The Scent of Lilac

Arrow's Flight #0.5

by Casey Hays

**NOMINATED FOR IND'SCRIBE'S RONE AWARDS FOR Best Novella of 2016**

Mia has always taken pride in her submission to the Council. Compliant to a fault, she diligently follows the rules without considering whether they are fair or just. But when her best friend Kate kills the Council leader and banishes herself from the Village, Mia suddenly becomes a target for harassment. And for the first time in her life, she finds herself in opposition to the Council.

In her despair, she is drawn to the one person she has fervently resisted: her mate. Soon, her feelings for him shift into something real and powerful—powerful enough to make him human. Powerful enough to make loving him dangerous.

The Village stands on the brink of chaos, and an ever-growing mood of dissension threatens. In the midst of it all, Mia’s heart begins to change. But when a group of young rebels drags her into its fold, her courage is quickly pitted against her fear. Will she join the fight and allow bravery to transform her spirit? Or will she drown in her own cowardice once again?

The Scent of Lilac is the first novella in The Arrow’s Flight Series.

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2016

About the author

Casey Hays lives in New Mexico with her husband and two children. She is a former high school English teacher turned YA and NA author. She loves Young Adult Fiction as well as historical, supernatural, fantasy sci-fi, and dystopian--all with a twist of romance. She is the author of six books. Her short story "Edge of a Promise" is featured in the collaborative anthology PREP FOR DOOM, published June 18, 2015. Currently, she is working on a series of novellas for Arrow's Flight, as well as her latest YA paranormal romance series, Firebloods, based on the legend of the Phoenix.

When Casey isn't writing, you'll find her in Zumba class, skiing the slopes, or singing at the top of her lungs. She loves Jesus Christ and never passes up a good cup of coffee.

Please visit her website, www.whisperingpages.com.

The Cadence

~Arrow's Flight Series~
Breeder
The Archer
Master

~Arrow's Fight Novellas~
The Scent of Lilac
A Heart of Flesh (coming September 30, 2017
A Tongue of Fire (forthcoming)
A Soul of Stone (forthcoming)

~Firebloods Series~
Firebloods
Scorch Song (coming Spring 2018)

Reviews

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was asked to give an honest review...
I felt that the book was well written.
I loved how Mia decided to pursue a relationship with Chad even though he is classed as a "dog", especially when she finds out she is pregnant and no longer required to go down to the pit. I especially love Casey Hays as an author her books never stop surprising me WELL DONE!!

[Tommi Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebellion with a side of Love Story.

Mia never asked for her best friend to kill the abusive leader of their Village, Mona. Then again, she never asked Mona to kill her friends Layla or Meg either. How could Kate runaway from the Village? She's supposed to be the new leader and she just ran with those giant boys and didn't even look back, at least that's the way it felt to Mia.

Kate had asked Mia to ask her mate his name. When she did she found out more about him. In the aftermath of Kate's disappearance, the Village is in a silent sort of upheaval. The locks on the cages of the Pit are all broken and no one has fixed them. The Jailers haven't been performing their duties nor have some of the planters. It's a rebellion. Of course, everyone thinks Mia knows where Kate is and how to get in touch with her. Kate is her best friend, right? Meanwhile Mia is all alone. All of her friends are gone. She goes to the Pit and notices the locks are broken but first takes the time to spend a little alone time with Chad. They have each other through this hard time. That's the only certain thing. Oh, and their child growing inside of her.


Seriously, to watch these two naive young people fall in love and not know what it is, was just adorable. They cling to each other as though their next breath is dependent upon it. Even though Mia is cowardly and won't stand up for what she wants, including Chad. She doesn't turn him in or the rebels. I have to be honest, I wanted to smack Mia for most of this book with her wishy washy ways and noncommittal crud. Ugh!! She dose end up having me cheer for her by the end of the book though. There are a lot of glimpses into peripheral characters from Breeder in this book. It is definite must read for Arrow's Flight lovers.

[Stephanie Runion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This continuation of the series is a cute yet tender story. We delve deeper into some lesser known characters as the plot thickens.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a perfect ending for The Arrow's Flight Series. All those questions you may have had are answered. It was sweet and gave Mia a personality that I found to be realistic. Her loyalty to her best friend is at stake in this fast paced story that you won't want to put down. I enjoyed getting to know more characters from The Village. I think the author wrapped up the series, but left a little wiggle room to expand it later. I recommend this companion novella.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should have re-read Breeder before I read The Scent of Lilac, because it is set right after the events in Breeder. It took me a while to remember all the characters and events that were mentioned.

This is a very sweet story about love - Mia, who stayed behind when Kate left the village, is the focus. Mia has begun to talk to and care about her mate because of things Kate told her. The blossoming of that relationship is what makes this a sweet story. There is also a lot of unrest in the village, after the "Fates" choice of a leader, Kate, left the village.

If you read and enjoyed Breeder then this is a must read for you.

[LisaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scent of Lilac is a novella from the Arrows Flight Series but is my first exposure to the author, Casey Hays. I had downloaded Breeder some time ago but it got lost in my tbr list. But after reading The Scent of Lilac, I enjoyed the writing and storyline so much that I had to dig it out and read it!
This is a short story about a village of breeders (and other females) and the dogs (males) they keep locked up in the cages of the Pit to be used for only one purpose. That purpose is to impregnate the breeders thus increasing the population of the village.
More specifically, this is Mia and Chads story. Mia has been a follower of the system to great ends but thanks to her friend, Kate, has come to realize that there is more to this life...there is love.
This is a tale of love where none should exist. It's a story of friendship, loyalty and more than just survival. It takes you on a journey from conformity to self-realization/discovery.
....and I, for one, enjoyed the journey!
Casey drew me in with her art of storytelling, worldbuilding, and realness of the characters.

I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review. But it has lead me to begin reading the original series. I am a fan!!

[Samantha Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enthralled by this story and the characters.

When I thought I couldn't fall in love with Casey's writing even more, she does it again. As I took in the words from the pages, it felt like a movie projecting through my mind.

We meet up with Mia, she is handling the aftermath of Kate leaving the Village. Everyone thinks she may know Kate's whereabouts, but she doesn't. Mia has to deal with Tara and everyone keeping a close eye on her and losing her best friends.

She finds comfort in the least likely place, the Pit.

I don't want to give too much away, but Mia's story sucked me in from the start. l loved her growth, it didn't feel forced. I like that Mia knew what she was, she knew where she belonged. But in the end she didn't let it stop her.

Near the end I was cheering everyone on! Literally screaming as I caught my breath after reading. I am so happy Casey is writing novella's for all her characters. Their stories are being told so beautifully, it's hard not to fall in love. Again and again.

[Cheree Castellanos Edits · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful companion novel! After finishing the Arrows Flight Series, you can't help but feel complete but yet wanting more. So many questions still left unanswered. And here we get one of my biggest questions answered. What was happening back at the Village after Kate left?
Here we get Mia's story. Mia, a girl we loved and felt so much hope for, yet disappointment too. Mia's story of growth here is so beautiful and heartbreaking, and yet inspiring. The strength of the human spirit is astounding! This novella is so chopped full of emotion and fight. I loved everything about this story, especially the ending!

[Fatimah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so happy that the author had wrote about what happened in the Village after Kate left, I'd been curious about that.

Mia is frustrating sometimes but I don't hate her character because just like Kate, she did what she thought should be done(except when she told Mona that Ian hit Kate-that brought unnecessary attention) And I think I'll be more like her if I'm in their situation.

Mia and Chad are so sweet together, I especially like the moment they pledge to each other :')
I like them more than Kate and Ian lol.

P/s: I'm so excited for the next novella. I've shipped Justin and Diana since book one so please!! :p

[Michelle Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we hear Mia's thoughts. After Kate accidentally kills Mona the leader of the village and leaves for Eden, Mia's Story needs to be told and what a story it is! Mia, always the one to follow the council and fear the Moirai, what will she do? Who will she turn to? What is the village doing without a leader? Can Tara bully her way into leadership? So many questions and now we have the answers. Read The Scent of Lilac and be swept back to Kate's Village and learn what has happened after she left through her best friend Mia. You won't be disppointed.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the insight this novella gives about what happened in the village after Kate left.The story of Mia's struggle to understand the feelings she has for her mate is well written.I liked that the author begins the story with Mia's fear and cowardice to disobey any rules,and then her decision to follow her heart.This is a must read for any fan of the Arrows Flight series.I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Rabid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining novella in the Arrows Flight series. It is set some time after Kate has left the village and you really need to have read Breeder to be able to get the most from this enjoyable book. The story revolves around Mia and Chad, it is a one of discovery, challenging ones beliefs, overcoming adversity and of finding love. I received this ARC at no cost in a giveaway.

[Heather Vern · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read, I love spin off stories from the main stories. It's always amazing to see what happened to a certain character after a certain event. I was sucked in right away with Mia's story, it was nice to see what happened to her and how her story turned out after Kate left the village.

[Yvonne Blackwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Scent of Lilac is a dystopian novel, and one of a few I have ever read. That being said, the story intrigued me as I held my breath waiting to see what dreadful thing would occur next. Set somewhere on earth, the story is about a village of people where females rule and a council of twelve, each member representing a sign of the zodiac, controls the inhabitants. Women are mainly breeders, and their duty is to reproduce, but a few have other positions such as guards and archers. And yes, there are men there. They are called stock, are caged like animals, and their sole purpose is to impregnate the females. Yet, in spite of the supposedly organized society, a few disturbing things are happening. There is unrest within the leadership and a key player has left the village, a thing that is practically unheard of. In addition, breeders are falling in love with their stock “mates” and love is prohibited. The story takes some unexpected twists and turns and you keep on reading to see where it will end.

There are several themes running through this story. Themes of love, fate, innocence, fear and cowardice are explored, and we see love winning in the end. The novel was an interesting read, however, it had a large cast of characters with roles to play which made it difficult to remember who is who at times.

[Jennifer Zamboni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homecoming at its best!

This was a sweet novella that returns the reader to the village that Kate left behind. Mia is now the main character and she struggles with the new convictions in her heart. Against everything she believes, she discovers that her mate is a human being, just like her best friend insisted.

Now Mia is a much different character than Kate. She’s timid and afraid of change. She fails to listen even when her heart screams the truth. Ms. Hays did such a wonderful job fleshing Mia out that I still had to like her, even if I did want to reach into the pages and shake some sense into her. I suppose that’s why she feels so real.

Mia’s mate, Chad just tugs at the heart strings. He is so innocent and honest, Mia can’t help but to develop feelings for him.

Tara, the woman we love to hate is back full force. It’s hard to see a possible redemption for her, but this is where Ms. Hays thrives, so don’t count her out.

The writing sifts from the page into your imagination. I love this series!

[Elissa Mahler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed with a free copy of this book, and have chosen of my own volition to share my review with you!

Casey Hays writes another fantastic piece in "The Scent of Lilac". This novella continues the story started in the Arrows Flight trilogy. A young Lilac chooses to stay in the Village, when her friends Kate and Diana leave to explore the great unknown. This is Lilac's tale of the time after Kate leaves. Lilac finds love in the most unexpected place (the Pit). Is she strong enough to act on that love? Can she let another mate with her love? Can she let her love go? Will he come back if he goes? So many questions, which are all answered as this tale unravels.

The story line continues the trilogy's story line. The plot has some unexpected twists and turns. The characters are well-developed, and complex.

Overall: A good read, helpful to read trilogy before venturing into this book!

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella continues the story of the three full-length novels of the Arrow's Flight series. We are returned to Kate's Village, where Mia continues to try to conform to the rules while she begins to realize that maybe the rules aren't as perfect as she thought!

Mia has come to know her mate, Chad, and her feelings for him are threatening everything she has known. When she finds out she is pregnant, she faces losing him forever. Will Mia finally rebel against the Village in order to find true love? Or will her years of being a "good girl" continue to make her do what she has always done?

Well written, well developed characters and loads of emotion abound in this novella. You will cry, you will want to kick somebody for being so clueless & finally, you will weep for joy. Thanks, Ms. Hays, for another wonderful installment in the Arrow's Flight series!

[Kimberly Vanderbloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was supposed to be reading this during a marathon but due to some personal issues I got behind. I may have gotten behind but I didn't give up.

I loved this series. It was unique and different with a hint of spirituality. I found it interesting to read about Mia's point of view. She was so meek and mild in the series that it was refreshing to hear her thoughts and actions during this intriguing time in the Village. I loved how it took place during the absent of the main character Kate and what happened while she was gone. I know what Kate did but I didn't know the aftermath of the Village. It was truly fun and intriguing to read. I love the flow of the story and the writing style of the author. She is fantastic.

I look forward to reading the next novella in the series.

[Brandy Mulder · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an excellent follow up to the Arrow's flight series. It shows us what happened to Mia after her friends left. The council now watches Mia like a hawk and believes she is lying when she claims not to know Kate's plans. Alone and blamed for many things she had no control over Mia starts to spend more time in the pit with her mate. She slowly starts to understand what Kate was trying to teach her, and begins to doubt if she had done the right thing when going to Mona all those times she thought she was doing what's best. When other women start to rebel Mia must choose between being loyal, and being a rebel.

[April Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

In the last book Breeders, I didn't like Mia. Her tell all and not keep silent for her friend irked me. But in this book the tables were turned and she redeemed herself. It done her good to experience what Chad went through. I enjoy reading these books they are an interesting concept.

[Lucille Bransfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved getting back in touch with the characters from this series. I think I read it out of order of book 3, but it was still sweet to read. Mia is a great character with wise, thoughtful ways about her. Really great book by Casey Hays once again.

[Vicki Chinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth book is as good as the rest

It was a great quick read. It gave more closure and hope for the future. Love conquers all even though it's a hard battle.

[The Endless Unread · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a good storyline but at times it felt slightly disjointed. I read certain passages several times and the characters were not too inviting.

[Kelly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of finding yourself and standing up for what you believe in...or what you are not sure you believe in yet. :) The companion novella picks up right where Breeder leaves off. In Breeder, Kate has been chosen as the new leader but ends up leaving with the boys from Eden. Mia decides not to leave with Kate but the longer Kate has been gone, Mia realizes that she is truly alone. She starts to think about some of the things that Kate said as she left and Mia starts to pay attention to her surroundings more. Her village is falling apart and she finds solace with here mate in the pit. She starts to question more of her life and what is truly right and wrong. She changes in this story as she stands up for what she believes in and brings new meaning to her life and the village. She becomes stronger because of the hand she has been dealt. There is an array of bad that happens but those are the things that can make people stronger. The ending of this story takes place after the end of Master. It is a very intimate, heart wrenching, and lovely story that will stay with you long after you finish it.

[Tabi Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Addition

Even though a lot of what was going on in this story made me want to strangle to character and help her understand things. But when you sit back and look at the story you actually learn a few things. It is really an internal struggle to change things when you are raised up a certain way and that's all you know.

Casey gives you the emotional struggle that Mia is having and you can feel the struggle falling off the pages. This book will make you growl and cry and you find yourself hoping that Mia will see the light in the end.

Struggles like this are real and you can feel it. You will enjoy the story, promise.

Until Next Time...Tabi

[Fawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just fantastic. It was easy getting to know Mia and start to understand her thinking and mindset. What a beautiful love story even with the tragedy that gets you there.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enthralling addition to the dystopian genre, “The Scent of Lilac” offers a unique window into a matriarchal society where men are viewed as cattle, good only for breeding.

Read full review in the 2016 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story!

It took me a couple of chapters to become fully immersed. After that I was hooked!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story!

It took me a couple of chapters to become fully immersed. After that I was hooked!

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol)]

4.0/5.0

Read full review in the 2016 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.