Rise of the Sea Witch
Stacey Rourke
Publication date: June 19th 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Synopsis: Details of the sea witch’s banishment have been exaggerated. The body count that preempted it was not. Once an illustrious princess, her hands and tentacles were stained with the blood of thousands. No one could comprehend how the hooks of madness dragged her down from her life of privilege.
Born Princess Vanessa of Atlantica, the ambitious young royal was one of two children born to the great King Poseidon. She and her brother, Triton, were groomed from birth to rule. Yet only one would ascend that coveted throne. While carefree Triton flits through his training with a cavalier demeanor and beguiling charm, Vanessa’s hunger for her father’s acceptance drives her to push herself to the limits of magic, and combat to become a leader worthy of her people.
When war against the humans ravages their once regal kingdom, political sides are chosen. Factions from the seven seas challenge the existing leadership, pitting Vanessa against her brother in a vicious battle for the crown. Traitors are exposed, dark family secrets revealed, and a once strong sibling bond is strained to its breaking point.
Only when the ink black waters from the ultimate betrayal rescind, will the truth be known of how the villainous sea witch rose with one name on her vengeful lips–Triton.ExcerptFlipping the end of that braid over my shoulder, I once again focused my attention on Triton. “Now, we don’t have time for you to change into fitting attire, but if we hurry we can still make it before the curtains to the Summit Room are drawn back.”
Popping up next to a nursing manatee, Triton rested his elbows on her back and cradled his chin in one palm. “You know, I hear other girls in the town square talking about which member of the Royal Guard they find to be the dreamiest. Are you capable of such musings?”
“Neleus’s name is mentioned often,” Alastor’s muffled voice came from behind the bull, who appeared to be smiling victoriously. “They say his eyes are as bright as freshly sprouted sea grass.”
I couldn’t have fought off that eye-roll if I tried to—which I didn’t bother. “Most girls aren’t contenders to the throne. Who I apprentice with is a crucial undertaking. If not directly with the Royal Guard, I need someone who can help me form solid relationships with Atlantica’s dignitaries. Triton, if you have any desire to be king, you’ll strive for the same.”
“That’s where you’re mistaken, dear sister!” Triton’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “I have no desire to rule today, tomorrow, or ever! By all means, give my regards to Father and his Council.”
Patience waning, I slapped my tail against the water. “Triton!”
If I showed up without my brother, I would be the brunt of Father’s fury. I would sooner fish-hook Triton’s cheek and drag him back to the palace flailing and kicking than to allow that to happen.
A grunt, a shove, and Alastor squirted out from behind the manatee. Tawny hair stabbed off his head in disheveled spikes, his amber eyes bulging. “What did I miss?”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I twisted my lips to the side in wry smirk. “Oh, nothing much, just Triton relinquishing all rights to the throne.”
“We haven’t even had breakfast,” Alastor mused, his lips pressed together in a thin line. “That seems like a big proclamation to make on an empty stomach.”
“Oh, but it’s true!” Throwing his arms out wide, Triton swan dived backwards. Calves scurried out of the way to avoid being clobbered by his back flip. “Vanessa can be Queen of Atlantica! I’ll be King of the Mana-minis!”
Finding himself face to snout with a calf, Triton caught it in his arms. Cradling its face in his hands, he puffed his cheeks and mimicked its expression. The mother of the calf scowled her disapproval and whacked Triton with her tailfin. Erupting in a fresh fit of giggles, he rolled away from the herd.
“Your subjects seem less than enthusiastic about this prospect,” Alastor pointed out to my slow-witted brother and playfully bumped my elbow with his.
Author Bio:
RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel
Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012
Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013
Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner for Crane 2015
Stacey Rourke is the author of the award winning YA Gryphon Series, the chillingly suspenseful Legends Saga, and the romantic comedy Reel Romance Series. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.
Thanks for hosting today, Aneta! :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks awesome! Thank you for the chance!
ReplyDeleteSamantha D
Good luck.
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