First Snow Series
How It All Began...
This entire series stemmed from a single quote by J.B. Priestley, that I spotted in a magazine...however, I'm still awaiting updated permission to use it, so you'll have to try and figure it out for yourself!
But here's a clue: It includes the words 'first snow.' I'm a huge fan of C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia and always wanted to write a two-world fantasy story, so this quote sparked an idea, then another, then another, until I had characters and countries, and worlds.
Quest (First Snow book 1)
Jemma Alder doesn’t do the outdoors. Her books might get wet. At seventeen, she’s endured more than her fair share of tragedy, and her future is uncertain, but she has her friends, her good grades, her part time job, and her devastatingly romantic daydreams set to sweeping cinematic music - even her loathsome step-father, Lord Robert Clayworth, has treated her tolerably since ‘The Change’ last Christmas.
Then, Jemma’s familiar life deviates. Her best friend falls ill with a mysterious virus; social Queen Bee, Veronika Mason, reels Jemma into her clique; and her crush, Aaron Norling, takes an unexpected interest in her social life.
But even Jemma’s wild imagination couldn’t have foreseen how these events would catapult her into another world, nor dulled the shock of finding Aaron part of the Otherworld family who take her in. Before she can make sense of what’s happened, Jemma’s worst nightmares come true and she’s coerced into joining a team of five other teens on an expedition into the wilderness. But troubles are simmering in this land. The family are keeping secrets and the tribal system is not what it seems.
Soon, a challenging quest becomes a deadly game for survival, as it seems someone does not want the team to return, let alone succeed.
Search (First Snow book 2)
Just weeks after their return from the Quest, Aaron's secret is out. The ensuing trial could separate Aaron and Jemma from all they hold dear, but a twist in the proceedings forces Aaron to take drastic action.
With Aaron missing, possibly captured by the Vitalians, Jemma has no choice but to make an epic sea voyage to save him...and hopefully the missing fathers, too. With a small team, she journeys to Novitalia and up to the capital, where they discover more than just their enslaved loved ones.
Meanwhile, Hendrik's power is growing.