Sunday Snippet: Rite of Passage (Warlock's Curse)

Bleh. I've been fighting a yucky cold all week and I'm feeling a little better but not quite 100 percent. I'd be happy if the coughing could be a wee bit less.

Weather has been steadily warming up. We've dipped back down a couple of times but thankfully it's been gradual without the wild forty-degree swings in twenty-four hours. Been getting a lot of rain, which is causing high water and some flooding. Combine that with ongoing construction and the onset of tree-trimming and getting anywhere is something of a challenge. It pays to leave early.

Another busy work week. Finished up another proofread, continued work on one, and started an assessment read through. Also finished up a read through on another project that keeps lingering in the shadows. Started a new proofread that's a lot of fun so far.

Had a decent viewing week even though I slept a lot because of the yuck. I made it all the way through my usual slate of shows and added an addition to the lineup.

Started off with My Life Is Murder and thoroughly enjoyed the mystery along with getting more Harry backstory. I think the next two episodes are a two-parter that makes the finale. Can't wait to watch.

Watched the first behind the scenes for Foyle's War. Kind of enjoyed seeing the process of how they do what they do to film the period specific series.

Finished up the first season of Return to Paradise. I have no idea when season two will be available on the streaming platform, but I'll look forward to it.

Caught another episode of Poirot and completely enjoyed poor Japp trying to manage on his own then having a harder time after accepting Poirot's invitation to stay with him. Fun to see Miss Lemon's sister.

Elementary ended up being very entertaining. The twisty start proved interesting and Joan's advice to Sherlock turned out to be great. I love where their relationship is at this point.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and had completely forgotten about this one. I think I have one more left before I'll need to find a new series to watch or rewatch.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and quite enjoyed learning about Tendi's pirate past. Always fun to see characters from other Trek shows pop up in the episodes and Deep Space Nine counts as a character. Just saying.

I continued to use my Kanopy tickets to watch Fleetwood Mac: The Dance. This was such a great concert film, with quite a few surprises. Glad I got to watch.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Rite of Passage, book three of the Warlock's Curse series.

Here's the miniblurb:

Nadia Iris and Falk Ridenour have one goal—to thwart her father's nefarious power grab. Even though they're on the same page, Nadia struggles for balance and Falk has to make some hard choices about their future.

And a preview snippet…

Falk almost laughed when Boris came charging up the lane leading to the mill. "The guy missed his calling … as a bona fide drama queen." He schooled his features when the other man got closer.

Boris sneered. "Who the hell do you think you are to summon me?" He planted his hands on his hips, his breath seething about between his teeth.

Falk stayed chill, only arching an eyebrow. He carefully watched Boris for weaknesses. The man's ego definitely counted as one. But his inflated sense of self wouldn't be enough. Falk needed to find a few more.

Boris went for the throat. "Do you really think you can best me in magick, young welp?" He rolled his eyes. "I have decades of experience on you. And I fight dirty."

Falk's mouth curved. "As proven by twisting your daughter into knots." He met Boris's gaze. "You know, it takes a special kind of asshole to dick a woman until she's pregnant, bind the kid by your blood, then fuck off for parts unknown." He lifted a shoulder. "I mean, kudos, I guess for putting together a long con…" He waited a beat. "But it's still a con." He hoped the stinging barb landed.

He wanted to put a few chinks in the man's armor.

Boris snarled. "It's not a con. It's fucking grandmaster chess." His jaw clenched. "I left nothing to chance. I literally rule the board."

Falk snorted. "No, you don't. You have a huge blind spot named Nadia, and she's a variable you couldn't possibly account for. Not one hundred percent." Falk absolutely believed that fact with his whole being.

Boris scoffed and waved a hand. "You're wrong. I've got her locked down tight. She can't hurt or stop me from seeing my plan through to victory." His lips curled in an evil grin.

Falk grunted. "I'm gonna enjoy proving you very wrong about that." A flash of insight flared in his mind.

Nadia would be arriving soon. She figured out what she needed to do.

Boris lifted his chin in challenge. "We'll certainly see if you can." He shook his arms and bounced on his toes.

Falk smile. "Yes, we will." He flexed his fingers and conjured two balls of flame. "Shall we begin…"

I love a good battle between good and evil. Falk is definitely on the side of good, but he's not afraid to be sneaky and underhanded when necessary.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye