The Chasm
by
Branwen OShea
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GENRE: YA Science Fiction/Fantasy
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BLURB:
They thought the biggest problem they faced was each other.
After Bleu, Rana, and their new friends narrowly prevent war between the star beings and humans, they hope the upcoming negotiation will secure the peace. Newly emerged from their subterranean haven, the Northern Haven humans are clearly not suited to Earth’s ice age, and require assistance from the enlightened star beings to survive long term on the Surface. But Commander Savas doesn’t trust the suspiciously kind star beings and their unexplainable abilities. When both sides reluctantly negotiate a joint mission to find the other Havens, Bleu must somehow cooperate with the manipulative commander to keep his friends safe.
As their team confronts unexpected dangers, Bleu and his teammates begin to suspect the star beings don’t know as much about the Surface as they claimed, while Rana is torn between remaining true to her nonviolent ways or becoming more human to survive. When an unnatural predator attacks, even the nearly all-knowing Kalakanya can’t explain it. Now the team must pull together or their new discovery will pull them apart, limb by limb.
Excerpt Three:
Savas grinned. “Think of it as research. They’re a new species. You’re doing field observation.”
“I don’t think she eats at all.” Atsushi frowned. “None of the Crowned Ones seem to. They go to the gathering hall to socialize.”
“You do realize that’s impossible, right? They’re alive. They need an energy source.”
“Kalakanya said she eats air or something.”
Savas snorted. “Well, be curious. Ask Kahali when you’re alone. Later, ask the others. We’ll compare answers.”
Atsushi grimaced. “They’ll know what I’m thinking. I don’t want to upset them.”
“No, you don’t.” If he had another Medicci device to block mindreading, he’d offer it to him. There must be something the boy could do to stay safe. A tiny, guilty voice rose within him at exposing the boy to the dangers of mind-control. No kid should go through that.
“What if you keep that chant Kahali taught you running in your head? Maybe then they won’t catch on?”
“Maybe.” Atsushi was silent. “I’m supposed to be chanting that all the time, but I’m horrid at remembering.”
“Then work on that.”
Atsushi nodded and then glanced toward the fire, where the star beings suddenly sang more loudly. “You still don’t trust them, do you?”
“No, I don’t.”
“But why? They’re so nice.”
“There used to be a fish that lived in the depths of the ocean. It evolved a beautiful light that shone magnificently in the darkness. Other fish would swim close, mesmerized by the beauty, feeling completely safe. And then the light-bearing fish would tear them to pieces.”
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
As a young girl, Branwen wanted to become an ambassador for aliens. Since the aliens never hired her, she now writes about them.
Branwen OShea has a Bachelors in Biology from Colgate University, a Bachelors in Psychology, and a Masters in Social Work. She lives in Connecticut with her family and a menagerie of pets, and enjoys hiking, meditating, and star-gazing. Her published works include Silence of the Song Trees, The Calling, The Cords That Bind, and The Chasm.
Website: http://www.branwenoshea.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/branwenoshea
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/branwenoshea
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/branwenoshea
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/branwenoshea
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/branwenoshea
The Chasm (Book 2) on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFPHQVN
The Calling (Book 1) on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735915998
The Cords That Bind (Book 1.1) on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CSK4813
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GUEST POST
Finding Humanity: A YA Series inspired by Nonviolence
Branwen OShea
Violence is not strength.
Vulnerability is not weakness.
Most people dislike violence and don’t want to be surrounded by it, yet if we look around it’s everywhere.
From simple phrases like, “It hit me that…” “It struck me how…” to contact sports (football, wrestling, boxing, hockey) to fun toys like squirt guns.
Even in a country where the government was specifically established to protect its citizens, people believe they need guns in case their government goes awry.
Restraint, punishment, and death are viewed as the best ways to handle criminal behaviors.
When stressed we take a shot of whiskey, and to prevent illness we get a shot from the doctor.
Arms races between nations is viewed as a logical outcome of increasing weaponry and technology.
We use violence as a way of demonstrating intelligence and strength. Heroes carry huge guns or possess terrifying powers to fight back against villains. If someone is attacked, they are judged as weak for not violently defending themselves. Words of violence permeate our world.
What if they didn’t? What if there was another way of doing things, another, new way to speak without using violent words? Can we imagine them?
When I first received the idea for my series, Finding Humanity, I was concerned that it was unwritable, or rather, I could write it but who would want to read a story where nonviolence repeatedly faces violence? It seemed like it would be depressing, hopeless, and futile. I got stuck on scenes, unable to find a realistic way for my characters to survive. It seemed impossible to survive in a world of predators and armed enemies without having my nonviolent characters resort to such violence themselves. The funniest example of this is when my three heroes had to break someone out of a guarded prison with only a blanket to help them. It seemed impossible, and I thought I’d written myself into a corner. Weeks went by without a solution. Then I realized the power of vulnerability.
I won’t say more than that (spoilers and all), but my point is that until we look for new ways of doing things, we won’t find them. We’ll continue with the violence, and personally, I’m sick of it. If you are as well, consider paying attention to the presence of violent words in our lives. Try rephrasing things. Consider how often we participate in win/lose situations and try switching a few to win/win situations. It’s not easy, but I believe the rewards are worth it. If you do try this, and have any interesting results, please let me know. And if you’d enjoy an adventure where nonviolent heroes and heroines try to survive in a violent future ice age, check out my series.
GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE
Branwen OShea will be awarding $30 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
<a href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4254“>Enter to win a $30 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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