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!)
I’m really sorry I didn’t get around to everyone’s post last week to comment. Going to WonderCon threw my routine out the window. I’ll be making the rounds today, I promise!
The Lady of the Star Wind is an epic portal fantasy, which is undergoing formatting and will be released after Star Cruise: Outbreak, in the late April/early May 2016 time frame.
Sandy and Mark have been transported to an unknown world. This snippet is from quite a bit further in the novel, after they’ve left the mysterious mountain oasis, in the company of some new friends… Sandy, who picked up an odd stone key in the Oasis, was bitten by a snake named Sherabti, went into the green light with a woman unknown to her and now is sitting in a room she’s never seen before, with four women who seem to think Sandy is someone else…the Lady of the Star Wind…A new player, Haatrin, entered the chamber and scolded the Moon Sisters, after which an even more senior goddess, Nuet, arrived to scold them ALL and sent the Moon Sisters fleeing. Nuet is speaking:
“The scales are not yet balanced and may tip either way.” Nuet stared at Sandy. “You’ll need my mirror. And yet the gift may not be enough.” Dropping Sandy’s hand, she stood tall, the vestiges of age dropping away like veils. Now she appeared luminescent, beautiful, compelling in a way that made Sandy want to fall on the floor and worship as the Moon Sisters had earlier. Locking her knees, Sandy refused to bend, fighting the compulsion to grovel. The Zhivanov family ruled, they didn’t make themselves subservient to others.
“You have the strength,” Nuet said, as if aware of Sandy’s inner resolve. “Can you apply it to the choices you and your consort make?”
The Mirror of the Mother is a key piece of the puzzle in this novel and this scene is the first time it’s mentioned….
The story:
Are they merely luckless lovers … or a legend come back to life?
Mark Denaltieri, ex-Sector Special Forces, has been hired by the Outlier Empress to rescue her granddaughter, Princess Alessandra, from kidnappers. Since the Empress once had him tortured and banished, she’s the last person Mark wants to work for. But he takes the job. He’ll save Alessandra, his first love, and discover why she didn’t speak for him when he desperately needed her. Then he’ll be on his way, finally free of his past.
Alessandra would rather her rescuer was anyone but Mark–after all, he let her believe he was dead all this time. But when the couple are forced to flee her captors by Traveling via a strange crystal globe, they find themselves in a lovely Oasis on a desert planet, the old attraction sizzling between them again.
They soon discover they are far from alone. The Oasis holds the entrance to another world, one in which the inhabitants are convinced Sandy and Mark are the Lady of the Star Wind and her Warrior, come to free them from an evil Queen.
Mark and Sandy must work together to unearth an ancient mirror, and crown the true king of this land. Can they fulfill the prophecy of the Lady and her Warrior … and this time, will their love survive the test?
Interesting description of the transformation. Somehow, I don’t think Sandy should fight the urge that she had.
She is one tough girl!
O like this imagery: “…vestiges of age dropping away like veils.” Nice!
I love the hints with each snippet you present. Looking forward to more! 🙂
‘Consort’, eh? From what I’ve read, Mark might just like that upgrade! Nice way to re-iterate just who we are dealing with here- on both sides!
I love the description of Nuet’s beauty. She is indeed goddess-like.
Love the phrase, “vestiges of age dropping away like veils.” It’s so vivid and conjures very clear images. I can see the transformation.
You may want to avoid repeating the word “dropping.” She drops her hand just before she drops the vestiges of age.
You paint such vivid pictures, Veronica! I love everything about this snippet, from the description to the questions that arise: her power, the consort, the strength, etc. Love the premise to the novel too. Looking forward to more!
Your descriptions just keep getting better and better, Veronica! Another great snippet!
I love how Sandy’s resistance to kneeling gives us a glimpse into her backstory. And Nuet grows scarier by the snippet!
Great set up and imagery. Can’t wait to read more!
I’m breathless with this powerful scene with veils dropping and consorts-I love that word- and our strong Sandy. Your Sandy. Your writing is gathering strength and you were strong before. Hugs, Charmaine
Very effective scene – it’s gripping me. I’ll be interested to see where it goes – and whether Sandy is making the right choice.
Sometimes just holding your back straight is all you need. Great snippet, Veronica. 🙂
Wonderful! Every excerpt has a bunch of info but it’s presented in an easy-to-grasp way. And the visuals are fantastic!
Marcia
A lovely, striking scene that reveals much about Sandy’s character. I believe she’s up to whatever challenge Nuet is throwing down.
I like Sandy’s spirit. Very compelling visuals, especially the Nuet transforming.
Love the way that small defiance is just ignored–so you’re strong, but are you smart enough?
Intriguing scene. I notice that Nuet doesn’t seem to be bothered by her lack of falling to her knees. In fact, she almost seems to approve of it.
Ah, the first sentence intrigues me. Things can still go either way. And I love how she fights against falling down to worship Nuet. She’ll need that purported strength to fight what’s coming, no doubt! Great snippet. 🙂
wow, powerful snippet Veronica. I love the description of her beauty — top notch!!
“Locking her knees, Sandy refused to bend, fighting the compulsion to grovel. : With just this one sentence, you’ve provided so much insight into your character. Well done!
As someone who has never read science fiction before, let alone written it, I am full of admiration for the imagination SF writers display. I wouldn’t know where to start. I like the fact that Sandy refuses to grovel – strong, determined woman, good! Great snippet.
I’m amused by the locked knees!
Gripping scene. Love the transformation. Have to admire Sandy not wanting to grovel too.
Great imagery! Thanks for sharing.–Book Bling Blogger
Beautiful excerpt, Veronica. I love the way Sandy fought the compulsion and remained strong. Tension is rising!
She’s got spunk!
Sandy is a lot tougher than she seems. You go girl! I think Nuet is secretly proud of her, although her last sentence seems somehow ominous.
What beautiful imagery.
Tweeted.
I believe in Sandy! Fantastic snippet, as usual. 😉
Encouraging words by Nuet, very nice! 🙂 Love the snippet.
It’s like she is taking all the right steps without knowing it. I think that’s sort of funny.
“The Zhivanov family ruled, they didn’t make themselves subservient to others.” I love this line, just because of how much it speaks of Sandy’s character, if maybe even a little stuck up then in refusing to bow to anyone. Perhaps? Great snippet as always! I love seeing where this keeps heading. I don’t think Sandy has any chance of backing out of this now.
Yes, her grandmother is a real piece of work and the Empress of the Outlier Empire so Sandy does come from a long line of people who think highly of themselves and sometimes she draws on that! Thanks!
I hope Sandy’s not overreaching here!
Intriguing snippet.
I like the way Nuet senses Sandy’s strength. Great snippet.
Great snippet!