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Storm & Shadow
Valerie Storm
Genre
Fantasy, Young Adult
Publication Date
13/11/2022
Series Name
Demon Storm
Book Number
2
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About the Book
Kari was dead—and then, she wasn’t.
But for the wolf-demon with lightning in her fists, resurrection is no reprieve from exile. After old witch Zina revives her, Kari must conceal her true nature better than ever before, lest her slayers find her breathing and put her down for good. And since she can no longer return to what she once knew, Kari finds herself adrift—in search of purpose.
She gets it when Zina entrusts her with the Lapis Anima, a gem imprisoning the soul of wicked woman, Raven. This brings her into conflict with Raven herself, who’s still very much a threat without her soul… and has devious plans in mind for Kari’s destructive abilities.
Will the wolf-demon succumb to Raven’s cruel temptations?
Or will Kari turn to an unlikely ally for help—the very man who killed her, one year ago?
Book Excerpt
Kari hit the floor, her head smacking against the stone. Her eyes fluttered with brief white light. The ceiling wavered above her as she let out a heavy breath.
“Get up, Kari,” Zina said from across the room. “Once more. You’re getting there.”
Kari groaned and forced herself to sit up. Zina stood several feet away, in the same position she’d stood every day for months now, waiting for the moment when Kari would dodge her attacks and land a hit. She was a human, albeit an odd one; Kari had never known a human to have navy-blue hair or gray eyes. And, of course, there was her magical skill; Zina could do things Kari had never thought possible.
“Well?” Zina nudged.
Kari climbed to her feet. Her chest hurt, her stomach throbbed, and her arms were trembling from exhaustion. But Zina would not let up, not until she did something.
With a roar, Kari ran the distance between them. Lightning crackled from her fingers in easy streaks, a feat she wouldn’t have known a year ago. Zina did not even blink at the sight of her power. As Kari advanced, her feet slapping the stone floor, Zina waved a hand.
Kari ducked to the side and felt a swoop in her chest as a blast of air brushed her cheek. Dodged! Now—
She leapt forward, claws extended—
A wave of fire appeared. Screaming, Kari stumbled back, flailing her arms at the flames. Within the moment of her hesitation, they were recalled, revealing Zina behind them. Her expression was not disproving or amused—merely uninterested. She flung out her hand; Kari flew back, slamming into the floor again.
“Distracted. Any true demon would have smelled the heat—”
“Damn it, Zina!” Kari slammed a fist onto the floor. “I’ve been doing this all morning! I’m exhausted!”
Zina crossed her arms and arched an eyebrow, her signature expression. “Your parents did not raise a weakling, Kari.”
Kari’s insides burned. What did you know about them? She wanted to demand, but she’d asked that question many times, and always received the same answer.
I know enough. I know they wanted nothing more than to keep you safe, and for you to be prepared for the world. I know what they want for you is not what you are now. You must be stronger.
“Once more.”
“No!” Kari snapped. “No, I’m done today.”
She scrambled to her feet, avoiding Zina’s gaze, and stamped out of the room without looking back.
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About the Author
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Valerie Storm
Valerie Storm was raised in Tucson, Arizona. Growing up, she fell in love with everything fantasy. When she wasn’t playing video games, she was writing. By age ten, she began to write her own stories as a way to escape reality. When these stories became a full-length series, she considered the path to sharing with other children & children-at/heart looking for a place to call home.
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