Dark Twin, Coin of Rulve: Book Two is “A richly-imagined tale of the struggle between the persistence of goodness and the corruption of power within the heart of a single youth—an absorbing follow-up to Blood Seed, the first book in the series.” —Debra Doyle.
Science Fiction Fantasy Suspense is not a genre I often read, but I was captivated by this amazing story. This is why:
Twins of an extraordinary nature, separated at birth
Twins of an extraordinary nature, “niyalahn-rista” according to the Seani elders, possess powers yet unseen, destined to bring mercy and justice to the oppressed who live in fear of the Spider King. A healer detects extraordinary potential as well as an aura of violent upheaval in the dark-haired twin named Teller. But, despite this portent, the healer believes Teller has a deep sense of empathy, and so the elders hope his mission is to bear the pain of their land and lead them to freedom.
At the tender age of six, however, Teller is swept away into the dark, subversive chambers of the Spider King’s foreboding underworld. Here, the teachers discover his power, and twist it to serve their needs and thirst for power. He is renamed “teller-of-lies.” He is told his family abandoned him. Through physical and psychological torture, his memory of cloudless skies, bluebirds, love, and faith are nearly snuffed out, but his ability to feel the pain of others is never quite extinguished. He senses his destiny is greatness, but the question for the reader becomes has his potential been subverted?
Good or evil?
The Seani believe when the twins are reunited, they will discover their true gifts and use them for good. Those from the underworld hope that, together, the twins, who possess “the blood that makes the earth dance,” will further the Spider King’s evil rule. So much depends on Teller as the time to meet his long-lost twin draws near, and it puts the reader in a deliciously uncomfortable spot.
I was swept away by the inventiveness of author Veronica Dale. Dark Twin is a science fiction fantasy suspense with enough supernatural horror to satisfy any appetite. The exciting narrative presents an ethical dilemma at every turn in the ominous crypts of an imaginary world. A powerful force cannot remain submerged for long.
Available in paperback and Kindle. Published by Nika Press (November 16, 2016) ISBN-13: 978-0996952125
Veronica Dale writes genre-bridging fiction that includes dark fantasy, romance, psychological intrigue, and the inner journey. She is the author of Blood Seed and Dark Twin, the first two books in her four-part series Coin of Rulve, and Night Cruiser: Short Stories about Creepy, Amusing or Spiritual Encounters with the Shadow.
Linda K. Sienkiewicz is the author of In the Context of Love, adult contemporary fiction, a 2016 Eric Hoffer Book Award Finalist.
Angelica Schirrick had always suspected there was something deeply disturbing about her family, but the truth was more than she bargained for.
“…at once a love story, a cautionary tale, and an inspirational journey.” ~ Bonnie Jo Campbell, author of National Book Award Finalist, American Salvage, and critically acclaimed Once Upon a River,and Mothers, Tell Your Daughters
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Thanks, Linda. So glad you took a chance on a genre you don’t often read! I’ve recently taken a similar chance on literary novels and westerns, which I never used to read very much. I found I was rewarded by hours of enjoyment and a deeper appreciation of the many facets of what it means to be human.