Dear Readers,
It’s easy to feel insignificant sitting outside in the dark, gazing up at the stars. Much like this story might feel as it drifts amongst a sea of others. If you truly let your mind wander - to feebly grasp how vast and infinite the universe is - our planet will seem but a speck of dust, our bodies and lives even smaller.
The many times I’ve pondered this, it seems naive, or better yet, conceited to think that we’re the only ones alive within it. My imagination runs wild with possibilities. Who might the others out there be? Are their societies and code of ethics the same? Do they share a similar creator or point of origin?
And on a more immediate level, are the people who walk among us on Earth really who they say they are? Do some have a higher calling regardless of righteous or evil intent? As the Bible suggests, we are not alone; "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, some have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2) These words have stayed with me throughout the years and are the source from which my story was bred, coupled with, of course, my ever growing intrigue as to what else might be out there.
While I know these ponderings aren’t particularly earth shattering, my hope, dear readers, is that this story finds you intrigued, that it might burn a little brighter than those around it.
With Love,
~S.J. Pierce
Book One:
SUMMARY:
Her Marked was more than just precious to her, he was precious in ways the world could only fathom. If she failed, she failed everyone.
Alyx Rayer's existence in Atlanta, the eternally bustling capital of Georgia, is one of routine and blending in among the worker bees. But her 'normal' life is a facade for a higher calling. She's a three-hundred-year-old soul, sent from the darkness to capture her Marked when summoned by her superiors. Until then, she'd supposed to keep her distance.Except... something about him makes it hard to stay away.
While already trapped between honor and desire, a man in a black suit continually shows up when she least expects it, his presence evoking a strange response from the scar she was branded with at birth. Because her superiors never told her what this would mean, or much of anything except what to do when they summon, she can only conclude to try and keep her sanity-and her life-from completely shattering to pieces.
This engaging first book of the series is a Paranormal Romance novel interlaced with twists, turns and thrilling suspense that is sure to satisfy readers of any genre.
May not be suitable for YA.
SERIES ORDER:
Vengeance Marked, Book One
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
"Wow!! What an awesome beginning to a new series! I thought that it was a highly entertaining read and loved the authors writing style.She was able to captivate me and keep me guessing!" - Four out of Five Stars. Naomi Hop, Nomi's Paranormal Palace
"Marked for Vengeance is unique in its premise and well executed in its writing... I'm excited to read the next installment." - Four out of Five Stars. Brandee Price, Bookworm Brandee Blog
"This is one of those books that just sucks you in. Finally a novel with real characters that are flawed and do make mistakes." - Four out of Five Stars. Michelle, A Little Bit of R&R Book Blog
"I found the concept for Marked for Vengeance new and exciting with twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end of the story." - Five out of Five Stars. Mandy Sickle, The Reading Diaries
"S.J. Pierce has delivered a story that is perfect for those starving for something different, something bold, something deep and beautiful." - Five out of Five Stars. Mitsy, Goodreads
To read more reviews, visit Goodreads or Amazon.
FUN FACTS:
- Two of the restaurants I mention in Book One are actual places I've eaten at - The Sundial (where Alyx and Benjamin eat at for their one year anniversary) and Marlow's Tavern (the pub where Alyx and Cindra eat lunch).
- The silver Honda Civic Alyx drives in Book One is a car I drove during my college years.
- In Book One, the flat Isaac lives in was actually inspired by a development my friend used to live at in Canton, GA. It was an old mill that had been divided up and made into separate lofts.
- Helen, GA, the Alpine village Alyx drives through at the end of Book One, is a place we vacation at regularly.
- Brasstown Bald is also a place we visit regularly and is a crucial setting at the end of Book One and in the Novella.
- If you pay attention, at the end of Book One, Alyx sees a turned over red motorcycle in the parking lot of Brasstown Bald. If you read A Race to the Finish, you come to learn that it is Jeremiah and Christineth's who had arrived just before her.
- In Book One, Alyx reads a book about Australia. This is a place I've always wanted to visit. It also foreshadows events in Book Three.
- In Book Two, Samuel's name was originally Lucius, but I decided at the last minute to change it. Lucius was then given to the Arch of War. I like Samuel better anyway; I think it suits him and Alyx was able to shorten it to "Sam."
- Also in Book Two, Rielle's name (the Arch of Protection) was originally Rae. But I liked the name Rae so much that I gave it to a character in Book Three.
- The headdresses the Angels wore in Book Two were inspired by a mixture of the one the Empress wore in The NeverEnding Story and Arwen's in the Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King - two favorite movies of mine!
