Oathtaker

Science Fiction & Fantasy

synopsis

Synopsis

An Oath Sworn. A Struggle Engaged. A Sacrifice Required. When Mara, a trained Oathtaker, is drawn by the scent of the Select to battle underworld beasts summoned by the powers of evil to destroy the guardians of life, she swears a life oath for the protection of her charge. Armed with a unique weapon and her attendant magic, and with the assistance of her Oathtaker cohorts, two ancients, and a spymaster, Mara seeks safety for her charge from one who would end Oosa’s rightful line of rule, and from assassins who endeavor to bring ruin to the land. As Mara puzzles to decipher ancient prophecy concerning her charge, as she is haunted with memories of her own past failings, she discovers the price her oath will exact. To renounce her word would be treasonous; to fail, ruinous; to persevere, tortuous. Abiding by an oath requires sacrifice.

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

Character Independence

I find it interesting how my characters--from time time time--simply take-over. It's as though the simple idea I have of them somehow brings them to life as independent, thinking beings. Consequently, at times, they act out in unexpected ways. In this scene, when Mara and Dixon first meet, things do not go well. Mara is recognizing the reality of what is to come with her new duties as Oathtaker to the infant twins. She is frightened of the unknown. In the same moment, Dixon, having just lost his charge, Rowena, is hurt, grieving. He feels responsible--guilty even. When I wrote this scene, I knew that each of them needed the other, but they seemed to find that truth difficult to process. So they acted out, as people in the real world often do, with bitter words and accusations. Now, when I read this passage, it feels true to me. I'm glad I didn't try to force something on my characters. In the end, they really did know best . . .

Book Excerpt

Oathtaker

Dixon moved forward. “Rowena. Rowena, I’m here.” Gently, he shook her.

Mara watched, her eyes riveted, expectant.

Upon touching the woman, Dixon’s eyes turned quickly from the soft glance he’d given her, to a kind of madness. He jumped up and glared. “What have you done?” he hissed.

“What have I done?” Mara crouched down, pulled away the blanket that covered Rowena, then carefully took into her arms first Reigna, then Eden. She stood back up, holding herself as tall as she could. She glared. “What have I done? Oh, nothing! Oh, well that is, except—ahhh . . . well . . . let me think here . . .”

She hesitated, playacting. “Oh, yes, I remember now. I took down a full pack of grut, helped Rowena birth these beautiful children, accepted them as my charge, saw to it that she released her power with her dying breath, comforted her in her last moments . . . Shall I go on?” She took a deep breath. “What have I done? Who are you to accuse me of anything? I have done my duty!”

“I am her Oathtaker. That’s who I am!”

“Were,” Mara snapped. “You were her Oathtaker. She’s dead. Or did I forget to mention that? So I might ask—what have you done? Where were you when she so clearly needed you? The truth is, if I hadn’t arrived when I did, I expect we would have lost them all!” Her eyes remained fixed on him.

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Patricia Reding

Oathtaker

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

Character Independence

Book Excerpt

Oathtaker

Comment on this Bubble