Blind Speed Dating #41

Title: SENDEK: THE MAGIC WAKES

Genre: Science Fantasy

Word Count: 85,000

Query:

The people of Sendek no longer believe in dragons, mages, or the two-legged hybrid they created. After a thousand years, these creatures are returning from exile stronger than ever with only one thought on their minds. Wipe out the humans on Sendek and claim it for their own.

Talia Shannon has dreamed of an invasion all her life. She’s kept it a secret, hoping it’s nothing more than a childhood nightmare. But the face in the mirror now matches that of her dreams, and she fears they will turn out prophetic after all. She must use her job at the Space Exploration Foundation to prove that life exists beyond Sendek. Perhaps then someone will listen and prepare to fight.

Her work leaves no time for personal relationships, but Major Sutton isn’t looking for a friend. He’s looking for a traitor. His magical talent convinces him Talia is that traitor until a touch sizzles between them and they discover they can communicate telepathically. They’ve barely begun to trust each other when the invading force arrives. Together they must uncover the secrets of Sendek's past if they hope to defeat the creatures. Talia is the key—if she can learn to trust the magic coursing through her veins.

SENDEK: THE MAGIC WAKES is a blend of light science fiction and fantasy with romance elements. It is a fast paced story that will appeal to a wide audience.

First 250:

Damn. There was no way out of it. And no way to explain.

At moments like this, Talia wished she had opted for the smaller view screen. President Fielding loomed on the wall-sized unit in front of her with his gray hair and wrinkled eyes. She clenched her hands to keep them from trembling.

He had given in to her before. She had to try one more time.

“Sir, I’ve always worked remotely from my living room. There’s no need for me to move to Joharadin.”

“Miss Shannon, I don’t know why the Royalists are making a big deal out of this, but they say it must be face to face.” Fielding clasped his hands in front of him and leaned toward her from his desk. “We need you here. They can make the moon colony happen, but we have to play by their rules to get it.”

“But if I—”

“If you choose not to come, you can consider your satellite funding at an end. Be on that tram tomorrow. Unless, I can convince you to take a transport?” His eyebrows lifted in hope.

Talia sighed, “I’ll be on the tram. You know I prefer to stay close to the ground.”

“Very well. I’m meeting you myself, so there’s no backing out. If I have to come all the way to Gneledar to collect you I will not be happy.” He winked at her and let the ghost of a smile twitch the corners of his lips. With a wave of his hand the Space Exploration Foundation’s emblem replaced his image.