Author: Allison Maruska
Book title: Drake and the Fliers
Published date: November, 2015
Your author website:: allisonmaruska.com
Blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Drake can’t understand why the virus spared him. The only survivors he’s seen vandalized his makeshift dwelling, and despite his sister’s dying wish that he connect with others, he spends his days alone – that is, until he shapeshifts into a dragon.
While exploring his new abilities, Drake nearly flies into Preston, another shifter. Their chances of survival increase if they team up with others like them, but when their search leads to a group in Las Vegas, they find not everyone is welcoming.
As Drake develops new relationships, Preston endures daily confrontation and eventually takes off on his own. Concerned for his friend’s safety, Drake launches a search and stumbles into a situation stranger than anything he could imagine. Now he must embrace his animalism if he wants to save his humanity.
Story sample:
The sensation of falling into cold water yanked him from his sleep, and he blinked several times to get his bearings. Something pinched his back when he tried to roll onto his side.
“What the hell?” He reached around for the offending nuisance, but his tight skin hindered his flexibility. He brought his hand to his face and rubbed his eyes but could hardly feel anything with his fingers. They were like gloves, but tougher, less pliable. He ran his long nails down his cheeks, tracing distinct, hard bumps. Holding his breath, he moved his fingers to the top of his head, following sharp protrusions. Horns.
He shot up from the couch and knocked the phone off the desk.
That didn’t make sense. The desk was in the middle of the room, out of his arms’ reach. His eyes focused in the darkness, and he barely made out the end of the thing that had pinched his back: a wing.
He gasped and spun around, yelling when his tail smashed into the desk.
His tail?
His heart rate skyrocketed. He lumbered from the office, scraping his sides as he squeezed through the doorway.
The moonlight shining through the broken windows offered a dim illumination. He stopped running and shook his head to wake up.
This had to be a dream.
Check out Drake and the Fliers here.
Author bio:
Allison is a YA and mystery/suspense author, blogger, teacher, mom, wife, coffee and wine consumer, and owl enthusiast. Her blog includes humor posts, short stories, and posts on writing strategy, parenting, and teaching.