Publication date: November 10th, 2020
Synopsis:
Mystery has surrounded Sydney White for as long as she can remember. Her mother's death puzzled even the hardest of investigators, but eventually, they just stopped trying. So, when Syd is presented with the opportunity to finish a degree in faery anthropology that her mother began over twenty years ago, she leaps at the chance to learn the truth. However, truth is often stranger than fiction, especially when the lines between faery and human are eroding each day. Syd will have to navigate unthinkable deals, a prince in peril she swore she would never speak to again, and an organization only known as Coventry.
Available at:
Excerpt
Wilhelmina Strauss pressed a bundle of blankets to her chest, high heels pressing into mud piles with each step. Walking quickly, she struggled to see through the permanently misty forest. As this small, mostly-hybrid populated town existed on a ley line and its woods hid the only portal to Faerhaven, home of the faerys, some power collision from (the heat of hybrids and the cold of faer folk) should be expected. Still, Wilhelmina did not have time for such inconveniences.
From the pocket of her suit jacket, Wilhelmina produced a vial of crimson liquid. She popped the cork from the top and downed the vial's contents in a single delicate swallow. Briefly, her pupils glowed purple and her ears sharpened, the blood's power taking immediate effect. After discarding the vial, she waved her hand to create a miniscule air twister, which they collected the air droplets in front of her, successfully dispelling the obstruction. Gaia's wrath immediately carved a new crevice into Wilhelmina's already marred skin. The painful incision lanced up her arm, forcing her to jostle the bundle in her arms.
Spelled to sleep, peacefully, Skylar Rose was the reward of a successful transaction between Wilhelmina and Adelaide, orchestrated by Coventry. Wilhelmina did not know much about this company or its intentions, but as long as they didn't get in the way of her ambitions, there would not be any issues.
At that moment, Wilhelmina came to the Great Nexus, the X of two rivers marking the spot where Faerhaven and Earth split. Peering into the center of the X, water that did not reflect stared back at her. Wilhelmina waved her arm over the small pool as one would swipe all objects from a crowded table. The pool of water shimmered in response, growing to the size of a large saucer, the water solidifying for a few precious seconds. Glancing around to ensure she wasn't being followed, Wilhelmina stepped onto the ice-like surface, dropping through the portal and vanishing with the baby still tucked safely in her arms.
She dropped directly into the throne room of Faerhaven, which was a medium-sized stone enclosure with an intricate throne made of tawny colored roots and bright green vines in its center.
Behind her back, she used Aetherfae magic to compel obedience from the guards assembled, her magic invading their souls and turning them into her slaves.
"I am Wilhelmina Strauss. I come to declare myself as the Queen of Faerhaven. It would behoove you to not resist me, as I carry the Faerest in my arms."
The king, an imposing male faery with a floor-length charcoal beard and more wrinkles than a dying tree got to his feet with the clear intention to fight. Wilhelmina did not say a word, but she drew from the blood she'd drunk and strangled him without touch until he fell to the floor in a heap.
Fanfiction was where it all began. It gave me the opportunity to stretch my creative muscles and work out crucial lessons in the craft. I spent several years writing for free, which helped me understand the realities of the writing world early on.
Once I got to college, I did the one thing that most advisors tell you not to do. I majored in what I was passionate about, not what would be most practical.
After graduating from college with a degree in Professional Writing, I took a year off and then enrolled in a double Master's program. In the 3 years that followed, I dedicated myself to learning as much as I could about all areas of writing and publishing.
Nowadays, I'm a medical receptionist, soon-to-be self-published author, Medium blogger, writing coach, and podcast host. I live and work in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Hosted by:
