Title: Reign of the White Phoenix
Author: Jessica Cage
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Publication Date: Mar. 1st, 2021
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR
Blurb:
The Ancients foretold of the one with the white flame. She would change the world.
Hidden since birth from her own people, Elsfaer was born with a distinct marking that covered her entire body. Before she could walk, she was seen as a threat to their existence. But there were those who believed that she should be protected at all costs.
With the call for a new Elite, the High Spirit chose Elsfaer as the next to lead the Phoenix people. The very people she’d been told to fear all her life. But unlike the rest of her people who burned either a blue or red flame, Elsfaer’s fire was the hottest of whites.
Her white flame was a sign of change, of a new order for her people. Unfortunately, Phoenixes weren’t exactly open to change, but Elsfaer knows something they don’t. The balance of the Phoenix has been thrown off and if she doesn’t fix it, their flames will burn out for the last time.
Rise of the White Phoenix is a part of the Rise of the Elites Shared World Collection
Read a Note from Elsfaer
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Award winning and USA Today Bestselling author, Jessica Cage was born and raised in Chicago, IL. Writing has always been a passion for her. She dabbles in artistic creations of all sorts but at the end of the day, it’s the pen that her hand itches to hold. Jessica had never considered following her dream to be a writer because she was told far too often “There is no money in writing.” So she chose the path most often traveled. During pregnancy, she asked herself an important question. How would she be able to inspire her unborn son to follow his dreams and reach for the stars, if she never had the guts to do it herself? Jessica decided to take a risk and unleash the plethora of characters and their crazy adventurous worlds that had previously existed only in her mind, into the realm of readers. She did this with hopes to inspire not only her son but herself. Inviting the world to tag along on her journey to become the writer she has always wanted to be. She hopes to continue writing and bringing her signature Caged Fantasies to readers everywhere.
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The rustling of grass caught my attention. “Who’s there?” I called out, hoping that it wasn’t someone who wanted to try their luck despite the issued challenge. It wasn’t unlikely that there were people who didn’t care about the order of things or the consequences of the High spirit.
“Settle down.” The familiar voice of a person I thought I’d never see. “I’m not here to hurt you.”
“Kaden?” I peered into the shadows unable to see the source of the voice.
“I thought you were the Elite.” He revealed himself, stepping from behind a large tree.
“What are you doing here? What if someone catches you?”
“I had to see it for myself. Your wings.” Kaden leaned against the tree. “I was prepared to be blown away with awe. Little did I know, you’re really a Flameless after all.”
“Well, sorry to make you come all the way out here for nothing.” I turned away from him, focusing on the busy fish again. “And I’m not a Flameless. At least I don’t think I am.”
“What happened?” He remained behind me, enough distance between us that he could escape if I decided to turn on him.
“I don’t know. I’ve waited my entire life to have them and now they are just gone.” My shoulders slumped forward. It was hard enough to have the thoughts in my head but saying it out loud gave the disappointment a new weight. “I would think you’d be happy about it. You wanted me to be a Flameless. Did you come here to gloat?”
“No, I didn’t. Why would you think I’d risk being here just to rub salt in your wound?”
“Face it, you turned your back on me the moment you learned the truth. Don’t get me wrong, you had every right to do it. I should have been honest with you from the beginning. I messed up.”
“I know it wasn’t all your doing.” Kaden joined me on the bench and watched the water. “Ali can be convincing when she wants to be. I figured she probably concocted the entire thing and because she is your friend, you went along with it.”
“I just wanted to enjoy my life; you know? I wanted challenges and experiences that weren’t connected to being an Elite. I lived in that temple for years just waiting for the day that I would be strong enough to leave on my own. Not even a day after I mature, this happens. The option for that life and the freedom I longed for was ripped away from me. I never wanted any of this, Kaden.”
“And now you’re here.” He nodded.
“I am, except nothing is how I thought it would be. I’m struggling, and I don’t know what to do.” All of Phaedrial had expectations of me. Zodiac had already decided what my future was without even considering me. And Ali, in all the commotion I hadn’t even considered her. Where was she?
“I wish I could help.” He leaned back on the bench, finally looking at me and not the water.
“Why are you really here?”
“I told you.” He shrugged. “Wanted to be wowed like all the others. I knew you would be magnificent.”
“I know what you told me, but I have a feeling that I’m not the only one who is capable of keeping secrets.”
“Okay, I’ll admit it. You’re right. I came here in anger.” The moonlight bounced off his skin and gave his face a glow I’d never seen before. That was the thing about the Darkest Forest, it hid so many wondrous things. ” I don’t know what I planned to do. It’s not as if I’m strong enough to take on an Elite.”
“You wanted to fight me?” I raised a brow. That wasn’t the answer I was expecting.
“I wanted to hurt you, the same way you hurt me. I believed in you. Watching you train the others, the care and concern you had for them, I was impressed.” He paused, “And I thought we had something special. I confided in you, told you things about me that I’d never shared with another person. How was I supposed to know that you wouldn’t use that information against me one day?”
“I would never do that,” I confessed. ” Being with you all was the first time I felt like I belonged somewhere. Wings or not. I didn’t want to lie to you, but I didn’t think that you could ever accept me if you knew the truth. I care about every one of them and you. But I understand why you would be concerned.”
“I didn’t know what to believe.” He lifted his hand and carefully pushed the hood back from my face so he could better see me. “I had to be sure.”
“Well, you can be sure your secrets are safe. They will die with me; in just a few days it looks like.”
“Why do you assume you will lose?” He looked disappointed in me. “Have you suddenly forgotten how to fight?”
“Whoever challenged me has to be powerful. Or at least someone with a flame. I can’t compete against that.”
“You’re telling me you spent your entire life in combat training and you never once trained on fighting without your flame?”
“Well, of course, I have. That’s all I could do.”
“Okay, so you’re a skilled fighter and from what you taught our men in just a few short days, I know you’re capable of going out there and kicking ass.” He shook his head with a stern expression. “Elsfaer, you can’t give up before you even step foot in the ring. That’s a sure-fire way to make sure you don’t come back out.”
“It’s a lot to take on. In training I knew what I was up against, here, I have no idea. We don’t even know who issued the challenge.”
“Stop whining. You have time, prepare yourself.” He stood from the bench to walk away. “There are still people who want to see you succeed. Not everyone wants your life to end, regardless of the secrets you have at your disposal.”
“Where are you going?” I stood wanting to follow him, but I knew it was best not to. Kaden being there was risky enough as it was.
“Back to the Odious where I belong. Maybe you can come to find me when you win.” He winked over his shoulder.
“Wait,” I called out to him.
“Yes?”
Under the rising moon, I joined him beneath the tree. With death looming and life slipping away, I needed to take advantage of every opportunity to live. I stepped as close to him as I could and looked up into his eyes. With a sharp inhale, I lifted to my toes and pressed my lips against him.
As it always did, the kiss grew with intensity and fire until I felt like my flesh was burning. His hands gripped the small of my back before his arms wrapped around me and he lifted me from the ground. When our lips parted, we were both out of breath and flushed with our desire.
“Make sure you win, woman.”
Title: House of the Blue Flame
Author: Delzhia Jenkins
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Publication Date: March 8th, 2021
Blurb:
The Houses are divided. A war is brewing between the clans. And our Elite has fallen.
My House – the House of the Blue Flame – has been the center of envy and fear by the other dragon clans for centuries. My grandfather and his father and so forth, protected our people as both the strongest breed of dragon and as Elites.
And now it’s my turn.
My name is Adaya, granddaughter of former Elite, Horace “The Devourer” and next in line to stand in his place. As my grandfather once said, “A nation cannot stand if the houses fall…”
I’m here to protect and unite my people before each of our houses destroy each other. High Spirit has already marked me as the chosen Elite… But the question remains, will my people accept me? Or, will I face the same fate as others who came before me?
House of the Blue Flame is a part of the Rise of the Elites Shared World Collection.
Read a note from Adaya
Delizhia Jenkins is an Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance author who currently resides in Inglewood, CA. The love for writing began in elementary school when the passion for storytelling developed into a journey of writing. Over the years, she honed her craft for storytelling and the written word by excelling in subjects such English and English Literature; and by indulging in her favorite past time which involved reading the works of Anne Rice, K’Wan, Christopher Pike, Carl Weber, Omar Tyree and finally the late L.A. Banks. J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood also claimed her heart and author Karen Marie Moning joined the ranks of Miss Jenkins’ all time favorite authors.
Miss Jenkins began publishing in 2013 with her first African American romance novel, Love at Last. After that, it was realized that her true magic rested in her writing about the ancient, the esoteric, and the supernatural. Moreover, since 2014, after her release of Nubia Rising: The Awakening, Miss Jenkins remained true to herself and her calling. And of course, being a true romantic at heart, it was important for her to fuse romance with the paranormal with a dash of “color.” Miss Jenkins prides herself on writing for “the woman without the fairytale” and of course bringing magic and melanin to each book she writes.
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The “Blue Flame Manor,” as my grandfather’s house has been dubbed, is now the meeting place for serious political discussions between members of the Blue Flame clan. I can’t even remember the last time this many Blue Flame’s congregated in the same place. All seven of the Elders including an additional twenty of their guests, cramped inside the foyer and the main room of our home. Questions and uncertainty hang in the air like a dark cloud. The emptiness that followed my grandfather’s absence weighs on me. I just want to retreat back into my room, close the door, and never come out again. I can’t do this, I think to myself as I stand at the stairway, gripping the railing. I’m not ready to do this.
“Adaya,” Drew says from behind me. “Are you okay?”
“Not really.” I sigh. “But I don’t have much of a choice.”
He gently places his warm hand on my shoulder. “You can do this.”
I suck in another deep breath, feeling grateful that at least I have the support of my favorite cousin.
“Don’t worry about those old farts,” Drew continues with a grin. “At the end of the day, they are much too content with their comfortable livelihoods to even consider challenging you for the Elite position.”
“I’m not worried about a challenge – at least not from another Blue Flame,” I tell him. “I just wish he was here…”
“I know. I miss him too and it sucks what happened to him. Aunt Clara is requesting for an investigation at the Foci. She wants to rule out that there wasn’t any foul play from the other Supes that were there.”
“The other Elites were killed too,” I remind him as we begin our descent.
“True. But given that there is a lot at stake here, she just wants to make sure that there isn’t an assassin out there desperate for a power grab. I’m sure the other Supes are planning to do the same thing.”
“The last thing we need is a war between the dragon clans and the other realms,” I add.
“Yeah. I remember hearing stories about vampires…nasty buggers,” Drew said with a chuckle.
“They live in the human realm, right?”
“Yup. Poor humans. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be fed on by a damn parasite.”
I shudder at the thought. “Ick. I heard about the Phoenix realm. Grandfather talked about how beautiful it is. He promised he would escort me there one day…”
“Well, you’re about to become an Elite so you will be able to take yourself there.”
Drew and I continue our small talk about the different realms until we finally reach the bottom of the stairs. Most of the clan had gathered into the living room and the foyer, leaving hardly enough standing room. We squeeze past a few bystanders until we make our way towards our aunt, who stood in front of the fireplace, quietly observing the guests.
“Oh, there you are, Adaya!” she says, giving me a quick onceover. “I’m glad you wore that blue chignon dress I picked out for you. You look like a strong Blue Flame with that on and your grandfather would be proud.”
She holds my gaze for a moment, her clear green eyes fighting back tears at the mention of my grandfather. “It’s going to be ok,” she adds. “I need for you to stand next to me as I address the Elders and everyone here regarding this matter. Keep your chin up, shoulders back… We can get through this.”
Drew and I share a glance before I nod. My cousin disappears into the crowd, while my aunt and I position ourselves to be front row center. In minutes all eyes are on us, and through their hard and curious stares, I feel the whispers of judgement. Even from the eyes of my peers, who stood with their families, their curious gazes wreak havoc on my nervous system. I look over at my aunt. She’s no longer crying. Instead, her expression carries a silent challenge to anyone who stands to oppose her proposition.
“First I would like to thank everyone for attending this gathering on such short notice,” she begins. “And I am sure that you are aware of the events that transpired at the Rising. Our great leader and chosen Elite- and my dear brother- Horace “The Devourer” has perished, just like the other six who appeared…”
The collective gasp and murmurs gave her pause. However, she continued without skipping a beat. “I have already moved forward with setting the proper investigations in place to ensure that there was no foul play at the hand of the other realms.”
“So, who will be our new Elite?” someone called out.
Another round of murmurs and questions filled the room. I looked over at my aunt uneasily, but she disregarded my stare.
“My great-niece and Horace’s granddaughter, Adaya, will take his place. The High Spirit has approved this selection and upon the next full moon she will appear at the Rising to take her place as the next Elite.”
“She is too young!” an older female called out.
“That’s not right!” another person shouted.
“Our bylaws state that any member of the Dragon clans may be elected as the chosen Elite. Why does this choice automatically go to Horace’s granddaughter?” Godfrey, the oldest son of one of the Elders, stood up, his question directed more at me than my aunt.
“Because the High Spirit confirmed it,” Aunt Clara said firmly.
Godfrey looked to his uncle Harold, leader of the Council of Elders for the Blue Flame House. Harold and my aunt have had their share of differences; but despite his nephew’s silent plea for assistance, Harold said nothing.
“How do you even know? The High Spirit does not commune with those who are not the chosen Elite.”
Silence followed his statement. The truth of his words echoed in the backdrop of the room and for the first since she took position in front of the entire Blue Flame clan, my aunt was at a loss for words.
I swallowed thickly and clenched my sweaty palms together as a slight tingling sensation began to creep down my forearms. Magic appeared out of nowhere, surrounding me in a blue light. Everyone looked on, as my arms became engulfed in a blue flame that took the form of my dragon. Its iridescent eyes looked back at me as it melted into my forearms, leaving a tattooed image of itself.
As the light faded, my gaze shifted from the new tattoos to the quiet stares of disbelief, awe, and horror.
So, it was confirmed.
Even with all of the protests against me being the selected Elite, the large group of Blue Flame dragons, young and old- Godfrey included- said nothing. Aunt Clara’s face slowly widened with a sad smile.
She tuned to face the surprised faces of our clan. “Any questions regarding the High Spirit?”
Title: Order of the Shadow Dynasty
Author: Jennifer Laslie
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Publication Date: March 15th, 2021
Blurb:
One Girl. Two impossible tasks. Thirty days to survive.
Jaguar shifter Mei Ching is underqualified for the job at hand, but with the mark of the Elite appearing on her arm, she knows she must protect her position in order to ensure the safety of her people. The wolves have reigned for long enough.
But Mei’s not only been chosen as the next Elite, she’s also been tasked with discovering the cure for the virus ravaging the shifters. With her friend Tao by her side, they must unravel the clues left by the High Spirit, but there’s just one other problem. Mei is pretty sure Tao is her one true mate.
Between defending her place as the next Elite, suppressing her primal urges, and searching all over China and Penumbra for the cure, Mei isn’t so sure she’ll be able to survive the next thirty days.
Order of the Shadow Dynasty is part of the Rise of the Elites Shared World Collection
Read a Note from Mei Ching
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USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Laslie writes paranormal romance and young adult. She’s a crazy cat lady who lives in Utah with her wonderful family. Her office affords her a mountain view that she loves! When she’s not thinking about cheesecake or cats, she can be found in the bookstore in the Young Adult section, coffee in hand.
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Beneath my fingertips, Tao’s heart beat rapidly. Probably just as fast as my own.
When I didn’t pull away, the corners of his mouth ticked up into a semblance of a smile.
“Tao?”
I’d been fighting this attraction since he spoke up for me at the council meeting, but did he feel the same way? His small smile told me he might.
He leaned in, hesitated, but then seemed to find some ounce of courage and closed the distance.
My eyelids fluttered closed as his warm lips pressed to mine. It was just a small peck to test the waters. When I opened my eyes, Tao stared at me with even more concern, his eyes shifting from to my lips then back as if to silently ask if he’d made a mistake.
But then this warmth suffused my body, lighting me on fire. My heart thumped wildly, and when I looked at Tao, he gazed at me with the same heat I felt licking up the inside of me.
I yanked my hand from his chest, grabbed both sides of his face, and smashed my lips to his. This wasn’t the gentle kiss from a moment ago. No, this kiss was wild, feverish, and no holds barred. My tongue danced with his as I tasted him and devoured every breath.
I clung to him and held on for dear life. Never had I been kissed like this before or felt this need to get as close to another person. I wanted, no needed, to feel the heat of his body on mine, skin to skin. The animal within me tried to claw her way up at the same time I jumped and wrapped my legs around Tao’s waist.
His strong arms caught me as he carried me around to the loveseat. He settled on the edge and finally broke away long enough to draw in a ragged breath.
“Mei,I don’t know—”
But I cut him off with another kiss. My hands shook as I cradled his head, unable to resist pressing my body even closer to his.
Tao stood and then laid me down on the loveseat, settling between my legs as he left my lips to trail wet kisses down my jaw, neck, and collar bone. His lips brought goosebumps to my flesh and a delicious heat to my core. A moan escaped me as I arched my body into his.
I sucked in fresh air and tried to clear my head. This wasn’t me. I never lost control like this.
“Wait—” I closed my eyes as Tao lifted the hem of my shirt and nibbled across my stomach while one of his hands inched its way up to my bra to cup one of my breasts. “Oh, my God.”
“Mmm,” Tao hummed against my skin.
“No,” I managed to squeeze out between clenched teeth, even as my body screamed yes. “Tao, we need to stop.”
He rose, and to his credit, removed his hand from my chest and sat back. His chest heaved as he caught his breath. “Mei, I don’t know what came over me.”
“I don’t either. This isn’t me. I have way too many things on my plate already and a relationship isn’t something I need to add to the mix.” I sat up and scooted as far away as possible. My pulse still thrummed and my body seemed to sway toward Tao of its own accord, but I resisted reaching out to him.
Tao nodded. “I agree. My top priority is keeping you alive and helping you find this cure.”
“Thank you.”
He looked away. “I should go.”
“Yeah, maybe that’s best.”
He stood up on shaky legs. His actions were jerky as he walked towards the door.
“I’ll call you tomorrow.”
And then the door shut behind him and my world crumbled.
Title: Ascension of the Blood Throne
Author: Mikel Wilson
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Publication Date: March 22nd, 2021
Blurb:
“A vampire prince. Two teenage girls. The ultimate fight for the throne.”
Christian is the prince of the vampires and next in line to the throne now that their elite vampire king is dead. To claim his rightful place on the throne. He must first find a bride. Sometimes the best laid plans can’t go off without a hitch.
Lilith, an average teenager and recently turned vampire is thrown into a struggle not her own, and fighting to figure out her growing powers, she must choose sides between the vampire hunters or the very creatures that turned her. When the prince sets his sights on her best friend Mackinzie as his bride, he may become the hunted.
Sides will be chosen, powers will clash, but will Christian be ready to take the throne in time? Or will he become prey to the very beings he has hunted for millennia.
Ascension to the Blood Throne which is part of the Rise of the Elites shared World Collection.
Read a note from Christian
Best-selling author Mikel Wilson took the world by storm with The Hybrid series. This science fiction/fantasy series is filled with everything one could possibly ask for: action, mystery, romance, werewolves, vampires, greek gods, and so much more. Despite such success, Wilson has not let it get to his head. Mikel Wilson was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Being the youngest of nine children—four boys and five girls—Mikel Wilson was never lonely. Growing up, religion had been a major influence, mainly because he was the son of a preacher. This influence is still with him today, as he is the minister of music at his church. Mikel Wilson is married to Danielle and they have four children together.
Author Links:
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Title: Trials of The Black Throne
Author: E.M. Lacey
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Publication Date: March 29th, 2021
Blurb:
Bastard. Heiress. Will she claim the throne?
Onyx Jones has spent most of her adolescent life dodging death. Now an adult, she appreciates the quiet life. It’s not perfect. It’s got its own drama. But she’s alive.
Tranquility morphs into chaos the moment she crosses over into another realm: Penumbra.
Onyx discovers that she has been chosen by the High Spirit to be the Elite of the Orcs. She races against the clock to claim a throne she’s not sure she wants. With the help of a band of supernatural rejects, Onyx journeys to the Orc capital of Oracaii. Will she survive her calling?
Read a Note from Onyx
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E. M. Lacey is an author who writes about diverse characters set in dark urban and dystopian landscapes. She’s a coffee drinkin’, meme postin’, movie watchin’ girl who loves to talk all things books and movies. You might bump into her at local comic cons and other such nerd fests. Whenever she’s not getting her nerd on, she’s writing, reading, binge-watching Netflix, or communing with horror movie fans and other authors online.
Ms. Lacey hails from Homestead, Florida but resides in Chicago, Illinois. She is working on her next piece.
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“As I said before the crossing, time is not on our side. The Rising is only a few days away.”
Onyx growled, cutting him off, as she stalked up to the Shifter, stopping inches away from him. She raised her gaze to meet his. “Look! You say this like I know what it means.” Slashing her hand toward the ground, she curled it into a fist, drawing it back around in a mock punch, stopping just short of Cassius’s ribs. “I don’t.” She unfolded her fist, letting her hand drop to her side. “I don’t know if I want to know what it is.”
“Sadly, it’s not your choice.”
“Like hell!’ Onyx’s voice crackled with power. She was unaware her eyes glowed red, but she noticed Cassius take several cautious steps back, slowly raising his hands as he moved. She sized him up like a meal, muscles taut.
“It is the will of the High Spirit.” Cassius paced his words. “It is the way of things.”
“Well, I’m not from here.”
“Half of you is a child of this place which ties you to its laws.” Cassius leveled a finger at the collar beneath her turtleneck. “The knowledge stone marks you as the Chosen; as the Chosen, you must make the Rising and complete it.”
“What the hell is this Rising?”
“You must fight for your place as the Elite.” Cassius lowered his gaze and arms as he stopped moving.
“I’m not fighting anybody.” Onyx swatted away Cassius’s words, then stalked off to the opposite side of the tent, aware that the two Orcs blocked the exit.
“Then you’ll die,” Gryk said matter-of-factly.
The air fled her lungs. A sedate pivot brought her face to face with him. “What do you mean I’ll die? I haven’t done anything to anyone here. I don’t know anybody.” She jerked her chin at Cassius. “Except for him and that’s barely.”
“You are the Chosen. You must answer the Rising,” Gryk offered.
“Still, I don’t know what this Rising is. It sounds like a death sentence.”
“It is for the loser,” Gryk said.
“So why would I want to participate?” Onyx waved her hand toward Gryk, then to Joseph. “I don’t stand a chance if I’m fighting anything like you two.”
“You will be ready by the time we reach the borders of Oracaii.” The two Orcs and Cassius laid their right fists over their hearts and did a half bow.
Title: Fellowship of The Last Fallen
Author: Kish Knight
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Publication Date: April 5th, 2021
Blurb:
Under the threat of everlasting fire, the Fallen and the Unfallen must unite…
Or die.
Long exiled from the heavens, Dix knows her place as ‘one of the Fallen’, so when two Archangels show up on Earth to take her back to Fifth Heaven, she’s stunned. And whether she wants the job or not, she’s been chosen as the next elite.
With rogues wreaking havoc, and the higher-ups releasing the slow-burning flames to destroy their shadowy world among the clouds, the Angels need her help. But as she takes her position as Elite, the Council she thought would guide her have abandoned their post in protest of her coronation.
To make matters worse, the old Elite’s sexy brother has come to her with a secret matter that could get them both cast into the flames. Can she juggle her responsibilities and keep her people safe along with her heart?
Kish Knight, teen and new adult paranormal fantasy author, was born and raised in the US Virgin Islands. Seeking out the supernatural, she relocated to Savannah, Ga. for the ghosts, ghouls, and old-world charm. After reveling in the Southern ghosts, she took residence in the DC area and met a new set of city spooks.
When not at her desk, she’s most likely to be found with a book (nose-deep), romping with her 8 dogs (7 pits and 1 Chihuahua mix), or plotting out ways to take over the world (or at least the book market). Her current round of busywork always involves developing a plethora of design documents for her latest e-book series.
Kish also writes middle grade novels under the pen name of Cher Cabal. She is the author of the Returned novel series: Resurrection, Hellbound, and Dawning, as well as the expanded compilation Returned to Fire; the Dead-End Ave series: The Shelf and The Shelf 2; the Senior Year series: Geek – Boy Equals…. and Geek to Diva in 20 seconds; and also of the middle grade novel, Our Crew PLUS boys!.
Author Links:
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The uncanny feeling that someone was watching me began the instant I awoke. Soft sheets rustled along the enormous bed as I shifted, wondering what had awoken me.
Only the tiniest sliver of moonlight peeked through the slit in the curtains. Everything else in my room was dark. But the glimmer of light was enough for me to see the large shadowy figure standing motionless at the window. I couldn’t tell anything except for the fact that he was male.
‘Remiel?’ I thought. ‘The Elite’s brother?’
Immediately, I jumped up, pushing the sheets away and struggling to get out of the bed.
“Be quiet.”
At the single command, the pounding of my heart quickened. From the voice alone, I knew that it wasn’t Remiel. In fact, I had no clue who it was, only that whoever it was now stood in my room. And had been there for a while, apparently.
Ignoring the intruder, I began backing away from the bed, self-preservation on high. I was in an unfamiliar palace, with an unknown number of enemies. That’s when the figure shifted, allowing that same slice of moonlight to slide across his clothing. A spiked metal breastplate caught my eye.
Fear shot through me, and I could feel the cold beads of sweat pop out on my forehead. The only creatures that ever wore that particular type of breastplate were Shades.
“I haven’t done anything,” I immediately offered, my voice a hoarse whisper, half out of respect, half out of terror. Upsetting this Shade was not in my best interest, I know.
‘Of course, the mere fact that he’s here isn’t good….,’
