As you may be aware, I have a different publisher for my latest novel, To Rise Again. And I was pleasantly surprised to learn that fellow novelist Marnie Cate, who has been a great online friend for several years, is also with that publisher -- Creativia. Marnie is the author of the fantastic "Protectors of the Elemental Magic" YA series. Let's take a look at the fourth book in that series, "Envy: Protectors of the Elemental Magic." |
Synopsis: My mother sold her soul to the Goddess of Winter, and mine along with it. Camille was one of four girls who were given the gift of elemental magic. When her arrogance and greed led her to bad choices, she paid for it with her life… and her daughter, Blanche’s. Blanche Kingston Drygen would never be admired for her sweetness. Lusted after for her beauty, and desired for her wealth, the townsfolk of Starten thought of her as a cold-hearted business woman. They did not know the secrets the most predominant family in town hid. The Drygens owned everything and almost everyone, except their own fates. If you are hoping for a sweet, cozy tale, I'm afraid the Silvers have the market on fairytales. While they reveled in the gifts bestowed upon them by the Goddess Danu, the Drygen family fell victim to the cruel Winter Goddess, Snowystra. Blanche’s story is one of lost love and tortured lives. Sit back as she tells you the reality of her gift, and how the Drygens were cursed to never love. |
Circling me, I could feel her icy breath on the back of my neck. Gripped in terror, I couldn’t find the words to respond to any of her questions.
“Did she tell you my magic flows through your veins, too?” She placed the palm of her hand on my chest. “The beating of your heart is because I gave it to you.”
My skin began to burn and I jerked back.
With lightening reflexes, Snowystra was suddenly behind me, and she had a tight grip on my hair. She tilted my head and whispered in my ear, “I can stop your life with the blink of my eye.”
I froze in fear as my lungs began to painfully fill with sharp icicles. My breathing became labored and I was consumed with a coldness like I’d never known before. Mercifully, Snowystra released her hold on me and I dropped to my knees. I panicked, sure she was going to kill me. I clutched my neck, as if that simple movement could have done anything to save me.
“Play dead. Submit,” a silky male voice whispered.
I had heard this voice before, but where? I had no choice, except to listen to his advice. So, I closed my eyes and dropped to the ground. Forcing myself, I refused to suck in air. Instead, I accepted the burning pain in my chest, suppressing my screams as it became excruciating. I heard her cruel laughter ring out as I neared unconsciousness.
“You are strong,” the wicked Goddess said, sounding amused.
I’m glad my death pleases you, I thought, but before the darkness could take me, warm air violently rushed into my lungs. I began to cough, choking on the unexpected return of oxygen.
“Your mother has promised me a child soon.” Snowystra looked unimpressed as she added, “You could have given me one years ago. That Simon boy would have been an adequate choice, but you toyed with him for too long. Wasting your time on finding love is no longer an option. I have chosen Roger Kingston for you.”
“What?” The word slipped out before I could stop them. I immediately felt regret.
Thankfully, the wicked Goddess only cocked a contemptuous eyebrow at me. “He has a strong physique, sharp mind and he wants you. You will return to him and convince him you were a fool. You will grovel, if necessary. When he asks for your hand, you will marry him.” She paused in contemplation. “What a ridiculous world you live in. Still, if you must abide by the mortal world’s rules, you will marry the entrepreneur. And then, you will bring me the child.”
Check out Envy: Protectors of the Environmental Magic - Book IV
Marnie Cate was born and raised in Montana before adventuring to the warmer states of Arizona and California. Her love of Dame Judi Dench and dreams of caticorns and rainbows inspired her to chase her dreams. One great sentence came to mind and the world of elemental magic and the humans they lived amongst filled her mind. With Remember, the story has begun.
Other Works by Marnie Cate
Exigency: Protectors of the Elemental Magic (Book 2)
The story of Mara Stone continues. Her world was shaken but she is a fighter. Facing new adversaries, Mara is learning what it truly means to protect the magic.
Mazy: Protectors of the Elemental Magic (Book 3)
Mara Stone's story continues. Finally free of the darkness of Winter, everything began to crumble around me again. The promises to protect the magic was beginning to feel like a curse.
Awethology Light – Contribution Story
Beginnings: Protectors of the Elemental Magic (Novellette)
The story of Genevieve Silver and the origins of the protectors of the magic. With the balance of the elemental world shaken, four elementals take on the task of protecting the magic.
Connect with Marnie Cate online:
Website: www.marniecate.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarnieCate
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00UJNT7J8
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Marnie_Cate
Twitter: @Marnie_Cate