There was the reflection of her true self, rather than what she imagined herself to be. Pale skin, dark brown eyes, and wild black hair that refused to be tamed. It was that last trait that forced Anna to keep it in a ponytail, because it always got in the way. #AmEditing pic.twitter.com/97MP6h5iQH
— Evelyn Chartres (@EvelynChartres) January 6, 2021
Disclaimer: This excerpt is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
A Girl Called Ari by independent author P.J. Sky, is a post-apocalyptic tale of two women thrust together by fate.
The first is Starla, the daughter of the leader of the last bastion of civilization in the wastes. Lastly, we have Ari, left to fend for herself in the wastes as a child. Two women from radically different backgrounds embark on a journey that is marked by peril and death.
The story is mostly focused on the points of view of Ari and Starla, giving the reader a hint of their pasts along with thoughts that only the individual character knows. This contrast in point of view work well, allowing the story to unfold at a good clip.
This book is a quick read filled with bite sized chapters to snack on. Readers will fall in love with Ari and encounter a satisfying ending that leaves plenty of opportunity to develop the world further.
Coincidentally, Ari Goes to War, the sequel to this tale, is available for preorder.
Leela was dead either way, but leaving her behind would mean greeting Death cold and alone. Essa could not help but feel guilty over the idea of abandoning Leela, but without their help, this newborn child would end up as the third death of the day. #AmEditing #WritingCommunity pic.twitter.com/0ZAFgPbuK1
— Evelyn Chartres (@EvelynChartres) January 5, 2021
Disclaimer: This excerpt is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
The infant’s eyes were wide, and panicked. The midwife then realized that there were no slits along its neck. She grabbed a nearby seashell, and ran the sharp edge over the flawless skin. A cloud of blood marred her vision, and confirmed their fears, a child born without gills. pic.twitter.com/Cc1m97VjXE
— Evelyn Chartres (@EvelynChartres) January 5, 2021
Disclaimer: This excerpt is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
“Twelve hours,” Essa replied, the family’s matron answered.
Leela had no concept of hours, a measurement of time employed by her ancestors before the water overtook these lands. As another contraction built up, she tried to focus on her great-grandmother’s warm smile.#AmEditing pic.twitter.com/2udPkIooZ0
— Evelyn Chartres (@EvelynChartres) January 5, 2021
Disclaimer: This excerpt is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
A Cursed Legacy is an urban fantasy novel authored by Kima Blaze. This is the third book from the A Rift in the Veil series and will only make sense to new readers after reading the first two.
These books have taken on traits of a television series. Every new book drives the overall story forward and foreshadows new elements that later come into play. However, the story is still focused on the here and now.
Previously, readers were left hanging due to the Wendigo storyline, and this release successfully passes the baton. The feel from the last book is also maintained inasmuch as the story reflects the chaotic nature of the situation. Lizzie can’t seem to catch a breath, let alone plan, and that rings true given the situation.
Overall, this is a great read if you’ve invested in the series already. The story has a satisfying conclusion to the most pressing plot lines left open from its predecessor and further sheds light on Blaze‘s grand vision.
New to the series? I recommend you check out The Curse of a Name.
Sara Flower Kjeldsen is the author of Eve and Adam, a literary short story that tells the tale of two people who find each other when they are most in need of a friend. In this case, support and companionship come in the form of a complete stranger.
The narrative is told from both points of view, and Kjeldsen uses this juxtaposition to breathe life into Eve and Adam. As the story develops, this seemingly innocent tale of lovers from different worlds takes on a dark twist and forces them both to face the inevitable.
Eve and Adam is a quick read that will steal your heart before shocking you to your very core. When reading this tale, it’s best to remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Sarisart is a science fiction story by independent author C.J. Boyle. It introduces us to Sara Newman, a woman consumed by a dream to establish a colony on the moon. Her entire life to this point had been spent furthering that goal, even if that meant getting away from her controlling father.
Her plans are placed on hold when a foiled kidnapping sends her and a group of male mercenaries to an alien planet. That’s when this story takes on a decidedly darker feel, reminiscent of Lord of the Flies by William Golding.
This tale of survival quickly devolves as their chances for survival dwindle. Sara is forced to adapt to an ever changing situation and environment. Faced with the prospect of never returning home, she stands tall, overcomes adversity, and even risks death for the good of the group.
Sarisart is a fast paced story that keeps your eyes firmly fixed on the page. While part of a series, this book stands alone and delivers a satisfying ending that you will not see coming.
Independent author, Anna Mocikat has woven a tale that involves cyborgs, corporate run empires, and societies that are said to be perfect. If that were true, then why have an elite unit of cybernetically-enhanced humans to protect their way of life?
Behind Blue Eyes is a noir cyberpunk novel that incorporates elements of George Orwell‘s 1984 and casts this utopian society in a dark light. Those familiar with Orwell’s book will not only catch references and parallels, but also wonder how deep the conspiracies and betrayals go.
While the main character is initially described as a cold, unfeeling killing machine, we soon discover that this fallen angel is more than meets the eye. While jarring at first, it is well worth reading on just to find out what happens.
Behind Blue Eyes is a worthwhile read filled with action, character development, and some unexpected romance. Best of all, just like 1984, this story will leave you guessing until the very end.
Samantha Kroese is an independent author who loves to write dark tales about hope surviving against impossible odds.
Ladykiller is a dark fantasy tale about an assassin who is renowned for his dealings with women. Kroese has created a world with a dark and gritty edge. No one is white as snow, and their motivations are revealed as the story develops.
The author weaves two points of view throughout and manages to do so with little duplication. The juxtaposition between the two brothers works out beautifully, revealing both sides of the story.
Ladykiller is a quick read that will introduce you to a world that is both rich in history and lore. It offers a satisfying ending and closes up all major plot points. While there are other books in this world, this story is effectively a stand alone work and is well worth a read.
