Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…a fun way to sample new books and find new authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)
This week’s excerpt is from my newly released Ghost of the Nile! The goddess Ma’at is speaking to Periseneb, the hero.
“…I’m the goddess of second chances for the human race.” She raised her elegant eyebrows. “Although such chances are few and far between.”
Despite the warmth of the brightly lit room, a shiver worked its way down Periseneb’s spine. “You wish to right the wrong of my murder? Bring my murderer to account for the crime?”
She shook her head, the golden beads in her wig chiming like little bells. “Your death is done, past, woven into the fabric of life in the upper world these two-hundred years and more.”
He staggered, locking one hand on the edge of the table to steady himself, “So long?”
The Story:
1550 BCE
Betrayed, murdered, and buried without proper ceremony, Egyptian warrior Periseneb is doomed to roam the gray deserts of the dead as a ghost for all eternity.
But then the goddess of truth offers him a bargain: return to the world of the living as her champion for 30 days. If he completes his mission, he’ll be guaranteed entry into Paradise. Periseneb agrees to the bargain but, when he returns to the living world, two hundred years have passed and nothing is quite as he expected.
Neithamun is a woman fighting to hang onto her family’s estate against an unscrupulous nobleman who desires the land as well as the lady. All seems lost until a mysterious yet appealing ex-soldier, Periseneb, appears out of nowhere to help her fight off the noble’s repeated attacks.
Meanwhile, Periseneb’s thirty days are rushing by, and he’s powerless against the growing attraction between himself and Neithamun. But their love can never be. For his Fate is to return to the Afterlife, and Death cannot wed with Life…
This is the most gripping excerpt yet from Ghost of the Nile. Did the Egyptians really have a goddess of second chances? I love the idea of such a goddess.
I found at least one reference to thee goddess Ma’at being regarded as the giver of second chances, yes. I research pretty heavily (because I love it of course!) and then blend the elements into my novels as they work for the plots. Thanks, Ed!
Beautifully written. Love it … my favourite is “the goddess of second chances for the human race” … wish we had something like that!
Intriguing premise. Can’t wait to see more of this!
“…done, past, woven into the fabric of life…” Beautiful, Veronica. And that cover!~ Wow… 🙂
I read the snippet and the blurb, totally fascinating. I love the staggering when he realizes he’s been dead for 200 years.
Funny how time flies! So is he going to be reborn to get a second chance at something?
How easily our whole lives are swept away! Excellent story line. I am looking forward to watch this unfold. As always, excellent 8. Thank you for sharing.
Visually stunning, I thought. I agree with Ed, Veronica. The idea of second chances lures me right in.
Ma’at certainly has a way with words! Not many people get a second chance at opportunities let alone life. Another beautifully crafted snippet, Veronica.
Yes, what will he get as a second chance?
I’m dazzled by the concept and premise of your new story. So you never leave the house, right? Just research and write these incredibly wonderful stories. I so love the Egyptian books. They come alive as I read them.
Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice. (Need I say more? Ok, I’ll say it…”More!”)
Time flies when you’re dead! This sounds like a really interesting story. Congrats on the release!
I could so use a Goddess of 2nd chances. Great snippet.
How do you make us sympathize with characters in so few sentences, Veronica? 🙂
But I’m sure if the Crocodile God can manage to engineer so many happy endings, Ma’at won’t let her champion down–or if she does, you’ll find a way to fix it! 😀
Ooo, this is really interesting! I would love to know more, especially since I bet his second chance will have some kind of unforeseen or troubling consequence. >:)
Love it! Will she give him a second chance…maybe with her in the land of the living? Fingers crossed 😉
What an intriguing concept. I love the premise to this story. Great cover, too.
Love the snippet, the cover and the blurb. Popping over right now to add to TBR pile.
This story is so intriguing, and I love the cover. I love the visual of the bell-like beads in her wig.
This is a great line> “Your death is done, past, woven into the fabric of life in the upper world these two-hundred years and more.” And I love your cover!!!
Thanks for the comments! All credit for the cover goes to Frauke at Croco Designs. she does my Egyptian series covers for me (except for one) and I have to say I love them! Periseneb’s idea of what he wants a second chance at changes during the course of the novel…I really enjoyed writing more about the goddess Ma’at. She’s my favorite, I think!
congrats on your release weekend 🙂 I can’t imagine what he thinks when confronted with 200 years of change
I wonder what time would feel like to a ghost? And 200 years is a long time. A lot can change in 50, even!
The cover is beautiful, and so is the snippet.
This scene gave me the chills!
Wow–that was a heck of an opening line–great snippet!
Yes, bring the murderer to account! Such a thrilling snippet!
A wonderful read, Veronica. I can totally see Periseneb’s focus changing, but… can even a goddess of second chances give him what he truly desires! Love the blurb, love the snippet, must go buy book now.
Thanks, Eden! I hope you’ll enjoy the book 🙂
I really like this. It has the feel of a timeless tale from antiquity. Very nice.
I loved the snippet. Myths fascinate me, really enjoy when they’re woven into stories. But the book cover…Wow!