She should have known that kind of power wouldn't go unnoticed. Thrust into a world full of dark magic with a handsome stranger who claims he can teach her, she struggles to master her abilities and stumbles onto a dangerous truth. She's a windwalker, the chosen vessel of the ancient dragons who once ruled the world. Many will stop at nothing to possess the power in her blood, should they discover her secret. With necromancers hunting her and Halle's closest allies guarding secrets, mastering her magic becomes a matter of necessity.

But accepting her destiny is altogether different. For doing so means she must sacrifice everything.

Excerpt:

(Provided by author)

“Go ahead. Do it again,” he challenged. “If this is what it takes to get you to embrace who you are, then throw your best one at me, Halle.”

The surprise I’d felt seconds ago disappeared with his taunt. Indignation heated my cheeks. Where did he get off? It wasn’t like I was denying I had power all this time. I couldn’t control it. Still couldn’t. If I had any idea how, he’d be flat on his back immobile so I could get past him and unable to speak further.

Again, energy arced through my body. This time, the feeling was more natural. I opened my mind, allowing it freedom, and when it broke through my surface, I remained standing steadfast.

My hair curled around my face as a gust of wind filled the cavernous hallway. But before it could reach its mark, Kale braced one foot, uttered something I couldn’t hear over the roar, and once more, my magic dissipated. His clothing fluttered as if he’d stepped outside in no more than a gentle breeze.

“Screw you!” I blurted and strode forward, intent on shoving around him. “You’re not going to stop me. I’m going to find her!”

To my surprise, he stepped sideways and let me pass.

Quietly, his voice rang out behind me, a note of warning in his steely tone. “What are you going to do then?”

I kept walking, scanning the long hall for an off-shooting tunnel that carried the whisper of the outdoors. There was one here somewhere. We’d come in it earlier this week. It took double the time than the way I’d been going, but it was away from lying, secret-keeping, Kale.

“What are you going to do, Halle, when she tries to kill you?”

At that, I laughed. “She won’t kill me. She’s my mother.”

“Was.”

I snorted, not bothering to slow my pace. But though I’d never let him know his words got to me, a chill stole down my spine. That unease was tempered by the dark recess that caught my attention and marked the exit I’d been seeking. I headed directly for it.

“What are you going to do when your uncle tries this?”

As I took another step into the mouth of the adjoining corridor, anticipating leaving Kale’s taunts behind, I ran nose-first into something hard and unmoving. It repelled my like a bird flying into a clean windowpane, and I stumbled several steps backward, only to crash on my ass. I rubbed my smarting nose and stared at an invisible barrier, the dark depths of the dimly lit hallway as clear as they had been moments ago.

“What the hell?” Scrambling to my feet, I shot him a baleful glare. “Just leave me alone!”

“What are you going to do with this, Halle?”

Before the echo of his voice died away, the entire corridor went black. Not the sort of dim light that comes with nightfall. But the absolute nothingness of being trapped underground in the belly of a cave. No shadows, no hints of another presence. I lifted my hand, touched the tip of my nose, and still couldn’t see my fingers. Not even the faint outline.

In the next moment, the oppressive, sickeningly-sweet smell of decay permeated the air. It flooded my nose, made breathing next to impossible. My throat closed, gag reflex kicking in. With that came the churning of my stomach and something more—paralyzing fear. Voices whispered through the darkness, ghostly and full of menace. I didn’t know if they were real or products of my panicking mind. But the cold feel of perspiration spread over my skin, and the overwhelming urge to run possessed me.

My Review:

The first book in the riveting new urban fantasy Windwalker series is a fascinating read that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Halle Rhoads has a terrifying secret – she can kill with the fury of the storm. Many will stop at nothing to possess the power in her blood and her closest allies are guarding secrets so mastering her magic becomes a matter of necessity.

This steady to fast paced plot keeps readers shivering in anticipation as Halle learns the secrets of her power and starts off on a dangerous mission. The tension builds throughout the story as danger escalates and Halle tries to decide who can be trusted and which secrets her allies keep will get her killed. The author brings the story to life with well written scenes and details which produce vivid images that capture the imagination and make the reader feel as if they are part of the story. The well orchestrated events and action scenes are believable which adds to the adrenaline pumping through the reader’s veins as the strong compelling characters grab the reader’s attention and draw the deeper into the story.

The attraction between Halle and Kale radiates heat from every page, but the relationship is far from an easy one as Halle doesn’t trust anyone and Kale’s keeping secrets from her. While they are trying to work all of that out, Halle is one headstrong heroine that’s determination could very well get them all killed. Kale has his personal issues to deal with plus those of his clan and what’s expected of him. The author is easily caught up in all the drama and suspense of their lives as they try to adjust to their feelings for each other.

The world created by the author is fascinating and has a lot of intriguing characters as well as creatures and lots of magical possibilities and she has also incorporated her own twists to the magic and the magic users that add spice to the story. I am really looking forward to reading more about Halle and learning just where her magic might take her.

You can also see my review at:

http://www.thejeepdiva.com/review-storm-windwalkers-1-claire-ashgrove/

5 STARS 3 FLAMES

Purchase Links:

Before the Storm Release Gala Schedule of Events

Releases Today:

To celebrate, Claire has a ton of events and opportunities to win prizes in the works. Here’s the link for the full schedule of events.

http://www.toristclaire.com/Blog/index.php/before-the-storm-release...

Windwalker series:

THE CHOSEN BEARER OF AN ANCIENT POWER...

It is written that dragons fled the world rather than see all they found beautiful turn to ash at the hands of mankind. In their stead, they left behind guardians, powerful weilders of magic imbued with the blood of dragonkind and destined to protect their greatest treasure.

Centuries have passed since the last windwalker roamed among magickind. No sign of a chosen guardian has been seen...though some have been waiting for her. Now, a dark and hungry evil is rising. The ancient gift has awakened and it will not slumber until all that it holds dear is protected once again...even if that means its chosen bearer must sacrifice everything.

Coming soon:

#2: Tempest Rising

#3: Striking Gale

About Claire Ashgrove:

Building on a background of fantasy game design, a fascination with history, and a lifetime love of books, award-winning author Claire Ashgrove brings to life action-filled, passionate journeys of the heart. Her paranormal series, The Curse of the Templars, marries the history of the Knights Templar with the chilling aspirations of the most unholy--a must-read for speculative fiction fans. She also writes as the National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire and historical romance author Sophia Garrett.

In her non-writing time, she’s runs Finish The Story, a full-scale editing house co-founded with Bryan Thomas Schmidt. She lives in Missouri and enjoys cooking, studying ancient civilizations, and spending downtime with her two sons and too-many horses, cats, and dogs.

Keep in Touch via:

Claire Ashgrove Website

Tori St. Claire Website

Sophia Garrett Website

Untamed Spirit Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Books by Claire Ashgrove:

http://www.claireashgrove.com/books.asp

1 member likes this