Lightning's Hand

by Mark Landon Jarvis

He lies about his job. She lies about her past. They lie to each other. They'll lie together.

 

Rory Reed extracts the facts. He hurts people to death for information. Extraction is nothing to brag about, but he is really good at it, and he's never broken Contract. Still, it's repulsive work…so he hides it. Not the stuff you mention over coffee. Not a conversation for a first date. When his prospects and Contracts overlap, however, he can no longer compartmentalize. It plays hell with his calm.

 

Ashley Winston can't escape her fortune or the follies of her youth. A haunted heiress, scorched by the limelight, all she wants is a quiet life of anonymity. She's spent a decade propping up a convincing facade. Secrets, however, surface. Sometimes they are pried out. When she meets her unmaker, Ashley can't outrun the truth.

 

Maybe she can outfox him. 

Maybe he can let this one go.

 

They're both wound up in webs of lies. To get untangled, they'll lie together.

 

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2022

Reviews

[America Grelinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional read by a debut author! Enjoyed the characters and their depth. The loyalty between dad and daughter was heart-warming. Every time I had to set the book down to do "life" I was instantly sucked back into the world of Franklin. A powerful read when you want to rush through responsibilities to see how the book will end. Thanks Jarvis for a fresh look at small town rebels who band together.

[McDonald'S Sewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely incredible first novel

Absolutely incredible first novel. Can’t wait to read the next novel in this series. A must for ani sci-fi fan

[Matt Calhoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Landon Jarvis does an excellent job of creating a living, breathing world in his debut novel. I enjoyed stepping into a carefully imagined setting with a whole vocabulary and culture to go along with it. Rory and Ashley were enjoyable characters to follow and I look forward to seeing how their story progresses in future novels.

[Jamie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't give 5 stars easily. Mark Landon Jarvis's debut novel is a thrill ride of sci-fi and, in my opinion, steampunk-esque, action with intriguing characters and a plot that makes you think. But that's why it's so good. You think you know the characters, but they're not just one-dimensional. I felt a connection in the characters and with the story from the beginning. Ash is not a wimpy "damsel" and I love it. She's tough, intelligent and insightful. She's the perfect opposite for Rory, she can see through the BS. They compliment each other in a way that's not forced on the reader. Their interactions are unique and well written. I can't wait for the next book in the series! Mark Landon Jarvis is an author to watch.

[Jenny Robben Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth reading. The action kept me engaged but not overwhelmed. I fell into the world created every time I picked up the book. The story line is not something I have seen before.

[Jordnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

SciFi take on life that feels so inevitable. Great character development. Engaging storyline that was the best kind of engrossing. Loved! Ready for a sequel!