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 switching to Trapped on Talonque, which came out in August, but I never shared excerpts here (I don’t think). Briefly, part of the book is a scifi take on the Sleeping Beauty tale. The story synopsis is after the excerpt.
“She must have been lying there for centuries, maybe thousands of years, judging from the multiple layers of building remnants we passed through on our downward trek. You expect us to believe she spoke to you? And apologized in Basic?” Haranda’s voice conveyed his skepticism. “Captain, whatever equipment was running in the room obviously affected you—”
“I know what I heard.” Nate decided to ignore the edge of insubordination in the cadet pilot’s voice in the interest of discussing the phenomenon, “The private communication was the same female voice speaking out loud in the room, so what I heard in my head had to be her.”
“Maybe close to a language you were hypnotrained for on a past mission?” Thom asked. “I admit this local stuff don’t activate any of my stored files.”
Nate shook his head, “Basic, she spoke Basic to me – how could an alien woman entombed here all this time know Basic?”
Will an alien sleeping beauty awaken to save him, or destroy everyone around her?
When a Sectors Special Forces soldier and his team crash land on an alien planet, they’re taken captive and given a challenge–win at the violent ball game of sapiche and live. Lose, and they die, sending a mysterious, alien beauty to an even uglier fate. To survive, these soldiers must win the game and find a way to free the dangerous prisoner from her locked chamber.
Nate Reilly and his team are in deep trouble. Prisoners on a backward alien planet, they’re brought before an alien ‘goddess’, sleeping in her high tech seclusion. Nate is astonished when she awakes and establishes a psychic link with him. But her news is not good–he and his men must win a brutal challenge set by their captors, or they will die. She’ll give her aid, but in the end their courage and strength must win the contest.
Bithia sleeps in her chamber, as she has for thousands of years, since her own people unaccountably left her there. Viewed as a goddess by her captors, she must hide her ancient secrets to survive. But only the bravest of men may free her. Can she use her psychic powers to keep Nate and his men alive long enough to help her escape, or will her only hope of freedom die with them?
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How intriguing! The believer and the skeptic. On my TBR list.
Nice snippet–I like the idea of a scifi take on “Sleeping Beauty.”
Oh wow. This is great. I love the worlds you create and your characters.
I love this. Great characters, can’t wait to read more
Interesting development. Did she or didn’t she? I like the idea of a Sci Fi Sleeping Beauty. 🙂
Was it really Basic or his mental translation of a telepathic communication?
Great snippet, Veronica. This book has everything–a fairy tale, danger, and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
You did share from this story somewhere on your blog because I remember it quite clearly. The concept really hooked me in. Great snippet, as usual.
Yes, I have the vague feeling I’d shared at least something from this book, but I’ve been so busy with Pets In Space since it released, I wasn’t sure. Thanks!
Thanks for all the comments! I really enjoyed doing this story, which has quite a few twists and turns along the way….off to read more snippets myself now 🙂
I’m awed by this snippet. The very concept of communication in what you’ve called Basic boggles my mind and tickles my fancy. Yes, I can picture the scene. You are a wonder, my friend.
Read your blurb too. What a clever plot and your snippet has quite the hook!
This is such a cool idea! I think you’ve shared a snippet from this before, because I remember thinking it was cool then too. 🙂
Intriguing snippet. I like the interaction of the characters — as well as the puzzle they’re trying to understand.
Great tease. I hope he continues to press.
I love the idea of a science fiction retelling of sleeping beauty. Cue the Tchaikovsky ballet music…
OOH I love this premise!! And yes, how DOES she know Basic after being asleep/in stasis all that time…
I love this concept. You’re bringing multiple new elements to this retelling.
If they’re willing to accept some sort of telepathy, I don’t see why the use of Basic is so difficult. Either she somehow picked it from his mind, or the method of communication allows her to make him *think* it was Basic. But both does show a level of skill that’s concerning!
Great snippet Veronica. I’m as intrigued as the characters about how she knew Basic!
Lots going on here, I love it!
I’m infringed and want to know how she knew the language too.
I love the sleeping beauty angle, but now I want to know why she’s so dangerous. Nicely done!
Yay, I love it when people play with fairy tales. 🙂 🙂 🙂
I love your version of Sleeping Beauty. This snippet makes me want to learn more.
Slee[ing Beauty goes Sci-Fi, Like it!
Intriguing snippet, Veronica! Love the blurb. TBR… 🙂
Intriguing concept Sleeping Beauty meets Sci-fi!
Intriguing snippet. Such a different concept as well, meshing fairy tale with sci-fi. Neat twist. Love the blurb too!