Adaline and the Sphere: The Omen of the Strix

Book 2: The Sphere Chronicles - Young Adult Dystopian Portal Fantasy Series

by Beady Vries

Genres: YA Dystopian

Synopsis

A roller coaster ride of a young adult fantasy, inspired by the tragic medieval love story of Ines de Castro and King Pedro, with murder, spice, mystery and a world of fantastical human-like creatures and beasts.


The pale, tall man cradles the unconscious woman in his arms as he marches through the crowded royal court. His purposeful, silent action carves a direct path through the courtiers towards the jewel-encrusted throne, elevated on a velvet-covered dais. A hush ripples through the great hall; the air heavy with confusion and concern. No one stops the blonde-haired man, but Queen Adaline stands in recognition, then gasps in horror, before crumbling to the floor like a puppet whose strings are cut. Ladies-in-waiting rush to her aid, while the pale man places the woman in his arms on to the now-empty throne, but she sags, she droops, her arms hang loose and catch on the throne arms as though she is drugged. Whispers spread like fire... her skin... almost green...

'I present - your Queen!' announces the pale, tall man, his wild eyes surveying the room urgently. 'Her coronation must take place...now!'

Silence.

The loyal Oddshot approaches his master, and gently rests his hands on the man's midnight-blue taffeta tailcoat, feeling his ancient body shake beneath his clothing.

'Dear Letholdus, she... is dead,' he mutters.

The pale man's eyelid flickers, but he continues to stare at the horrified masses. 'Prepare for coronation!'

A dormant egg, frozen in time like a ticking timebomb, is stolen by an ignorant soul; its contents set to upset the fragile balance recently restored in Bodhiasphere. To speak of the omen is fatal, and a trail of blood is the only clue left by the serial killer.
Teenage Col, the warlock's estranged apprentice, is alone, confused and angry, and wants answers from Adaline, but his vulnerable soul is so impressionable, and he wrongly holds one of Wilkin's spellbooks in his possession. The distracted Letholdus, a peculiar choice as an advisor to Queen Adaline, still keeps a myriad of secrets, and his heart is gently breaking...
And now, another black heart steps in to assist the imprisoned Doria, with an ulterior motive. What will this unscrupulous surgeon do with the information he holds that will decimate the stability of the court, and its ruler? Meanwhile, Adaline is distracted by love, with the handsome humbodhian Laverty becoming her 'first', but with a queue of wealthly suitors offering so much more, will she be blinded by the riches of the nearby Bonflare?

The Omen of the Strix is the second epic novel in The Sphere Chronicles, a young adult magic fantasy coming of age series with a strong teenage vegan female main character. An enchanting blend of fantastical human-like characters and mythical beasts for young adults and teenagers, with a slow burn fade to black as Adaline becomes a woman and explores relationships for the first time. For those searching for clean teen and young adult dystopian fantasy books, this series will leave you wanting more. Look out for the next in the series, coming soon.

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Release date: January 17, 2023