***Tangled Threads takes place prior to The Shattered Ones (Book 1 of The Aftermath).*** Our apartment was sparse, to put things politely. We didn’t have a couch, the bed was a mattress we’d dumpster-picked from a wealthy neighborhood, and all our dishes were mismatched. Still, even with the leaking roof, smell of weed from the... Continue Reading →
“I’m not sure what I expected after the cloning facility went down.” I laughed halfheartedly—this was not where I had expected to start. “When the roof collapsed, I expected to die. When I didn’t, I thought it would just be over, somehow. Like in the books, where the heroes finish their mission and everyone goes... Continue Reading →
Graffiti with my name? It wasn’t a new occurrence, but certainly the first in a while. Which meant that Octavian’s plan to bring in spectators and revenue was working. The thought should have settled my nerves—public opinion was everything, after all—but instead something sank in my stomach as we entered the Arena gates. It might... Continue Reading →
***Silent Nights takes place between The Shattered Ones (Book 1) and In the Unbreaking (Book 2). Mild spoilers for Book 1 contained herein!*** Lemons weren’t hard to come by. Neither were oranges. In this climate and urban setting, I could be certain of finding both in almost any back yard or roadside planting. Sugar, on... Continue Reading →
Twilight came to the valley with a dusty purple sky, thunderheads illuminated in the distance by occasional flashes of lightning. My shift long over, I sat out under a desert willow, recorder balanced on the cast-concrete bench next to me. Deadeye’s German accent drifted from the device into the evening air as I transcribed my... Continue Reading →
The princess’s first understanding of the matter came after a playfellow’s innocent question: “Why don’t you have any cousins?” Her nurse, upon the repetition of the question that evening, cupped her charge’s face in her soft hand and stared into the princess’s eyes for a long moment. It was difficult, explaining the weight of it... Continue Reading →
In moments like this, Erven always felt like he stood at the top of the world. A short detour on his patrol had turned into a longer one, and now he sat with his back to the rocks, overlooking a valley that lay before him in autumn hues of gold, rust, and evergreen. The stream... Continue Reading →
Trading Day had come in a flurry of carts and left in a swirl of satisfaction. With coffers and pantries full, the Yarrow Leaf tribe had settled once more into that most pleasant of seasons—summer. Or, as Heather liked to think of it, Bee Tree season. On this particular dreamy summer day, she and Clover... Continue Reading →
September 29, 1852 My Dearest Jack, We tracked the Whatever Bird and Were-Rabbit into the jungles for a day. I carried the Maltese Poodle in her backpack the entire way, save when she had to be let out to do dog business. The way was most rugged. I believe the two animals have chosen difficult... Continue Reading →
September 27, 1852 My Dearest Jack, Success at last! I have finally caught a glimpse, yes, a glimpse, of not one but BOTH the Whatever Bird and the Were-Rabbit. Somewhat embarrassingly, the glimpse came right as they raided our latest cunning trap. I was not too pleased with anyone on the expedition, Bernie especially. It... Continue Reading →
Brigitte Cromey 