As You Wish Reviews: Teaser | The Jewel of Nirel by Ann Snizek

Book Title: The Jewel of Nirel
Author: Ann Snizek
Release Date: July 27, 2013
Genre: YA Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Length: Over 86,000 Words
Publisher: Snow Flower Enterprises

TEASER

The next morning, Khevin and Sealey rode their horses around the edge of Amara Lake. They reached a point where the undergrowth became too thick for the horses, so they staked them out in a small clearing, and started walking. The rich soil combined with plentiful water produced an abundance of plant-life. So much so, that the two young men did more hacking and cutting then they did walking for some time.

"Are you sure we're going in the right direction?" Sealey asked Khevin between swings of his machete. He stopped and wiped his face with is shirt.

Khevin stopped his own slicing and looked around carefully. His face went hard and serious. "Sealey, stop cutting."

"What's the matter?"

"Just stop cutting for a minute," Khevin repeated very calmly and slowly.

Sealey looked around and tried to figure out what Khevin saw. He didn't see anything, but he didn't like the tone in his best friend's voice.

"Put your knife back in the sheath very carefully," Khevin told him without moving his eyes from whatever he was looking at. He had already started putting his own blade away.

Sealey did as he was told without a bit of hesitation. "Can you tell me what you see yet, Khevin?"

"A very skillful hunter. Apparently, she doesn't like us cutting the plants here. They must have special meaning or usage for her. Do your best to back yourself down the trail. Go until you no longer see me, and wait. I will be with you shortly. Then we will be on our way."

"Be careful."

"I intend to, thanks. You be careful too. Don't cut any more plants, but be alert," Khevin cautioned his friend.

Sealey backed up carefully, glancing around to avoid tripping. He reached a point where they had turned their path slightly, and he could no longer see Khevin. He waited with his senses heightened from nervousness.

AUTHOR BIO
I grew up in Vermont mostly and now live in Virginia with my family (those still at home). My husband and I have a blended family of seven kids. My childhood was spent moving around a lot. (non-military) About five years ago, we started home-schooling our youngest children. Now there are only two remaining in home-school. I have tried to nurture the love of books in our children and now our grandchildren -- always nurturing their imaginations. Recently, I have become active in our community with literacy, starting a local (and online) creative writing club and volunteer tutoring at the Adult Learning Center.

I struggle with Fibromyalgia and PTSD. So, have to be careful not to overdo things... I don't always listen to my own advice. I have a dry, sarcastic and corny sense of humor and always try to look at things optimistically. (again not always successful) However, I feel that if I don't give up -- for long -- then things will work out for the best eventually.