By davisr (Rhonda)
Echo Jones stood in a dense wheatfield watching as men in a red truck sprayed water on her burning farmhouse. She saw them run inside looking for survivors and inhaled slowly. Would they find her parents, the ones that had squeezed her through a narrow bathroom window and told her to run?
Frozen with fear, she could neither move nor speak. Only her eyes flitted across the scene, her heart alternating between hope and fear.
She glanced down at the pink dress Mommy bought her to wear to a schoolmate’s birthday party, one she was getting ready for when Daddy ran in to tell them there was a big fire.
A noise drew her attention back to the yard, eyes reflecting ravaging flames like tiny, blue mirrors.
She watched as two limp bodies were dragged onto the front lawn, followed by a huge crash as part of the roof fell in. One of the firefighters dropped to his knees, large gloved hands shielding his face.
Were those her parents lying there? Surely not, they wouldn’t sleep through this, and why were they covered with blankets? They couldn’t be cold in all this heat.
Echo remained motionless, holding tightly to her stuffed teddy bear, Cindy, a fellow refugee from the inferno.
“Anyone else in there?” a voice called out.
The man who had fallen to his knees stood, his hands still partially covering his face as though to protect himself from horrors this job couldn’t desensitize. He said, “No one I could see.”
“A neighbor said there was a five-year-old girl.”
Another roar of flames and more roof fell in. “I didn’t see anyone,” the man repeated.
The firefighters looked at each other, then down at the bodies on the ground. The search for survivors was over. No one, especially a small girl, could have lived through that.
Somberly, the workers finished their jobs and left.
Echo had been doing as she was taught; not talking to strangers, and staying out of grown-ups' way. But now, she was completely alone. Not knowing what else to do, she left the wheatfield and slipped into the forest behind the smoldering ruins of her home.
She had been told never to wander off into the woods, but she instinctively wanted the comfort of trees around her. She wouldn’t go too far, she decided, just far enough to find some soft leaves to rest on. She was so tired.
Echo followed an old trail she and her father used to walk, more out of habit than choice. She could still see his footprints by the fading light of evening and their familiarity gave her solace.
Once the sun had ended its journey in the sky, and she could no longer see where she was going, she sank to the ground. Cuddling Cindy in her arms, she rocked back and forth like a mother comforting her child.
The rocking motion made her sleepy so she curled into the cool autumn leaves until blessed forgetfulness took her over.
Silent trees watched over the child that night, lending what consolation they could as they swayed gently back and forth.
When morning dawned, Echo sat up yawning and stretching. She hadn’t been afraid during the long night, snuggling close to nature for support, but now it was morning and no one had come to get her. She suddenly realized how hungry and thirsty she was, and how totally alone. Panicking, she rose to her feet and ran.
She cried out for her parents as she fled deeper into the interior of the forest. Low hanging limbs scratched her skin and tore at her clothing. With each new pain, she cried louder and ran with greater desperation.
Finally, her tattered pink dress became so entangled in briars, she couldn't move. With a jagged groan, she leaned against a tree and hugged Cindy close to her heart. Sobs slowly subsided to exhausted whimpers as she gave up trying to get free. She had no idea what had happened to her world, but she lacked the strength to fight it any longer.
“Who’s out there?” the faint voice of a boy called from deep in the underbrush ahead of her.
Echo looked up, the last embers of hope rekindling with the resilience of the very young.
“Help me,” she said softly, then louder, “help me.”
“Don’t worry,” the boy said. “I’m coming. Keep talking.”
Echo called several times and listened for movement. Finally, the rustling drew near and branches before her parted.
A young boy, a bit older that Echo, squeezed through a gap. Dark curly hair framed a kind face, and emerald eyes sparkled from beneath skin tanned the color of golden wheat. He reached out a hand to grasp hers.
“I’m here.”
Echo couldn't say anything at first. She was overwhelmed with conflicting emotions.
As though he understood, the boy gently pulled her out of the thorns without saying anything. Once she was free, he spoke again. “What happened to you?”
“I got lost,” Echo said in a quiet voice.
“I can see that. How did you get that way?”
“There was a big fire at my house and these men came to put it out, and they took my mommy and daddy away. They left and no one came to get me.”
“I’m sorry,” the boy said. “Would you like me to take you somewhere else? Do you have grandparents or something?”
“Yeah, I have a grandma and grandpa. I go see them all the time."
"Why didn't they come help when your house burned?"
"They're gone to visit my Aunt Suzy in another state called Louisiana."
“Will they be home soon?”
“I think so. Mommy said they were just going for the weekend."
“Good, then I’ll take you to them. Where do they live?”
“In a big house with horses and chickens,” Echo said. It wasn't very accurate, but was the only description she knew.
“That doesn’t help much. Do you know how to get there?”
“No, my mommy and daddy always take me.”
“Hmmm, okay, best not to go look for it or we’ll both get lost. I have an idea. There's a tree-cave near here where we can wait. I’m sure someone will come looking for you soon. My mother always says that if you get lost you should wait in one spot until help comes.”
“My mommy says that, too,” Echo said.
“Well, then that’s what we’ll do. What’s your name?”
“Echo.”
“Mine's Anthos.”
“That’s a funny name.”
“I Know. I was named after my mother, Diantha. Both names are Greek for flower. My family is really into gardens. You can call me Theo if you want, that’s what my little brother and sister do.”
“Okay, Theo. Why don’t we go to your house? Maybe we could call the police like they taught us in school.”
“We can’t. I live a long way from here." He took her by the hand and carefully lead her through the underbrush, “and we don’t have phones.”
“Why not?”
“My father says phones create a situation where people isolate from each other."
"What does that mean?"
"I'm not sure, but I think he means people should talk face-to-face. We don’t have TV’s or computers, either. None of our people do.”
“That’s funny,” Echo said, ducking under a limb. “What do you do for fun??”
“We play outside with our friends, we walk in trees and we practice for the Festival Games.”
“Festival Games, what are those?”
“Big contests of bravery and skill where you can win prizes like golden bows,” he explained. “I get to compete this coming year for the first time because I just turned eight.”
“Wow, can I come watch?”
“I don’t think so. I’m not allowed to bring company home. I could ask my parents, though.”
“Well, come get me if I can go, okay?”
“Sure.”
“Can girls play the games, too?” Echo asked.
“Not until they are eight-years-old like I am. Until then they can only come and watch.”
“What kind of games can girls do?”
“They can shoot a bow and arrow, throw a discus or spear, jump over a pole or across a sand pit, race, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Mostly the same thing the boys do. Some of the teenagers and mothers have cooking contests, too.”
“Oh, like the fair,” Echo said. “My mommy put a cake she made in the fair in Dalton. She won a ribbon and was so happy.”
“That's good. Do they have games at your fair like the ones I told you about?”
“I'm not sure, but I do know they have rides and barns full of animals. They also have this cool candy called taffy. It’s really stretchy, and I got to see them make it on this huge machine that stretches and pulls it. They also have cotton candy, and that’s my favorite because it’s so soft and fluffy and tastes like a sweet cloud.”
“Sounds yummy. They have a lot to eat at our festivals, too, but that's not all that's cool. Every four years we have a giant event called the Olympics where people compete from both of the valleys near where I live. The last time we had one I was only five. We’re supposed to have another one next year, and I hope I can be in it. If I win in any of my categories this year, I'll get to compete in that one, too.”
“Wow, I'm pretty sure we have Olympics, too, or at least I heard them talking about it on TV.”
“See, our people are a lot like yours.”
“Yeah, but I’m allowed to bring friends to my home, or at least I could before my house disappeared.”
“I'm sorry that happened to you. I can't imagine what it would be like.”
"I can't either. It's all so mixed-up in my head and it makes me want to cry."
Theo put a hand on her arm and patted it. He knew there wasn't anything he could say to help.
The children said nothing else until they approached a sort of cave-like opening in the trees. Theo pulled a limb aside, and helped Echo climb inside the enclosure. She went in and sat on a soft bed of pine needles and leaves. She laid Cindy down beside her, the little pink satin dress she had on, matching Echo’s.
She then sat with her legs crossed and looked at Theo. Even though she was a young child, she felt a certain kinship with her strange new friend, almost as though they weren’t strangers at all. Ordinarily she was shy around people she didn’t know, but not this boy who came from a strange world.
“I’m hungry,” she said into a silent moment, “and so is Cindy.”
“You stay here, and I'll go catch some fish,” Theo said. He reached down a hand and ruffled her hair. “That is if you think Cindy would like some.”
“Oh, Cindy loves fish. She eats it everytime my daddy brings some home. Do you have a fishing pole like he does?”
“No, I can catch them with my hands. It's something all kids learn to do where I come from. I can also build a fire and cook them.”
“Wow, that's so cool. My mother let me make biscuits in the oven the other day. She says little girls need to learn to cook early.”
“And she’s right,” Theo said, “but we don’t have any ovens here or any flour to make biscuits. All I can bring you is fish.”
“That'll be fine,” Echo said. She was trying her best to sound more grown up than she felt.
Theo smiled and walked over to a tree where he leapt nimbly up into its branches. He waved at her as he soared from that tree to another one close-by. Echo waved back and then leaned against the sturdy trunk of a tree to wait for her new friend to return.
She tried not to think about the fire or her parents as she waited. Those thoughts made her sad and afraid. She needed to feel good again, and so she just played with Cindy and pretended that she was on a picnic.
Some time later, Theo appeared in the tree he had first leapt into. In his hands were two promised fish and a bunch of wild chrysanthemums he had gathered in the forest.
“My mother always puts flowers on the table when we eat,” he explained as he approached her. He placed the flowers in the middle of what would become their eating area. He took one bright blossom and handed it to her.
“This one is for you,” he said.
“Thank you,” she said, and then stuck it in her hair the way her mother had always done for her.
By davisr (Rhonda)
She tried not to think about the fire or her parents as she waited. Those thoughts made her sad and afraid. She needed to feel good again, and so she just played with Cindy and pretended that she was on a picnic.
Some time later, Theo appeared in the tree he had first leapt into. In his hands were two promised fish and a bunch of wild chrysanthemums he had gathered in the forest.
“My mother always puts flowers on the table when we eat,” he explained as he approached her. He placed the flowers in the middle of what would become their eating area. He took one bright blossom and handed it to her.
“This one is for you,” he said.
“Thank you,” she said, and then stuck it in her hair the way her mother had always done for her.
Author Notes |
Special thanks for the artwork Forest Fire by MoonWillow on FanArt.
Echo Jones: In the beginning of the book, a 5-year-old girl stranded by a fire Anthos (Theo): In the beginning of the book, an 8-year-old boy who is wise beyond his years, and hailing from a strange world. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, Jungle Fever by A Crazy Mind on FanArtReview.com
Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents Theo, A nickname for the boy Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. Cindy: Echo's teddy bear she leans on for comfort, the only belonging that made it out of the fire with her. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork "From the Earth to the Sky" by ChuckWaxman
Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to investigate a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and is Echo's nemesis. Theo, A nickname for the boy Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. Cindy: Echo's teddy bear she leans on for comfort, the only belonging that made it out of the fire with her. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks for the beautiful artwork, The masters of Education! by Renate-Bertodi
Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to investigate a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Theo, A nickname for the boy Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. Cindy: Echo's teddy bear she leans on for comfort, the only belonging that made it out of the fire with her. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A very special thanks for the artwork, Gonna Hava Rockin Blues Xmas by MKFlood on FanArtReview used with this chapter.
Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to investigate a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. A side assignment is to cover the opening of a fancy hardware store in Taylorville, Georgia. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Theo, A nickname for the boy Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. Cindy: Echo's teddy bear she leans on for comfort, the only belonging that made it out of the fire with her. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks for the brilliant artwork, Laugh With Mouth Wide Open, by seshadri_sreenivasan on FanArt.
Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to investigate a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. A side assignment is to cover the opening of a fancy hardware store in Taylorville, Georgia. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Bessie Johnson: 83-year-old columnist that works for the Sun and gathers ads from local venders. She has knowledge of the attack on the local woman killed by the serial killer. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for the boy Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. Cindy: Echo's teddy bear she leaned on for comfort as a small child, the only belonging that made it out of the fire with her. She left it behind in the forest after her rescue. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork Maelstrom by avmurray on FanArtReview.
Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to investigate a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. A side assignment is to cover the opening of a fancy hardware store in Taylorville, Georgia. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Bessie Johnson: 83-year-old columnist that works for the Sun and gathers ads from local venders. She has knowledge of the attack on the local woman killed by the serial killer. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for the boy Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. Cindy: Echo's teddy bear she leaned on for comfort as a small child, the only belonging that made it out of the fire with her. She left it behind in the forest after her rescue. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks for the absolutely perfect artwork, Memories by cleo85 on FanArtReview.
A note: This book targets young adults and is fantasy. The crime element I try to keep surface as its leading to the fantasy realm and not a study of the criminal mind. I avoid the darkest parts for a reason. Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to look into a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. A side assignment is to cover the opening of a fancy hardware store in Taylorville, Georgia. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun. Younger brother of Frankie, one of the editors. Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: Works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Bessie Johnson: 83-year-old columnist that works for the Sun and gathers ads from local venders. She has knowledge of the attack on the local woman killed by the serial killer. Sherry Roe: A local victim of the serial killer Echo has been writing a series on. Officer Tony Bradly: Rookie officer for the Taylorville Police Department. He's the one who found Sherry Roe's body after the murder. Also, the man Bessie feels is the killer. Junior: Frankie's neighbor who comes by the office Christmas party. Man in dark: A man Echo saw watching her the day of the Super Handyman Opening. Presumably the serial killer. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for the boy Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. Cindy: Echo's teddy bear she leaned on for comfort as a small child, the only belonging that made it out of the fire with her. She left it behind in the forest after her rescue. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, Green by simonka on FanArtReview.
Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to look into a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. A side assignment is to cover the opening of a fancy hardware store in Taylorville, Georgia. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun. Younger brother of Frankie, one of the editors. Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: Works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Bessie Johnson: 83-year-old columnist that works for the Sun and gathers ads from local venders. She has knowledge of the attack on the local woman killed by the serial killer. Sherry Roe: A local victim of the serial killer Echo has been writing a series on. Officer Tony Bradly: Rookie officer for the Taylorville Police Department. He's the one who found Sherry Roe's body after the murder. Also, the man Bessie feels is the killer. Junior: Frankie's neighbor who comes by the office Christmas party. Man in dark: A man Echo saw watching her the day of the Super Handyman Opening. Presumably the serial killer. Specters/men in dark clothing: Three men who confront Echo. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for the boy Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. Cindy: Echo's teddy bear she leaned on for comfort as a small child, the only belonging that made it out of the fire with her. She left it behind in the forest after her rescue. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, Shade of emotion by Jessie <3 on FanArtReview.
Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to look into a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. A side assignment is to cover the opening of a fancy hardware store in Taylorville, Georgia. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun. Younger brother of Frankie, one of the editors. Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: Works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Bessie Johnson: 83-year-old columnist that works for the Sun and gathers ads from local venders. She has knowledge of the attack on the local woman killed by the serial killer. Sherry Roe: A local victim of the serial killer Echo has been writing a series on. Officer Tony Bradly: Rookie officer for the Taylorville Police Department. He's the one who found Sherry Roe's body after the murder. Also, the man Bessie feels is the killer. Junior: Frankie's neighbor who comes by the office Christmas party. Man in dark: A man Echo saw watching her the day of the Super Handyman Opening. Presumably the serial killer. Specters/men in dark clothing: Three men who confront Echo. Minions of the Dark Lord Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Cindy: Echo's teddy bear she leaned on for comfort as a small child, the only belonging that made it out of the fire with her. She left it behind in the forest after her rescue. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks for the excellent artwork, Kirth Ninoxis by Elena Whittaker on FanArtReview
Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to look into a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. A side assignment is to cover the opening of a fancy hardware store in Taylorville, Georgia. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun. Younger brother of Frankie, one of the editors. Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: Works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Bessie Johnson: 83-year-old columnist that works for the Sun and gathers ads from local venders. She has knowledge of the attack on the local woman killed by the serial killer. Sherry Roe: A local victim of the serial killer Echo has been writing a series on. Officer Tony Bradly: Rookie officer for the Taylorville Police Department. He's the one who found Sherry Roe's body after the murder. Also, the man Bessie feels is the killer. Junior: Frankie's neighbor who comes by the office Christmas party. Found to be a Specter, or minion of the enemy. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Theo's Captains, and Echo's rescuer. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
Artwork is a photo I took from my sister's yard.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to look into a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. A side assignment is to cover the opening of a fancy hardware store in Taylorville, Georgia. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun. Younger brother of Frankie, one of the editors. Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: Works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Bessie Johnson: 83-year-old columnist that works for the Sun and gathers ads from local venders. She has knowledge of the attack on the local woman killed by the serial killer. Sherry Roe: A local victim of the serial killer Echo has been writing a series on. Officer Tony Bradly: Rookie officer for the Taylorville Police Department. He's the one who found Sherry Roe's body after the murder. Also, the man Bessie feels is the killer. Ends up being Theo, Echo's mysterious childhood rescuer Junior: Frankie's neighbor who comes by the office Christmas party. Found to be a Specter, or minion of the enemy. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Theo's Captains, and Echo's rescuer. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
Artwork from dreamstime.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, and undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to look into a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. A side assignment is to cover the opening of a fancy hardware store in Taylorville, Georgia. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun. Younger brother of Frankie, one of the editors. Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: Works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Bessie Johnson: 83-year-old columnist that works for the Sun and gathers ads from local venders. She has knowledge of the attack on the local woman killed by the serial killer. Sherry Roe: A local victim of the serial killer Echo has been writing a series on. Officer Tony Bradly: Rookie officer for the Taylorville Police Department. He's the one who found Sherry Roe's body after the murder. Also, the man Bessie feels is the killer. Ends up being Theo, Echo's mysterious childhood rescuer Junior: Frankie's neighbor who comes by the office Christmas party. Found to be a Specter, or minion of the enemy. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Theo's Captains, and Echo's rescuer. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, Red Fury by cleo85 on FanArtReview.com. Thank you for your addition to my work.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to look into a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. A side assignment is to cover the opening of a fancy hardware store in Taylorville, Georgia. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun. Younger brother of Frankie, one of the editors. Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: Works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Bessie Johnson: 83-year-old columnist that works for the Sun and gathers ads from local venders. She has knowledge of the attack on the local woman killed by the serial killer. Sherry Roe: A local victim of the serial killer Echo has been writing a series on. Officer Tony Bradly: Rookie officer for the Taylorville Police Department. He's the one who found Sherry Roe's body after the murder. Also, the man Bessie feels is the killer. Ends up being Theo, Echo's mysterious childhood rescuer Junior: Frankie's neighbor who comes by the office Christmas party. Found to be a Specter, or minion of the enemy. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Theo's Captains, and Echo's rescuer, Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, on Bing.com
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to look into a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. A side assignment is to cover the opening of a fancy hardware store in Taylorville, Georgia. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun. Younger brother of Frankie, one of the editors. Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: Works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Bessie Johnson: 83-year-old columnist that works for the Sun and gathers ads from local venders. She has knowledge of the attack on the local woman killed by the serial killer. Sherry Roe: A local victim of the serial killer Echo has been writing a series on. Officer Tony Bradly: Rookie officer for the Taylorville Police Department. He's the one who found Sherry Roe's body after the murder. Also, the man Bessie feels is the killer. Ends up being Theo, Echo's mysterious childhood rescuer Junior: Frankie's neighbor who comes by the office Christmas party. Found to be a Specter, or minion of the enemy. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Theo's Captains, and Echo's rescuer, Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Debi Pick Marquette for the artwork. The cat in the picture is a Russian Blue, which is the breed of Echo's cat, Sunny.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to look into a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. A side assignment is to cover the opening of a fancy hardware store in Taylorville, Georgia. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun. Younger brother of Frankie, one of the editors. Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: Works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Bessie Johnson: 83-year-old columnist that works for the Sun and gathers ads from local venders. She has knowledge of the attack on the local woman killed by the serial killer. Sherry Roe: A local victim of the serial killer Echo has been writing a series on. Officer Tony Bradly: Rookie officer for the Taylorville Police Department. He's the one who found Sherry Roe's body after the murder. Also, the man Bessie feels is the killer. Ends up being Theo, Echo's mysterious childhood rescuer Junior: Frankie's neighbor who comes by the office Christmas party. Found to be a Specter, or minion of the enemy. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Theo's Captains, and Echo's rescuer, Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Debi Pick Marquette for the artwork. The horse in the picture depicts Nifty, Theo's sorrel stallion.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Her main assignment is to look into a serial killer that has struck in their small town in Georgia, just out of Atlanta. A side assignment is to cover the opening of a fancy hardware store in Taylorville, Georgia. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest. Claude Baker: Editor of the newspaper, Taylorville Sun. Younger brother of Frankie, one of the editors. Brian Baker: Claude's adult son who works at the newspaper as a typesetter and photographer Frankie Lawrence: Claude's older sister and co-owner of the newspaper Sara Beth: Works at the newspaper as a columnist. She specializes in fashion and gossip and is Echo's nemesis. Bessie Johnson: 83-year-old columnist that works for the Sun and gathers ads from local venders. She has knowledge of the attack on the local woman killed by the serial killer. Sherry Roe: A local victim of the serial killer Echo has been writing a series on. Officer Tony Bradly: Rookie officer for the Taylorville Police Department. He's the one who found Sherry Roe's body after the murder. Also, the man Bessie feels is the killer. Ends up being Theo, Echo's mysterious childhood rescuer Junior: Frankie's neighbor who comes by the office Christmas party. Found to be a Specter, or minion of the enemy. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Theo's Captains, and Echo's rescuer, Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Debi Pick Marquette for the artwork. The bunny in the picture represents Hannah's, Theo's baby sister's, favorite animal, the rabbit.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Debi Pick Marquette for the artwork.
Also special thanks for Helen for encouraging me to reconcile Greek gods and my own Christian faith. I loved adding in this element to the story. Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
“I was that way with Theo,” Diantha said. “It’s a wonder any firstborn survives new parents.”
“And visa versa,” Phoebus said. “Anthos hated being a baby and often expressed his frustration by crying. He wanted so much to be grown, I think it physically hurt him. That's when we started calling him Theo, which means, gift from God. It was clear the boy had an important mission and was anxious to get busy doing it.”
"What does Anthos mean?" Echo asked.
"Blossom," Diantha said. Giggles erupted around the table. "My own name came from the flower Dianthus," the queen continued. "I asked Phoebus to give him a strong name that had something to do with flowers. I mean, there are gardens everywhere here. It seemed fitting at the time." The giggles grew louder.
“Well, I think his name is great, and that he’s the best big brother in the world,” Rebecca said. She reached over and ruffled his hair, “Even if he is way too serious.”
“I am not,” Theo said. With the speed of a whirling Dervish, he spun around and thumped an English pea at his sister's face.
For just a moment, everyone froze, and then Rebecca thumped one back. It landed on his forehead with an audible splat!
“Food fight!” Seventeen-year-old Phillip sailed a piece of garlic toast at his ten-year-old sister, Helen.
“Stop it right now,” Phoebus ordered. He raised a dark eyebrow. “We have company and besides, your mother spent a long time cooking this meal. You should appreciate her hard work.”
“That’s right,” Diantha said. She picked up her bowl of spaghetti for dramatic effect. “You see, it’s important to never waste... at least not until you can get a clear shot.”
Diantha tipped the bowl, dumping the entire contents into her royal husband’s lap. His eyes widened in surprise.
“Oh, I'm so sorry, dear,” she said. “Are those your good clothes?”
“Not any more,” he said. He countered with an herbal drink down the front of her dress.
Echo sat with her mouth agape as a full scale food war broke out. She watched and wondered what to do. She had grown up as an only child and had no experience with such behaviors. It didn't take long before she figured it out, though. Helen, a child she has just met, nailed her on her shoulder with a bread stick.
Echo laughed and counter-attacked with part of her antipasto salad, then ducked as Phoebus, reigning god of horses, threw a meatball at her from the spaghetti dumped in his lap. She hesitated just a moment before throwing it back. He grinned and the melee went on.
Echo wasn't sure how long the foodfight continued, but she had fun, they had fun, and then it just stopped. As though on signal, they arose and cleaned the mess. Once they were finished, they returned to their seats and ate what food was left in dishes.
A deep smile welled up inside Echo's heart and spread onto her face. She guessed she knew the answer to what immortals do with their time when time is no longer a factor.
Author Notes |
A special thanks for the artwork, "Sorting Fruit" by Daphne Oberon on FanArtReview.
tata: Ancient Greek word for "daddy" pater: Ancient Greek word for "father" Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
End of Last Chapter:
Echo sat with her mouth agape as a full scale food war broke out. She watched and wondered what to do. She had grown up as an only child and had no experience with such behaviors. It didn't take long before she figured it out, though. Helen, a child she has just met, nailed her on her shoulder with a bread stick.
Echo laughed and counter-attacked with part of her antipasto salad, then ducked as Phoebus, reigning god of horses, threw a meatball at her from the spaghetti dumped in his lap. She hesitated just a moment before throwing it back. He grinned and the melee went on.
Echo wasn't sure how long the foodfight continued, but she had fun, they had fun, and then it just stopped. As though on signal, they arose and cleaned the mess. Once they were finished, they returned to their seats and ate what food was left in dishes.
A deep smile welled up inside Echo's heart and spread onto her face. She guessed she knew the answer to what immortals do with their time when time is no longer a factor.
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Debi Pick-Marquette for help with artwork of Poseidon.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Karen Cherry Threadgill for her help with the image of Diantha, Queen of Concorde Valley.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Debi Pick Marquette for her help with the image of Hermes.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Debi Pick Marquette for her help with the image of Hermes.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo�?�¢??s 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes�?�¢?? elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Debi Pick-Marquette for finding a cute, yet fierce, rabbit picture.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Sally Law for finding an awesome Echo pic.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals. Echo begins her own mission after one of Hannah's rabbits draws her to find the missing child. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Sally Law for the artwork of Theo.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals. Echo begins her own mission after one of Hannah's rabbits draws her to find the missing child. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Sally Law for the artwork of Adam.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals. Echo begins her own mission after one of Hannah's rabbits draws her to find the missing child. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: On of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nix: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Sally Law for the artwork of Phillip. In the story, he has red hair, but this one was too cute to pass up.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals. Echo begins her own mission after one of Hannah's rabbits draws her to find the missing child. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: On of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nix: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
Artwork created by IZEA.
Thanks for the question by Robert about what happens to Hades or the Specters if they die. Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals. Echo begins her own mission after one of Hannah's rabbits draws her to find the missing child. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: On of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nix: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
Artwork created by IZEA.
Thanks for the question by Robert about what happens to Hades or the Specters if they die. Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals. Echo begins her own mission after one of Hannah's rabbits draws her to find the missing child. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: On of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nix: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Phillip hardly felt the weight of Hannah in his arms, but the toll of carrying her was beginning to tell on his body. His side ached so severely it took his breath away... breath he needed to keep running. If not for the physical training that was so much a part of Concorde Valley culture, he probably would have collapsed long ago.
Each step he took away from Echo was emotionally excruciating, but it wasn't something he could help. First he had to get Hannah to safety and then he'd go back for his brother's girlfriend, a young lady a whole valley had all fallen in love with.
Phillip hated that he had been forced to make a choice better suited for older men. Why hadn’t his father been present like he always was, or even Theo or Adam? Why was heroism thrust into the arms of a teen? Also placed there was his baby sister. He could make it. He had to. Just a few more yards.
Finally, he found the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. While longed for, it bored into his eyes like red-hot pokers. He stumbled forward, his eyes spasming with pain. It was odd how his eyes had adjusted so completely to the near darkness of the tunnels as to render him almost blind when he came in contact with natural light.
As he fell to his knees at the tunnel entrance, he was met by a crowd of anxious animals, creatures of all kinds that had been forced to wait behind. His eyes hurt too bad to see, but he could hear their individual voices and feel the press of their bodies.
Phillip placed Hannah gently on the ground in the midst of them. Cupping his hands to his mouth, he let out a penetrating horse scream. The call was answered by a neigh close-by. Phillip cried out again, and a painted horse trotted up, tossing a silky mane.
“Loyal,” he said. “Take me and Hannah home. The rest of you animals, gather your forces and meet me back here as soon as possible."
Author Notes |
A special thanks to Sally Law for finding the Adam artwork.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals. Echo begins her own mission after one of Hannah's rabbits draws her to find the missing child. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: On of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nix: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Phillip placed Hannah gently on the ground in the midst of them. Cupping his hands to his mouth, he let out a penetrating horse scream. The call was answered by a neigh close-by. Phillip cried out again, and a painted horse trotted up, tossing a silky mane.
“Loyal,” he said. “Take me and Hannah home. The rest of you animals, gather your forces and meet me back here as soon as possible."
Author Notes |
Image of Theo from IZEA. He's supposed to be sitting barebacked with no reigns, but I couldn't find a picture like that.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals. Echo begins her own mission after one of Hannah's rabbits draws her to find the missing child. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: One of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nyx: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
Image of Hades from IZEA.
*Quote from Rick Warren, author and evangelist. "Life is like a game of poker; you have to play the hand you're dealt. A wise player can play a weak hand and win the game." Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals. Echo begins her own mission after one of Hannah's rabbits draws her to find the missing child. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: One of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nyx: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
Image of Hades and Echo from IZEA.
*Quote from Rick Warren, author and evangelist. "Life is like a game of poker; you have to play the hand you're dealt. A wise player can play a weak hand and win the game." Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals. Echo begins her own mission after one of Hannah's rabbits draws her to find the missing child. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: One of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nyx: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
Image of Georgios from IZEA.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town, and covers the opening of a new mega-store, Super Handyman. After gathering all she needs on the store opening, she meets up with Bessie, an elderly columnist from the Sun who has an inside scoop on the death of the woman killed in their town. Bessie tells what she knows about the night of the murder, and sends Echo off to go back to work. Echo arrives at the Newspaper, where the Christmas party has already begun. Before going in, she finds an envelop addressed to her. In it are pictures of the dead woman and Echo. The newest member of the police department, Tony Bradley, shows up to take her statement. He is, immediately, suspected of being the serial killer Echo is investigating. At the end of the party, a parade of her friends set out to follow her home and keep her safe. After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up fleeing across ice and snow to trees she hopes to keep her safe. She's confronted by Specters who try and take her hostage. Theo, her childhood acquaintance, shows up to save the day. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo have fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. There, she is taken on a walk through a magnificent flower garden Phoebus planted long ago and tends. Afterward, she joins part of the family for a luncheon. The luncheon turns into a food fight, which Echo enjoys, but thinks is a bit odd for a royal family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. He is also, asked to find the missing god, Apollo, who had joined humanity to live as one of the mortals. Echo begins her own mission after one of Hannah's rabbits draws her to find the missing child. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: One of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nyx: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
Image of Hypnos and Thanatos, the twin brothers Nyx from IZEA.
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town. After being stalked by enemies intent on stopping her investigation, Theo, now a man, returns to rescue her from a demonic force. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. With the help of family members, some of Greek Mythological fame, Theo sets out to save the world. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: One of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nyx: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
Shout out to Debi Pick-Marquette for the image of the rearing stallion
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town. After being stalked by enemies intent on stopping her investigation, Theo, now a man, returns to rescue her from a demonic force. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. With the help of family members, some of Greek Mythological fame, Theo sets out to save the world. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: One of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nyx: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. Stymphalian Birds: Monstrous creatures from Greek mythology, often depicted as large, carnivorous birds with metallic feathers and razor-sharp beaks and talons. (Quora) |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
AI Image of the Stymphalian Birds By
Book Summary so far: IZEA Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town. After being stalked by enemies intent on stopping her investigation, Theo, now a man, returns to rescue her from a demonic force. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. With the help of family members, some of Greek Mythological fame, Theo sets out to save the world. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: One of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nyx: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. Stymphalian Birds: Monstrous creatures from Greek mythology, often depicted as large, carnivorous birds with metallic feathers and razor-sharp beaks and talons. (Quora) |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
The Advanced Editor is acting weird, so I had to post this in Basic Editor. Sorry for the plainness, but it's better than the alternative. Thank you!
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town. After being stalked by enemies intent on stopping her investigation, Theo, now a man, returns to rescue her from a demonic force. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. With the help of family members, some of Greek Mythological fame, Theo sets out to save the world. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: One of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nyx: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. Stymphalian Birds: Monstrous creatures from Greek mythology, often depicted as large, carnivorous birds with metallic feathers and razor-sharp beaks and talons. (Quora) |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
AI Image of Hades from IZEA
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town. After being stalked by enemies intent on stopping her investigation, Theo, now a man, returns to rescue her from a demonic force. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. With the help of family members, some of Greek Mythological fame, Theo sets out to save the world. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: One of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nyx: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. Stymphalian Birds: Monstrous creatures from Greek mythology, often depicted as large, carnivorous birds with metallic feathers and razor-sharp beaks and talons. (Quora) |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
All AI Images of Echo, Theo, Sunny and Adam from IZEA
Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town. After being stalked by enemies intent on stopping her investigation, Theo, now a man, returns to rescue her from a demonic force. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. With the help of family members, some of Greek Mythological fame, Theo sets out to save the world. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: One of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nyx: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. Stymphalian Birds: Monstrous creatures from Greek mythology, often depicted as large, carnivorous birds with metallic feathers and razor-sharp beaks and talons. (Quora) |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Hermes took a deep breath and let it out as a sort of hiss. "Theo, how long do you think it will take for that adoring look Echo's giving you to turn to hate? After years beneath the earth, you'll become cold and heartless, your handsome body reeking of the smell of the dead. She'll beg you to let her go back to where the light of the sun can warm her heart. She'll recoil each time you touch her in desire, and refuse to bear your children. Your friends and family will turn against you, and your name will become synonymous with all that is wicked. Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“I do not ask for your job,” Theo answered, “but neither will I run from it. If my king asks it of me, then I will do it, and I won’t become like you in the process.”
“Are you sure, boy? Because that’s what I thought, too. Haven’t you been listening to me? I was like you once. My heart was pure, and my soul free of darkness. And then my brother Zeus asked me, his most trusted sibling, to take on the task of monitoring the Underworld. He was sure I could do it and remain unscathed. I could not and neither can you. You will lose all that you love and hold dear, and you won’t even care when it happens. You'll be satisfied with the attention of your wife, even when you have to force yourself on her and she shudders at your touch.”
Apollo touched Theo's arm. "Let me speak, son." Theo gestured for him to have the floor.
"Hades, your story sounds so tragic as you tell it, but you forget, I was around when you went bad. You were never required to live in the Underworld, just to monitor it. With proper management, it could have been done from the surface while you reigned from your own castle in Olympia. You chose that life because it suited you to not be seen."
"Perhaps, but what of Poseidon? He spends most of his time beneath the ocean, and no one criticizes him."
"That's because he affects the ocean, not the other way around."
Hades made a growling sound. "So what's your point, Apollo? Are you ready to throw young Theo underground and see how he fares?"
"Not at all. I propose to take your place, and give Theo mine. Clearly I was bored with my job, and I'm quite certain the Underworld could use a little sunshine."
"You forget one important point, Apollo. I'm not ready to give up my job."
"And you forget another," Hypnos and Thanatos said together. They raised their hands and swept in a second, and greater, blinding mist.
Author Notes |
AI Images from IZEA
Sorry it's so long this time, but I just couldn't find a good stopping point. Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town. After being stalked by enemies intent on stopping her investigation, Theo, now a man, returns to rescue her from a demonic force. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. With the help of family members, some of Greek Mythological fame, Theo sets out to save the world. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: One of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nyx: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. Stymphalian Birds: Monstrous creatures from Greek mythology, often depicted as large, carnivorous birds with metallic feathers and razor-sharp beaks and talons. (Quora) |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Hades made a growling sound. "So what's your point, Apollo? Are you ready to throw young Theo underground and see how he fares?"
"Not at all. I propose to take your place, and give Theo mine. Clearly I was bored with my job, and I'm quite certain the Underworld could use a little sunshine."
"You forget one important point, Apollo. I'm not ready to give up my job."
"And you forget another," Hypnos and Thanatos said together. They raised their hands and swept in a second, and greater, blinding mist.
Author Notes |
AI Images from IZEA
One more chapter, friends, and then I'll start a new book. Thanks so much for being such loyal readers and reviewers!!! This is only the second book I've actually completed on this site. Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town. After being stalked by enemies intent on stopping her investigation, Theo, now a man, returns to rescue her from a demonic force. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. With the help of family members, some of Greek Mythological fame, Theo sets out to save the world. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: One of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nyx: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. |
By davisr (Rhonda)
Author Notes |
AI Images from IZEA
Thanks so much for being such loyal readers and reviewers!!! This is only the second book I've actually completed on this site. There are several of you who have been onboard since the very first chapter, and others who joined along the way. I appreciate you all. Much love!!! Book Summary so far: Young Echo Jones is overlooked by First Responders as she hides in a wheat field during a house fire. Both parents killed in the fire, she escapes into an ancient forest behind her home. Alone and afraid, she meets up with a young boy, Anthos, nicknamed Theo, from mysterious origins that tends to her while searching for help. 20 years later, Echo is working for a newspaper called the Taylorville Sun. Among other duties, she investigates a serial killer who has now struck in her small town. After being stalked by enemies intent on stopping her investigation, Theo, now a man, returns to rescue her from a demonic force. After a battle outside Echo's apartment complex, Echo and Theo fled through the trees toward his homeland, Concorde Valley, an undisclosed place near or within the Great Forests of Southern United States. Theo takes Echo into Concorde Valley where she is tended to by Phoebus, Theo's father of many roles. He patches her up and sends her with Theo to meet the family. Theo receives a missive from the 12 gods, via the rascally Hermes, instructing him to free the gods being held captive on Mount Olympus and defeat the enemy Hades. With the help of family members, some of Greek Mythological fame, Theo sets out to save the world. Characters: Echo Jones: Young girl left stranded by a fire that took her home and parents in the first part of the book, then as an adult, she's an investigative reporter for a small town newspaper. Theo: Named Anthos by his parents. Protagonist of the book, and Echo's love interest.. Specters/men in dark clothing: Minions of the Enemy. Have eyes that turn red when they're angry. Can appear as normal humans, serve the Enemy. Kitty Sunshine, aka Sunny: Echo's Russian Blue cat Theo, A nickname for Anthos: An 8-year-old, of mysterious origins, who finds young Echo in the forest and tends to her needs. We see him later as a grown man who rescues Echo once again. Georgios: One of Phoebus' Captains. Theo's half brother Phoebus: King of Concorde Valley, Theo's father Diantha: Queen of Concorde Valley, Theo's mother Poseidon: god of the Sea, Theo's grandfather Hermes: messenger god, warrior, boyish charm; Theo's 2nd cousin, one of the ruling 12. Apollo: Hermes' elder brother, sun God, and more. One of the ruling 12. Currently on sabbatical. Rebecca: Theo's 25-year-old sister. She's married to Henry and has a baby Caitlyn Henry: Rebecca's husband. Adam: Theo's 21-year-old brother Phillip: Theo's 17-year-old brother Helen: Theo's 10-year-old sister Hannah: Theo's 7-year-old sister who loves animals and can talk to them in their own language. Mary: Rebecca's mother-in-law and a woman who is like a grandmother to the kids. Mageia: Old Sorcerer who lives in Carack Valley. Used to work for Hades. Thanatos: One of Nix's twin sons. He supersedes Hades as controller of death. Hypnos: One of the twin sons. He lulls people to sleep Nyx: Female personification of the night. Mother to many primordial beings, feared even by Zeus. |
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