Promises

By Sheri L. McGathy

Promises...Shay, a Blade Whisperer, has made a promise. A promise she is determined to keep, no matter the consequences or the pain that promise might cause. She has searched long, following the countless whispers of forgotten blades, until one quiet whisper reveals the blade she seeks. And now that she’s found the bewitched dagger, she must fulfill her promise to set her lover free...by killing him.

Includes: The Gift
What magic lurks in a selfless gift, whispered by one who has lost all hope save for love? On the eve when darkness must surrender its cold grip on the land and cede victory to the light of renewal, one such gift is offered, but what ancient earth spirit will answer?

Reader Review
PROMISES AND THE GIFT are two wondrous stories by fantasy author Sheri L. McGathy. If you've never read Sheri's work, this duo would make a terrific introduction. She has a lyrical voice and paints vivid word pictures that will have you right in the fantasy realms of her characters. A master of atmospheres both dark and light, these two stories are highly evocative. A very satisfying read, highly recommended! ------ Susan Block

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sheri L. McGathy
• Release date: Apr 24, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458189448

Sheri L. McGathy

About Sheri L. McGathy“Born in the Buckeye state, I was uprooted in 1971 and replanted amongst sunflowers, tornadoes, and college football. It’s a good life.” ~ Sheri L. McGathyWho am I?During the weekdays, I’m a Graphic Arts Coordinator/Copy Editor in prepress. In the evenings and weekends, I’m a writer...or I try to be. Sometimes that is debatable.I'm often asked why I write fantasy, and I usually answer that fantasy, to me, evokes the wonder of dreams and unfettered possibilities. It can be filled with fanciful pleasures or unimaginable fears—all the things we believed in without question when we were kids.Fantasy is Santa and pixie dust, unicorns with long golden horns and white flowing manes. Fantasy is the monster that lurked in the shadows beneath your bed when you were little. Fantasy is fantastical and holds the promise that wishes just might come true if only we dare to believe.I write fantasy because I believe in the magic.~:.*.:~~:.*.:~May the magic always brighten your world~:.*.:~~:.*.:~

Book preview

PROMISES

by

Sheri L. McGathy

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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PUBLISHED BY:

Sheri L. McGathy

Promises and The Gift

Copyright © 2007 by Sheri L. McGathy

Cover Art Copyright © 2011 by Sheri L. McGathy

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

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PROMISES

Shay watched from the depths of her hood as the next player reached across the reed mat and tried his luck. The fine lace of his sleeves swayed as he rubbed the ivory sticks between his flawlessly smooth hands. Proof that she sparred with men who had not stood in the shadow of war but rather allowed others to do it for them.

Unable to stop herself, she leaned in toward the circle as the man flung the bones into the air. She watched the slender sticks twirl, over and over, end over end, in an impossibly slow assent. When they tumbled to the mat and came to a halt, she tried to look away, tried to act as if the tally meant nothing to her, yet she found she could not.

Two stripes, but no arrow showing! the game master shouted above the din filtering through the rickety walls—walls intended to shelter the gamer but not to stop a prying eye.

The game continues. Wagers? The game master retrieved the gaming sticks from the floor. Place 'em now or kindly leave the game. His upper lip rose to reveal yellowed teeth before he added, High bidder holds the bones, losers moan.

The gamers tossed their wagers to the center of the mat to join the already impressive riches scattered there. Bejeweled daggers and pressed

Reviews for Promises

[snitchbitch-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I didn't enjoy this book. I read the whole thing, and I TRIED to like it. Maybe an experienced editor could help?

The impediments that arise to thwart our young couple are easily avoided. The author explains away at the end that the characters were so devastated that they just didn't think about it... but I don't buy it.

Maybe the influx of self-published books has made me a little harsher in my standards?