Mapping the Mist

by E.S. Barrison

Malaika longed to escape the mundane life on her father’s farm…
but she didn’t expect to be stolen by a dragon and taken far away from home.

Life on the farm had always been redundant. With no future other than marriage, Malaika has grown antsy to explore the world. Upon hearing her father’s plans to marry her off to a trader, Malaika makes a plan to escape. Yet, the plan is derailed when her father’s dragon takes flight with her on its back, carrying her far away from home.

After soaring through the sky, the dragon deposits Malaika in an unfamiliar oasis at the edge of the City of Errat. With no knowledge of this new land, Malaika befriends an old couple with an inclination for magic. Enthralled by their abilities, Malaika agrees to stay with them. Yet, little does she expect them to help her navigate her destiny and lead her straight into the arms of Death.

With her life dangling by a strand of yarn, Malaika is left with an to accept her destiny and Death’s gripping hold, or to map out her own future and redefine the role Death itself.

In this installment of The Story Collector’s Almanac, join Malaika as she remaps not only her destiny, but that of the Council of Mist Keepers found in The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice.

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2023

About the author

E.S. Barrison has been writing and creating stories for as long as she can remember. After graduating from the University of Florida, she has spent the past few years wrangling her experiences to compose unique worlds with diverse characters. Currently, E.S. lives in Orlando, Florida with her family. The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice is her first novel.

Reviews

[Alyssa Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book. Definitely fit for young kids to read and dream of flying dragons, and adventures. This book is suited for all ages and had the characters seeking their own adventures.

[Rosalie Slocum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun adventure within the world of the Life & Death Cycle! Malaika wasn’t mentioned too much in the first three books of the Life & Death Cycle, but I’m pretty sure she’s my favorite mist keeper now? (Sorry Brent!) she plays by her own rules and does things on her own terms which is so admirable when Ningursu has such a grip on everyone else. She didn’t even need anyone to teach her!!! You go girl!!!! Anyway, this was a really fun read! The end was exciting with how it gave some insight on how Malaika and Syzman were acquainted in Alojzy’s story and all that, but I won’t give any spoilers for those who may not have read that yet! 10/10

[L.J. Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd like to thank the author for providing me an ARC of this book to review.

This was a really great short read jam packed with details, twists and turns. It answered some questions in the main series, and I really loved the aro/ace representation in the book which is something we need more of.

Malaika's story was quite sad. She didn't have it easy and I was glad that despite her challenges, she pushed through. It definitely presented her in a different light than what we're used to.

I would have liked more dragons but I'm not complaining. I tore through this in one sitting and highly recommend people check out this epic series.

[Jessica Ogram · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved seeing Malaika find her sense of self and freedom. She was such an enjoyable character to read about and her map skill was very unique and fun. The writing was fast paced so I read it in one sitting which is always a bonus. This whole world is so interesting to me and I will definitely be reading more in the future. Many thanks to the Author for sending me a copy and allowing me to discover her wonderful world.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had Malika's power to create maps like this! 😀 For me, her independent spirit, creativity, and her true desire to help others make her the coolest Mist Keeper yet.

I'm looking forward to the next installment of the Storyteller's Almanac.

[aspeccharactersoftheday]

https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
Malaika from Mapping the Mist is aromantic asexual!