Ephemeral and Fleeting Read online

  EPHEMERAL AND FLEETING

  PATRICIA REDING

  Copyright © 2017 by Patricia Reding

  Ephemeral and Fleeting

  By Patricia Reding

  All rights reserved solely by the author. The copying, scanning, uploading and/or electronic sharing of this book without the author’s permission is unlawful. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.

  Print version:

  ISBN-13: 978-0-9982767-4-8

  E-book version:

  ISBN-13: 978-0-9982767-5-5

  www.PatriciaReding.com

  Cover art by PhatPuppy Art Studios at www.PhatPuppyArt.com

  Cover model: Mybelin Hernandez

  Font by The Font Diva at www.Facebook.com/TheFontDiva

  Formatting by Polgarus Studio at www.polgarusstudio.com

  PRAISE FOR THE MULTI-AWARD-WINNING

  OATHTAKER: The Oathtaker Series, Volume One

  A Literary Classics International Gold Medal Winner

  A Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Winner

  A Beverly Hills International Book Award Finalist

  Oathtaker, the first book in a series by Patricia Reding, is [a] refreshingly unique novel . . . of epic proportions in which ancient prophecies are revealed and good wages war upon evil. This highly engaging book boasts a robust plot paired with a healthy share of life and death struggles and a delightful love story woven throughout. In this adventure-filled tale, Reding incorporates devious characters and charming heroes . . . Each . . . is distinctive, believable and well developed. We loved the story, the flow, the excitement, and can’t wait for the next book in what promises to be a great series.

  –Literary Classics

  Reding has created a wonderful tale of love, devotion and desperation . . . With tremendous depth and creativity, Oathtaker becomes real and the emotions and trials of the characters are felt stronger and deeper as the story proceeds . . . A story of courage worthy of the designation of a classic.

  –Melinda Hills for Readers’ Favorite

  An excellent book holds you captive . . . it is impossible to lay . . . down. It draws you in . . . until you become one with the main character. Oathtaker is such a book. From the first page, Oathtaker . . . promises to take the reader on an epic journey that [she] will long remember . . . [Reding] writes with the talent of a seasoned author . . . yet her plot is refreshing in a world of stale ideas. In the words of Oliver Twist: “More please!”

  –Anne Boling for Readers’ Favorite

  Oathtaker is a complex and thrilling story that will mesmerize readers and stir the imagination with untold depths of intrigue, loyalty, excitement and resolve. Teens and adults will be spellbound by the lovable and evil characters and they will want to jump right into the pages . . .

  –Karen Pirnot for Readers’ Favorite

  The author follows her own admonition to “always aim high.”

  –Jean Hall for Readers’ Favorite

  Oathtaker . . . is a book about courage, loss, decisions, friendship, love, and adventure . . . It’s the kind of book that draws you in and makes you care about the characters and the world they are living in.

  –Kim Anisi for Readers’ Favorite

  Oathtaker . . . draws you in from the beginning and, while there’s tons of action, Reding doesn’t let that get in the way of character growth . . . A great read for anyone looking for good, clean fantasy.

  –Kayti Nika Raet for Readers’ Favorite

  Oathtaker is an impeccable read. The prose is flawless with a well-thought plot . . . I intend to follow this exciting series . . .

  –Lit Amri for Readers’ Favorite

  Reding does not seem like a fantasy writer immersed in the legend and lore of all the books . . . that came before her. Rather, she seems to be using the possibilities of fantasy as a metaphor for the deepest quest of all: a human being in search of herself . . . Reding unfolds a world full of mystery, majesty, yet simple humanity . . . [She] parts the mists and introduces us to a flesh and blood human being . . . who anyone could immediately identify with . . . [Reding’s] prime concern is to tell a gripping human story . . .

  –Joshua Grasso, Associate Professor of English Literature

  From the very beginning I was pulled into this story. The author writes with clarity and creativity. She successfully created characters with such great depth that the issues of commitment, honor and integrity were skillfully woven throughout the story. I loved the fantasy world I found myself immersed in, and the thrilling ride that the characters took me on. This was a great read! I will definitely look for more books from this author.

  –Lori Stevic-Rust, a Goodreads author

  When you pick up this book be prepared to fall in love with Mara as she battles her way through the maze of evil and magic . . . This story contains adventure, intrigue, battles to the death and, of course, love . . . Reding is truly a gifted storyteller. This is not a book to miss. I am anxiously waiting . . . Select the next book in this series.

  –Mary A. Adair, a Readers’ Favorite 5-star author

  This is a wonderful adventure filled with believable characters, plenty of twists, and an enthralling storyline. This is a fantastic book for a new author and I would read more in this series. Highly recommended to fans of fantasy fiction.

  –E.B. Brown, a Goodreads author

  Reding has skillfully woven the many and varied threads of this fantasy . . . into a very satisfying epic adventure . . . The characters are extremely well-drawn and memorable . . . Oathtaker is fab!

  –Kate Larkinson, a Literary Classics award-winning author

  I . . . discovered a wordsmith of impeccable talent, and I invite other readers to make the same discovery . . . Read Oathtaker. I heartily recommend it . . .

  –Steven Wilson, a Literary Classics award-winning author

  I have never been able to get into a fantasy book before BUT . . . Reding opened by eyes to a brand new world! I found myself falling in love with the characters . . . I spent so many late nights reading because I couldn’t put my Kindle down . . . I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. To me it goes on my top 10 books of the year!

  –Anne

  Oathtaker is a beautiful and fantastic epic adventure filled with all the things I love most—a captivating storyline, edge-of-your-seat suspense, thought-provoking characters, and never-ending twists and turns . . . Reding has created a wonderfully enjoyable story filled with a spectacular array of characters that are so rich and vivid that you will wonder if you can still hear them talking to you even after you have finished reading this book . . . Reding is a marvelous new author that you simply have to discover for yourself!

  –Amber

  What an awesome story. Best fantasy I’ve read in ages . . . It’s a masterful work . . . There is a world created . . . that makes me want more . . . This book makes me want to read the next one, and the one after that, and so on and so on . . . I wanted a saga, a story I could sink into and read for hours and not put down. I got exactly that. The plot was superbly executed, very detailed and an adventure at every page turn. Be prepared to put down every other book you own when you pick this one up.

  –Naomi

  Fantasy is not a genre that I usually read, but I think Oathtaker may have changed that . . . Also, I just wanted to say, Mara and Dixon are adorable. I cried at some points . . . I’ve decided to call them Mixon.

  –Kenna

  An Epic book deserves an Epic review! . . . Reding weaves this story that just sucks you in. Two thumbs up . . . two very big thumbs up!

  –Kel

  Oathtaker kept me busy at nights under my blankets with a light, in the car, and pretty much everywhere else I
could smuggle a book. I would definitely recommend this book . . . and I can’t wait until Select comes out . . . I almost cried when the story came to an end . . .

  –Kerrisa

  Oathtaker . . . immediately grabbed my attention and pulled me into its alternate world. I became intrigued by the characters, their history and the land they inhabited . . . I felt personally invested in the story . . . Battles between good and evil, the struggle to meet a challenge you never imagined you could face, not backing away from an oath no matter what the sacrifice – being there, side-by-side with the characters in Oathtaker, I came away feeling challenged and emboldened in my own life.

  –Sharon

  A beautifully crafted epic fantasy adventure . . . masterfully written prose . . . I would definitely recommend this one . . .

  –Kerry

  It’s time for me to lose the notion that I don’t care for fantasy novels . . . I recently tore through . . . Reding’s Oathtaker. It is a perfectly paced story . . . I thought about the characters when I wasn’t reading and couldn’t wait to get back to them . . . The plot kept me reading longer and later at night than I normally can stay awake for . . . The best thing about Oathtaker is that there’s more! It’s the first in a series . . . I look forward to the next book . . . I guess I really am a reader of fantasy.

  –Tammy

  A satisfying glow accompanies the final chapter of Oathtaker and leaves me begging for more with the same excitement that comes with receiving a . . . present. A new kind of magic laces this book, not with typical wands and wizards, but a . . . magic that is as unique as the characters that sit in the pages. My heart aches that they are not sitting at my kitchen table sharing stories . . . Reding truly earns herself her first Readers’ Favorite Award with Oathtaker . . . impossible to put down . . . I give Oathtaker five stars and beg for sequels, prequels and spin offs!

  –Annie

  I couldn’t stand it anymore and had to read the last 120 pages in one night. I laughed, cried, and even yelled . . . a few times. I’d call Oathtaker a magnificent adventure story that lures you in from the very beginning . . . I loved this book so much I gave it to . . . teachers, friends, and family members . . .

  –Deanna

  I am in awe of the author’s descriptive, clever and imaginative writing . . .

  –Charlene

  What an awesome storyline! This novel can be enjoyed by a broad range of readers, including the younger . . . This . . . is definitely a “5 star.” I am anxiously awaiting [Select] . . .

  –Jean

  This book is fantastic and beautifully written! I love everything about it . . .

  –Brianna

  I felt like I was transported to another realm. I . . . am looking forward to reading her next book as well. I would definitely recommend this . . . to others . . .

  –Deb

  I loved this book . . . I . . . enjoy it when an author puts her heart and soul into a story that compels you to turn the page . . . I can’t wait for the next . . .

  –Raymond

  I highly recommend [Oathtaker] and am looking forward to reading the next books in the series!!!

  –Linda Ellison

  I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to stay up all night, as it’s difficult to put down.

  –Tammy H.

  I found Oathtaker to be refreshing. From the very beginning it had me holding my breath and anxious to read what would happen next. The spiritual analogies are sometimes subtle, but powerful.

  –Julie Pruett

  This book is for all ages . . . I am sure mine will be passed on in the very near future.

  –Barb Donohue

  Oathtaker is a riveting, wonderful fantasy . . . that sucks you in from the very first chapter. There are many things that contribute to this book being extraordinary. The characters . . . the plot, the setting, and the way it is written. You know you are reading a wonderfully written novel when you can visually picture yourself in the world that is being written about . . .

  –Lindsey Potter

  PRAISE FOR THE MULTI-AWARD-WINNING

  SELECT: The Oathtaker Series, Volume Two

  A Literary Classics International Silver Medal Winner

  A Readers’ Favorite International Finalist Award Winner

  Author Patricia Reding thrills and delights readers with elements of excitement and adventure in a world where magic abounds . . . In a tale that flows effortlessly, this delightful story is a most enjoyable read, which spurs the imagination and makes one’s heart race with anticipation . . . What an astounding read! The first book was terrific, the second is marvelous; we wait with great anticipation for the next offering in this dynamic series.

  –Literary Classics

  I so, so enjoyed Select . . . Reding has done an absolutely breathtaking job in creating a world that is both fantastic and somehow realistic . . . Reding’s character development skills are simply second to none. Her readers will be able to connect with, relate to, and care about these characters, and will think about them long after the last page has been read. I am so glad that this book is one of a series because I can’t wait to read more from this world . . . Any reader who loves a great work of fantasy, young adult or not, would enjoy this book . . .

  –Tracy A. Fischer for Readers’ Favorite

  Reding’s Select is a quest to find what you are made of. It is not just a journey of one, but the pursuit of many . . . Reding’s character development is brilliant. Mara’s amnesia . . . was a stroke of genius . . . The story ends . . . leaving you in awe of what will happen next . . .

  –Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers’ Favorite

  Not having read book one, I found the summary [of it at the back of book two] superbly useful . . . I was able to jump right in with the adventure and immerse myself in the phenomenally detailed world that . . . Reding has created. I found all of the characters deep and well-developed . . . [By] its end I did not want to leave the world I was in . . . Overall, I’d highly recommend this novel to serious readers of the fantasy genre.

  –K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

  Reding has done it again . . . Though Select is set . . . years after the first, it loses none of the intrigue . . . Reding shines in her world-building and her interesting and dynamic characters . . . Select . . . is a great sequel and I’m looking forward to more from this author.

  –Kayti Nika Raet for Readers’ Favorite

  An excellent story . . . well worth reading. Another winner! I love it and can’t wait for more!

  –Melinda Hills for Readers’ Favorite

  Select . . . was just as well written as the first book in the series and I enjoyed every single page. Once more, the characters immediately grab you . . . and the world pulls you in . . . The flow of the plot is close to perfect and the settings and scenes are beautifully described in a language that uses neither too little nor too much of anything.

  –Kim Anisi for Readers’ Favorite

  Having met the . . . characters in Oathtaker, I couldn’t resist finding out what happens to them . . . I was suitably rewarded with a gripping tale that masterfully expands on the storylines and characters of the first book, while introducing new characters and storylines that fit superbly with those I had already encountered. There is also a very helpful synopsis of Oathtaker [Volume One] provided for anyone who might want to refresh [his or her] memory. I am now looking forward to the third book . . .

  –K. Larkinson, a Literary Classics Award-winning Author

  Select is a masterful continuation of a truly breathtaking and inspiring journey into a magnificent world that blends mystery and magic with undeniable truth and unfailing love . . . This is an epic adventure that you will not want to miss . . . Reding has proven without a doubt that she has been gifted an absolutely extraordinary talent . . . Her words will instantly transport you to a world beyond your imagination that will challenge your senses, your mind, and above all, your heart . . . This is a story that needs to be declared from
the rooftops and the highest mountains . . .

  –Amber M.

  This book has everything I was looking for . . . fantasy, mystery, love. I recommend this book, and if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would!

  –Anne Gooch

  After reading the first book in the fantasy series, Oathtaker, I could not wait for [the] second book . . . Somehow, book two was just as [much] of a page-turner for me. [Reding] has the gift of making the reader feel the emotions of each character. I found myself unable to put the book down because I NEEDED to know what was going to happen next.

  –Tammy H.

  I couldn’t wait to read the sequel to Oathtaker, and Select did not disappoint! Both books grab you and pull you into a world that you don’t want to leave . . . Reding has created characters with traits, strengths and weaknesses, who are real . . . [T]hey can’t help but become a part of your life. Select is beautifully written, creative, engaging, and although easy to read, contains a depth . . . that is surprising, pleasing, and intellectually challenging.

  –Sharon Poland

  This is the number one book and series to read for the year! . . . The many characters keep the story alive with anticipation of what actions and decisions they will make next . . . The author has created a world that feels real . . . The underlying themes of love and faith add dimension . . . as evil is battled . . . I have recommended and shared this book with others and everyone rates it 5-stars.