"This is a fabulous story in it's own right but it is also an incredibly strong base for future stories to build upon. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it. The story pace changes throughout the book but it's a natural ebb and flow and is necessary for the tale. Looking For Dei has left me impatient for more." Tasha and Megan, Goodreads
Description:
Fifteen-year-old Nara Dall has never liked secrets. Yet it seems that her life has been filled with them, from the ugly scar on her back to the strange powers she possesses. Her mysterious father refuses to say anything about her origins, and soon, she and her best friend must attend the announcement ceremony, in which youths are tested for a magical gift.
A gifted youth has not been announced in the poor village of Dimmitt for decades. When Nara uncovers the reason, she uses her own powers to make things right. The decision sets her on a path of danger, discovery, and a search for the divine. In the process, she learns the truth about herself and uncovers the biggest secret of all: the power of broken people.
EXCERPT
Nara
lay on her cot pretending to sleep, her thoughts lingering on Bylo's secrecy.
Anger welled up at what seemed like a betrayal—not just of her, but of the
entire village. The ceppit needed power, and she would fill it tonight.
Bylo
didn't fall asleep quickly, but once he had, she made her move. The rain
pit-pattered on the roof, giving her ample noise cover to steal away. Her exit
out the front door was soft but still disturbed a white owl in the nearby tree.
Ruffling its feathers, the bird turned its head to face her disapprovingly.
Darkness
reigned, and none of the village folk were out, but she moved with caution to
avoid waking any dogs that might announce her skulking. The walk to the church
took longer than it should have, or maybe it just seemed that way. What she intended could not be undone, and
the risk weighed heavily upon her. This
was a bold move and she knew it, but felt compelled to continue. It might be the first act of her life that
would make a difference. A real difference. A way to help.
Was
that the only reason, or was there more?
Did she want to imbue the ceppit to help other people, or was this also
a way to feel some power of her own? A
way to defy her destiny as the girl who must remain quiet, who could not be
noticed. The girl who kept secrets.
Being
announced in front of the whole village would end those secrets. Nara would be a gifted, and people would take
notice of her. She would be seen as
valuable. Important. Yes, she wanted
that, too.
Upon
arrival at the church, she found a window near the back door. She slid it open,
pulled herself up over the sill, and landed inside on her bum. Holding her
breath, she listened and waited, hoping Father Taylor was slumbering in his
room down the hallway.
After
a few moments of silence, she rose to her feet, tiptoed to Taylor's study, and
tested the door handle. Unlocked. After turning the knob, the door fell open a
few inches, but the agonizing creak that came was enough to wake the dead. Fear
of discovery paralyzed her, and she heard the priest grumble something in
irritation from his room, bed squeaking as he shifted in his slumber. A moment
later, the silence resumed. Proceeding into the room, she squeezed through the
open doorway and moved quietly to the sacristy behind his desk. Just a fancy
footlocker, the chest sat on the floor beneath Taylor's threadbare, stained
ceremonial robes that hung on a wall peg above. It bore a padlock.
Curse
it! What now?
Kneeling
down, Nara inspected the lock in the near darkness, but her only allies were a
few stray moonbeams sneaking in through his study window.
Old,
rusty, and rarely used, the lock failed to disengage after a hearty tug. Then,
as she did when imbuing ink, she closed her eyes and reached down into her
energy, grabbing hold. Swirling patterns danced about her vision as she wrapped
the power around herself and descended. The internal workings of the device
became clear to her—the tumbler, the cylinder. All it would take was a little
push. . . click!
Opened.
With a thought!
Victory
swelled inside her, and she wished to share it with someone—to tell Bylo or
Mykel. As quickly as it came, the pride abandoned her. There was nobody she
could tell.
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About the author:
David A. Willson has worked as a restauranteur, peace officer, and now, author. Taught by his mother to read at a young age, he spent his childhood exploring magic, spaceships, and other dimensions. In his writing, he strives to bring those worlds to his readers.
Much of his material is inspired by the "Great Land" of Alaska, which he has called home for over 30 years. He lives there with his wife, five children, and 2 dogs. He is passionate about technology, faith, and fiction--not necessarily in that order.
Looking for Dei is Willson's debut novel, set in a land where many more adventures will take place. Stay up to date with his ongoing efforts through the Looking for Dei Facebook page or visiting the website at davidawillson.com.
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2 comments:
This book sounds like an awesome read. Beautiful cover!
what a gorgeous cover
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