Tuesday, December 13, 2016

The Goodreads Tag


The Goodreads Tag


If you are not familiar with Goodreads then let me tell you about it. It is a site that is all about books, you can put in what your reading, any updates, have lists of what your reading or what you want to read, giveaways and so many other things. If you are a huge reader and love booktube and your not on Goodreads then you are missing out! 

1) What was the last book you marked as 'Read'?
"The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line" - I loved this!! I just got off of a Disney Cruise and I needed some more Disney! Can't wait until the 2017 version is out!



2) What are you currently reading? 
"Children of Eden" by Joey Graceffa. It is a fiction novel about a different world. I am excited about this but I don't want to say much because I will be doing a review! 



3) What is the last book you marked "to-read"?
"Curse of the Boggin" by D.J. MacHale. This is a book about ghosts and horror things within a library. It is right up my ally!! 



4) What book do you plan to read next?
"Talking as fast as I can" by Lauren Graham. I am so excited to read this because I am a huge Gilmore Girls fan and want to see what she has to say. 
 


5) Do you use the star rating system? 
Yes I do, I am sometimes lax on them just because there is no 1/2 stars but I always put some sort of star rating on it.

6) Did you do a 2016 reading challenge? How did you do?
Yes I did. I try to do one every year, the amount of books always differs but I always need to be consistently reading! This year I was doing really good in the start but then moving and jobs got in the way so I am not doing great now but I am trying to finish it and going to do better tomorrow. 

7) Do you have a wishlist?
I am not sure if I do on Goodreads but I do in my head haha

8) What book do you plan to buy next?
Probably something for Sarah for christmas, nothing for me. We do not have much money for me to buy books. 


I would love if you guys wanted to comment your answers!! I love hearing from you guys! I hope you all are doing well. I know I have not been on here much and not doing 100% the best posts I can but I promise I will do so much better! Make sure you go check out my youtube channels! 

and

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Book Review: In Such Good Company

Book Review



It took me a little longer to read this book. I have been in a reading slump and so I was excited to get into this book thinking I would love it and that didn't happen. I love her and have seen some of her show but the book just didn't do it for me. I felt like there were moments that were important and amazing but majority of the book was not that for me. I am going to try and reread it later when I am not in a reading slump but as of right now this has been the only book I have not liked right away. 

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

David Bowie Coloring Book Review

David Bowie Coloring Book



I love adult coloring books and so of course I love this one. My only thing is I wish it was a little longer. It seems like they made it small when they could have done so much more with it. I don't even know if I want to color in it because its such a great coloring book. I also love the quotes within the book. I miss him because he was such a great person so its nice to see that people are still trying to honor him.

Monday, October 31, 2016

Up in Space

Spaceman



I liked this book because it was such a different book than I normally read. I had a hard time getting through it because like I said its not something I normally read but some of the information was really cool to read. When I first got this book I thought that I would hate it but to see another side of something that I know nothing about was pretty cool.  I never knew that I would know this much about this. My fiance loves everything to do with space so of course she also read this and thought it was one of the best bio books that she has read.

Cover Reveal : Island of Exiles by Erica Cameron

IslandofExiles Island of Exiles (The Ryogan Chronicles, #1) by Erica Cameron To Be Released on February 7th, 2017 In Khya’s world, every breath is a battle. On the isolated desert island of Shiara, dying young is inevitable. The clan comes before self, and protecting her home means Khya is a warrior above all else. But when following the clan and obeying their leaders could cost her brother his life, Khya’s home becomes a deadly trap. The only person who can help is Tessen, her lifelong rival and the boy who challenges her at every turn. The council she hoped to join has betrayed her, and their secrets, hundreds of years deep, reach around a world she’s never seen. To save her brother’s life and her island home, her only choice is to trust Tessen, turn against her clan, and go on the run—a betrayal and a death sentence. About the Author: erica After a lifelong obsession with books, Erica Cameron spent her college years getting credit for reading and learning how to make stories of her own. Erica graduated with a double major in psychology and creative writing from Florida State University and began pursuing a career as an author. Erica is many things but most notably the following: writer, reader, editor, asexual, dance fan, choreographer, singer, lover of musical theater, movie obsessed, sucker for romance, Florida resident, and quasi-recluse. She loves the beach but hates the heat, has equal passion for the art of Salvador Dali and Venetian Carnival masks, has a penchant for unique jewelry and sun/moon décor pieces, and a desire to travel the entire world on a cruise ship. Or a private yacht. You know, whatever works. Her debut novel, Sing Sweet Nightingale, released March 2014 and it was the first volume of The Dream War Saga. In May 2015, Erica and her co-author Lani Woodland launched the Laguna Tides series with Taken by Chance. Riptide’s new YA imprint Triton Books will release both books in the Assassins series, Discord and Nemesis, in 2016. The Ryogan Chronicles, a fantasy trilogy set to launch through Entangled Teen, will launch in 2017 with Island of Exiles. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, October 3, 2016

Ghosts are real!!

Ghosts from our past




I loved this book so much! I didn't want to read it until I had seen the movie just in case there was anything that would spoil it. I loved how the cover was so similar to the same book in the movie! I t was really cool to read through this book with all different types of ghosts. Wither they are real or not real - it gives me chills! I will love reading and rereading this book! If you are into the new Ghostbusters movie or seriously into ghosts then this would be a great book for you!

Monday, September 5, 2016

Book Review: Marked in Ink

Book Review:

Marked in Ink




I loved this book. It wasn't an actual book so there are not many points that I can talk about because it was a coloring book. This book really helped me out. I am actually learning how to tattoo so having some of these cool tattoo pages really teach me how to shade the right way and learn how to draw. I loved this book so much! 

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Book Review: A Court of Mist & Fury

Book Review:


A Court of Mist & Fury
by : Sarah J Maas




Copyright - 2016

Genre - Fantasy

Pages - 624

Price - $18.99

ISBN - 9781619634466


SynopsisFeyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people. Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two. With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.


Cover: I really liked the cover because it just made the whole reading experience that much better. The woman on the front of the book really resembles Feyre so it really shows me that the designer cared about how it looked. Which makes me give it 5 out of 5 stars for the cover.

Point of view: First person

Intended audience: It is a Young Adult (YA) book so it is meant for teenagers but some of the scenes are a little too adult-ish.

Characters: Feyre: She is the main character from the first book but she has changed so much. In the first book I was a little iffy with her. Now in the second book she is way more confident so I like her so much better! 
Rhysand: I would have to say I have a new favorite character with Rhysand. He is such a well built character in so many ways. He is so powerful but such a good person. I wish there was more of him. 

Plot: The plot in this book stood out so much more than the first in the series. I loved this book so much more. It seemed to be completely different writing style. One of the biggest things I loved about this plot was how great at describing the world and what was going on. I could really see it while I was reading.

My Opinion: Of course I read the first book but it was such a struggle to get through. I was not even sure if I would want to read this one. But I am so happy I did because it was totally worth it. The only thing I didn't really stand by was the sex scenes. I did not like those just because they are not my type of story. I totally wish it was not as short as it was even though the book was massive! One thing I wish she included was a whole chapter about/with Rhysand. That would have made it 100% better. I loved this book and am looking forward to the next one. 


Score:  

Would you recommend this book? Yes!!! 

If you liked this book; check out these: 

     






Book Review: The Drawing Lesson

Book Review:

The Drawing Lesson




I just got a great new career that I am learning to be a tattoo artist so this graphic novel really started helping me. I loved how it was incorporated within the book. I enjoyed the book of him learning as well. It kind of made me not feel so alone in learning. I loved the art within the novel as well. I wish some of the drawings it asked me to draw were a little more step by step but harder. If that makes any sense. I did enjoy it and I recommend this to any one either a kid or adult that is learning to draw. You just have to keep your mind to it. 

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Newest Book video!

Hey guys!!
I am not sure if you know this but I am on youtube as well.
I have been posting for years but only have around 200 subscribers.

I do a lot of reviews, hauls, back to the librarys, and so much more. 

Here is the newest video on my channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XKOX0R4viI

Thanks for checking it out...
Make sure you like, comment, share and subscribe!! 

Best game of the year: Punderdome!

Game Review:


Punderdome



 If you have never heard of this, this is a game that deals with puns. You get two cards and a little pad of paper. You are to make the best pun you can with the two cards you get. Then once everyone has one, you all read them out and the funniest/best one is the one that wins. 

This sounds so much fun right?? Yes! It is so much fun!! If you can think of puns right away. This can be hard if your not good at thinking about these things fast but you get better the more you play. 

I would totally give it a 4 out of 5 stars because it is hard but if some of the players are good then you will just keep on laughing!

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Debut Authors Bash 2016

Debut Authors Bash 2016 


Hello Everyone! I am so thankful for being able to be part of the Debut Authors Bash again this year! Please make sure you check out the other pages to see all of these wonderful authors that are part of this! 
I was lucky enough to interview Tricia Clasen; the author of the (soon to be) 'The Haunted House Project'! 

Tricia Clasen: 




Make sure you check out her newest book 'The Haunted House Project' on September 6th, 2016! I know I will be getting it the day it comes out!!
  

 Here is an interview with Tricia Clasen about her upcoming book:


 1) Have you always wanted to be a writer? Why?

 I have always loved escaping into a good story whether it was movies, television, or my beloved books.  I think because I loved reading other people’s stories, I naturally dreamed of writing my own.  I can remember being certain that I was going to be an author, and putting it at the top of every goal list I ever made.  Still, I never actually wrote anything until about five years ago.

2) How did you come up with the concept for 'The Haunted House Project'?

As parents, I think we all ponder the "what ifs".  That was really the spark for this.  I originally thought I was going to be writing about Paige, the older sister, and had envisioned a young adult story with her finding the way to bind her family together, but I kept coming back to Andie and what she would do get everyone's attention.  Middle-graders can be both so innocent and so savvy at the same time which really opened up the idea of haunting her dad and sister.

I suppose this is based on my fear as a mother that no matter what might happen to me, I’d want my family to have happy and productive lives.



3) Did anything from the book actually come from your real life?

Nothing in the story is exactly “real” but certainly, there are characterizations and situations that are reflective of my life and the people it.  I think I’ll let them figure it out!

4) Please give us some insight to your main character Andie - What (in your eyes) does Andie do that is so special to you?

The average middle-schooler is worried about homework and maybe their Snapchat streak. Andie has been dealing with heavy issues--death, addiction, and money troubles.  She struggles to manage middle-school friend politics as well.  She’s afraid and she’s lonely, but instead of wallowing, she continues to try new avenues, which is what leads her to the haunted house project.  I love that she never gives up hope, never stops trying.  Even if she doesn’t always make the best decisions, her heart is definitely in the right place.  

5) Do you believe in the paranormal? Any stories?

It’s probably terrible that I don’t, right?  I’m sure I had my moments as a kid when I would hear strange sounds in the house, but I’m generally not a believer.  


6) If there was someone going through the same thing as Andie, What would you say to them if you could?

First off, I’d want to hug the heck out of that kid.  Mostly, I’d want him or her focus on three H’s:  “help, hope, and happier”.  This is tough stuff, and it’s not likely any kid can get through these kinds of issues alone.  Andie doesn’t.  She could definitely have found additional adults to help her as well.  I believe there is always hope in every situation.  Time doesn’t heal, and it doesn’t end pain, and when you’re dealing with major issues and depression, you may think you’ll never be happy again. I think it’s okay to honor that and to have hope that you will be happier than you are in that moment.  

7) I am extremely excited to read this book so I have to know- is this going to be a series or a stand alone?

Yay!  I’m glad it seems interesting to you.  It’s a stand alone. 


8) While writing this book, are there any secrets, secret meanings or funny stories that happened? Wither to you or within the book?

I can’t think of anything specifically while writing the book, though I admit I had some fun searching for examples of paranormal activity on Reddit.

One sort of funny story that came later, though is that a picture showed up on my Facebook wall and my mouth dropped open because I swore he was Isaiah, Andie’s best friend.  It was a story about this kind of geeky kid on the Humans of New York page, everything about this kid screamed Isaiah, and I immediately sent the link to my agent and editor, and now I reference that picture for inspiration.



9) What is your favorite quote? Either from the book or in general or both?

From the book:  In a flashback, Andie asks her mom why she kept trying to sew even though she was horrible at it.  Her mom answers, ““I always ask myself what I’d regret more,” she told me, “wasting time trying or never trying at all. In the end, the answer’s always the same. It’s worth it to try.”

I think everything Andie does shows how much she internalized that message from her mom.


10) What is the main thing you would like the readers to come away with?

Besides those three H’s, I think this story highlights my views on the power of perception.  No one sees the whole picture of person or situation.  It creates miscommunication and allows us to ignore potentially important information about each other.  I’d like us all to take a little more time, be a little more observant, be a little more willing to acknowledge our faults.




Hope you guys enjoyed the interview and are going to look up the book! I cannot wait until it comes out! I will be doing a review of it as soon as it comes out! 

Enjoy and keep reading!

Monday, June 20, 2016

Book Review: Meditate your Weight

Book Review:

Meditate Your Weight
by: Tiffany Cruikshank






This book really changed my life!  I know this is extremely cliche to say but it is completely true! I have had so many problems with my weight that I think I have tried every kind of help that you can think of. This book shows you a new way to think about things which is what really needs to happen. When you are planning to make this big change you need to do it within your mind before you can change anything on the outside. This really changes your mind- changes who you are. I loved reading this book because it helps you through all of it. If you really want to change your life then this might really be the best book for you! 

Stars: 5 out of 5 stars!!!  

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Book Review: Mother, can you not? by Kate Siegel

Book Review:

Mother, Can you not?

by Kate Siegel

 



This was a really cute book and even made me think about my relationships! I love those types of books that I can get something out of it. I feel like they are extremely needed in todays world. I thought that the humor that was throughout the book made it seem like it was going so much faster than it really was. I was extremely excited to read it and still love it now that I am done. I think that if you have any problems with your mother - not that shes just a crazy Jewish mother, this book can really make you see a different side of things. The only reason I couldn't give it a 5 star rating is simply because of the cover. I normally cannot stand hard back books but I really do not like the hard covers that have like half of a cover. I understand why she did that but it doesn't impress me.

Stars: 4 1/2 out of 5! 

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Book Review: How may we hate you?

Book Review:


How may we hate you?

by: Anna Drezen and Todd Dakotah Briscoe



25937797 


I love this book so much! This book is written by two hotel workers - it is basically them telling all of their funny stories and what they have gone through working at various hotels. 
I loved reading this and actually knowing what they are talking about because I have either seen or know about some of the stories they talk about.  I feel like everyone could read this because any one can relate to this book because everyone has stayed at a hotel before.
It was a little long in some areas but some areas seemed to not have enough in it. 

stars: 5 out of 5

If you love funny books about things you can relate to - totally go and pick this one up!  

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Book Review: F**K That


F**K That

By Jason Headly

 

This book was amazing! Yes it does include some bad language but it goes with the book. I loved reading this. I thought that it was cute and well written! 
It was a "meditation" kind of book and made you see the good things in life.  
It is a super short book but really speaks to the reader. 

Unless you cannot deal with the bad language then you should totally read this! 

Totally 5 out of 5 stars!!  

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Book Review: Armada by Ernest Cline

Book Review:

Armada 
By Ernest Cline

 


Synopsis:   Zack Lightman has spent his life dreaming. Dreaming that the real world could be a little more like the countless science-fiction books, movies, and videogames he’s spent his life consuming. Dreaming that one day, some fantastic, world-altering event will shatter the monotony of his humdrum existence and whisk him off on some grand space-faring adventure.


Review: First thing I have to say is that this has become one of my new favorite books of all time! I read this one before his first book and fell in love. It seems like everything just works together. The writing style, plot, characters, setting and throwbacks! I feel like he really knew what he was talking about when most authors never really know what they are doing. I think I would have to say that the little bits of the past games really stole the book for me. I am a huge gamer so living within the game for the book made it even better for me! I loved it! If you like the 80's and any video games at all you should totally read this book! I know a lot of people didn't like this book because they read "Ready Player One" first but maybe it was just me but I thought this book was so much better but it could account to me reading this one first. 

Stars: 5/5!! 

Please leave your comments on what you thought on the book below! I will be updating my review and making it into the type of review I normally do! 

Love you all!

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

I'm Back!

Hey guys!!

This is just going to be a quick little note to you all. I am sorry I have been gone for so long. Life has been crazy!
I lost a close family member and that kinda put me in a downward spiral. I couldn't really deal with life. No, that is no excuse but I didn't want to put out horrible content for you!
I am somewhat out of my depression but now I am in the process of moving. Sarah and I got a great opportunity and we are getting a chance to move back to Florida. I am so excited to be able to be on our own again and in our own first house! So of course once we are settled I will start posting again!
I am so happy to be back! I have missed you and posting. I have not really been reading so not much to talk about but I am still reading! I will be very excited to start putting reviews, tags, lists and so much more back on here for you all!

If there is anything or book you would like me to do/read then please let me know and I can add it to my TBR! :D

Love you all and Happy to be back!

Kat Wells

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Blog Tour: The Urban Boys by K. N. Smith!

Urban Boys Blog Tour Banner the urban boys The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses by K.N. Smith Genre/ Age Group: Young Adult Fiction (Action-Adventure w/ elements of Paranormal), 12+ Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Boys-Discovery-Five-Senses/dp/0989474755/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-urban-boys-kn-smith/1122739135?ean=9780989474757 Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/urban-boys-discovery-five/id1045819157?mt=11 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26850355-the-urban-boys   “Author K.N. Smith uses her mastery of the written word to weave an entrancing, yet powerful tale of adventure that keeps you turning pages in an unquenchable desire to find out what happens next. The author’s matchless prose details cinematic fight sequences and fully developed characterizations especially in a final, stupendous scene that will take your breath away and leave you limp with spent emotions. Five stars for this imaginative and inspiring story, sure to be as appealing to general audiences as it will be to the YA crowd!” Publishers Daily Reviews   “K.N. Smith has at her disposal a lyrical prose that describes the environment and the characters in such fine (and magical) detail that you can’t help but fall in love with the world she has created. ‘The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses’ is a great start to this new series and the premise holds much promise for more entertaining episodes.” Midwest Book Review   “The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses” is both a rollicking ride filled with mystery, suspense and literary drama; as well as a sensitive portrayal of individuals and families called by an unknown force to fight evil. It grips the imagination and engages the senses from the very first words of the Prologue through the whole frenetically evolving story. It’s an amazing work for a new fiction writer and one that will keep the book in your hands as you relax, ride in airplanes or stop for coffee. I couldn’t put it down; and felt I was wasting time whenever I wasn’t going from one colorful chapter to another. It’s a great ride and highly recommended! You will want to get to know “The Urban Boys” and experience their “Discovery of the Five Senses.” M. Assagai, Sacramento, CA   "An energetic YA adventure debut with stellar action sequences. Smith's writing is intelligent and often lyrical. Her exuberant prose never fails to dazzle."- Kirkus Media   About the Author: kn smith K.N. Smith is an American author and passionate advocate of childhood and family literacy programs throughout the world. She continues to inspire students of all ages to reach their highest potential in their literary and educational pursuits. An established non-fiction writer, Smith chose the teen fiction genre as a way to enhance her daughters’ (then) high school literary experience, and to engage other youth in literacy development. Her creative literary flair offers young and mature readers central themes of loyalty, responsibility, honesty, fear, and triumph. As a result, scenes become artfully integrated with cinematic-level action and high drama. Her stories twist, turn, and grind through elements of science-fiction and action-adventure in diverse, exciting, edge-of-your-seat narratives. As an ardent supporter of youth and family literacy programs across the globe, she states, “My hope is that The Urban Boys will spark imagination in a wide variety of readers while elevating global literacy efforts. It’s important that we have diverse families of readers for generations to come.” K.N. Smith has over twenty years experience in writing, communications, and creative design. She lives with her family in California. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorknsmith?_rdr=p Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14431555.K_N_Smith Twitter: @knsmith_author Read below for an excerpt from The Urban Boys:

Chapter Fourteen

Out at Night

A BLANKET OF DEEP CHARCOAL MOVED ABOUT LIKE A SPRAWLING, SMOGGY MASS high above Sandry Lake bringing with it gloom and despair for all to see. As a town that had fallen into a desperate state of disrepair, it was still amazingly contained, and unfortunately not as far from Danville Heights as one would prefer. The approximate eight mile span between the two towns was actually very close.

Sandry Lake was contained in the sense that it now had as few citizens as when it was first established, considering that most of its residents had abandoned ship in the name of self-preservation and fear of evil. Its small police force and body of elected officials had all but disappeared. Crime and corruption expressed itself in dark and evil ways.

Coming up from beneath the shadows in unexpected moments of terror, something or someone had assumed control of the entire town and twisted the meaning of what it was to be a community. There were two factions at hand: the last of the committed citizens who would hang-on to the end, and a cruel, dark, malicious force. Fighting what they largely could not see made for a very unpleasant battle, but these faithful citizens were not giving up. Their hearts were embedded in memories of better times when Sandry Lake served as a model community within the region. The citizens had used their very own hands to build the city, and to have what was rightfully theirs stolen from them was an atrocity none could fathom. The problem was that their manpower had waned. So what began as a counterattack became a waiting game, and they struggled to survive.

Living in squalid, makeshift quarters, a dirty band of goons who were all given free range as connivers, thieves, and thugs, roamed around at all hours looking for whatever they wanted to steal. If they encountered a citizen, they simply took what they wanted and beat them to the ground. The goons had been uncaged and even a trace of any rule had simply vanished into thin air.

He orchestrated their moves, lavishing upon them promises of riches and power if they would only align with his grand scheme. By dispensing such promises to the lost, his following had amassed, and they were ready to strike at any given time.

The goons referred to him as “he,” likely not even knowing his name. In fact, the mind washing was so elaborate that they had even forgotten their own names. So far away from the truth were their lives that it would be impossible to salvage any one of them. Intent to rule, this boisterous atrocity displayed itself as the lowest band of hooligans on a totem pole built entirely out of filth and lies. Unlikely to have been an overnight foray, he obviously had been present for some time. He often dreamed of his long-range plans to dominate this once beautiful and established town.

As a loud altercation between a citizen and a wild ruffian unfolded in the background, the depth of a shadow revealed a nasty episode in an otherwise unfortunate, yet common day. With its desperate hunger aired out in the open, a meandering chicken ruffled its brown and green feathers. It walked and pecked for any scrap that would kindly spare itself.

In a place unfriendly to a lonely bird, it would take mountains of hope for a meal to be realized. Unfortunately, he had the same on his mind and wildly snatched the chicken, which sent feathers flying up and about. And with a quick snap of its neck, he brought it all to an end. Void of hesitation, he bit into the chicken spitting out blood and feathers in a most expressionless manner. In his mind, dinner was what it was, and if another bird approached, it would most certainly meet the same fate. Chewing and grinding away, his eyes glazed over, he cared less how this came to be and continued to spit in all directions while wiping his bloody chin with his filthy rags.

Like a fallen angel, he wanted power. He worked for evil and fought against good. Only he could orchestrate the details of these crimes so expertly executed as a way to run folks out so he could command the stage. Tall, slender, and disheveled looking, he’d been surviving in the depths for quite some time. The comfort associated with his brand of chaos led him to the loneliest of places, and there he reveled.

Not understanding his own emotional insecurities, he chose evil as a basis from which to operate. He had settled into a routine of madness, which was now in the director’s chair of Sandry Lake.

And from where did this emerge?

As his eyes revealed a sliver of perceived childhood trauma, feeling lonely and unloved, second and not first, feeling left out perhaps, his internal emptiness spilled over, and he hung his head momentarily. Once happy, he somehow became willing to trade his hand for the dark side, surely to gain attention and a sense of power that would fill an enormous void. Perceived or imagined, his hurt was real. But it would not slow him down on his journey to destruction.

Compared to Sandry Lake, nightfall in Danville Heights had quite the opposite effect. Children’s eyes fluttered as they winked themselves to sleep, quieted down, and settled-in for the night. For these were the common routines of the peaceful valley.

There was only one thing aside its normal during this particular twilight: five boys lay wide awake sensing each other. They responded to instincts that they did not question, but also did not understand. The day had been long and rest would normally be embraced, but this evening had a tale to be told.

Jordan found himself ruffling through his black sweat clothes, and he got dressed, opened his window, and jumped outside. Every single one of the boys followed suit, all dressed in black athletic gear, and three in hoodies. They briskly walked toward the preserve deep into the night. They were transfixed on the north and not speaking to each other, but occasionally traded glances as their respective senses burned away.

By way of mystery, the incident with the floating light balls had caused a hypersensitive reaction with their senses, and Jordan could literally hear the altercation between the citizen and the goon unfolding. Alex licked his lips, his tongue protruded, and then it went back in and out again. Kinsu’s vision sharpened like a razor’s edge, and he led the way. And as they picked up the pace, they gained incredible speed. From calm to chaotic, their worlds would change in a flash.

As if to run off to save our very own lives, the boys charged ahead and never looked back, although uncertain of the path they were on. Enveloped by the night, they felt strangely at home moving into dark shadows. They felt a certain power as allies on this journey, which was now quite a ways from home.

The boys’ actions brought an anticipated interruption to the Dark Stranger who was resting, knowing fully that this day would come. Aware of the infancy of the situation, he quickly sprung to his feet, but decided to use reservation in measuring the boys. He could sense them, feel them, even being able to see them running toward Sandry Lake.

He shared similar instincts and sensations to the boys, but these connections had yet to be made. Sensing their urgency, he followed them to this dark place, his black hood wrapped tightly while his cape-like covering embraced the wind and advanced his commanding presence.

Akin to an alarm clock from hell, these new, powerful instincts coupled with nightfall would prove to be bolder than ever in the history of Danville Heights. The boys could have ignored this calling, fought its beckon, but this would prove to be out of alignment with fate. As they tore into Sandry Lake, whipped air encircled a crooked, dangling sign that ironically read: Welcome to Sandry Lake. It swung left to right in a squeaky and unwelcoming manner.

They stopped in their tracks taking view of this evil domain, which loomed large above them. Underfoot, filthy trash served as their greeter, while broken glass and coarse rubble served as their guide. Moving forward slowly, they surveyed the area leading to the altercation. Rhee could smell the goon while pinpointing his exact location.

Filthy or not, Chase stooped down and put his hands on the ground to feel for human vibrations that may have been surrounding them. Kinsu remained laser focused on his target, leading the way with Jordan next to him taking in every harsh word spit out by the goon, who then slapped the citizen causing him to crash to the ground. He grabbed at the citizen’s back pocket, ripping his pants in an effort to steal his wallet because he had refused to hand it over. With his makeshift weapon knocked away, the citizen had become defenseless. He flipped over on his back to use his legs as a last, self-protective resort.

Now upon the scene, Alex rushed toward the goon, and out of nowhere, handled him with finesse in a style of martial arts for which he had never been trained. Every single one of the boys had the same skill. Coupled with their newfound instincts, they made for serious human weapons against which the thug could not prevail.

Taking him down was one thing, but when three more came out of the shadows armed with sharp, spiked weapons, the brewing battle took a turn. The boys quickly and strategically synchronized to whip and outsmart these thuggish creatures. A furious fight ensued with two-on-one, one-on-one, one-on-three, and all in between. The boys realized they were pitted against a vicious band of cruelty accustomed to roaming in dark places and causing mayhem at will.

Mean and muscular, the goons fought back with precision, punching and slapping into eternity. But the boys’ sudden martial arts mastery was unleashed upon these dreadful hooligans, and their detailed, accurate moves dazzled in the twilight.

“Two more, left,” said Chase as two more thugs joined the fracas. Their uninvited presence agitated the boys.

With the Dark Stranger witnessing it all, he allowed the boys to handle themselves, and he remained reserved. The night wind moved in and out of his black hood and framed his handsome face and his long hair.

Spinning, punching, kicking, and calculating every move, the boys ripped into the thugs with fury knocking each one unconscious, sprawled out for all to see. Like a mound of sorry, soggy laundry, the goons were piled high and left for their maker, whoever that might be hiding in the shadows.

And with the same laser sharp vision afforded to Kinsu, he saw what happened and could not believe his eyes. Members of his own army defeated, representative of weakness and a pathetic emptiness? He stood up boldly with the dead chicken dangling in his hand, blood dripping to the ground, realizing he had no conceivable idea of who these boys were. Their prowess struck him, for he knew he would need to assemble quickly in order to defend his perch.

With that blanket of deep charcoal hanging over his head, he could do nothing besides keep his feet planted right where they were. Somehow, he too could sense them, and he knew he would need to go deep in order to prevail. But the night sky offered zero comfort to anyone involved, and a new chapter had emerged. But how it would unfold remained as cloaked in darkness as he himself.

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