Where They Wait For Her: A Dark Scala Story

by C.J. Strunk

It has been five years since the end of the Second Lunar War. Five years since they became the heroes of Scala. Five years since Tress Briar had to leave her newfound family. Now, those she left behind gather around the Sword of the GodSoul just as they were told to, regaling each other with tales of how the GodProxy entered their lives.
They know she will come home to them. And when she does, they will be there, waiting.

Where They Wait For Her is the first foray into the realm of Scala. Follow the tales of Tress, Atrio, Morn, Olip, and Rocryd as they fight against the dark forces of the imprisoned Moon God, Xaltra.

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2024

About the author

C.J. Strunk is a budding author from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and veteran of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Even as a four-year-old he dreamed of becoming an author, going so far as to selling his homemade comic books to his neighbors for twenty-five cents a pop. When he isn't working as a software engineer during the day, he spends his time with his loving dog and cat, Stevie and Freya, and his fiancé, Elizabeth.

Reviews

[Kayla Mulrooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! The author developed a creative and unique world, leaving you wanting more tales of Scala.

I enjoyed learning each character's tale of how they met Tress (Olip's probably being my favorite).

But, let's not forget how I audibly cackled reading Morn's encounter outside the pub iykyk. Would recommend to a friend!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of mines friend wrote this so I bought and read it to support him
So glad I did! Amazing fantasy story!! So good!

[Jovh · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Where They Wait for Her" is a story much like Steven King's "The Drawing of Three" or to a lesser extent Chaucer's Canterbury Tales about vignettes from the perspective of people on a journey. The premise of the book is straightforward, the heroes who saved the world reflect on what would ultimately be the most vital choice of any hero's journey, to begin. Each of their individual beginnings revolve around the hero or who would commonly be the main point of view protagonist in a hero's journey story like this reflects. Instead each story and retrospective provides insight into the people who elected to join this hero on their quest. In focusing on the type of characters your normally do not see in the spotlight as much Strunk provides insight not only on the point of view characters but the character of Tress Briar the hero and the titular 'her'. In seeing the origins of the heroes who are reminiscing you are able to contrast their growth from their humble beginnings. As an avid reader I find this story poignant for several reasons, the first being an interest in seeing what band of heroes get up to upon the completion of their quest and the second being Tress. Her presence and absence are felt in each scene and her importance not as a vehicle for destiny but as an individual is seen in each of her companions in a way I find compelling. The story is not terribly long but I found that the pages were used judiciously, furthermore this story does take place over multiple point of view characters if that is a turn off for you. All in all I believe this to be quite a good first novel and I look forward to reading another one.

[Colleen Kirk Yurkanin · Rating 5 out of 5]

leaves you wanting more!

The world of Aether is written in great detail allowing the reader to truly immerse themselves into the different areas within the world. Personally, I love Olip’s magical home inside the tree that spans from earth to the heavens. The magic and strength the heroes possess showcase great morality and perseverance. I cannot wait for the next chapter in the saga!

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The characters and settings were so creatively done, it makes you want to meet them all and go visit these wild and wonderful places! Can’t wait to see more from this author.

[Dan Fetters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive debut from C.J. Strunk. The fantasy genre has just gained another titan of the craft

[Paul Prete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novella. The author does a great job of building an intricate world and compelling story in just over 100 pages. Look forward to future books!

[Alyson Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great tale! Fantastic world building and is written so visually, I felt like I was watching a movie play out on the page. Each of the heroes stories hooked me in more and more.

[Andrew Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun short novella with a range of different and unique characters. It contains a quick and compact story that leaves you satisfied with the journey.