Warchild: Pawn

by Ernie Lindsey

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) Entry - this eBook is a sample of the first 3,000-5,000 words; it is not the full book. The ABNA contest is operated on Amazon.com only. Visit this entry on Amazon.com to leave customer feedback. To vote for the Grand Prize winner starting July 8, visit www.amazon.com/ABNA. Nobody asks to be chosen. The world ended long before Caroline Mathers was born, but that doesn't mean life stops for the fourteen-year-old army scout for the People's Republic of Virginia. Abandoned by her parents, raised by her grandfather, she slinks through the forests surrounding her decrepit encampment, monitoring the woods for nomadic bands of criminals known as Republicons, all while keeping a watchful eye on her northern enemies from the Democratic Alliance. It's a hard life, but a simple one, at least until the day Caroline hears the sound that everyone distant drums echoing throughout their quiet valley, pounding to the beat of the war rhythm. With some help from two unlikely allies, Caroline leads her people in a breathtaking retreat, praying they'll find salvation in their capitol city. Along the way, Caroline begins a noticeable transformation; she can run and jump with superhuman strength, she can bend time and catch bullets with her bare hands. Terrified of what's happening to her, seven puzzling words from her grandfather may hold a "She gave you strength for a reason." Will her haunting dreams reveal a look into the mystery of her past? The first book of the Warchild series is a powerful, coming of age, dystopian thriller full of fast-paced action, tragic choices, and the undeniable strength of the human bond.

15 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2014

About the author

Ernie Lindsey grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia, working on the family farm and reading, and has spent his life telling stories to anyone that will listen. He currently works as a freelance writer and is the author of five Mystery & Suspense novels and numerous short stories. When he's not writing, you can find him tackling the gigantic To Be Read list on his Kindle or the never-ending stack of books in his office.

Ernie and his family live in Oregon, along with a multi-fingered Hemingway cat named Luna.

Head over to Ernie's site where you can pick up some free Kindle books. Join him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ErnieLindseyFiction.

Reviews

[caught between pages and reality · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in and ripped out my heart early on but I couldn't put it down, the details and descriptions about the surroundings and characters help you easily believe you are there. You quickly understand what happened in the past to make the post apocalyptic world the way it is, which I think is a fact many authors forget and can leave you confused about what's going on.

There is a good amount of fighting scenes, action and gore but not any sex sceens. There was a good dose of innocent romance. Many of the characters are strong and independent but quite innocent, having very little clue about what is going on in the world.

This book kept me wanting more and had some twists and turns I didn't see happening and had me questioning everything.

Definitely worth a read and I’m definitely getting the next books in the series

[Chris Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story, good beginnings but more a long chapter than a full book