Published: January 1st, 2014
Cover Artist: Rebecca A. Rogers
Description:
Seventeen-year-old Kearly Ashling
can travel anywhere her mind takes her—literally. Becoming Empress of the
planet Cyeor and battling monstrous, otherworldly creatures isn’t a problem.
Living among the elves on the Plains of Glasslyn has yet to be an issue, as
well. Even touring normal places like Paris, London, Tokyo, and the Amazon
Rainforest isn’t difficult.
But traveling through her
imagination isn’t just fun and games—it has consequences. Following a battle on
the planet Cyeor, she’s visited by a guy who’s unimagined. He warns her to stop
using her gift or they will find her. Kearly doesn’t heed the messenger’s
advice and soon wishes she had. When the messenger finds her again, he
transports her to the M.I.N.D., a corporation which specializes in “healing the
psyche.” Once she’s inside the M.I.N.D.’s doors, however, Kearly realizes
escaping is nearly impossible.
Now, she must figure out the
M.I.N.D.’s true intent, try not to fall for the irritating-yet-handsome
messenger, and find a way to outsmart the organization before they stop her
from ever imagining again.
GUEST POST
When Teens Save the World
Teenagers saving the world is not a new concept. Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, and Clary Fray are a few teens who have captivated Young Adult lovers for years. In their worlds, they must face major obstacles, and a few villains, along the way before successfully saving humankind, or a magical race.
But what about the real teenagers who save the world on a daily basis? You know, the unsung heroes of local, national, and international communities? The future generation who is currently shaping and molding our world into what it will become? They may not battle otherworldly creatures or villains, but they are helping others battle diseases, hunger, and poverty. They’re standing up for those who are bullied. They’re welcoming a new student into their clique, so they won’t feel like an outsider. They’re fighting for causes near and dear to their hearts: global warming, disaster relief, health and wellness, illiteracy.
Thanks to them, the future looks bright.
Are these everyday heroes the reason the Young Adult genre is so popular? Do teenagers relate to these fictional characters on a deeper level? The similarities between the two are evident, but they also couldn’t be more diverse. While the fictional group is just that—fictional—the other is flesh and blood. Living. Breathing. As real as you can get. While they don’t, exactly, rule the world at the moment, I think they’re on the right path.
EXCERPT
A loud, slow clap began at one end of the tavern after everyone else had stopped applauding. My people stopped conversing, and I glanced up at the young man—no older than me—standing across the room. His hair was as dark as mine and barely reached the top of his shoulders. He wore a white shirt that exhibited his strong build, dark jeans that were slightly baggy, and a black, leather jacket. His boots were messily hanging open, laces dragging the floor. His eyes were so dark they appeared sinister, soulless. A slight five o’clock shadow grew along his jaw line, and there was a fullness to his bottom lip that triggered a vision of me kissing it softly.
I shook my head. Who was he? I definitely didn’t imagine him. Although, if he was somebody my mind created, then I seriously needed to visualize hot guys more often.
With each new clap, he took a step toward me, until we were face to face. “A not-so-surprising victory for the one who pretends to be a fierce idol by using her mind.”
What the hell?
“Who are you?” I asked.
“An enforcer. A Realist,” he replied, a slight grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “And the person who will be your downfall if you don’t stop using your ability.”
My eyes expanded. “How…?”
“Ah, yes. The inevitable question: how do I know about your skill?” His eyes skimmed over my face, pausing briefly at my lips, then flicked upward and met my gaze once again. “I work for an organization that specializes in healing people like you.”
People like me? “I’m not the only one?”
He grinned and blew air out of his nose in one short huff. “No, my dear, you aren’t alone. There are others like you around the world, and there are others like me, destined to stop you from using your imagination.”
I frowned. “Everyone has an imagination, though…”
“Not like yours. Not with the power to physically disappear inside their dreamscapes.”
He had a point. My ability went above and beyond what was normal, but I knew that since I was a child—from the time I asked my friends if they had traveled to alternate realities and they said no. I understood I was different, that I had a secret talent nobody else could be made aware of.
“And how are you able to appear inside my mind? I didn’t dream of you.”
“No, you didn’t. It’s part of my ability. We can track who uses their imagination too often, who disappears inside their own head, and who has been too carefree with their secret. Damage control is always the worst part, especially if the media gets a hold of a story like this. Do you know the impact your kind can have, to just disappear into thin air and visit your dream worlds? There’d be uproar.”
“So, instead of letting my kind use their ability peacefully, without harming anyone, you and your kind remove it from us? What kind of bullshit is that?”
“A precautionary measure. Remember, Kearly, I only give one warning, and if you don’t listen, I’ll bring you in and eradicate your ability. Do you understand?”
I opened my mouth to respond, but he cupped his fingers over my lips, his face mere inches away. Those dark eyes entrapped me, until I caved and nodded.
“Good,” he said, removing his hand. “It’d be in your best interest to keep your mind clear.” He slowly backed away, and the crowd around us stepped backward, as well. “Consider yourself lucky. Most of our other agents wouldn’t even dream of giving you prior notice. It was a pleasure meeting you, but I sincerely hope we never meet again.”
A shadowy vapor secreted from his skin, coiling around his body in a dense fog, until he was shrouded from sight. The mist contracted, then exploded. Everyone gasped. The leftovers of the haze hung in the air and, eventually, faded away.
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About the author:
Rebecca expressed her creative side at an early age and hasn’t stopped since. She won’t hesitate to tell you that she lives inside her imagination, and it’s better than reality.
She’d insert something here along the lines of living in the Northeast, USA, or Europe, with her wonderful husband and their dogs, but these things haven’t happened yet. Instead, she’ll tell you she’s an avid gamer, chocoholic, coffee addict, animal lover, and owns way too many books and shoes.
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