Title: CHILDREN OF THE MIST (Book 2 of the Destiny Trilogy)
Author: Hywela Lyn
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Book Blurb:
Two minds united against a common foe. Two hearts afraid to show their love: Long ago Tamarith fell in love with a man she can never have, and is convinced she will never love another. However, she cannot help but be intrigued by a handsome stranger whose psychic powers exceed even her own. Vidarh seeks only to find his true purpose in life and to win the regard of his father, who eschews his son’s psychic abilities.
Thrown together by a common threat to their planet, then torn apart by an evil greater than any they could have imagined, can Vidarh save the lovely Nifl woman who has captivated him, before it is too late? Will Tamarith and Vidarh overcome the deadly enemy who threatens to destroy all they know and love?
Will they find the happiness they both seek? Or are they fated to live their lives alone?
Excerpt:
As Gullin paused, Tamarith glanced around the room, and noticed Vidarh standing at the back, away from the others. It almost seemed as if he were distancing himself from them. She bit her bottom lip as she studied him, trying to remain unobtrusive. There was something about him...something that bothered her, which she couldn't quite define. He had a way of looking at her that made her uncomfortable although he was never anything but pleasant. In fact, she had to acknowledge that she rather enjoyed his company.
Her gaze went involuntarily to Dahll. Even taller than Vidarh, his lithe form was lean, and not as muscular. He was strikingly handsome, in a way that was a contrast to Vidarh's dark and rugged good looks. His blond hair had the same tint of gold she remembered, his amazing pale eyes, now filled with concern, were still as capable of making her heart lurch to her stomach. With a sigh, she turned her attention back to Gullin.
"There is a strange malady which afflicts our planet. It is spreading, and all the indications are that it will eventually become a pandemic."
Jess's voice had an edge of shocked amazement. "I thought there weren't any diseases as such on Niflheim, because the climate is too cold for the organisms which cause them to multiply."
"That is true, normally," Gullin agreed. "But we believe this is a particularly virulent virus, which is impervious to the conditions on Niflheim. We have no idea how to deal with it."
"Do you know how or where it started?" Dahll asked.
"It seems to have begun in the region known as Nastrond. It's not a very habitable area. It's on the shores of a vast saltwater lake. Only a few isolated homesteaders manage to eke out a living there." Gullin looked at his sister.
"We first had reports that people were falling ill several weeks ago," Tamarith said, taking up the narrative. "We thought it was an isolated incident. Then the virus began to spread and it became evident people were not just ill, they were dying. She kept her eyes fixed on Jess. "To make it even worse, one of the first symptoms of the disease is that the victims lose their telepathic powers, so it was a while before we realized the scale of the outbreak. Many of our people are traders. We think that may be how it spread, as they travelled across the Burian Sea and moved from settlement to settlement."
Dahll looked surprised. "Then your doctors have not been able to find a cure? I know your medics are very skilled with herbal and natural medicines."
Tamarith shook her head and glanced quickly away. "Our healers have no experience of such an illness. They can treat broken bones and other injuries, and the usual minor ailments that even we succumb to sometimes, but we have never needed to deal with anything like this." Her gaze rested on Jess once more. "Our people have no resistance to it. There's never been even a localised epidemic before, let alone a threatened pandemic. Whatever is causing this must be a mutation that's able to survive the extreme cold and reproduce itself."
"And how can we help?" Jess asked.
"We were wondering—" Tamarith hesitated, still avoiding Dahll's eyes, "we were wondering if...if you could ask the Phidians if it's possible for them to manufacture some sort of vaccine to help us fight this."
"We would not ordinarily ask," Gullin put in. "We realize it's expecting a lot of you, and the Phidians may not want to help. However, we have discussed it with everyone on Niflheim who was still able to contact us. It was felt this was the only option open to us. Without advanced medical help the disease will decimate our people. You may not be able to help us. We will, of course, understand if that is the case."
Jess stood and laid a hand on his arm. "Why would we not wish to help?" she said, her voice husky. "You're our friends—you helped me when I was trying to find the Destiny. I'll never forget your kindness then, and I'm sure the Phidians will be willing to help. I don't think finding a cure for whatever is ailing your people will be too difficult for them."
"Thank you. I knew in my heart you would not refuse us." Tamarith swallowed and forced herself to look at Dahll. "What about you Dahll? It's your decision, as well."
"You shouldn't even have to ask," Dahll replied," I remember your hospitality and help last time we were here, too."
Tamarith smiled her thanks, wishing Dahll's direct gaze did not have such an effect on her. She was sure everyone in the room could hear the thudding of her heart. (806 words)
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
All three books will be on sale for 99 cents from Aug 20th-Sept 3rd!
AMAZON U.K.: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002HMC7VE
BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/books/children-of-the-mist-the-destiny-trilogy-book-2-by-hywela-lyn
What makes your featured book a must-read?
This is the second book of the Destiny Trilogy but is a complete story in itself with a proper ending. It is not necessary to read the other two in the series but of course I would love it if you did – and you will meet some familiar characters as well as some new ones. If you enjoy ‘space opera’, series like Star Trek, and heroines who are strong but feminine, together with heroes who are gallant and courageous, and stories with plenty of action and a healthy dose of romance, I think you will enjoy Children of the Mist.
Giveaway –
Enter to win a $39 Amazon (US) gift card:
Open Internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Canada account to win.
Runs August 24 – September 2, 2021.
Winner will be drawn on September 3, 2021.
Author Biography:
Award winning author, Hywela Lyn spent most of her life in Wales, whose beautiful landscapes and wealth of myths and legends inspired her to write, although she currently lives in a small village in England. She weaves romantic Fantasy and Science Fiction adventures set in the future, on distant, mysterious worlds, as well as fantasies set in her beloved Wales.
She writes stories about strong characters have to overcome great odds to find deep and enduring love: Stories she hopes will truly take you out of this world and beyond.
All three award winning books in the Destiny Trilogy can be read as 'stand-alone' novels and are available in eBook and audio format as well as paperback.
She loves horses, dogs and the outdoors – and reading a good book while eating chocolate!
You can write to her at Hywelalyn@hywelalyn.co.uk and she will always reply if you leave contact details. To know a reader enjoyed her books and was able to escape for a little while to her imaginary worlds makes her happier than words can express.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://hywelalyn.co.uk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hywela_Lyn