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Patricia Reding
a book bubble about
Oathtaker
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
It's a Hard Life
Nina's story is contrary to so much of what I've known of the world from the safety of the place in which I was born and raised. Unfortunately, however, her story shares features in common with what others experience in various places around the world. I believe that for the most part, the world grows better as time moves forward. We have done much to eradicate, or at least to vastly reduce, the incidents of disease; fewer starve today that at any time in history; we have found innovative ways to expand the availability of everything, from goods to information. Even so, there are places where disease abounds, governments suppress their people, slavey lives on, and human rights are ignored. When I read Nina's story, it makes me grateful for all I have and hopeful for what some parts of the world have yet to experience. What do you think?
Book Excerpt
Oathtaker
“I was brought up in a small village outside the largest city, Fallique, where the emperor’s palace is located.” Nina poured herself a glass of wine, propped some pillows up, then reclined.
“My parents were very poor. The emperor, Zarek, cares nothing for the people. He lives in luxury while they suffer. If he desires anything, he sends raiders into Fallique, or out to the surrounding countryside. They take whatever he orders. They plunder the villages.” She sipped at her wine.
“I was one of six children. Unfortunately, for my parents, four of us were girls. In Chiran, girls are a liability, an expense to a family. The cost can be devastating to a poor one.”
“I’ve heard that in Chiran, some people destroy their infant daughters and keep only their sons,” Mara commented.
“That is so today. But things were a bit different when I was a child.” Nina hesitated as footsteps came down the hall, passed the door, then grew quiet.
“As I said, there were six of us. Every winter grew a little harder as our stomachs grew a little larger.
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