Asleep inside a bronze statue, a naked Frenchman wakes a century later to save a half-Fae, museum curator from a demon bent on ruling our present-day world.
Heaven-Sent Warrior
Warriors in Bronze Book 1
by Nancy Lee Badger
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Henrí Chevalier’s last memory, before stumbling naked into a museum’s moonlit garden, was Auguste Rodin and his dusty Paris studio in 1886.
To escape his broken heart, Henrí volunteered to sleep inside a statue until needed. Expecting to die, he discovers he must learn to use the unexpected powers Heaven has given him.
Without them he will fail his mission against otherworldly creatures, such as demons and faeries.
Kenzie Mackintosh, a dedicated art museum’s curator, spies a naked man hiding among bronze statues. A quick glance ignites desire within her, but she is too tied-up in work to act on it.
Unaware of her fae heritage, their relationship heats up as he disrupts her job. While Henrí tries to process modern buildings, cars, and a broken elevator, a demon attacks and forces Henrí and Kenzie to enlist the aid of her powerful fae relatives.
When the demon possesses the body of her ex-lover and threatens to kill him, then use her to take over the world, Henrí and Kenzie must learn to trust each other, even if Kenzie’s death might be the only answer to the world’s salvation.
“No. Kenzie is not there.” Henrí stood on the dune’s apex. The ocean, so close and black, seethed as if alive. He sensed Kenzie. He smelled her subtle fragrance on the wind.
There is still hope.
Henrí shaded his eyes and searched up and down the beach. Movement at the water’s edge caught his attention.
Even from a great distance, her tattered clothing barely covered white limbs striped with blood. With her head held high, Kenzie strolled like a soldier on a leisurely march, headed straight for the surf.
The black, churning, raging sea. Why would she enter the ocean? The unnatural sea could kill her, but Kenzie’s steps never foundered. When her feet sank in damp sand then disappeared in a swirl of foam, his blood surged, and his concern grew.
“Kenzie? Stop!” Henrí ran down the side of the dune, struggling to catch up to her before she waded in any farther.
“What is it? What do you see?” Gwen’s voice rose, panicked.
Henrí ignored her. He could not comprehend the scene before him. His mission, now, was to find Kenzie and keep her away from the dark depths of the ocean.
With the fae at his heels, he searched beyond the foamy wash of the breakers. Something out of place caught his attention and understanding slammed him in his gut.
His body screamed to run faster. He had sensed a demon, but the sea swept away both his stench and Kenzie’s sweet scent. The bobbing form drifted farther and farther away. Waves broke at his knees, but the swirling head of silvery blond hair disappeared into the dark recesses, below the surface.
“No!”
Kenzie was gone.
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Nancy Lee Badger grew up in Huntington on New York’s Long Island. After attending Plymouth State, in New Hampshire, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree and met and married her college sweetheart.
They raised two handsome sons in Rumney, New Hampshire while she dreamed of being a writer. When the children had left the nest, and shoveling snow became a chore, she retired from her satisfying job as a 911 Emergency Medical Dispatcher and moved to North Carolina, where she writes full-time.
Nancy is a former member of Romance Writers of America and its local chapter, The Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, as well as the Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers. She is currently a member of the Triangle Association of Freelancers based in the Raleigh area. She finds story ideas in the most unusual places.
Jenna Mitchell has spent her adult life under the control of her husband, her dreams of owning her own bakery pushed aside. But at twenty-eight, she’s finally ready to reclaim her life and pursue her passion. Well… almost.
With the unwavering support of the Sensational Six—her close-knit group of friends—Jenna can finally envision a day where she is in charge of her own destiny, a big step forward for her. As she works at her friend’s café, Jenna begins to discover the strength and courage she needs to break free from her past and begin focusing on her future.
But can she quiet the echoes that keep finding their way back to her? Will the doubts they’ve created make it impossible for her to see—and trust—the path forward before her chance at a better life slips through her flour-dusted fingers?
Fans of Rachel Hanna will enjoy this warm and uplifting story about self-discovery, finding the courage to start anew, and the unbreakable bonds of chosen family.
Excerpt One:
I was sifting powdered sugar over a just-cooled apple strudel when my husband called from county jail. Leaning over the tiny kitchen table in my tiny new apartment above the café where I worked, I was imagining myself with my apron-covered hip propped against a gleaming stainless steel table, putting the finishing touches on a last-minute order that had come in through my bakery’s website. Back and forth with the sifter… downy, white flakes danced around each other as they floated and settled into their resting places.
B-r-r-r-r-r-t
The rumble of the phone against the white laminate broke me from my time-worn daydream. I reached up to adjust the white baker’s cap that existed only in my mind, pressed pause on my dream, and shook my head to clear it. When I read the caller ID, my stomach folded in on itself.
‘Collect call’
Craig.
I took a deep breath that settled in my chest and refused to return. I set the sifter down on a nearby dish and picked up my phone. For a moment, just a moment, I held it in my hand and considered letting him go to voicemail. But a lifetime of experience told me that ignoring a man who will not be ignored would only delay the inevitable.
“Hello?” I said, forcing the air from my lungs.
My husband’s out-of-touch politician’s voice poured through the phone. “Jenna, sweetheart. Are you busy?” Without waiting for me to answer, he continued. “I need you to do me a favor, baby. Can you please come down here and bail me out? I can’t sit here for one more day.”
I shifted the phone to my other ear and wrapped my free arm around my waist as I paced the twenty steps it took to reach the other end of my apartment and back. He wasn’t going to like my reply. “Craig, I just don’t think I can do that. I don’t have the money for it right now. I’m sorry.”
This was apparently not the answer he was expecting, because, as expected, his demeanor slipped from the fake, sticky sweetness of corn syrup to hot, burning rage faster than a falling soufflé. “You’re sorry? You’re sorry? Be sorry that you haven’t already come down here to get me. I’m your husband, Jenna. Remember the vows you took? Love, honor, and obey?”
Recognizing the opening line to the endless refrain of our marriage, I pulled a chair away from my kitchen table and willed my shaky legs to deposit me safely into it.
“Yes, I do remember, Craig. But I still can’t afford to come and bail you out right now. I have expenses I need to think about.”
The sound of what I could only assume was the phone bashing against a hard surface assaulted my eardrum. “You have expenses because you decided to leave our home and go live above that — that woman’s café.”
“That woman is my boss, and my friend,” I reminded him, “and she’s been nice enough to let me stay here.”
“You don’t need to stay there,” Craig argued back. “What you need to do is come and get me so we can go home together where we belong.”
About The Author:
Jess Ames is knocking on the door of fifty, but has the sense of humor of a twelve year old and the body of a fifty-four-year-old (according to her fitness app).
She is “mama” to nine, “mimi” to four, “friend” to all, an adequate wife, and living the dream of the little girl who wanted to be a writer when she grew up.
They are both still waiting for that moment, so she’s writing in the meantime.
Deep in debt and desperate for a solution, Julius Claydon knows that marrying a wealthy woman is his only hope. When he meets the beautiful and rich Clara Haughton in Bath, he believes she could be his salvation, but there’s one obstacle in his path: Lydia Cray, Clara’s sharp-witted and penniless companion.
When Lydia quickly sees through his fortune-hunting motives, Julius proposes an alliance. He will help secure her future if she helps him secure Clara’s heart.
But Lydia is not all she appears to be, and she has a plan of her own: to teach him a lesson he won’t soon forget. But her scheming soon leads to unforeseen consequences for them both.
Can love spring from deception?
Excerpt:
“You seem to have taken a dislike to me,” he remarked.
“I have.” It came back promptly.
“Is my dancing really that bad?”
“No. You seem quite a capable dancer,” she said as if forced to be fair against her inclination.
“Then I’m afraid I don’t know what I’ve done to offend.”
“I’m sure you don’t.”
They crossed the room once more and came back together. Her hand was stiff in his own, and there was something unyielding in the way she moved through the steps. “Are you going to explain it to me?”
She shrugged. “I know you for what you are.”
“And what exactly is that?”
“A fortune hunter.”
It was stated so flatly, so calmly, and so completely correctly, that he couldn’t help himself: he threw back his head and laughed. She looked surprised. Perhaps he should have tried to disassemble, but there was a sharpness and confidence in her tone that made it impossible. However she knew, she did indeed know, and her forthrightness amused him.
“I’m sorry, Miss Cray. How did you guess?” He did not bother to hide from his voice that he was impressed.
“Well, I at least give you credit for not trying to hide it now,” she said a little dryly.
“How could I? When you have shot the target so exactly in the bull’s-eye. Credit where credit is due.” He gave a little mock bow.
“You seem an unusual specimen of your species.”
“There are always a few outliers. Have you met so many of us?”
“You must realize I’m quite used to dealing with your kind.”
“Are you? How very humbling you are. And here I thought myself clever.”
About The Author:
Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Naomi Laeuchli has lived overseas in nine different countries on three different continents where her family was posted with the American Foreign Service.
In November 2012 she moved from the Democratic Republic of the Congo back to the states and currently lives in Arizona with five horses. She works as a freelance writer and part time at the local library. She has written several interactive stories for Choice of Games, Tales, and Dorian.
Gregory S. Slomba is an instructional designer, former editor, and the author of the award-winning Deliverers Series. He studied English at the University of Dayton, then worked as a banker for 20 years.
He also spent four years as an editor and writer for a national trade magazine, giving him an opportunity to sharpen his writing and editing skills. Along the way, he was able to visit some fun places such as Bermuda, Spain, China, and over 60% of the U.S. states. He currently designs, writes, and delivers training courses for bankers.
Reading fantasy and science fiction has always sparked his imagination. Inspiring the imaginations of young readers through his writing is what drives him.
Greg lives in Connecticut with his wife, Stephanie and his two grown children, a golden retriever, and four cats.
Our Deliverers chearacter interview series continues with the last of the Deliverers, Hallo Tosis the dwarf. Let’s get right to it.
Greg: Welcome, Hallo, to The Deliverers Publishing Headquarters. It’s great to have you here.
Hallo: Thank’ee, thank’ee it’s great t’ be here, too. But, from what the others said, I thought it’d be more fancy-like, don’t ya know.
Greg: Umm, how do you mean?
Hallo: Oh, well, er, they said this were a magnificent showpiece an’ all. But t’ tell ya the truth, an’ I really don’t know how t’ tell ya this an’ all, but this here’s a real dump, don’t ya know. ‘T ain’t so much to it. They said the corridors went on f’ever an’ that there was fancy furniture an’ paintin’s an’ such, but I ain’t seen none o’ them things.
Greg: Hallo, it’s a joke.
Hallo: A which?
Greg: A joke. A running gag. We’ve been doing it throughout the interview series. Didn’t the others tell you?
Hallo: Wha’? Oh, er, um, sorry ‘bout that. Come t’ think on it, now that ya mention it, they did say somethin’ ‘bout gaggin’. It come t’ mind ‘cause I felt like gaggin’ when I come in, don’t ya know. Sorry I spoilt the joke, sonny.
Greg: Oh, don’t worry about it, Hallo. Let’s just get on with the interview, shall we?
Hallo: You go it, mister. Let’s get this show on the road, don’t ya know.
Greg: Alrighty, then. Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself, Hallo?
Hallo: Well, let’s see. You’re prob’ly wonderin’ ‘bout m’ name. Hallo Tosis ain’t such a hot name. It were given t’ me by m’ pappy, Jeremiah Tosis. He has a cuttin’ sense o’ humor, an’ he thought it funny t’ give me such a stinky name.
I was borned in the Dwarf Kingdom. I come from a long line of smithys. Some o’ m’ ancestors was silversmithys, some were goldsmithys. Some were sculptors, artisans, an’ some was tunnelers, don’t ya know. M’ pappy is the Royal Goldsmithy, the official goldsmithy t’ the king, a right important position.
On the other hand, I don’t have none o’ them skills. I’m the only one o’ m’ folk without the Gift, as we call it. M’ pappy were right fed up w’ me. In fact, he had me banished. So, I took t’ wanderin’ in the mountains, not bein’ able t’ go home an’ afraid t’ be found out by the Big Folk.
Then, I met Eric, Stig ‘n’ Kate, an’ m’ life took a turn for the better, don’t ya know.
Greg: What’s the Dwarf Kingdom like?
Hallo: It’s a place o’ unsurpassed beauty, don’t ya know. It’s located under the Iron Mountains, not too far from Calendria. There are many villages in the Kingdom, an’ everyone lives in comfort, like. I sure missed livin’ there.
The art were stupendous. There are carvin’s and reliefs cut inta the walls. Gold an’ jewel inlaid statues line the streets. The villages bustle with activity in the marketplaces an’ forges. I’m proud that I’m from the Kingdom.
Greg: What are your thoughts about the rest of the Deliverers?
Hallo: I can’t say enough about ‘em. Without them, I don’t rightly know where I’d be. Eric’s been through a lot, an’ he’s a good lad. He had a big load on his shoulders, an’ I’m glad I could help him out a little, don’t ya know.
Now Stig, he’s a crusty ol’ birdie, but he means well. I just wish he’d loosen up a wee bit, don’t ya know. He’s the one what’s done this all before, so he helped keep us all focused on the task at hand.
Kate, she’s a grand lass. I’m glad t’ have her an’ her folk for neighbors. Her pappy, the Lord Mayor is all right, too. Kate helped keep us all together, kept us from gettin’ on each other’s nerves.
I think we all work well t’gether, don’t ya know, an’ I’m hopin’ we’ll get t’ work t’gether in the future.
Greg: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Hallo: Well, I have a new job now, an’ that keeps me pretty busy, don’t ya know. When I’m off duty, I still try m’ hand at metal workin’. I still ain’t improved none. I also like t’ go down t’ Calendria t’ see Kate an’ her pappy. I also chew the fat with Cordon, the village blacksmithy, talkin’ shop. Me an’ the apothecary, Mrs. Bubblebeak, I mean Madame Bottleneck, have also become thick as thieves. I go over for a chat now an’ again.
Part o’ me, though, is waitin’ t’ go on another Assignment. I think one day, I’ll be called t’ go on one. I’m interested t’ meet the Gatekeeper. When that happens, I’ll be ready t’ go on another great adventure.
Greg: Why do you think that dwarves love treasure so much?
Hallo: Well now, it’s so beautiful. It’s the greatest feeling t’ take gold an’ jewels an’ make them inta somethin’ even more breathtakin’ than what ya started with. Treasurer’s why we dig. It’s our whole purpose—t’ find it an’ mold it.
Greg: Speaking of treasure, what can you tell us about the Jewel?
Hallo: Beggin’ your pardon, there ain’t much I can say ‘bout it. It’s our oldest legend an’ our deepest secret. Suffice it t’ say that the Jewel o’ Paradise is a jewel beyond price, an’ it lies on the other side o’ the Iron Mountains. But it’s guarded by fierce beasts. None what’s gone after the Jewel has ever got back alive. You kin learn all ya need t’ know ‘bout it in the book, don’t ya know.
Greg: How has the release of this book changed your life?
Hallo: Well, it’s exposed a lot o’ the secrets o’ the Kingdom. That’s been right strange ‘cause we’re private folk who don’t take t’ makin’ our comin’s an’ goin’s public. I almost got in trouble with the king all over agin over the whole mess. But, since it worked out okay for everyone in the end, the king figured there weren’t no harm in it. So, now I’m a lot famouser, an’ folk’re recognizin’ me more. Usually when they do, they got good things t’ say about the job I done. So it’s been right gratifyin’, don’t ya know.
Greg: Well thank you, Hallo for taking a few minutes to speak with us. Will you have any trouble finding your way out?
Hallo: Are ya daft? The door’s right over there. It ain’t like this place is a palace or anythin’. Oh, er. Uh, yeah, right. I mean, I think I’ll be all right. Us dwarves have a great sense o’ direction. It’ll take a lot more than a few windin’ twistin’ passages for me t’ get lost, although I might have trouble crossin’ the moat, don’t ya know.
Hey, how’s that?
Greg: Oh, that’s just great. Thanks a lot, Hallo.
Hallo: How’d ya like the part about the moat? I thought that one up all on m’own. Right good touch if I do say so m’self!
Featured Book:
Tales of adventure, friendship, self-confidence and teamwork for all ages.
Sharky and the Jewel
The Deliverers Book 1
by Gregory S. Slomba
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure
WINNER of the Golden Wizard Children’s Book Award 2024! NOMINATED for The Book of the Year Award 2024 in the Ages 8+ Category.
A world is in trouble, who can save it?
Certainly not Eric Scott, a 12 year old boy coming to grips with his own personal tragedy. But that’s exactly what Stig, an owl from another world, asks him to do. Together, they are sent to deliver Calendria, a small fishing village, from Sharky, an immortal pirate captain that has enslaved them. But defeating Sharky and his band of bloodthirsty pirates will be no easy task.
When they arrive, Eric and Stig meet Kate Endria, who is convinced that they are the Deliverers—heroes of an ancient prophecy who are destined to defeat Sharky and his crew. Eric devises a plan that he hopes will work. Eric’s confidence rises when they rescue Hallo Tosis, an outcast dwarf who gives them the key to a powerful weapon. But it’s only after things start to go horribly wrong that Eric and Stig discover the true object of their mission.
THE GOLDEN WIZARD BOOK PRIZE REVIEW 2024:
This book is truly a masterpiece, showcasing the author’s incredible talent on every single page. Slomba’s writing style…blurs the boundaries between fiction and reality, immersing readers completely in the story.
The protagonist, Eric, is exceptionally well-crafted. As the plot unfolds, we witness his remarkable journey of self-discovery, gradually uncovering his inner strength and determination. This evolution of the character adds depth and relatability to the narrative, allowing readers to form a personal connection…and reminding us of our own untapped potential.
What else sets this astounding literary piece apart is its ability to resonate with a wide range of readers. It surpasses age boundaries, entrancing not only younger readers but also adults who will find themselves completely absorbed in its pages. The allure of this book is undeniable, and personally, I found it to be an absolute delight to read. I am eagerly looking forward to the next installment in the series, excited to continue the journey.
A young civilization is turning the corner into the future, but first they must face a terrible enemy from their deepest past – The Vorm..
The main characters are a young man named Harl’ut and his lifelong companion Vispushin – who is a perIanth, a kind of telepathic pegasus. Join them on this epic adventure as they lead a group of young warriors into the heart of the Vorm Hive.
Book One: Battle In The Sky is the first of five books which comprise the opening series of this epic tale. Here, Harl’ut and Vispushin and The Princess Bryn’lynn, engage in desperate battle over the southern plain with savage Vorm warriors. You will be uplifted by the passionate and thrilling conclusion of the first installment of this fantasy adventure.
Book Two: Descent Into The Abyss, Harl’ut recovers from his harrowing adventure from Book One: Battle In The Sky. He walks through the streets of The Ocean City, visits the Sculpture Garden and his friend, Elá, the bard, and engages in exciting training games with warrior/mentor, Calanctus.
Then the story takes you down the throat of the vast volcano, Pla’than’taa, once worshipped as a god, where Harl’ut enacts a deadly initiation ritual, confronts the barbaric past of his people and battles a terrifying monster.
Excerpt:
Camouflaged in a small cloud, Vispushin tread the air with her wings. She awaited Harl’ut’s return to consciousness.
Harl’ut’s senses cleared. “What was that?” he rasped, “What’s happening?”
“We were stunned by some kind of psionic blast,” she replied. Her mental voice sounded coarse, she was furious with herself for being caught off guard. “Prepare for battle!” she urged.
Tension flowed through him as he gripped Vispushin’s flanks with his knees. Having no weapon, he removed his tunic and wrapped the ends in his fists.
Below, the Princess was in the midst of her impassioned yet ill-advised attack. Vispushin burst from their cover in the small cloud.
About The Author:
Christopher Kaufman is an author, composer, presenter, illustrative artist and performer. He started imaginative fantasy books with illustrative art at the age of nine.
During high school years he found music and attended The New Orleans Center for The Creative Arts and went on to major in music composition in college. He finished his schooling – earning his DMA in music composition at Cornell University where he studied with Pulitzer Prize Winning composers who prize his abilities as a composer.
Christopher is the type of person who needs imaginative fantasy scenarios to get to sleep. Therefore, he emerged from Cornell, not only with his degrees in music, but with the full event structure for his classic epic fantasy series Tales Of The Ocean City in his mind.
He began writing the story down in the early 2000’s, but it did not really come to life until he developed his home music ‘laboratory’ and started creating the music and text at the same time. Thus books one and two of TOC came about simultaneously as both graphically illustrated pages and effulgent audio albums filled with cinematic epic symphonic music.
They exist now as physical books and audio albums (that go together) and the new Video Book version. He performs live tours with the music pouring through speakers, live narration and the colorful pages streaming on screen -a true immersive multi-media experience.
His home page is – soundartus.com.
His author page is talesoftheoceancity.com His you-tube channel is SOUNDARTUS.
Christopher believes in the transformative power of imagination. “Live with imagination!”
Haley Cavanagh is a military veteran, wife, and mother. She was awarded the League of Utah Writers 2020 Silver Quill Award for Retaliation, the second novel in her Oceanstone Initiative series.
Haley is an alumna of Columbia College, a musical theater nut, and she loves to dive into any book that crosses her path. Haley resides with her family in the United States and enjoys spending time with her husband and children when she’s not writing.
She loves to hear from her readers and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media.
Dynamic Characters and Unexpected Twists: Unveiling the Intricacies of River and Delene in “Shadowed Skies”
As the architect of “Shadowed Skies,” I am thrilled to invite readers into the captivating world where dynamic characters and unexpected twists converge to create an immersive narrative. At the heart of this tale are two characters, River and Delene, whose journeys through survival, love, and resilience challenge conventional storytelling norms.
River: The Lone Survivor with a Complex Past: I took great pleasure in creating the character of River, a lone survivor whose escape into the mountains sets the stage for a profound exploration of his past and present. River’s memories of his grandfather Pops and twin brother Porter are poignant anchors, influencing his decisions and interactions throughout the narrative. Through my writing, I aimed to breathe life into River, presenting a character whose complexity mirrors the unpredictable landscapes he navigates.
River’s evolution from a solitary figure to a reluctant companion in the mountains is marked by unexpected twists that showcase the resilience of the human spirit. Through River’s eyes, I sought to create a protagonist whose journey resonates emotionally, offering readers a chance to connect with a character grappling with the weight of his history while forging an uncertain future.
Delene: A Woman of Extraordinary Abilities and Unyielding Spirit: Delene, introduced as a captive in a lab run by the sinister Dr. Lytle, is a character I enjoyed shaping within the narrative. Tortured for her abilities and fueled by a vow to escape after the death of her sister Lily, Delene emerges as a young woman marked by strength and determination. Her psychic abilities and unyielding spirit add layers to her persona, creating a character that defies traditional archetypes.
In crafting Delene’s journey, from escaping the lab to finding refuge in River’s mountain nest, I aimed to portray a character who goes beyond the stereotypical damsel in distress. Delene’s resilience and unwavering spirit become central themes, showcasing her internal and external battles as she navigates a world filled with threats. When River and Delene meet, they’re both two extraordinary people who are incidentally suffering from severe loneliness and personal trauma while the world hunts them.
Unexpected Twists that Defy Conventions: In “Shadowed Skies,” I set out to subvert conventions and challenge readers’ expectations through unforeseen twists and turns. Each plot development adds layers to the narrative, keeping readers engaged until the final page.
Through River and Delene, readers are invited to join me in exploring the complexities of love, loss, and the indomitable will to survive in a world where the unexpected becomes the norm.
Conclusion: As the author of “Shadowed Skies,” I am excited for readers to embark on this journey with River and Delene. These characters, with their unexpected twists and turns, represent more than fictional personas; they embody the resilience of the human spirit. I hope their stories’ complexities and nuances resonate with readers, making “Shadowed Skies” a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Featured Book:
His mountain solitude shattered. Her lab prison escaped. Together they’ll find refuge or die trying.
Shadowed Skies
by Haley Cavanagh
Genre: YA Clean Dystopian SciFi Fantasy Romance
Hunted for their blood. Fighting for their future.
River
He’s the last of his kind, a winged warrior hidden in the mountains. River Shaw has lost everything: his sanctuary, the only shield from a world that fears and hunts him. When Delene, another of his kind, crash-lands into his life, wounded and on the run, his solitude is shattered.
Delene
She’s a fugitive with a secret, escaping the clutches of dark forces that took everything from her. Delene Fairborne’s flight to freedom leads her to River and the spark of a bond neither can deny.
In a landscape scarred by betrayal and danger, River and Delene must navigate their growing feelings and the sinister scientist who will stop at nothing to harness their power. Shadowed Skies is where love takes wing, hope soars, and destiny entwines. Dive into a world where every heartbeat is a rebellion, every glance a promise, and every flight a taste of freedom.
His friends may be IMAGINARY… but the danger is REAL!
Twelve-year-old Matthew’s life has been incredibly challenging because of his Tourette Syndrome, a disorder which causes uncontrollable movements and sounds. Isolated and tormented by bullies at school, Matthew finds solace in the company of his lifelong imaginary friends, a lovable green monster and a tough-as-nails little girl.
On his way home from school one day, as Matthew is pursued by his relentless tormentors, they all crash into a mysterious underground lair. At first, it seems that being trapped with the bullies who make his life miserable is his biggest problem. That is, until he and the others discover that they are not alone.
Hunted by a menacing presence lurking in the depths, Matthew and the bullies must confront a threat to their very existence. Their desperate mission becomes clear: put their differences aside and work together to find a way to safety before they are all consumed by the darkness.
Although fictional, the book is inspired by the author’s own childhood experiences with bullying, loneliness, and Tourette Syndrome. He set out to craft an engaging story while exploring issues many kids can relate to—told from the perspective of someone who has lived them firsthand.
He heard the patter of footsteps. The bullies were inside the building. He ran to the other side of the machinery so the gang couldn’t see him. As he moved through the factory, he attempted to pry his phone from the tight jeans pocket. When he finally got it out, he plugged in his passcode and started to text his parents. He typed Declan’s name and realized that if he could show the bully that someone might suspect him of wrongdoing, Declan might think twice about doing any serious harm.
He wished he had thought of that sooner.
Suddenly, he heard creaking. He spun around to see Declan standing over him on an old conveyor belt. Declan kicked the phone from Matthew’s hands, its screen cracking on the concrete below. Matthew dropped to his knees beside it as Declan jumped down, nearly stomping the tattered phone.
“You were going to call your parents for help?” Declan sneered as his friends caught up behind him.
Matthew scrambled with his phone, but the screen wouldn’t light up.
He started to cry.
“Enough,” Booker said. “Seriously, man. You already wrecked his phone. Just let him go home.”
“Not going to happen,” Declan said, inching toward Matthew. Matthew hurried to his feet and ran toward the other end of the factory.
“Booker’s right,” Sam called as Declan gave chase. “This has gone too far.”
Declan ignored his friends.
Matthew picked up a sharp piece of metal sitting on a workstation and held it in front of him like a sword.
Declan stopped. “What are you going to do?” he laughed. “Cut me?”
“O-only if y-you don’t go away,” he stuttered through tears, his eyes rapidly blinking as he spoke. “If you don’t leave me alone.”
Matthew shuffled backward through a set of large double doors and outside. Matthew shuffled backward through a set of large double doors, leading outside. Declan followed with his friends behind him.
They entered a courtyard with barbed wire fences on three sides. The only thing in the cement lot was a building with a wet plywood platform in front of a steel door. Holding the sharp piece of metal between himself and Declan, Matthew moved toward the door, his feet squishing with each step on the rain-soaked wood. When he turned the doorknob, it came off in his hand.
Declan laughed as Matthew was unable to push the door open.
As Declan walked onto the mushy sheet of plywood, Matthew rapidly blinked his eyes and yelped.
“I’m going to beat those stupid tics right out of you.” Declan stepped into reach, and Matthew gripped the metal tighter.
“Declan, stop it!” yelled Booker. Cricket and Sam stepped onto the platform behind Declan, also pleading with him to stop.
Cricket pulled out her phone. “Matthew, what’s your mom’s number?”
“Don’t you dare,” Declan said, unsuccessfully trying to grab the phone. “Cut it out,” Sam insisted.
Something shifted below his feet, and Matthew glanced at the plywood, which was bending under their weight.
Nabie and Garby appeared behind Booker. “Matthew,” Garby said, “you feel that, right? You need to get off.” But he couldn’t; Declan and the others blocked his way.
“Guys,” Matthew said, “you need to move.”
No one listened to him.
“Give me the phone,” Declan demanded as he grabbed the device. Sam held Cricket’s hand over the phone, and the girls tried to pull it away from Declan, but his grip was too strong.
“Enough of this,” Booker said, stepping onto the platform.
“Booker, don’t,” Matthew said, with his back against the door.
It was too late.
They all felt their feet sink through the plywood board. But so what? There was surely concrete underneath, right? But as the plywood fibers gave way and the wet board broke apart, their feet did not rest on solid ground.
They fell through a dark empty crevice into the unknown.
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When Michael Seidelman was growing up, his passions were reading, watching movies, enjoying nature and creative writing. Not much has changed since then.
Working in Online Marketing for over ten years, Michael felt it was time to pursue his passion and began writing The Garden of Syn trilogy.
His latest Middle Grade book, Imaginary Heroes, is personal for Michael. While fiction, the book is inspired by his own childhood experiences with bullying, loneliness, and Tourette’s Syndrome. He set out to tell an entertaining story while delving into issues many kids can relate to, told by someone who has experienced them firsthand.
Michael was born in Vancouver, BC Canada where he continues to reside.
