Today on Mr. Book Wonder, I have Raine Thomas to share a wonderful excerpt from the first book of her new Estilorian trilogy, Defy.
EXCERPT
Seeing that Tiege was looking after Tate, Caleb turned his attention back to the elders and noticed James’ troubled expression.
“Quincy just took Sophia for another attempt at flight training not even ten minutes ago,” James said. “Are they in danger?”
Jabari looked to Uriel. The Waresti elder shook his head. “The reports haven’t extended anywhere near here at this point. There is no need to chase them down. I trust Quincy to see to your daughter’s safety.”
Despite Uriel’s assurances, Caleb sensed James sending out a thought to Olivia to urge her to come out and join them in this conversation.
“What happened?” Amber asked, her arms crossed over her chest.
“An experienced Scultresti named Luvania was killed on the mainland not even two days ago,” Uriel reported.
Skye brought a hand to her lips over the news. Sensing her shock and alarm, Caleb reached out and touched her shoulder.
“We believe that hers was the latest death in a series,” Knorbis added.
“Series?” Gabriel repeated, exchanging looks with his siblings. His blue-gray eyes expressed the worry and surprise the rest of them felt. “As in serial murders?”
“It would certainly appear so,” Uriel confirmed.
“How many?” Caleb asked.
Zayna, the Scultresti elder, exchanged looks with Sebastian, the Lekwuesti elder. She then looked back at the others and said, “We’re not entirely sure. I know of three Scultresti who haven’t reported back after recent trips to the mainland, and Sebastian said that the same number of Lekwuesti didn’t return after a training session down here.”
Sebastian nodded. “I’m particularly concerned because there is a second group of Lekwuesti visiting the mainland right now for their initial orientation.”
“How were they killed?” James asked as Olivia joined them.
Uriel’s burnt orange eyes grew troubled, never a good sign from the battle-hardened elder. “We can’t say whether any of the missing are actually dead, of course, until such evidence is presented to us. But I can tell you that Luvania’s death was particularly brutal. She was violated and tortured in unspeakable ways.”
Caleb’s reaction mirrored his family’s shock and horror over this information. But what they had just learned was nothing compared to the news they received next.
“Luvania lived long enough to identify her murderer,” Jabari said. He caught Gabriel’s gaze. “She told us it was Zachariah.”
ABOUT THE BOOK
RELEASE DATE. April 30, 2012
PUBLISHER. Iambe Books
SYNOPSIS. Seventeen-year-old Tate is about to make her parents’ dreams come true. Unfortunately for her, their dreams foretell her death.
Eager to explore more of the Estilorian plane and prove her abilities, Tate goes against her parents’ wishes and leaves the area of protection surrounding her home. Her choice puts her on a deadly path…one that leaves her alone, severely injured and battling for her life.
Her possible savior arrives in the form of Zachariah, a male who has removed himself from Estilorian society for more than fifty years. Fighting an unexpected connection to Tate, he must decide whether saving her life is worth destroying his.
As Tate struggles to find a way home, she ends up drawn into a dark Mercesti plot involving multiple murders and a powerful ancient artifact. With the unpredictable Zachariah as her only source for aid, she’ll soon find out if her abilities are strong enough to help her defy her Fate.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Raine Thomas is the author of the exciting and original series of YA fantasy/romance novels about the Estilorian plane.
Her years working with children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral challenges inspired her to create young protagonists who overcome their own conflicts. When she isn’t writing or glued to e-mail or social networking sites, Raine can usually be found vacationing with her husband and daughter on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
