by Mike Shelton
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: February 15th 2018
Summary:
One little lie won’t hurt, will it?
When fifteen year old Shaeleen unexpectedly is given a TruthStone, every lie she hears or tells causes her immense physical pain. As she struggles to control her new power and curb the pain, she learns a powerful truth that could thrust an entire continent into civil war. She must choose: reveal the truth and stop the pain – or sacrifice her own well-being to protect her kingdom.
For two hundred years the five kingdoms of Wayland have been protected by the stones of power. Now those stones are failing and a darker power is trying to take control. With the help of her brother, Cole and a newfound friend, Orin, Shaeleen sets out to gather and restore the power of all the stones.
But will she succeed before the endless lies destroy her?
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Excerpt from TruthStone, Book 1 in The TruthSeer Archives, by Mike Shelton
Shaeleen she felt something in her hand. She had almost forgotten that the woman had given her something. She slowly opened her fingers and found herself looking at a small, green stone. It was beautiful and sparkled in the sunlight, holding her transfixed for a moment. This couldn’t be what she thought it was. That wasn’t possible.
She turned, to give it back to the woman, for she couldn’t accept such a gift, especially from a stranger. But, by the size of it—a little smaller than a chicken egg—she’d guess that her entire family could live forever on its worth, and its value was worth much more than gold or silver if it was indeed what she thought it was. Shaeleen’s mind raced momentarily with the possibilities of wealth it would bring if she could sell it.
But she finally shoved the stone back toward the woman. The old woman pushed Shaeleen’s hand away.
“It is yours now, but not for the riches.”
How could the woman know what I had been thinking?
“I…” Shaeleen tried to speak but felt a tightening of her chest.
“Don’t deny it, child,” Melindra said sternly. “Those types of thoughts will only cause you pain.”
This is crazy. Why did she give me this gemstone? This is…
“Moldavite, a TruthStone,” Shaeleen whispered.
“Hush, child. You don’t want people hearing that, do you?”
All Shaeleen could do was shake her head. Once again she asked herself, Why is the keeper giving me a TruthStone? Only one TruthStone was given to each kingdom—over two hundred years ago. How could there be another?
“What is your name, child?” the woman asked.
“Shaeleen,” she said, glancing from the stone to Melindra and then over at the approaching men once more. They were closing in but still hadn’t seen Melindra. And they would be upon them in less than a minute.
“Well, Shaeleen, you now have a life ahead of you that you had never supposed. Be careful. Be true. And don’t doubt yourself. Kings and queens will clamor for your attention, and lords and ladies will want to be your friends. You will know the ones to trust.”
Shaeleen shook her head. No. No. The nobility paid her little attention. She was only the daughter of a carpenter, a father she loved dearly, but one that surely wasn’t a lord. Glancing into Melindra’s eyes confirmed the truth to her: it was a TruthStone she held in her hand.
About the Author
Mike was born in California and has lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast. He cannot remember a time when he wasn't reading a book. At school, home, on vacation, at work at lunch time, and yes even a few pages in the car (at times when he just couldn't put that great book down). Though he has read all sorts of genres he has always been drawn to fantasy. It is his way of escaping to a simpler time filled with magic, wonders and heroics of young men and women.
Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.
Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys - writing!
Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.
Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys - writing!
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