Heritage: Fate: Book 2

by David Shockley

After decades of living in resigned isolation, with only his dogs for companionship, Michael found himself surrounded by new and exciting friends. More than that, he found a family—but his new companions came with new complications.

Michael was kidnapped by pixies, thrown into a world outside of his reality, and watched his only home burn to the ground. He fought elves, dragons, and even a race of beings sworn to hunt and destroy vampires. Vampires like Michael. But every bizarre and wonderful twist confirmed that he was part of something he never thought he’d have again, and Michael swore nothing would come between him and his new family.

Now, to protect the very people he holds so dear, he embarks on a new quest. Michael must fight a new enemy…but he’s never faced his own kind before. He’ll be forced to confront the one who created him—the very vampire who abandoned Michael just hours after changing his life forever, who left him alone in a new and dangerous world so many years ago.

Michael must now face Elizabeth.

…and that’s the least of his concerns.

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2020

About the author

David Shockley has been writing novels for over two decades, or most of his adult life. His works universally reflect such themes as the strength of family - regardless of its makeup - personal conviction, and the courage to find good in the world, wherever and in whomever it resides. He loves sports and music, is a fanatical movie enthusiast, cotton candy addict, and has never met a roller coaster or thrill ride he didn't like. He was a 2010 national karate champion in kata as well as silver medalist in kumite for his age-group. His favorite bands include The Ramones, The Violent Femmes, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. His favorite authors include Jack London, William Shakespeare, Elmore Leonard and Stephen King. He currently lives in Virginia and has spent most of his life in and around the ocean. His love of longboarding has been a great source of fun and relaxation since he was a kid. He encourages everyone he meets to try it at least once.

You can keep up with David on Facebook via Dreamer At Large - https://www.facebook.com/dreameratlarge

Reviews

[Mary Shockley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up and hang on! This second book in the FATE series reads incredibly fast for its size. Why? Because you won't want to put it down! I power-read this in record time because the author keeps the reader engaged, whether by introducing new characters not seen in Book 1 (hint: these personalities are fantastic additions to the cast), moving quickly between scenes to keep you turning the page, or describing a setting so precisely that you feel as if you're immersed in the scene, not just watching it.

By the way, if you like reading a book where you regularly exclaim, out loud, "..wait, WHAT?!?" or "What just...?!?" or even "WTF?!?" - this is a book for you. The author keeps it unpredictable in the best way. There is also a clear evolution of the storyline between LINEAGE and HERITAGE: while the first book dazzled with its introduction of characters, worlds, and races you don't expect, this second title digs in, expands those worlds, and introduces levels of complexity that add richness to the story and complications to the plot lines.

The only problem with this book is that Book 3 isn't out yet!!!

[Eric Frenck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, an action packed novel from Mr. Shockley!

The “sides” in this story are blurred; Shadow is never likable, for example, yet it’s hard not to root for him against Laendrill. Elizabeth takes out her need for vengeance on strangers and seems to enact Michael’s revenge for him. Is she eager to right wrongs committed by people against people or just indulging her rage? Despite her short-sighted quest for preemptive vengeance, she’s oddly sympathetic. Michael, Jack, and Frost all fight recklessly, self-destructively, even hatefully but all seem certain of the rightness of their actions. Melissa slaughters a squad of human beings sent to “get” her; the reality of her actions does hit her, but she slips from murderous vampire to broken little girl in the space of seconds.

So what does this all mean? There’s a bit more moral ambiguity in the second novel of the Fate trilogy. Shifting alliances and strange bedfellows dominate the tale. I believe we may see Michael’s allegiance tested (if not shifted) in the third book. It interesting and sad, and both are obviously deliberate choices by Shockley. The last of this trilogy should be fascinating - I eagerly await book 3!

[Becko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific storyline. I loved getting to know some of the characters better. It was good to hear more from Elizabeth and all the old vampires. The vivid descriptions of the local landscape made me feel like I was right in all the action. A good, solid page-turner that I would recommend to anyone searching for an adventure story.

[Jay Odor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a seemed a little slow at the start, and then before you realize you're forgetting any other plans for the night. A good book!