Review: Deity (Covenant Book 4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Deity (Covenant #3)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Paperback, 330 pages

Published November 6th 2012 by Spencer Hill Press (first published October 31st 2012)

ISBN 1937053148 (ISBN13: 9781937053147)

url http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/covenant-series

series Covenant #3

Characters Aiden St. Delphi, Alexandria (Alex) Andros, Seth

ADD to Goodreads

See my reviews of the Previous Books, links below

Daimon Review, Half-Blood Review, Pure Review

Summary:

"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "


Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden. 

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome. 

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed. 

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

My Review

Holy Daimon Babies!! That was awesome, and such a huge cliffhanger to where I am sooooooo glad I did not read Deity until I had Apollyon in my hands, so I could read back to back. (Of course you need to read Elixir after Deity, goes to Aiden’s point of view, and tells all that is going on, and you will see why after you read Deity, Do Not read Elixir first, it will spoil a lot, and also get you confused)

I am not going to go into any detail in this review, just to say how much I love this series, and to say it just gets better. I suggest you read Daimon Prequel first, that’s what I did, then Half-Blood, then Pure, then Deity, Elixir then Apollyon.

Man, can Aiden get any hotter??? Oh, and I just hate Seth even more. He is pure evil. In my opinion. That’s all I will say. I don’t want to do any spoilers. I will however leave you with a few favorite parts, some teasers for you. Not really spoilers. (could be if you had not read the previous books)

Oh, and that big surprise on a certain person’s identity, how awesome, loved it, and did not see it coming at all.

I give this 5 out of 5 really huge stars, and highly recommend this series.

Below is the teasers, like I said, not really spoilers, but if you rather not read any, just stop here.

Here is a scene with Aiden:

 “What are you afraid of?” I asked again.“I thought you said I was afraid of nothing once,” he threw back.“I did.”Aiden shifted slightly and his thumb caressed the curve of my cheek. “I’m afraid of something.”“What?” I whispered.He drew in a deep, shuddering breath. “I’m afraid of never being allowed to feel what I do.”

Here is one that is a bit funny:

“You think I’m scared that you’ll turn me in for fighting? Any of you? They can’t touch me! I’m the fu—”“Stop it!” I screamed. “Just stop!” Seth froze, and several sets of eyes centered on me. “Gods! We were training. There’s no reason to kill each other over this.” I glanced at Aiden. “No reason to do any of this. Just freaking stop.”Tension still ripened the air, but Seth pulled back and spat out a mouthful of blood. As he straightened his shirt, the marks started to fade. “Like I’d been saying, but apparently all of you are too stupid to understand, we were—”“Shut up, Seth.” I clenched my hands.His brows rose.Aiden still looked furious. His eyes were like pools of silver, consuming his entire face.“It’s done and over, okay?” I said, mostly to him. “I’m fine. No one is dead. And if you three can manage not to try to kill each other, I’m going to go and take a shower, because now I smell like ten-day-old butt.”

Here is one to get your heart pumping, a great tease to keep you guessing:

Aiden’s stricken face loomed over mine, his eyes wide with horror. “Alex! Alex, talk to me. Talk to me, dammit!”I blinked and his face formed again, but it was fuzzy. I tried to say his name, but a hoarse, wet cough racked my body.“No! No. No.” He looked over his shoulder at the door. Guards had gathered, drawn by the commotion. “Get help! Now! Go!”

Here is a swoon worthy scene with Aiden (fanning myself…)

 Aiden’s hand found the nape of my neck and pulled me down. His lips met mine, and like every time before, there was this indefinable spark that coursed through us. He made a sound against my lips, kissing me harder and harder.He pulled back just enough so that his lips brushed mine when he spoke. “I can’t keep pretending that I don’t want this—that I don’t want you. I can’t. Not after what happened to you. I thought… I thought I’d lost you, Alex, forever. And I would’ve lost everything. You are my everything.”

This one is really steamy:

Our kisses deepened, his tongue swept over mine, and I rocked against him. All of this was wonderful, exquisitely pleasing. Aiden dropped kisses all over my flushed skin. I was lost in the heady sensations, completely unprepared for it. This may not have been what we intended, but this… this was happening.Aiden lifted his head. “Are you sure?”“Yes,” I breathed. “I’ve never been more sure.”

I guess I should stop there, anything after this really gets to much of a spoiler. I hope you enjoyed the teasers.

If you like my review, I sure could use some support over at Amazon, by marking it as helpful, Link here
Or even like it at Goodreads. Here. I sure appreciate it.

Waiting On Wednesday ~ Sentinel 4/17

Waiting on Wednesday

**Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at the Breaking The Spine. That spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly waiting in anticipation**

Leave me a link of what your waiting on. Love to read them.

I Can't Wait for the 5th Covenant Book, Sentinel by Jennifer L Armentrout. I just finished Apollyon last night, and it was amazing. But really need to see what happens next!

Sentinel (Covenant #5)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Paperback, 360 pages

Expected publication: December 10th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press

ISBN 1937053571 (ISBN13: 9781937053574)

Series Covenant #5                      

Characters Aiden St. Delphi, Alexandria (Alex) Andros, Seth

ADD to Goodreads

(Not much of a summary on this one, you can read more on the series, just go to the authors Goodreads page here and check them all out.) 

It's a beautiful day for a war. Alex must face a terrible choice between destruction of everything she loves and her own destruction. The final book in the COVENANT series.

Oh, and another great series of Jennifer's the Lux series, she shared this great pic, of the model from the Lux covers (Daemon character) and though I should share, and go here, to her site for the original post.

Can't wait for Origin to release (no cover on it, so have not used it as a WOW yet)

Don't miss out on the great giveaways, upper right side bar is all of them, one is a great Signed book giveaway hop, one of the blogs so far that I know is giving out a signed copy of Opal. Go check out the post, the linky list is there.

Signed Book #Giveaway Hop ~ 3 Signed Books!! YA and Middle Grade by Jamie Canosa and Victoria Simcox

Signed Book Hop

Hosted by

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Wholly Books

April 16 - 22nd

For this giveaway, These great authors are  generous enough to give a Signed Copy Dissidence by Jamie Canosa (YA Dystopian)  ,The Magic Warble and the sequel The Black Shard. By Victoria Simcox, a great children's fantasy series.

Dissidence (Dissidence #1)

by Jamie Canosa 

Published November 26th 2012 by Prose by Design 

Series Dissidence #1
Read my Review with sample read Here.

Add to Goodreads

In dystopian America, sixteen-year-old Kaleigh finds out quickly what having a big mouth and not enough brains to keep it shut can earn you. A one-way ticket to the work camps that no one even knows exists.
Nuclear war has ravished the nation, and a century later, the survivors are living in an entirely new world. In a society where everything is decided for you, from where you work to who you marry, dissidence is not taken lightly.
But, even inside the camps, Kaleigh’s fiery spirit refuses to be extinguished. In a single moment of defiance, she manages to spark a riot that ignites into a full-blown rebellion.
With growing numbers counting on her, not just for their freedom, but for their very lives, two different boys vying for her heart, and trouble brewing from within the camp itself, can Kaleigh find a way to step up and become the leader everyone is counting on her to be, or will even the most carefully laid plans come crashing down around her?

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

About the Author Jamie:

Jamie Canosa is a full time author of YA literature, which she absolutely loves. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she can usually be found with her nose in a book. She currently resides in Ravena, NY with her wonderful husband and three crazy kids . . . plus the dog, the bird and the rabbit.
Her debut novel,Dissidence, was published in 2012 along with several novellas, including Temptation, the first in her Heart and Soul mini-series.
She currently has several projects in the works. Fight or Flight (a NA contemporary romance due out in March 2013), the third installment of the Heart and Soul series, as well as the sequel to Dissidence (due out in June 2013).

Jamie Canosa Links

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

___________________________________________________

The Magic Warble

by Victoria Simcox

Published February 1st 2009 by Two Harbors Press (MN)

ISBN 1935097172 (ISBN13: 9781935097174)

url http://www.themagicwarble.com/

Add to Goodreads

Twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself magically transported to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals and the evil Queen Sentiz. In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she's honored as "the chosen one," the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz's control. But it's not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous "Magic Warble," in its final resting place. She must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen's "zelbocks" before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, and an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

The Black Shard

by Victoria Simcox

Paperback, 255 pages

Published November 11th 2011 by Two Harbors Press

ISBN 1937293149 (ISBN13: 9781937293147)

Add to Goodreads

Summary

Kristina's stay at summer horse camp is horrible to say the least, and it's all because Hester and Davina are there as well, making her life miserable. When Hester's cruel prank goes terribly wrong, it's actually what sends the three girls back to the magical land of Bernovem. In Bernovem, Kristina is very excited to see her former friend, Prince Werrien. When he invites her to sail with him on his ship to his homeland Tezerel, putting it simply, Kristina can't refuse. Reunited with her gnome, dwarf, animal, fairy friends ... and best of all, Werrien, things seem like they couldn't get any better for Kristina. But when Werrien becomes fascinated with an unusual seeing stone, the "Black Shard," Kristina is haunted by a ghostlike old hag. Struggling against suspicion, guilt, illness, and ultimately the one who wants to possess her soul, Kristina will see it's in her weakest moment that she will encounter more strength than she has ever known.

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

About The Author Victoria:

Victoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She now lives in Western Washington with her husband, Russ and their three children, Toby, Kristina, and William. Her other family members are a Chihuahua, named Pipsy and two cats, named Frodo and Fritz. Besides being an author, Victoria is a home-schooling mother of twelve years and an elementary school art teacher of eleven years. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys managing her two older children's Celtic band. She also loves writing, reading, painting watercolors, hiking, good movies, and just simply hanging out with her family and friends.

Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour & #Giveaway ~ Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers#1) by Mia Hoddell

Title: Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers #1)

Author: Mia Hoddell

ASIN: B00BDQ3QGA

ISBN: 9781291319170

Genre: YA/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/Romance

Add to Goodreads

Description

There is a love that is so dangerous, so powerful, so intoxicating that it embraces your heart and smothers your mind until it leaves you defenseless.
Serena knew that but still, it didn't stop her. His name was Kai. He was the most beautiful, irresistible man she had ever encountered. Their attraction was too compelling to fight and she knew she would go to the end of the world beside him. That is love.
However behind the allure was hidden a deadly secret – a secret that threatened her fragile life... But secrets best left unsaid never remain hidden forever. When Kai reveals his true identity, she is exposed to a frightening world she had no idea existed. Controlled by powerful Elemental forces her life is placed in mortal danger.
Unbeknown to them, their lives have been entwined from the beginning and it leads her to discover an even greater secret about who she really is. As the pieces begin to unravel and death becomes a reality, Serena is forced to decide what is more important...her love or life.

Buy Links:

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Paperback (Lulu) and will be available on Amazon soon

About the Author

Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading and her preferred genre is Young Adult, Paranormal Romance. Before 2009, Mia wouldn't even pick up a book and was more interested in sports. However she finally found some novels that captured her interest and developed a love of both reading and writing. Mia began with poems and after getting two published in separate anthologies she moved on to short stories. Although she enjoyed this, Mia found she had too much to tell with too little space, so later on she created her first series The Wanderer Trilogy and from there other ideas have emerged which she hopes to turn into novels as well. Elemental Killers is her second series and book two will be out soon.

Author Links

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

What people are saying

“I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down. The story line was original, intriguing and made you feel like you were part of the action.  As well as this there were many twists and turns that kept me hooked and the book was really well written with a solid plot. The book didn't reveal everything straight away which was great as it left in suspense right up until the end.” ~Lucy M 5/5

“ I found that it's surprisingly original concept was quite common in real life but not so much in books. I found it a delightful read that I will look forward to reading in the future. And the new cover! Marvelous.” ~ Kathy H 5/5

“All I can say is WOW! This book was amazing and different. I love the twist and detail she used I was instantly pulled in and felt like I was there with the characters.”  ~Brianna 5/5

Character Interview

Below is a great character interview that the wonderful author Mia, has put together. Thanks. Enjoy!

Mia: Hi Kai, thank you for agreeing to talk to us today and letting me be the first to interview you. Could you tell the readers a little about yourself?

Kai: Hi everyone. Firstly you have Rea to thank for me being here, she can be incredibly persuasive when she wants to be…normally I will avoid the press at all costs, although you probably already know that due to previous experiences. There isn’t really much I can tell you about myself without it becoming a national security risk though. My work is highly confidential and therefore not meant to be spoken about in public.

Mia: Don’t worry about that Kai, I can assure you I already know what your job entails so it’s fine to discuss it with me.

Kai: You might know but your readers will not and therefore I am not allowed to discuss it. How did you find out anyway?

Mia: Never mind that Kai, it’s not important. How about we stay away from the topic of your job and focus on other things then? You recently helped turn Rea’s world upside down when you entered her life, do you have any regrets about that?

Kai: [Sigh] I guess a part of me does and a part of me doesn’t. I hate watching her go through the things she is right now and wish there was another way but she was already beginning to get involved in this life before I came along. I do feel grateful that I found her though as I was able to give her the answers she needed before she could get into more danger by looking for them.

Mia: It seems like you really care about her, how far would you go to protect her?

Kai: I thought my actions so far would speak for themselves. I would do anything to make sure she is safe not only because of my feelings towards her but for reasons I am unable to discuss due to the classified nature of the facts.

Mia: Yes, you certainly have proved that you would do anything for her. Can you elaborate on what your feelings for Rea are?

Kai: I would prefer not to if that’s alright, she knows everything she needs to and I would rather not talk about our relationship in public.

Mia: Right…Is it fair to say you can handle most problems that are thrown your way?

Kai: I would like to think so but in the world we are living in everything is unpredictable and therefore more deadly. Yes I am trained but I can only protect people from things if I know how to deal with them. Sometimes the outcome isn’t what I would hope for but most events are out of my control.

Mia: Well, fortunately for you Kai that is all I have time for. Once again thank you for allowing me to interview you and good luck with your job and Rea.

Thanks to Michelle for hosting me on her amazing blog and remember to check out Deadly to Love and the rest of the tour stops here: http://miahoddell.blogspot.co.uk/p/tour-schedule.html!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Giveaway for The Sixth Power for Book Tour ~ First Chapter and Review

Title of Book: THE SIXTH POWER 

Genre: YA Paranormal 

Author: Carol Nicolas 

Website: www.carolnicolas.wordpress.com 

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

ISBN: 9781301877935

ASIN:  B00B4MHICQ

Number of pages: 337

Word Count: 99,595

Cover Artist:  Emilie Duchesne

Add to Goodreads

SUMMARY:

 Tania Westing, a high school senior, is one of the Gifted Ones, descendants of an ancient family with seven special powers. Some of the powers are common, and some are rare.Until her geneticist brother Tom was murdered, Tania lived an ordinary life. Now hidden in her mind is a clue that will reveal Tom's research, including secret formulas to unlock all seven powers. During spring break, Tania meets and falls in love with handsome Dan Maclean. When Tania reveals her rare power to heal, the evil Gifted Ones who killed Tom suspect Tania has his research and formulas and come after her. Tania must learn to use her powers to help save Dan's sister in time to keep Tom's secrets safe.

PURCHASE AT

AMAZON | BARNES and NOBLE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carol Nicolas lives in northern Utah (USA) with her husband. A native of Canada, she attended BYU-Idaho (formerly RicksCollege) and obtained a bachelor's degree in education from BrighamYoungUniversity (Provo, UtahUSA). A teacher, mother of five, wearer of silly socks, and fan of sci-fi/fantasy books and films, she enjoys growing herbs and vegetables, painting, and researching her family history. She likes rock, pop, Celtic and classical music. She has traveled throughout Europe; her favorite city there is Paris, though the romance of Venice is a close second. She speaks American English (with a Canadian accent after she has been talking with her Canadian family on the telephone for just a few minutes), as well a basic modern Greek, which she studied for 4 years to be able to communicate with her husband's family on their bi-annual trips to Greece. Her deepest secret: she hides chocolate in her desk for emergencies!

You can visit Carol's blog site at http://carolnicolas.wordpress.com

Connect with Carol:

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS | YOUTUBE

The Sixth Power Review

I really liked this book. Loved the paranormal/sci-fi aspects of it. It was kindof a mix of both, has the genetics playing into it, but these “Gifted” ones are born that way, not made, so that is where I feel the paranormal part of witches powers etc.

Anyway, over all its about good vs. evil, and Knowledge is very powerful, and the evil El Calavera is the books main antagonist, he believes that one of the most powerful discoveries that can change the world is hidden in the mind of Tania Westing, hidden there by her murdered genius brother. Tania is a high school senior and will be off to college soon. She discovers over time the gift she has is to heal, and its rare, but she is untrained, due to her father’s interfering with her mother’s family. (he is in denial)

Things were pretty normal for Tania until she heals a friend, and then right after meets another group of Gifted people, one of those being the hot Dan MaClean. We get some nice sweet swoon scenes with them. She has come to realize her life is in grave danger, and it gets really exciting from there on.

I really enjoyed the sweet romance of Tania and Dan. It was not those insta love kinds. They did have that paranormal connection thing going, but they took it slow. He lived in Arizona and her in San Diego, so she meets him over the spring break as they visit her parent’s hometown, and where she will go to college. Anyway, they have to take it slow anyway, long distance, with some visits; it’s really sweet, and I like to see the slower building type of romance in this YA book.

I do not want to spoil anything, so won’t say much more.

I think anyone who likes the paranormal/sci-fi (just a bit) will like this book. I really got hooked pretty quickly, and stayed that way.

5 out of 5 stars. Give it a try.
Oh, and best thing is, no huge cliffhanger! Yay, I mean its left to be able to go on for sure, but its not like an unbearable thing.

I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.

If you like my review, I would love you to mark it as helpful at Amazon, Link Here.
If you let me know you did, I sure can return the favor, I love reading reviews :)
Or even at Goodreads, here

FIRST CHAPTER:

Sometimes, even when you know that death is imminent, you just have to go ahead and complete your small task in the great plan, Tom thought as he glided through the still, dark room. His bare feet made no sound on the smooth, hardwood floor. He felt strange sneaking around like a thief in his own house.   

Tom paused at the ornate chess set on the living room coffee table. His sister, who always played white because his dad insisted she have the first move, could lose in three moves if she wasn’t careful. Tom moved her bishop. There, that should buy her some time. Too bad his own problems weren’t so easily solved.

The grandfather clock ticked steadily in the elegantly furnished living room. He had to hurry. He used his Gift and sent out a mental sweep of the La Jolla neighborhood. None of El Calavera's men were in the area, though he had spotted them following him earlier that day. He knew they were close and would catch up to him. He planned to be far from here by then.

Tom entered the study and sat down at the family computer where he and his sister had spent many hours playing on-line games. He accessed his email and opened a file he had sent earlier from Triumph Genetics Lab. At once the virus he had created began to destroy all the files in every system.

“Forgive me, Tania. You’ll understand someday.”

He opened the door to his father’s bedroom and moved noiselessly to the dresser. His father had set up a shrine there: a vase of gladiolas and lilies, his mother’s framed picture, her gold cross on a fine gold chain, and a pair of fat purple candles that illuminated the room and sent the fragrance of lavender through the air. Three sympathy cards stood open on the left. In the center was a bronze box with a plaque engraved with the words ‘Maria Valdez Walters Westing.’

“Mother.” He kissed his fingers and touched the words.

He glanced at the rumpled bed. His father must have taken a sleeping pill; his mouth was slightly open and his breathing hoarse and ragged. Tear stains glistened on the side of his haggard face. Tom bent down and kissed his father’s forehead. “Love you, Dad,” he whispered. Sorrow flooded Tom’s heart. He knew he was about to cause his father even more grief. He touched his father’s forehead and sent a specific command to his subconscious.

Next, he went to his little sister’s room. At fourteen years old, Tania was already a beauty: tall and slender, with straight black hair that fell past her shoulders, and smooth, light brown skin. She was so much like their grandmother. Her eyes were closed, her breathing slow and peaceful. Her favorite book, The Lord of the Rings, lay beside the pillow where it had slipped from her loosely curled fingers, and her bedside lamp cast a dim glow into in the dark room. He wondered if she ever turned it off at night now. Even in sleep, she looked a little sad. His heart ached.

He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Sweet dreams, little Sis. Remember me. Take care of Dad.”

Tania surprised him when she opened her large, dark eyes and grinned. “Gotcha! You thought I was asleep, didn’t you?” She sat up and wrapped her arms around him. “Are you home for the weekend?”

“No, I just stopped to say goodbye.” He squeezed her tight, memorizing her.

She sniffed. “You smell weird.”

He sighed, released her, and sat down next to her on the edge of the bed. Tania was much too observant, but he would let her play their game. “Go ahead. Deduce.”

Tania’s eyes twinkled as she studied him. “You’re wearing old clothes, and you smell like smoke, sea brine, and sweat. There are ashes in your hair. Your left forefinger and thumb are red. Your sleeves and cuffs are wet at the edges. Therefore, you and some of your fellow profs -- no, make that your two buddies at the lab -- those other dolts are much too stuffy to do something fun -- had a hot dog roast at the beach before you came here. Whatever you used for wood had a lot of chemicals in it. You got a little too close to the fire. Try using a coat hanger next time.”

He grinned. “Very good, my dear Sherlock. The hot dogs were delicious. We even tossed the football around.” He was dressed in his darkest jeans, a faded black t-shirt, and a black wool coat, but it was more for camouflage than anything else. There hadn’t been time to clean up before he’d come from the lab. He wouldn’t tell her what he had really been doing there.

Tania reached out and tugged gently on his long, tangled hair. “It’s grown since I saw you last. If you stick around, I could cut it for you tomorrow.”

Tania looked so hopeful, but he shook his head. “No. I can't stay.”

She frowned. “Where are you going?”

He brushed a strand of her hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. Sorrow clenched his heart, but he didn’t let on. “Away.”

Her eyes filled with tears as she took his hand. “I love you, Tom.” Her words were underscored with a yearning for him to stay, as if those words were strong enough to bring him back home for good, strong enough to heal the rift between him and his father, and make them all a real family again. But nothing could do that now. Their mother’s ashes were three months cold, and soon he would be with her.

“I love you too, more than you know.” With all his heart he wished he could be there to see her grow up and fulfill her enormous potential. Like Tom and the others of their mother's family, Tania had inherited many of the usual Gifts. But Tania was special. His genetic studies had revealed that not only did she have her mother's DNA for the extremely rare gift to heal, but she also had the DNA that would signal the pituitary to secrete the hormone that would activate the Gift. Tania would become a great healer.

As yet, Tania was untrained and barely aware of her Gifts. All their mother had been allowed to do was to teach her to how to hide her uniqueness, to blend in with the normal population. For her own safety, Tania would have to remain that way until Aunt Sarah decided otherwise. The research which he had conducted with DNA samples from those with the Gifts, including his startling discoveries which he had planned to share with Aunt Sarah, would have to remain hidden as well. He was out of time.

Tom took Tania's hand and turned it so that the ruby in the delicate gold ring glittered in the lamplight. This ring was more than just a symbol of the powerful Valdez family; it would shield her mind from those who sought to probe her thoughts. In a few years, when Tania would begin training in her Gifts, she would learn to actively protect herself. Aunt Sarah and the others would keep her safe until then. “Promise me that you’ll always wear this ring.”

Tania squeezed his hand. Her eyes were sad. “I promise.”

The clock struck the half hour. Tom had to get out.

He picked up the book from beside her pillow, removed her bookmark, and opened it to the page he needed. The Lord of the Rings had been one of their favorite stories as children. They had spent so many hours playing together. He smiled. “Remember how we used to pretend to be Frodo and Sam on the way to Mount Doom?”

“Yeah.” Tania grinned.

“We also used to make up riddles for Bilbo to use on Gollum.”

“Those were great times.”

He looked out the window and blinked back tears. He would never see his sister again. His hand rested on the page as he recited. “‘All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king.’ Remember that, Sis. Listen with your heart to find the truth.”

Tania’s eyes were on his face, so she didn’t see how he pulled a bookmark from his pocket, inserted it into the book at the passage he had just quoted, and then slipped her bookmark into his pocket. Keep it safe, he silently commanded. He looked down at her, wishing there was more he could do. Then he placed two fingertips at her temple and whispered, “Na dolen.” The command would keep her from remembering this conversation until she needed it.

Her eyes blinked in blank, sleepy surprise. “Tom?”

Book Trailer

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can see the rest of the tour, here