Heart Song
by Desiree Williams
Book Description:
In Aldonnia, the
evil of Varkadon overflows its borders. War ravages the lands…
For as long as eighteen
year-old Alanna can remember she’s lived in hiding, sealed off from the outside
world. Despite a future built around a steadfast rule of seclusion, Alanna
dreams of the impossible. Of a life outside of her parents’ cabin. A life with
more for company than just birds and woodland creatures. A life she knows deep
down is impossible for someone with gifts like hers.
That all changes
the day Alanna finds a man floating face down in a stream. Despite her parents’
warnings, Alanna pulls the injured man out of the water and heals him with her
elemental talents. Just another good deed. Until the man wakes and Alanna
realizes so much more has happened than simply a life saved. The healing she
performed on the stranger bound her soul to Jerric, the prince of Aldonnia.
Alanna’s heart
wants to keep the prince, but duty and destiny intervene. Alanna’s world is
rocked as her parents are lost. Left in the care of family she didn’t know, Alanna
learns more than she wanted to about the evil threatening the lands. There is much
more behind her parents’ drive to protect. Alanna learns her gifts were
bestowed in order to fulfill a greater purpose. A greater calling. One her
enemies seek to destroy at all cost.
Alanna’s choice is clear. To either ignore
her destiny and remain hidden, or boldly fight to keep what sings to her heart.
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Guest Post - Top Ten Fictional Lands I Would Like To Visit
If given the chance, each of us have our
own special list of placed we’d like to visit, even if those places don’t
exists. As I thought about my own list of fictional lands, the choices just
keep growing and the list got longer! I’ve narrowed it down to ten fictional
lands from either a book or a movie, not in any particular order.
Narnia – C.S. Lewis
Talking
animals! Enough said.
Neverland – Peter Pan
Just
sprinkle me with some fairy dust, I want to fly! And of
course without the fear that my plane will crash. =)
Atlantica – Little Mermaid
It
would be so cool to be a mermaid. I love swimming and ocean life (except for
sharks). I may or may not have pretended I was Ariel a time or two.
El Dorado – City of gold
Who
wouldn’t want to live in a city of gold?! Everything I would own would be gold,
and as it just so happens gold complements my skin tone very well. =)
Isle of Berk – How to Train your Dragon
Pet
dragon! Yes!
Middle Earth – The Lord of the Rings
Although
only after peace descends on the land. I’m useless in a sword fight, and most
likely wouldn’t be able to draw a bow. I’d hate to have to hide the whole time
I’m there.
The Enchanted Forest -
Once Upon a Time
Okay
that’s technically a TV show, but I’m sure you’ll let me slide. =) A land that
blends together all the fairy tales, priceless.
Camelot – King Arthur
Aww the
original knights in shining armor. Who could pass that up?
Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory
Swimming
in a river of chocolate? Sign me up!
Oz – The Wizard of Oz
The
munchkins would be so cute, although the singing and dancing might get old
quick.
I’ve had fun sharing my fictional dream
spots with you. Thanks for letting me stop by and hang out with you!
Excerpt from Heart Song
Laelynn prepared
herself for whatever was to come. She attempted to concentrate on her
breathing, but pain radiated through her chest at each attempt to breathe.
Shallow breaths were all she could muster. The Varkadons were engrossed in
their meal, paying her no attention. Laelynn prayed Dustan and Alanna appeared
soon before she became dessert.
Laelynn jerked, almost
screamed, when the campfire burst out into a flaming whirlwind. It grew and
rolled into the air, forming a towering mass of orange and red flames. Tongues
of fire leaped at the Varkadons encamped around it. The grass capes that once
aided them were their downfall as their armor went up in flames. Laelynn
watched the scene unfold as many succumbed to the raging fire storm. The stench
of charred flesh permeated the air. Bile rose into her mouth at the odor. Few
had been successful to remove the grass-covered armor. Laelynn marveled as she
took inventory. The attack took out half the soldiers.
The ground quaked
beneath her tree. Abruptly, it cracked and groaned, forcing the tree to whip
around. The act brought Laelynn face to face with a piercing set of green eyes.
The girl before her looked lethal.
The woman—Laelynn
assumed she must be Alanna, the girl the voice mentioned--used her sword to cut
Laelynn’s binds. Her legs were too weak to hold her up, and she dropped to the
ground the moment she was freed.
Alanna sheathed her
sword and put a shoulder under Laelynn’s arm. Together the two hobbled behind a
large, thick tree. Alanna let out low bird-like whistles. Seconds later Laelynn
heard a heart rattling howl that vibrated through her. Screams accompanied it.
“What was that?”
Laelynn whispered to her rescuer.
“That was Dustan,” Alanna whispered, then offered her a calming
grin. “I’m Alanna. I’m going to set you up in this tree to keep you a safe
distance away. I’ll retrieve you once the remaining Varkadons are overcome.”
Without another word,
a rush of wind surrounded them. The mighty wind carried both girls effortlessly
into the tree. Alanna set her down and assessed her injuries. Compassion
flooded the girl’s emerald eyes.
“I’ll heal you once
we’re a safe distance away from here. However, I have to leave you for just a
moment to assist Dustan. Please don’t be scared. You’re safe now.” Alanna
jumped down, leaving her in the tree to watch the event unfold.
Laelynn gaped in amazement at what she saw
below. An incredibly large wolf thrashed a Varkadon soldier back and forth. Laelynn
couldn’t remember seeing a wolf that large before. She compared it to a horse,
solid black in color. With a flick of its jaw, the wolf sent the soldier flying
haphazardly into the air. The Varkadons left standing formed a semicircle,
pushing him back toward the growing fire.
Laelynn saw no
possible way for the wolf to escape as the soldiers corralled it closer to the
ravenous flames. She knew it was all her fault. How could live with herself if
she had to watch another die in their plight to help her? At that moment, it
looked up at her, then winked. Since when did a wolf wink?
About the Author
Desiree Williams is a dreamer by day and
chocoholic by night. She lives in the beautiful state of Kentucky with her
husband and daughter, where she juggles life as a wannabe supermom. Desiree is
a lover of food and avoider of dirty dishes. She delights in making people
laugh and strives to bring hope and love with her wherever she goes.
You can find out more about Desiree and her
books at www.desireewilliamsbooks.blogspot.com
Author
Links:
Blog ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Goodreads ¦ Newsletter
***GIVEAWAY***
Items: an origami owl necklace representing the main character, Alanna, a $10 Amazon gift card, and a $10 iTunes gift card.
Winner will be announced on the author's blog and facebook page on June 13th.
Such a beautiful and unique necklace. I would love to win it.
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