Vassal prince Kayano Rithael lost his kingdom when he was only 11 years old. Now, at 21, he is ready to reclaim what was his. He has two weeks to spy out enemy defenses before his military begins their coup against the controlling empire; but assassins stalk him daily and his own adviser resents him for a past rebuke. At every turn in his mission, new obstacles or intriguing mysteries involving other people he meets distract him and threaten his success. If he can't get the information he needs or straighten things out before the appointed day, the military coup may be over with before it even begins
Laura S. Kearney lives in the Midwest and enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and family history. She credits her love of fantasy to her older brother who gave her "The Hobbit" to read at age ten.
She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies from UIS and a Master of Arts in English-Program for Writers from UIC.
The Mission pulled me in from the very first chapter. Laura S. Kearney delivers a story that blends political tension, personal sacrifice, and emotional depth in a way that feels both refreshing and engaging.
Kayano Rithael is a character you can’t help but root for haunted by the loss of his kingdom at age 11, yet determined, sharp, and surprisingly vulnerable at 21. His mission to reclaim what was stolen isn’t just about strategy or espionage; it’s also about navigating betrayal, uncovering hidden motives, and figuring out who he can trust when danger is always a heartbeat away.
What I loved most is how the book balances action with quieter, thoughtful moments. The assassins, the resentful adviser, the unexpected allies none of them feel thrown in just for drama. Every character has a purpose, and every twist pushes Kayano closer to becoming the leader he’s meant to be.
The pacing is tight, the writing is vivid, and the stakes feel real. By the end, I found myself wishing the next book was already in my hands. If you love fantasy stories filled with intrigue, tension, and a hero fighting against impossible odds, The Mission is definitely worth reading.
I have been working on this book for twenty years. The characters have become good friends of mine and I am excited to be able to share this story. It has become my favorite of all the ideas that I have written so far. It is available at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HI04BL4 and in paperback at http://www.createspace.com/4437839.