Ephemeral and Fleeting

Science Fiction & Fantasy

synopsis

Synopsis

A Lost Freedom. An Ephemeral Existence. A Profound Mystery. After Mara and her charges, Reigna and Eden—the ranking twin members of the first family of the Select—discover the twins’ unparalleled magic powers and then move to the palace of the Select at Shimeron, they return to the City of Light. There they train with the Oathtaker forces, preparing a response to the ongoing threat from Zarek, the evil leader of Chiran. But when a traitor in their midst discloses their plans to visit the realm’s border for a closer look, they are captured and imprisoned. Stripped of her Oathtaker’s blade, Mara soon discovers that an unknown power bars her ability to use her attendant magic to escape, or to free the twins. As Mara’s magic dreams endeavor to inform her of events to transpire, as her cohorts labor to decipher ancient prophecy, as the twins learn of the power of a magic artifact they carry, and as Lucy struggles to uncover the traitor in their midst, Dixon’s rescue attempt takes shape. Meanwhile, Zarek’s son—the twins’ cousin, Broden—seeks to assist his father’s prisoners. But before he can do so, Mara discovers that the loss of her charges is only one painful outcome that could come to pass. Escape is impossible; survival, questionable; loss, inevitable. And yet . . . things are not always what they seem.

bio

Author Biography

Multi-award-winning author Patricia Reding leads a double life. By day, she practices law. By night, she reads, reviews a wide variety of works, and writes fantasy. She lives on an island on the Mississippi with her husband and youngest daughter (her son and oldest daughter having already flown the nest), and Flynn Rider (an English Cream Golden Retriever). From there she seeks to create a world in which she can be in two places at once. Oathtaker: The Oathtaker Series, Vol. One, won a GOLD medal in the Literary Classics Int'l Book Award Contest, also won an award in the Readers' Favorite Int'l Book Award Contest, and was named a Finalist in the Beverly Hills Book Award Contest. In addition, WindDancer Films has asked to take a look at it . . . Select: The Oathtaker Series, Vol. Two, won a SILVER medal in the Literary Classics Int'l Book Award Contest and earned a Finalist award in the Readers' Favorite Int'l Book Awards Contest. Ephemeral and Fleeting: The Oathtaker Series, Vol. 3, won a SILVER medal in the 2017 Literary Classics International Book Award Contest. Sign up for Patricia's email list at www.PatriciaReding.com.

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Author Insight

Dead or Alive

It is interesting that before I started this tale, I knew the opening scene. I knew it was Lucy who was dying--though I wasn't really ready to let her go. Though I struggled with it all, there was no question that I had to tell the story as I knew it to be. What a relief when, in trying to resolve a related problem, I looked back into some old notes. Written probably six or seven years prior, they provided the answer to two dilemmas, both presented in this scene: (1) the powers of the twins; and (2) Lucy's death. No one could be more surprised with the result than was I. You'll have to read on to find out more.

Book Excerpt

Ephemeral and Fleeting

Basha patted her charge’s back. “Therese, I know how you feel, but . . .” She sucked in a deep breath and stood to her full height. “Listen, everyone, we all have to be strong now, and we have to stick together. We can’t let this loss cause any division amongst us, or create any difficulties with the others.”

She glanced at each of her companions in turn. “Now I know this may seem premature to you, but we have to face facts. For starters, we’d best determine right here and right now who will be our administrative lead going forward.” She hesitated. “Of course, the natural person would be Mara,” she added as her eyes rested on her friend.

“Oh, no! Not me! I’ve enough to do without—”

Just then, the door burst open again. Mara’s charges, the twins—and the current ranking members of the first family of the Select, Reigna and Eden—entered.

“Felicity had a spell,” Reigna cried. “She rambled something that made Trumble think that someone was hurt.” She hurried to Mara’s side. “What happened?”

With tears welled in her eyes, Mara looked her way, then at Eden. “I’m so sorry, girls. It’s Lucy. I’m afraid she’s . . .” She swallowed hard, unable to say the word.

“No!” Reigna dropped to her knees. She grabbed Lucy’s hand and squeezed it. “No, Ehyeh! No! Please, return her to us. Please, please, don’t take her!” She wept. “Oh, why couldn’t it be someone else? We need her! No, no, no. This can’t be! Please,” she pleaded.

Mara crouched down and put her arm around her. “I’m sorry, Reigna. I tried. Truly . . .”

Reigna brushed her hand away. “No, Mara. Lucy may be difficult—but we need her!” Still weeping, she hung her head, muttering, praying.

Eden knelt at her sister’s side. She leaned in and brushed the back of her hand against Lucy’s cheek. “Reigna, that’s enough now. There’s nothing more you can do.”

“We have to save her!”

“It’s too late,” Mara said. “I’m so sorry . . .”

At that very moment, Lucy sucked in a deep breath.

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Patricia Reding

Ephemeral and Fleeting

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

Dead or Alive

Book Excerpt

Ephemeral and Fleeting

Comment on this Bubble