The lane was a holdover from the property’s origins as a farm The back had grown wild since, covered in threes, shrubs, tall grass, and these purple flowers that reminded her of a man wearing baggy clothes and a hoodie. Saves me from mowing the grass.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
The wind picked up, sending a blast of cold air up her dress. She was on high from the hour they spent together, so Mother Nature would need to do better than that to get a reaction. She let out a dreamy sigh, and headed down the lane leading to their home. How am I so lucky?
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
Ten Sigma is a military science fiction novel written by indie author A.W. Wang. The story follows a terminally ill woman who signs what’s left of her life away to a secret government program that exists within a virtual world.
She wakes up in a new environment and with a new body, unprepared for what they expect of her. The story focuses on the character’s development in the Ten Sigma program, starting a loss of identity and humanity to forward the government’s goal of creating the perfect warrior.
The book evokes thoughts of Harsh Realm (Series), Forever War (Novel) and Unreal Tournament (Game). While there are numerous combat scenarios, A.W. Wang does an excellent job of varying the challenges to keep the prose fresh.
The story is very much character driven. Conflicts are many and often clouded in the mysteries of the virtual world. It all comes to light in the end, revealing a virtual world far more chaotic and nuanced than originally gleamed.
Ten Sigma is a solid read filled with rich detail, believable characters, and a compelling story. I found it hard to put the book down!
This quick read offers a satisfying ending to the virtual realm, and leaves it wide open for what happens in the great beyond. Curious? Check out Ten Sigma: Renegade.
“I highly recommend you see Tyler,” Julia said while pointing at her ruck. “He has a good eye for what works.”
“Thank you,” Amber said before glancing at Gwen and heading inside.
That left Gwen and Kaylee alone with her. So why are they sticking around?
“If you are up to it,” Kaylee said while looking at her grandmother for support. “We’d love to have you join us.”
“Really?” Julia confirmed and figured they discussed this beforehand. “I’d love to.”
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
Julia spotted the family making their way to the general store. She was surprised they were here, but Amber had a noticeable limp, explaining why she caught up with them. Unlike her elders, Kaylee beamed a smile. Missed our banter?
“Hi,” Julia said with a single wave of her hand. “A pleasant surprise, I hope?”
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
Her plan to get in, do a loop, and leave with what she needed fell to pieces the moment she walked in. Julia was overwhelmed by the selection To compensate she took deep breaths while focusing on the floor.
“Can I help you,” someone said from behind.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
“I can’t stay,” Michelle said.
“Time to move on?” Julia confirmed while noting that the sun was getting scarce.
“No, I’m done,” Michelle said just as her eyes teared up.
Julia pushed herself off the tree and sat with Michelle. Her presence might provide a measure of comfort, but the hiker broke out in tears. The distraught woman then reached for Julia.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
After the first couple of bites, Julia noticed that Michelle’s eyes were glassy while her breathing had slowed. This was new territory for Julia, since empathy was not a priority for the pack. Werewolves smash, we don’t deal with the fallout…
Julia snapped her fingers several times and said, “Michelle.”
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
Julia ended up with two steaming fillets of trout. For presentation, the fish was served atop a sheet of birch covered in a bed of fresh leaves.
“You should eat,” Julia said after placing the plate near Michelle.
Famished, Julia had no trouble breaking apart the fish with her hands before popping a piece into her mouth. This catch had an earthy taste. Hunger overrode such concerns, along with trivial notions like table manners.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.
She found a pebble with a flat surface. With a skilled flick of the wrist, the pebble went spinning through the air and bounced three times before sinking.
“I spent hours trying to perfect that,” Julia said.
While grabbing another projectile the wind picked up. She sighed, unimpressed that her bit of fun was cut short. Never changes… never fails.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. Image is sourced from Pixabay.
