Month9Books!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
Shadows Fall Away 1600x2400
Mark Stewart is one incident away from becoming a juvenile delinquent, and his parents have had enough. They ship Mark off to London England to stay with his eccentric aunt Agatha who is obsessed with all things Jack the Ripper. After a strange twist of luck, Mark is struck by lightning, and he wakes to find himself in 1888 Victorian London.
His interest in a string of murders Scotland Yard has yet to solve make him a likely suspect. After all, why would a young boy like Mark know so much about the murders? Could he be the ripper they've been searching for? Convinced the only way to get back home is to solve the murders, Mark dives headfirst into uncovering the truth.
Mark's only distraction comes in the form of the beautiful Genie Trembly, a girl who is totally out of his league and who may have already caught the attention of the infamous ripper. To save her, he'll endanger both their lives, and risk being trapped in the past forever.
add to goodreads
Title: SHADOWS FALL AWAY
Publication date: September 23, 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Kit Forbes
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---About-the-Author
Kit Forbes has been a lover of books, history, and all things paranormal for as long as she can remember. She lives in Western Pennsylvania with her youngest daughter and an assortment of cats who give new meaning to the world bizarre.
Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---Giveaway
Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!



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Thursday, April 24, 2014

Cover Reveal: Coral & Bone by Tiffany Duane

Coral & Bone by Tiffany Daune 
Publication date: July 7, 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Designed by Nathalia Suellen


Halen knows the sparks igniting under her fingertips are dangerous. She has spent her entire life trying to quell the tingly feelings that make her destroy things, but now that she is back in Rockaway Beach, where she watched her father drown, the flames have become impossible to tame.Halen is trying to hold on, but when she is thrust into a mysterious new world, the underwater realm of Elosia, she unravels the secrets of her past, and can’t help but ignite. As she explores Elosia, she realizes her life has been a lie. And when those who have deceived her come to her for help, Halen must choose—walk away or unleash the magick that could destroy them all.


AUTHOR BIO
Tiffany Daune doesn’t get why people want to grow up, or why anyone would ever stop eating candy. Her purse is filled with books, lip gloss and a few pieces of Lego bricks. She writes best with a dish of chocolate chips on hand, and finds licorice makes a better straw than plastic.

She lives on an island and believes mermaids may be raiding her candy stash, though she hasn’t caught them, yet.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Review: Empress of the Night: A Novel of Catherine the Great by Eva Stachniak

Title: Empress of the Night: A Novel of Catherine the Great
Author: Eva Stachniak
Source: Amazon Vine
Genre: Historical Fiction (Russia 1790)
Release Date: March 25, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

The follow-up to the #1 bestseller The Winter Palace--perfect for the readers of Hilary Mantel and Alison Weir. 

Catherine the Great, the Romanov monarch reflects on her astonishing ascension to the throne, her leadership over the world's greatest power, and the lives sacrificed to make her the most feared woman in the world--lives including her own...


Catherine the Great muses on her life, her relentless battle between love and power, the country she brought into the glorious new century, and the bodies left in her wake. By the end of her life, she had accomplished more than virtually any other woman in history. She built and grew the Romanov empire, amassed a vast fortune of art and land, and controlled an unruly and conniving court. Now, in a voice both indelible and intimate, she reflects on the decisions that gained her the world and brought her enemies to their knees. And before her last breath, shadowed by the bloody French Revolution, she sets up the end game for her last political maneuver, ensuring her successor and the greater glory of Russia.







I have not yet read The Winter Palance, but I just added it to my Amazon cart to pick up with my next batch of books.  Eva Stachniak just may be getting added to my "but everything she writes" list.  Her writing was caprivating and very descriptive without going too far and giving too much.  

The court and life of Catherine the Great was very different from many of the European courts I have read about during that time.  Stachniak captured the grandoise lifestyle and obsession with impressing Russia's European counterparts and need for expansion.  There was so much I never realized about Catherine the Great - such as she wasn't really Russian and her name wasn't originally Catherine.

Her story was amazing, told as a memory she has after a fall towards the end of her life.  She had many enemies, but many people also truly loved her and relied on her rule to make life in Russia better.  I can't wait to see what The While Palace is like - told from the point of view of a close servant instead of Catherine.  It's amazing how the same story can be completely different when told from two perspectives.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Trailer Reveal: Uncovering Cobbogoth by Hannah L. Clark


Uncovering Cobbogoth (Cobbogoth #1)
Release Date: 05/13/14

Summary from Goodreads:
Norah Lukens needs to uncover the truth about the fabled lost city of Cobbogoth. After her archaeologist uncle’s murder, Norah is asked to translate his old research journal for evidence and discovers that his murder was a cover-up for something far more sinister.

When she turns to neighbor and only friend James Riley for help, she realizes that not only is their bitter-sweet past haunting her every step, but James is keeping dangerous secrets. Can Norah discover what they are before its too late to share her own.








About the Author
Hannah L. Clark is the author of the YA fantasy-adventure "Uncovering Cobbogoth." It is the first book in a planned 7 book series. It will be released by Cedar Fort Publishing on May 13, 2014.
Hannah lives in Pleasant Grove, UT with her husband and son.

Author Links:
 photo iconwebsite-32x32_zps1f477f69.png  photo icongoodreads32_zps60f83491.png  photo icontwitter-32x32_zpsae13e2b2.png  photo iconfacebook-32x32_zps64a79d4a.png







***GIVEAWAY***
$20 Amazon gift card & ear cuff (US only)
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Cover Reveal: Tryst by Cambria Hebert

Tryst by Cambria Hebert 
(Take It Off Series - can be read as a stand-alone) 
Publication date: May 16, 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Designed by Mae I Design


Sometimes all a girl needs is a little fling…

Talie Ronson needs a vacation.

From life.

Since she caught her cheating, loser husband in bed with his assistant, her life has been on a steady spiral—right into hell. Her car’s a junker, her job sucks, and her perfect, gorgeous sister likes to brag about her wonderful life every time they “do” lunch.

In an effort to salvage what’s left of her life and her sanity, she takes the advice of her kooky best friend and takes off to Topsail Island. A week at the beach, alone, is exactly what she needs to recharge, regroup, and relax.

Only, her alone time is about to get derailed.

Gavin Palmer’s favorite activity is walking around in his boxers and eating junk food. He and his neighbors have an understanding. They stay out of his business and he stays out of theirs. He lives at the beach, not for vacation, but for isolation. He’s had enough of people to last him a lifetime.

Gavin’s isolation is interrupted when his normally quiet neighbor starts disturbing his peace. He stomps across the sand to give the guy a piece of his mind… only it isn’t a guy.

It’s Talie.

She’d maddening, nosy, and talks too much.

But she’s hot and her bedroom eyes have him thinking maybe he’s had enough solitude. Maybe a week of company is exactly what he needs.

Maybe what they both need is a no-strings-attached tryst.


AUTHOR BIO
Cambria Hebert is the author of the young adult paranormal Heven and Hell series, the new adult Death Escorts series, and the new adult Take it Off series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book. You can find out more about Cambria and her work by visiting http://www.cambriahebert.com 

Author Spotlight: Kimber Leigh Wheaton's Shadow Fire




 Shadow Fire
Light Chronicles Book 1

Kimber Leigh Wheaton

YA Fantasy Romance

Blurb

Ashlyn – a free-spirited teenager whose peaceful life is shattered when the village elders honor her with a perilous quest to recover a stolen relic.

Zane – a jaded mercenary, torn by his undeniable desire for Ashlyn and the dark secret that could make her hate him forever.
Delistaire – a malevolent sorcerer driven by an insatiable lust for power.
All three are bound together by an ancient relic supposedly infused with the power of a Goddess.
Shadow Fire – adventure, passion, secrets, and betrayal
As Ashlyn and Zane race to stay one step ahead of the evil lurking in the shadows, their passions are ignited and their bond strengthens. But will they find the relic before Delistaire? Or has their entire quest been orchestrated from the very beginning by a madman in pursuit of ultimate power?
Each installment of The Light Chronicles is a standalone story.
Praise

"This book contains monsters, magic, majestic creatures, and a evil guy that wants to destroy the world. If you love hot guys.....Zane is all that plus a few tricks up his sleeve. Just read it!" Venture ~Amazon Reviewer

"Adventure, magical creatures, fun characters, and romance make this book a perfect read for all ages." James Luby ~Amazon Reviewer

Favorite Quotes

The villagers will be awaiting my return, skulking in the shadows, desperate to catch a glimpse of the walking dead girl. ~Ashlyn

After all, love conquers nothing but fools. ~Delistaire

Perhaps you shouldn’t have chased the poor pirate all over the ship shooting light daggers at him. ~Zane

How would you like a tour of this grand vessel, my angelic beauty? I’ll show you my favorite trysting spots. ~Taranis

About the Author

Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance and is a member of Romance Writers of America.

She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs and four cats. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Her house is filled with dragons, though she does lament that they are the porcelain, non-flying variety.

Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!)

Her debut novel, Shadow Fire, is the first book in The Light Chronicles series. Watch for book two, Stolen Moon, a standalone sequel, coming soon.


Author Links:
http://www.pinterest.com/Cymberle/


 Excerpt

Every step I take is one step closer to death.

Hiking through the dense underbrush, I try to calm my frayed nerves and control the fear threatening to overwhelm me. Twigs and tendrils of ivy grab at my ankles as I continue to forge ahead, forcing me to wrench away from their skeletal grip. The sunlight is fading, signaling the end of another day, but this is no ordinary day.

A loud crack pierces the air. I freeze in my tracks, my breath catching in my throat. Whipping my head around, I try to locate the source of the sound. My heart pounds in my chest, the erratic rhythm painful. These woods are full of predators, some animal, some monster, but the worst… human. Taking a deep breath, I listen to the surrounding woods: birds chirp, insects hum, and small animals scurry about as if they have no care in the world.

Lungs burning, I force myself to continue walking. I didn't collapse three weeks ago when this whole fiasco started, and I won't give in now. My family needs me to be strong.

The trees become sparser as I approach the edge of the forest. My shoulders slump when I pass the tree house we used to play in so many years ago. Any other day when I'm this close to home after a long day of hunting, I'd smile, breathe a sigh of relief, and perhaps look forward to dinner. Today there will be no raucous family meal, no solace in entering the peaceful village, and nothing to smile about.

The villagers will be awaiting my return, skulking in the shadows, desperate to catch a glimpse of the walking dead girl.

I've dealt with the whispers and pointing for three weeks with my head held high, my anxiety hidden behind a mask of indifference. I don't want them to see me like this, trembling in fear, broken. They've taken everything I am, every hope, every dream I've had for the future and smashed them to pieces with little hope of salvation. The townsfolk of Verdane decided my fate and they chose death.

The elders told me being Chosen is an honor. Either they are ignorant or apathetic. Every five years for the last twenty, a teenage girl has been chosen by the town, via secret ballot, to undertake this dangerous quest, never to return. Perhaps if the elders had to forfeit their lives instead they wouldn't be so quick to label it an honor, they'd call it what it is… a sacrifice.