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Imprint #2
The Rule of Ancients
Haruko's blood curse has finally been lifted. The long shadow of her ancestor’s sins laid to rest…or so it seemed.
Rachel McKenna is still haunted by tortured spirits, by all that remain of Haruko’s imprisoned dead. One such ghost, Shigeru, claims that Rachel is the door, the only way to the eternal rest of the grave. When Shigeru forces Rachel to send him into the afterlife he awakens a latent power within her; a strange gift, a curse to command the dead.
Meanwhile, Atsuhiko Abe lives a modern-day life in the shadow a deceitful past and desperately seeks to balance his Nogitsune self, so long repressed, but fears that one moment of carelessness could cost him the woman he loves.
Summoned once again to the Lore District, Atsuhiko, Rachel and Auntie Chen confront an embittered Masami and bid to restore Auntie Chen’s stolen honor before the Society of Ancients led by the enigmatic Celestial Fox – Thoma, with an agenda all his own.
When Chen’s former title is suddenly returned, she appoints a reluctant Atsuhiko as Herald to keep the peace in a district on the verge of war, while Rachel strives to guide Haruko’s dead to the Void, only to find herself tempted by dark magic. Honor, love and loyalty are put to the test as Rachel and Atsuhiko find themselves swept undertow by the cruel will of ancient creatures whose only desire is to tear them apart.
Rachel McKenna is still haunted by tortured spirits, by all that remain of Haruko’s imprisoned dead. One such ghost, Shigeru, claims that Rachel is the door, the only way to the eternal rest of the grave. When Shigeru forces Rachel to send him into the afterlife he awakens a latent power within her; a strange gift, a curse to command the dead.
Meanwhile, Atsuhiko Abe lives a modern-day life in the shadow a deceitful past and desperately seeks to balance his Nogitsune self, so long repressed, but fears that one moment of carelessness could cost him the woman he loves.
Summoned once again to the Lore District, Atsuhiko, Rachel and Auntie Chen confront an embittered Masami and bid to restore Auntie Chen’s stolen honor before the Society of Ancients led by the enigmatic Celestial Fox – Thoma, with an agenda all his own.
When Chen’s former title is suddenly returned, she appoints a reluctant Atsuhiko as Herald to keep the peace in a district on the verge of war, while Rachel strives to guide Haruko’s dead to the Void, only to find herself tempted by dark magic. Honor, love and loyalty are put to the test as Rachel and Atsuhiko find themselves swept undertow by the cruel will of ancient creatures whose only desire is to tear them apart.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2019
21 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Sherman
6 books18 followersElaine Sherman is a writer of paranormal romance with an obsession for dark fantasy and forgotten lore. When not penning a novel, she enjoys watching old re-runs of Dark Shadows, catching up on the latest Manga and reading a horde of Indie books.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 6, 2020
Exotic, Sensual and Mesmerizing: A Dark Love Story Steeped in East Asian Myth and Legend
This dark romantic fantasy novel is set in East Asia and in modern-day Chicago.
Author Elaine Sherman has written a memorable story, filled with ancient folklore, with exciting twists and turns, which is entertaining and captivating because of the excellent characterisation and the well-researched detail of the world-building.
This alternative fantasy love story casts Rachel Mckenna as a human with dark magic powers who is haunted by the tortured spirits of the ghostly dead. Shigeru, one such spirit, informs her that she is "The Gateway" When she sends his ghost to the afterlife, all her powers are awakened. Her lover is the seductive gallery owner, Atsuhiko, who wants to balance the monstrous side of his nature, and so he needs Rachel, and fears losing her.
In this tale of honor, love and loyalty, which is tried and tested, Rachel, Atsuhiko and Chen - The Dragon Lady, go on a quest into the Kingdom of The Ancient Ones to restore order and peace. Chen wants to confront Masami and restore her honor, a difficult feat because of the ancient's leader, The Celestial Fox, who may be duplicious and not worthy of her trust ...
Rivalries come into play, and challenges and danger await them all ...
The scenes and setting in this part of the tale are truly mesmerising, beautifully written, and convincing, and the romantic interludes, exotic and sensual.
There were some very minor editing issues, but I was intrigued and entertained by this story which reached a crescendo at the end, leaving the reader wanting more. Highly recommended!
Suzy Davies, Author of "The Girl in the Red Cape: A Mystical Sled Ride"
This dark romantic fantasy novel is set in East Asia and in modern-day Chicago.
Author Elaine Sherman has written a memorable story, filled with ancient folklore, with exciting twists and turns, which is entertaining and captivating because of the excellent characterisation and the well-researched detail of the world-building.
This alternative fantasy love story casts Rachel Mckenna as a human with dark magic powers who is haunted by the tortured spirits of the ghostly dead. Shigeru, one such spirit, informs her that she is "The Gateway" When she sends his ghost to the afterlife, all her powers are awakened. Her lover is the seductive gallery owner, Atsuhiko, who wants to balance the monstrous side of his nature, and so he needs Rachel, and fears losing her.
In this tale of honor, love and loyalty, which is tried and tested, Rachel, Atsuhiko and Chen - The Dragon Lady, go on a quest into the Kingdom of The Ancient Ones to restore order and peace. Chen wants to confront Masami and restore her honor, a difficult feat because of the ancient's leader, The Celestial Fox, who may be duplicious and not worthy of her trust ...
Rivalries come into play, and challenges and danger await them all ...
The scenes and setting in this part of the tale are truly mesmerising, beautifully written, and convincing, and the romantic interludes, exotic and sensual.
There were some very minor editing issues, but I was intrigued and entertained by this story which reached a crescendo at the end, leaving the reader wanting more. Highly recommended!
Suzy Davies, Author of "The Girl in the Red Cape: A Mystical Sled Ride"
March 23, 2020
Book 2
I recommend reading book 1 so one can understand the back story of how the main characters got where they were.
Very intriguing twists and turns! Just wow? Can’t wait for book 3
I recommend reading book 1 so one can understand the back story of how the main characters got where they were.
Very intriguing twists and turns! Just wow? Can’t wait for book 3
Want to read
January 23, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/23/2021)! 🎁
June 14, 2019
Good read
Hate what happen at the end but it cant end like that cant wait for book three to come out to see if it's the final or more to come
Hate what happen at the end but it cant end like that cant wait for book three to come out to see if it's the final or more to come
July 26, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down! I was so consumed in this new underground world and it picked up and read perfectly along after book one! I was not expecting the ending and now can’t wait for the next installment!
Did Abe really disappear into the void? Will Rachel really be a Celestial Wife?! Book three here I come!
Did Abe really disappear into the void? Will Rachel really be a Celestial Wife?! Book three here I come!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews