It's taken twelve years to earn the official title of Shepherd but she's now mostly trained, fairly effective, and the first female in over two centuries to hold the position as protector of animals. All animals...
The Territorial Council isn't thrilled with her new title of Shepherd, but they don't have any more control over the appointment than they have over her. All they can really do is wait for her to screw something up - which Alex is determined not to do.
Everything changes when a chance encounter with a genetically modified Shifter leaves Alex shaken and initiates a quest to locate its maker.Despite years of training, Alex finds herself woefully unprepared to tackle the new threat.
To make matters worse, she must work with a mysterious man who's been trying to kill her since the day they met...
Excerpt:
Rough hands lifted my body to pull my soggy clothes away despite my meager protests, as they wrapped me in a scratchy, but very warm, blanket. Angry voices argued, the harsh sounds fading in and out of my hazy mind. Too tired to protest the bothersome noises and coarse treatment, I instead focused on opening my eyes. Brock, Billy and Daniel stood over me, peering anxiously down as my movement abruptly brought their argument to a halt.
“Hey guys,” I mumbled, feeling queasy as a wave of nausea threatened to overtake me. I forced myself to sit up anyway. White-hot pain jolted me into full awareness as my body registered its new injuries. My eyes slowly focused with a brave attempt to ignore the screaming pain in my shoulder and leg. My clothing was slick from blood but how much was mine remained to be seen. Billy’s calloused hands touched my back, supporting me as I leaned forward. For once, I welcomed his support as I surveyed the scene.
The scent of recently cut lawn enveloped me, signifying we were still at the golf course. My mind began to clear with this information and I inched towards the gate of the pickup. I let Billy help me slide to the edge of the truck, then shook him off. I needed to know the extent of my injuries.
If the pain was anything to go by, I didn’t want to see the actual wounds yet. The pain in my shoulder had subsided to a dull ache, which told me that wasn’t my worst injury. I knew which injury was the worst — the deep lacerations that ran the length of my upper thigh. Nothing appeared to be broken and for that, a wave of gratitude washed over me. The last thing I needed was a broken bone. Stitches were something I could live with. At the very least, they healed faster.
“Where are the cats?” My words came out slurred. “I can’t get a read on them.”
An infuriated snarl from what sounded like a very large mountain lion in the cage behind me answered my question.
Startled, I lurched forward and promptly fell off the back of the truck, hitting the ground with a thud. Looking up from the hard pavement, I eyed the big cat in the reinforced cage.
“Seriously, guys?”
“They’re in cages, Alex.” Brock pulled his hand through his hair, observing my shaky response. “Geez. You really can’t get a read on them…”
About the author:
While Stacy Mantle is most well-known as the Pack Leader of the popular website, PetsWeekly.com, however she is rapidly gaining a fan base in the genre of fantasy with the publication of Shepherd’s Moon, the first book in her Alex Wilde “Shepherd” series.
Stacy has a B.A. in English, a post-baccalaureate in Secondary Education, and an MBA with an emphasis on Marketing. She is active in animal rescue and is a nationally-known pet industry authority. She currently resides in the deserts of the Southwest with several cats, a few dogs, and a very understanding husband.
39 comments:
I'm dying to read the lead up to that excerpt. Lots happening.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Thank you for hosting today.
Thanks for this giveaway!
Thanks Mary! This was one of my favorite scenes to write - there was a lot going on and plenty of action before and after. Hope you enjoy the entire novel!
Thank you for hosting today!
Sounds like an interesting premise.
jmcgaugh (at) semo (dot) edu
Thanks for another great excerpt. I wonder what causes all those injuries
fencingromein at hotmail dot com
So WHY does the council not want Alex to be a shepherd? Is it because she's a girl? Her family? Her past??
andralynn7 AT gmail DOT com
That was a very intriguing excerpt. It definitely got me interested.
nicole(at)nicoleandscott(dot)com
Added to my amazon wishlist omg this sounds awesome! I now need to read this NEEEDDD! lol! kamclauc AT gmail DOT com
Love shifter stories...can't wait to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
thanks for the giveaway. aidansmama77@yahoo.com
Thank you for the giveaway. Am throwing my name in the hat :d
ilona
felinewyvern at googlemail dot com
Thanks for sharing the great excerpt and the giveaway. Sounds like my kind of book and I am looking forward to reading it. evamillien at gmail dot com
I absolutely love the cover & the excerpt both! Sounds great!
~Veronica Vasquez~
ChaoticKarma23 at gmail dot com
That cover is awesome!
This is going on my TBR list!
cool_cat97@msn.com
Great excerpt, can't wait to read more.
ksarah26(at)aol(dot)com
Oh Wow! Cool cover and the excerpt sounds awesome!
steelstammy(at)excite(dot)com
That sounds like an interesting scene with some big cats. I'd like to read what leads up to that.
catherinelee100 at gmail dot com
Wow, that cover is totally wicked!!! Am I the only one who sees the creepy face in the background?? YIKES ... talk about the man in the moon.
This book sounds amazing and I have to know what happens!! Thanks for that incredible tease 8)
Michelle Hofacker
michelle68314@yahoo.com
This really DOES sound like a good story! The premise is fresh and new, based on what your synopsis says, and I could use a little fresh and new!
acwa at netscape dot com
Thanks for sharing!
hense1kk (at) cmich (dot) edu
Love paranormal books, I wonder if this book is set in a fully paranormal world or a secret one. Can't wait to find out!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Sounds like a great read!!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
Thanks! This book looks great! I love shifter reads.
evening_star1986@yahoo.com
Book looks awesome cant wait to read. joehawkshaw@yahoo.com
Sounds like a really great book and I would love to read it.
quiltlady110 AT gmail DOT com
Sounds Interesting. I love paranormal books.
Thanks for the giveaway!
yvonnelwdr88@yahoo.com
I love shifter stories.
Interesting excerpt!
Sounds like a very interesting book.
Looks like an interesting read.
Very mysterious cover! Thank you to Stacy for the giveaway :)
Sanahdhillon7@aol.com
Thanks for the giveaway!!! lea_klancar@hotmail.com
Thanks for another great excerpt. :)
kovacevicsandra@yahoo.com
Ooh this looks like a really good read.
thanks for the giveaway!
thanks for this great giveaway!
beppe_dm(at)teletu(dot)it
Post a Comment