Fear: The Hero Chronicles (Volume 3)

By Tim Mettey

As Nicholas Keller tries to deal with the tragedies that have followed him since the 10-10 Earthquake, he experiences a greater darkness than ever before—a darkness within himself. Hunted by his enemies, consumed by fear, and separated from the love of his life, Nicholas begins to realize that the battle between good and evil reaches farther and threatens more people than he could have ever imagined. He grasps desperately for anything that will save him from his internal struggles and restore some sort of order to his life. Despite the escalating dangers, The 4 Thusians must press onward in the search for a way to conquer The 3 Seekers before time runs out.

Stay tuned for the release of “Elle and The Escape,” a spin-off from the popular “The Hero Chronicles” series by Tim Mettey in Fall 2016!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tim Mettey
• Release date: Apr 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9780988542587

Tim Mettey

Tim Mettey serves as CEO at Matthew 25: Ministries, an international humanitarian and disaster relief organization. Tim uses his many experiences and expertise in responding to disasters around the world to set the background for his The Hero Chronicles series.Tim struggles with and has overcome multiple learning disabilities with reading and writing to create this series. Tim advocates for literacy and education worldwide and hopes his journey can be an inspiration to others. He says, “Our disabilities do not define who we are, they make us stronger.”Tim is the father of nine beautiful children: Olivia, Cora, Noel, Aubriana, Ashlyn, Eden, Livia, Graham & Jensen.Visit timmettey.com for details about upcoming events and new releases!

Book preview

My reflection in the large semitransparent mirror across from where I was sitting showed how much I had aged over the course of the year. It looked as though I had added five years overnight, forced into becoming an adult too quickly. My childlike features were gone entirely, leaving someone who looked more like my father than me. My face had thinned out, more chiseled and defined, exposing a rigid jawline and every contour in my neck. This older version of me was barely recognizable. The cold, black metal chair that I had been sitting on for the past forty-five minutes was pulling all of the warmth from my body, taking it straight into the ground. It left an unsettling feeling in me, as if my life was slowly draining out of me, just as I felt when I was standing over a dead Coach Miller. Even the fire that was constantly smoldering in my stomach was eerily absent.

We just need to ask Nicholas a couple more questions about the fire, the police officer had told Cora right after Coach Miller’s funeral. I had already answered several questions, excluding the parts about Bryce setting the school on fire and killing Coach Miller, and how this was all part of Xavier’s plan to kill me. But still a week later, Cora got a call saying that they were ready for me to come down to the station to fill in some of the gaps if I could. She hesitantly agreed after checking with both Riley and Ester to see if we should go or be worried about anything. Neither of them thought it was a big deal.

So now, here I sat in what seemed to be an interrogation room—nothing but four metal chairs, a long table, and a big one-way mirror, with only one way in or out. I was waiting for two officers to come and play good cop / bad cop to get me to confess, like in the movies. I was confused about why I had been put in here and not out at a desk in front of someone sipping a hot cup of coffee, typing up my statement similar to last time.

The door opened and to my shock and disgust, it was James Caldwell—that slime. He was wearing a tight black corduroy suit, matching his worn leather briefcase. His comb-over had fallen down in front of his eyes. His face was red and he was breathing hard. He looked out of sorts. He shut the door and sat down next to me.

What are you doing here? I demanded, still not thrilled with how he’d treated Elle last year. He ignored my question, getting out some pieces of paper and a couple of folders.

I’m your attorney, he answered a few minutes later. I could feel the hatred he had for me. But what he said didn’t make any sense. First of all, he was the district attorney of Winsor, so he couldn’t be my attorney. Second, why did I need a lawyer? I thought this was just going to be a lot of simple questions.

Wait a minute, how can you— But before I could finish my question, the door opened. Two men both dressed in matching dark-blue suits with ties came in, shutting the door behind them. Even though they wore identical suits, they looked starkly different. One had light-brown skin and was completely bald; his face was as round as a salad plate. The other one had pale white skin that made him look like a black-and-white picture. He had narrow features and a full head of white hair that was parted neatly off to the side. His large eyes made him look similar to a Muppet. He was scary looking, like someone out of a horror movie. Both of the men sat down across from us. Neither of them had any papers or briefcases. They just stared at us.

What’s all of this about? I asked. They didn’t speak; instead James answered.

These detectives are part of the arson division out of St. Louis. They have been brought in because of the peculiar nature of the fire. This is Agent Reynolds and Agent Otto. Agent Reynolds was the bald one and Agent Otto was the creepy, pale one.

Before we begin, Agent Reynolds said, we are here to investigate the fire, but more importantly, we’re here because we know that you are a Thusian, Alexander Nicholas Taylor Keller.

You shouldn’t talk about that stuff; people could be listening, James whispered in a warning tone, looking up at the big mirror behind them. When Ester Theasing finds out what you’re doing—

Agent Reynolds interrupted him. Ester Theasing has no control over us, and we are superior to any of you plain-old Thusians. Don’t you think we would have taken proper precautions before we spoke to you, since we’re Seekers and have more to lose?

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see all of the blood drain out of James’ face.

Agent Reynolds continued to talk, but I couldn’t make out what he was saying; my eyes began to blur and the sounds around me were muffled. My chest felt as if it had a thousand-pound weight on it, squeezing all of the air out of my lungs. I scooted my chair back and bent down, placing my head between my knees. The world began to spin. Just when I thought I was going to pass out, a weird sensation overtook my senses. My skin broke into a light sweat that covered me from head to toe, cooling me, because now my body had become blazing hot. A surge of adrenaline rushed through me. Not like when I used my Thusian talents—this was something else, something I had never experienced. I regained my faculties enough to realize that no one in the room had been paying any attention to what I was doing. James Caldwell was still arguing with Agent Reynolds. I grabbed some Tic Tacs, slowly put a couple in my mouth, and sat back up.

And if you think Nicholas and I have to sit here, you’re out of your mind. You can tell Xavier it’s not going to be this easy, James said. Even with some doubt in his voice, he was full of rage.

James, your weak attempt at threatening us and trying to avoid the real issue is transparent, Agent Reynolds said. We both know Nicholas has proclaimed to the Council that he and the other three Thusians have formed The 4, thus completing The 7. With this proclamation, it’s our duty as Seekers to do everything we can to aid Xavier, to help The 3 continue to eradicate you Thusians, and to break The 7 to create The Unholy Six.

My head began to pound, and the fire inside my stomach instantly consumed me. Enough already, I shouted. I don’t care who the two of you are. Let’s get this over with. If you want a fight, I’m more than ready.

Agent Otto spoke for the first time. "You should care who we are, his deep, deathly voice filled the empty room, because perhaps we’re part of The 3 or on our way to becoming part of it. If you remember, there’s now a vacancy after you killed our brother, Bryce Adams."

Agent Reynolds had taken a pocket watch out to look at the time. Without warning to anyone around, I lunged across the table, slowing time, and grabbed the watch from his hand. I placed it in James Caldwell’s empty hand on the table to show them who they were dealing with. James Caldwell and Agent Reynolds moved just slightly during this, but Agent Otto didn’t move at all. He kept his arms crossed, watching what I was doing like one of those creepy paintings, where the eyes follow you no matter where you go. I had a feeling that if he’d wanted to, he could have kept up with my movement without any problem.

When time resumed, no one moved. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see beads of sweat starting to drip down James’ brow. He took a red plaid handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his face, while his hand shook violently. He threw the watch back at Agent Reynolds as if he was holding a bomb.

Let’s just talk about why you two are here, James said, trying to defuse the situation.

Nicholas, it seems that a lot of so-called ‘accidents’ happen when you’re around. Do you care to explain why this may be the case? Agent Reynolds asked. They were actually going to interrogate me about what had happened at the school.

He’s not answering that question. We all know the accidents are because of Xa— but before James finished Xavier’s name, he said, your friend. Ester Theasing didn’t have me resign as district attorney for this. I don’t care who you are—don’t act like you’re here because of some investigation.

For the first time, James and I were actually thinking the same thing. And I was glad to have someone else in here with me, even if it was James Caldwell. His voice quivered, but his point was still clear.

Both of them looked at each other, and Agent Reynolds continued, Okay, if you want us to be investigators for the fire, then we will start by charging your client with obstruction of justice, involuntary manslaughter of Bryce Adams, and arson.

Great, now I was going to be arrested by two Seekers. This would make me an easier target for Xavier for sure. Luckily the door opened before this could go any further. In walked Ester Theasing, Walter Reed, and a much shorter version of Walter. Agent Reynolds flinched when he saw them and stood abruptly. Agent Otto’s steely green eyes continued to stare at me.

Reynolds, Otto, you are both out of line by coming here, Ester said sharply. There’s no evidence to hold Nicholas, who is a minor. I think I just might let the officers in the next room know what you’re up to and have you both arrested. But since that would cause us more trouble than it’s worth, consider yourselves lucky.

That doesn’t mean Dane and I can’t take care of you Seeker scum outside, Walter said, making a fist that reminded me of a large sledgehammer.

Reynolds laughed at his threat, but Otto never even acknowledged that any of them were talking.

What are you staring at? What’s your problem? I yelled at Otto.

He smiled, revealing teeth that were as white as freshly fallen snow but wildly crooked. I just want you to remember my face, because I will be the one to end the 10-10 Hero’s life. Hopefully, Xavier will give me this task once I’m part of The 3.

Dane went straight across the table in a flash, but he overshot Agent Otto and slid off the table into the wall.

How pathetic. If that’s the best you can do, then it’s a far-gone conclusion that The 3 will prevail. Let’s go, Grey, Agent Reynolds said, standing and pushing by Walter.

Grey continued to stare at me as he got up. I look forward to seeing you soon, he said to me, following Reynolds out the door. I tried my best to show no fear, but he scared me, and for the first time my Thusian talents didn’t give me any courage or conviction.

Let me go after them, Walter said to Ester. Dane and I can easily eliminate the two of them right now. The threat is clear, and we need to act now. You heard what Grey said to Nicholas. His large arms flexed with anger, making his tight green shirt ripple. He slammed his fist on the table when Ester didn’t respond, upset that she was letting valuable time slip away.

But all of this didn’t affect Ester at all. She shook her head repeatedly and sat down across from James and me. No, we can’t go after them because that’s exactly what they’re counting on. We have to be more logical and not let our emotions get the best of us. She looked up at Dane and Walter.

There are certain rules of being a Thusian. Have you forgotten? We can’t kill others because they’re on the wrong side. Remember, we’re all Thusians, even though they don’t think we are. I’m hoping one of them will slip up and lead us to Xavier. He’s the root of this evil plaguing us. Taking him out will be the only exception to the rule I will allow.

Why did they come here, Ester? Why expose themselves to us? I had to ask something to try to suppress the fear that was beginning to well up inside me.

They wanted to show you, and all of us, that there are other ways to get to you and the ones you care about. Luckily, these two aren’t part of Xavier’s little group yet. If they were, you would’ve been killed, plain and simple.

Xavier and his two Seekers try to set up ways for us to sacrifice ourselves. They can’t just come out and kill us. Aren’t they bound by the rule of not killing Thusians? I asked.

James Caldwell’s heavy, short breaths became increasingly louder.

I would’ve agreed with you a couple of weeks ago, but after your declaration to the Council, new rules apply. The 3 Seekers can attack The 4 Thusians directly, she said, shaking her head. You know, Nicholas, you should really think before you speak. We can’t be sure you’ve formed The 7, and now you’ve put a target on your back while putting countless others in danger.

I-I can’t hand-d-dle thi-s; this is getting out of h-hand. James stuttered horribly. He had his handkerchief out again, mopping up the sweat that was streaming down his face.

James was right—this was getting out of hand. What had I done?

So what does this mean now for my friends and family? I spoke generally, but my concern was mostly with protecting Elle from this curse I had now burdened her with.

Thusians are the only ones who need to worry because Xavier is only interested in us. He doesn’t care about any non-Thusians like Elle, Ester said, knowing what I meant.

How could she be so sure? It seemed as if every time she said not to worry about something, I needed to worry. She was just as lost as the rest of us. All I knew was that we needed to keep our guard up against Xavier and the other two. And if Grey Otto had his way, he would come after me personally.

You, Cora, Riley, and Genevieve need protection around the clock until we can sort out this mess, Ester continued. Walter, you take care of that. He nodded his head. She turned to James. You can clean up any mess with the police that Otto and Reynolds created here.

Yes, of course, he said while putting his papers away in his briefcase.

Ester looked at me sympathetically. Nicholas, now that you’ve proclaimed to the world that you’re one of The 4 and The 7 has been formed, Xavier will be trying to kill you more often. I know what you’re thinking: isn’t that what he’s been trying to do for the past couple years? No, there’s a difference. Now you have his full attention, she said, stopping and looking around at all of us. Let me be clear—there is no proof that The 7 has been formed. This is a very important fact, and we have to make sure everyone knows it. If others begin to ask questions, then I’m afraid of what might happen. A Keeper, not some old senile security guard, has to verify The 7. That’s the only proper way it can be done. The other— She stopped midsentence and smiled at me in a motherly way, got up, and walked out.

The vast darkness that filled my dreams swirled above me. The flowing mass had one eye that belonged to Bryce while the other steely, cold eye belonged to Grey Otto. Staying one step ahead of it was exhausting. I had to use all of my strength to get away from it. Then from the other end of my dream world came a deafening cry for help. It was Coach Miller; he needed me to save him, but there were screams surrounding me, begging for help. I didn’t care about the darkness any more or even helping anyone; I just wanted the screaming to stop. I fell to my knees, throwing my hands over my ears to shield myself from it all. It was burrowing into my mind. I tried to force it out, but it was no use.

This is just a dream, I shouted and awoke, sitting up covered in sweat. I looked around my room. No one was there, even though I thought I could feel someone’s lingering presence.

Bryce and Xavier had done this to me, made me feel as if I was on the edge of insanity. All of last year was a complete lie. Why couldn’t I close my eyes and be back at my house in Mt. Vernon, getting ready for school with my mom and dad still alive, with no earthquake? My heart started to pound, my chest began to tighten, and I couldn’t breathe. I needed Elle; maybe she could deliver me from these nightmares like she had done so many times before.

I took a deep breath, grabbing some Tic Tacs and popping them into my mouth. It helped. The pressure on my chest subsided but was still present. The regret of helping form The 7 was eating me alive now, because it had inevitably caused the death of Coach Miller, one of the greatest men to ever live. Was all of this really worth it? Sure, Riley had explained what not forming The 7 would have meant, but it seemed things would be better just avoiding the Seekers.

Nicholas, there’s someone here to see you, Cora said from the other side of my bedroom door. The clock read 7:30; it was really early to have a guest.

Before I had a chance to get up, Elle rushed into the room. She jumped onto me. Euphoria filled my body, pushing out any worries. I was delivered safely from my nightmares once again.

I have missed you so much, she said, kissing me several times all over my face. I was transported into a place of comfort, a place I had longed for. I needed this in the worst way.

We hadn’t seen each other much since the fire. Ester had put us on a strict no-talking policy. Our new Thusian bodyguards kept all of us apart as much as possible. Dane was permanently at our house now, and Walter was at Riley’s. Elle also had a pair of body guards.

I missed you, too. But how did you manage to escape your dad and get past the bodyguards?

She leaned in and gave me another kiss. I didn’t have to. Genevieve and Riley came over and took me from my house. Walter didn’t look happy on the ride over. He had his arms crossed, sighing every couple of seconds. He’s pretty scary; I was afraid he was going to punch a hole through the roof of the truck.

Don’t be scared of him. Walter was my dad’s best friend. You have nothing to worry about with him. He’s just very protective.

She smiled tentatively, but it was a smile nonetheless.

Now that Elle knew most of the stuff about being a Thusian, I felt more at ease with us being together, because I wasn’t constantly worried about her finding out about my secret life and the lies I had told her. But the downside of her knowing was that it added a different level of danger for her. I wasn’t sure if I would have told her myself. I guess that’s why Genevieve had done it for me. I hated her for doing it but was thankful at the same time.

A couple of days after the fire, Elle asked me everything about being a Thusian when we were alone. She had me explain why Thusians were destined to sacrifice ourselves for others with no thought for our own safety. I tried to explain Thusians’ talents and how there are different types that will help us during the time of our sacrifice. She asked so many questions. It was like she was trying to absorb as much information about us as possible, as if she was a reporter about to break a big story. She was focused mostly on our sacrifice and the Seekers. I got so tired of answering all her questions that Cora had to help at one point. She was a lot better at explaining.

Elle laid her head down on my chest. I heard about your run-in with those Seekers at the police station, she said, not moving.

It wasn’t a big deal. Don’t worry about it.

I do worry, she said. Forming The 7 means that you’ll soon be locked in an all-out war with The 3 Seekers, and if Xavier is as horrible as you guys say he is, then we all have something to worry about.

She was right, but I hated hearing her say it. She was now burdened by all of this. Maybe Cora was right that if I truly loved her, I should have given her up and moved away a couple of years ago. But that option was far gone, and my selfishness had probably doomed her to certain death or agony, so I had to do everything in my power to protect her from all of this.

I got up and turned on some music. To her delight, it was the playlist she had given me last year for my birthday. Little did she know I could’ve worn out this playlist from the number of times I’d played it. I listened to it every chance I had.

Coming through my window were tiny rays of morning sunlight brightening my room. It had been cloudy or rainy almost every single day after Coach Miller’s funeral. Somehow it seemed as though the weather had been feeding off my emotions, dark and gloomy, so these warm rays of sunlight were appreciated. Little bits of dust floated around in them as if they were riding the rays down to the ground. Everything was quiet except the music. No cries for help, nothing. I had missed Elle so much in the short time we had been apart. This was what I had to fight for, moments like these.

"Nicholas, I’ve been thinking about where I should go to college. EIU is a great school, and it will allow me to be close to you, so that’s where I’m going to go. My parents wanted me to go away, but I want to be with you, and this would be a great way to keep my parents somewhat happy and stay close by."

I didn’t know what to say. More distance from me would be the best thing for her. One side of me wanted to tell her that she was making the right decision, but that was wrong in every way. Staying close would mean she would be in more danger. Even with her knowing about the Thusians and the dangers that came along with me being one, it was still a risk I didn’t think she should take. But I couldn’t get myself to say it.

She continued to talk about Eastern Illinois University, and I just listened. I drifted off into a meditative state, listening to her hypnotic voice.

The peaceful bliss was interrupted by Genevieve. Sorry, Nicholas, but we have to get Elle home before Walter blows a gasket. He’s been pacing around the family room ever since she got here. If we wait too much longer, he’ll have worn a hole in the floor. He thinks she’s been here too long and we’re just inviting Xavier to attack.

Genevieve didn’t look happy when she was talking to me. I wasn’t sure if it was because of Walter or because of Elle. I knew Genevieve had feelings for me—she had even told Elle about them—but now she was keeping her distance from me. For some reason, seeing Genevieve triggered a strong feeling of guilt in me.

Elle sat up. She gave me one final kiss on the cheek. I’ll see you soon, she said, getting up. Even though we both knew it wasn’t really true, it was still nice to hear her say it. She turned back before she was completely out of the door. "You are coming to my graduation, right?"

Without thinking, I said, Of course I’ll be there.

You better be there, Mr. Keller. It’s July 19 down at the old theater in town, she said with her small crooked smile, and turned to leave.

Ever since the funeral, my sense of purpose was gone. Over and over again, I questioned everything that had led to this point in my life. Was I really supposed to be part of this group of The 4 good Thusians that was on a collision course to fight against The 3 bad Thusians known as Seekers? I had no idea what was right anymore. The only thing I was sure of was my feelings for Elle, but lately those feelings too had become not as clear as they once were, complicated by my life.

Just before midnight it began to rain. It started with a couple of large drops hitting the window, but began to build steadily into a thunderous downpour. With all the rain, I was surprised Dane didn’t come running in here with Cora in tow, telling us to follow him to the ark he had just constructed. He was always overreacting. A week ago he had us huddled in the kitchen because he heard something hit the front window. He had the full Thusian team search around the house and in the surrounding woods before we were able to go back to what we were doing. It turned out to be nothing more than a bird making a nest on the porch.

Over the sound of the rain, I heard a large truck roaring down the street, coming to a screeching stop out front. The engine revved and whined, echoing throughout the house. It sounded like a monster truck getting ready to smash a bunch of cars. I hurried quietly downstairs to see what was going on. I tiptoed to the front door and went outside onto the porch. The warm summer air mixed with the rain made the air thick and soupy. At first, I couldn’t see anything in front of our house, but then I saw the truck in Riley and Genevieve’s driveway. It was one of those large tow trucks, similar to the ones used to tow semi trucks when they break down. The truck’s lights were off, but the auxiliary light illuminated the driveway. There, standing in front of it, was Walter with his arms crossed. His large frame was unmistakable. The driver of the truck got out and walked up to him, handing him something. He was only there for a couple of seconds before Walter took it. I squinted to see what it was, but Walter went back inside and the truck reversed out of the driveway before I had a chance to get a good look.

What are you doing out here? Dane asked from behind me, making my heart jump.

You know you shouldn’t do that. I could’ve killed you, I said.

Answer my question, Nicholas, he said in a way that would have made most confess. Not me, though. He was more annoying than anything else.

I was just out enjoying the nice weather we’re having, I said, brushing by him and going back up to bed.

What is Walter up to, and what did he get from the truck driver? I thought.

G et up! Dane yelled at me, throwing a pair of shorts at my head. I pulled the shorts on, disoriented, and staggered into the dark hallway. I could’ve sworn that I had just fallen asleep a few minutes ago.

Hurry! someone yelled from the bottom of the stairs. Dane and I quickly ran through the front door to the porch. Cora was right next to me now, being ushered along too. She linked her arm with mine, not to protect me but to be protected. She seemed scared because I could feel how hard she was shaking. Something about this was different than the other false alarms. In the darkness we stumbled forward, barely getting our feet underneath us on the soggy, wet ground. I felt as if I was constantly falling from the pushing and shoving of the team of people that surrounded us.

The fire inside of me exploded to life, sending a rush of bitter acid into my stomach and up my throat, making adrenaline course through my veins. On each side of us were three Thusian guards, all in tactical suits carrying some type of weapon in their hands, with Dane leading us through the yard toward Riley’s. They didn’t carry guns because they had very little effect against Seekers. Dane had explained that since bullets only go in a straight line, they are too predictable. The only thing that worked against Seekers was a knife or something like that so the element of surprise was there.

Our guards looked as though they belonged in a video game rather than protecting us. Their alien-looking black and blue suits were puffy on different parts of the body,

Reviews for Fear

[krista23 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

There was one constant throughout this book and that was the mystery behind why Nicholas had to be kept in the background. Always hidden behind the scenes, could not invite friends over and seemed to be talented at any activity he put his mind into accomplishing. When he steps outside his aunt's comfort zone and tries out for football, it puts him in the immediate spotlight at his new school. (also one of her worst fears)When it came down to really trying to get to know Nicholas, as I reader I became more conflicted as the story went on. By the time I finished the book there was a part of me that wished the secret wasn't left so far into the end of the book, instead brought forward into revelation earlier in the book. The shy, cowering character that Nicholas is in the majority of the book is not too attractive to me as a reader. I did like who he started to become in the end, and would have liked to see more of that.As the story starts getting more detailed in to the mystery, the fact that Nicholas has a destiny that is beyond his control is appealing. There is a whole world out there that he has yet to discover and for me, some questions that have been left open,to be continued in the sequel I'm sure. My favorite character was his aunt, Cora. Most likely because I am a female myself her perspective was more relatable for me. I was happy to see that she plays a major roll in the book and was a constant and developing character just as much as Nicholas is.I do feel that this story has appeal for both boys and girls. A little sports, a little romance and most of all, the supernatural.

[jen7waters · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Secrets, the first installment in The Hero Chronicles series by Tim Mettey tells the story of Nicholas Keller, a teenager who moves to a new city with the only family he has left, his aunt Cora, and against all the rules starts making friends (an enemy too), playing football, a sport he doesn’t understand completely but in which he’s good at, and he even gets himself a lovely girlfriend.This would have been normal for every other teenage boy but it certainly isn’t for Nicholas who has never been allowed to make connections with others or to call the slightest attention to himself before---why, you ask? Well, the title of this book is Secrets and Nicholas has a few of them, and as so, his aunt fears constantly for his safety and keeps coaching him on being “invisible”.I can honestly say that the mysteries around Nicholas kept me hooked on the story, I wanted to unravel them all, to find out why he must keep a low profile at all times, what happened in his past, and of course, what was the real story behind his parent’s deaths. Another big mystery has to do with his special abilities—he can run super fast, he’s very strong, and he boils inside when someone makes him angry, to the point that I thought he was going to be some kind of Hulk.Overall Nicholas was a good, decent, likable protagonist and I would befriend him in a minute if I could; aunt Cora reminded me of my own aunts, her sacrifice was touching; and Elle, the girlfriend, in one word: classy. Nicholas has great taste.There was one thing that bothered me though, the amount of dialogue that starts with “So”, but that’s just a minor detail.To sum up: an interesting, straightforward, easy to read first chapter of a teenage hero’s life.(I received a copy of Secrets in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the Kenwood Publishing Group for the opportunity.)