Awaken
by Lauren Wagner
GENRE: Speculative Fiction
BLURB:
Natalia
has embraced the choice of her people. She is honored to have been chosen as
their human sacrifice and will surrender her life to the Gods. She awaits the
call of her people for that final moment, living a life of solitude until it’s
time. But then her death is stolen from her—she is kidnapped by her own guards
and forced into an eternal slumber.
Hundreds of years later—now—Natalia is woken in a world that’s completely
unfamiliar. The archaeological team was not looking for her. They were looking
for Estancia, the lost city of gold, and Natalia agrees to guide them.
While they journey through the treacherous jungles of Argentina, Natalia
stumbles upon the alarming truth of her past. Her life’s prophecy must be
fulfilled to restore balance to her people, but only she can decide whether
that balance is worth her death.
Excerpt:
They groomed me as a child. They taught me how to look, how to listen, and even how to die. They prepared me to live entirely for others. Die for others. I am destined to be the queen of Estancia, to live in a noble house filled with my own personal court and guards sworn to protect me at all costs, right until the moment of my death. Even as they tear me from my bed in the dark of night, I must remember this is their purpose, just as much as it is mine.
“May I say goodbye to my father?” The confidence in my voice covers the fear trembling in my gut.
“No, milady. There is no time.”
The guard throws a musty cloak over my soft linen nightclothes. The stale smell overpowers the eucalyptus of the lotions on my skin, making my eyes water in disgust. I feel no better than a horse being led by the reigns.
I grip my golden slippers and run out of the house. My bare feet touch the wood of the floor and memorize the soft pitter-patter that vibrates in response. The same guard places me on top of the nearest horse. Black as midnight, silky as the hidden clothes under my cloak. My hands fumble for the reins as I lean forward and fight for my balance. I am not accustomed to riding horses.
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From The Author:
-Tell us about something else you are working on.
One of the pieces I am working on right now is a bit of a ghost story. The historical fantasy starts with the prearranged marriage of a rebellious princess known for disrupting court events, disobeying her parents, and trying everything in her power to change the course of her future. She falls in love with someone other than her betrothed. Someone who had been murdered long ago by the least expecting character imaginable. And her love comes at a cost. Going through with her prearranged marriage may be the only way to save a kingdom she never wanted to rule.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Lauren Wagner’s love for reading started as a young adult after discovering her town’s public library. After carrying out piles of books at a time, and re-reading them over and over again, she discovered her love for writing. She writes fantasy and science fiction as well as post-it notes about her future stories. Awaken is her debut novel.
She grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago where she presently resides with her husband and two children. She currently teaches upper elementary students to love and obsess over written works of art.
Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Lauren-Wagner-ebook/dp/B09RHCBRYP/ref=sr_1_1
Lauren Wagner's author page: https://cinnabarmoth.com/lauren-wagner/Twitter: @LoloWags
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Lauren
Wagner will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn
winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting story of “what if.” I’m looking forward to reading this on a rainy day. Thank you for the giveaway!
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