This is a free excerpt from my first book, Child of Shadows, in the series The Legends of Zale. I hope you enjoy the read! Interested in reading further? Join me on Patreon (linked below)! You can also purchase the book early next year when I publish it on Amazon.
Free Prologue
I began this story, my story, as a child begins walking: cautiously, awkwardly, and with fear of failure. I ended in tears, much like a mother might cry when she first beholds her newborn child.
I am no great orator, no wonderful sight to be seen, no incredible warrior but I can spin a tale or two.
Some will accuse me of exaggeration: that the fears and failures and crimes herein revealed are much enhanced to better spin the tale. Some will accuse me of bias: how could I possibly know what others thought, how they viewed themselves and how they perceived me?
Others will dismiss my story entirely as childish fantasy: there is no such thing as Elves, no such place in which fantastical creatures live. These are the people I pity most in life, for their life is small and their courage lacking.
A select few will believe me from start to finish. To these I speak a single word: caution. Herein lies a tale of mystery, danger and unending love. And love, above all else, should make you tremble not in fear but at the thought of how powerful it is.
So, dear reader, I leave you to read and I ask that you judge my story as fairly as you are able.
Free Excerpt from Chapter 10
The cold splash of water on my face sent a jolt all the way down to my feet. Black soot dripped down and ran away in the stream. I rubbed the soap on my hands and forearms, swirling a bit on my face before setting it aside and splashing a few more times.
My hands went numb. My nose lost all feeling, like it had fallen off my face. But I felt alive.
On a whim, I dunked my short hair into the water and scrubbed with my fingernails, adding soap for good measure. The water dripped down my scalp like torture and reward at the same time. It was painful, but the best kind of pain. I took a deep breath as I came out of the water, wringing out my wet hair, my teeth chattering. I rubbed my face with the dry cloth, combed through my knotted hair with my fingers, and dried it off with what bits of dry cloth remained.
Wrapping up the soap with the now wet cloth, I pulled my hood over my head to warm up, grabbed the tiny bottle beside me, and stood to head back to camp. A scream caught in my throat as I turned around.
Someone in a dark cloak sat on a log five feet away from me, their chin resting casually on the palm of their hand as they leaned on their knee. I bit my lip to see if I was dreaming, blinking rapidly to see if the figure changed. The forest creatures around us continued in their activities, my lip complained, and I knew that this was not a nightmare.
I stood there, frozen in place, wondering if I should move slowly, run, speak – my wits had abandoned me with that suppressed scream.
“You shouldn’t be here.” The words came out mean. The hooded figure was a woman.
“I-I’m sorry.” I said, opting for humility, hoping to apologize and walk away. Perhaps I wandered too far, and this is her stream. I was reaching for the most positive reason I could think of. “I didn’t intend to trespass. I’ll leave and I promise I’ll never come near your stream again.” I nodded politely as I gave the apology, moving toward the path I’d taken.
She stood up, instantly closing the short distance between us, causing me to step backwards a couple paces.
“I meant,” She spoke through gritted teeth. “You shouldn’t be here, idiot child.” Her anger surprised me. “You have no right to be in this land, to walk through this forest. Neither of you do.” She’d pulled back her cloak to reveal a rather impressive sword underneath, her hand resting on the hilt. Small knives lined the rest of her waist.
I found myself at a loss for words. Run! The voice inside my head screamed at me. Throw the bottle at her and run! Before I could obey the voice in my head, she pulled her sword and charged.
Book Blurb
What would you do?
What if there were a magical book that could control your dreams and turn them into living nightmares?
Child of Shadows is a fantasy novel about Eliora, a young teenager living on the dark streets of Shantu. Like the rest of the children who wander these streets, Eliora has no home or family outside of those like herself who are just trying to survive the brutal winters. The mysterious “Shadows” who roam the streets of Shantu are their only friends.
One cold night, the street children gather around a campfire with some of the Shadows. Shadow Hadithi tells the story of The Deadlands, previously known as Zale. In Zale, while it appears to be beautiful and lush, there is no warmth from the sun and the people are haunted by a strong magical book called The Book of Nightmares. The Book has the chaotic power to make the dreams of all living creatures seemingly come to life, twisting them into dark nightmares of their deepest fears.
As Hadithi tells this story, Eliora notices a figure lurking nearby, a witch named Chiwa. Hadithi explains that Chiwa wishes to find The Deadlands, take possession of the Book, and rule people through fear. Hadithi believes Eliora can help him destroy The Book, defeat Chiwa, and save Zale. Mesmerized by this tale Eliora joins Hadithi and travels with him to Zale. She has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Their mission is to destroy The Book of Nightmares before Chiwa can find it.
Would you go?
As Eliora travels with Hadithi, she meets Althea the Dryad goddess, Einar the Elven warrior, Hardwin the orphan child, Sadiki the tiny dragon of the Salt Lands, and many others. Her journey takes her through the Dryad Forest, over the Nyad Sea, and across the Salt Lands. Throughout her journey she confronts her own fears and nightmares, all brought on by The Book of Nightmares. Eliora hears stories of Ethan, the man who brought this book to Zale and how he unleashed its dark power on the land.
Child of Shadows is a coming of age story full of selfless love and friendship. The book emphasizes the importance of identity and choice, the tragedy of evil, and undying hope. I have completed a prequel to Child of Shadows and I have begun work on Book 3. There are so many more stories to be told!
Ellen ES Ceely 
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