Mara: A Modified Origin Story

by Kat Stiles

Sometimes, super powers downright suck... In a world full of princesses and heroes, epic quests and happy endings, Mara doesn't quite fit in. Maybe it’s her jet black hair. Or her complexion, that’s darker than most fair-skinned princesses. Or maybe it’s that she can kill people by simply touching them. The perfect power for an assassin, she uses her "gift.” Along with her pet hawk, Artemis, she makes a life for herself in the shadows, contract killing for witches, warlocks and other undesirables. When a handsome stranger named Dave follows her on an assignment, she does everything she can to shake him. But even after she calls him out, he's intrigued and sticks around. Then the unthinkable happens. Mara begins to develop feelings for Dave. Feelings are the last thing she needs as a contract killer of heroes. If she’s caught, she will most certainly be hanged for her crimes. Can she finish the job she started, or will her burgeoning conscience interfere? And can she be with Dave, or will her touch kill him like the others? Find out in this exciting origin short story, part of the sexy, super-powered Modified series. Start out with Modified Box Set and continue on to Unified Part 1 to read the rest of the series! Reader Discretion is advised: While this origin story contains less profanity than the Modified volumes, there is still sexy sexiness. So as one reviewer pointed out, it's not suitable for middle grade or YA. Or anyone super serious, for that matter.

56 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2020

About the author

Originally a Jersey girl, sunny Texas is where I now call home, in a town way up north in the panhandle called Wellington. Along with the man of my dreams, I have two children: a rambunctious little girl and a sweet but vocal little boy. Three cats, three dogs and an inordinate amount of pet hair complete my household. For fun I like to read YA, horror, and existentialist fiction, as well as watch cartoons, movies, and sometimes even cartoon movies. I try not to take anything in life too seriously and I tend to smile often.

Reviews

[Mary Brannian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mara

Mara is....well, cursed, for the lack of a better description. All she wants, all she has ever wanted, was to be accepted. But life doesn't always turn out the way you need. Having the power of death with a touch, Mara becomes the assassin known as "Black Death". But a chance meeting with Dave sets Mara onto another path, one the could mean her salvation... Or her death...

An interesting tale, with some unexpected twists; an enjoyable, quick read.

[Graham Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of story that i wish would be continued, in this case as remembrances of Mara's life on Excelsia. Love the use of her powers to make a living that goes against the morals of the society she finds herself in!

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allow about two hours for this adult paranormal tale about Mara and her hawk Artemis who just don't fit in Excelsia. I had an ARC via StoryOrigin and this voluntary review is my own opinion.