We’re getting close to the release date of Jaclyn and the Beanstalk. Release date: 9/4/2018. I can’t wait for you to read Jaclyn.

This book was the most difficult book I had written to date. Doing research on old language took a bit of my time, and it was not easy to write. But I was determined to make it work, especially when I felt the story should be based on the 16th century. Below is a teaser from Jaclyn and the Beanstalk. Please excuse the format. Enjoy!

Three things you need to know about Jaclyn and the Beanstalk.
1. It’s been optioned by Boilermaker Entertainment.
2. You can pre-order the paperback. Ebook will be on SALE on release day September 4th. Publisher: Vesuvian Media Group
3. You can order signed ISAN and Jaclyn on this link: https://bit.ly/2O52x9L  (Limited offer)

Jaclyn and the Beanstalk

By Mary Ting

Chapter 1

Sixteenth Century

Shrieks rent the peaceful night. I bolted upright and gulped air as if I had been under water too long. My heart raced as a white, ghost-like mist escaped my panting mouth. Despite the chill, sweat trickled down my forehead and dampened my back, causing the fabric of my chemise to stick.

I squinted through the darkness; moonlight faintly illuminated the storage chest and a nub of a candle was atop the plain table. In my room—safe. But my heart did not slow, for the cries still echoed in my mind.

Please, go away. Go away.

My head—a pounding mess.

Curling into a ball and covering my ears, I hummed a tune Mother used to sing. The song always had a way of comforting me, but it never made the noise go away.

Thinking the devil waited for me to lose my mind, to seize my soul, I whispered the Lord’s Prayer. “…And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

As the noises faded, I released my knees. Exhaustion consumed me and I found sleep once more.

“Rise, Jaclyn,” Father hollered from the kitchen. “Time for your lesson.”

No, no, no.

I squirmed lower under my coverlet and yawned.

Bodies shuffled and thumped in other rooms. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I shivered as frosty air pricked my bones. Outside my window, the sun glowed molten-gold through the cluster of gray clouds.

Perhaps the night before had been a dream. Can one dream the same dream for months on end?

I swept the night’s occurrences to the back of my mind and pulled the bedclothes tighter. I shut my eyes against the light kissing my cheeks and thought only of rest until my chamber door creaked open.

The mattress shifted.

“Father.” I flailed my arms and kicked uncontrollably, laughing and slapping his hands as he tickled my sides. “Cease, cease. I’m awake.”

I sat up and clutched the coverlet, wishing to be honest with him about the nightmares. Swallowing the words, I gave him a sheepish smile. He had a belly full of worries and I did not wish to add mine. I would not have him think the devil damned my soul; Father’s belief would make it true.

He’d aged right before my eyes. Even his garments—dark breeches and a forest-green tunic—drooped wearily, and his muddy black boots had cracked. Father’s thick eyelashes touched his ruddy face when he looked down. His rough hands, callused and dirty from labor, cradled his favorite tatty, brown hat, and he poked his finger through a hole in the top.

“Are you well, Daughter?” The skin around his nut-brown eyes crinkled with concern, and his forehead creased.

No. I hear monsters at night. Something is wrong with your daughter.

“Yes.” I disliked keeping the truth from him. “A little unwell, perhaps.”

I smiled when the aroma of fresh baked bread wafted through the door, but cringed at the sight of rat droppings on the white linens—gifts from vermin in the thatch that had fallen from the roof.

Father raised his chin and wiggled his nose. “Generous this time, were they not?” He chuckled. “They left none for me last night.”

I cursed under my breath, frowning. “They left me plenty.”

“You’re late abed this morning.” Father rubbed his jaw, and pushed his fingers through the white streaks by his temple before placing the hat on his dark head. “Do you want to pass this morning?”

Closing my eyes, I wished my lassitude away. “Nay. I need to dress first.” I plucked at my white chemise.

“Certainly. Clothe yourself and eat some of your mother’s bread. I’ll be tending to the horses.” He ruffled my hair and shut the door behind him.

Determined to begin the day afresh and forget the previous night, I took out a boy’s breeches and tunic from my chest. Mother had frowned when I wore them at first, but ceased when she grew tired of mending gowns.

Father had been training me to use a sword and other weapons, so I had no choice but to dress accordingly. Our only neighbors were hills and forest—no townspeople to scandalize.

Hunger pangs grew as I opened my chamber door. Just before I closed it behind me, I glanced about. I had smoothed the coverlet, shut the chest, and ensured nothing lay on the dirt floor. The small chamber left no room for a mess.

“You’re awake at last.”

Mother’s smile and sky-blue eyes warmed me better than the fire under the big kettle.

I smiled back. “Good morning, Mother. Thank you for the delicious meal I’m about to eat.”

A tankard of milk and a wooden trencher bearing a piece of bread with sweet butter had been set on the table. After I said grace, Mother tugged at my long, brown hair as I devoured my meal.

“You’re sixteen and you can’t even comb your own hair. What if a suitor comes to call? You should at least appear presentable.”

Mother yanked back my bushy hair and worked it over with my favorite brush. I’d had it since I was a baby and always loved the vine carvings on the handle.

“I shall tie it up.” I paused to swallow a bit of crust. “And I don’t want a suitor, even if one happened to wander into the hills.”

Mother did not reply. I winced and yelped quietly as she pulled and twisted my hair, determined to produce a miracle. She captured two tight braids and secured them atop my head. Not a strand of hair strayed out of place, but the cool air tickled my bare nape.

“There.” She set her eyes on mine. “Beautiful. You can wear a brown sack if you choose, but your face Jaclyn, is a thing of beauty. You’ve got regular features, thank goodness, nothing like your father’s crooked nose. And if I did not know you, I’d swear you’d painted those lips rosy. I’ve always said give me a pair of handsome brown eyes over flighty blue any day. You’re living proof.”

I shrugged away her compliments. “You’re my mother. You’re supposed to tell me lies to make me feel better.” I turned away and bit off a hunk of bread.

“Nonsense.”

Mother huffed and tended to the pot hanging over the fire. Stone by stone, Father had built the fireplace many years past.

I rose. “Shall I help you?”

“Nay, finish your meal. Father awaits.” She stirred the previous night’s stew with a long wooden spoon.

I sat back down and ran my finger along the ridges of the wooden table, also Father’s handiwork. “When will we visit town? I miss the market.”

I swallowed my milk after finishing the delicious bread. I wanted to ask for more, but with winter approaching, I kept my lips sealed.

Mother picked up a spoon from a washbasin and wiped it on the fabric around her thin waist. “Do not change the subject of our talk.”

“I am not, Mother.” I frowned and stood next to her as she dried another spoon.

Mother crinkled her nose. “Don’t fret. You’re of marriageable age now. We must think of finding you a husband or your time will pass. I’m only thinking of your future, Jaclyn. I want to see you settled soon. Your father and I are not getting younger.”

“Getting married and bearing children is not for me. There’s much work to be done.”

I slipped my arms around her waist and pressed my head to her back. I inhaled deeply as warmth enveloped me and her love replaced the fright from my nightmares.

Safe. I am safe. No monsters.

“Our life is good here. Why would I want to fix what is not broken?”

“’Tis what we do. People will talk.”

“Let them.”

I scowled, anger boiling through my veins. I tended to not raise my voice, so I softened my tone out of respect.

“I will not be handed to a suitor I do not love.”

Mother patted my arm. “My child, you have much to learn. Love comes later. I did not love your father at first.”

“I will not follow other people’s ways.” Pouting, I shuffled my feet on the dirt.

She released a deep sigh. “Oh, Jaclyn. Your time will come. Everyone has a destiny. Everyone has a story to tell. Some more than others. We shall see what lies ahead for you. Fate will lead you to the path you are meant to take.”

I wished I had eyes for the future. I wanted to know a demon would not seize my soul, and I wanted to see a path without the nighttime cries. They must be monsters. I’d never heard a human throat make such tortured sounds.

What fate awaits a girl who hears monsters at night?

Illness swept through my stomach. A shudder racked me, beginning in my gut, forewarning me.

Thank you for your time,

Mary Ting

The post Chapter One -Jaclyn and the Beanstalk appeared first on Mary Ting.

I’m excited to reveal Jaclyn And The Beanstlake cover, the first book in my twisted fairlytale series. What do you think? The cover was designed by Sam Shearon, amazing artist.

Pre-order links will come soon.

Release date: September 4, 2018

GOODREADS #TBR ⇒ http://bit.ly/2GIp63T
PUBLISHER ⇒ Vesuvian Books

Blurb:

What Fate Awaits A Girl Who Hears Monsters At Night…

Sixteen-year-old Jaclyn looks up to her father. An honest man who once fought for the king, he now teaches Jaclyn how to use her wits—and her sword.

But he has a secret. And his secret may have a connection to the one thing Jaclyn is hiding from him.

Upon hearing “monsters” are terrorizing the small villages around Black Mountain, Jaclyn’s father and his friends head out to hunt them … but they don’t return.

Armed only with her sword and three magic beans—a gift from a mysterious old woman—Jaclyn sets out for Black Mountain to save her father.

On her climb, one bean drops and grows into a beanstalk, catching her when she falls.

She isn’t the only one that takes the ride. Jack, her childhood friend and secret crush, is following her.

Together, Jaclyn and Jack must battle to save not only their fathers, but the townspeople the beasts plan to lay waste to before it’s too late.

Thank you for stopping by,

Mary Ting

The post Jaclyn And The Beanstalk Cover Reveal appeared first on Mary Ting.

I’ve posted chapter 2 for you to enjoy below and a special offer.

Exclusive 50 only –box set of Book of Watchers. Box set includes: The box, signed book of Book of Watchers, keychain, button, lip balm, and postcard. This is the link if you’re interested: http://bit.ly/2FWy6SG 

Please enjoy chapter 2, told from Malum’s point of view. (Sorry about the format)

http://bit.ly/2GBWgyx <—Read chapter 1 on my blog.

https://books2read.com/u/ml57J9 <—Universal Pre-order link.

http://bit.ly/2EHRjn0 <—Goodreads

Thank you for your time,

Mary

Chapter 2

At The Nightclub

Malum

The nightclub stank of sweat and alcohol. I walked around a dance floor filled with humans and glamorized demons grinding their bodies to the music.

On my way to my office, I saw the doors down the hall, to either side of me, had a red glow. It meant the rooms had been paid for and were occupied. Many were ménages à trois. And some humans paid a hefty amount to have sex with demons in their true form. Sick bastards.

The office door opened by my will, and I shut it behind me.

“My lord. I wasn’t expecting you. I mean . . . not this late.” Micah’s hand dropped to his zipper, and he stood from the chair behind my desk.

The scent of fear and cheap perfume . . . a female . . . filled the air. I sighed through my nose and flicked my finger. My power slid the desk toward me. A redheaded female was on her knees, trembling, her head bowed. The gesture of respect saved her life. I turned to face the heavy tinted glass that covered the back wall and glued my eyes to the people escaping reality.

“Do whatever you like, Micah, but not in my office. This is your only warning,” I said softly.

Micah was lucky I favored him, and that he was Liana’s half-brother, whom she loved so much. Had he been anyone else, I would have killed the girl in front of him and ripped out his heart.

“Yes. I didn’t . . . wasn’t expecting . . . I mean . . . it just happened . . . I’ll tell her to leave.” Micah led the half-naked girl out and shut the door behind him. After he’d smoothed his hair and adjusted his button-up shirt and pants, he stood beside me.

With his head slightly low, Micah asked, “What brings you late into the night, my lord?”

I didn’t answer, but instead I observed my daughter behind the bar taking care of the customers. At only twenty-two, she exceeded my expectations in training, power, and beauty. She looked like her dead mother, but she had my cold eyes and dark heart.

“Liana has grown up quickly, hasn’t she?”

“Yes, my lord. It pleases me that I helped you train her.”

“We did well, Micah. She is the most powerful of all my children. I’m glad I sought her out.”

I grinned when Liana smiled as she met my gaze. She could see through the thick, tinted window, a unique power my other children did not possess.

“Did you send Oni to find Enoch?” I asked.

“Yes, I did. But—”

“But?” I hated that word. An indication someone had failed to do as I asked. “No need to explain. I want to hear it from Oni. Call him. Tell him I want to see him.”

Micah paled. “He’s . . . here.”

I narrowed my eyes to a group on the dance floor. “I know. I see him. He doesn’t seem to care he didn’t deliver my request. Call him right now.” I tightened my fists to restrain myself from punching the wall, or even Micah. How dare that little piece of shit party after he failed me?

Micah scrolled through his cell and placed the phone to his ear. “Oni. Malum wants to see you.” Pause. “I’m with him in his office.” Micah angled slightly away from me. “Hurry.” After he hung up, he met my eyes. “He’s coming. I’m going to finish the accounts in my office.” Micah dipped his head and backed away to the door.

“No. Stay.”

“Yes, my lord.”

I observed Oni through the glass. He should move his ass to come see me, but he was too busy running his hands all over a human girl and sucking her mouth.

“Liana.” I called my daughter through my mind. “Bring Oni to me. He has ignored my order. He’s on the dance floor.”

I knew Liana understood when she flicked her auburn hair behind her shoulders, strode with a determined look to the dance floor, and yanked Oni from the girl’s grasp. Tugging on his earlobe, she dragged him up a flight of stairs and into my office. Oni’s physique was similar to mine, but he knew better than to refuse Liana.

“Good to see you, Father. Here’s the rat you wanted me to fetch.” She tossed him across the room.

Oni rigidly touched his forehead to the ground. “My lord. I was on my way.”

Liana scowled and leaned against the bookcase. “Liar.”

“Where is Enoch?” I placed my polished shoe by his skull, still pressed on the floor. “You were supposed to call me.”

Oni slowly lifted his head, but his body remained low. “Someone watches over him. I caused an accident so I could capture him, but a light appeared. Bright enough to knock me out.”

“And you failed to tell me?” The window vibrated as my voice rose in anger. This being must indeed be powerful to stop Oni. Perhaps a nephilim bound to Enoch? Oni had never failed me before.

“I didn’t tell you because I’m going back for him. I know where he lives. Currently, he’s in St. Luke’s hospital. And you know I can’t step into places with holy names. I’ll have to wait until he’s sent home.”

I paced, my fingers clasped behind my back. “Don’t go after Enoch by yourself. Find Marcus and Tanya.”

“May I stand?” Oni asked.

I waved my hand.

Oni rose and straightened his shirt. “You want me to team up with the watchers?”

I rubbed my chin with my thumb and index finger, contemplating. “Yes. They have the same interest. Stay in your demon form, but let Marcus and Tanya do the talking. When they have him in their possession, bring him to me.”

“Marcus and Tanya won’t be just talking.” Liana sauntered to the bookcase and studied a sphere-shaped globe the size of a Christmas ornament.

I held my breath. She had never asked why there was a single white feather inside it, and I hoped she never would. I supposed it looked like any other globe I’d collected. I cleared my throat to catch her attention.

“No, they won’t. But they will get the job done. I’d rather have their kind die than ours. I want the blame to fall on them. The Daemonium Council will not be pleased if they find out what I’ve done.”

“Nor will the Trinity Order, Father.”

“They won’t find out as long as we keep things in control. Marcus and Tanya have been rumored to cause chaos; therefore, they will likely get the blame if things go haywire.”

“As you wish,” Oni said. “I’ll find Marcus and Tanya.”

“Why is this human so important? Why bring him in? Have Oni kill him.” Liana softly tapped on a globe with a castle inside it.

A little more than a hundred years before, a war had brewed between archangels and watchers, the angels were sent to Earth to live among humans. No one knew what had happened to them exactly, but a book called Book of Watchers given by God had been opened, and the archangels all had simply vanished.

But I knew the truth. The one who could bring them back had been reborn, as stated in the prophecy.

Using my supernatural speed, I appeared next to my daughter and caressed her cheeks. “Because, my love, I’m giving you the killing blow.”

Liana gave me a broad smile. “You have such great faith in me. I will not disappoint you.”

She wouldn’t. She never had.

The day she was born, humans thought a fallen star had burst from the sky. But, in fact, it had been an archangel’s soul split into two. Each half had taken a body.

Two holy souls had been reborn.

My daughter carried one soul. I knew the second she was born. As I watched, a halo of light had surrounded her. How fortunate for me that a daughter of evil carried that soul. I had waited so long for such a fate. And then I’d searched for another newborn with the same light and found a little boy name Enoch Winston.

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I’m going to be brave and read you chapter one of Book of Watchers. My first new adult fantasy book.

It releases on March, 26, 2018, but you can pre-order on the link below.

http://bit.ly/2GBWgyx <—Read chapter 1 on my blog. https://books2read.com/u/ml57J9 <—Universal Pre-order link. http://bit.ly/2EHRjn0 <—Goodreads Enjoy!

The post Book of Watcher Chapter One Reading appeared first on Mary Ting.