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THE STRANGELING, a fantasy romance

Available in print from and digital download from:
Kindle (US)
Kindle (UK)
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In an ancient, magical world Maerose of Riversbend is a valuable prize, for she is a young maiden gifted with fae, magical blood. She senses the dark night of Samhain—five moons away—will bring untold change. As the fateful night approaches she’s first kidnapped by a rogue who means her harm, then rescued by a mysterious and handsome stranger by the name of Bron.

Locked in their battle for supremacy, Maerose discovers she’s the physical key capable of undoing a hundred-year-old curse threatening their land. It’s through her dormant power they can drive back the evil spirits about to rise from the dead. Seduction and magic surround Maerose, and she must pledge her true love to a gifted maji on the dark night of Samhain at the very gates of the underworld. Only true love will unleash her fae power, but who will be the one to win her heart—Bron, or Veldor?

"THE STRANGELING is the sort of story that haunts the reader long after the last page is turned. Saskia Walker has a true gem with this superb fantasy novel coupled with all the elements to make a great paranormal romance as well. This reviewer will definitely be keeping an eye out for further fantasy novels from this fabulous author!" Debbie, for CK2s Kwips and Kritiques.

"Saskia Walker’s thrilling fantasy romance, The Strangeling, is a passionate, erotically-charged novel about destiny and its many manifestations. Walker’s world is one of magic, wonder, peril and passion that will ensnare a reader with its dark enchantments." Cheryl Jeffries, for Heartstrings reviews.

"Fantasy fiction fans who also love a steamy romance will flock to The Strangeling, an erotically charged story about a beautiful woman with the power to defeat the armies of the underworld….titillating and highly descriptive fantasy story that offers up truly erotic sex scenes blended with nature magic and ancient wisdom. Author Saskia Walker succeeds at weaving powerful imagery with delicious romance." Marie, for Curled up With a Good Book

"At it’s heart, STRANGELING shows how believing in ourselves and taking a chance really can pay off.…If you are looking for a straight Romance, you’ll be very disappointed in THE STRANGELING. However, if you want a very well written, Erotic Fantasy, this books for you. I know I sure enjoyed it, and hope you will too." Dee and Dee Dish

“The Strangeling reads like a fairytale. A dark, sensual fairytale. It’s the kind of book you want to read curled up by the fireplace in winter, perhaps with a nice cup of hot chocolate in your hand.” Milady Insanity

EXCERPT:

The atmosphere across the land was filled with nervous anticipation. Bron sensed it the moment he made contact with the outside world through the visior pool. The whole of Edren was troubled, as if under a dark, foreboding cloud, and it was growing all the time. News traveled from village to village about Maerose’s disappearance, about the movement and action within the elders. They spoke in hushed tones about the ancient curse coming to pass. More than that, the very land itself shivered in anticipation, for the underworld stirred. He stood up and paced back and forth silently, watching Maerose as she leaned over the pool to view the images of her family and friends.

Her hair fell over her shoulders, tumbling down her back. He stroked it with his gaze, longing to hold her again. Her lips parted as she looked at her family, her eyes bright with wonder and withheld tears. He wanted to kiss the tears away and crush her mouth with his. Instead, he tore his gaze away, drawing his resources together in order to move their lessons on. At this time on the morrow, they would be at The Strangeling. There was much to do and talk about. The sands of time slipped through the hourglass; the moment of their departure would be upon them soon.

He took a moment to cast a watchful presence up and scent out the surrounding countryside, circling the enclave, his vision far above them, taking in what movement there was beyond the divide. The more predatory birds still circled, but the foreboding in the atmosphere had driven most of the smaller creatures to their burrows. A hungry wolf scouted for the pack that followed his trail. Skirting the forest, the need that had driven them out in daylight hours weighed heavy in the wolf’s wake: hunger, awareness of the changing atmosphere. Bron observed and then beckoned the scout, drawing him closer with a scent trail. The wolf paused, lifted his head, and turned in their direction.

A tremor ran across the skies as he turned back to Maerose. She lifted her head, her expression changing. She looked at him for explanation.

“You feel it?”

She nodded and stood, walking over to him, her upturned face expressing resolve, a depth of acceptance that he had not seen in her before.

He reached out to touch her face. “The demon lords of the underworld stir, stretching their limbs. In the forest the small creatures take shelter and hide. Others sense the danger and hunt for food. They sense the darkness that comes.”

She crept closer to him, her body against his. What if she couldn’t shelter with him? He needed to know. Her instincts were true and pure, but was she strong enough to act alone, if necessary? He lifted her chin and assessed the emotions he found in her. “It isn’t easy to be brave, in the face of complete darkness and evil. Death...”

She returned his gaze, steadfast. “If you are by my side, I am prepared to face it. I’ve thought about everything you’ve said and I will be ready. I would give my own life, for the sake of the village, for Edren. For those I love.” Her expression was earnest and she searched his eyes for his acknowledgment of her vow.

“You would forsake your own safety to win this battle, and trust me to lead you, no matter what?”

“You know it already.” Her eyes shone, and deep within her the spirit of summer was growing; the gift that she carried made real by their passion. Maerose from Riversbend was a woman now, a woman who carried a wealth of female power, as yet untapped.

He nodded, for he felt her soul rise to join his. In her heart he found the unspoken acknowledgement of their union in fate. Energy flared between them as they joined in purpose, in passion.

She reached to touch his lips with her fingers. “You are my master, Bron. Show me the way.”

He captured her wrists in his hands, his will to have her growing fierce. Drawing her closer, he watched her lips parting with anticipation. She was so soft in his arms, yet so ripe and full of vital, life-giving elixir. He drew her hands behind her back and reached for her lips, his mouth bruising hers. She struggled against him, her body warm against his. Supple. As darkness shifted in the land around them, his need to brand her as his own took over.

“My master,” she whispered again, breathless. As he looked down at her she dropped to her knees before him, her hands trailing over his body, her touch making his blood roar. She was full of incandescent heat. “The power to make magic and change things is yours, Bron.” She looked up at him, her face flushed with arousal. “I am your handmaiden in this,” she whispered.

“We are joined now,” he breathed, barely able to speak with her touching him so bravely. “We are as one now, in this and in all things.”

Want to know where the inspiration for this novella came from? I posted about it on The Idea Boutique. Click HERE to read the post.