Chrysalis: Medieval magic meets modern-day mystery

by Jacky Gray

An unrequited teenage crush. A suppressed super-power. A world under threat from evil incarnate.
When Archer rescued Rory from bullies many years ago, she was smitten, but he was lukewarm. She doesn't realise what she'd do to grab his attention until her supposed BFF decides he'd look good on her arm. When Rory's gift, delayed from puberty, has her blacking out in the lighting box for a high school show, only he can help. What was that about being careful what you wish for?

The revelation that her mum and Archer come from a quasi-medieval alternate-world should have knocked Rory for six, but strange dreams clue her that she might have something in common with her idol, Buffy. As if! Archer's attempts to help control her powers bring a bittersweet torture, but with college looming, she must persevere

Archer's mission to scope out the threat from the technology-obsessed world breaching into his own includes protecting Rory. But his orders are clear - inter-world relationships are verboten. It hurt to spurn her teenage crush, but grown-up Rory proves irresistible. As her gifts develop, the growing connection to the monster threatening his world makes her dangerous to be around, and he has to choose between his heart and duty.

The chemistry between them unleashes a devastating energy as the monster escalates his evil plan. They must dig deep to endure unbearable torment, and defy fate to stop him from destroying everything they hold dear.


A blend of magical realism, humour and mystery/adventure, this medieval-meets-modern romance will delight fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Masquerade series..

Warning : Although mild in terms of sex, profanity and violence, some readers may be upset by the torment in a couple of scenes. Nothing fans of Hunger Games or Divergent can't handle.

This story runs in parallel with the Hengist series, but it is not necessary to read them before enjoying this series, as the stories in Context give a good summary of key events.

Colour of Light
#1 Context : Seven short stories of rebellion and redemption
#2 Chrysalis : Medieval magic meets modern-day mystery
#3 Captive : Modern-day mystery meets medieval magic
#4 Catalyst : Medieval magic meets modern military thriller

The prequel series to this one
Nature’s Tribe – Medieval adventures with magic, romance and humour
3Handfastings and a Burial – Wedding-themed short stories
12 Days of Yule – A Christmas-themed romance
8 Sabbats of the Sun – A seasonal-themed romance
13 Esbats of the Moon – How the Hengist world was formed
Nature’s Tribe Boxset – Books 1-4+Bonus short story

Hengist – The adventures of Archer and friends in the quasi-medieval world
Archer – A sensitive warrior
Rory – A lonely misfit
Reagan – An intrepid geek
Slater – A courageous time-traveller
Geraint – A reluctant heir
Archer’s Quest (Books1-2+Bad Boys)
Uniting the Tribes (Books3-5+Good Guys)

ebook

Published June 21, 2020

About the author

As so often happens with these things, Archer was born while I was in the middle of writing another book. Events were conspiring to ensure I wrote this story, beginning with a trip to Warwick Castle where I stood enthralled with my friend and our kids while the Warwick Bowman talked us through the history of the long bow. He treated us to the ultimate demonstration, firing 100 arrows in rapid succession through a loop of rope, approximately the size of a human head. The warrior within me awoke - I was hooked.

I had recently read the first two books in Bernard Cornwell’s excellent Grail Quest series – these obviously made a big impact. I started writing it in march 2009; 18 days and 56,000 words later, Archer’s tale was told. After a year spent mostly in Wessex, the next four books were drafted and I was ready to go back and start editing the first two books.

I am currently writing the 6th book in the series and wondering if this will be the last.

Reviews

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good start of the trilogy!

I loved it, especially the first part (where there’s so much warmth, and love for nature) and the ending.

It is a trilogy, a serialised story: books 2-4 will be one story. So there is a cliffhanger, an abrupt ending, mid-action, but the next book will be released soon, plus the author very thoughtfully provided the start of the next book, to soften the cliffhanger.

I loved Rory. I loved being a part of her Chrysalis (pupation). It was interesting! This author can play with words very skillfully. It was only the part of the book where there was a lot of strategy that I liked just a teensy bit less. That’s more personal preference than the author’s fault. It was a good read!

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archer, a warrior from a Medieval-alternate-world comes to modern day, following his quest. As Rory comes into her paranormal powers, he helps train her so that she becomes a force against evil. With the Hengst family's help, Archer and Rory confront an evil man with roots in both the past and modern times who has kidnapped an innocent girl. But he is linked to Rory and wants her, instead!
I have loved Archer and Rory through the previous books, and their romance has been long awaited.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chrysalis is an interesting blend of two worlds. Ms. Gray is very skilled at creating complex characters and pitting good against evil. This book has Rory learning about her magical abilities, a forbidden love, family secrets and, of course, a villain! This is the first book in a trilogy so it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but all three books are now available. You will want to read them all!

[AND 1515 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endless Possibilities
and1515

Wow simply doesn't begin to describe this interesting story. Jacky Gray has
an imagination that knows no boundaries and filled with endless possibilities.