FALLEN DEATH
Hurt. Maim. Kill.
An explosive, volatile demon lives inside Sarid.
The monster seeks murder and destruction. The man seeks peace; or a silence that can only be found in death.
Until he meets her.
But his secret could ruin everything.
Trust her instincts.
Asjhone will do anything to keep her son safe. She conceals her terror during the day, but when the sun goes down, it’s locks, chains, and nightmares.
Until she meets him.
Sarid is everything she’s dreamed of. He adores her son, is kind, and would never hurt her.
But her secret could ruin everything.
Life is made up of choices.
Lose his life or lose his love? Run from her past or stand up and fight?
They must confront their pasts together, and fight for their future against a demon determined to win.
“Your turn, what do you do?” Asjhone said.
“I . . . work in security,” Sarid answered.
“Security? I thought you were a college professor or maybe worked at a museum.” At his puzzled expression, she continued. “The pastor said you were a historian.”
“Ah. Well, no. I’m not a teacher.”
“Security, huh?” She studied him.
Every spot her gaze touched, his body warmed. Face. Chest. Shoulders. Arms.
“I can see that. For a company?”
“A private company.”
“Do you like it?”
“It’s what I’m good at.”
An eyebrow lifted. “That doesn’t really answer the question.”
His lips turned up at the corners before quickly falling. “My job gives me a sense of purpose. The sense that maybe I’m doing good in the world. Sometimes, also, a feeling that I am worthy.”
Her expression softened. She reached across the table, stopped inches from his hand. “Worthy of what?”
He wanted to close that distance. Mesmerized by her stare and closeness, he answered truthfully. “Life.”
She inhaled sharply and her gaze immediately swung to Keandre. Sarid’s did, too. Keandre was watching them, forehead scrunched.
Sarid’s hand tightened on the fork, so hard he felt it bend. He lowered his head and with careful movements, set the utensil on the table. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”
Then her hand was covering his, squeezing gently. “No. It’s—”
“My dad was a Marine.”
Asjhone startled, then, “Keandre, interrupting is rude.”
“Sorry.” The boy’s gaze didn’t move from Sarid. “He won a medal. He died serving the country. He’s a hero. That’s what the medal says. Isn’t that right, Mom?”
“Keandre!” Asjhone whispered sharply. “Now isn’t the time.”
“Your dad sounded like a brave man,” Sarid said quietly.
Keandre stared at him with suspicion. “Do you like camping?”
“I used to sleep outside with the stars above as my nightlight.”
The boy’s eyes widened. “Without a tent?”
“Yes. Hunted for my own food, too. Cooked it over a fire.”
“Wow.” Then he snapped his mouth shut, narrowed his eyes. “What about basketball?”
“I play with my brothers sometimes.”
“I play with Devan. And sometimes Devan’s dad plays, too. Me and Devan team up against him. Last time we won.” He beamed.
“You must be a very good player.”
“I am.” Keandre scratched his chin, then, “I want a dog.”
“Dogs are loyal. I could never have a pet, but if I did I think I’d want a dog.”
“I know, me, too. I mean, I have fish.” He rolled his eyes. “But they don’t do anything. A dog can play fetch and run outside and sleep in your bed. Devan has a dog. It’s super cool. When he goes camping with his dad, they take the dog. His name’s Trevor. When I get a dog, I’m going to name him Ben.”
Sarid blinked. “Ben’s a good name for a dog.”
“Yeah, I think so, too. Mom says we can’t get a dog because we live in an apartment. But Devan has a dog and when he has to go outside, they just put him on a leash and walk him out. I’ve done that before with Devan. It’s not hard at all. I could totally do it. Don’t you think I could do it?”
Sarid glanced at Asjhone. A myriad of emotions flashed across her face. She either wanted to laugh, get angry, or cry. “How about we clear the table and then you can show me the hero super masher in your room?”
“Okay,” Keandre laughed. “But it’s Super Hero Masher.” He picked up his half-eaten pie and almost empty glass and ran into the kitchen.
A fantastic read By DMBaca
I loved this book. RB Austin is a master story teller. This story pulls you in and doesn't let go until the end. The characters are well developed and well written. I can't wait to read the others in the series by this author.
Hurt, Maim, Kill.... Can you imagine dealing with an evil presence within yourself every minute of the day? By Rebecca
Fallen Death is my favorite of the Fallen books by RB Austin....so far!
I love reading books involving inner conflict, strong characters, and good vs. evil. This story has all that and more.
Hurt, Maim, Kill.... Can you imagine dealing with an evil presence within yourself every minute of the day, let alone controlling it to keep innocent people safe? I'm not talking about a bully....this evil Other will literally rip a heart out and slice it up for dessert....women, children, co workers...no one is safe.
Sarid's soul is meshed together with this evil soul who surfaces like the Incredible Hulk. The Other speaks to Sarid and sometimes all hell breaks loose.
Asjhone's character is strong, silent about her past, and very protective of her son. She is unaware of the paranormal world she is about to be thrown into and huge, scaly, dragon-monsters are not nearly as scary as her estranged husband.
When I read Austin's first two books, I was really nervous when the characters I cared about stood even close Sarid...would he be in control or would the Other within him break free? To read a book from Sarid's perspective was amazing. I hated the demon, loved the demon, and now can't wait to see what Austin will write next.
I recommend Fallen Death to Paranormal-Suspense-Thriller readers who enjoy reading a bit of steamy romance. Nice combo!
RB Austin enjoys torturing dogs (dressing her Cairn terrier in knitted sweaters and booties), embarrassing her daughter (singing in the car . . . at the top of her lungs . . . with the windows open . . . at a stop light), and indulging in the second deadliest sin (chocolate, Swedish fish, chocolate, sour patch watermelons, and chocolate).
This author’s love of the sun puts in her in the more-than-likely-not-a-vampire category, unless you’re referring to the bloodsuckers in her Trihune series, then all bets are off.
Feeling stalkerish? Visit her website, and learn where she hangs out on the Interwebs.
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