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

Generalizations

Once more, we see the significance of how members of the Select are identified with signs and scents. Here, a stranger to Mara introduces herself in just such a manner. With the exception of Lilith, Mara has not to date encountered a member of Select who could not be trusted. Even so, a single exception to a rule is enough to put her on notice. In what ways, what characteristics, what prior experiences, do we use when encountering others today? What assumptions or generalizations might such identifications bring to mind? I heard it said once that "all generalizations are false, including this one." I'm frequently reminded of the saying, as it seems good advice in general. Do you agree?

Book Excerpt

Oathtaker

“You know how to use that thing?” Mara asked, her brow arched, as she watched her move the knife around in her hand.

Nina grimaced. “Stick it in the bad guy?”

The Oathtaker’s eyes lit up with her smile. “That’s right. Just make sure you use the right end.”

“I think I’ve got it. Pointy end in. Right. Now, go!”

In spite of the possibility of danger, Mara chuckled. She held her knife in her left hand. Then she made her way to the door, walking lightly on the balls of her feet, and yanked it open. In a flash, she stepped back, crouched, and reached for Spira.

At the door stood the woman in purple and yellow. Flanking her each side, stood the two young men dressed in blue.

The woman’s mouth opened wide in surprise. She stepped back. “You won’t be needing your blade, Oathtaker.”

Mara squinted. “Oh?”

She nodded. “You can put it away now.”

“Is that right?” Mara grasped Spira more firmly.

“If I may.” Slowly, she moved her hair behind her ear. Then she turned to the side revealing that she bore a sign of the Select—a third. She looked back at Mara.

“Who are you?” the Oathtaker asked as she rose.

“My name is Therese.”

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Patricia Reding

Oathtaker

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

Generalizations

Book Excerpt

Oathtaker

Comment on this Bubble