Secret of the Shielded by Ann Snizek

Description:

This brave band of spectacular friends must go on a horrendous journey to remove all threats to the newly reclaimed throne. They will discover amazing new truths and face heart wrenching choices. Who are the Philo birds singing about? How will their song play out in the lives of these young people? Will it all be for nothing??
Song of the Philo birds:

Twelve companions all will travel
Eleven this song try to unravel
Ten don’t know which is the way
Nine are going to have to pay
Eight are wondering what they will find
Seven speak with mouth and mind
Six shall get a brand new name
Five will never be the same
Four the enemy will take
Three have choices they must make
Two have powers they must use
Or, One friend in death will lose.

EXCERPT:

Everyone stared at Krissa in expectation (OK, Lonnie just turned in her direction, but he gave the impression of looking). She could feel the butterflies growing in her stomach and grabbed at an offensive weed that had been by her side. "What should I try to do?"

"Something simple," Sealey said. "Don't try to use too much power. It could be a beacon for those we want to avoid."

Nodding, Krissa thought carefully. Her stomach growled softly, but loud enough to be heard in the silence. "OK, how about an apple?" She said. Closing her eyes, she held out her hand, palm up.

Her friends maintained the silence, but Sealey and Ruuna's eyes widened. They watched as a fog formed and swirled in Krissa's hand. As it thickened, it took shape. At first, it looked like a blank, cartoon cutout of an apple, then the texture of the smooth, polished skin formed and the color filled in like the apple was blushing. It formed complete with a stem and a shriveled leaf still stuck to the stem.

Krissa opened her eyes and looked at the apple in her hand. It looked so real that she closed her hand on it. Her fingers went through it as if it wasn't there, which it wasn't really. Startled, she opened her hand again and it wobbled. With a glimmer of an idea, Krissa carefully closed her hand to where the apple would be and moved her hand closer to her friends. The apple stayed in place.

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About the author:

I grew up in Vermont mostly and now live in Virginia with my family (those still at home). My husband and I have a blended family of seven kids. My childhood was spent moving around a lot. (non-military) About five years ago, we started home-schooling our youngest children.

Now there are only two remaining in home-school. I have tried to nurture the love of books in our children and now our grandchildren -- always nurturing their imaginations. Recently, I have become active in our community with literacy, starting a local (and online) creative writing club and volunteer tutoring at the Adult Learning Center.

I struggle with Fibromyalgia and PTSD. So, have to be careful not to overdo things... I don't always listen to my own advice. I have a dry, sarcastic and corny sense of humor and always try to look at things optimistically. (again not always successful) However, I feel that if I don't give up -- for long -- then things will work out for the best eventually.

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